When the dead body was brought to land there was great mourning and wailing. Bocasi was a warrior. He was young and handsome, and his people were proud of him.
The natives could not make up their minds what to do. Now they carried their weapons lowered for peace. Again they strutted about with them raised for war. East, and north, and west canoes could be seen. They were all coming to Suau. From each canoe as it touched the island a band of armed men landed, joined the crowd and added to the tumult. As the twilight fell, Tamate sent out bandages and medicine to the captain, and told him to be ready to sail that night.
A party of natives came rushing to the fence which ran round the bare new built house.
“Come out and fight,” they shouted, “and we will kill you for Bocasi.”
Then a chief came. “You must give payment for Bocasi’s death,” he said.
“Yes, I will give, but remember I have had nothing to do with Bocasi’s death.”
“You must give it now.”
“I cannot. If you will come to-morrow when the big star rises I will give it you.”
The chief went sulkily away.
Soon afterwards a native stole out of the bush. He did not speak angrily nor ask for gifts. He had come on another errand.