" The loungers were
saying that the Nevada's pumps were going for five days before we
arrived, and pointed out the clearness of the water which was
running from them at the wharf as an evidence that she was leaking
badly. {40} The crowd of natives was enormous, and the foreigners
were there in hundreds. She was loading with oranges and green
bananas up to the last moment,--those tasteless bananas which, out
of the tropics, misrepresent this most delicious and ambrosial
fruit.
There was a far greater excitement for the natives, for King
Lunalilo was about to pay a state visit to the American flag-ship
California, and every available place along the wharves and roads
was crowded with kanakas anxious to see him. I should tell you that
the late king, being without heirs, ought to have nominated his
successor; but it is said that a sorceress, under whose influence he
was, persuaded him that his death would follow upon this act. When
he died, two months ago, leaving the succession unprovided for, the
duty of electing a sovereign, according to the constitution,
devolved upon the people through their representatives, and they
exercised it with a combination of order and enthusiasm which
reflects great credit on their civilization.
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