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"While this exchange of names was going on, an old woman came from the house, and delivered some message to Olla, which from the repetition of the words `poe, poe, I conjectured to be a summons to dinner. Mowno leading the way, we now proceeded towards the dwelling.
Every moment I expected to see Mowno relinquish his opposition; but he remained firm, and at last, with the air of one resolved to put an end to further debate, he said
"Presently Mowno joined us, and I talked with him in regard to the intended burial of the aged woman, his aunt and endeavoured to make him see the act in its true light. But with all his natural amiability, such was the effect of custom and education, that he seemed perfectly insensible on the subject.
We thought, therefore, that our best hope of safety lay in maintaining a firm but quiet attitude, until Mowno, and those disposed to protect us, could make their influence felt in our behalf.
Barton, also, on learning that Rokoa and myself had concluded to go to the village, resolved to accompany us. Mowno was impatient to have us set out at once, and Rokoa having given some directions to the crew, as to their conduct during our absence, we hastily made our preparations, and in a few moments after the matter had been decided upon, the whole party left the shore and entered the forest.
To these councils, Mowno had opposed a determined resistance, and he had finally sent his followers to despatch an old man named Terano, whose death would be considered a general benefit, as he was a notorious and inveterate thief and drunkard, who, when not stupefied with ava, was constantly engaged in desperate broils, or wanton depredations upon the property of his neighbours.
But Rokoa urged our immediate departure, before the arrival of the party which he had seen. Mowno then offered to accompany, and guide us to our boat, which Rokoa firmly declined, on the ground that his presence might endanger him, and, in the excited and determined mood of our enemies, could be no protection to us.
When we were nearest to him in passing, he struck himself violently on the breast, and cried out in a strong but dissonant voice, pointing with his long, skeleton fingers, towards the young chief: `Mowno, son of Maloa, rob not the servant of Oro of a priest's share! so at least, I understood the words which he uttered; but the natives hurried on, without seeming to pay any attention to him."
"`We must try to get to the shore, he said, `there are at present, none to hinder us, but the young men who followed us hither. "`But that demon of a priest, and the rest of his crew, are not far-off, said Barton, `and they will be sure to waylay us. For the present we are safe here; and perhaps Mowno will be able to get us back to our boat without danger.
I determined to watch for an opportunity to converse with Mowno, and discover, if possible, whether the cruel insensibility, implied in countenancing such a practice, could really be concealed beneath so smooth and pleasant an aspect. "Meanwhile, the meal, to which we had been summoned, was spread under the shade trees beside the house.
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