284 THE OCEAN. 



could find an opportunity for escape to a distant 

 island. Arrived at the cliff, he conducted her 

 through the waters to her new abode, where they 

 rested awhile from their fears and fatigue, par- 

 taking of some refreshment, which he had previously 

 stored there for himself. Early in the morning he 

 returned home to avoid suspicion ; but failed not, 

 in the course of the day, to repair again to the place 

 which held all that was dear to him: he brought 

 her mats to lie on, the finest gnaioo for a change 

 of dress, the best of food for her support, sandal- 

 wood oil, cocoa-nuts, and every thing he could think 

 of to render her life as comfortable as possible. 

 He gave her as much of his company as prudence 

 would allow, and at the most appropriate times, 

 lest the prying eye of curiosity should find out his 

 retreat. 



But, though happy in each other's affections, 

 during their sojourn in this secluded cave, the length 

 of time he found it necessary to be absent from 

 his bride, to prevent suspicion and detection, was 

 a great source of discomfort ; and he longed for 

 an opportunity to arrive, when he might without 

 hazard acknowledge her as his chosen wife, and 

 restore her to liberty and security. At length he 

 proposed to his vassals an emigration to the Feejee 

 Islands, and requested them to accompany him. 

 They complied, but asked him respectfully, if he 

 would not take a Tonga wife with him. He 

 laughingly replied, no; but that he might pos- 

 sibly find one by the way. Having put to sea, 

 he steered bv the cliffs of Hoonga, the isle of the 



