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114 On revealing his intentions to Tomato, and laying his plans before him for the extermination of the Pakehas, whom he described as being a race of robbers, Honi Hiki became the accepted of Pamul, although she was adverse to the match, knowing well the wily chiefs disposition. However, she knew it was no use objecting, as she would be compelled to submit to parental authority. Being a great favourite of her father's, she obtained permission to put off the nuptials for a few days, which was some relief to her.

It was on the morning appointed for her marriage that she sought the solitude of her bathing place (which was held sacred) to give vent to her despair for the sacrifice she was on the eve of making, by becoming the bride of the man she hated. In the midst of her lamentations, while praying that some young warrior would come and take her away to some distant isle, her quick eye caught the castaway clinging to the boat, and calling out for aid.

Under the influence of her romantic inspiration, she plunged into the sea, and swam to the rescue. With great expertness she soon arrived at the spot where Charlie sank, and immediately dived and brought him to the surface.

It was now that her judgment and powers of swimming were put to the test, for although the drowning man could breath, he was too much exhausted to assist himself, and it was not until her slaves came to her assistance that she succeeded in saving him.

That evening, on the plea of indisposition, which was not feigned, she craved for three days more, which was granted to her by her father.

The experienced and quick eye of Honi Hiki, however, detected a change in the manner and looks of his intended bride; and, by bribing the simplest of her maids, he became possessed of the whole secret, notwithstanding the restrictions Pamul enforced on her slaves to the contrary.

The wily chief became greatly alarmed at this revelation, not only for fear of losing Pamul, whom he really loved, but also the consequence which might follow from the alliance of the white man with the powerful chief