Now Keola was truly afraid of Kalamake, but he was vain too; and these words of his wife’s incensed him.

“Very well,” said he, “if that is what you think of me, I will show how much you are deceived.”  And he went straight to where his father-in-law was sitting in the parlour.

“Kalamake,” said he, “I want a concertina.”

“Do you, indeed?” said Kalamake.

“Yes,” said he, “and I may as well tell you plainly, I mean to have it.  A man who picks up dollars on the beach can certainly afford a concertina.”

“I had no idea you had so much spirit,” replied the sorcerer.  “I thought you were a timid, useless lad, and I cannot describe how much pleased I am to find I was mistaken.  Now I begin to think I may have found an assistant and successor in my difficult business.  A concertina?  You shall have the best in Honolulu.  And to-night, as soon as it is dark, you and I will go and find the money.”

“Shall we return to the beach?” asked Keola.

“No, no!” replied Kalamake; “you must begin to learn more of my secrets.  Last time I taught you to pick shells; this time I shall teach you to catch fish.  Are you strong enough to launch Pili’s boat?”

“I think I am,” returned Keola.  “But why should we not take your own, which is afloat already?”

“I have a reason which you will understand thoroughly before to-morrow,” said Kalamake.  “Pili’s boat is the better suited for my purpose.  So, if you please, let us meet there as soon as it is dark; and in the meanwhile, let us keep our own counsel, for there is no cause to let the family into our business.”

Honey is not more sweet than was the voice of Kalamake, and Keola could scarce contain his satisfaction.

“I might have had my concertina weeks ago,” thought he, “and there is nothing needed in this world but a little courage.”

Presently after he spied Lehua weeping, and was half in a mind to tell her all was well.

“But no,” thinks he; “I shall wait till I can show her the concertina; we shall see what the chit will do then.  Perhaps she will understand in the future that her husband is a man of some intelligence.”

As soon as it was dark father and son-in-law launched Pili’s boat and set the sail.  There was a great sea, and it blew strong from the leeward; but the boat was swift and light and dry, and skimmed the waves.  The wizard had a lantern, which he lit and held with his finger through the ring; and the two sat in the stern and smoked cigars, of which Kalamake had always a provision, and spoke like friends of magic and the great sums of money which they could make by its exercise, and what they should buy first, and what second; and Kalamake talked like a father.

Presently he looked all about, and above him at the stars, and back at the island, which was already three parts sunk under the sea, and he seemed to consider ripely his position.