"Oh, Professor!"

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 94, 21 April 1928, Page 10 (Supplement)

"Oh, Professor!"

By Tom Harris

CHAPTER XIII. That afternoon they left the anchorage and, under bare poles, ran .down past Rangitoto. - Noling opened, her oat and her speed rather surprised the Profespor. In the 'venin" they met young Alton by the Ferry office, and walked together alonjj the waterfront. Alton counselled an early asked for five days, and this was agreed upon. The Professor asked for, a filial meeting with Peggy on the night before they sailed. ■ , T -

"That's the Women's Club night," said Alton. "It will do very well. HI bring Peggy and the boy."

There were five days of bustle and activity. While the yacht was on the skids being cleaned down, the Professor remained unseen in his cabin. Noling ruthlessly censored the Professor's lists, cutting out everything bulky. When the goods began to arrive and were piled on the deck from the launches that brought them alongside, the Professor became exceedingly busy, doing little work with a treat deal of effort. Everything was at last snugly stowed, the benzine tanks filled.and the yacht ready for sea.

The night prior to sailing the Professor met Peggy and his grandson at young Alton's office, and a very merry evening they had together. As the Professor said good-bye he drew a wallet from his pocket.

"Harry, my boy, I'm going to leave a legacy for the boy. I feel justified in doing so; I know Miromiro would wish it. Here are two thousand pounds for his education, or to be used' as your judgment directs. I hope to see you all again; that is on the lap of the gods. The boy must not know that I am alive, but you will sometimes speak of me to him. The thought that you know and remember me in my new name and character will bring me comfort and content."

He took their hands, his eyes were alight with hope; they saw that life still held a charm and freshness for him.

"Peggy nty dear, Harry my boy, I am happy," and with these words he left them.

They were the words and looks by which they remembered him; words vibrant with cheery affection, and liu face reflected calm resignation. At dawn the yacht unfurled her sails and ran down the harbour before a fresh breeze, Noling was at the wheel singing softly. His heart was light, arid life was strong in him. Careless of the future, eager to seize the chances of io~ *une, he steered his little ship out into the wide Pacific to seek once more the lost island of Rawhiti. The Professor's thoughts were with the little family that was so dear to him, and his face was shaded with the soft light of tender memories. The yacht rounded North Head, and he turned his face to the future. Somewhere away to the north-east, lost in a maze of reefs, lay the little Island that he hoped to make his home. Noling knew its position, and on him he now depended, as in the past he had relied on Ella. Without Noling he would not have ventured again on the hazard of an island voyage. The Australian's calm personality lent the Professor a confidence that subdued his fearp arid allowed him to indulge his habit, of meditation. Perhaps his eyes were misted as he looked astern at the city clustered on the hills, perhaps he was reluctant to let his dream of fame slip into' the limbo of the lost, but no word of lamientatlon escaped"-his lips. His was not the nature "To suck melancholy from a song." Life was music to him still, set in a minor key, maybe, but still bright with hopes and possibilities. The reflection that he was free, that he had not a real responsibility in the world, roused him from his pensive mood.

The yacht payed off before the wind, rounded the beacon oh Rangrtcrto arid ran out patrt Tiri Island. The Professor looked at Noling, standing easily by the wheel, glancing aloft at the swelling sail and occasionally giving a turn to the wheel. He fell to watching him, there was a fascination in his attitude and movement; true, he was no Grecian god, but there was ease and careless grace in the swing of■ the lean sinewy figure, and three months «of city life had scarcely lessened the tan of the tropics on his face. ' The Professor Jiad trusted him witi Miromiro's fortune, huge sums lay at the banks in Noling's name; he had no misgivings, no cloud of doubt crossed his mind, he trusted the impulsive Australian with the simple confidence of friendship. He thought of the cruise of the Bronzewing and the terrors of his lonely voyage among the reefs to Rawhiti, and smiled; the sea had no terrors for him now. Noling caught his eye and said: .

