第9章
CHAPTERXXIII——AMESSAGEFROMTHEBUSH
NeverhadrunawaysfromBerandebeenmorezealouslyhunted。ThedeedsofGogoomyandhisfellowshadbeenabadexamplefortheonehundredandfiftynewrecruits。Murderhadbeenplanned，agang-
bosshadbeenkilled，andthemurderershadbrokentheircontractsbyfleeingtothebush。Sheldonsawhowimperativeitwastoteachhisnew-caughtcannibalsthatbadexamplesweredisastrousthingstopatternafter，andheurgedSeeleeonnightandday，whilewiththeTahitianshepracticallylivedinthebush，leavingJoaninchargeoftheplantation。TothenorthBoucherdidgoodwork，twiceturningthefugitivesbackwhentheyattemptedtogainthecoast。
Onebyonetheboyswerecaptured。Inthefirstman-drivethroughthemangroveswampSeeleecaughttwo。Circlingaroundtothenorth，athirdwaswoundedinthethighbyBoucher，andthisone，draggingbehindinthechase，waslatergatheredinbySeelee"shunters。Thethreecaptives，heavilyironed，wereexposedeachdayinthecompound，asgoodexamplesofwhathappenedtobadexamples，allfortheedificationofthesevenscoreandtenhalf-wildPoonga-Poongamen。ThentheMinerva，runningpastforTulagi，wassignalledtosendaboat，andthethreeprisonerswerecarriedawaytoprisontoawaittrial。
Fivewerestillatlarge，butescapewasimpossible。Theycouldnotgetdowntothecoast，nordaredtheyventuretoofarinlandforfearofthewildbushmen。Thenoneofthefivecameinvoluntarilyandgavehimselfup，andSheldonlearnedthatGogoomyandtwootherswereallthatwereatlarge。Thereshouldhavebeenafourth，butaccordingtothemanwhohadgivenhimselfup，thefourthmanhadbeenkilledandeaten。Ithadbeenfearofasimilarfatethathaddrivenhimin。HewasaMaluman，fromnorth-westernMalaita，aslikewisehadbeentheonethatwaseaten。
Gogoomy"stwoothercompanionswerefromPortAdams。Asforhimself，theblackdeclaredhispreferenceforgovernmenttrialandpunishmenttobeingeatenbyhiscompanionsinthebush。
"CloseupGogoomykai-kaime，"hesaid。"Myword，menolikeboykai-kaime。"
ThreedayslaterSheldoncaughtoneoftheboys，helplessfromswampfever，andunabletofightorrunaway。OnthesamedaySeeleecaughtthesecondboyinsimilarcondition。Gogoomyaloneremainedatlarge；and，asthepursuitclosedinonhim，heconqueredhisfearofthebushmenandheadedstraightinforthemountainousbackboneoftheisland。SheldonwithfourTahitians，andSeeleewiththirtyofhishunters，followedGogoomy"strailadozenmilesintotheopengrass-lands，andthenSeeleeandhispeoplelostheart。Heconfessedthatneitherhenoranyofhistribehadeverventuredsofarinlandbefore，andhenarrated，forSheldon"sbenefit，mosthorribletalesofthehorriblebushmen。Intheolddays，hesaid，theyhadcrossedthegrasslandsandattackedthesalt-waternatives；butsincethecomingofthewhitementothecoasttheyhadremainedintheirinteriorfastnesses，andnosalt-waternativehadeverseenthemagain。
"Gogoomyhefinishalongthemfellabushmen，"heassuredSheldon。
"Myword，hefinishcloseup，kai-kaialtogether。"
Sotheexpeditionturnedback。Nothingcouldpersuadethecoastnativestoventurefarther，andSheldon，withhisfourTahitians，knewthatitwasmadnesstogoonalone。Sohestoodwaist-deepinthegrassandlookedregretfullyacrosstherollingsavannahandthesoft-swellingfoothillstotheLion"sHead，amassivepeakofrockthatuprearedintotheazurefromthemidmostcentreofGuadalcanar，alandmarkusedforbearingsbyeverycoastingmariner，amountainasyetuntrodbythefootofawhiteman。
Thatnight，afterdinner，SheldonandJoanwereplayingbilliards，whenSatanbarkedinthecompound，andLalaperu，senttosee，broughtbackatiredandtravel-stainednative，whowantedtotalkwiththe"bigfellawhitemarster。"Itwasonlytheman"sinsistencethatprocuredhimadmittanceatsuchanhour。Sheldonwentoutontheverandatoseehim，andatfirstglanceatthegauntfeaturesandwastedbodyofthemanknewthathiserrandwaslikelytoproveimportant。Nevertheless，Sheldondemandedroughly，-
"Whatnameyoucomealonghousebelongmesunhegodown？"
"MeCharley，"themanmutteredapologeticallyandwearily。"MestopalongBinu。"
"Ah，BinuCharley，eh？Well，whatnameyoutalkalongme？Whatplacebigfellamarsteralongwhitemanhestop？"
JoanandSheldontogetherlistenedtothetaleBinuCharleyhadbrought。HedescribedTudor"sexpeditionuptheBalesuna；thedraggingoftheboatsuptherapids；thepassageuptheriverwhereitthreadedthegrass-lands；theinnumerablewashingsofgravelbythewhitemeninsearchofgold；thefirstrollingfoothills；theman-trapsofspear-stakedpitsinthejungletrails；thefirstmeetingwiththebushmen，whohadneverseentobacco，andknewnotthevirtuesofsmoking；theirfriendliness；thedeeperpenetrationoftheinterioraroundtheflanksoftheLion"sHead；thebush-
soresandthefeversofthewhitemen，andtheirmadnessintrustingthebushmen。
"AlleetimeItalkalongwhitefellamarster，"hesaid。"Metalk，"Thatfellabushmanhelook"meyebelonghim。Hesavveetoomuch。
S"posemuskethestopalongyou，thatfellabushmanhetoomuchgoodfriendalongyou。Alleetimehelooksharpeyebelonghim。
S"posemuskethenostopalongyou，myword，thatfellabushmanhechop"moffheadbelongyou。Hekai-kaiyoualtogether。""
Butthepatienceofthebushmenhadexceededthatofthewhitemen。
Theweekshadgoneby，andnoovertactshadbeenattempted。Thebushmenswarmedinthecampinincreasingnumbers，andtheywerealwaysmakingpresentsofyamsandtaro，ofpigandfowl，andofwildfruitsandvegetables。Wheneverthegold-huntersmovedtheircamp，thebushmenvolunteeredtocarrytheluggage。Andthewhitemenwaxedevermorecareless。Theygrewwearyprospecting，andatthesametimecarryingtheirriflesandtheheavycartridge-belts，andthepracticebeganofleavingtheirweaponsbehindthemincamp。
"Itell"mplentyfellawhitemarsterlooksharpeyebelonghim。
Andplentyfellawhitemarstermake"mbiglaughalongme，sayBinuCharleyalleesamepickaninny——myword，theyspeakalongmealleesamepickaninny。"
