J. Allan Dunn

“ Out of the bush of matted blond whiskers and tousled hair there shone, in a ray of sun, the light-blue eyes of a white man, a Teuton. The eyes widened as their owner caught sight of Hooper and his companions.
With an effort he got to his feet, grasping a staff of bamboo, and tottered forward. He stopped five feet short of the stockade, his face working with unbelief, with growing credulity, with a wild, feverish gleam that held fear. Then the fear vanished and something like hate, wan and overwrought, took place. The bony shoulders straightened, the head went back. ”

“ But conviction of the truth crept into him from Hooper’s steady, almost sympathetic glance. Steiner began to foam at the mouth; his skull-like face was convulsed. His eyes watched Hooper as the skipper untied and unfolded the papers he had brought. His lips curved back over his teeth and he shook like a leaf, clutching his bamboo support.
“Here are papers, printed papers, dating far back, Steiner. I expected you would doubt my word and I brought these to convince you. Don’t make a fool of yourself and tear them up. I do not want to taunt you. The world is trying to be at peace again. ”

“ Don’t be a proud fool, Steiner. You’ve lost. Germany has gone back across the Rhine. I’ll send up those things I mentioned and then we’ll transfer you to your old camp on the crater terrace till we sail. I didn’t come back on your account, but I am giving you choice between Tiburi and Germany.”
“If you speak the truth—” Steiner’s tone quavered, for he felt that Hooper was not talking lightly—“by what right do you take me back? This island belongs to no man. You have no authority here. I will accept nothing from you.”
“Better take the papers.” Hooper tossed them inside the palisade. ”