Amid rude voices—a beloved light,
Shelley.
Night being close at hand, the rescued party lost no time in leaving the vicinity of the torrent2 of lava3, hoping to find a path which would bring them to the food and shelter which they so greatly needed. Tolta knew he was within the immediate4 territory of Pohaku, and was desirous to meet some of his people, to make sure of his captives, who were now quite as able to exert their wills as to the course they should take, as he his. But they were wholly ignorant of their position, while he began to discern familiar landmarks5. The recent danger which they had all incurred6 and escaped together, occupied the thoughts of Beatriz and Olmedo, more than the outrage7 which had led them into it, so they made no opposition8 to the direction he prepared to take.
This led them at first obliquely9 towards a stream of lava, which was still running at about two miles from them to the northeast. For some time their path was comparatively smooth. But at intervals[188] it was crossed by crevices10 in the earth, some of which were so wide that they were compelled to make long circuits to get round them. The air from them was quivering with heat, and filled with noxious11 gases. Tolta was frequently obliged to leave his companions in order to explore the ground, which became, as they advanced, more and more cut up with chasms13, whose depths the eye often could not reach. Had it not been daylight these fissures14 would have made their present position scarcely less hazardous15 than their confinement16 in the cave, for at every throe of the crater17 they threw out jets of steam, and filled the atmosphere with poisonous fumes18. Once or twice they came upon them so suddenly, that they were obliged to cover their heads with their mantles19, and rush through the vapor21 at full speed. Fortunately they proved to be but puffs22, which required but an instant’s exertion23 to emerge from.
Beatriz had grown so faint and fatigued24 as to be forced often to stop to gather breath and strength. On one of these occasions Tolta had gone farther from them than usual, in search of the path which he hoped to strike, and which led direct to Pohaku’s fortress25. Not finding it, he was returning in another direction, when his progress was stopped by a broad chasm12, which poured forth26 so hot a blast as to singe27 his clothes and crisp his hair, as he heedlessly looked into it. Jumping quickly back, he followed its edge in search of a spot narrow enough for him to leap across. In doing this he came upon the path he had been looking for. It led through[189] low bushes which partly hid it. He was about taking the shortest track back to where he had left Olmedo and Beatriz, when his eye was caught by a human form stretched lifeless upon the ground. Going towards it, to his surprise he recognized one of the warriors28 whom he had sent to capture the three Spaniards. It was plain that he had been stiff and cold for some hours. Not far from him he found the entire party, with the three Spaniards bound and lying on their backs, in the centre of their guards. One by one he felt of them to detect life. There were no signs of external violence on their bodies. Each lay apparently29 as he had fallen asleep. The faces and limbs of some were slightly contracted, showing that they had become conscious of their danger, when powerless to escape. All were dead. They had encamped too near the chasm, and, during the night, by a change of wind, the fatal air had been blown upon them, and they had perished in their dreams to a man.[2]
“Pele balks30 me every way—the foul31 goddess! may she be blasted in her own fires,” muttered Tolta, as he turned in angry mood from the scene. “She leaves me only those I would not sacrifice. I hate the priest, yet I would he might die by other hands than mine. Pshaw! why should I feel tenderness towards that puling monk32! Who so stands between me and Beatriz as he? But while Juan lives I have much to do. This is no sight for[190] Beatriz and Olmedo to see. I will send and get the heads of the Spaniards. In death even they shall be present at the feast which was to have been their sacrifice. May their souls rot in everlasting33 darkness.”
Joining Olmedo and Beatriz, he led them into the path by a course which kept their eyes from the fatal spot. “Hasten,” said he, “we shall shortly find succor34.”
“Beatriz needs it much,” replied Olmedo; “see with what effort she sustains herself.”
“Oh! say not so, Olmedo. I am still equal to any exertion. The hot air made me giddy for a moment, but now the fresh breeze revives me.” But her action belied35 her words, and she would have fallen that moment if Olmedo had not caught her.
