Pawtucket tribune. (Pawtucket, R.I.) 1890-189?, 1891-11-05

Tanito. But, father, l no longer wish
to marry the girl; and the gods forbid
that she should como to harm at my
hands"
"No harm shall come to her." said
Katubua. "Do you - command"
Accordingly, Ratu Tsnito took war
canoes and went 70 vsnua Lsvu and
bore away Ekesa by fores. And return
ing to Viii Levu he brought her before
his father, who sst In state. surrounded
Nv his chiefs and priests. And seeing
this array about her. as though TO Judge
her. Ekesa's eye flashed and she looked
defantly at King Katubus. Mighty
monarch" she cried, do not fear me;
do not surround yourself with your
chiefs. Imssn you no harm. and indeed
have come here against my will, being
brought q prisoner BY this youth. one Of
your people. Set NE frss and chastiss
him. and my father, savenaka, will
thank you and be your brother"
1T is my son, Ratu Tanito, who brings
you here" said Katubua.
Are you Ratu TanitoS cried the
princess. turning TO the young man.
And she exclaimed with double force.
''Then you are the great trsitori"
Maiden" said King Katubua, "be
assured. No harm shall bsfall you. Yet
IL has come TO our ears that in Vanua
Levu the women are the equal Of the
men, and a. this seems . strange thing
to us, We have desired 10 see 10 tested,
and especially 10 inquire whether the
women Of Vanua Lew are the equals Of
the men in Viii Levu. For that reason
we have sent to bring you here. And
we will propose 10 you three tests
which. II 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 a reparation for the wrong
done you. This swear 10 you, and he
shall compete with you in the tests"
Whereat the priucsss cried out.
HE is ignorant what they are to be"
said the king. "'Tis fair match Be-
hold, he is as much surprised rs you
are"
"And if-if ioseg" said Ekesa.
"You shall marry him." said tho king
Then the king said. Princes, are you
READY IOr tno nrst TEST!
But" said Ekesa, II have not yet ac-
cepted your conditions"
"Ratu Tanito.' said the king, "behold
your wife!"
"Nayv cried the princess, II am in
your power Propose to me your tests
aud let your son prepare for life of
slavery"
Katubua thereupon caused two tur-
ties eggs to be laid before the princess
and said: Maiden, OF these two eggs
which will bring forth male turtle and
which femslep This Is the first test
that we propose to you"
AT this the princess crossed her arms
upon her breast and laughed soornfully.
This is test Of folly, not Of wisdom"
she said. mot all the men in the world
could declare Of which of these two eggs
should be born . male turtle and which
female"
But Ratu Tanito stepped forward
quickly and took tho eggs into his hand
and crushed them. "Of neither" he
said.
Then Katubus said, Maiden, though
in truth the question seems idle, yet the
youth is right, for q 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 Il 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, mot SO; for
who should say TINT both bowls are not
emptyf"
Then the king drew away the mats of
woven grass and both bowls were empty.
Maiden" said Katubua, "the youth is
right, for man should know when to
speak"
Then Ekesa bit her lip and said, "You
juggle with me-"
yet" said Katubua, "ths youth has
detected our jugglery. But here is the
third test and perhaps you will still win
him for slave Which loves q child
better, his father or she who bore himy'
Ekesas eyes flashed and she drew her.
self up. "Of truth, she who bore
him." she cried.
Ratu Tanito turned and looked upon
the girl. and slowly there came into his
flashing eyes a tender light, but he did
not speak.
At this Ekesa called to the king, "Tui
Viii, he does not speakp'
"And he is right" said the king. "For
a man should know when 10 be silent"
Then Ekesa stamped her foot and cried
aloud in bitterness;.