CamethemorningwhenBinuCharleynoticedthatthewomenandchildrenhaddisappeared。Tudor，atthetime，waslyinginastuporwithfeverinalatecampfivemilesaway，themaincamphavingmovedonthosefivemilesinordertoprospectanoutcropoflikelyquartz。BinuCharleywasmidwaybetweenthetwocampswhentheabsenceofthewomenandchildrenstruckhimassuspicious。
"Myword，"hesaid，"met"inklikehell。HimblackMary，himpickaninny，walkaboutlongwaybigbit。Whatname？Mesavveetoomuchtroublecloseup。Mefrightlikehell。Merun。Myword，merun。"
Tudor，quiteunconscious，wasslungacrosshisshoulder，andcarriedamiledownthetrail。Here，hidingnewtrail，BinuCharleyhadcarriedhimforaquarterofamileintotheheartofthedeepestjungle，andhiddenhiminabigbanyantree。Returningtotrytosavetheriflesandpersonaloutfit，BinuCharleyhadseenapartyofbushmentrottingdownthetrail，andhadhiddeninthebush。Here，andfromthedirectionofthemaincamp，hehadheardtworifleshots。Andthatwasall。Hehadneverseenthewhitemenagain，norhadheventuredneartheiroldcamp。HehadgonebacktoTudor，andhiddenwithhimforaweek，livingonwildfruitsandthefewpigeonsandcockatooshehadbeenabletoshootwithbowandarrow。ThenhehadjourneyeddowntoBerandetobringthenews。Tudor，hesaid，wasverysick，lyingunconsciousfordaysatatime，and，wheninhisrightmind，tooweaktohelphimself。
"Whatnameyounokill"mthatbigfellamarster？"Joandemanded。
"Hehave"mgoodfellamusket，plentycalico，plentytobacco，plentyknife-fee，andtwofellapickaninnymusketshootquick，bang-bang-bang——justlikethat。"
Theblacksmiledcunningly。
"Mesavveetoomuch。S"posemekill"mbigfellamarster，bimebyplentywhitefellamarsterwalkaboutBinucrosslikehell。"Whatnamethisfellowmusket？"thoseplentyfellawhitemarstertalk"malongme。Myword，BinuCharleyfinishaltogether。S"posemekill"mhim，nogoodalongme。Plentywhitefellamarstercrossalongme。S"posemenokill"mhim，bimebyhegivemeplentytobacco，plentycalico，plentyeverythingtoomuch。"
"Thereisonlytheonethingtodo，"SheldonsaidtoJoan。
Shedrummedwithherhandandwaited，whileBinuCharleygazedwearilyatherwithunblinkingeyes。
"I"llstartthefirstthinginthemorning，"Sheldonsaid。
"We"llstart，"shecorrected。"IcangettwiceasmuchoutofmyTahitiansasyoucan，and，besides，onewhiteshouldneverbealoneundersuchcircumstances。"
Heshruggedhisshouldersintoken，notofconsent，butofsurrender，knowingtheuselessnessofattemptingtoarguethequestionwithher，andconsolinghimselfwiththereflectionthatheavenaloneknewwhatadventuresshewasliabletoengageinifleftaloneonBerandeforaweek。Heclappedhishands，andforthenextquarterofanhourthehouse-boyswerekeptbusycarryingmessagestothebarracks。AmanwassenttoBalesunavillagetocommandoldSeelee"simmediatepresence。Aboat"s-crewwasstartedinawhale-boatwithwordforBouchertocomedown。AmmunitionwasissuedtotheTahitians，andthestoreroomoverhauledforafewdays"tinnedprovisions。Viaburiturnedyellowwhentoldthathewastoaccompanytheexpedition，and，toeverybody"ssurprise，Lalaperuvolunteeredtotakehisplace。
Seeleearrived，proudinhisimportancethatthegreatmasterofBerandeshouldsummonhiminthenight-timeforcouncil，andfirminhisrefusaltosteponeinchwithinthedreaddomainofthebushmen。Ashesaid，ifhisopinionhadbeenaskedwhenthegold-
huntersstarted，hewouldhaveforetoldtheirdisastrousend。
Therewasonlyonethingthathappenedtoanyonewhoventuredintothebushmen"sterritory，andthatwasthathewaseaten。Andhewouldfurthersay，withoutbeingasked，thatifSheldonwentupintothebushhewouldbeeatentoo。
Sheldonsentforagang-bossandtoldhimtobringtenofthebiggest，best，andstrongestPoonga-Poongamen。
"Notsalt-waterboys，"Sheldoncautioned，"butbushboys——legbelonghimstrongfellaleg。Boynosavveemusket，nogood。Youbring"mboyshootmusketstrongfella。"
Theyweretenpickedmenthatfiledupontheverandaandstoodintheglareofthelanterns。Theirheavy，muscularlegsadvertisedthattheywerebushmen。Eachclaimedlongexperienceinbush-
fighting，mostofthemshowedscarsofbulletorspear-thrustinproof，andallwerewildforachancetobreakthehumdrummonotonyofplantationlabourbygoingonakillingexpedition。Killingwastheirnaturalvocation，notwood-cutting；andwhiletheywouldnothaveventuredtheGuadalcanarbushalone，withawhitemanlikeSheldonbehindthem，andawhiteMarysuchastheyknewJoantobe，theycouldexpectasafeanddelightfultime。Besides，thegreatmasterhadtoldthemthattheeightgiganticTahitiansweregoingalong。
ThePoonga-Poongavolunteersstoodwithglisteningeyesandgrinningfaces，nakedsavefortheirloin-cloths，andbarbarouslyornamented。Eachworeaflat，turtle-shellringsuspendedthroughhisnose，andeachcarriedaclaypipeinanear-holeorthrustinsideabeadedbicepsarmlet。Apairofmagnificentboartusksgracedthechestofone。Onthechestofanotherhungahugediscofpolishedfossilclam-shell。
"Plentystrongfellafight，"Sheldonwarnedtheminconclusion。
Theygrinnedandshifteddelightedly。
"S"posebushmenkai-kaialongyou？"hequeried。
"Nofear，"answeredtheirspokesman，oneKoogoo，astrapping，thick-lippedEthiopian-lookingman。"S"posePoonga-Poongaboykai-
kaibush-boy？"
Sheldonshookhishead，laughing，anddismissedthem，andwenttooverhaulthedunnage-roomforasmallsheltertentforJoan"suse。
CHAPTERXXIV——INTHEBUSH
ItwasquiteaformidableexpeditionthatdepartedfromBerandeatbreakofdaynextmorninginafleetofcanoesanddinghies。TherewereJoanandSheldon，withBinuCharleyandLalaperu，theeightTahitians，andthetenPoonga-Poongamen，eachproudinthepossessionofabrightandshiningmodernrifle。Inaddition，thereweretwooftheplantationboat"s-crewsofsixmeneach。
These，however，weretogonofartherthanCarli，wherewatertransportationceasedandwheretheyweretowaitwiththeboats。
