Summary

A new day begins as Mafatu’s canoe is carried across the ocean by its currents. He can no longer see his home island of Hikueru, and is surrounded by nothing but the sea and sky. Kivi the albatross flies off, leaving Mafatu feeling sad and with only Uri as company. The sea is turbulent and full of dangerous animals. Mafatu opens a drinking nut for its liquid and shares the meat with Uri. The wind becomes stronger, and it seems that a storm is arriving.

Suddenly thunder and lightning surround Mafatu’s canoe, and high waves begin to toss the small craft about. The sail is broken off and swept away, followed soon by the mast. Mafatu and Uri huddle in the bottom of the canoe, clinging as best they can. Finally a single huge wave crashes down onto the canoe, tearing the paddle from...