MYSTERIOUS
There was a little old man of a most hideous aspect living in Tamai,
who, in a coarse mantle of tappa, went about the village, dancing, and
singing, and making faces. He followed us about wherever we went; and,
when unobserved by others, plucked at our garments, making frightful
signs for us to go along with him somewhere, and see something.
It was in vain that we tried to get rid of him. Kicks and cuffs, even,
were at last resorted to; but, though he howled like one possessed, he
would not go away, but still haunted us. At last, we conjured the
natives to rid us of him; but they only laughed; so we were forced to
endure the dispensation as well as we could.
On the fourth night of our visit, returning home late from paying a few
calls through the village, we turned a dark corner of trees, and came
full upon our goblin friend: as usual, chattering, and motioning with
his hands. The doctor, venting a curse, hurried forward; but, from some
impulse or other, I stood my ground, resolved to find out what this
unaccountable object wanted of us. Seeing me pause, he crept close up
to me, peered into my face, and then retreated, beckoning me to follow;
which I did.
In a few moments the village was behind us; and with my guide in
advance, I found myself in the shadow of the heights overlooking the
farther side of the valley. Here my guide paused until I came up with
him; when, side by side, and without speaking, we ascended the hill.
Presently, we came to a wretched hut, barely distinguishable in the
shade cast by the neighbouring trees. Pushing aside a rude sliding
door, held together with thongs, the goblin signed me to enter. Within,
it looked dark as pitch; so I gave him to understand that he must
strike a light, and go in before me. Without replying, he disappeared
in the darkness; and, after groping about, I heard two sticks rubbing
together, and directly saw a spark. A native taper was then lighted,
and I stooped, and entered.
It was a mere kennel. Foul old mats, and broken cocoa-nut shells, and
calabashes were strewn about the floor of earth; and overhead I caught
glimpses of the stars through chinks in the roof. Here and there the
thatch had fallen through, and hung down in wisps.
I now told him to set about what he was going to do, or produce
whatever he had to show without delay. Looking round fearfully, as if
dreading a surprise, he commenced turning over and over the rubbish in
one corner. At last, he clutched a calabash, stained black, and with
the neck broken off; on one side of it was a large hole. Something
seemed to be stuffed away in the vessel; and after a deal of poking at
the aperture, a musty old pair of sailor trousers was drawn forth; and,
holding them up eagerly, he inquired how many pieces of tobacco I would
give for them.
Without replying, I hurried away; the old man chasing me, and shouting
as I ran, until I gained the village. Here I dodged him, and made my
way home, resolved never to disclose so inglorious an adventure.
To no purpose, the next morning, my comrade besought me to enlighten
him; I preserved a mysterious silence.
The occurrence served me a good turn, however, so long as we abode in
Tamai; for the old clothesman never afterwards troubled me; but forever
haunted the doctor, who, in vain, supplicated Heaven to be delivered
from him.