-polished trunks of the cocoa-nut tree, extending the full length of
the dwelling; one of them placed closely against the rear, and the other
lying parallel with it some two yards distant, the interval between them
being spread with a multitude of gaily-worked mats, nearly all of a
different pattern. This space formed the common couch and lounging-place
of the natives, answering the purpose of a divan in Oriental countries.
Here would they slumber through the hours of the night, and recline
luxuriously during the greater part of the day. The remainder of the floor
presented only the cool shining surfaces of the large stones of which the
"pi-pi" was composed.

From the ridge-pole of the house hung suspended a number of large packages
enveloped in coarse tappa; some of which contained festival dresses, and
various other matters of the wardrobe, held in high estimation. These were
easily accessible by means of a line, which, passing over the ridge-pole,
had one end attached to a bundle, while with the other, which led to the
side of the dwelling and was there secured, the package could be lowered
or elevated at pleasure.

Against the farther wall of the house were arranged in tasteful figures a
variety of spears and javelins, and other implements of savage warfare.
Outside of the habitation, and built upon the piazza-like area in its
front, was a little shed used as a sort of larder or pantry, and in which
were stored various articles of domestic use and convenience. A few yards
from the pi-pi was a large shed built of cocoa-nut boughs, where the
process of preparing the "poee-poee" was carried on, and all culinary
operations attended to.

Thus much for the house, and its appurtenances; and it will be readily
acknowledged that a more commodious and appropriate dwelling for the
climate and the people could not possibly be devised. It was cool, free to
admit the air, scrupulously clean, and elevated above the dampness and
impurities of the ground.

But now to sketch the inmates; and here I claim for my tried servitor and
faithful valet Kory-Kory the precedence of a first description. As his
character will be gradually unfolded in the course of my narrative, I
shall for the present content myself with delineating his personal
appearance. Kory-Kory, though the most devoted and best-natured
serving-man in the world, was, alas! a hideous object to look upon. He was
some twenty-five years of age, and about six feet in height,