Page:An account of the natives of the Tonga Islands.djvu/186

120 could know nothing of the contents ; and that the histories of whole nations were thus handed down to posterity, without spoiling by being kept (as he chose to express himself). Finow acknowledged this to be a most noble invention, but added, that it would not at all do for the Tonga islands, that there would be nothing but disturbances and conspiracies, and he should not be sure of his life, perhaps, another month. He said, however, jocosely, that he should like to know it himself, and for all the women to know it, that he might make love with less risk of discovery, and not so much chance of incur- ring the vengeance of their husbands. This circumstance served greatly to amuse and interest Finow and all his chiefs during their day's stay at Pangaimotoo. The foJlow- ing morning they again embarked, and sailing with a favourable wind for the Hapai islands, they arrived at Namooca, and ultimately at Le- fooga. Orders were now issued, and preparations were speedily made for the ceremony of annulling the eight months taboo. The places appro- priated for this purpose were two mnldis, and the grave of Tooitonga. For distinction's sake, we shall call the first- Tooitonga's, and the second Finow's. Tooitonga's maldi h near his own residence, and on this were erected four