But nothing like carrying it bravely.

“Attend.  Taji comes, old man, because it pleases him to come.  And Taji will depart when it suits him.  Ask the shades of your sires whether Taji thus scurvily greeted them, when they came stalking into his presence in the land of spirits.  No.  Taji spread the banquet.  He removed their mantles.  He kindled a fire to drive away the damp.  He said not, ’Come you to fight, you fogs and vapors? come you to dwell? or come you to fish in the sea?’ Go to, then, kings of Mardi!”

Upon this, the old king fell back; and his place was supplied by a noble chief, of a free, frank bearing.  Advancing quickly toward the boat, he exclaimed—­“I am Media, the son of Media.  Thrice welcome, Taji.  On my island of Odo hast thou an altar.  I claim thee for my guest.”  He then reminded the rest, that the strangers had voyaged far, and needed repose.  And, furthermore, that he proposed escorting them forthwith to his own dominions; where, next day, he would be happy to welcome all visitants.

And good as his word, he commanded his followers to range themselves under the Chamois.  Springing out of our prow, the Upoluan was followed by Jarl; leaving Yillah and Taji to be borne therein toward the sea.

Soon, we were once more afloat; by our side, Media sociably seated; six of his paddlers, perched upon the gunwale, swiftly urging us over the lagoon.

The transition from the grove to the sea was instantaneous.  All seemed a dream.

The place to which we were hastening, being some distance away, as we rounded isle after isle, the extent of the Archipelago grew upon us greatly.

CHAPTER LV Tiffin In A Temple

Upon at last drawing nigh to Odo, its appearance somewhat disappointed me.  A small island, of moderate elevation.

But plumb not the height of the house that feasts you.  The beach was lined with expectant natives, who, lifting the Chamois, carried us up the beach.

Alighting, as they were bearing us along, King Media, designating a canoe-house hard by, ordered our craft to be deposited therein.  This being done, we stepped upon the soil.  It was the first we had pressed in very many days.  It sent a sympathetic thrill through our frames.

Turning his steps inland, Media signed us to follow.

Soon we came to a rude sort of inclosure, fenced in by an imposing wall.  Here a halt was sounded, and in great haste the natives proceeded to throw down a portion of the stones.  This accomplished, we were signed to enter the fortress thus carried by storm.  Upon an artificial mound, opposite the breach, stood a small structure of bamboo, open in front.  Within, was a long pedestal, like a settee, supporting three images, also of wood, and about the size of men; bearing, likewise, a remote resemblance to that species of animated nature.  Before these idols was an altar, and at its base many fine mats.