The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1891-12-05

women or Nanua Levu are the equasa y.
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 a reparation' for the wrong
done you. This / swear to you, and he
shall compete with you i'm the tests
Whereat the princess cried out.
che is ignorant what they are to be"
said the king. "'Tis fait 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, 81 have not yet &C.
cepted your conditions"
"Ratu Tanito," said the king, "behold
your wife!"
"Nayw cried the princess, Il am in
your power. Propose to me your tests
and 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 a 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 a 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 a male turtle and which
female"
But Ratu 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 seems 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 tc
Ratu Tanito.
But Ratu Tanito crossed his armi
upon his breast and said, Mot so; fol
who should say that both bowls are moi
empty"
Then the king drew away the mats oi
woven grass and both bowls were empty
"Maiden," said Katubua, "the youth is
right, for a man should know when tC
speak"
Then Ekesa bit her lip and said, "Yor
juggle with me-"
"Yet," said Katubua, "the youth hal
detected our jugglery. But here is tht
third test and perhaps you will still VIII
him for slave. Which loves a chilt
better, his father or she who bore himT
Ekesas eyes flashed and she drew her
self up. "Of a truth, she who bor
him." She cried.
Ratu Tanito turned and looked upol
the girl, and slowly there came into hi
flashing eyes a tender light, but he die
not speak.
At this Ellesa called to the king, "Tu
Wit, he does not speakl'
"And he is right" said the king, "Fo
a man should know when to be silent"
Then Ekesa stamped her foot and criet
aloud in bitterness:
, ut was trap! You have warned hin
what answers he should make and hav
l plotted between you to shame me
J Shame rather on you, Tui Katubuap
=. Ratu Tanito strode to her side an
) caught her by the wrist and said:
"Go back to your people. 1 will non
, of you. You have dishonored my father
4 Go back to your people. Make wa
there for the princess" he shouted to tn
D crowd. make canoe ready and Sc
her on the shores of Vanua Levu."
' But Ekesa's eyes fell and she did nc
, move; only stood in her place trembling
Q Then Katubua said, ''Ekesa, my daugl
, ter, the Philosopher Raveniza has asket
5 When should awoman disobey her hui
n bandP"
And Ekesa lifted her fearful eyes an
y answered, Never oh, my father, ssV
when he bids her leave him."
= And of the union of Ekesa and Rat
n Tanito was born the great King Rat
|, Cakau, whom men called the Seat (
a Justice, and also Tunivalu, the Root {
il War.-Chicago Globe.