While endeavouring to dot down some information tendered him by Soma, he
had tripped upon a vine that was in wait for such an opportunity, and
he skinned his nose badly upon a projecting rock.
But rocks or vines would not dampen the Professor's ardour. He saw
himself upon a pedestal that he would build out of the Polynesian lore
and the relics which he would collect. With Spartan fortitude he would
not allow the expedition to halt for one moment while the injured nose
was being attended to, and he took up the interrupted matter with Soma
before the blood had been staunched.
Kaipi worked himself close to me just before midday, and, with one eye
upon Soma and the other five carriers, whispered a message.
"Soma much friend of big man."
"How do you know?" I questioned.
"Talk to him out back of camp last night," he murmured. "Me make believe
sleep, me watch. I think I kill him to-day."
"Kaipi," I whispered, "if you wait a little while I promise you that
you'll have your revenge for Toni's death. You watch Soma and the
others, and when the time comes you can give him all he deserves.
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