“I imagine Hilo would be the nearest place.”
“How far is that from where we are?”
“Oh, I’d say roughly seventy-five miles.”
“Any way of getting there, aside from walking?”
“Sure, Tom. I would have to walk inland until I reached the Wamalahoa Highway—that’s the road which circles the island. I know I could rent a car or taxi at Honupo Landing. Not much more than an hour’s drive from there into Hilo.”
“Right. What do you say to this? We’ll put you ashore right now. You get to Hilo. Hire a skin diver and get back here as early tomorrow morning as you can. We’ve got to get back to the Sea Islander right away. How far up the coast is she, Biff?”
“An hour. Maybe a little more. That’s pushing the yawl at full speed.”
“All right. Biff, you row Mr. Mahenili ashore. Li and I will make ready. Get back fast.”
“Aye, aye, sir.” Biff grinned at his father. It was good to have someone else make the decisions for a change. And when Biff’s father went into action, he did so with a snap and precision that commanded respect.
It didn’t take Biff long to set Mr. Mahenili ashore. The dinghy was quickly secured once the boy returned, and the Easy Action headed up coast at full throttle.