After losing sight of Kaahlanai, the party of travellers on the Eliza Judd turned their attention to providing themselves with clothing, which would at least be presentable for them to appear in when they should reach America. It was easy enough to fit out Captain Gray, Ahleka and Hans from Captain Harris’ store of clothing, but Mabel, what was she to do for wearing apparel? That was the question. Sheets were made by her deft fingers to serve as under garments, and some brown linen, which had been used to cover chairs and a couple of couches, was turned into a dress that was surprisingly becoming, considering the material used in its construction. Mabel’s preparations to step ashore in San Francisco were completed the day before arriving there.
“Now, Ahleka, how do you like my appearance?” Mabel inquired, after having arrayed herself in her simple garments.
“You always look charming in my eyes,” he replied, “still, I cannot but think that the costume of our country allows more freedom of movement, and on that account it is much more graceful and becoming.”
“Yes, what you say is true and I admit that I hate to put on again the uncomfortable clothes which women wear in my own land.”
“What is that you say Mabel?” broke in Captain Gray. “Do you mean to say that you like the hideous dress of the heathens that we have lived amongst for the past three years?”
“Captain Gray, they are not heathens. Their religion is the true religion. They worship the bestower of all good; they see the beautiful works of God all about them and give him the glory. Their religion is sincerity, purity and love. What more can there be in any religion?”
“You talk it very nicely Mabel, and I presume you believe what you say; it is as well that you do, as you are going to marry Ahleka; but I said, and I meant it too, that I would rather see Etta die than have her marry one of those heathens, and, mourning for my dead child as deeply as I do, I still say that I would rather have her dead than married to Uala or any other beggarly, black-skinned rascal.”
“Captain Gray, your daughter is not dead,” broke in Ahleka. “She has a much happier fate, for, in all likelihood, she is, before this time, happily united to the man of her choice, from whom she would not part at the command of her father.”
“What do you mean, Etta not dead? Do you mean to say that she was not drowned in the sea-cave? Why didn’t you tell me before we left the island, that she might still be alive?” exclaimed Captain Gray.
“Because,” replied Ahleka, “I knew that you would part those two fond hearts which nature had intended for each other.”
“You worthless wretch! how dared you keep it from me, her father? But what better could I expect from you, a fellow of no principle or education, than, trickery or deception.”
“You wrong me, Captain Gray; you never asked me of the possibility of Etta being still alive or I should have felt that I must tell you the truth, however much I disliked to do so. But, as you asked no one the question, none felt called upon to betray to you the probable safety of Etta and Uala, as it would not be keeping faith with those whom we had every reason to wish to aid in their plan of escape.”
“You are an accursed lot and——”
“Captain Gray, how dare you speak so of the people, who for three years, have done everything possible for your comfort and happiness,” exclaimed Mabel. “I left home in your vessel respecting you as my father’s friend, but I never wish to speak again to you, a man who has shown himself dead to all feelings of gratitude, lost to all sense of justice. How can you blame any one for the fact that Etta obeyed the dictates of her conscience and heart?” Having said which, Mabel took Ahleka’s arm and walked rapidly to the other end of the vessel. It was with a feeling of relief that she realized that on the next day they should in all probability reach San Francisco, then she would no longer be thrown in contact with a man so repulsive to her as Captain Gray had become.
It was indeed true, as Ahleka had said, Uala and Etta were not dead. After the first wild plunge into the rushing waters, Uala had pressed on with Etta clasped by one arm, until they came to a large, open space, where the floor of the cave was smooth and raised so that no water reached it; it was, in fact, an immense under-ground cave. After carrying Etta to a place of safety, he threw himself down beside her, showering frantic kisses upon her upturned face. “My little sea queen, you have braved the terrors of the deep, and faced death for my sake. Now, when I feel sure that the vessel has left, we will go back together, to life and happiness See, here are things provided for you to eat,” pointing to a liberal supply of food, which was placed on a ledge of rocks, high out of the reach of the waves, “and here is kapa to keep the delicate limbs of my dear one warm,” saying which he opened a water-tight calabash, from which he took some fine fiber cloth and wrapped about her.
“I came here while the rest were at the village at their supper, and brought these things, so that, if my fair one came here with me, she should at least not suffer from cold or hunger.”
The hours passed unheeded by the happy pair until, finally, Etta dropped into a sweet sleep. When she awoke, Uala, who had remained awake that he might see that no harm befell Etta, said, “I think that, by this time, the sun shines again above us. I will go to the opening of the cave and learn if the ship is still here.”
“Oh Uala, do not leave me here. I was not afraid to come with you, but I am so afraid to stay for one moment without you,” cried Etta, clinging to his arm.
“I shall not leave you for one moment, but do you see those large leaves floating in the water over there? On those leaves, in all likelihood, is a message sent to me by friends above.”
“Do others know of this cave then? Will they not tell my father?” she asked in some alarm.
“No, do not fear. None of my people would betray a friend. But, let us see the message,” saying which he advanced to a place where several large leaves were revolving slowly in the water, being carried about by the whirlpool. Catching hold of a couple of these, he found that it was as he had thought. They each bore a message, written on their smooth surface with the point of a sharp stick.
“See, Etta,” he exclaimed, “it is just as I thought. We are free. Your father has gone. Now we will return to our friends.”
Holding her tightly in his arms, he made a spring into the center of the pool. Instantly they were carried upward by the mad rush of water. In a moment they stood breathless and safe on the rocky beach once more.
“Look Etta, there are our friends who have waited here for our return.” A large body of young people rushed toward them, singing and shouting. They soon covered the dripping pair with garlands of flowers, and bore them away to the village of Howcu, to the home of Allen and Maula, where a grand feast had been prepared for the returning merry makers. The lives of these two were, from that day forth, a dream of happiness.