It assured him, in the first place, that the danger of his being converted into a stew or a fricassee was not imminent.

He did not forget, however, that the consequences might be perilous if, by any chance, the illusion ceased; for he knew that the greater the height from which a man falls, the less the mercy shown to him when he is down.

As soon, therefore, as the ceremonies had a little relaxed, and Willis was left some freedom of action, Jack went forward, and knelt before him in his turn.
"O sublime Rono," said he, "I know now why your nose has escaped all the rubbings that mine has had to undergo." "Do you ?" said Willis; "glad to hear it, for I am as much in the dark as ever." Jack then related to him the fabulous legend he had just heard.
After a while, Willis shook off his _entourage_ as gently as possible, and succeeded in getting out of the temple.

Accompanied by Jack, he proceeded towards the shore, receiving, as he went, the adoration of the people.

The route was strewn with fruit, cocoa-nuts, and pigs, and the natives were highly delighted when any of their offerings were accepted by the deified Rono.
The islanders appeared mild, docile, and intelligent, notwithstanding the singular delusion that possessed them.