This Laleela of the sea is, as you know,a
moon-worshipper.
Or is it because with one ear I have listened to
Aaka, whourges me to make an end of you?
Well, who am I to talk ofsuch matters, of which as
a wolf-man I can know nothing?
Then would you go away if you could,
Laleela?
Shelistened, and at length answered that his
sickness had no cure.
So the only thingto do was to run away at once and
hide in the woods.
At length dawn came, a wretched dawn, gray and
verycold, although the rain had ceased.
I will forgive as this gray wolf mother of
mineforgives.
So you, too, desire to wander in the woods, said Wi
suspiciously,and was silent.
Then he finds himself alone, said Laleela. Nor
would he, having sworn that oath, Pag.
Presently he stepped forward and said:You are
right, Laleela, these babes need more care.
Laleela, a woman, has played her part, said
Wi.
Then, before the hilltop is gained, night will
overtake them all,said Laleela.
Only devils couldlook like that and travel about
without women or children. When they had gone, Wi turned to Pag and asked:What shall
we do, Pag? Also he strove to serve Hou in the same way, but seeing himcome, Hou
escaped.
Yes, and let others go with him, that they may hear
more quickly.
They were big boats, each of themholding many men,
hideous-looking and hairy men. As a wifeshe was not jealous of Wi because of the
customs of her people. Had such been his desire, surely hewould have told me, who
speaks to me of no such matters. Then, seizing Laleelaslittle hand, he lifted it to
his thick lips and kissed it.