avenge the cruel and ungrateful crime, but dissembled his purpose; inviting the strangers to visit him at his home on the south end of the island. They agreed to do so, and led by their gigantic host they proceeded to the border of the lake. He resolved to consult the gods by means of two shells which he placed in a certain position, and then left his guests for a short time while he went to instruct his followers where they should secrete themselves in ambush. Going back to the shells, Mokè found that one of them—representing the enemy—had turned upside down; this he joyfully accepted as a token of victory. The guests had meanwhile scattered themselves about the plantations, going where they would and climbing the coco-nut trees for the sake of their fruit. The giant then gave the signal to his followers, who rushing upon the scattered enemy drove them at the point of the spear into the deep swamps and morasses; Mokė with his club striking down all stragglers. The combat ended in the total destruction of the visitors, save one whom the victors allowed to escape to Rarotonga to carry back the fame of the Mangaian giant.
Great was the wailing in Rarotonga on receipt of the news, and a powerful expedition