"A fair wind, Professor." The Professor nodded. He had read of man's love of ships and caught some of Noling's pride and pleasure in the trim. little yacht as she swayed and lifted on, the rising sea. He felt that he, too, had a strain of salt in his blood. That Noling would have any trouble in again finding jßawhiti, did not occur .to or worry the Professor; he had passed through a sea of troubles, now he had abandoned care. The. little vessel was well provisioned, years and the World lay- before him and he was happily - surprised to find his zest for life was still unspoiled.

The voyage out into the Pacific, un<eventful and monotonous from day to day, did not. pall upon the Professor; hist hopes were set on again meeting Miromiro and the happy islanders of Rawhiti. The yacht was laden with novel devices, inventions of the civilised world, thai would bring delighi to them. He felt like Father Christmas descending on an orphan home.. He had not the ardour of the. missionary or the enthusiasm of the social reformer; hie was rather the subdued zeal of the practical humanitarian. The world was in the throes of a speed, age, every phase of life was unsettled,-in a state of transition; everi he had been caught in the vortex of its jazz ajid cocktail and the prospect of getting back to nature, ito the rest and quiet of Rawhiti, brought him solace.* , # Their search for the lost island was lotig. anddiSeary, there were periods of sweltering heat and of; dirty weather,' but "the yacht was a good sea boat, and rode out the squalls in comparative comfort. The Professor was. a poor sea-; man; Noling did not expect much from him in that way, yet he'learned to take: Ms.trick at-the Wheel and to be of u?e in many ways. ihey were on the friendliest terms ' arid when the Aussie was iri bis loquacious mood, he islands,., and natives that the Professor found interesting. Many an hour t&ey sat

I together in snug saloon under the glow of the swinging- lanip, Nbling spinning yarns or listening to" the 'Professor's plans for the welfare of Rawhiti. Theirs was a pleasant companionship, untroubled by conflict of ideas, and when at last they saw the surf breaking on the outer reef of Rawhiti probably no two men were ever bound by a stronger bond of friendship. They stood off to the south-weet, looking for the opening through which the Professor had passed in the Bronzewing's dinghy. Noling knew the risks he was taking, but argued that where the Professor could steer the dinghy he could, take the yacht, and the Professor had implicit faith in the Aussie. - They lay off the if land all night. M orn * n i> dawned with hardly a- breath of wind disturbing the stillness of - the sea. Noling tuned up the engine and gave heir a thorough test in open water. The yacht's boat was lowered and- - towed astern, ready for any emergency, and the yacht headed in on her perilous attempt to thread her way : through the tangle of reefs. All went well till the low ridge of the island showed clear ahead, then their difficulties multiplied. Many times they had to back out from passages that proved to be blind, or besfet with rocks that once had formed part of the island. With untiring patience. Noling explored every chaunel between the reefs,. the little vessel answering "to his touch like a- living thing; but all his efforts were vain, he could find no opening to the lagoon the Professor had blindly: stumbled on in the dinghy and as evening came ou he gave • up■ the task and threaded hi#-way out to open water. On the following day Noling waited for high water, and bearing away to westward, again turned the yacht's, bow in among the reefs. The water was more open and they succeeded in-getting quite close in, almost under the ridge of the island, but still a barrier of rock walled them. off, and they were forced to back out and put about, following the line of reef to the westward. The Professor's sense of locality failed him, he was-of ho assistance, indeed he had been so bewildered when he was swept in by the current that he had but a faint recollection of his surroundings, but suddenly he gripped Noling's arm, and pointing over the stern exclaimed: "I went through there." Noling signalled half-speed, keeping the yacht just bucking the current, and looked in the direction of the Professor's gesture. Close in shore the broken ends of the reef overlapped leaving a narrow opening through which the tide swirled and surged with a break-neck rip. Noling stood studying it for some minutes.

