“It’s not that,” said Mason peaceably, “it’s just that I came in before you did and put on my coat because I was cold. I’ve got a weak tummy, Doctor,” he added with an air of giving the medical man a treat.

“You came in after I did,” said Te Pokiha with considerable emphasis. The whites of his eyes seemed to become more noticeable and his heavy brows came together.

“Well, I’m sorry, but I didn’t,” said Mason.

“You mean to say I’m a liar.”

“Don’t be silly, Doctor. You simply made a mistake.”

“I did not make any mistake. This is insufferable. You will please admit at once that I am right.”

“Why the deuce should I when you are obviously wrong,” said Mason irritably.

“Don’t repeat that.” Te Pokiha’s warm voice thickened. His lips coarsened into a sort of snarl. He showed his teeth like a dog. “By Jove,” thought Alleyn, “the odd twenty per cent of pure savage.”

“Oh, don’t be a fool,” grunted Mason. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“You give me the lie!”

“Shut up. This isn’t a Wild West show.”

“You give me the lie!”

“Oh, for God’s sake don’t go native,” said Mason—and laughed.

Te Pokiha made a sudden leap at him. Mason scuttled behind Packer. “Keep off, you damn’ nigger!” he screamed.

The next few minutes were occupied in saving Mr. Mason’s life. Alleyn, Packer, and Wade tackled Te Pokiha efficiently and scientifically, but even so it took their combined efforts to subdue him. He fought silently and savagely and only gave up when they had both his arms and one of his legs in chancery.

“Very well,” he said suddenly, and relaxed.

Cass appeared bulkily in the doorway. Ackroyd, clasping an armful of underwear, peered under his arm.

“Here, let me out,” said Mason.

“What’s wrong, sir?” asked Cass, not moving.

“I apologise, Mr. Alleyn,” said Te Pokiha quietly. “You can loose your hand.”

“All right, Wade,” said Alleyn.

“Thank you.” He moved away from them, his brown hands at his tie. “I am deeply ashamed,” he said. “This man has spoken of my—my colour. It is true I am a ‘native.’ I come of a people who do not care for insults but I should not have forgotten that an ariki does not lay hands on a taurekareka.”

“What’s all this?” asked Ackroyd greedily.

“You buzz off, sir,” advised Cass. Ackroyd disappeared.

“I will go now,” said Te Pokiha. “If you wish to see me again, Mr. Alleyn, I shall be at my rooms between one and two. I am very sorry indeed that I forgot myself. Good morning, gentlemen.”