Johnstown weekly Democrat. (Johnstown, Cambria County, Pa.) 1889-1916, 1890-04-25


surround yourself with your chiefs. I
mean you no harm, and indeed have
oomeAere against my will, being brought
a prisoner by this youth, one of your
people. Set me free, and chastise him,
and my father, Savenaka, will thank
you and be your brother"
sit is my son. Ratu Tanito, who brings
you here" said Katubua.
Are YOU Ratu Tanltoi" cried the prin-
cess, turning to the young man. And
she exclaimed with double force: "Then
you are the great traitorF'
maiden" said King Katubua, "be as
sured. No harm shall befall you Yet
it has come to our ears that in Vanua
Levu the women are the equal of the
men, and as this seems strange thing
to us we have desired TO see it tested,
and especially to inquire whether the
women of Vanua Levu are the equals of
the men in Viii Levu. For that reason
we have sent to bring you here. And
we will propose to you three tests which,
if YOU answer rightly and justly, you
shall depart home in safety and we will
offer you gifts; and, moreover, you shall
lead my son home with you to be your
slave, as reparation for the wrong done
you. This l swear to you, and he shall
compete with you in the tests"
Whereat the princess cried out.
"He is ignorant what they are to be"
said the king. "'ris fair match. Be-
hold, he is as much surprised as you
are"
"And if-if lose:" said Ekesa.
You shall marry him." said the king.
Then the king said: princess. are you
ready for the first test?'
But" said Ekesa, Il have not yet ac-
cepted your conditions"
"Ratu Tanito," said the king, "behold
your wife"
"Nayw cried the princess, II am in
your power. Propose to me your tests
and let your son prepare for a life of
slavery"
Katubua thereupon caused two turtles
eggs to be laid before the princess and
said: Maiden, of these two eggs which
will bring forth male turtle and which
a female? This is the first test that we
propose to you"
At this the princess crossed her arms
upon her breast and laughed scornfully.
This is test of folly not of wisdom"
she said. Not all the men in the world
could declare of which of these two eggs
should be born Il male turtle and which
a female.
But RaJu Tanito stepped forward
quickly and took the eggs into his hand
and crushed them. "Of neither" he
said.
Then Katubua said: Maiden, though
in truth the question seemed idle, yet the
youth is right, for a man must know
when to act.
Next there were brought forth two
bowls, each covered with mat of woven
grass. And Katubua said: This is the
second test. OF these two bowls choose
that which is full Of water.
Ekesa trembled, but quickly stretched
out her hand and laid it on the nearest
bowl. saying, This is it,"
"Choose you, now" said the king to
Ratu Tanito.
But Ratu Tanito crossed his arms upon
his breast and said. Not so; for who
shall say that both howlsar not empty?"
Then the king drew away the mats of
woven grass and both bowls were empty.
maiden, said katubua, "the youth is
right. for a man should know when to
speak.
Then Ekesa bit her lip and said: You
juggle with me"
Yet" said Katubua. "the youth has
detected our jugglery, hut here is the
third test and perhaps YOU will still win
him for slave Which loves 4 child bet
ter, his father or she who bore him:'
Ekesa's eyes flashed, and she drew her
self up "Of q truth. she who bore him,
she cried.
Ratu Tnito turned and looked upon
the girl. and slowly there came into his
flashing eyes tender light, but he did
not speak.
At this Ekesa called to the king: "Tui
Viii, he does not speak!'
"And he is right" said the king. "For
a man should know when to be silent. -
Then Ekesa stamped her foot and
cried aloud in bitterness: ''It was trap!
| You have warned him what answers he
| should make and have plotted between
you to shame me! Shame rather on you,
Tui Katubuar
Ratu Tanito strobe to her side and
caught her by the wrist and said: "Go
back to your people. will none of you,
You have dishonored my father. &c
back to your people. Make a way there
for the princess" he shouted to the
crowd. make canoe ready and set hel
on the shores of Vanua Levu."
But Ekesas eyes fell and she did moi
move; only stood in her place trembling
Then Katubua said: "Ekesa, my
daughter, the Philosopher Raveniza ha:
asked: "When should woman disobey
| her husband?"
And Ekesa lifted her fearful eyes and
answered: "Never, oh, my father, save
when he bids her leave him."
And of the union of Ekesa and of Ratu
Tanito was born the great king Ratr
Cakau, whom men called the Seat o.
Justice, and also Vunivalu, the Root o.
War.-Philadelphia Times.
Prices of Turkish Slaves.
There are actually at Stamboul abou
ninety regular slave dealers who buy