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"There was a lamp burning dimly in the cabin, and Sipi and I ran to the aid of Solepa, who lay prone upon the floor as if dead. Her dress was torn, and her hands and arms were scratched and bleeding, so that Sipi wept as she leant over her and put water to her lips.
"Almost as she struck Solepa and Sipi stood by me, and together we sprang overboard into the white surf ... Give me some more grog, dear friend of my heart.
For here, by rock and pool on this lonely Austral beach, it is good and sweet for man or boy to be, and, if but in utter idleness, to watch and listen and think. Solepa
"After I had spoken with the lady Solepa I returned to where the man from Nanomaga and his wife were awaiting me. They pressed me to eat and drink, and by and by sent for a young girl to make kava. Ta|pa|! that kava of Ponapé! "The girl who made the kava for us was named Sipi.
As the boats drew near Solepa watched them eagerly, and then began to weep and laugh at the same time when she saw her husband Preston was steering the one which led. She was a good woman. She loved her husband. I was pleased with her, and told her to be of good cheer, for I was sure that Preston and his people would kill Franka and those with him, for as they rowed they made no noise.
I poured some brandy into the cups; we clicked them together and said, "May you be lucky" to each other. Then he told me of Solepa. "There were many whaleships came to anchor in the three harbours of Ponapé in those days. They came there for wood and water and fresh provisions, before they sailed to the cold, icy seas of the south.
Then I said, 'I care not for the money I have lost, but I am eaten up with shame for running away, for my captain was a good captain to me. "This pleased him, for he smiled and said, 'I will try thee. I will make thee boatswain of the schooner, and this girl here shall be servant to my wife. "So Sipi became servant to Solepa, and I was sent on board the schooner to help prepare her for sea.
We went outside to see and listen, and saw that Preston was playing on a pese laakau and Solepa and the captain of my ship were dancing together like as white people dance and two of the other captains were also dancing in the same fashion.
Then after this he again took up the pese laakau and began to play, and my captain and Solepa danced again. Suddenly Franka pushed his way through the others and rudely placed his hand on her arm. "'Come, he said, 'leave this fellow and dance with me.
"'Because of her, I said, pointing to the girl Sipi, who was sitting at the gate with her face covered with the corner of her mat. 'But I am no tafao vale. I am a true man. Give me work on thy ship. "He thought a little while, then he and Solepa talked together, and Solepa bade Sipi come near so that she might talk to her.
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