University of Virginia Library

CHAPTER XIV.

In the course of a few days Toby had recovered from the effects
of his adventure with the Happar warriors; the wound on his
head rapidly healing under the vegetable treatment of the good
Tinor. Less fortunate than my companion, however, I still
continued to languish under a complaint the origin and nature of
which were still a mystery. Cut off as I was from all intercourse
with the civilized world, and feeling the inefficiency of
anything the natives could do to relieve me; knowing too, that
so long as I remained in my present condition, it would be impossible
for me to leave the valley, whatever opportunity might
present itself; and apprehensive that ere long we might be exposed
to some caprice on the part of the islanders, I now gave
up all hopes of recovery, and became a prey to the most gloomy
thoughts. A deep dejection fell upon me, which neither the
friendly remonstrances of my companion, the devoted attentions
of Kory-Kory, nor all the soothing influences of Fayaway could
remove.

One morning as I lay on the mats in the house, plunged in
melancholy reverie, and regardless of everything around me,
Toby, who had left me about an hour, returned in haste, and
with great glee told me to cheer up and be of good heart; for he
believed, from what was going on among the natives, that there
were boats approaching the bay.

These tidings operated upon me like magic. The hour of our
deliverance was at hand, and starting up, I was soon convinced
that something unusual was about to occur. The word "botee!
botee!" was vociferated in all directions; and shouts were heard
in the distance, at first feebly and faintly; but growing louder

and nearer at each successive repetition, until they were caught
up by a fellow in a cocoa-nut tree a few yards off, who sounding
them in turn, they were reiterated from a neighbouring grove,
and so died away gradually from point to point, as the intelligence
penetrated into the farthest recesses of the valley. This
was the vocal telegraph of the islanders; by means of which
condensed items of information could be carried in a very few
minutes from the sea to their remotest habitation, a distance of
at least eight or nine miles. On the present occasion it was in
active operation; one piece of information following another
with inconceivable rapidity.

The greatest commotion now appeared to prevail. At every
fresh item of intelligence the natives betrayed the liveliest interest,
and redoubled the energy with which they employed
themselves in collecting fruit to sell to the expected visitors.
Some were tearing off the husks from cocoa-nuts; some perched
in the trees were throwing down bread-fruit to their companions,
who gathered them into heaps as they fell; while others were
plying their fingers rapidly in weaving leafen baskets in which to
carry the fruit.

There were other matters too going on at the same time.
Here you would see a stout warrior polishing his spear with a
bit of old tappa, or adjusting the folds of the girdle about his
waist; and there you might descry a young damsel decorating
herself with flowers, as if having in her eye some maidenly conquest;
while, as in all cases of hurry and confusion in every part
of the world, a number of individuals kept hurrying to and fro,
with amazing vigour and perseverance, doing nothing themselves,
and hindering others.

Never before had we seen the islanders in such a state of
bustle and excitement; and the scene furnished abundant evidence
of the fact—that it was only at long intervals any such
events occur.

When I thought of the length of time that might intervene
before a similar chance of escape would be presented, I bitterly
lamented that I had not the power of availing myself effectually
of the present opportunity.

From all that we could gather, it appeared that the natives
were fearful of arriving too late upon the beach, unless they

made extraordinary exertions. Sick and lame as I was, I would
have started with Toby at once, had not Kory-Kory not only refused
to carry me, but manifested the most invincible repugnance
to our leaving the neighbourhood of the house. The rest of the
savages were equally opposed to our wishes, and seemed grieved
and astonished at the earnestness of my solicitations. I clearly
perceived that while my attendant avoided all appearance of
constraining my movements, he was nevertheless determined to
thwart my wish. He seemed to me on this particular occasion,
as well as often afterwards, to be executing the orders of some
other person with regard to me, though at the same time feeling
towards me the most lively affection.

Toby, who had made up his mind to accompany the islanders
if possible, as soon as they were in readiness to depart, and who
for that reason had refrained from showing the same anxiety
that I had done, now represented to me that it was idle for me
to entertain the hope of reaching the beach in time to profit by
any opportunity that might then be presented.

"Do you not see," said he, "the savages themselves are fearful
of being too late, and I should hurry forward myself at once
did I not think that if I showed too much eagerness I should
destroy all our hopes of reaping any benefit from this fortunate
event. If you will only endeavour to appear tranquil or unconcerned,
you will quiet their suspicions, and I have no doubt
they will then let me go with them to the beach, supposing that
I merely go out of curiosity. Should I succeed in getting down
to the boats, I will make known the condition in which I have
left you, and measures may then be taken to secure our escape."