BoucherremainedbehindinchargeofBerande。
ByeleveninthemorningtheexpeditionarrivedatBinu，aclusteroftwentyhousesontheriverbank。AndfromherethirtyoddBinumenaccompaniedthem，armedwithspearsandarrows，chatteringandgrimacingwithdelightatthewarlikearray。Thelongquietstretchesofrivergavewaytoswifterwater，andprogresswasslowerandmoredogged。TheBalesunagrewshallowaswell，andoftenerweretheloadedboatsbumpedalongandhalf-liftedoverthebottom。Inplacestimber-fallsblockedthepassageofthenarrowstream，andtheboatsandcanoeswereportagedaround。NightbroughtthemtoCarli，andtheyhadthesatisfactionofknowingthattheyhadaccomplishedinonedaywhathadrequiredtwodaysforTudor"sexpedition。
HereatCarli，nextmorning，half-waythroughthegrass-lands，theboat"s-crewswereleft，andwiththemthehordeofBinumen，theboldestofwhichheldonforabaremileandthenranscamperingback。BinuCharley，however，wasatthefore，andledthewayonwardintotherollingfoot-hills，followingthetrailmadebyTudorandhismenweeksbefore。Thatnighttheycampedwellintothehillsanddeepinthetropicjungle。Thethirddayfoundthemontherun-waysofthebushmen——narrowpathsthatcompelledsinglefileandthatturnedandtwistedwithendlessconvolutionsthroughthedenseundergrowth。Forthemostpartitwasasilentforest，lushanddank，whereonlyoccasionallyawood-pigeoncooedorsnow-
whitecockatooslaughedharshlyinlaboriousflight。
Here，inthemid-morning，thefirstcasualtyoccurred。BinuCharleyhaddroppedbehindforatime，andKoogoo，thePoonga-
Poongamanwhohadboastedthathewouldeatthebushmen，wasinthelead。JoanandSheldonheardthetwangingthrumandsawKoogoothrowouthisarms，atthesametimedroppinghisrifle，stumbleforward，andsinkdownonhishandsandknees。Betweenhisnakedshoulders，lowdownandtotheleft，appearedthebone-barbedheadofanarrow。Hehadbeenshotthroughandthrough。Cockedriflessweptthebushwithnervousapprehension。Buttherewasnorustle，nomovement；nothingbutthehumidoppressivesilence。
"Bushmenhenostop，"BinuCharleycalledout，thesoundofhisvoicestartlingmorethanoneofthem。"Alleesamedamnfunnybusiness。ThatfellaKoogoonolook"meyebelonghim。Henosavveelittlebit。"
Koogoo"sarmshadcrumpledunderhim，andhelayquiveringwherehehadfallen。EvenasBinuCharleycametothefrontthestrickenblack"sbreathpassedfromhim，andwithafinalconvulsivestirhelaystill。
"Rightthroughtheheart，"Sheldonsaid，straighteningupfromthestoopingexamination。"Itmusthavebeenatrapofsomesort。"
HenoticedJoan"swhite，tenseface，andthewideeyeswithwhichshestaredatthewreckofwhathadbeenamantheminutebefore。
"Irecruitedthatboymyself，"shesaidinawhisper。"HecamedownoutofthebushatPoonga-PoongaandrightonboardtheMarthaandofferedhimself。AndIwasproud。Hewasmyveryfirstrecruit——"
"Myword!Look"mthatfella，"BinuCharleyinterrupted，brushingasidetheleafywalloftherun-wayandexposingabowsomassivethatnoonebushmancouldhavebentit。
TheBinumantracedoutthemechanicsofthetrap，andexposedthehiddenfibreinthetangledundergrowththatatcontactwithKoogoo"sfoothadreleasedthetautbow。
Theyweredeepintheprimevalforest。Adimtwilightprevailed，fornorandomshaftofsunlightbrokethroughthethickroofofleavesandcreepersoverhead。TheTahitianswereplainlyawedbythesilenceandgloomandmysteryoftheplaceandhappening，buttheyshowedthemselvesdoggedlyunafraid，andwereforpushingon。
ThePoonga-Poongamen，onthecontrary，werenotawed。Theywerebushmenthemselves，andtheywereusedtothissilentwarfare，thoughthedevicesweredifferentfromthoseemployedbythemintheirownbush。MostawedofallwereJoanandSheldon，but，beingwhites，theywerenotsupposedtobesubjecttosuchcommonplaceemotions，andtheirtaskwastocarrythesituationoffwithcarelessbravadoasbefitted"bigfellamarsters"ofthedominantbreed。
BinuCharleytooktheleadastheypushedon，andtrapaftertrapyieldeditssecretlurking-placetohiskeenscrutiny。Thewaywasbesetwithathousandannoyances，chiefestamongwhichwerethorns，cunninglyconcealed，thatpenetratedthebarefeetoftheinvaders。
Once，duringtheafternoon，BinuCharleybarelymissedbeingimpaledinastakedpitthatunderminedthetrail。ThereweretimeswhenallstoodstillandwaitedforhalfanhourormorewhileBinuCharleyprospectedsuspiciouspartsofthetrail。
Sometimeshewascompelledtoleavethetrailandcreepandclimbthroughthejunglesoastoapproachtheman-trapsfrombehind；andononeoccasion，inspiteofhisprecaution，aspring-bowwasdischarged，theflyingarrowbarelyclippingtheshoulderofoneofthewaitingPoonga-Poongaboys。
Whereaslightrun-wayenteredthemainone，SheldonpausedandaskedBinuCharleyifheknewwhereitled。
"Plentybushfellagardenhestopalongthereshortwaylittlebit，"wastheanswer。"Allrightyoulike"mgolook"malong。"
""Walk"measy，"hecautioned，afewminuteslater。"Closeup，thatfellagarden。S"posesomebushfellahestop，wecatch"m。"
Creepingaheadandpeeringintotheclearingforamoment，BinuCharleybeckonedSheldontocomeoncautiously。Joancrouchedbesidehim，andtogethertheypeepedout。Theclearedspacewasfullyhalfanacreinextentandcarefullyfencedagainstthewildpigs。Paw-pawandbanana-treeswerejustripeningtheirfruit，whilebeneathgrewsweetpotatoesandyams。Ononeedgeoftheclearingwasasmallgrasshouse，open-sided，amererain-shelter。
Infrontofit，crouchedonhishamsbeforeafire，wasagauntandbeardedbushman。Thefireseemedtosmokeexcessively，andinthethickofthesmokearounddarkobjecthungsuspended。Thebushmanseemedabsorbedincontemplationofthisobject。
Warningthemnottoshootunlessthemanwassuccessfullyescaping，SheldonbeckonedthePoonga-Poongamenforward。JoansmiledappreciativelytoSheldon。Itwashead-huntersagainsthead-
hunters。Theblackstrodnoiselesslytotheirstations，whichwerearrangedsothattheycouldspringsimultaneouslyintotheopen。
