On arriving at the jetty, Tera carried out the programme which she had explained to Rachel. The Dayspring was anchored some distance out stream, so she hired a boat, and made Tolai, who was a brawny Polynesian Samson, carry the precious box of gold to it. Then she handed over the horse and trap to a fisherman she knew, and gave him half-a-crown to take it round to the Anchor Hotel, whence a stable-hand could drive it back to Bethdagon. In making these arrangements Tera displayed considerable mother-wit. She was quick in looking after her own interests.
In ten minutes, more or less, the boat was alongside the Dayspring, and Jack, with considerable amazement, looked over the taffrail. "Hullo, Tera!" he cried, "anything wrong?"
"No. All is right, Jack. Get this box on board, and take it to your cabin at once. Is Captain Jacob here?" she added, as Jack helped her up the side.
"Gone ashore. Do you want to see him?"
"I want to see you. Tolai, come!" she said in native, then slipped again into English. "Take care of the box, Jack."
"Seems a heavy box. What is in it?"
"I will tell you soon," said Tera, wisely, for two or three of the crew were within earshot. "Come to your cabin, my Jack."
The box was carried into the cabin by Tolai. Tera closed the door and looked round.
"We are safe here, are we not?" she asked. "No one will hear?"
"Of course not," replied Finland, somewhat surprised. "What on earth are you driving at?"