ed cloth, and, laying him in a state of nudity in a
little trough, covers him from sight. At this proceeding all present
loudly applaud, and signify their approval by uttering the adjective
"motarkee" with violent emphasis. Kolory, however, is so desirous his
conduct should meet with unqualified approbation, that he inquires of each
individual separately whether, under existing circumstances, he has not
done perfectly right in shutting up Moa Artua. The invariable response is
"Aa, Aa" (yes, yes), repeated over again and again in a manner which ought
to quiet the scruples of the most conscientious. After a few moments
Kolory brings forth his doll again, and, while arraying it very carefully
in the tappa and red cloth, alternately fondles and chides it. The toilet
being completed, he once more speaks to it aloud. The whole company
hereupon show the greatest interest; while the priest, holding Moa Artua
to his ear, interprets to them what he pretends the god is confidentially
communicating to him. Some items of intelligence appear to tickle all
present amazingly; for one claps his hands in a rapture; another shouts
with merriment; and a third leaps to his feet and capers about like a
madman.

What under the sun Moa Artua on these occasions had to say to Kolory I
never could find out; but I could not help thinking that the former showed
a sad want of spirit in being disciplined into making those disclosures,
which at first he seemed bent on withholding. Whether the priest honestly
interpreted what he believed the divinity said to him, or whether he was
not all the while guilty of a vile humbug, I shall not presume to decide.
At any rate, whatever, as coming from the god, was imparted to those
present, seemed to be generally of a complimentary nature--a fact which
illustrates the sagacity of Kolory, or else the time-serving disposition
of this hardly-used deity.

Moa Artua having nothing more to say, his bearer goes to nursing him
again, in which occupation, however, he is soon interrupted by a question
put by one of the warriors to the god. Kolory hereupon snatches it up to
his ear again, and after listening attentively, once more officiates as
the organ of communication. A multitude of questions and answers having
passed between the parties, much to the satisfaction of those who propose
them, the god is put tenderly to bed in the trough, and the whole company
unite in a long chant, led off by Kolory. This ended, the ceremo