"As this girl was the owner of the pearls," he said, "she had, of course, a perfect right to give them to the accused. As she is here, there is obviously no case of murder. Therefore, on both charges, the accused is discharged. But I feel I must say a few words about this case."
Whereupon, Mr. Benker delivered a lecture upon Tera's wickedness in causing so much trouble by not communicating with her guardian. At this, Tera, afraid of the great chief, as Mr. Benker was in her eyes, began to weep. She upset the magistrate, and upset his dignity. He hastily discharged the prisoner, and ordered the court to be cleared.
When Johnson came out, he looked very grave. He walked up to the girl.
"Bithiah," he said reproachfully, "you have not treated me well."
"I am not Bithiah," replied Tera, her eyes sparkling. "I will call myself by the name Buli gave me. I am sorry if you think I have treated you badly, but it was your own fault. You need not reproach me, Mr. Johnson," she said in lower tones; "I spared you, in my story!"
The minister winced. "I thank you for that. I suppose I have no right to complain," he said bitterly. "You still intend to marry Finland?"
"Of course she does," cried Jack, taking Tera's arm. "Do you think I'm going to let you take her from me now?"
"I have not the power to do so," rejoined the preacher; "but Brother Brand will certainly demand that Tera be given back to him. He has authority from Buli to take charge of her."
"I do not recognize it," cried Tera, fiercely. "I refuse to go with him."
"If Brother Brand comes my way, I'll knock his head off," said Jack, clenching his fist. "Come along, Tera. Let us go back to the schooner."