In this connection, as if the scene had been prepared by a
clever playwright, Utami came upon the veranda to report to Joan the
capture of a crocodile in the trap they had made for her.
Tudor's face, illuminated by the match with which he was lighting his
cigarette, caught Utami's eye, and Utami forgot to report to his
mistress.
"Hello, Tudor," he said, with a familiarity that startled Sheldon.
The Polynesian's hand went out, and Tudor, shaking it, was staring into
his face.
"Who is it?" he asked. "I can't see you."
"Utami."
"And who the dickens is Utami? Where did I ever meet you, my man?"
"You no forget the _Huahine_?" Utami chided. "Last time _Huahine_ sail?"
Tudor gripped the Tahitian's hand a second time and shook it with genuine
heartiness.
"There was only one kanaka who came out of the _Huahine_ that last
voyage, and that kanaka was Joe. The deuce take it, man, I'm glad to see
you, though I never heard your new name before."
"Yes, everybody speak me Joe along the _Huahine_. Utami my name all the
time, just the same."
"But what are you doing here?" Tudor asked, releasing the sailor's hand
and leaning eagerly forward.
"Me sail along Missie Lackalanna her schooner _Miele_. We go Tahiti,
Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora-Bora, Manua, Tutuila, Apia, Savaii, and Fiji
Islands--plenty Fiji Islands.
Pages:
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160