A kind hearted English trader arrives in a Polynesian island with a handicapped boy he adopted in another land to set up shop. Upon arrival he is greeted by his rival in trade who appears friendly enough and arranges a marriage for him (after all, you need someone to cook and clean and provide companionship!)
The bartender performs a phoney ceremony much to the chagrin of the Englishman, but he accepts the young woman into his life and treats her well. They work to set up the shop but no one comes… apparently they are taboo… but why? And how will they rid themselves of the taboo?