"That is bad for me," said Jack, thoughtfully. "Buli won't be pleased at my marrying Tera."
"On the contrary," said Johnson, so calmly that it was easily seen how his unreasonable passion for the girl had passed away, "I think Buli will be pleased. He likes the white men, because they can civilize his people. If you go to Koiau with Tera, as her husband. Buli will make you his heir. Then you can civilize the islanders and teach them the blessings of Christianity."
"I'm not much of a hand at religion, Mr. Johnson; but I'll do my best."
"I am sure you will. But to resume. Niga, knowing that Buli intended Tera for his heiress, tried to kill her. But Viara, who is clever and watchful, managed to thwart him. Knowing the girl's danger, I offered to bring her to England with me and have her educated, so that she might be the better able to influence her people for good. Both Buli and Viara accepted the offer, so I brought Tera to England, away from all danger."
"But what has all this to do with Brand?"
"I am coming to that," said the minister, quietly. "The other day, Tolai came here with a message from Viara, from which it appears that Niga, wishing to get Tera out of the way before she could return, induced Brand to come to England and kill her. What he was to have for so wicked a deed I do not know. The plot was betrayed to Viara by one of Niga's wives, and she at once sent Tolai home to tell me and to protect Tera. Also, she made Tolai promise to be as Tera's shadow, in case Brand tried to murder her. Now you know why Tolai has been by Tera's side all these days."
"The scoundrel!" cried Jack. "Then you think that Brand killed Zara in mistake for Tera?"
"I am certain of it. Brand was often in this study, and I have no doubt he stole the curtain-cord with the intention of implicating me in the crime, if possible. On seeing Zara in Tera's dress, he took her for his victim. On strangling her, and finding out his mistake, he no doubt dragged the body into the corn. What makes me so indignant is that Brand, knowing I was innocent, conspired with Slade to accuse me of the murder. He even tried to persuade me to run away; which would have been a tacit admission of guilt. I am thankful," added the minister, "that Tera was not given over to the charge of Brand. He would have murdered her on the way to Koiau, I feel cer---- What is the matter, Finland? Don't swear, I beg."
For Jack was on his feet, making use of language not fit for that respectable study.
"The brute!" he cried. "He was at the skipper the other day to get a free passage to Koiau. Shackel consented; and I have no doubt he intended to sling Tera overboard when we were well out at sea. Where is the skunk, Mr. Johnson? I will wring his neck."