Many of the warrior chiefs, as they arose to cool themselves in the icy cold waters of the Vaisaigo, stopped and shook hands with the two officers.
“They seem to think there is a tacit understanding between them and ourselves,” Phil said to Sydney as one chief after shaking hands brought his “fui”[20] to his shoulder as if it were a gun and took aim at an imaginary enemy. “I wonder if there is,” he added thoughtfully. “That chap’s sign language either means you are going to furnish him a gun, or that he and we are going gunning together after the same human game.”
Avao, after being dismissed by her father, at once took Phil and Sydney by the hand, as is the Kapuan custom, and led the lads to the side of the pool.
In a few minutes the deep pool was a lively scene; men and women were jumping one after another from the top of the rock, full thirty feet, into the deep pool below.
After one or two jumps the lads decided that to watch the sport was more interesting than engaging in it. The icy cold water was deliciously refreshing but soon chilled them to the marrow.
“I see the reason for the plentiful use of cocoanut oil,” Sydney chattered as they donned their clothes. “The natives are in the water most of the time, either in the ocean or in one of these mountain streams, and the water flows off them like off a duck’s back. We with our unoiled dry skins get the chill from evaporation.”
“I’d rather have the chill,” Phil replied, shivering to keep Sydney company.
“What is the reason of this meeting, anyway?” Sydney asked. “Has it a meaning?”
“I have an idea,” Phil said, “that Tuamana was displeased with Avao for bringing us. Did you notice that as soon as Alice Lee was led away by her two girl friends, the chief called Avao to him? I think he was laying down the law to her.”
“I think you must be wrong, Phil,” Sydney replied shaking his head. “Every one seemed so glad to see us.”