Page:Off For Hawaii.djvu/129

Rh "What makes you think that?" asked Dan.

"Americans take our beloved land from our queen—they big robbers."

"We annexed the islands because your people wanted them annexed," I put in warmly.

"No want annexed, as you call him. Islands belong to de Kanakas—nobody else. Some day we fight the Americans, and the English, and the Germans, and drive um all away," muttered Buowa savagely. "Den our beautiful queen come back."

So speaking, the native strong man leaped to his feet and the old chief did the same. They were about to leave the hut when Oliver stopped them.

"Hold on! What do you propose to do with us?"

"We shall see dat in de morning," answered Buowa.

"Are not the American authorities in control here?"

At this Buowa shook his head. "We Kanakas, we rule our own people."

"If you don't let us go I'll make a complaint to President Dole," put in Dan, just to see what effect his words might have.

He had scarcely spoken when Buowa hit hm on the nose with the flat of his hand, hurling him on his back. "No care for Dole—he no right