By this time the breakfast was at an end, and Tera, attended by Miss Arnott, went to her room.
"I'm really sorry you are going to leave us, my dear," said Miss Arnott, in what was almost a penitent tone, "although once, I own, I would have been glad. You know why?"
Tera laughed, and threw a quizzical glance at her.
"We quarrelled over that, didn't we?" she said. "I behaved very badly; and I hurt your ear, didn't I? I am a very wicked girl."
"You are a good girl now, Tera. But, tell me, how came that ear-ring of mine to be found by Zara's body?"
"I think it caught in the fringe of my shawl, Miss Arnott, When I changed dresses with Zara, of course it passed to her. It must have fallen from her dress when the body was removed."
"Well, perhaps that is the explanation, Tera; but the finding of it very nearly got me into trouble. However, we know the truth now, and how wicked Brand has been."
"Wicked, indeed!" said Tera. "I should like you to have heard him say how Tolai could kill me. Ah, when I return to Koiau, Niga shall be punished, and Misi Brand too."
"But he is not at Koiau?"
"No, not yet; but he has run away from England, and I am certain he intends going there to stir up trouble against Buli. Very likely Jack and I may find him there by the time we arrive. If we do----" Tera's eyes flashed, and left no doubt as to her meaning. If Brand proved to be at Koiau, assuredly it did not promise well for him. But a recollection that it was her wedding day banished these savage thoughts from her mind. "I am ready now," she said gaily, "ready for my journey. We must soon say good-bye, Mrs. Johnson."