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It is a remarkable circumstance that in the Sandwich Islands the chiefs set the example of overturning their idols, and were generally the first to accept the truth. After visiting several places on the coast, Kapoiolani and her attendants, accompanied by Tom and the boys, returned to her village.

A house should be built for them, and a church and schools, and they should be amply provided with food and all things they might require. "We have wealth in abundance," observed Kapoiolani, "and we cannot employ that wealth so well as in supporting those who are working to make known the truth to our perishing fellow-countrymen."

As she drew near, she shouted with a loud voice that she was come to warn the followers of the new faith to be prepared for the fearful punishment she was about to inflict on them for deserting their ancient gods. "You are but a miserable woman, and a wretched impostor!" answered Kapoiolani, in an authoritative tone. "The worshippers of Jehovah are not to be frightened by your foolish threats."

Having watched the eruption for some time, Kapoiolani and her female attendants returned to their hut, while the rest of the party gathered round their camp fires to spend the remainder of the night. After breakfast, having plucked more of the berries and again descended the crater, they proceeded down the mountain.

Having plucked some of the berries, Kapoiolani ate them, and desired her attendants to do the same. "Now watch the lake!" she exclaimed, extending her hand towards it. "Does it rise because we few poor mortals have eaten the fruit which God allows to grow here? No!" she said, lifting her hand, and pointing towards heaven.

Kapoiolani pointed her out to her people, remarking, "If she were a goddess she would not require food; but see, she eats as greedily as any one." The next morning Kapoiolani, who had long resolved to visit the volcano Kilauea, the supposed abode of Pele, was ready to set out.

Tom and the boys wished to accompany him, but he advised them to remain with his wife, telling them that the journey was fatiguing; and as they could not speak the language of the people, they could be of no use, whereas if they remained with Kapoiolani, they might assist her in acquiring a knowledge of English, which she was anxious to do, so that she might read books in that language.

I advise you in the meantime to give up your follies, and to labour industriously for your support." The pretended priestess and her followers appeared very indignant at this; but when Kapoiolani offered them food they gladly partook of it, the priestess of Pele herself joining in the feast.

While some of her attendants were building the hut, Kapoiolani, with old Tom and the boys, and a few other persons, descended the side of the crater, where it sloped sufficiently to enable them to make their way. The scene around was wild and sombre in the extreme.

After many days' journey the base of the mountain was reached. Resting for the night, the next morning at daybreak Kapoiolani and her attendants, aided by long poles, commenced the ascent. Some carried provisions and others materials for building a hut for the accommodation of the chieftainess.