Since the war the Australian Government has encouraged the natives of the Pacific islands to co-operation by setting them up as 'little capitalists'. Keno Dogami is above the average physically and intellectually, cut out to be a leader in any society in which he finds himself, and his ambition is fostered by the able government administrator Selden. Despite his virtues, Keno develops all the vices of the old predatory traders; white competiton in the pearling trade is discouraged by Keno, who becomes virtually dictator of the East Melanesian island of Wampa, plying an illicit traffic in alcohol and exerting a sultan's rights in any woman he fancies.
