"And then what happened to the police?"
"Then they left their posts about the city. Some fled; others went back and reported what they had heard."
"And it never occurred to any of them to come up here and try to stop the disturbance? Curious policemen, these!"
"It is too deadly—the light‑ray," said Miela. "They were afraid. And then the alarm bell began ringing. They sent for Ano, here, to ask him what they should do. And then you sent for him. He has his men at the police building, in waiting. And he comes to you at the risk of his life, and now asks your commands."
Thus did my chief of police explain satisfactorily to himself, and with great protestations of loyalty to his trust, how it came about that he and his men did nothing while their king was being murdered and another put in his place.
Recriminations seemed useless. He stood bowing and scraping before me, eager only to obey my slightest wish.
"Tell him, Miela, how Baar's men captured Lua. Have the city, thoroughly searched—Baar's house particularly. Tell him I killed Baar's wife. Have that slave woman sent home to me.
"Tell him to capture Baar and any of his known associates. If he does, have him report to me at once. Say to him that I must have word of Lua—or I'll have a new chief of police by to‑morrow. For the rest, have his men patrol the city as usual."
I spoke as sternly as I could, and the little man received my words with voluble protestations of extreme activity on his part.
When he had bowed himself out I smiled at Miela hopelessly.