"Yes, Joe Koloa. You know him, too?" and now the native became interested.
"We know of him," I replied. Then I looked at Oliver. "Half an hour too late!"
"Yes," he half groaned. "What's to do next?"
"You miss the steamer?" asked the native.
"That's what," said Dan. "Well, there is no use in crying over spilt milk, fellows. The onlything we can do is to take another steamer. Is there another to-day?"
"No more steamer to-day," returned the Kanaka. "No steamer till to-morrow afternoon."
"Worse luck. But we must make the best of it."
We thanked the Kanaka for his information, and turning, took our horses back to the place where they belonged. Then we went into the hotel and ordered dinner, although I must confess I was in no humor to eat.
"One thing is certain," observed Oliver, while we sat waiting to be served. "Caleb Merkin has got on the right side of Joe Koloa. If that wasn't so I don't believe the native would go with him."
"That depends, Oliver. Koloa may let Merkin pay his passage to the volcano and still not tell his secret," was my slow answer. "I wonder if the native knows of that map?"
