CHIEF (standing up). Gentlemen, I think you will agree with me that the woman Pinniger has proved that she is utterly incapable of teaching anybody anything. Twenty-five years, man and boy, I have sailed the Spanish Main, and with the possible exception of a dumb and half-witted negro whom I shipped as cook in '64, I have never met any one so profoundly lacking in intellect. I propose, therefore, that for the space of twenty-four hours the woman Pinniger should be incarcerated in the smuggler's cave, in the company of a black beetle of friendly temperament. GOVERNESS. Mercy! Mercy! 1ST PIRATE. I should like to second that. CHIEF. Those in favour--ay! (They all say "Ay.") Contrary--No! (The GOVERNESS says "No.") The motion is carried. (One of the Pirates opens the door of the cave. The GOVERNESS rushes to the CHIEF and throws herself at his feet. OLIVER and JILL appear in the nick of time.) OLIVER. A maiden in distress! I will rescue her. (She looks up and OLIVER recognises her) Oh! Carry on, Commodore. (The GOVERNESS is lowered into the cave and the door is shut.) CHIEF (to his men). Go, find that black beetle, and having found it, introduce it circumspectly by the back door. PIRATES. Ay, ay, sir. [They go out. OLIVER. All the same, you know, I jolly well should like to rescue somebody. JILL (excitedly). Oo, rescue me, Oliver. CHIEF (solemnly). Two-toed Thomas, Terror of the Dyaks, and Pest of the North Pacific, truly thou art a well-plucked one. Wilt fight me for the wench? (He puts an arm round JILL.) OLIVER. I will. CHIEF. Swords? OLIVER. Pistols. CHIEF. At twenty paces? OLIVER. Across a handkerchief. CHIEF. Done! (Feeling in his pockets) Have you got a handkerchief? I think I must have left mine on the dressing-table. OLIVER (bringing out his and putting it hastily back again). Mine's rather--Jill, haven't you got one? JILL (feeling). I know I had one, but I---- CHIEF. This is an ill business. Five-and-thirty duels have I fought--and never before been delayed for lack of a handkerchief. JILL. Ah, here it is. (She produces a very small one and lays it on the ground. They stand one each side of it, pistols ready.) OLIVER. Jill, you must give the word. JILL. Are you ready? (The sound of a gong is heard.) CHIEF. Listen! (The gong is heard again) The Spanish Fleet is engaged! JILL. _I_ thought it was our tea gong. CHIEF. Ah, perhaps you're right. OLIVER. I say, we oughtn't to miss tea. (Holding out his hand to her) Come on, Jill. CHIEF. But you'll come back? We shall always be waiting here for you whenever you want us. JILL. Yes, we'll come back, won't we, Oliver? OLIVER. Oo, rather. (The whole population of the Island, Animals, Pirates, and Dusky Maidens, come on. They sing as they wave good-bye to the children who are making their way to the boat.) JILL (from the boat). Good-bye, good-bye. OLIVER. Good-bye, you chaps. JILL (politely). And thank you all for a very pleasant afternoon.