In the expediency of this I could not but acquiesce; and as
the natives had now completed their preparations, I watched
with the liveliest interest the reception that Toby's application
might meet with. As soon as they understood from my companion
that I intended to remain, they appeared to make no
objection to his proposition, and even hailed it with pleasure.
Their singular conduct on this occasion not a little puzzled me
at the time, and imparted to subsequent events an additional
mystery.

The islanders were now to be seen hurrying along the path
which led to the sea. I shook Toby warmly by the hand, and

gave him my Payta hat to shield his wounded head from the
sun, as he had lost his own. He cordially returned the pressure
of my hand, and solemnly promising to return as soon as the
boats should leave the shore, sprang from my side, and the next
minute disappeared in a turn of the grove.

In spite of the unpleasant reflections that crowded upon my
mind, I could not but be entertained by the novel and animated
sight which now met my view. One after another the natives
crowded along the narrow path, laden with every variety of
fruit. Here, you might have seen one, who, after ineffectually
endeavouring to persuade a surly porker to be conducted in leading
strings, was obliged at last to seize the perverse animal in
his arms, and carry him struggling against his naked breast, and
squealing without intermission. There went two, who at a
little distance might have been taken for the Hebrew spies, on
their return to Moses with the goodly bunch of grapes. One
trotted before the other at a distance of a couple of yards, while
between them, from a pole resting on their shoulders, was suspended
a huge cluster of banannas, which swayed to and fro
with the rocking gait at which they proceeded. Here ran
another, perspiring with his exertions, and bearing before him a
quantity of cocoa-nuts, who, fearful of being too late, heeded
not the fruit that dropped from his basket, and appeared solely
intent upon reaching his destination, careless how many of his
cocoa-nuts kept company with him.

In a short time the last straggler was seen hurrying on his
way, and the faint shouts of those in advance died insensibly
upon the ear. Our part of the valley now appeared nearly deserted
by its inhabitants, Kory-Kory, his aged father, and a few
decrepid old people being all that were left.

Towards sunset the islanders in small parties began to return
from the beach, and among them, as they drew near to the house,
I sought to descry the form of my companion. But one after
another they passed the dwelling, and I caught no glimpse of
him. Supposing, however, that he would soon appear with
some of the members of the household, I quieted my apprehensions,
and waited patiently to see him advancing in company
with the beautiful Fayaway. At last, I perceived Tinor coming
forward, followed by the girls and young men who usually resided

in the house of Marheyo; but with them came not my
comrade, and, filled with a thousand alarms, I eagerly sought to
discover the cause of his delay.

My earnest questions appeared to embarrass the natives greatly.
All their accounts were contradictory: one giving me to understand
that Toby would be with me in a very short time; another
that he did not know where he was; while a third, violently inveighing
against him, assured me that he had stolen away, and
would never come back. It appeared to me, at the time, that in
making these various statements they endeavoured to conceal
from me some terrible disaster, lest the knowledge of it should
overpower me.

Fearful lest some fatal calamity had overtaken him, I sought
out young Fayaway, and endeavoured to learn from her, if
possible, the truth.

This gentle being had early attracted my regard, not only
from her extraordinary beauty, but from the attractive cast of
her countenance, singularly expressive of intelligence and
humanity. Of all the natives she alone seemed to appreciate
the effect which the peculiarity of the circumstances in which
we were placed had produced upon the minds of my companion
and myself. In addressing me—especially when I lay reclining
upon the mats suffering from pain—there was a tenderness in her
manner which it was impossible to misunderstand or resist.
Whenever she entered the house, the expression of her face
indicated the liveliest sympathy for me; and moving towards
the place where I lay, with one arm slightly elevated in a
gesture of pity, and her large glistening eyes gazing intently
into mine, she would murmur plaintively, "Awha! awha!
Tommo," and seat herself mournfully beside me.

Her manner convinced me that she deeply compassionated my
situation, as being removed from my country and friends, and
placed beyond the reach of all relief. Indeed, at times I was
almost led to believe that her mind was swayed by gentle
impulses hardly to be anticipated from one in her condition;
that she appeared to be conscious there were ties rudely severed,
which had once bound us to our homes; that there were sisters
and brothers anxiously looking forward to our return, who were,
perhaps, never more to behold us.