"There is deep water in there, Professor, and a straight run. Neck or nothing," and swinging the yacht round he rang for full speed. The Professor could not suppress a cry. Instinctively he moved towards a lifebuoy, and threw it within reach on the cabin top. The yacht gathered speed and racing with the current, flew directly at the narrow break. The Professor clutched the life buoy, his breath coining in quick gasps; the black jagged scoria rocks flew by them; he. tried to close his eyes, bracing himself for the sickening crack that he felt sure would rip the yacht to splinters. Once he glanced at Noting, alert and smiling. "Good Lord! He was enjoying it."

The Professor felt a weight on his shoulders, his legs sagged,'he was going to yell> when he beard the tingle of a bell. Noling was signalling to reduce speed. They were through the gap heading for the rocky cape at the end of the island.

big rip round there," he shouted. "Then clear water to the lagoon." 1

Noling nodded. The yafcht darted for. ward again, plunged into the whirlpool with a shock that vibrated, in every timber and for a molnent checked then with dripping decks she shot out into clear water. The Professor- was wildly excited and clambered on the cabin top, shouting greetings to Miromiro and Ariki, who with the whole hapu at their heels, ran along the-beach, following the yacht to the little bay: below the village. Noling ran under the headland that formed the north-west arm of the bay and dropped anchor. The echo of the anchor chain had hardly died away on the wooded hillside, before the Professor was over the side into the yacht's dinghy and pulling lustily towards the beach. Maui's wet bald head was the first to greet him, bobbing up in the water before him with demonstrations of welcome. Scarce waiting for the boat to touch the wet sand, the Professor dropped the oars and sprang ashore. Ariki greeted him warmly and Miromiro threw her arras about his neck with unaffected delight. The kiss the Professor bestowed ;upon her, astonished her with its spontaneous warmth..

; Happy and excited the Professor walked up-to the village amid cries of welcome.. The cooking ovens were tin: covered, and as the savour of cooked meats was wafted to him on the morning air, he became aware that he was. uncommonly hungry. It was a real feast of welcome. Ariki, with the dignity characteristic of his race, stood among them and spoke of their love their Kkeha, and their pleasure in having him ck among , them.. The Profeshor, his eyes bright with happiness, thanked them, and asked but leave to spend his life with them on the happy island of Rawhiti. Miromiro Was. supremely happy, her pakeha had returned, and the pride of possession again filled her heart. The Professor in the joy of bis safe return, surprised her with endearments, gentle little pats and demonstrations of affection. Walking by her side in the direction of his house he was. suddenly smitten with remembrance of Noliug. In the excitement of his reception he had entirely forgotten the Australian. Hastening to Ariki he asked permission to bring his friend to the village. Ariki's reply was not cordial. "Pakira, you are our pakeha. Rawhiti is ours, and for our people"; Long ago the pakeha came in ships to carry 'away our young men; our.fathers killed and ate him. Your friend may visit the village in safety, Pakira, bnt he cannot remain on Rawhiti. It is for, bidden. Take my greetings to" him, Pakira, and tell , him I wait here to receive him." "I thank you Ariki. My friend is a rover of the seas. I. owe him much j his ship is laden with many gifts for the pedple of Rawhiti. I will beat your message to him." - So saying the Professor hastened to' the beach and put-off to the yacht. Noliug...was in no hurry to go on shore.-

Ariki's message did not particularly please him, but in response to the Professor's entreaties, he shaved and dressed leisurely, And at about mid-day announced his readiness to go. The Professor had fossicked a case Of toys and a gramophone out of the hold, and /placed them carefully in the dinghy. They were met on the beach by a number of natives, who carried the Professor's presents up to Ariki's house. Half way up the path Miromiro Waited, bedecked with flowers and wearing the Professor's old helmet. Noling looked at her in frank astonishment.

