on
of questions from first to last, Kaopulupulu replied with great
wisdom in accordance with his knowledge of his profession. At this
time of their conference he sat within the doorway of the house, and
the sun was near its setting. As he turned to observe this he gazed
out into the sky and noticing the gathering short clouds (_ao poko_)
in the heavens, he exclaimed:

"O heaven, the road is broad for the King, it is full of chiefs and
people; narrow is my path, that of the kahuna; you will not be able
to find it, O King. Even now the short clouds reveal to me the manner
of your reign; it will not be many days. Should you heed my words,
O King, you will live to gray hair. But you will be the king to slay
me and my child."

At these words of the priest the King meditated seriously for some
time, then spoke as follows: "Why should my days be short, and why
should your death be by me, the King?"

Kaopulupulu replied: "O King, let us look into the future. Should you
die, O King, the lands will be desolate; but for me, the kahuna, the
name will live on from one generation to another; but my death will be
before thine, and when I am up on the heaven-feared altar then my words
will gnaw thee, O King, and the rains and the sun will bear witness."

These courageous words of Kaopulupulu, spoken in the presence of
Kahahana without fear, and regardless of the dignity and majesty of
the King, were uttered because of the certainty that the time would
come when his words would be carried into effect. The King remained
quiet without saying a word, keeping his thoughts to himself.

After this conference the King took Kaopulupulu to be his priest, and
in course of time he became also an intimate companion, in constant
attendance upon the King, and counselled him in the care of his
subjects, old and young, in all that pertained to their welfare. The
King regarded his words, and in their circuit of the island together
they found the people contented and holding their ruler in high
esteem. But at the end of three years the King attempted some wrong to
certain of his subjects like unto that of his deposed predecessor. The
priest remonstrated with him continually, but he would not regard
his counsel; therefore, Kaopulupulu left King Kahahana and returned
to his land at Waimea and at once tattooed his knees. This was done
as a sign that the King had turned a deaf ear to his admonitions.

When several days had passed, rumors among certain