“Tolta, you have greatly erred36 in exposing this maiden37 to these dangers. What tempted38 you to such a wrong to one who never gave you offence. The blood, too, of those heathen warriors, does it not lie heavy on your soul? You have made a sad day of it?” said Olmedo to the Mexican, more in grief than in anger, as he helped Beatriz to reach a grassy39 slope on which she could recline.
“Ha, priest! you reproach me with this day’s work! Am I a god to control the volcano? Come with me a few steps, and you shall see from what you have been saved.” He grasped Olmedo’s arm, and led him to the group of the dead. “You and the maiden you love, chaste40 monk,” continued he with artful sarcasm41, “have escaped this. Had I[191] not borne you off, these soldiers would have seized you, and if they had spared Beatriz outrage, it would have been for you all either to have died together, like dogs, poisoned by the gases of the volcano, or they would have carried you as prisoners to their chief, who awaits your arrival even now, to offer you in solemn sacrifice to Pele. He has sworn to exterminate42 you Spaniards, and Kiana’s power will be but smoke before the wind in contact with his. All of you I could not save! Have I reason to love a Spaniard?”
Pointing to the corpses43 of the three seamen44, he added in a seemingly friendly tone, “They have been spared such torture as even we Mexicans, skilled as we are in tormenting45 our enemies, never learned; for Pele’s worshippers are fiends. Reproach me not with their deaths, for it was given to them in mercy. You and the maiden are my benefactors46; for your sakes I will save Juan also, if it be possible. You must go with me. Follow my directions, and you will be safe. No more words now. If you would keep Beatriz from further harm, cease to chafe47 me.”
Returning to where she sat, they again slowly pursued their journey. As Tolta hurried on in advance, Olmedo whispered to Beatriz, “I much fear the Mexican intends evil. I would not wrong him, but I do not like his words, and his eye often gleams as if the evil spirit of his race were aroused within him.”
He did not tell her what he had seen, but merely added, “Watch, and beware of him. He can do[192] us much good or ill. Now we can do but little for ourselves. The blessed mother of God will not desert you, rest assured, my beloved daughter.” Even with his arm about her waist she walked with difficulty, while her head frequently drooped48 heavily upon his shoulder.
“I have no fear, Olmedo, for myself,” she faintly replied. “We have together too often looked upon death to shrink from it now as a stranger. To leave you, would make me indeed sad, but with you,—God forgive me if my heart sins in saying so,—it would be most welcome? But look, who comes here?”
As she spoke49, a crowd of natives, of both sexes, drew nigh from a cross path. They did not see the party until they were close upon them. Tolta was at once recognized, and giving him the customary[193] “Aloha kealii” ‘love to you chief,’ they turned in surprise towards the white strangers. They had heard of the Spaniards, but knowing nothing of Tolta’s expedition, were amazed to find these strange beings in their midst. Forming a circle around them, they gazed curiously50 and timidly at Olmedo and Beatriz, now and then venturing to touch their clothes and feel of their persons, but evidently with no unfriendly intent.
The party was composed chiefly of women and children, who had been enjoying themselves in wild dances. A few young men, hardly beyond boyhood, were with them, but no warriors.
Tolta ordered some to lead the way to their village, while others were sent on in advance to prepare food and lodging51 for the strangers, who he said would be their guests for the night. As they began with alacrity52 to fulfil his orders, a maiden of not above fourteen years, accompanied by a train of her own sex, of more mature age, and who showed her great deference53, came up. As soon as the crowd saw her, they made way submissively for her to approach the whites.
No fawn54 could tread lighter55 than she trod. Every motion was lithe56 and elastic57. Her limbs were full and tapering58, beautifully proportioned, and her flesh soft yet springy. With so few summers she was mature in person, having in this climate attained59 thus early that perfection of physical development, which marks the most seductive period of woman. The fineness of her hands; the tapering fingers and nicely adjusted wrists; the velvet60 softness of her[194] clear olive skin, and through which the blood could be distinctly seen underlying61 it with richer color; and her proud, yet graceful62 carriage, showed that she belonged to the highest rank.
