64. CHAPTER LXIV.
There was a little old man, of a most hideous aspect, living
in Tamai, who, in a coarse mantle of tappa, went about the
village, dancing, and singing, and making faces. He followed
us about, wherever we went; and, when unobserved by others,
plucked at our garments, making frightful signs for us to go
along with him somewhere, and see something.
It was in vain, that we tried to get rid of him. Kicks and
cuffs, even, were at last resorted to; but, though he howled
like one possessed, he would not go away, but still haunted us.
At last, we conjured the natives to rid us of him; but they only
laughed; so, we were forced to endure the dispensation as well
as we could.
On the fourth night of our visit, returning home late from
paying a few calls through the village, we turned a dark corner
of trees, and came full upon our goblin friend; as usual, chattering,
and motioning with his hands. The doctor, venting a
curse, hurried forward; but, from some impulse or other, I stood
my ground, resolved to find out what this unaccountable object
wanted of us. Seeing me pause, he crept close up to me,
peered into my face, and then retreated, beckoning me to
follow; which I did.
In a few moments the village was behind us; and with my
guide in advance, I found myself in the shadow of the heights
overlooking the farther side of the valley. Here, my guide
paused, until I came up with him; when, side by side, and
without speaking, we ascended the hill.
Presently, we came to a wretched hut, barely distinguishable
in the shade cast by the neighboring trees. Pushing aside a
rude, sliding door, held together with thongs, the goblin signed
me to enter. Within, it looked dark as pitch; so, I gave him
to understand that he must strike a light, and go in before me.
Without replying, he disappeared in the darkness; and, after
groping about, I heard two sticks rubbing together, and directly
saw a spark. A native taper was then lighted, and I stooped,
and entered.
It was a mere kennel. Foul old mats, and broken cocoa-nut
shells, and calabashes were strown about the floor of earth; and
overhead, I caught glimpses of the stars through chinks in the
roof. Here and there, the thatch had fallen through, and hung
down in wisps.
I now told him to set about what he was going to do,
or produce whatever he had to show without delay. Looking
round fearfully, as if dreading a surprise, he commenced
turning over and over the rubbish in one corner. At last,
he clutched a calabash, stained black, and with the neck
broken off; on one side of it was a large hole. Something
seemed to be stuffed away in the vessel; and after
a deal of poking at the aperture, a musty old pair of sailor
trowsers was drawn forth; and, holding them up eagerly,
he inquired, how many pieces of tobacco I would give for
them.
Without replying, I hurried away; the old man chasing me,
and shouting as I ran, until I gained the village. Here, I dodged
him, and made my way home, resolved never to disclose so inglorious
an adventure.
To no purpose, the next morning, my comrade besought me
to enlighten him: I preserved a mysterious silence.
The occurrence served me a good turn, however, so long as
we abode in Tamai; for the old clothesman never afterward
troubled me; but forever haunted the doctor, who, in vain,
supplicated Heaven to be delivered from him.
