t heathens as they now are," he observed, in a
solemn and sad tone.

Naihi, after remaining at home two days, again set off to join his
friend the missionary.

Tom and the boys wished to accompany him, but he advised them to remain
with his wife, telling them that the journey was fatiguing; and as they
could not speak the language of the people, they could be of no use,
whereas if they remained with Kapoiolani, they might assist her in
acquiring a knowledge of English, which she was anxious to do, so that
she might read books in that language. Harry was her chief instructor;
and never was there a more attentive pupil. He was surprised at the
rapidity with which she learned to read.

Some time had thus been spent, when there was a commotion in the
village, and it was announced that a person of importance was
approaching, no less than the high-priestess of Pele, if not Pele
herself, as the heathen inhabitants asserted.

"She is an impostor, and I will prove her to be so!" exclaimed
Kapoiolani, when she heard of it; and, attended by a band of Christians,
she went out to meet the priestess.

A woman appeared descending from the hills, dressed in a fantastic way,
with her robes scorched and partially consumed by fire. She was
followed by a band of women and girls, dressed in the same manner. As
she drew near, she shouted with a loud voice that she was come to warn
the followers of the new faith to be prepared for the fearful punishment
she was about to inflict on them for deserting their ancient gods.

"You are but a miserable woman, and a wretched impostor!" answered
Kapoiolani, in an authoritative tone. "The worshippers of Jehovah are
not to be frightened by your foolish threats."

On hearing this the pretended Pele became very indignant, and, drawing a
document written on native cloth from her bosom, declared that it would
prove her authority.

"It will prove that you yourself cannot write, but some one else has
assisted you in your imposture, and that is all it will prove, foolish
woman!" exclaimed Kapoiolani. "I have a book which announces that there
are many false gods, among whom is the one you serve, but that there is
only one true God, Jehovah, whom I serve. Let me advise you to throw
away your idols, and to turn to Him, I know Pele can do me no harm,
because Pele does not really exist, and to prove it I intend to ascend
the mountain where you say she resides, and to eat the berries which you
hold s