A FIJIAN ERL-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 Ratu-va-caki, a mighty spirit, who, with 
his sons, 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 Ratu-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 Ratu-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, who 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 wreath of flowers over his white tapa, Tawake-i-tamana, Reaugaga, and 
the youngest Valu-qaiaki (or rising moon), 
