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discovered, and to the dismay of all it was found to be a certainty that fire, which had been carefully kept alive and fed from one home to another, had disappeared from the haunts of men. Maui resolved upon finding out the secret how fire could be kindled afresh, so he enquired from his parents as to the direction he should take to approach the domains of the Fire-goddess. The way was pointed out to him, a path leading down into the bowels of the earth. His mother added, “Pray do not begin your cunning tricks with the old goddess, because she is an ancestress of yours, and is very fierce if angered.” Maui promised, and set out on his visit to Mahu, the deity of fire. When he had arrived at the place where she dwelt, Maui said to her, “Ancient lady, I pray you to tell me the secret of fire and wherein the fire dwells.” The goddess answered, “What mortal is this that dares to visit me and ask for favours?” Maui replied, “I am your grandchild.” Then Mahu consented to his request, and pulled out one of her finger nails. Flash! forth leapt a stream of fire. Maui thought that was a most wonderful thing; taking some of the fire with him he went outside a short distance away and extinguished the flame, putting it quite out so that no spark was left. Return-