I can't vouch for the accuracy of my
observation, but it seemed to me that these tremendous creatures
were dark red, with eyes like lobsters', and antennae two inches
long. They looked capable of carrying out the most dangerous and
inscrutable designs. I called the Malay steward; he smiled
mournfully, but spoke reassuringly, and pledged his word for their
innocuousness, but I never can believe that they are not the enemies
of man; and I lay down on the transom, not to sleep, however, for it
seemed essential to keep watch on the proceedings of these
formidable vermin.
The grotesqueness of the arrangements of the berths and their
occupants grew on me during the night, and the climax was put upon
it when a gentleman coming down in the early morning asked me if I
knew that I was using the Governor of Maui's head for a footstool,
this portly native "Excellency" being in profound slumber on the
forward part of the transom. This diagram represents one side of
the saloon and the "happy family" of English, Chinamen, Hawaiians,
and Americans:
Governor Lyman. Miss Karpe. Miss ---.
Afong. Vacant. Miss ---.
Governor Nahaolelua. Myself.
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