"Niga! He big chief," grunted Tolai, catching the name.
"Too big for his boots, if he wore 'em, sonny. But Tera and I will help Buli to put him straight when we get to the seas of the Lina-manu (albatross). I guess I'll settle down as a Kanaka when I reach Koiau; England's too dull and grey for me. I'll become an 'ofa-manu' (blood brother) of some one, and take up the chieftainship when Buli passes in his checks. Then we'll enjoy ourselves, Tera, my girl: ride on the surf boats when the rollers rise high on the reef, walk in the bush, drink Kava, and take the mid-day sleep, which you can't get here. Oh, we'll have a high old time, you bet, my lass!"
Tolai could not follow all that Jack said. But every now and then, as he caught a native word familiar to him, he grunted approval. Tera laughed loud for very joy at the picture her lover was painting, and put her arms round his neck.
"With you I shall always be happy," she whispered; "and let me tell you something, love. Mr. Johnson has promised to marry us at Bethgamul!"
"The deuce he has! Got over his sickness for you, has he?"
"I think so. At least he will marry us, and then we shall sail with Captain Jacob for our dear land."
"We must get the dollars first, Tera. And the old man won't part."
"I can't get the money from him, Jack. You let me talk to your uncle."
"As you please. But he won't part."
"Oh yes. I will make him."