Manuma

If it had not been for Manuma, with his knowledge of the great world, and their dread of his ridicule, they would have yielded.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

Manuma began to plead, half in Samoan and half in English.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

There was a moment's pause, then Manuma showed himself.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

They feared the fat sinful old man, and neither the missionaries 'abuse of him nor the scorn which Manuma had learnt in Apia made them forget that he had a devilish cunning and that no man had ever braved him without in the long run suffering for it.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

Suddenly Mackintosh grew conscious that the boy's eyes were resting on the revolver which he had laid on the desk when Manuma appeared in the doorway.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

Manuma entered the little room and stood before the desk.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

He did not want to go back into his own bungalow, so he called to Manuma.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

He had no doubt it was Manuma who had flung the knife.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

Somewhere Manuma sat quietly and awaited his opportunity.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919

Manuma stood silently, and though he kept his eyes averted, Mackintosh knew that he was looking dully out of the door.

The Trembling of a Leaf Little Stories of the South Sea Islands 1919