ABSTRACT
As usual in these Islands, a church was the first and most conspicuous landmark which greeted OUI' eyes in the morning. Abundant groves of cocoa-nuts, for which the place is famous, assured us of a rflfresliing morning draught. The little vessel was anchored off the shore, and our party, jumping into a whale-boat, were quickly and skillfully steered through the slight sud which pours upon the beach. The boat was pulled upon the black sand; and the lady who ,vas of my party found hel'self carl"ied to the land in the stout arms of the captain; while the rest of us watched ol1r chance, and, as the waves receded, leaped ashore, and managed to escape with dry feet. 'I'he sun had not yet risen; the early moming was a little overcast. A few natives, living on the beach, gathered around and watched curiously the landing of OUI' saddles and saddle-bags from the boat; . presently that pushed off, and our little company sat down upon an old spar, and watched the schooner as she hoisted sails
and bore away for her proper port, while we waited for the appearance o'{ a native person of some authority to whom a letter had been directed, requesting him to provide us with horses and a guide to the house of a friend with whom we intended to breakfast. Presently three or four men came gallop.. ing afong the beach, one of whom, a burly Hawaiian, a silver shield on whose jacket announced him a local officer of police, reported that he was at our service with as many horses as we needed.
