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Fornander collection of Hawaiian antiquities and folk-lore, Volume 2 (of 3)

Note 4 — PREFACE. (continued 2)

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While the two were conversing, the canoe of Keawenuiaumi was seen approaching with its sides glittering, being struck by the sun’s rays while the paddles of the rowers were bathed in light. When Kuapakaa saw the signs as described by his father, he said: “Here comes my master.” “Whereabouts?” “On the outside of us.” Pakaa said, “Hold up your paddle.”4 When this was done, Lapakahoe who was standing up in the king’s canoe saw it and so reported to the king, saying: “Say, there is a small canoe floating there inside of us; some one is holding up a paddle.” Keawenuiaumi then said to the sailing masters: “Point the bow of the canoe for the small canoe; possibly it has a word for us.” The reason why the king said this was because while Pakaa had command of his canoe, it was his custom to make a call on any canoe that made signals of this kind; hence the king being accustomed with this, ordered that the canoe be directed for the small one. When the king’s canoe drew near, Pakaa asked of his son: “Where is the canoe of your master?” The boy replied: “It is here near us.” “Then question your master as to his reason of being here,” said Pakaa. Kuapakaa then called out:

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