The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-05-22

q ston into no trees. So clear was the water
that not only was our huge anchor and chain
visible. but every little pebble and branch OF
coral was easily distinguished. lying on the
milk-white sand far below the surface.
ASH approached tho village heard pc.
cuiar drumming noise. which echoed among
the trees. and as we neared the native church
saw long, hollow log. with either end rest
ing on two crossed stakes about two feet from
the ground. The ends OF the log were covered
with some kind OF skin. upon which two ma
tives were beating with sticks. thus notifying
the inhabi ants that divine service was about
to begin. passed on to my friends house.
from which could obtain an excellent view
Of the churchgocrs as they marched along
Words are Inadequate to give anything like
| a faithful description OF their costumes Al.
| though thcy use no clothing OF account on
week days. on the Sabbath they bloom forth
in any or every article of apparel which they
may he 50 fortunate rs to possess. After
church the raimcnt is carefully laid away un.
til the following Sunday.
Let the reader imagine a stalwart Kanaka.
his hair standing out In all directions fully
foot. bare-footcd AMI bare legged. piece OF
native cloth tied about his waist. while the
upper part OF his body is covered by u British
soldiers scarlet coat. minus the tails and
brass buttons. and. to add to tho ludicrous mp
pearauco. the coat put on with the opening
down the back.
Following him came a dusky woman with
bright green bonnet on her head and no cloth
ing except a waist cloth. and yet she stepped
along with a iaunty mir. evidently as proud OF
her one article OF millinery rs one OF our more
fortunate European damscls would be with
Worth's latest triumph on her back.
One old chap sportcd u vest. which he wore
buttoncd behind. and. to cap the climax. saw
ono young Kanaka with an old-fashloned
stovepipe hat. which was full OF holes through
many OF which his coarse black hair pro-
trudel in little tufts. This was too much for
my decorum. and fairly reared with laughter
When the worshippcr5 were all inside a
native preacher made his appearance. dressed
In n well-fltting suit OF black broadcloth. but
without hat or shoes. / followed him into the
church. and found the congregation seated
cross-egged on the ground. while a small
platform at the further end was reserved for
the preachers exclusive use. Flo seemed to
speak easily and oluently. and was listened
to with great attention. but. as he preached in
! the native tongue. OF course was unable to
follow his discourse. so gave my attention to
| the church. 1t was q marvel Of ingenuity.
| The building was nearly square. the four
corner posts being lofty palm trocs. which were
fully forty feet apart The stringers and raft
ers were OF the same wood. and the roof and
| sides covered with mats Of bamboo and cocoa
| nut nbre The wonderful thing about the
| structure was that not q nail or even wooden
| pin was used in the work OF building the
| church. everything being secured in its place
| with lnshings made Of the cocoanut fibre.
| could not help nontally comparing the rude
church. the product OF native hands entirely
| with the comfortable European-built cottage
in which the missionary himself usually is to
| ha found md wondnrad n nll the pRnnia9
collected by our foreign missions to build
churches for the heather are used for the pur-
| pose for which they are solicited.
When the sermon was ended. the con2rega-
ton sang several hymns. Although the words
were kanaka. what was my surprise and pleas
ure to find they had bsen set to some OF our
good old tunes. and as the natives have very
correct ear. enjoyed the music immensel
could distinguish several alto voices. and one
| deep-chested old KAnaka sustained the bass
with a voice have never heard equalled In
| volume Iafterward learned to sing several
| OF their hymns. but am unable to record the
| words here. as I acquired them us q parrot
does English. without knowing the meaning.
| After the service was over returned to my
friends house. where dined on n species Of
fish much like our herring. and an abundance
OF fruit had expressed desire for a collec-
| ton OF sea shells. and after dinner Manassa
presented me with nearly peck OF the beauti-
full varieties for which these islands are IA
| nous. I also secured beautiful spray OF
white coral. which was remarkable for its like
ness to a RENDERS antlers The coral is so
brittle that 1t must be packed in sand and
completely covered. as q sudden jar will break
the sprays which form its chief beauty.
While seated in the hut with my hem and
his numerous family. one OF his wives flor 20.
lyRamy Is not yet eradicated) arose and placed
long braid Of hair across the entrance to the
dwelling. I was wondering what this might
mean when native woman came to the door
Is II about to enter. but. seeing the braid on
the mat at the entrance. she turned quietly on
her heel and departed. found upon inquiry
the oombngs Of hair are saved by every
Kanaka woman and braided together like the
ono In question. When an unwelcome visitor
is seen approaching or whom for any reason
they do not wish to receive" the braid is
laid on tho threshold. and means mot at
home" AS thoro arc no doors or shutters to
their huts. something OF the sort is impera-
tive whom privacy is desired. and no native
would daro to trangross this custom.
They are still ruled by chief. with whom.
however. tho missionaries have great infiu-
once. but his commands arc law and trans.
gressors must answer to him for misdeeds.
The greatest possible punishment to Kama
ka and one which Is rarely in flicted. Is to Ia
boo" him. Literally translated this word
means forbid" SO any Gust om which is for.
hidden by tho cHiefis said I? b. 10 ",tab19sd"
under penalty Of death. to have any stated
abode. he must not sleep for two consecutive
nights in the same piacs. and no one Is NJ
lowed to converse with him or help him. He
is thus ostrarizpd Il ON his follows and II the
taboo" is not soon removed by the chief he
often throws himself into the sea and perishes
rather than live in these frightful conditions.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE KANAKAs REVENGE.
For few days after my last visit ashore I
was kept on the ship constantly as the mate
unfortunately considered me tn" only memner