 Meal -
    Happy Idea of Toby - Journey toward the Valley.
 
Recovering from my astonishment at the beautiful scene before me, I quickly
awakened Toby, and informed him of the discovery I had made. Together we now
repaired to the border of the precipice, and my companion's admiration was equal
to my own. A little reflection, however, abated our surprise at coming so
unexpectedly upon this valley, since the large vales of Happar and Typee, lying
upon this side of Nukuheva, and extending a considerable distance from the sea
toward the interior, must necessarily terminate somewhere about this point.
    The question now was as to which of those two places we were looking down
upon. Toby insisted that it was the abode of the Happars, and I that it was
tenanted by their enemies, the ferocious Typees. To be sure I was not entirely
convinced by my own arguments, but Toby's proposition to descend at once into
the valley, and partake of the hospitality of its inmates, seemed to me to be
risking so much upon the strength of a mere supposition that I resolved to
oppose it until we had more evidence to proceed upon.
    The point was one of vital importance, as the natives of Happar were not
only at peace with Nukuheva, but cultivated with its inhabitants the most
friendly relations, and enjoyed besides a reputation for gentleness and humanity
which led us to expect from them, if not a cordial reception, at least a shelter
during the short period we should remain in their territory.
    On the other hand, the very name of Typee struck a panic into my heart which
I did not attempt to disguise. The thought of voluntarily throwing ourselves
into the hands of these cruel savages, seemed to me an act of mere madness; and
almost equally so the idea of venturing into the valley, uncertain by which of
these two tribes it was inhabited. That the vale at our feet was tenanted by one
of them, was a point that appeared to us past all doubt, since we knew that they
resided in this quarter, although our information did not enlighten us further.
    My companion, however, incapable of resisting the tempting prospect which
the place held out of an abundant supply of food and other means of enjoyment,
still clung to his own inconsiderate view of the subject, nor could all my
reasoning shake it. When I reminded him that it was impossible for either of us
to know anything with certainty, and when I dwelt upon the horrible fate we
should encounter were we rashly to descend into the valley, and discover too
late the error we had committed, he replied
