Call it Courage

When Mafatu wakes, he sees Uri and Kivi next to him. He is weak with hunger and thirst, and notices a coral wound on his calf. Upon hearing the nearby trickle of water, Mafatu first tends to his overwhelming thirst. He thinks about all the things he must do to survive and credits Maui with bringing him safely to the island. Looking around, Mafatu sees no signs that the island is inhabited, but wonders if the island could belong to the “black eaters-of-men” that he has heard of (37). The island’s primary features are its extinct volcanic mountain and lush green jungle. Mafatu tends to his poisonous coral wound: He first cauterizes it with lime juice, then uses purau leaves as a bandage. He next begins a climb to a lookout point from which he can view the island from above. Along the way, he notices the lush fruit trees and dense forest that sharply contrast with the open landscape of Hikueru.

Upon reaching his lookout point, Mafatu observes another island in the distance and again wonders who, if anyone, might inhabit the island he has come to.