"Miromiro, this is my friend CJaptain Noling," said the ErofessOr. v

The Australian raised his cap. Miromiro blushed, and going to the Professor shyly clung to his arm. walked to the house of Ariki, where the rangitiras |were gathered with the chief.. Ariki received them cordially, his fine presence and noble bearing at once making an impression on Noling. These were natives of a different type from those he was accustomed to encounter. He rose to the occasion, and rather surprised the Professor with a little oratorical display in Ariki's own tongue. Food was brought, they ate together, and rested in the shadow of Ariki's house till the heat of the day was over. The Professor,, who delighted in surprising the natives, started the gramophone and gage toy animals to the smiling youtfgeters. In the cool of the evening they walked about the island, Noling pleasing the Professor with his gallantry "to Miromiro, who had lost her shyhess and chatted to the Australian in good English. Noling took but little interest in' the native houses and plantations; 'the hot springs and the lake aroused his curiosity, but his eye was continually roving seaward, and when at length they climbid the ridge at the back of the village, he scanned the tangle of reefs surrounding the island, for a. long time in silence. The opening through which they had passed was not discernible from where they stood, but he was able to locate its position, and point it out to the Professor.

"The hand of Providence guided you through there, Professor; there is no other break in the reef where you could have got through. There to the north where you went out there is no . depth, even at high water. The surf is breaking right over it now. This channel is narrow, but we can- get out fairly easily; just after high water, with the wind off shore, it should be quite safe." For a fortnight or more the Professor was busy landing and unpacking the yacht's cargo. She was brought close

into the beafch, and the packages handed into the boat, or carried ashore on the heads of the tall islanders. Often in tile evening he went aboard the schooner and chatted to Noling. The weeks passed and the Australian showed no inclination to depart, he lived on the yacht, wandered over the island, and passed the days carelessly. At last the Professor, who did-not wish him to outstay his welcome, asked where he intended to sail when he put to sea. Noling's reply rather startled him. "Are you going to marry Miromiro, Professor!" "Good-heavens, no!" ''Then you may guess why I am in no hurry to sail." The Professor emitted a long "Oh" and smiled. He had been so busy sorting out his Wonderful shipment of goods that he had failed to notice Nolihg's growing interest in Miromiro. Well, well, after all it was not surprising; rather to be expected he thought. ••Professor, you break the glad tidings to the big chief, I'm planning to take Miromiro on a long cruise." "Gracious! Have you .got so far as that?" «I have not Bpoken to her; I have been waiting to make sure of you, Professor. You are a little unexpected at times, old fellow." "I have no intention of marrying again, Noling," replied the Professor, rather sadly. "Life is full of possibilities, Profes"Yes, yes, for you, Noling. I wish you joy, my boy. I am very glad of this, very glad indeed." "You must marry us, Professor. I suppose the big chief will want to . say I his little piece to us as well,- but I want a white man's marriage." "There is a difficulty, Noling. True, I am still a Professor, but there is no power vested in me by the State to perform the marriage ceremony." "I reckon we can arrange it, Professor. On the day of the ceremony I will run up a. Union Jack on one of your wireless poles, declare the island a British possession, and make you provisional Governor and Chief -Magistrate. How's that?"

"High handed, Noling. Ariki wont stand it."

"He can't speak English; hell think it part of the ceremony, and so it will be, won't it?"

The Professor did not question it, for he knew Noling would carry it through to the last letter in spite of protests.

The next morning wnen he heard Miromiro going past his house singing, on her way to bathe, resplendent in a bril-

liant bathing costume, he sallied out and walked with her towards the beach.

"Miromiro, do you 1 ike the pakeha I have brought you from over the seat" "Oh, yes, Pakira."

"And would you sail away with him in his ship T"

Miromiro stopped and looked at the Professor, a little startled.

. "My dear," replied the Professor, potting his arm about her, "I think he is going to ask you."

Miromiro suddenly hugged him, and ran with a happy laugh into the dear cool water of the lagoon.

