"Why should you return here where it is my fate to die?
You will live far away in splendour and might.

When I hear of white men driven from the islands, then I shall know that you are alive, and that you remember my words." "I shall always remember," returned Nina, earnestly; "but where is my power, and what can I do ?" "Do not let him look too long in your eyes, nor lay his head on your knees without reminding him that men should fight before they rest.

And if he lingers, give him his kriss yourself and bid him go, as the wife of a mighty prince should do when the enemies are near.

Let him slay the white men that come to us to trade, with prayers on their lips and loaded guns in their hands.

Ah!"-- she ended with a sigh--"they are on every sea, and on every shore; and they are very many!" She swung the bow of the canoe towards the river, but did not let go the gunwale, keeping her hand on it in irresolute thoughtfulness.
Nina put the point of the paddle against the bank, ready to shove off into the stream.
"What is it, mother ?" she asked, in a low voice.