ot lie about a murder."

"It was no murder, Simi," she said steadily, and I felt that the girl
was but right in her assertion; "it is no murder to strike and kill, and
kill quickly, he who would slay the innocent and unoffending. That man
was a devil."

"What have you done with him, Niabon? He might have been the devil you
say he was; but he was a white man, and it is my place to see that he is
buried as Christians bury the dead. He used me roughly, but----"

She placed her hand on my knee, and her very touch subdued my
excitement.

"Simi, the man is dead, and not even a strand of his hair is left on
earth. No one can ever question thee, or Tematau, or me, about him. He
is gone, and even his name is already vanished from these people among
whom he has dwelt. Dost not understand me?"

"No, I do not understand, Niabon," I said more gently. "How can his name
be vanished when but a few hours ago he was alive and well. Tell me, in
plain English, what you mean by saying that no one can question you and
Tematau and myself about the manner of his death?"

"Because, Simi, thou and I and others shall be far away from here when
the man's countrymen come in the fighting-ship."

"I wish to Heaven we were far away at this moment," I said impatiently.
"I am sick to death of the place, and don't want to find myself a
prisoner on board a German man-of-war on suspicion of being concerned in
Krause's death."

She again repeated her assurance that I should never be questioned.

"Where is Mrs. Krause now?" I asked.

"At Taritai."

"Niabon"--and I placed my hand on her head--"you must not keep me in the
dark about some things. I want you to answer me truly some questions.
And, though I do not know why, I have this moment resolved to leave the
island as quickly as possible. Would you come with me?"

"Yes, Mr. Sherry. Of course I am coming with you," she answered in
English. "I told you that you and I and some other people would soon
be together upon the sea. And I will answer any question you ask me. I
don't want to deceive you. Why should I try to deceive you?"

As she turned her full, soft eyes up to my face, I saw in them such
undoubted sincerity that I felt it was not possible for me again to
doubt her.

"No, I am sure you will not deceive me, Niabon. And I want you to tell
me straightforwardly the meaning of all this mystery. First of all, what
has been done with the German's body? where is it buried?"

"In the sea. It