Outside of this there is a
pavement of large lava stones, and groups in all colours, wreathed
and garlanded, including some much disfigured old people, crouching
in red and yellow blankets, are sitting and lying there. Some are
fondling small dogs; and a number of large ones, with a whole tribe
of amicable cats, are picking bones. Surf-boards, paddles, saddles,
lassos, spurs, gear, and bundles of ti leaves are lying about.
Thirteen horses are tethered outside, some of which brought the
riders who escorted me triumphantly from the head of the valley.
The foreheads of the precipices opposite are reddening in the
sunset, and between them and me horses and children are constantly
swimming across the broad, still stream which divides the village
into two parts; and now and then a man in a malo, and children who
have come up the river swimming, with their clothes in one hand,
increase the assemblage.
All are intently watching me, but are as kind and good-natured as
possible; and my guide from Waipio is discoursing to them about me.
He knows a little abrupt, disjointed, almost unintelligible English,
and comes up every now and then with an interrogation in his manner,
"Father? mother? married? watch? How came?" "You" appears beyond
his efforts.
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