Page:Fairytales•Tregear•1891.pdf/141

 the river to the ogre’s cave. They collected immense quantities of fern and having bestowed this in the mouth of the cave they set fire to it and smothered the monster in his den. Luckily the dogs were away hunting for themselves or the men never could have accomplished their purpose.



 

In the fertile valley of Kiri, hidden and sequestered among the luxuriant vegetation, was the village which owned Kotu as its chief. Cruel and fierce was Kotu, the hero of many quarrels and brawls between his men and those of neighbouring settlements. He did not allow any restraint or self-command to interfere between his reckless will and the achievement of any desired object, but carried out any wish he 