"It is a new name in Viti Levu," the Buli grinned. "Of what islands,
villages, or passes may he be chief?"

"He is the chief over all islands, all villages, all passes," John
Starhurst answered solemnly. "He is the Lord over heaven and earth,
and I am come to bring His word to you."

"Has he sent whale teeth?" was the insolent query.

"No, but more precious than whale teeth is the--"

"It is the custom, between chiefs, to send whale teeth," the Buli
interrupted.

"Your chief is either a niggard, or you are a fool, to come
empty-handed into the mountains. Behold, a more generous than you is
before you."

So saying, he showed the whale tooth he had received from Erirola.

Narau groaned.

"It is the whale tooth of Ra Vatu," he whispered to Starhurst. "I
know it well. Now are we undone."

"A gracious thing," the missionary answered, passing his hand through
his long beard and adjusting his glasses. "Ra Vatu has arranged that
we should be well received."

But Narau groaned again, and backed away from the heels he had dogged