The meeting apparently did not last long. The midshipmen saw the young king, accompanied by several chiefs, among them the loyal Tuamana, in company with Mr. Lee and Commander Tazewell, approaching. At the consulate gate the natives solemnly bowed and departed.
“Kataafa has sent in word,” Commander Tazewell told the lads, “that he will enter Ukula and reëstablish his government at Kulinuu. The king, Panu, desires to abdicate to prevent fighting, and has asked our advice.”
“And we advised him to yield,” Mr. Lee added.
“There’s nothing else we can do,” Commander Tazewell said sorrowfully. “If we had sufficient force we could support him, because he is the rightful king; but two hundred sailors are not enough to hold the town, much less be able to seek for and attack the rebels, numbering many thousands and all well armed with new and modern rifles.”
“Then there will be no fighting after all,” Phil exclaimed. And the evident disappointment in his voice caused a general laugh.
Commander Tazewell shook his head. “Some of the chiefs, among them Tuamana, declared they would not submit, and would defend Kulinuu, but I believe when they find themselves outnumbered their ferocity will subside. We shall guard the Matautu district, and I’ve sent word for all peaceful people to come here for protection.”
The midshipmen were further told by their captain that Mr. Lee had given over a wing in his big house, and he was sending word to his steward to bring over a hand-bag of clean clothes, so the midshipmen scribbled a note to one of their messmates to send along a valise full of necessities.
“It will give my daughters and myself,” Mr. Lee said gratefully, “a feeling of great security to house you under our roof, and I hope we can make up in our hospitality for the lost comforts you enjoy on board ship.”
Phil and Sydney exchanged amused glances. Their little two-by-four cabin compared to a big, airy bedchamber on shore was certainly funny.
The Herzovinian sailors that had been landed to guard Klinger’s store were now reënforced and camped near their own consulate in the Matafeli district of the town. A flagpole had been erected, and the Herzovinian flag floated alongside the Kapuan standard not far away at Kulinuu.