Theirfaceswerekeenandserious，theireyeseloquentwiththeecstasyoflivingthatwasuponthem——forthiswasliving，thisgameoflifeanddeath，andtothemitwastheonlygameamanshouldplay，withaltheyplayeditinlowandcowardlyways，killingfrombehindinthedimforestgloomandrarelycomingoutintotheopen。
Sheldonwhisperedtheword，andthetenrunnersleapedforward——forBinuCharleyranwiththem。Thebushman"skeenearswarnedhim，andhesprangtohisfeet，bowandarrowinhand，thearrowfixedinthenotchandthebowbendingashesprang。Themanheletdriveatdodgedthearrow，andbeforehecouldshootanotherhisenemieswereuponhim。Hewasrolledoverandoveranddraggedtohisfeet，disarmedandhelpless。
"Why，he"sanancientBabylonian!"Joancried，regardinghim。
"He"sanAssyrian，aPhoenician!Lookatthatstraightnose，thatnarrowface，thosehighcheek-bones——andthatslanting，ovalforehead，andthebeard，andtheeyes，too。"
"Andthesnakylocks，"Sheldonlaughed。
Thebushmanwasinmortalfear，ledbyallhistrainingtoexpectnothinglessthandeath；yethedidnotcowerawayfromthem。
Instead，hereturnedtheirlookswithleanself-sufficiency，andfinallycentredhisgazeuponJoan，thefirstwhitewomanhehadeverseen。
"Myword，bushfellakai-kaialongthatfellaboy，"BinuCharleyremarked。
SostolidwashismannerofutterancethatJoanturnedcarelesslytoseewhathadattractedhisattention，andfoundherselffacetofacewithGogoomy。Atleast，itwastheheadofGogoomy——thedarkobjecttheyhadseenhanginginthesmoke。Itwasfresh——thesmoke-curinghadjustbegun——and，savefortheclosedeyes，allthesullenhandsomenessandanimalvirilityoftheboy，asJoanhadknownit，wasstilltobeseeninthemonstrousthingthattwistedanddangledintheeddyingsmoke。
NorwasJoan"shorrorlessenedbytheconductofthePoonga-Poongaboys。Ontheinstanttheyrecognizedthehead，andontheinstantrosetheirwildheartylaughterastheyexplainedtooneanotherinshrillfalsettovoices。Gogoomy"sendwasajoke。Hehadbeenfoiledinhisattempttoescape。Hehadplayedthegameandlost。
Andwhatgreaterjokecouldtherebethanthatthebushmenshouldhaveeatenhim？Itwasthefunniestincidentthathadcomeundertheirnoticeinmanyaday。Andtothemtherewascertainlynothingunusualnorbizarreintheevent。Gogoomyhadcompletedthelife-cycleofthebushman。Hehadtakenheads，andnowhisownheadhadbeentaken。Hehadeatenmen，andnowhehadbeeneatenbymen。
ThePoonga-Poongamen"slaughterdieddown，andtheyregardedthespectaclewithglitteringeyesandgluttonousexpressions。TheTahitians，ontheotherhand，wereshocked，andAdamuAdamwasshakinghisheadslowlyandgruntingforthhisdisgust。Joanwasangry。Herfacewaswhite，butineachcheekwasavividsprayofred。Disgusthadbeendisplacedbywrath，andhermoodwasclearlyvengeful。
Sheldonlaughed。
"It"snothingtobeangryover，"hesaid。"Youmustn"tforgetthathehackedoffKwaque"shead，andthatheateoneofhisowncomradesthatranawaywithhim。Besides，hewasborntoit。Hehasbutbeeneatenoutofthesametroughfromwhichhehimselfhaseaten。"
Joanlookedathimwithlipsthattrembledonthevergeofspeech。
"Anddon"tforget，"Sheldonadded，"thatheisthesonofachief，andthatassureasfatehisPortAdamstribesmenwilltakeawhiteman"sheadinpayment。"
"Itisallsoghastlyridiculous，"Joanfinallysaid。
"And——er——romantic，"hesuggestedslyly。
Shedidnotanswer，andturnedaway；butSheldonknewthattheshafthadgonehome。
"Thatfellaboyhesick，bellybelonghimwalkabout，"BinuCharleysaid，pointingtothePoonga-Poongamanwhoseshoulderhadbeenscratchedbythearrowanhourbefore。
Theboywassittingdownandgroaning，hisarmsclaspinghisbentknees，hisheaddroopedforwardandrollingpainfullybackandforth。Forfearofpoison，Sheldonhadimmediatelyscarifiedthewoundandinjectedpermanganateofpotash；butinspiteoftheprecautiontheshoulderwasswellingrapidly。
"We"lltakehimontowhereTudorislying，"Joansaid。"Thewalkingwillhelptokeepuphiscirculationandscatterthepoison。AdamuAdam，youtakeholdthatboy。Maybehewillwanttosleep。Shakehimup。Ifhesleephedie。"
Theadvancewasmorerapidnow，forBinuCharleyplacedthecaptivebushmaninfrontofhimandmadehimcleartherun-wayoftraps。
Once，atasharpturnwhereaman"sshoulderwouldunavoidablybrushagainstascreenofleaves，thebushmandisplayedgreatcautionashespreadtheleavesasideandexposedtheheadofasharp-pointedspear，sosetthatthecasualpasser-bywouldreceiveattheleastanastyscratch。
"Myword，"saidBinuCharley，"thatfellaspearalleesamedevil-
devil。"
Hetookthespearandwasexaminingitwhensuddenlyhemadeasiftostickitintothebushman。Itwasabitofsimulatedplayfulness，butthebushmansprangbackinevidentfright。
Poisonedtheweaponwasbeyondanydoubt，andthereafterBinuCharleycarrieditthreateninglyattheprisoner"sback。
Thesun，sinkingbehindaloftywesternpeak，broughtonanearlybutlingeringtwilight，andtheexpeditionploddedonthroughtheevilforest——theplaceofmysteryandfear，ofdeathswiftandsilentandhorrible，ofbrutishappetiteanddegradedinstinct，ofhumanlifethatstillwallowedintheprimevalslime，ofsavagerydegenerateandabysmal。Noslightestbreezesblewinthegloomysilence，andtheairwasstaleandhumidandsuffocating。Thesweatpouredunceasinglyfromtheirbodies，andintheirnostrilswastheheavysmellofrottingvegetationandofblackearththatwasa-crawlwithfecundlife。
Theyturnedasidefromtherun-wayataplaceindicatedbyBinuCharley，and，sometimescrawlingonhandsandkneesthroughthedampblackmuck，atothertimescreepingandclimbingthroughthetangledundergrowthadozenfeetfromtheground，theycametoanimmensebanyantree，halfanacreinextent，thatmadeintheinnermostheartofthejungleadenserjungleofitsown。Fromoutofitsblackdepthscamethevoiceofamansinginginacracked，eerievoice。
"Myword，thatbigfellamarsterhenodie!"
