The bronzed arm of Ahleka was now held firmly in Kalui’s left hand, while in his right he held a little instrument resembling a pair of scissors. He quickly cut a piece of quivering flesh from the arm, above the elbow. Ahleka instantly placed his finger over the bleeding wound. Mabel then extended her arm, at the same time averting her head. In an instant the cruel cut was made, and the dark hued circle from Ahleka’s arm was placed in the wound on Mabel’s arm, which was quickly bound about with soft fibre cloth; then, the little white bit of skin was bound on Ahleka’s arm. Thanking Kalui, they retraced their footsteps to the beach. “Now Ahleka, do you doubt my love?” enquired Mabel, as they walked slowly back. “No, I do not doubt you, how could I? but I have a terrible dread of the difference you will see between the young men of your country and myself. They have the advantage of me in education, refinement, in fact in everything.” “Not in everything, and really, but in very few things; not in refinement, surely, for no refinement can be greater than true manliness. You have been taught to be honest, generous, gentle and just, and no amount of education could make you more fit to be loved, trusted and honored than you are. In the knowledge of books, and in the ways of the world beyond your own beautiful island, you are, to be sure, untaught. But that is a little matter; you can soon learn all you need to know of that.” “Is it true that you feel so? But still, I fear that when you see me ridiculed and made light of, on account of my ignorance, your heart will grow cold toward me.” “Never while I live, can that happen, Ahleka. The woman is not worthy the name, who would let the words or actions of others turn her against the man she has promised to love.” Ahleka bent over her and gently touched his lips to her shining hair. “Ah,” said he, “could any man have sweeter proof of woman’s love than you have given to me!” They had, by this time, reached the beach where the sailors from the Eliza Judd and the inhabitants of Kaahlanai were collected. As they approached, Captain Gray addressed them, “The task of supplying the Judd with water is about completed. The captain and part of the crew are going over to the village to have dinner with us. Then before sunset, we will return here, whence we will take the boats for the Judd and at last be on our way home.” CHAPTER XIX. “Now, that you have seen our island-home, what do you think of it?” inquired Mabel of Captain Harris, of the Eliza Judd. “Do you not think it a most delightful place?” “Well, I can’t say as I would like to live here the rest of my days myself; but of course it’s all right for them that like it,” answered Captain Harris. “Oh, it is so lovely here. I cannot imagine a pleasanter place in the world.” “Is that so, now? but all seem mighty glad to go away from it all the same. How do you account for that, young lady?”