Page:Maori Religion and Mythology.djvu/77

CH. v. Kahu answered, "Twenty nights."

"Ho! what a very long time," said Ihenga, "for our tapu."

The remonstrance of the young man here ended; but not long afterwards he persisted in the same manner. Thereupon Kahu began to consider—"Ha! what is it my nephew persists about?" So he asked, "Why are you in so great a hurry to be free from tapu?" Then the young man spoke out, "Whose daughter is the maiden who cooks our food?"

"Mine," replied Kahu.

"My fear," said Ihenga, "lest some one may have her."

"I thought there must be something."

"Do not let some other man have her."

"Your cousin shall be your wife," said Kahu, calling the damsel: "Come here, girl, near the door."

The girl came laughing, for she knew she was to be given to Ihenga.

Then said Kahu: "Your cousin has a longing for you."

"It is well," replied the damsel.

"Oh! my children," murmured Kahu. He then cautioned his daughter not to enter the house where young people resort for amusement.

"I never go to the play-house," replied Hinetekakara, "I always sleep with my mother in our own house,"

"You do well," said Kahu;" "in twenty days we shall both be free from our tapu."

So they both continued to dwell in their sacred house by themselves, and the damsel always cooked food for