Thesingingstopped，andthevoice，faintandweak，calledoutahello。Joananswered，andthenthevoiceexplained。
"I"mnotwandering。Iwasjustsingingtokeepmyspiritsup。
Haveyougotanythingtoeat？"
Afewminutessawtherescuedmanlyingamongblankets，whilefireswerebuilding，waterwasbeingcarried，Joan"stentwasgoingup，andLalaperuwasoverhaulingthepacksandopeningtinsofprovisions。Tudor，havingpulledthroughthefeverandstartedtomend，wasstillfrightfullyweakandverymuchstarved。Sobadlyswollenwashefrommosquito-bitesthathisfacewasunrecognizable，andtheacceptanceofhisidentitywaslargelyamatteroffaith。Joanhadherownointmentsalong，andsheprefacedtheirapplicationbyfomentinghisswollenfeatureswithhotcloths。Sheldon，withaneyetothecampandthepreparationsforthenight，lookedonandfeltthepangsofjealousyateverycontactofherhandswithTudor"sfaceandbody。Somehow，engagedintheirhealingministrations，theynolongerseemedtohimboy"shands，thehandsofJoanwhohadgazedatGogoomy"sheadwithpalecheekssprayedwithangryflame。Thehandswerenowawoman"shands，andSheldongrinnedtohimselfashisfancysuggestedthatsomenighthemustlieoutsidethemosquito-nettinginordertohaveJoanapplysoothingfomentationsinthemorning。
CHAPTERXXV——THEHEAD-HUNTERS
Themorning"sactionhadbeensettledthenightbefore。Tudorwastostaybehindinhisbanyanrefugeandgatherstrengthwhiletheexpeditionproceeded。OnthefarchancethattheymightrescueevenonesolitarysurvivorofTudor"sparty，Joanwasfixedinherdeterminationtopushon；andneitherSheldonnorTudorcouldpersuadehertoremainquietlyatthebanyantreewhileSheldonwentonandsearched。WithTudor，AdamuAdamandArahuweretostopasguards，thelatterTahitianbeingselectedtoremainbecauseofabadfootwhichhadbeenbroughtaboutbysteppingononeofthethornsconcealedbythebushmen。Itwasevidentlyaslowpoison，andnottoostrong，thatthebushmenused，forthewoundedPoonga-Poongamanwasstillalive，andthoughhisswollenshoulderwasenormous，theinflammationhadalreadybeguntogodown。He，too，remainedwithTudor。
BinuCharleyledtheway，byproxy，however，for，bymeansofthepoisonedspear，hedrovethecaptivebushmanahead。Therun-waystillranthroughthedankandrottenjungle，andtheyknewnovillageswouldbeencounteredtillrisinggroundwasgained。Theyploddedon，pantingandsweatinginthehumid，stagnantair。Theywereimmersedinaseaofwanton，prodigalvegetation。Allaboutthemthehuge-rootedtreesblockedtheirfooting，whilecoiledandknottedclimbers，ofthegirthofaman"sarm，werethrownfromloftybranchtoloftybranch，orhungintangledmasseslikesomanymonstroussnakes。Lush-stalkedplants，larger-leavedthanthebodyofaman，exudedasweatymoisturefromalltheirsurfaces。
Hereandthere，banyantrees，likerockyislands，shoulderedasidethestreamingriotofvegetationbetweentheircrowdedcolumns，showingportalsandpassageswhereinalldaylightwaslostandonlymidnightgloomremained。Tree-fernsandmossesandamyriadotherparasiticformsjostledwithgay-colouredfungoidgrowthsforroomtolive，andtheveryatmosphereitselfseemedtoaffordclingingspacetoairyfairycreepers，lightanddelicateasgem-dust，tremulouswithmicroscopicblooms。Pale-goldenandvermilionorchidsflauntedtheirunhealthyblossomsinthegolden，drippingsunshinethatfilteredthroughthemattedroof。Itwasthemysterious，evilforest，acharnelhouseofsilence，whereinnaughtmovedsavestrangetinybirds——thestrangenessofthemmakingthemysterymoreprofound，fortheyflittedonnoiselesswings，emittingneithersongnorchirp，andtheyweremottledwithmorbidcolours，havingalltheseemingoforchids，flyingblossomsofsicknessanddecay。
Hewascaughtbysurprise，fifteenfeetintheairabovethepath，intheforksofamany-branchedtree。Allsawhimashedroppedlikeashadow，nakedasonhisnatalmorn，landingspringilyonhisbentknees，andlikeashadowleapingalongtherun-way。Itwashardforthemtorealizethatitwasaman，forheseemedaweirdjunglespirit，agoblinoftheforest。OnlyBinuCharleywasnotperturbed。Heflunghispoisonedspearovertheheadofthecaptiveattheflittingform。Itwasamightycast，wellintended，buttheshadow，leaping，receivedthespearharmlesslybetweenthelegs，and，trippinguponit，wasflungsprawling。Beforehecouldgetaway，BinuCharleywasuponhim，clutchinghimbyhissnow-
whitehair。Hewasonlyayoungman，andadandyatthat，hisfaceblackenedwithcharcoal，hishairwhitenedwithwood-ashes，withthefreshlyseveredtailofawildpigthrustthroughhisperforatednose，andtwomorethrustthroughhisears。Hisonlyotherornamentwasanecklaceofhumanfinger-bones。Atsightoftheirotherprisonerhechatteredinahighquerulousfalsetto，withpuckeredbrowsandtroubled，wild-animaleyes。Hewasdisposedofalongthemiddleoftheline，oneofthePoonga-Poongamenleadinghimattheendofalengthofbark-rope。
Thetrailbegantoriseoutofthejungle，dippingattimesintofesteringhollowsofunwholesomevegetation，butrisingmoreandmoreoverswelling，unseenhill-slopesorclimbingsteephog-backsandrockyhummockswheretheforestthinnedandbluepatchesofskyappearedoverhead。
"Closeuphestop，"BinuCharleywarnedtheminawhisper。
Evenashespoke，fromhighoverheadcamethedeepresonantboomofavillagedrum。Butthebeatwasslow，therewasnopanicinthesound。Theyweredirectlybeneaththevillage，andtheycouldhearthecrowingofroosters，twowomen"svoicesraisedinbriefdispute，and，once，thecryingofachild。Therun-waynowbecameadeeplywornpath，risingsosteeplythatseveraltimesthepartypausedforbreath。Thepathneverwidened，andinplacesthefeetandtherainsofgenerationshadscouredittillitwassunkentwentyfeetbeneaththesurface。
"Onemanwithariflecouldholditagainstathousand，"SheldonwhisperedtoJoan。"Andtwentymencouldholditwithspearsandarrows。"
