ing exclamation of `Te Vea! Te Vea!'
was heard among the people. Turning round, and looking where all eyes
were now directed, I saw a tall native, with a peculiar head-dress of
feathers, and a small basket of cocoa-nut-leaflets in his hand, running
rapidly towards us. His appearance seemed to awaken in those around us,
emotions of terror or aversion, strong enough to swallow up every other
feeling, for, no sooner was he perceived, than all thought of
prosecuting further the present quarrel, appeared to be abandoned. The
priest, alone, evinced none of the general uneasiness or dread, but, on
the contrary, a gleam of exultation lighted up his hard and discoloured
countenance. The people made way to the right and left, as the
new-comer drew near, and a number of them slunk away into the forest or
to their homes. The stranger proceeded directly towards Mowno, and
taking a small parcel wrapped in leaves, from the basket which he
carried, delivered it to him: then, without pausing an instant, or
uttering a word, he passed on, taking his way at a rapid pace straight
through the village. Mowno received the parcel with a reluctant and
gloomy air, though it seemed to consist of nothing but a rough stone,
wrapped in the leaves of the sacred miro. For several minutes he stood
holding it in his hand, like one deprived of consciousness. Several of
those who appeared to be the principal persons present, among whom were
Catiline and the priest, now approached him, and they began to hold a
whispered consultation, in the course of which the priest frequently
pointed towards Rokoa, as though speaking of him. Mowno seemed to be
resisting some proposal urged by the others, and spoke in a more
decisive and resolute manner than I had thought him capable of assuming.
The discussion, whatever was its subject, soon became warm and angry:
the voices of Catiline and the priest were raised, and even threatening.
Every moment I expected to see Mowno relinquish his opposition; but he
remained firm, and at last, with the air of one resolved to put an end
to further debate, he said--

"`No! it shall not be either of the strangers; it shall be Terano: he is
an evil man, and it will be well when he is gone.' Then speaking to two
of those who stood near him, he said, `Go quickly to Terano's house,
before he sees the messenger and hides himself in the mountains,'
whereupon they seized their spears, and immediately set off in the
direction of the