these wars; you are doing wrong, and some day you will be killed.' Now
these were good words, but of what use are good words to an evil heart?

"So we pair sat talking and smoking, and the girl Sipi made us more
kava, and then again sat by my side and leant her face against my
shoulder, and presently we heard the sounds of music and singing from
the big house. We went outside to see and listen, and saw that Preston
was playing on a _pese laakau_[9] and Solepa and the captain of my ship
were dancing together--like as white people dance--and two of the other
captains were also dancing in the same fashion. All round the room were
seated many of the high chiefs of Ponapé with their wives, dressed very
finely, and at one end of the room stood a long table covered with a
white cloth, on which was laid food of all kinds and wine and grog to
drink--just as you would see in your own country when a rich man gives a
feast. Presently as we looked, we saw Franka walk into the room from a
side door and look about. His face was flushed, and he staggered
slightly in his steps. He went over to the table and poured out some
grog, and then beckoned to Preston to come and drink with him, but
Preston smiled and shook his head. How could he go when he was making
the music? Then Franka struck his clenched fist on the table in anger,
and went over to Preston, just as the dancers had stopped.

"'Why will ye not drink with me?' he said in a loud voice so that all
heard him. 'Art thou too great a man to drink with me again?'

"'Nay,' answered the other jestingly and taking no heed of Franka's rude
voice and angry eyes, 'not so great that I cannot drink with all my
friends tonight, be they white or brown,' and so saying he bade every
one in the room come to the great table with him and drink _manuia_ to
him and his young wife.