It is wonderful that their patient
hospitality is not worn out, even though, as they say, they
sometimes "entertain angels unawares."
I.L.B.
LETTER XXV.
KALAIEHA. HAWAII.
My departure from Ulupalakua illustrates some of the uncertainties
of island travelling. On Monday night my things were packed, and my
trunk sent off to the landing; but at five on Tuesday, Mr. Whipple
came to my door to say that the Kilauea was not in Lahaina roads,
and was probably laid up for repairs. I was much disappointed, for
the mild climate had disagreed with me, and I was longing for the
roystering winds and unconventional life of windward Hawaii, and
there was not another steamer for three weeks.
However, some time afterwards, I was unpacking, and in the midst of
a floor littered with ferns, photographs, books, and clothes, when
Mrs. W. rushed in to say that the steamer was just reaching the
landing below, and that there was scarcely the barest hope of
catching her. Hopeless as the case seemed, we crushed most of my
things promiscuously into a carpet bag, Mr. W. rode off with it, a
horse was imperfectly saddled for me, and I mounted him, with my
bag, straps, spurs, and a package of ferns in one hand, and my plaid
over the saddle, while Mrs.
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