Sheldon proceeded to arm Joan’s sailors and deal out ammunition and handcuffs. Adamu Adam, with loaded rifle, he placed on guard over the whale-boats. Noa Noah, aided by Matapuu, were instructed to take charge of the working-gangs as fast as they came in, to keep them amused, and to guard against their being stampeded into making a break themselves. The five other Tahitians were to follow Joan and Sheldon on foot.
“I’m glad we unearthed that arsenal the other day,” Sheldon remarked as they rode out of the compound gate.
A hundred yards away they encountered one of the clearing gangs coming in. It was Kwaque’s gang, but Sheldon looked in vain for him.
“What name that fella Kwaque he no stop along you?” he demanded.
A babel of excited voices attempted an answer.
“Shut ’m mouth belong you altogether,” Sheldon commanded.
He spoke roughly, living up to the rôle of the white man who must always be strong and dominant.
“Here, you fella Babatani, you talk ’m mouth belong you.”
Babatani stepped forward in all the pride of one singled out from among his fellows.
“Gogoomy he finish along Kwaque altogether,” was Babatani’s explanation. “He take ’m head b’long him run like hell.”