Sweeney doesn't know what is going on, but he can at least sense that something more is going on with Shannon, "The old Chief was not doing well when I left him. The mission hospital is a good hospital, but they cannot perform miracles ...they can only pray for one. Old Chief has the island sickness, as some call it. They are not sure what brings it on, but only one in a hundred make it through."

Malu passes the message on.  Many of the islanders had thought they'd witnessed their old Chief die.  But they are happy to hear he hasn't died and that he has a chance to live.  The islanders ask Malu to help them pray for their old Chief.  

   Shannon and the others are very touched by the immediate concern of the islanders. They join hands with the islanders and lead them in their first prayer.