“We can’t turn back now,” Phil declared. “It would look as if we were afraid.”
O’Neil nodded. “I guess you’re right, Mr. Perry,” the boatswain’s mate replied grimly. He knew from experience the danger in appearing before an army of armed warriors, who have been keyed to the highest pitch of savage excitement.
The three horsemen urged their steeds forward and descended the hill road leading down to the populous town of Saluafata.
CHAPTER XI
HIGH CHIEF KATAAFA
Klinger, after leaving Kataafa and his chiefs at Kulinuu, took the trail leading behind the town of Ukula. He desired if possible to keep his movements secret, although he felt sure that before long it would be unnecessary. The movement of the Kataafa warriors by both land and sea must be seen by the natives of the other faction.
As he gave his pony his head, he dwelt happily upon the success that had so far attended his efforts.
The manager and his native companions stopped at every village en route. They found the warriors collected ready to hear his words. Then after he had ridden on, the entire village made ready to follow afoot or in canoes within the barrier reef.
It was long past midnight before he reached the village of Saluafata. His native companions left him, and he entered a large native house built off by itself overlooking the bay and but a few hundred yards from the beach.
A native woman, comely and dignified in European costume, met him at the door.
“‘Talofa’s’ not in?” he asked in Kapuan.