That same night I met Waylao, as arranged, at the end of the Parade. I did not care to call at her lodgings, for I saw, plain enough, that the Pinks did not believe a word that I said.
Ah! how I recall that meeting, the last time I was to see her for many a weary day. I little dreamed of the tragedy, the awful fate, that was to befall that wretched girl ere we two met again.
It was a lovely night. She looked very pretty as she stood before me, attired in her calico gown. She had taken my hint and dressed as well as possible. And as we stood there beneath the thick palm-trees I admired the red sash that swathed her waist and the small tanned shoes that I had spotted at Pink’s stores and bought for her. She wore no hat, nor did she need one in that terrific heat. Her hair fairly shone, gleaming in the moonlight, as we stood there.
“Waylao, what’s to be done?” I said. Then I continued by saying that I thought that it would be far better for her to attempt to return to her people than to look for help elsewhere. As gently as possible I hinted that I would get a job and so help her to get a passage by one of the trading boats that went almost weekly to Hivaoa and Nuka Hiva.
Pineapple Plantation, Fiji
I recall the very voices of the singing natives that went pattering by on the way to the tribal village just outside of Suva township. The outcast girl looked so wretched as I spoke on that I could not express all that I felt when she still persisted in her mad idea to seek her mother’s relatives.
At length I got her promise to remain at the Pinks’ establishment until I could get information about those relatives of hers.
The next day I went down to Suva Harbour and boarded several ships, for I had it in my mind that if any of the trading vessels were going to the Marquesas, I would send a letter to Father O’Leary. I knew that he would help where others might fail. I also knew that a letter from the old Catholic priest to any of the skippers would get a passage on tick for a girl who was Benbow’s daughter.
I did not like to go back on Waylao, or do anything that she did not approve; but I felt in my heart that I was attempting to do the very best for her.