The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1901-08-23

you are the great traitor?'
Maiden" said King Katubua. ''be as
sured No harm shall befall YOU Yet il
has come to our ears that in Nanua Lew
the women are the equal of the men. and.
as this seems a strange thing 10 US, we
have desired to see it tested and espe-
cially 10 inquire whether the women Of
Nanua Lew are the equals Of the men in
Viii Leyu. For that reason we have
sent TO bring you here. And we will pro-
pose 10 you three tests which, if You an
swer 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 PREPARATION for the wrong done you.
This swear TO you, and he shall compete
with you in the tests"
Nhereat the princess cried out.
HE is ignorant what they are to be-"
said the king. lis fair match. Be
hold. he is as much surprised as you
are"
And if-if l lose?" said Ekesa.
You shall marry him." said the king.
Then the king said. princess, are Won
ready for the first test?"
But" said Ekesa, 81 have not yet ac-
cepted your conditions"
"Ratu Tanito," said the king, "behold
your wife,"
Nay! cried the princess. 81 am in
your power. Propose to me your tests
and let your son prepare for life Of
slavery"
hatubua 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 male turtle and which
q 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 a mat Of woven
grass. And Katuhua said: This is the
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 Tanro.
But Ratu Tanito crossed his arms up-
on his breast and said. mot so; for who
should say that both bowls are not
empty?"
Then the king drew away the mats of
woven grass, and both bowls were empty.
maiden" said Katubua. "the youth ia
right, for a man should know when to
speak"
Then Ekesa bit her lip and said You
juggle with me-"
Yet" said Katuhua, 'the youth has
detected our jugglery. But here is the
third test, and perhaps you will still win
him for slave Which loves n child
better. his father or she who bore him?"
Ekesa's eyes flashed. and she drew her
self up. "Of a truth. she who bore
him" she cried.
Ratu Tanito 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
man should know when to be silent"
Then Ekesa stamped her foot and cried
aloud in bitterness:
ut was trap! You have warned him
what answers he should make and have
plotted between you to shame me! Shame
rather on YOU TUT Katubua"
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.
Go back to your people. Make a way
there for the princess!" he shouted to the
crowd. MAKE a canoe ready and set
her on the shores Of Vanua Levu."
But Ekesas eyes fell. and she did not
move: only stood In her place trembling.
Then Katubua said, "Ekesa, my daugh-
ter, the philosopher Raveniza has asked.
When should woman disobey her hus-
bandT"
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 Ratu
Ianito was born the great King Ratu
Cakau. whom men called the Seat OF
Justice, and also Tunivalu, the Root of
War