Note 9 — Introductory material (continued 3)

Lonoikamakahiki again looked, and seeing the strings of a sling hanging he asked: “What is the use of those strings hanging from the wall?” The retainers replied: “They belong to the sling.”9 Lonoikamakahiki again asked: “What is it used for?” The retainers replied: “A stone is placed in the opening in the middle of the sling, then the ends of the strings are brought together and held in the palm of the sling hand; then swing the sling around the head and when you think it time to let go, one of the ends of the string is released which allows the stone to fly out at the same time. Sometimes the stone would fly over forty fathoms, and if a person is struck with it the force would kill the person. It is, however, used as an implement of war.” Lonoikamakahiki then said: “That makes two things of value belonging to my father. Tie it up with the bundle of spears.” Lonoikamakahiki in this manner inquired into the use of all the things kept by his father. He denied the usefulness of everything but two, which two things he had the greatest desire to reserve for his own use.