Adrift Among The Sharks

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 131, 27 February 1937, Page 27

Adrift Among The Sharks

“gAY, aren’t they wonderful?” said Andy, as he stood on Waikiki be.aeh,

watching the Hawaiian boys riding the waves on their canoes.

“I wish 1 could learn,” he added. “Oh, well, you’ll have plenty of. time.” laughed his father, General Young, who had been in Hawaii at the garrison for the last two years. Travelling at express speed, the canoes reached the shore in a twinkling, and Andy scampered over to have a look. It was his second day in Hawaii. “Let' me help,” he said eagerly, as a native boy began hauling his craft up the beach. “Me thank you, my friend,” came the reply, with a broad, sunny smile. Catching sight of the fish in the canoe, Andy asked: “What’s the name of that one?”

“Him called surgeon,” explained Moikeha, the native youth. “Oh, boy! I wish I could catch some.” “Me take you out to reef to-morrow. Yes? No?” invited Moikeha. “Meet me on beach at sunrise.”

“Hullo, Moikeha,” shouted Andy as he ran down to the beach early next morning. The two lads were soon busy launching the canoe. Proudly Moikeha pointed to the charm on her bows, “Kialoa,” the ancient sea god of Hawaii. “I show you how to use paddle.” said the native boy. It was not as easy as it looked, and Andy made some funny mistakes, much to the amusement of his young teacher. As they approached the reef the Hawaiian w r arned Andy: “You sit very still.” It seemed that the frail canoe would certainly tip over with the least jerk. But Moikeha knew his work. Using his paddles skilfully he was soon through the reef, and down in the clear water Andy could see fish, all colours of the rainbow. -«• The boys were so engrossed in their sport that they scarcely noticed the hours slipping by. Suddenly earth and sky seemed to change. A dark cloud appeared over Diamond Head, and ,a breeze stirred the water. Little waves broke the calm surface, and here and there the dark shape of a shark could be seen swimming around the canoe. “Go beach plenty quick,” said Moikeha, as he plunged his paddle into the water. Andy reached for a paddle to lend a hand and nearly upset the canoe. “No, no. I think you just stay still, Andee." laughed Moikeha, as Andy sat down suddenly. Then as the wind increased in violence the Hawaiian strained every nerve to bring his canoe to the shore. The waves lashed the reef, and the canoe seemed like a cockle shell on the water. “This is real adventure,” thought Andy, as he clung on for dear life, and watched Moikeha handling the canoe. (To be continued.)