A FIJIAN EBL-KING. 143 



scarcely half a mile round, now belongs to an American 

 Indian of real flesh and blood ; and in former times was 

 inhabited by Eatu-va-caki, a mighty spirit, who, with 

 his ons, all like their father, of prepossessing appear- 

 ance, and bearing poetical names,* seem to have played 

 the same part in Fiji as the Erl-King and his daughters 

 did in Europe. Many are the stories told of their deeds 

 and adventures. Generally they used to go out together, 

 but if Eatu-va-caki was disinclined, the boys, who, young 

 rascals! had as keen an appreciation of a pretty face 

 and a good figure as their old rake of a father, would 

 rove about by themselves, principally moving about in 

 heavy squalls and gales; hence their invisible canoe 

 was termed " Loaloa ;" and if, soon after stormy weather, 

 any fine young girls suddenly died, it was proverbially 

 said that Eatu-va-caki and his sons had carried off 

 their souls. However, poetical justice was done at last. 

 One day, when all were at Yanuca, near Bega, their 

 presence, notwithstanding their having assumed human 

 shape, was discovered by the local god, w r ho rightly 

 guessed their intentions. When they were performing 

 a dance, and all the girls were admiringly watching their 

 graceful movements, the local god caused his priest to 

 prepare a certain mixture, which, on being sprinkled 

 over the visitors, made their arms, legs, and other parts 

 of their bodies assume such ridiculous shapes, that they 

 became the laughing-stock of all, and could never think 

 of again undertaking similar expeditions. 



*. The sons were called, Teketeke-ni-masi, because he, the eldest, wore 

 a Breath of flowers over his white tapa, Tawake-i-tamana, Reaugaga, and 

 the youngest Valu-qaiaki (or rising moon). 



