What I ask, I demand; and in the dread name of great Alma, who appointed me a guide." And to and fro he strode, groping as he went.
Marking his blindness, whispered Babbalanja to Media, "My lord, methinks this Pani must be a poor guide.

In his journeys inland, his little child leads him; why not, then, take the guide's guide ?" But Pani would not part with the child.
Then said Mohi in a low voice, "My lord Media, though I am no appointed guide; yet, will I undertake to lead you aright over all this island; for I am an old man, and have been here oft by myself; though I can not undertake to conduct you up the peak of Ofo, and to the more secret temples." Then Pani said: "and what mortal may this be, who pretends to thread the labyrinthine wilds of Maramma?
Beware!" "He is one with eyes that see," made answer Babbalanja.
"Follow him not," said Pani, "for he will lead thee astray; no Yillah will he find; and having no warrant as a guide, the curses of Alma will accompany him." Now, this was not altogether without effect; for Pani and his fathers before him had always filled the office of guide.
Nevertheless, Media at last decided, that, this time, Mohi should conduct us; which being communicated to Pani, he desired us to remove from his roof.

So withdrawing to the skirt of a neighboring grove, we lingered awhile, to refresh ourselves for the journey in prospect.
As we here reclined, there came up from the sea-side a party of pilgrims, but newly arrived.
Apprized of their coming, Path and his child went out to meet them; and standing in the path he cried, "I am the appointed guide; in the name of Alma I conduct all pilgrims to the temples." "This must be the worthy Path," said one of the strangers, turning upon the rest.
"Let us take him, then, for our guide," cried they; and all drew near.
But upon accosting him; they were told, that he guided none without recompense.
And now, being informed, that the foremost of the pilgrims was one Divino, a wealthy chief of a distant island, Pani demanded of him his requital.
But the other demurred; and by many soft speeches at length abated the recompense to three promissory cocoanuts, which he covenanted to send Pani at some future day.
The next pilgrim accosted, was a sad-eyed maiden, in decent but scanty raiment; who without seeking to diminish Pani's demands promptly placed in his hands a small hoard of the money of Mardi.
"Take it, holy guide," she said, "it is all I have." But the third pilgrim, one Fanna, a hale matron, in handsome apparel, needed no asking to bestow her goods.

Calling upon her attendants to advance with their burdens, she quickly unrolled them; and wound round and round Pani, fold after fold of the costliest tappas; and filled both his hands with teeth; and his mouth with some savory marmalade; and poured oil upon his head; and knelt and besought of him a blessing.
"From the bottom of my heart I bless thee," said Pani; and still holding her hands exclaimed, "Take example from this woman, oh Divino; and do ye likewise, ye pilgrims all." "Not to-day," said Divino.
"We are not rich, like unto Fauna," said the rest.
Now, the next pilgrim was a very old and miserable man; stone-blind, covered with rags; and supporting his steps with a staff.
"My recompense," said Path.
"Alas! I have naught to give.

Behold my poverty." "I can not see," replied Path; but feeling of his garments, he said, "Thou wouldst deceive me; hast thou not this robe, and this staff ?" "Oh! Merciful Pani, take not my all!" wailed the pilgrim.