In a few seconds they were in the midst of the school of sharks that had assembled as if by magic, ravenous for the flesh of their dead brother. The captain’s pistol spat lead right and left, and at that short range the effect of the bullets was deadly. In a few minutes five of the sea monsters were dead. But far from being scared off the rest fell furiously upon these, making upward rushes, exposing their huge mouths with their triple rows of needle-like teeth.
Leaving them to their cannibal feast, Anai and his companion were hauled on board and at Muldoon’s special request the body of the brute that had almost caused Billy’s death was taken in tow.
“I’ll make you byes some handsome watch-charms out of his teeth fer remimbrancers,” he promised.
“As if we needed anything to remind us of it,” shuddered Jack.
“Just think, if it hadn’t been for Anai here and Bolabola I’d have been past saving by now,” cried Billy, warmly ringing their hands.
“You may well say that, lad,” agreed the captain. “They saved you from visiting Davy Jones, without a doubt.”
“We your friends. Must save you even if it cost our lives,” said Anai, looking embarrassed.
“Shure an’ thot’s more than many a white man wud say,” approved Muldoon warmly. “Byes, give us yer flippers. Ye may hav’ black skins, but be jabers yer hearts is pure gold entoirely.”
The canoe was taken in tow and the whole party returned to the yacht, where they received more congratulations from the others on board who had watched the whole affair spell-bound with alarm and then with admiration at the Kanaka boys’ brave act. The decks rang with cheers as they came on board, Captain Sparhawk and Jack supporting Billy, who was still white and shaky.
Mr. Jukes’ enthusiasm for Anai and Bolabola knew no bounds. The millionaire wanted them to accept a handful of gold pieces each. But the lads shook their heads. Gold was of little use to them. But other presents which were showered upon them they accepted gladly. There was almost a canoe-full of them, ranging from gaudy neckties to a broken concertina, the latter being presented by Muldoon. It could emit, upon coaxing, a few wheezy notes, and the brown boys appeared to prize it quite above any of their other gifts.