He recalled the sullen look of Oponui, and panic seized him.  He climbed a hill to watch for her return and his heart beat with joy when he saw a girl returning toward him.  He thought it was Kaala, but it was Ua, the friend of Kaala and almost her equal in beauty.  Ua told him that his wife had not been seen at her mother’s, and as her father had been seen taking her through the forest, it was feared she would not be allowed to return.

With an exclamation of rage Kaaialii started down toward the coast.  Here he ran across Oponui and tried to seize him by the throat; but Oponui escaped and ran into a temple, where he was safe from an attack.  In a paroxysm of rage and disappointment Kaaialii threw himself upon the ground cursing the tabu that barred him from his enemy.  His friends took him to his hut, where Ua sought to soothe and comfort him.  But he talked and thought alone of Kaala, and after partaking hastily of food, started out to find her.  Of every one he met he inquired for Kaala, and called her name in the deep valleys and at the hilltops.

Near the sacred spring of Kealia he met a white-haired priest who took pity on him and told him where Kaala had been hidden.  “The place is dark and her heart is full of terror.  Hasten to her, but tarry not, or she will be the food of the creatures of the sea.”

Thanking the priest, Kaaialii hastened to the bluff.  With the words “Kaala, I come!” he sprang into the whirlpool and disappeared.  The current sucked him up and suddenly he found himself in a chilly cave, feeling his way on the slimy floor by the dim light.  Suddenly a low moan reached his ear.  It was the voice of Kaala.  She was lying near him, her limbs bruised with fruitless attempts to leave the cave, and no longer strong enough to drive away the crabs that were feeding upon her quivering flesh.  He lifted her up and bore her toward the light.  She opened her eyes and whispered, “I am dying, but I am happy, for you are here.”  He told her he would save her, but she made no response, and when he put his hand on her heart he found she was dead.

For hours he held her in his arms.  At length he was aroused by the splashing of water.  He looked up and there was Ua, the gentle and beautiful friend of Kaala, and behind her the King Kamehameha.  Kaaialii rose and pointed to the body before him.  “I see,” said the King, softly, “the girl is dead.  She could have no better burial-place.  Come, Kaaialii, let us leave it.”  But Kaaialii did not move.  For the first time in his life he refused to obey his King.  “What! would you remain here?” said the monarch.  “Would you throw your life away for a girl?  There are others as fair.  Here is Ua; she shall be your wife, and I will give you the valley of Palawai.  Come, let us leave at once lest some angry god close the entrance against us!”

“Great chief,” replied Kaaialii, “you have always been kind and