All that can be done for
them is to encourage their remaining capacities for industry, and to
smooth, as far as is possible, the journey of death. The Hawaiian
Government is doing its best to "stamp out" the disease, and to
provide for the comfort of those who are isolated; and, with the
limited means at its disposal, has acted with an efficiency and
humanity worthy of the foremost of civilised countries.
LETTER XXVIII.
HILO. June 2nd.
Often since I finished my last letter has Hazael's reply to Elisha
occurred to me, "Is thy servant a dog, that he should do this
thing?" For in answer to people who have said, "I hope nothing will
induce you to attempt the ascent of Mauna Loa," I always said, "Oh,
dear, no! I should never dream of it;" or, "Nothing would persuade
me to think of it!"
This morning early, Mr. Green came in, on his way to Kilauea, to
which I was to accompany him, and on my casually remarking that I
envied him his further journey, he at once asked me to join him, and
I joyfully accepted the invitation! For, indeed, my heart has been
secretly set on going, and I have had to repeat to myself fifty
times a day, "no, I must not think of it, for it is impossible.
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