 reflected as from so many mirrors in
the countenances around him - I could easily discover the nature of those
passions which he sought to arouse. From the frequent recurrence of the words
Nukuheva and Franee (French), and some others with the meaning of which I was
acquainted, he appeared to be rehearsing to his auditors events which had
recently occurred in the neighbouring bays. But how he had gained the knowledge
of these matters, I could not understand, unless it were that he had just come
from Nukuheva - a supposition which his travel-stained appearance not a little
supported. But, if a native of that region, I could not account for his friendly
reception at the hands of the Typees.
    Never, certainly, had I beheld so powerful an exhibition of natural
eloquence as Marnoo displayed during the course of his oration. The grace of the
attitudes into which he threw his flexible figure, the striking gestures of his
naked arms, and above all, the fire which shot from his brilliant eyes, imparted
an effect to the continually changing accents of his voice, of which the most
accomplished orator might have been proud. At one moment reclining sideways upon
the mat, and leaning calmly upon his bended arm, he related circumstantially the
aggressions of the French - their hostile visits to the surrounding bays,
enumerating each one in succession - Happar, Puerka, Nukuheva, Tior, - and then
starting to his feet and precipitating himself forward with clenched hands and a
countenance distorted with passion, he poured out a tide of invectives. Falling
back into an attitude of lofty command, he exhorted the Typees to resist these
encroachments; reminding them, with a fierce glance of exultation, that as yet
the terror of their name had preserved them from attack; and with a scornful
sneer, he sketched in ironical terms the wondrous intrepidity of the French,
who, with five war-canoes and hundreds of men, had not dared to assail the naked
warriors of their valley.
    The effect he produced upon his audience was electric; one and all they
stood regarding him with sparkling eyes and trembling limbs, as though they were
listening to the inspired voice of a prophet.
    But it soon appeared that Marnoo's powers were as versatile as they were
extraordinary. As soon as he had finished his vehement harangue, he threw
himself again upon the mats, and, singling out individuals in the crowd,
addressed them by name, in a sort of bantering style, the humour of which,
though nearly hidden from me, filled the whole assembly with uproarious delight.
    He had a word for everybody; and, turning rapidly
