Tusitala's Friend

Memories Of Donat, Story

Teller Of The Tuamotus

From Our Own Correspondent

Papeete Nov. 1.

TPHOSE who have read Robert Louis * Stevenson’s In The South Seas will remember Donat. Donat it was who had charge of the Government House at Fakarava (Tuamotus) when Stevenson in the Casco came to the island. It was he who did the honour in the absence of the Administrator; established R.L.S. in comfortable quar ters; and became his guide, philosopher and friend during the weeks of his sojourn.

There was a vegetable garden at the Administrator’s house, and from it, every morning, Donat took over a supply for the day to R.L.S. Every evening he was a guest at dinner. After dinner the two would sit on the verandah and Donat would tell tales about the Islands —legends, ghost stories, mythology and native lore —while Stevenson sat listen ing, his eyes shining with interest, until far into the night.

From Donat came most of Steven son’s knowledge of the native mentality and mysticism which give Island Night's Entertainments such accuracy and charm. The “Isle of Voices” in that collection is founded on a legend, which still persists in the Gambier Islands of ghostly footprints on a certain beach made by a multitude invisible to the human eye. And, of course, all the ogres, ghosts and demons of In the South Seas came from Donat’s stories, told at Fakarava.

Donat was an old man when the writer knew him. He was a delightful teller of tales of the old times in the Islands and of the supernatural in native beliefs. The blood of his Poly nesian ancestors was strong within him, and he believed the stories he told of spectres, evil carnivorous spirits, and fiery messengers of The Gods of the Night World that lurk in the ruined Marae (temple).

Donat had known most of the dis tinguished who visited the Islands, for he was learned in French and English, and was an official interpreter and a trusty guide and adviser. But the great adventure of his life was his friendship with Stevenson, which continued until the latter’s death. Donat treasured the letters, presents, and souvenirs of his friend as his most valued possessions, and his memory of Stevenson was that mixture of affection and hero-worship that Tusitala inspired in so many who came in close relationship with him.

There are souvenirs yet remaining of R.L.S.’s brief sojourn in French Oceania. The house where he lived at Tautira, on Tahiti, still stands; and the church of that village cherishes as a priceless possession the silver Com munion pieces Stevenson sent to his friend Oriori, the chief, for presentation to the district chapel.