"We have no cause for shame. We do not yield to Tamasese, but
to the invincible strangers." The departing king bequeathed the care of
his country to Mataafa; and when the latter sought to console him with
the commodore's promises, he shook his head, and declared his assurance
that he was going to a life of exile, and perhaps to death. About two
o'clock the meeting broke up; Mataafa returned to the Catholic mission by
the back of the town; and Malietoa proceeded by the beach road to the
German naval hospital, where he was received (as he owns, with perfect
civility) by Brandeis. About three, Becker brought him forth again. As
they went to the wharf, the people wept and clung to their departing
monarch. A boat carried him on board the _Bismarck_, and he vanished
from his countrymen. Yet it was long rumoured that he still lay in the
harbour; and so late as October 7th, a boy, who had been paddling round
the _Carola_, professed to have seen and spoken with him. Here again the
needless mystery affected by the Germans bitterly disserved them. The
uncertainty which thus hung over Laupepa's fate, kept his name
continually in men's mouths. The words of his farewell rang in their
ears: "To all Samoa: On account of my great love to my country and my
great affection to all Samoa, this is the reason that I deliver up my
body to the German government.
Pages:
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80