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And Narü loved me; but because of thee, O Laea, he turned from me, and my heart became cold. For who would give food to my child when it was born the child of a slave whose lover was a chief and who had cast her off? And then there came a vision to me in the night, and I saw the things of which I have told ye, O men of Tetuaroa.
A swift gleam of anger shone in Tanéo's eyes, and his hand grasped his spear tightly. Then he looked steadily at the king's daughter, and answered. 'Nay, no coward am I, Laea. And see, if but a little blood will appease thee, take this spear and slay me. It is better for one to die than many. Stretching out his hand, he gave her his spear. She waved it back sneeringly.
Then, kneeling on the sand she said, 'Draw near to me and listen. Quickly the opposing parties formed a circle around her; before her stood the haughty and angry Laea; behind her, and standing side by side, Tanéo and the grey-haired Tahitian warrior. 'I am Milli, the bond-woman of Mahua, the father of Narü.
On the great stage of the first canoe, which was painted black, was seated Laea, surrounded by her women attendants, who joined in the wild singing whenever the name of their mistress formed the singers' theme.
'Thy lover! and Laea looked contemptuously at the small, slender figure of the slave girl, and then her cheek darkened with rage as she turned to her followers. 'See how this dog of a Narü hath insulted me! Have I come all this way to be fooled for the sake of such a miserable creature as this? and she pointed scornfully to Milli and then spat on the ground. 'Where is this fellow?
A low murmur, half anger, half pity, broke from the assembled people. 'Thou fool! said Laea, pityingly; and then she turned to Tanéo. 'And so thy brother hath died by the hand of a slave? Let us part in peace. Farewell!
A tall, grey-headed old warrior leapt out from the ranks of those that stood behind Laea. 'Thou and I, Tanéo, shall fight till one of us be slain. Suddenly Milli the Slave sprang between them with outstretched arms. 'Peace, peace! Drop thou thy spear, Tanéo, and thou thine, old man. There is no need for blood but mine for Narü is dead.
Must blood run because of the vain and bitter words of a silly woman? Then, with an angry gesture, Laea released her hold of the slave girl's slender wrist, and she, too, held up a warning hand to her warriors. 'True, Tanéo, she said mockingly; 'thy people are as ten to one of mine, as thou sayest, and for this alone dost thou dare insult me. Oh, thou coward, Tanéo!
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