Page:Fairytales•Tregear•1891.pdf/89



A time was appointed when the strange trial should take place before the king, Aka the grandfather of Kaha being one of the judges. A great oven had been prepared, into which the body of the defeated contestant should be cast, and dry wood for the heating was set beside it. The sorcerer Kaea, who was the friend of Kauhi, advised that large tender leaves should be spread where Kaha was to be seated. “Be attentive,” said the sorcerer, “and watch if the leaves be torn; if the leaves be untouched she is only a spirit in the shape of Kaha.” The bright maiden of Monoa was attended on her way by the spirit-sisters of Maha, who had assumed human form, and they informed her of the crafty design of the old sorcerer, also instructing her to quickly break and tear with her feet the