In this amiable light did Fayaway appear in my eyes; and
reposing full confidence in her candour and intelligence, I now
had recourse to her, in the midst of my alarm, with regard to
my companion.

My questions evidently distressed her. She looked round
from one to another of the byestanders, as if hardly knowing
what answer to give me. At last, yielding to my importunities,
she overcame her scruples, and gave me to understand that Toby
had gone away with the boats which had visited the bay, but
had promised to return at the expiration of three days. At first
I accused him of perfidiously deserting me; but as I grew more
composed, I upbraided myself for imputing so cowardly an
action to him, and tranquillized myself with the belief that he
had availed himself of the opportunity to go round to Nukuheva,
in order to make some arrangement by which I could be removed
from the valley. At any rate, thought I, he will return with
the medicines I require, and then, as soon as I recover, there
will be no difficulty in the way of our departure.

Consoling myself with these reflections, I lay down that night
in a happier frame of mind than I had done for some time. The
next day passed without any allusion to Toby on the part of the
natives, who seemed desirous of avoiding all reference to the
subject. This raised some apprehensions in my breast; but
when night came, I congratulated myself that the second day
had now gone by, and that on the morrow Toby would again be
with me. But the morrow came and went, and my companion
did not appear. Ah! thought I, he reckons three days from the
morning of his departure,—to-morrow he will arrive. But that
weary day also closed upon me, without his return. Even yet
I would not despair; I thought that something detained him—
that he was waiting for the sailing of a boat, at Nukuheva, and
that in a day or two at farthest I should see him again. But
day after day of renewed disappointment passed by; at last hope
deserted me, and I fell a victim to despair.

Yes, thought I, gloomily, he has secured his own escape, and
cares not what calamity may befall his unfortunate comrade.
Fool that I was, to suppose that any one would willingly
encounter the perils of this valley, after having once got beyond
its limits! He has gone, and has left me to combat alone all the

dangers by which I am surrounded. Thus would I sometimes
seek to derive a desperate consolation from dwelling upon the
perfidy of Toby: whilst at other times I sunk under the bitter
remorse which I felt as having by my own imprudence brought
upon myself the fate which I was sure awaited me.

At other times I thought that perhaps after all these treacherous
savages have made away with him, and thence the confusion
into which they were thrown by my questions, and their contradictory
answers, or he might be a captive in some other part of
the valley; or, more dreadful still, might have met with that fate
at which my very soul shuddered. But all these speculations
were vain; no tidings of Toby ever reached me; he had gone
never to return.

The conduct of the islanders appeared inexplicable. All reference
to my lost comrade was carefully evaded, and if at any
time they were forced to make some reply to my frequent inquiries
on the subject, they would uniformly denounce him as an
ungrateful runaway, who had deserted his friend, and taken
himself off to that vile and detestable place Nukuheva.

But whatever might have been his fate, now that he was gone,
the natives multiplied their acts of kindness and attention towards
myself, treating me with a degree of deference which could hardly
have been surpassed had I been some celestial visitant. Kory-Kory
never for one moment left my side, unless it were to execute
my wishes. The faithful fellow, twice every day, in the
cool of the morning and in the evening, insisted upon carrying
me to the stream, and bathing me in its refreshing water.

Frequently in the afternoon he would carry me to a particular
part of the stream, where the beauty of the scene produced a
soothing influence upon my mind. At this place the waters
flowed between grassy banks, planted with enormous bread-fruit
trees, whose vast branches interlacing overhead, formed a leafy
canopy; near the stream were several smooth black rocks. One
of these, projecting several feet above the surface of the water,
had upon its summit a shallow cavity, which, filled with freshly-gathered
leaves, formed a delightful couch.

Here I often lay for hours, covered with a gauze-like veil of
tappa, while Fayaway, seated beside me, and holding in her hand
a fan woven from the leaflets of a young cocoa-nut bough, brushed

aside the insects that occasionally lighted on my face, and Kory-Kory,
with a view of chasing away my melancholy, performed a
thousand antics in the water before us.

