ich we used as a horse-block. They called to me that they were
going on, so, as I had the bridle in my hand, I prepared to mount, when
a good native deacon came forward to help me. The horse's nostrils
dilated, and he plunged about almost drawing me off the wall, and was
the perfect image of anger. I succeeded in making the good man
understand that he must go away, then talked soothingly to the horse,
patted his head gently, and finally, as he came near enough, threw
myself into the saddle, and had a good ride. Now you see, children, what
kindness can do. If I had ever been rough with the horse, or unkind to
him, he would not have had such confidence in me, and I could not have
soothed him down, and so should have lost my ride.

XII.

Kaawaloa.

My little flock of listeners were sure to get their work done punctually
by four o'clock, thus fulfilling their part of the bargain, and used
laughingly to talk about their travels, making believe that they were
journeying, as I told them what I saw and had passed through.

* * * * *

On Saturday, April 4, Mr. Paris, grandpa, and I, started off on a long
ride, to visit Hoonaunau, the city of refuge, a place to which people
could flee, if they had committed any crime, or displeased any chief,
and be protected by the priests. This was in old pagan times; they are
not used for that purpose now.

"Aunty," asked Carrie, "didn't they have such cities in Old Testament
times?"

Yes, dear, they did. You may get your Bible and turn to Numbers xxxv:
vi. and read the passage to us.

"And among the cities which ye shall give unto the Levites, there shall
be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint for the man-slayer,
that he may flee thither."

It seems singular that this heathen people should have a custom like
that sanctioned by God through Moses in the Old Testament days; but so
it was. This city of refuge was a "heiau," or heathen temple. It has a
massive stone wall varying from six to ten feet in hight, and as many
feet in thickness, inclosing a large space of ground, and having, of
course, no roof. The sea washes its base on one side. Here we saw a
rock, under which Kaahumanu, the favorite wife of the great conqueror
Kamehameha I., is said to have hid herself when her royal husband was
angry with her. It is called by her name.

"Did the king have more than one wife?" asked Harry.

Yes, almost every chief had several, if he could