She was indeed one of Nature’s pets. Her face was open and sunny. To one who rigidly63 exacted the fineness of Grecian outline in each feature of the face, some fault might be found with the fulness of the lip and nostril64. But this was so slight that it was lost in the generous loving smile, laughing, sensuous65 eye,—sympathy in the joyful66 and beautiful which sparkled in her countenance67. This, with a consciousness of rank, and a dignity which had never suffered from the passions of rivalry68 and ambition, made Liliha,—for such was the name of the maiden,—a specimen69 of natural loveliness, which the salons70 of civilization might not excel, except in the acquired refinements71 of intellectual life.
She wore on her neck a wreath of rich yellow feathers. Another of gossamer72 lightness, the effect of which was increased by alternate rows of crimson73 feathers, was interwoven with her long dark wavy74 hair. Over her delicately moulded bosom75 was thrown a loose white mantle20, which hid her form as the foam76 conceals77 the wave, but to heighten its beauty.
She was no less surprised than her people at the apparition78 of the whites. Tolta she had heard of as the companion of Pohaku, but had never seen him. “Who is it that gives orders in my presence,” she asked somewhat haughtily79, as she stepped forward.
[195]
Tolta advanced to greet her, and made himself known. Acknowledging his claim to her aid by the tie of allegiance to the supreme80 chief, she coolly repeated his orders, as if through her only they should be given, and then with courteous81 manner turned to Beatriz, took her hand and said, “You are welcome. Come with me; the daughter of Hewahewa will be the friend of the pale maiden.”
Beatriz looked her thanks, and simply said, “My father needs your hospitality too. We will gladly make your home ours until we can return to our own.”
Tolta kept silent. It was dark before the party arrived at the abode82 of Liliha, which was in a considerable village, pleasantly situated83 in the centre of one of the few verdant84 spots to be found in that region. Olmedo was allowed to occupy one of the best houses, where every attention was shown him. Liliha led Beatriz to her own habitation, where she was received with true Hawaiian hospitality. At a signal from their mistress, her waiting women made her up a couch of the finest mats, and before retiring they so refreshed her by their gentle, soothing85 manipulations,[3] by which the pain was drawn[196] out from her wearied limbs, that she was soon able to sleep soundly.
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1
solitude
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| n. 孤独; 独居,荒僻之地,幽静的地方 | |
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torrent
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| n.激流，洪流；爆发，(话语等的)连发 | |
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lava
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| n.熔岩，火山岩 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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landmarks
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| n.陆标( landmark的名词复数 )；目标；（标志重要阶段的）里程碑 ~ (in sth)；有历史意义的建筑物（或遗址） | |
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incurred
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| [医]招致的，遭受的； incur的过去式 | |
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outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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obliquely
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| adv.斜； 倾斜； 间接； 不光明正大 | |
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crevices
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| n.（尤指岩石的）裂缝，缺口( crevice的名词复数 ) | |
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noxious
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| adj.有害的，有毒的；使道德败坏的，讨厌的 | |
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chasm
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| n.深坑，断层，裂口，大分岐，利害冲突 | |
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chasms
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| 裂缝( chasm的名词复数 )； 裂口； 分歧； 差别 | |
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fissures
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| n.狭长裂缝或裂隙( fissure的名词复数 )；裂伤；分歧；分裂v.裂开( fissure的第三人称单数 ) | |
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15
hazardous
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| adj.(有)危险的，冒险的；碰运气的 | |
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confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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crater
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| n.火山口，弹坑 | |
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fumes
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| n.(强烈而刺激的)气味，气体 | |
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mantles
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| vt.&vi.覆盖（mantle的第三人称单数形式） | |
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mantle
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| n.斗篷，覆罩之物，罩子；v.罩住，覆盖，脸红 | |
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vapor
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| n.蒸汽，雾气 | |
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puffs
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| n.吸( puff的名词复数 )；（烟斗或香烟的）一吸；一缕（烟、蒸汽等）；（呼吸或风的）呼v.使喷出( puff的第三人称单数 )；喷着汽（或烟）移动；吹嘘；吹捧 | |
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exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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singe
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| v.(轻微地)烧焦；烫焦；烤焦 | |
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warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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balks
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| v.畏缩不前，犹豫( balk的第三人称单数 )；（指马）不肯跑 | |
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31
foul
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| adj.污秽的；邪恶的；v.弄脏；妨害；犯规；n.犯规 | |
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monk
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| n.和尚，僧侣，修道士 | |
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everlasting
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| adj.永恒的，持久的，无止境的 | |
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succor
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| n.援助，帮助；v.给予帮助 | |
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belied
