The three horsemen crossed two fair sized streams, stopping to allow their ponies to plunge their hot noses deep into the cool mountain water. From the next hill the harbor of Saluafata opened out before them. “There’s the ‘Talofa,’” Sydney cried joyfully. They searched the ocean for the steam launch, but the land and trees shut out the view to the westward. “Hark!” O’Neil exclaimed. They listened. From below them the faint music of singing came up to them. “There’s where the people are, down there,” he added. “War canoes,” O’Neil said pointing. The beach was hidden by the foliage, but as O’Neil spoke several large canoes had suddenly appeared, being propelled swiftly alongside the anchored schooner. Phil urged his horse onward. “Excuse me, sir,” O’Neil exclaimed nervously. “Those glasses you have there,” indicating a pair of ship’s binoculars Phil wore slung over his shoulders, “will give us all the information we want without going any further into the lion’s mouth.” Phil gazed upon the sailor in surprise. “Do you think there is danger in riding down there?” he asked. O’Neil hesitated. “That depends,” he answered thoughtfully. “Upon what?” Sydney insisted. “Upon what the white men who are fixing this show intend doing,” the sailor said. “We can’t turn back now,” Phil declared. “It would look as if we were afraid.” O’Neil nodded. “I guess you’re right, Mr. Perry,” the boatswain’s mate replied grimly. He knew from experience the danger in appearing before an army of armed warriors, who have been keyed to the highest pitch of savage excitement. The three horsemen urged their steeds forward and descended the hill road leading down to the populous town of Saluafata. CHAPTER XI HIGH CHIEF KATAAFA Klinger, after leaving Kataafa and his chiefs at Kulinuu, took the trail leading behind the town of Ukula. He desired if possible to keep his movements secret, although he felt sure that before long it would be unnecessary. The movement of the Kataafa warriors by both land and sea must be seen by the natives of the other faction. As he gave his pony his head, he dwelt happily upon the success that had so far attended his efforts. The manager and his native companions stopped at every village en route. They found the warriors collected ready to hear his words. Then after he had ridden on, the entire village made ready to follow afoot or in canoes within the barrier reef. It was long past midnight before he reached the village of Saluafata. His native companions left him, and he entered a large native house built off by itself overlooking the bay and but a few hundred yards from the beach. A native woman, comely and dignified in European costume, met him at the door. “‘Talofa’s’ not in?” he asked in Kapuan. On the table a cold supper was waiting him. After eating, he stood for several minutes gazing upon the dark waters of the bay.