“Look,” Alice cried out joyfully; “the sailors are coming to her rescue.” Phil saw a mass of white suddenly encircle the cringing dancers and then face outward toward the crowd. He recognized O’Neil as their leader, and wondered what would happen next.
Klinger was talking excitedly to the count. The latter had ceased to smile. A dark frown was in his face. Then Phil noticed him raise his hand to quell the disturbance. A loud voice of a chief at his side warned all to silence. Slowly the babel died away.
CHAPTER XV
THE “DE FACTO” GOVERNMENT
“Bring the girl to me,” the count commanded.
The angry natives made way for the proud Tapau as she advanced toward the governor. Phil read in their savage glances that this brave girl, if she were left to their mercy, was in great danger.
In front of the count and Commander Tazewell, Avao stopped. Her eyes were cast down, but she held her head high; then making a low bow she bent her knee in sign of submission.
“Will you not sing for King Kataafa?” the count asked kindly. Phil listened eagerly for her answer. The tumult about them was hushed.
“Alii,” Avao answered, “I have sung for the king of Kapua. Panu-Mafili has been declared our king by the chief justice.”
Count Rosen’s face paled, and he bit his lips to suppress his great annoyance and mortification. Klinger’s rough voice behind him was distinctly audible.
“Throw her out. We can get another Tapau leader.”