“And the king?” he added.
“I have much fine present for him, Lolo.”
“And here, dear old Lolo, we shall stop a year, to load up with sponges, pearl-shell, and pearls.”
“Oh, these the king has in abundance, and will sell. And our boys they shall fishee for you, and dive; bling up the plenty much good shell.”
Then he emitted a startling whoop that would have raised envy in the breast of a Mexican cow-boy.
“I shout,” he explained, “’cause I is too happy to live. Byme-bye, the black men of Vra-fou come here, makee war on us. You help to killee all, all. Then too much plenty good feast.”
The boats and skiffs were soon all dispersed, and the savage warriors went back in peace to their own little grass huts in the clumps of cocoa-nut trees.
Then, when everything was arranged on board the Zingara, a boat was called away, and leaving Archie Webber, the mate, in charge, down the ladder tripped Captain Antonio, Barclay, and Davie Drake.
They had just got seated, and were about to shove off, when on the companion-ladder was heard the pattering of little feet, and next moment in jumped Teenie herself, and seated herself beside Barclay.
“Oh, dearie,” cried Antonio, “I fear I cannot let you come. I fear——”