30 BOW DITCH ISLAND. 



He saluted our gentlemen with his usual courtesy, and, after seating 

 himself, listened to the account of their visit, and of the news at Apia. 

 He still retained much of his former air of command and sternness, 

 which caused him to be likened by Dr. Whittle to a sick lion. 

 He was unable to sit up long, and was soon again asleep. Old 

 Lauilupa now entertained them by complaining of her sufferings 

 from rheumatism, which Dr. Whittle gave her directions how to 

 treat. 



The two wives began, in a short time, to beg for presents — the 

 elder one for needles and thread, the younger for jews-harps, rings, 

 and looking-glasses. These were promised, on their sending to the 

 ship for them. They supplied their guests with food, which was 

 served on an eating-mat, and consisted of pork, fish, taro, and yams. 

 The queens sat by, pointing out the choicest bits, and, had not our 

 gentlemen declined the honour, seemed disposed to use their royal 

 fingers for its conveyance to their mouths. 



In the evening, they took a stroll around the village, where every 

 house was found lighted up with a cocoanut-oil lamp, or a torch of 

 the candle-nut, strung upon a stick, and some with the fire of dry 

 cocoa-nut leaves. In each house a family circle was usually seen, 

 variously employed, some eating, some talking, others braiding sennit, 

 but no amusements ; for it was Saturday evening, and they were 

 preparing for the Sabbath. Wherever they went, they were l'eceived 

 with civility, and invited to eat. 



Returning to Malietoa, another meal was found provided for them, 

 after which they were taken to a neighbouring house, which had 

 been prepared as their sleeping apartment. 



In the morning, they were awakened early by a little boy, who 

 brought them water for washing, which showed an attention to their 

 comforts scarcely to have been expected among those who are con- 

 sidered as only half civilized. 



When they rose in the morning, although but a little after sunrise, 

 they found the natives already collected, at morning prayers, in the 

 church, under the ministration of Mole ; and, after the service was 

 finished, they were invited to breakfast with him. 



The return for Malietoa's hospitality was now to be made, prior 

 to their departure ; and all they had, consisted of but a few small 

 articles ; but these were joyfully received, with many thanks; and our 

 gentlemen took their leave, and returned to the ship. 



Subsequently to this, Mr. Hale made a visit to the village of Mata- 



