“Hum! These people charge you with assault and battery. What have you to say about it?”
“I guess Blue Lightning could tell you all about it, sir, if he could talk,” put in Herc, despite Ned’s nudgings to keep silent.
“And who may he be?”
“It isn’t a him, sir. It’s a goat,” explained Herc.
“A goat!”
“Yes, sir, our mascot.”
“Ahem! He doesn’t appear to be much of a mascot if he got you into this trouble. Since the United States annexed these islands it has been the aim of the Government to keep friendly relations between the natives and the Americans.”
“Yes, sir,” said Herc meekly, “but if you will let me explain, I think I can show that it was an accident. I was trying to save these people from being butted into the middle of next week, when——”
“That will do, Herc,” exclaimed Ned. “Will you let me explain, sir?”
“Certainly, my lad, go on.”