[92] Pakikokiko, the scattered taro plants that grow in the water-course. [↑]
CHAPTER XXIV
HIIAKA LEARNS OF THE DEATH OF LOHIAU
With a nice feeling of etiquette, Hiiaka’s hosts allowed the day of her arrival to pass with no inquiry as to the purpose of her visit. But on the morning of the morrow Malae-ha’a-koa asked the question that put himself in sympathetic touch with his guests.
“I have come to escort Lohiau as a lover to the bed of Pele,” said Hiiaka.
“Lohiau has been dead many days,” they both exclaimed. “He took his own life out of a passionate infatuation for one of the Hono-pú[1] women.”
“Let that be as it may,” Hiiaka answered; “I will go and see for myself.”
Now Kahua-nui, the sister of Lohiau, had laid his body to rest in a sepulcher close to her own residence; but on examination the place was found to be empty. It was evident that the body had been spirited away. Hiiaka, turning her gaze to the mountain, discerned a ghostly form standing at the mouth of a cave. It was the ghost of Lohiau. In an effort to soothe and attract him, Hiiaka, with arms extended and face uplifted, in passionate utterance gave vent to her emotions:
Ku’u kane i ka pali o Haena,