declared, that, without charge, this island was free to all."

"What recompense do you desire, old man?" said Media to Path.

"What I seek is but little:--twenty rolls of fine tappa; two score
mats of best upland grass; one canoe-load of bread-fruit and yams; ten
gourds of wine; and forty strings of teeth;--you are a large company,
but my requisitions are small."

"Very small," said Mohi.


"You are extortionate, good Pani," said Media. "And what wants an aged
mortal like you with all these things?"

"I thought superfluities were worthless; nay, sinful," said Babbalanja.

"Is not this your habitation already more than abundantly supplied
with all desirable furnishings?" asked Yoomy.

"I am but a lowly laborer," said the old man, meekly crossing his
arms, "but does not the lowliest laborer ask and receive his reward?
and shall I miss mine?--But I beg charity of none. What I ask, I
demand; and in the dread name of great Alma, who appointed me a
guide." And to and fro he strode, groping as he went.

Marking his blindness, whispered Babbalanja to Media, "My lord,
methinks this Pani must be a poor guide. In his journeys inland, his
little child leads him; why not, then, take the guide's guide?"