It was a marvellous maze that
Nature seemed to have constructed especially for the diabolical work in
which Leith was engaged.
Kaipi's ear was still to the ground, and the anxious look upon his face
convinced us that some one was close.
"Coming back again," breathed the Islander. "One man, walk slow."
Our own ears acquainted us of the approach at that moment. The sound of
crackling twigs was quite close, and we waited breathlessly, eying the
green curtain through which we expected the unknown to thrust himself.
A black head bobbed through the leaves, and Holman planted a fist
between the newcomer's eyes before the head could be withdrawn. The
morning visitor dropped to the ground, and the three of us promptly fell
upon him, the bloodthirsty Kaipi having to be restrained by main force
from giving another exhibition of neat knifework.
"Who is it?" asked Holman. "Get back, Kaipi, and let me see."
We dragged the panting prisoner into the light, but instead of the
escaped dancer, we found that we had trapped one of the five carriers, a
big Raretongan named Maru, who was possessed of enormous strength.
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