“You have been sent for on the word of the high-priest, and with the hope that you might be able to point out a way for the return of Kalaunui to Hawaii. Can you do so?”
“I can speak of no way,” answered the kaula.
“Then you can do nothing?” returned the chief.
“My words were that I could speak of no way, nor can I,” said the kaula; “yet, keeping my own counsel, I might possibly be able to accomplish what you all desire.”
“And will you undertake to do so?” inquired Kaheka.
“Yes, on one condition,” was the prompt reply.
“Well, what do you ask for attempting to save the life of your king?” returned the queen, in a tone of rebuke.
Waahia did not like the spirit of the inquiry, and a scowl darkened her wrinkled face as she replied:
“I might ask that, if the gods willed that I should fail, Kaheka would not charge me with treachery!”
This reference to the treatment of Kualu created a feeling of uneasiness among the chiefs; but, without inviting remark or explanation, the kaula continued: