The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-07-10
CHAPTER III.
THE MISSIONARY,

THE MISSIONARY.
| "A came out on tho veranda the mission
| boat was shooting for the mouth OF the river
She was long whaleboat. painted white. bit
OF an awning astern. native pastor crouched
ON the wedge OF poop steering. some four-and-
twenty paddles flashing and dipping true to
the boat song. and the missionary under the
awning.in his white clothes. reading in book,
and set him up It was pretty to see and
hoar: there's no smarter sight in the islands
than q missionary boat with a good crew and
u good pipe to them; and considered it for
half minute with a bit Of envy perhaps. and
then stroled down toward tho river
From the opposite side there was another
man aiming for the same place. but he ran
and got there first. 1t was Case: doubtless
his idea was to keep me apart from the mis-
sIonnry. who might serve me as inter-
prefer: but my mind was upon other things.
was thinking how no had jockeyed us about
the marriage and tried his hand on Una be-
fore: and at tho sight of him rage flew into my
nos.rils.
Get out OF that you low. swindling thieil"
cried.
whats that you say 2" says he.
gave him the word again. and rammed It
down with good oath. And II ever 1 catch
you within six fathoms OF my house." 1 cried.
I'll clap bullet in your measly carcass"
q,
said he. where I told you I have no thought
OF going. But this is public place"
lisa place where have private business
said l. Il have no idea OF o hound like you
eavesdropping. and give you notice to clear
OUT
"Idon't take 1t. though" says Casa
iii show you. then" said L
well have to see about that" said he.
He was quick with his hands. but he had
neither the height nor the weight being q
limsy creature alongside man like me, and.
besides. was blazing to that height OF wrath
that could havo bit into chisel. gave him
first the one and then the other. 80 that l
could hear his head rattle and crack and he
went down straight.
Have you had enough2" cries I. But he
only looked up white and blank and the bl God
spread upon his face like wine upon a napkin
Have you had enough?' l cried again.
"spoak up. and don't lie mallnger1ng there. or
I'll take my feet to your
He sat UP at that. and held his head-by the
look OF him you could see 1t was spinning
and the blood poured on his pajamaa
i've had enough for this time" says he
and he got up staggering. and went Off by the
way that he had come.
The boat was close In. I saw the missionary
had laid his book to one side. and smiled to
myself. He'll know I'm q man. any way"
thinks I.
This was the first time In all my years in
the Pacific l had ever exchanged two words
with any missionary. let alone asked one for a
favor. didn't like tho lot. no trader does:
they look down upon US and make no con.
cealment: and. besides. they're partly Kama
kaized. and suck up with natives instead of
with other white mon like themselves l had
on a rig OF clean. striped pajamas for. OF
course. had dressed decent to 60 before the
chiefs but when l saw the missionary stem
out OF this boat in the regular uniform. white
duck clothes, rith helmet. white shirt and tis.
and yellow boots to his feet. l could have
bunged stones at him. AS he came nearer.
Queering me pretty curious because OF the
fight. suproscl. saw no looked mortal sick.
for the truth was. he had fever on. and had
just had Il chill in the boat
Mr. Tareton. believe ?" says I, for had
got his namo.
And you. suppose. are the new trader ?"
says he.
81 want to tell you first that don't hold
with missions" went on. and that l think
you and the likes OF you do a sight OF harm
filling up tho natives with old wives tales and
bumptiousnoss."
You are perfectly entitled to your opln-
IONS" says he. looking q bit ugly. but have
no call to hear thcm."
:" 1t so happens that you've got to hear
Them" said I'm no missionary nor mis-
sionary lover: I'm no KanakA nor favorer OF
kanakas-I'm Just n trader. I'm Just COM
mon. low white man and British subject. the
sort you would like to wipe your boots on.
hope that's plain"
Yes. my man." said he. Its more plain
than creditablo When you arc sober you'll
be sorry for this"
He tried to pass on. but stopped him with
my hand. The Kanakas wsre be Ginning to
growl. Guess thcy didn't like nv tone for T |