THE PEARL
The company gathered under Farmer Carwell's hospitable roof were naturally amazed at the unexpected appearance of Tera's countryman. Jack, who, of course, had been in Koiau, recognized him at once as one of the smaller chiefs, and came forward to salute him. So pleased was Tolai at being addressed in his native tongue, that he insisted upon rubbing noses with Finland, much to the amusement of Rachel and her father.
"You good man. You savvy me," said Tolai, in his broken English. "I glad see you, Jacky. Tera here, she glad see me."
"I am astonished to see you," said Tera, frowning somewhat. "What has brought you here?"
"Viara--she sent me all-e-same."
"My mother?" said the girl, looking at Tolai anxiously. "Why?"
"Too much devil in Koiau," replied the Polynesian, "no help big chief. Viara, she say you go Misi Johnson. Tolai he no shamed, he go all-e-same, and--dat is----" Here the native's stock of English gave out, and he slid into a long explanation in his own vernacular.
Both Jack and Tera listened attentively.
"What is he talking about?" asked the inspector, curiously.
Tera explained. It seemed that her uncle Niga had revolted against his brother Buli, and there was trouble in the island. Buli wished his followers to become converts to Christianity, whereas Niga, as the head of the heathen party, desired to drive the missionaries from the island. Viara, the wife of Buli and mother of Tera, had sent Tolai to England to see Johnson, and warn him of the difficulties Tera might expect to meet with on her return. Tolai had embarked on a fruit schooner trading to Sydney, and from that port he had worked his way to London before the mast. Buli had given him Shackel's address. Arrived there, the captain's sister, having provided him with money, sent him off to Grimleigh in quest of Johnson. He had been told that Tera, after the trial, had gone on to Carwell's, and thus he had presented himself at the door.