244 THE CORAL LANDS OF THE PACIFIC. 



This was immediately executed, and goods and account were 

 sent aboard. Next morning, when payment was looked for, 

 his schooner was doing her utmost, under a depressing want 

 of wind, to put as much distance as possible between her keel 

 and Ovalau. 



A round sum being at stake, my friend determined on a 

 stern-chase; the native 'boys' pulled pluckily, and the schooner 

 was overhauled. Captain Hayes, bland as ever, was most 

 courteous. 



'In what way could he serve the Levuka party? Any 

 parcels or letters to take ? Delighted, to be sure ; but it was 

 fortunate for them that the wind was so light, as by this time 

 he ought tq have been well out of the group.' 



Somewhat dumbfounded at this reception, and hardly caring 

 to drink the proffered ' nip,' my friend delicately hinted at his 

 firm's transaction with the gallant skipper. The captain grew 

 indignant. 



' Whose account ?' He was told. 



' Paid yesterday,' was the response. 



The merchant implied in return that he regretted such was 

 not the case. 



' Send for So-and-so.' He appeared. 



' What's this I hear ? Messrs. So-and-So's account not paid. 

 You had my money and instructions ; and you knew we left 

 at daybreak.' Then the captain gave his purser a lecture in 

 the choicest invective of the Southern Seas. Apologising to 

 the merchant and his clerk for thus losing his temper, he 

 explained that his drunken scoundrel of a subordinate had 

 had the exact money wrapped up in the bill, and he would 

 have to find it. In a few minutes the purser returned with 

 the amount, as Hayes had stated, and the Levukans left the 

 schooner, reflecting perhaps on the sin of harbouring un- 



