Hemstead's share but
Carthew's was divided equally among the other four--Mac being counted."

"What did that make for him altogether?" I could not help asking, for I
had been diverted by the number of calculations in his narrative.

"One hundred and twenty-eight pounds nineteen shillings and
elevenpence-halfpenny," he replied with composure; "that's leaving out
what little he won at Van John. It's something for a Kanaka, you know."

And about that time we were at last obliged to yield to the
solicitations of our native admirers, and go to the pastor's house to
drink green cocoanuts. The ship I was in was sailing the same night, for
Dodd had been beforehand and got all the shell in the island; and though
he pressed me to desert and return with him to Auckland (whither he was
now bound to pick up Carthew) I was firm in my refusal.

The truth is, since I have been mixed up with Havens and Dodd in the
design to publish the latter's narrative, I seem to feel no want for
Carthew's society. Of course, I am wholly modern in sentiment, and think
nothing more noble than to publish people's private affairs at so much a
line. They like it, and if they don't they ought to. But a still small
voice keeps telling me they will not like it always, and perhaps not
always stand it. Memory besides supplies me with the face of a pressman
(in the sacred phrase) who proved altogether too modern for one of his
neighbours, and

_Qui nunc it per iter tenebricosum_
--_nos praecedens_--

as it were, marshalling us our way. I am in no haste to be that man's
successor. Carthew has a record as "a clane shot," and for some years
Samoa will be good enough for me.

We agreed to separate, accordingly; but he took me on board in his own
boat with the hardwood fittings and entertained me on the way with an
account of his late visit to Butaritari, whither he had gone on an
errand for Carthew, to see how Topelius was getting along, and, if
necessary, to give him a helping hand. But Topelius was in great force,
and had patronised and--well--out-manoeuvred him.

"Carthew will be pleased," said Dodd; "for there's no doubt they
oppressed the man abominably when they were in the _Currency Lass_. It's
diamond cut diamond now."

* * * * *

This, I think, was the most of the news I got from my friend Loudon; and
I hope I was well inspired, and have put all the questions to which you
would be curious to hear an answer.