The rangitlrls were divided, several were opposed to the match, asserting that Miromiro was betrothed to the Professor, and in accordance with tribal custom die could not be given to another. When the Professor's turn came to speak, all his friendship for Noling and his love for Miromiro glowed in his voice, and he rose to a pitch of eloquence that established for ever his reputation as an orator with the people of Rawhiti. The marriage was sanctioned and the wedding day fixed. There followed busy days for the Professor. Besides performing the marriage service, he was to give the bride away. This was Noling'a irish, and he was desirous that nothing should be lacking in her bridal i dress. Among the packages that he had brought on the yacht—he had spent money lavishly—were parcels of clothing, comprising complete costumes, hat, shoes and stockings. These he carefully unpacked and spread on the mats of his house. He had no trouble in persuading Miromiro to array herself in them, and to his delight they fitted her admirably. Her choice fell on a shell pink frock with shoes and stockings to match.

On the day appointed Noting, in white duck and yachting cap, came on shore, made ready his nag, and waited unattended in front of Ariki's house. The Professor signalled him cheerfully from the distance, and, having donned the immaculate suit and top-hat Noting had ordered for him 06 their arrival in Auckland, went to Miromiro's house and, finding her dressed in readiness, took her arm in his and walked through the palms to Ariki's house, where the whole hapu had already gathered. It was the first fashionable pakeha wedding they had ever attended, and their cries of adnurar tion as the Professor, with Miromiro, the picture of loveliness in shell pink, leaning on his arm, his shining top-hat gleaming in the sun, and carrying a prayer-book in his gloved hand, paced slowly through the crowd to where Noting stood before the house of *rin,

The native eecemon* mam -« simple. A public —J?** —< incantation delivered!* the contract Being m tion, the Professor had ' on. He now removed it wad. Anki stated that the pakSa^«!2? wonldbcgin forthwith. TurajJS?. he faced the islanders and mtilS line of a hymn he had they took it up, singing it tJsnroSfc^S! ?* w cond,leto * top-hat. This «u a little surprS £ Nolmg, but be removed liiTflm — quickly catching the tune, singing. At the conclusion of tk 1 he stepped forward and, nnmiarWZ flag, in ringing tones, dedMsj<g»aS a British possession, assisted only by the voioe offib ftS* sor, sang a verse of Anthem. He then declared the mZJ to be Governor end Chief "-|ii|i?i the island, invested him with mrZ JJ celebrate marriages and conductidll»J ful business of the Crown, ctmsnlMkM him by shaking hands, ■»«! tiki— m. nuro fly the hand, stoodbeforeS. bS Professor carefully placed the tall 2 before him on the ground* rlMnui 1i "•roat, found the marriage cmmamrh the prayer-book, and read it toues, waited for the responses, wafeS Noling place a ring on ger made a fatherly little speech, - the bride, picked up his hat, and IhT way to his house, where the c6mZ affixed their signatures to a docamS, binding them in holy matrimacrv j r ni and Mani, by the made a cross opposite their wrttln names as witnesses, the Professor AwS his name, "Jonathan Smith,'* --H fa? ing the paper, handed it to Min»; w Outside the cooking ovens wen vmom. ered, and while the people feasted Kim. miro's luggage was sent aboaid <k yacht, and amid cries of farewdl 4k wedding party put off. The wtUiZ breakfast was spread in the n ukg? Hori had contrived to wtfl n which Miromiro cut with doe and ~ ceremony, wine was served, and the life being at the flood and the ja4t xS for sea, the Professor took his leave ul was rowed to the beach.

From the ridge above the ittbaerh watched the tittle yacht dash throoHi &Z whirlpool, round the end of thefeleaT and head full-speed through the ntS break in the reef. & held his fcteath m she raced into the perilous invisible from where he ■ftww!, mv W emerge in clear water, and stood nih. his hat till she was a men speck m S distance. Then he walked down to 5 friends in the village, li»n.iwi **- "Wedding March." He was ttWMafe happy. THE END. * ■