Theycameoutonthevillage，situatedonasmall，uplandplateau，grass-covered，andwithonlyoccasionaltrees。Therewasawildchorusofwarningcriesfromthewomen，whoscurriedoutofthegrasshouses，andlikefrightenedquaildivedovertheoppositeedgeoftheclearing，gatheringuptheirbabiesandchildrenastheyran。Atthesametimespearsandarrowsbegantofallamongtheinvaders。AtSheldon"scommand，theTahitiansandPoonga-
Poongamengotintoactionwiththeirrifles。Thespearsandarrowsceased，thelastbushmandisappeared，andthefightwasoveralmostassoonasithadbegun。Ontheirownsidenoonehadbeenhurt，whilehalfadozenbushmenhadbeenkilled。Thesealoneremained，thewoundedhavingbeencarriedoff。TheTahitiansandPoonga-Poongamenhadwarmedupandwereforpursuit，butthisSheldonwouldnotpermit。Tohispleasedsurprise，Joanbackedhimupinthedecision；for，glancingatheronceduringthefiring，hehadseenherwhiteface，likeaglitteringswordinitsfightingintensity，thenostrilsdilated，theeyesbrightandsteadyandshining。
"Poorbrutes，"shesaid。"Theyactonlyaccordingtotheirnatures。Toeattheirkindandtakeheadsisgoodmoralityforthem。"
"Buttheyshouldbetaughtnottotakewhitemen"sheads，"Sheldonargued。
Shenoddedapproval，andsaid，"Ifwefindoneheadwe"llburnthevillage。Hey，you，Charley!Whatfellaplaceheadhestop？"
"S"posehestopalongdevil-devilhouse，"wastheanswer。"Thatbigfellahouse，hedevil-devil。"
Itwasthelargesthouseinthevillage，ambitiouslyornamentedwithfancy-plaitedmatsandking-postscarvedintoobsceneandmonstrousformshalf-humanandhalf-animal。Intoittheywent，intheobscurelightstumblingacrossthesleeping-logsofthevillagebachelorsandknockingtheirheadsagainststringsofweirdvotive-
offerings，driedandshrivelled，thathungfromtheroof-beams。Oneithersidewererudegods，somegrotesquelycarved，othersnomorethanshapelesslogsswathedinrottenandindescribablyfilthymatting。Theairwasmouldyandheavywithdecay，whilestringsoffish-tailsandofhalf-cleaneddogandcrocodileskullsdidnotaddtothewholesomenessoftheplace。
Inthecentre，crouchedbeforeaslow-smokingfire，inthelitteredashesofathousandfires，wasanoldmanwhoblinkedapatheticallyattheinvaders。Hewasextremelyold——sooldthathiswitheredskinhungabouthiminloosefoldsanddidnotlooklikeskin。Hishandswerebonyclaws，hisemaciatedfaceasheerdeath"s-head。
Histask，itseemed，wastotendthefire，andwhileheblinkedatthemheaddedtoitahandfulofdeadandmouldywood。Andhunginthesmoketheyfoundtheobjectoftheirsearch。Joanturnedandstumbledouthastily，deathlysick，reelingintothesunshineandclutchingattheairforsupport。
"Seeifallarethere，"shecalledbackfaintly，andtotteredaimlesslyonforafewsteps，breathingtheairingreatdraughtsandtryingtoforgetthesightshehadseen。
UponSheldonfelltheunpleasanttaskoftallyingtheheads。Theywereallthere，nineofthem，whitemen"sheads，thefacesofwhichhehadbeenfamiliarwithwhentheirownershadcampedinBerandecompoundandsetupthepoling-boats。BinuCharley，hugelyinterested，lentahand，turningtheheadsaroundforidentification，notingthehatchet-strokes，andremarkingthedistortedexpressions。ThePoonga-Poongamengloatedasusual，andasusualtheTahitianswereshockedandangry，severalofthemcursingandmutteringinundertones。SoangrywasMatapuu，thathestrodesuddenlyovertothefire-tenderandkickedhimintheribs，whereupontheoldsavageemittedanappallingsqueal，pig-likeinitswild-animalfear，andfellfacedownwardintheashesandlayquiveringinmomentaryexpectationofdeath。
Otherheads，thoroughlysun-driedandsmoke-cured，werefoundinabundance，but，withtwoexceptions，theyweretheheadsofblacks。
Sothiswasthemannerofhuntingthatwentoninthedarkandevilforest，Sheldonthought，asheregardedthem。Theatmosphereoftheplacewassickening，yethecouldnotforbeartopausebeforeoneofBinuCharley"sfinds。
"MesavveeblackMary，mesavveewhiteMary，"quothBinuCharley。
"MenosavveethatfellaMary。Whatnamebelonghim？"
Sheldonlooked。Ancientandwithered，blackenedbymanyyearsofthesmokeofthedevil-devilhouse，neverthelesstheshrunken，mummy-likefacewasunmistakablyChinese。Howithadcometherewasthemystery。Itwasawoman"shead，andhehadneverheardofaChinesewomaninthehistoryoftheSolomons。Fromtheearshungtwo-inch-longear-rings，andatSheldon"sdirectiontheBinumanrubbedawaytheaccretionsofsmokeanddirt，andfromunderhisfingersappearedthepolishedgreenofjade，thesheenofpearl，andthewarmredofOrientalgold。Theotherhead，equallyancient，wasawhiteman"s，astheheavyblondmoustache，twistedandaskewontheshrivelledupperlip，gavesufficientadvertisement；andSheldonwonderedwhatforgottenbeche-de-merfishermanorsandalwoodtraderhadgonetofurnishthatghastlytrophy。
TellingBinuCharleytoremovetheear-rings，anddirectingthePoonga-Poongamentocarryouttheoldfire-tender，Sheldonclearedthedevil-devilhouseandsetfiretoit。Sooneveryhousewasblazingmerrily，whiletheancientfire-tendersatuprightinthesunshineblinkingatthedestructionofhisvillage。Fromtheheightsabove，wherewereevidentlyothervillages，cametheboomingofdrumsandawildblowingofwar-conchs；butSheldonhaddaredallhecaredtowithhissmallfollowing。Besides，hismissionwasaccomplished。EverymemberofTudor"sexpeditionwasaccountedfor；anditwasalong，darkwayoutofthehead-hunters"
country。Releasingtheirtwoprisoners，wholeapedawaylikestartleddeer，theyplungeddownthesteeppathintothesteamingjungle。
Joan，stillshockedbywhatshehadseen，walkedoninfrontofSheldon，subduedandsilent。Attheendofhalfanhoursheturnedtohimwithawansmileandsaid，-
"Idon"tthinkIcaretovisitthehead-huntersanymore。It"sadventure，Iknow；butthereissuchathingashavingtoomuchofagoodthing。Ridingaroundtheplantationwillhenceforthbegoodenoughforme，orperhapssalvinganotherMartha；butthebushmenofGuadalcanarneedneverworryforfearthatIshallvisitthemagain。Ishallhavenightmaresformonthstocome，IknowIshall。
Ugh!——thehorridbeasts!"
