The sea itself rolled shorewards more silently and lazily
than usual. An old dog slept in the sunshine, and whenever I moved,
by a great effort, opened one eye. The man who cut the cane fell
asleep on the grass. Kahele ate as slowly as if he had resolved to
try my patience, and be revenged on me for my conquest of him
yesterday, and his heavy munching was the only vital sound. I got
up and walked about to assure myself that I was awake, saddled and
bridled the horse, and mounted the great southward pali, thankful to
reach the breeze and the upper air in full possession of my
faculties, after the torpor and paralysis of the valley below.
Never were waters so bright or stretches of upland lawns so joyous
as to-day, or the forest entanglements so entrancing. The beautiful
Eugenia malaccensis is now in full blossom, and its stems and
branches are blazing in all the gulches, with bunches of rose-
crimson stamens borne on short spikelets.
HILO. HAWAII, May 24th.
Once more I am in dear beautiful Hilo. Death entered my Hawaiian
"home" lately, and took "Baby Bell" away, and I miss her sweet
angel-presence at every turn; but otherwise there are no changes,
and I am very happy to be under the roof of these dear friends
again, and indeed each tree, flower, and fern in Hilo is a friend.
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