talking. Finally, they ratified their oaths by a man who, I
suppose, was a head priest, cutting his arm and rubbing the blood
from it on the lips of the idol; also upon those of the chief. I
should add that Bastin had retired as soon as he saw that false
god appear, of which I was glad, since I felt sure that he would
make a scene.

The operation took place that afternoon and on the ship, for
when once Marama had made up his mind to trust us he did so very
thoroughly. It was performed on deck in the presence of an awed
multitude who watched from the shore, and when they saw Bickley
appear in a clean nightshirt and wash his hands, uttered a groan
of wonder. Evidently they considered it a magical and religious
ceremony; indeed ever afterwards they called Bickley the Great
Priest, or sometimes the Great Healer in later days. This was a
grievance to Bastin who considered that he had been robbed of his
proper title, especially when he learned that among themselves he
was only known as "the Bellower," because of the loud voice in
which he addressed them. Nor did Bickley particularly appreciate
the compliment.

With my help he administered the chloroform, which was done
under shelter of a sail for fear lest the people should think
that we were smothering their chief. Then the operation went on
to a satisfactory conclusion. I omit the details, but an electric
battery and a red-hot wire came into play.

"There," said Bickley triumphantly when he had finished tying
the vessels and made everything neat and tidy with bandages, "I
was afraid he might bleed to death, but I don't think there is