ThatnightfoundthembackincampwithTudor，who，whileimproved，wouldstillhavetobecarrieddownonastretcher。TheswellingofthePoonga-Poongaman"sshoulderwasgoingdownslowly，butArahustilllimpedonhisthorn-poisonedfoot。
TwodayslatertheyrejoinedtheboatsatCarli；andathighnoonofthethirdday，travellingwiththecurrentandshootingtherapids，theexpeditionarrivedatBerande。Joan，withasigh，unbuckledherrevolver-beltandhungitonthenailintheliving-
room，whileSheldon，whohadbeenlurkingaboutforthesheerjoyofseeingherperformthatparticularhome-comingact，sighed，too，withsatisfaction。Butthehome-comingwasnotalljoytohim，forJoansetaboutnursingTudor，andspentmuchtimeontheverandawherehelayinthehammockunderthemosquito-netting。
CHAPTERXXVI——BURNINGDAYLIGHT
ThetendaysofTudor"sconvalescencethatfollowedwerepeacefuldaysonBerande。Theworkoftheplantationwentonlikeclock-
work。WiththecrushingoftheprematureoutbreakofGogoomyandhisfollowing，allinsubordinationseemedtohavevanished。Twentymoreoftheold-timeboys，theirtermofserviceup，werecarriedawaybytheMartha，andthefreshstockoflabour，treatedfairly，wasprovingofexcellentquality。AsSheldonrodeabouttheplantation，acknowledgingtohimselfthecomfortandconvenienceofahorseandwonderingwhyhehadnotthoughtofgettingonehimself，heponderedthevariousimprovementsforwhichJoanwasresponsible——thesplendidPoonga-Poongarecruits；thefruitsandvegetables；theMarthaherself，snatchedfromtheseaforasongandearningmoneyhandoverfistdespiteoldKinross"sslowandsafemethodofrunningher；andBerande，oncemorefinanciallysecure，approachingeachdaynearerthedividend-payingtime，andgrowingeachdayastheblacktoilersclearedthebush，cutthecane-grass，andplantedmorecocoanutpalms。
IntheseandathousandwaysSheldonwasmadeawareofhowmuchhewasindebtedformaterialprosperitytoJoan——totheslender，level-browedgirlwithromanceshiningoutofhergrayeyesandadventureshoutingfromthelong-barrelledColt"sonherhip，whohadlandedonthebeachthatpipinggale，alongwithherstalwartTahitiancrew，andwhohadenteredhisbungalowtohangwithboy"shandsherrevolver-beltandBaden-Powellhatonthenailbythebilliardtable。Heforgotalltheearlyexasperations，rememberingonlyhercharmsandsweetnessesandgloryingmuchinthetraitsheatfirsthaddislikedmost——herboyishnessandadventurousness，herdelighttoswimandriskthesharks，herdesiretogorecruiting，herloveoftheseaandships，hersharpauthoritativewordswhenshelaunchedthewhale-boatand，withfirestickinonehandanddynamite-stickintheother，departedwithherpicturesquecrewtoshootfishintheBalesuna；hersuper-innocentdisdainforthecommonestconventions，herjuvenilejoyinargument，herfluttering，wild-birdloveoffreedomandmadpassionforindependence。Allthishenowloved，andhenolongerdesiredtotameandholdher，thoughtheparadoxwasthewinningofherwithoutthetamingandtheholding。
Thereweretimeswhenhewasdizzywiththoughtofherandloveofher，whenhewouldstophishorseandwithclosedeyespictureherashehadseenherthatfirstday，inthestern-sheetsofthewhale-boat，dashingmadlyintoshoreandmarchingbelligerentlyalonghisverandatoremarkthatitwasprettyhospitalitythislettingstrangerssinkorswiminhisfrontyard。Andasheopenedhiseyesandurgedhishorseonward，hewouldponderforthetenthousandthtimehowpossiblyhewasevertoholdherwhenshewassowildandbird-likethatshewasboundtoflutteroutandawayfromunderhishand。
ItwaspatenttoSheldonthatTudorhadbecomeinterestedinJoan。
Thatconvalescentvisitorpracticallylivedontheveranda，though，whilepreposterouslyweakandshakyinthelegs，hehadforsometimeinsistedoncomingintojointhematthetableatmeals。ThefirstwarningSheldonhadoftheother"sgrowinginterestinthegirlwaswhenTudoreaseddownandfinallyceasedprickinghimwithhishabitualsharpnessofquipandspeech。Thiscessationofverbalsparringwaslikethebreakingoffofdiplomaticrelationsbetweencountriesatthebeginningofwar，and，onceSheldon"ssuspicionswerearoused，hewasnotlonginfindingotherconfirmations。TudortooobviouslyjoyedinJoan"spresence，tooobviouslylaidhimselfouttoamuseandfascinateherwithhisowngloriousandadventurouspersonality。Often，afterhismorningrideovertheplantation，orcominginfromthestoreorfrominspectionofthecopra-drying，Sheldonfoundthepairofthemtogetherontheveranda，Joanlistening，intentandexcited，andTudordeepinsomerecitalofpersonaladventureattheendsoftheearth。
Sheldonnoticed，too，thewayTudorlookedatherandfollowedheraboutwithhiseyes，andinthoseeyeshenotedacertainhungrylook，andonthefaceacertainwistfulexpression；andhewonderedifonhisownfacehecarriedasimilarinvoluntaryadvertisement。
Hewassureofseveralthings:first，thatTudorwasnottherightmanforJoanandcouldnotpossiblymakeherpermanentlyhappy；
next，thatJoanwastoosensibleagirlreallytofallinlovewithamanofsuchsuperficialstamp；and，finally，thatTudorwouldblunderhislove-makingsomehow。Andatthesametime，withtruelover"sanxiety，Sheldonfearedthattheothermightsomehowfailtoblunder，andwinthegirlwithpurelyfortuitousandsuccessfulmeretriciousshow。ButoftheonethingSheldonwassure:Tudorhadnointimateknowledgeofherandwasunawareofhowvitalinherwasherwildnessandloveofindependence。Thatwaswherehewouldblunder——inthecatchingandtheholdingofher。Andthen，inspiteofallhiscertitude，SheldoncouldnotforbearwonderingifhistheoriesofJoanmightnotbewrong，andifTudorwasnotgoingtherightwayaboutafterall。
Thesituationwasveryunsatisfactoryandperplexing。Sheldonplayedthedifficultpartofwaitingandlookingon，whilehisrivaldevotedhimselfenergeticallytoreachingoutandgraspingattheflutteringprize。Then，again，Tudorhadsuchanirritatingwayabouthim。Ithadbecomequiteelusiveandintangible，nowthathehadtacitlysevereddiplomaticrelations；butSheldonsensedwhathedeemedagrowingantagonismandpromptlymagnifieditthroughthejealouslensesofhisownlover"seyes。Theotherwasaninterloper。HedidnotbelongtoBerande，andnowthathewaswellandstrongagainitwastimeforhimtogo。Insteadofwhich，anddespitethecallinginofthemailsteamerboundforSydney，Tudorhadsettledhimselfdowncomfortably，resumedswimming，wentdynamitingfishwithJoan，spenthourswithherhuntingpigeons，trappingcrocodiles，andattargetpracticewithrifleandrevolver。
