They were of all sizes and shapes and tints, from a pear-shaped, brilliant, Orient pearl of great value, to the golden pipi of inconsiderable worth.

Tupua e te mau pipi

Soon several white men came to buy them, and among them was the one claiming to be their master, whom they call Pipi, said to be a Spanish nick-name for Jose.

Pipi, or Ruiz, selected such as he liked, and made them stand in a row.