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[Illustration: The Author and His Island Bride]
THE CRUISE OF THE KAWA
WANDERINGS IN THE SOUTH SEAS
BY
WALTER E. TRAPROCK, F.R.S.S.E.U.
WITH SEVENTEEN ILLUSTRATIONS AND A MAP
1921
DEDICATION
TO THE GIRLS WE LEFT BEHIND--
KIPPIPUTUONA
(DAUGHTER OF PEARL AND CORAL)
LUPOBA-TILAANA
(MIST ON THE MOUNTAIN)
BABAI-ALOVA-BABAI
(ESSENCE OF ALOVA)
THIS VOLUME IS LOVINGLY DEDICATED
PUBLISHER'S NOTE
Of late the lure of the South Seas has laid its gentle spell rather
overwhelmingly upon American readers. To be unread in Polynesiana is
to be intellectually _declasse_.... In the face of this avid
appetite for tropic-scented literature, one may well imagine the
satisfaction of a publisher when offered opportunity of association
with such an expedition as that of the Kawa, an association
involving the exclusive privilege of publishing the manuscript of
Walter E. Traprock himself.
The public, we feel, is entitled to a frank word regarding the inception
of this volume. Now at last it is possible to withdraw the veil of
secrecy which has shrouded the undertaking almost until the date of
publication. _Almost_, we say, because some inklings of information
found their way into the newspapers early this summer. The leak, we
have reason to be believe, is traceable to a Marquesan valet who was
shipped at Papeete to fill the place left vacant by William Henry
Thomas, the strange facts surrounding whose desertion are recorded in
the pages which follow.
"Filbert Islands" Found
by South Seas Explorers
_Special to The Evening Telegram._
SAN FRANCISCO. Friday.--Returning
from an extensive exploring trip in the
South Seas, the auxiliary yacht Kawa,
which reached this port today, reports
the discovery of a new group of Polynesian
Islands. The new archipelago
has been named the Filbert Islands, because
of the extraordinary quantity of
nuts of that name found there, according
to the ship's company.
The Kawa is owned by Walter E.
Traprock. of Derby, Conn., head of the
expedition. Traprock leaves for Washington
today, where he will lay before
the National Geographic Society data
concerning his explorations.
The telltale newspaper item, reproduced above, outlines the story
behind this volume. What is not made clear is the fact that the entire
expedition was painstakingly planned many months ago, the publishers
themselves making it financially possible by contracting with Dr.
Traprock for his literary output. Provision was also made for recording
every phase of experience and discovery. With this in view, Dr.
Traprock's literary attainments were complemented by securing as his
companions the distinguished American artist, Herman Swank, and Reginald
K. Whinney, the scientist. By this characteristic bit of foresight was
the inclusive and authoritative character of the expedition's findings
assured.
How well we recall our parting with Traprock.
"Any further instructions?" queried the intrepid explorer from the
shadow of that ingenious yardarm.
"None," I replied. "You understand perfectly. Get the goods. See South
Sea life as it actually is. Write of it without restraint. Paint it.
Photograph it. Spare nothing. Record your scientific discoveries
faithfully. Be frank, be full...."
"Trust us!" came back Traprock's cheery cry, as the sturdy little
Kawa bore them toward their great adventures.
Herein are recorded many of their experiences and discoveries,
contributions of far-reaching significance and appeal.
Uninfluenced by professional self-interest, unshaken by our genuine
admiration for its predecessors, and despite our inherent inclination
toward modest conservatism, we unhesitatingly record the conviction
that "The Cruise of the Kawa" stands preeminent in the literature
of modern exploration--a supreme, superlative epic of the South Seas.
G.P.P.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I
We get under way. Polynesia's busiest corner. Our ship's company. A
patriotic celebration rudely interrupted. In the grip of the elements.
Necessary repairs. A night vigil. Land ho!