ButtherewerecertaintraditionsofhospitalitythatpreventedSheldonfrombreathingahintthatitwastimeforhisguesttotakehimselfoff。Andinsimilarfashion，feelingthatitwasnotplayingthegame，hefoughtdownthetemptationtowarnJoan。Hadheknownanything，nottooserious，toTudor"sdetriment，hewouldhavebeenunabletoutterit；buttheworstofitwasthatheknewnothingatallagainsttheman。Thatwastheconfoundedpartofit，andsometimeshewassobaffledandoverwroughtbyhisfeelingsthatheassumedasuper-judicialcalmandassuredhimselfthathisdislikeofTudorwasamatterofunsubstantialprejudiceandjealousy。
Outwardly，hemaintainedacalmandsmilingaspect。Theworkoftheplantationwenton。TheMarthaandtheFlibberty-Gibbetcameandwent，asdidallthemiscellanyofcoastingcraftthatdroppedintowaitforabreezeandhaveagossip，adrinkortwo，andagameofbilliards。Satankeptthecompoundfreeofniggers。
Bouchercamedownregularlyinhiswhale-boattopassSunday。
Twiceaday，atbreakfastanddinner，JoanandSheldonandTudormetamicablyattable，andtheeveningswereasamicablyspentontheveranda。
Andthenithappened。Tudormadehisblunder。NeverdiviningJoan"sflutteringwildness，herblindhatredofrestraintandcompulsion，herabhorrenceofmasterybyanother，andmistakingthewarmthandenthusiasminhereyes(arousedbyhislatesttale)forsomethingtenderandacquiescent，hedrewhertohim，laidaforcibledetainingarmaboutherwaist，andmisapprehendedherfranticrevoltforanexhibitionofmaidenlyreluctance。Itoccurredontheveranda，afterbreakfast，andSheldon，within，ponderingaSydneywholesaler"scatalogueandmakinguphisordersfornextsteamer-day，heardthesharpexclamationofJoan，followedbytheequallysharpimpactofanopenhandagainstacheek。
Jerkingfreefromthearmthatwasalldistastefulcompulsion，JoanhadslappedTudor"sfaceresoundinglyandwithfarmorevimandweightthanwhenshehadcuffedGogoomy。
Sheldonhadhalf-startedup，thencontrolledhimselfandsunkbackinhischair，sothatbythetimeJoanenteredthedoorhiscomposurewasrecovered。Herrightfore-armwasclutchedtightlyinherlefthand，whilethewhitecheeks，centredwiththespotsofflamingred，remindedhimofthetimehehadfirstseenherangry。
"Hehurtmyarm，"sheblurtedout，inreplytohislookofinquiry。
Hesmiledinvoluntarily。Itwassolikeher，soliketheboyshewas，tocomerunningtocomplainofthephysicalhurtwhichhadbeendoneher。Shewascertainlynotawomanversedinthewaysofmanandinthewaysofhandlingman。TheresoundingslapshehadgivenTudorseemedstillechoinginSheldon"sears，andashelookedatthegirlbeforehimcryingoutthatherarmwashurt，hissmilegrewbroader。
Itwasthesmilethatdidit，convictingJoaninherowneyesofthesillinessofhercryandsendingoverherfacethemostamazingblushhehadeverseen。Throat，cheeks，andforeheadflamedwiththerushoftheshamedblood。
"He——he——"sheattemptedtovindicateherdeeperindignation，thenwhirledabruptlyawayandpassedoutthereardooranddownthesteps。
Sheldonsatandmused。Hewasatrifleangry，andthemorehedweltuponthehappeningtheangrierhegrew。IfithadbeenanywomanexceptJoanitwouldhavebeenamusing。ButJoanwasthelastwomanintheworldtoattempttokissforcibly。Thethingsmackedofthebackstairsanyway——asordidlittlecomedyperhaps，buttohavetrieditonJoanwasnothinglessthansacrilege。Themanshouldhavehadbettersense。Then，too，Sheldonwaspersonallyaggrieved。Hehadbeenfilchedofsomethingthathefeltwasalmosthis，andhislover"sjealousywasrampantatthoughtofthisforcedfamiliarity。
ItwaswhileinthismoodthatthescreendoorbangedloudlybehindtheheelsofTudor，whostrodeintotheroomandpausedbeforehim。
Sheldonwasunprepared，thoughitwasveryapparentthattheotherwasfurious。
"Well？"Tudordemandeddefiantly。
AndontheinstantspeechrushedtoSheldon"slips。
"Ihopeyouwon"tattemptanythinglikeitagain，that"sall——
exceptthatIshallbeonlytoohappyanytimetoextendtoyouthecourtesyofmywhale-boat。ItwilllandyouinTulagiinafewhours。"
"Asifthatwouldsettleit，"wastheretort。
"Idon"tunderstand，"Sheldonsaidsimply。
"Thenitisbecauseyoudon"twishtounderstand。"
"StillIdon"tunderstand，"Sheldonsaidinsteady，leveltones。
"Allthatiscleartomeisthatyouareexaggeratingyourownblunderintosomethingserious。"
Tudorgrinnedmaliciouslyandreplied，-
"Itwouldseemthatyouaredoingtheexaggerating，invitingmetoleaveinyourwhale-boat。ItistellingmethatBerandeisnotbigenoughforthepairofus。NowletmetellyouthattheSolomonIslandsisnotbigenoughforthepairofus。Thisthing"sgottobesettledbetweenus，anditmayaswellbesettledrighthereandnow。"
"Icanunderstandyourfire-eatingmannersasbeingnaturaltoyou，"Sheldonwentonwearily，"butwhyyoushouldtrythemonmeiswhatIcan"tcomprehend。Yousurelydon"twanttoquarrelwithme。"
"Icertainlydo。"
"Butwhatinheaven"snamefor？"
Tudorsurveyedhimwithwitheringdisgust。
"Youhaven"tthesoulofalouse。Isupposeanymancouldmakelovetoyourwife——"
"ButIhavenowife，"Sheldoninterrupted。
"Thenyououghttohave。Thesituationisoutrageous。Youmightatleastmarryher，asIamhonourablywillingtodo。"
ForthefirsttimeSheldon"srisingangerboiledover。
"You——"hebeganviolently，thenabruptlycaughtcontrolofhimselfandwentonsoothingly，"you"dbettertakeadrinkandthinkitover。That"smyadvicetoyou。Ofcourse，whenyoudogetcool，aftertalkingtomeinthisfashionyouwon"twanttostayonanylonger，sowhileyou"regettingthatdrinkI"llcalltheboat"s-
crewandlaunchaboat。You"llbeinTulagibyeightthisevening。"
Heturnedtowardthedoor，asiftoputhiswordsintoexecution，buttheothercaughthimbytheshoulderandtwirledhimaround。
"Lookhere，Sheldon，ItoldyoutheSolomonsweretoosmallforthepairofus，andImeantit。"
"IsthatanoffertobuyBerande，lock，stock，andbarrel？"Sheldonqueried。