so faithfully.

"Ra Vatu is soon to become Lotu," Starhurst explained, "and I have
come bringing the Lotu to you."

"I want none of your Lotu," said the Buli, proudly. "And it is in my
mind that you will be clubbed this day."

The Buli nodded to one of his big mountaineers, who stepped forward,
swinging a club. Narau bolted into the nearest house, seeking to hide
among the woman and mats; but John Starhurst sprang in under the club
and threw his arms around his executioner's neck. From this point of
vantage he proceeded to argue. He was arguing for his life, and he
knew it; but he was neither excited nor afraid.

"It would be an evil thing for you to kill me," he told the man. "I
have done you no wrong, nor have I done the Buli wrong."

So well did he cling to the neck of the one man that they dared not
strike with their clubs. And he continued to cling and to dispute for
his life with those who clamored for his death.

"I am John Starhurst," he went on calmly. "I have labored in Fiji for
three years, and I have done it for no profit. I am here among you for
good. Why should any man kill me? To kill me will not profit any man."

The Buli stole a look at the whale tooth. He was well paid for the
deed.

The missionary was surrounded by a mass of naked savages, all