THE TONGA ISLANDS^ 261 their ultimate escape : her heart being full of gratitude, love and confidence found an easy access. They soon arrived at the rock, he leaped into the water, and she, instructed by him, followed close after : they rose into the cavern, and rested from their fears and their fatigue, partaking of some refreshment which he had brought there for himself, little think- ing, at the time, of the happiness that was in- store for him. Early in the morning he re- turned to Vavaoo to avoid suspicion : but did not fail, in the course of the day, to repair again to the place which held all that was dear to him ; he brought her mats to lie on, the finest gnatoo for a change of dress, the best of food for her support, sandal wood oil, cocoa nuts, and every thing he could think of to ren- der her life as comfortable as possible. He- gave her as much of his company as prudence would allow, and at the most appropriate times, lest the prying eye of curiosity should find out his retreat. He pleaded his tale of love with the most impassioned eloquence, half of which; would have been sufficient to have won her warmest affections, for she owed her life to his prompt and generous exertions at the risk of his own : and how much was he delighted vyhen he heard the confession from her own lips, that she had long regarded bim with ;a
