‘It is a small volcanic island, the most southerly of the Philippines.’
‘American territory now,’ said Logan. ‘But what about it? If it was anybody but you, Bude, I should say he was in a funk.’
‘I am in a funk,’ answered Bude simply.
‘Why?’
‘I have been there before and left—a blood-feud.’
‘What of it? We have one here, with the Maori King, about you know what. Have we not the Maxims, and any quantity of Lee-Metfords? Besides, you need not go ashore at Cagayan Sulu.’
‘But they can come aboard. Bullets won’t stop them.’
‘Stop whom? The natives?’
‘The Berbalangs: you might as well try to stop mosquitoes with Maxims.’
‘Who are the Berbalangs then?’