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| v.掩饰( belie的过去式和过去分词 )；证明（或显示）…为虚假；辜负；就…扯谎 | |
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erred
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| 犯错误，做错事( err的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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maiden
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| n.少女，处女；adj.未婚的，纯洁的，无经验的 | |
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tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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39
grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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chaste
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| adj.贞洁的；有道德的；善良的；简朴的 | |
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41
sarcasm
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| n.讥讽，讽刺，嘲弄，反话 （adj.sarcastic） | |
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42
exterminate
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| v.扑灭，消灭，根绝 | |
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43
corpses
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| n.死尸，尸体( corpse的名词复数 ) | |
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44
seamen
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| n.海员 | |
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45
tormenting
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| 使痛苦的，使苦恼的 | |
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46
benefactors
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| n.捐助者，施主( benefactor的名词复数 )；恩人 | |
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47
chafe
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| v.擦伤；冲洗；惹怒 | |
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48
drooped
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| 弯曲或下垂，发蔫( droop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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49
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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50
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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51
lodging
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| n.寄宿，住所；(大学生的)校外宿舍 | |
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52
alacrity
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| n.敏捷，轻快，乐意 | |
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53
deference
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| n.尊重，顺从；敬意 | |
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54
fawn
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| n.未满周岁的小鹿；v.巴结，奉承 | |
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55
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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56
lithe
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| adj.(指人、身体)柔软的，易弯的 | |
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57
elastic
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| n.橡皮圈，松紧带；adj.有弹性的；灵活的 | |
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58
tapering
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| adj.尖端细的 | |
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59
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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60
velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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61
underlying
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| adj.在下面的，含蓄的，潜在的 | |
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62
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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rigidly
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| adv.刻板地，僵化地 | |
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64
nostril
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| n.鼻孔 | |
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65
sensuous
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| adj.激发美感的；感官的，感觉上的 | |
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66
joyful
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| adj.欢乐的，令人欢欣的 | |
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67
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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68
rivalry
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| n.竞争，竞赛，对抗 | |
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69
specimen
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| n.样本，标本 | |
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70
salons
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| n.（营业性质的）店( salon的名词复数 )；厅；沙龙（旧时在上流社会女主人家的例行聚会或聚会场所）；（大宅中的）客厅 | |
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71
refinements
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| n.（生活）风雅；精炼( refinement的名词复数 )；改良品；细微的改良；优雅或高贵的动作 | |
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gossamer
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| n.薄纱，游丝 | |
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73
crimson
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| n./adj.深(绯)红色(的)；vi.脸变绯红色 | |
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74
wavy
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| adj.有波浪的，多浪的，波浪状的，波动的，不稳定的 | |
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75
bosom
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| n.胸，胸部；胸怀；内心；adj.亲密的 | |
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76
foam
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| v./n.泡沫，起泡沫 | |
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77
conceals
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| v.隐藏，隐瞒，遮住( conceal的第三人称单数 ) | |
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78
apparition
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| n.幽灵，神奇的现象 | |
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79
haughtily
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| adv. 傲慢地, 高傲地 | |
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80
supreme
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| adj.极度的，最重要的；至高的，最高的 | |
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81
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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84
verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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soothing
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| adj.慰藉的；使人宽心的；镇静的 | |
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