Kona

Definition and stakes

Portrait of William Le Queux William Le Queux,  The Great White Queen: A Tale of Treasure and Treason

“ Kona, appearing a giant even among his tall Dagombas, gave [273] one the impression in those critical moments of a veritable demon, filled as he was with a mad excitement and knowing that upon the success of our assault depended the result of the expedition. Towering above his fellows, his long spear in hand, he seemed to lead a charmed existence, swaying to and fro among whistling bullets, whizzing arrows, flashing swords and whirring spears. His own weapon he dyed in the blood of his adversaries times without number, for where he struck he never failed to kill. ”
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of Earl Derr Biggers Earl Derr Biggers,  The house without a key (1925)

“ He returned to the lanai. There, under a mosquito netting, was the cot where he preferred to sleep; his dressing-room was near at hand. However, it was too early for bed. He stepped through the door on to the beach. Unmistakable, the soft treacherous breath of the Kona fanned his cheek—the "sick wind" that would pile the breakers high along the coast and blight temporarily this Island paradise. There was no moon, the stars that usually seemed so friendly and so close were now obscured. The black water rolled in like a threat. ”
Source: Gutenberg

Portrait of Charmian London Charmian London,  Our Hawaii (1917)

“ Owing to a stoppage of the blessed Trades the air was enervatingly heavy. For the past month Hawaii has known the same unusual atmospheric conditions that marked our passage. Only a mild south wind blows—the Kona, “the sick wind,” and it does seem to draw the life out of one. We are warned that when a Kona really takes charge, all things that float must look lively. Because this is not the regular season for Konas, old sea-dogs are wagging their heads.
“Do you know what you are?” I quizzed Jack, having outrun him by a word or two in the race for knowledge.
”
Source: Gutenberg

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