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THE SERPENT WOMAN.

round were determined that she should perish, and they would not let the smallest piece of the witch escape destruction; even when a scale popped out of the fire it was thrown in again.

Ruru and his brother went on their journey, and reached their own house, where a feast had been made by their parents to welcome their return. When evening came, the father and mother of Ruru said to him, “You have come back with your brothers, each of whom has obtained a wife, but you alone return unmarried.” The young man said to his mother, “Has anyone been down to the vessel and looked into the cabin which I occupied?” The mother said “No; who would dare to go to your private place without permission?” He replied, “Will you go, then?” So she went, and was so astonished when she opened the door and saw Roa that she shut-to the door and ran back, saying to her husband, “You cannot imagine how beautiful is the girl within the little hut on the canoe.” Her husband said, “Is she a woman of high rank?” She answered, “I did not go in.” They then went together and saw the two women, the bride of Ruru and her servant; but tears were in the eyes of Roa, for she was very weak with hunger, not having been able to bring sufficient food for