As my eye wandered along this romantic stream, it would fall
upon the half-immersed figure of a beautiful girl, standing in the
transparent water, and catching in a little net a species of diminutive
shell-fish, of which these people are extravagantly fond.
Sometimes a chattering group would be seated upon the edge of
a low rock in the midst of the brook, busily engaged in thinning
and polishing the shells of cocoa-nuts, by rubbing them briskly
with a small stone in the water, an operation which soon converts
them into a light and elegant drinking vessel, somewhat
resembling goblets made of tortoiseshell.

But the tranquillizing influences of beautiful scenery, and the
exhibition of human life under so novel and charming an aspect,
were not my only sources of consolation.

Every evening the girls of the house gathered about me on the
mats, and after chasing away Kory-Kory from my side—who,
nevertheless, retired only to a little distance and watched their
proceedings with the most jealous attention—would anoint my
whole body with a fragrant oil, squeezed from a yellow root,
previously pounded between a couple of stones, and which in
their language is denominated "aka." And most refreshing and
agreeable are the juices of the "aka," when applied to one's
limbs by the soft palms of sweet nymphs, whose bright eyes are
beaming upon you with kindness; and I used to hail with delight
the daily recurrence of this luxurious operation, in which I
forgot all my troubles, and buried for the time every feeling of
sorrow.

Sometimes in the cool of the evening my devoted servitor
would lead me out upon the pi-pi in front of the house, and seating
me near its edge, protect my body from the annoyances of
the insects which occasionally hovered in the air, by wrapping me
round with a large roll of tappa. He then bustled about, and
employed himself at least twenty minutes in adjusting everything
to secure my personal comfort.

Having perfected his arrangements, he would get my pipe,
and, lighting it, would hand it to me. Often he was obliged to
strike a light for the occasion, and as the mode he adopted was

entirely different from what I had ever seen or heard of before,
I will describe it.

A straight, dry, and partly decayed stick of the Habiscus, about
six feet in length, and half as many inches in diameter, with a
smaller bit of wood not more than a foot long, and scarcely an
inch wide, is as invariably to be met with in every house in
Typee as a box of lucifer matches in the corner of a kitchen cupboard
at home.

The islander, placing the larger stick obliquely against some
object, with one end elevated at an angle of forty-five degrees,
mounts astride of it like an urchin about to gallop off upon a
cane, and then grasping the smaller one firmly in both hands, he
rubs its pointed end slowly up and down the extent of a few
inches on the principal stick, until at last he makes a narrow
groove in the wood, with an abrupt termination at the point
furthest from him, where all the dusty particles which the friction
creates are accumulated in a little heap.

At first Kory-Kory goes to work quite leisurely, but gradually
quickens his pace, and waxing warm in the employment, drives
the stick furiously along the smoking channel, plying his hands
to and fro with amazing rapidity, the perspiration starting from
every pore. As he approaches the climax of his effort, he pants
and grasps for breath, and his eyes almost start from their sockets
with the violence of his exertions. This is the critical stage of
the operation; all his previous labours are vain if he cannot sustain
the rapidity of the movement until the reluctant spark is
produced. Suddenly he stops, becomes perfectly motionless.
His hands still retain their hold of the smaller stick, which is
pressed convulsively against the further end of the channel
among the fine powder there accumulated, as if he had just
pierced through and through some little viper that was wriggling
and struggling to escape from his clutches. The next moment a
delicate wreath of smoke curls spirally into the air, the heap of
dusty particles glows with fire, and Kory-Kory almost breathless,
dismounts from his steed.

This operation appeared to me to be the most laborious species
of work performed in Typee; and had I possessed a sufficient
intimacy with the language to have conveyed my ideas upon the
subject, I should certainly have suggested to the most influential

of the natives the expediency of establishing a college of vestals
to be centrally located in the valley, for the purpose of keeping
alive the indispensable article of fire; so as to supersede the necessity
of such a vast outlay of strength and good temper, as
were usually squandered on these occasions. There might, however,
be special difficulties in carrying this plan into execution.

What a striking evidence does this operation furnish of the
wide difference between the extreme of savage and civilized life.
A gentleman of Typee can bring up a numerous family of children
and give them all a highly respectable cannibal education,
with infinitely less toil and anxiety than he expends in the simple
process of striking a light; whilst a poor European artisan, who
through the instrumentality of a lucifer performs the same operation
in one second, is put to his wit's end to provide for his
starving offspring that food which the children of a Polynesian
father, without troubling their parent, pluck from the branches
of every tree around them.