It would fall over the cliff and bebogged, and
there the man might go down and fight it. Doubtless Wi has taken it with him tohunt
in the woods.
Now he became aware that Yow had reappeared, for he
heard his lowgrowls.
Indeed, he tried to win her, announcing that he was
bound by no lawswhich Wi had made. Wi also looked upward and saw what it was at
which Yow growled.
Did the deer carry away the spear,
Father?
Yet, if you should beweak, must I therefore cease
from being strong? The weasel also vanished behind the stone wherethe rabbit had
crouched. Bring ax and spear and follow, called Pag. Yet, if you should beweak, must
I therefore cease from being strong?
Now it was alongside of Wi, who stood waitingwith
raised spear, like to a man of stone. Then Iwent to sleep again and dreamed the evil
dream.
It would fall over the cliff and bebogged, and
there the man might go down and fight it. All hangs upon the answer that is sent to
myprayer. Wi vanished beneath the mud; the bull moaned and lay still;its flesh
quivered, its eyes shut. Have you not sworn an oath,and would you break that
oath?
At length, she could bear no more andquestioned Wi
in such fashion that he must answer.
Yet, if you should beweak, must I therefore cease
from being strong? It dropped its head, hopingto rub Yow on the ground and free
itself. Now it was alongside of Wi, who stood waitingwith raised spear, like to a
man of stone.
I am afraid lest thebrother should follow the
sister, Laleela. Thetiger and the wolves are dead, and wild cattle have left the
woods. On the following day, Wi stopped at home and did those things that layto the
hand of the chief.
As to this matter of marriage, I have made a new
law, answered Wi. She started, looking down but sayingnothing.
I am afraid lest thebrother should follow the
sister, Laleela.
For a while, Aaka was silent, for words choked in
her throat.
Hearken, old vile one who call yourself a wizard,
he said.
Then he started, pausing a littlewhile by the hut
in which Aaka slept.
Have you never heard of the great bull of the
forest before which noman dare stand?
Surely he would be better dead, leaving Moananga to
become chief afterhim.
It dropped its head, hopingto rub Yow on the ground
and free itself.
If I were a lawmaker like you,Wi, I should choose
Yow to be a god among us.
Shall the maker of laws be also the breaker of
laws?
Andwould not Aaka, the wife of my youth, then learn
to think of metenderly?
Hearken, Laleela, he said in a voice that was thick
with rage. I am proud to have borne the childrenof such a man. If one be blocked a
hundred others still remain.
Aaka saw him and instantly herface changed, for on
it seemed to fall its usual mask of haughtiness.
It would fall over the cliff and bebogged, and
there the man might go down and fight it.