It was this solitude that put it in our minds to hire a house, and
become, for the time being, indwellers of the isle--a practice I
have ever since, when it was possible, adhered to. Mr. Donat
placed us, with that intent, under the convoy of one Taniera
Mahinui, who combined the incongruous characters of catechist and
convict. The reader may smile, but I affirm he was well qualified
for either part. For that of convict, first of all, by a good
substantial felony, such as in all lands casts the perpetrator in
chains and dungeons. Taniera was a man of birth--the chief a while
ago, as he loved to tell, of a district in Anaa of 800 souls. In
an evil hour it occurred to the authorities in Papeete to charge
the chiefs with the collection of the taxes. It is a question if
much were collected; it is certain that nothing was handed on; and
Taniera, who had distinguished himself by a visit to Papeete and
some high living in restaurants, was chosen for the scapegoat. The
reader must understand that not Taniera but the authorities in
Papeete were first in fault. The charge imposed was
disproportioned. I have not yet heard of any Polynesian capable of
such a burden; honest and upright Hawaiians--one in particular, who
was admired even by the whites as an inflexible magistrate--have
stumbled in the narrow path of the trustee. And Taniera, when the
pinch came, scorned to denounce accomplices; others had shared the
spoil, he bore the penalty alone. He was condemned in five years.
The period, when I had the pleasure of his friendship, was not yet
expired; he still drew prison rations, the sole and not unwelcome
reminder of his chains, and, I believe, looked forward to the date
of his enfranchisement with mere alarm. For he had no sense of
shame in the position; complained of nothing but the defective
table of his place of exile; regretted nothing but the fowls and