Then he mounted his little pony and turned its head toward Kulinuu, the seat of government of the uncrowned king, Kataafa.
Arriving at the king’s house, he entered and was ceremoniously received.
Kava was made and all the chiefs were gathered to drink.
Klinger talked for nearly an hour, explaining and directing. Then he rose and bade a ceremonious farewell. Accompanied by several mounted natives he departed, and in the gathering darkness took the trail leading back of Ukula and toward the eastward, while Faleula, where he told Carson he was going, lay in exactly the opposite direction.
CHAPTER VIII
AVAO, TAPAU OF UKULA
The morning following the arrival of the schooner, Phil and Sydney were on deck early. The “Talofa” was still at anchor. The canoe barges were lying alongside the dock at the store of the Kapuan firm. Herzovinian colors were flying on the schooner. Phil had given his friend a full account of the perplexing happenings of the night before.
“If the schooner brought guns where are they now?” Phil asked.
Sydney shook his head. “Ask me something easier,” he replied. “I’m not good at conundrums.”
After morning quarters and drill the midshipmen dressed for a visit ashore. This was only the second day of their arrival and each was full of eager interest to explore. Their shipmates poked much good-natured fun at them for their strenuosity.
“Hitting the beach before lunch?” the doctor inquired with mock gravity. “I’m afraid I’ll have to examine your sanity.”