"He was; but your father, Buli, sent me to England to take charge of you. Therefore, I am your guardian now, and I intend to take you with me back to Koiau on the first ship I can get."
"No," said Tera, loudly, "you shall not. I will not go with you. Soon I am to marry Jack in Bethgamul. Mr. Johnson himself will marry us. Then we shall sail away in the Dayspring from Grimleigh."
"You shall not do that if I can help it," said Brand, sternly.
Tera laughed and snapped her fingers. "I care not," she said. "It was from you and Mr. Johnson I ran away. Now you can do nothing; for Mr. Johnson says I am to marry Jack, and Mr. Carwell is quite pleased. If you come between us, Jack will kill you. You talk big! Poof!"
Brand frowned. He knew very well that he had no real power, and, as Tera phrased it, "talked big." Finland was a determined young fellow, and as he had Johnson and Carwell on his side, it would be difficult to prevent his marrying Tera, in spite of all protest. Then, if Brand returned to Koiau, where was his interest? There was nothing to be gained by stern measures. Tera's position was too strong to be shaken; therefore, Korah, with a smile that sat ill on his rugged face, altered his tone considerably.
"You are a wilful girl, Bithiah, and I suppose you must have your way; but what will Buli say to your taking a white husband?"
"The great chief will be pleased," replied Tera, seriously. "He loves the haolis" (white men), "and with Jack I can do great things in Koiau."
"Let us hope so, child. So Captain Shackel is taking his schooner to the island. I will ask him for a passage."
"Oh yes, Misi. Let us all go. Tolai, Jack, you, and I."
"I forgot Tolai for the moment," said Brand, laying his hand on the man's shoulder. "Bithiah, you can return to Brother Carwell. Rachel is expecting you. Tolai, come with me."