“It’s a nice travesty upon the sacredness of treaties,” Phil exclaimed in righteous indignation. “The great civilized nations sign a solemn treaty to direct the government of Kapua. A chief justice is appointed, confirmed by all three nations, to decide finally all questions arising among the natives. The consuls, representing the three Powers, are by the treaty bound to uphold the judge’s decisions, and to use their war-ships to enforce those decisions. A decision is rendered. One consul not only refuses to join in upholding it, but repudiates it openly.”
“Is it really as black as that?” Sydney asked thoughtfully, appealing to Alice. “You know the natives. Whom do they want for king?”
“Almost all want Kataafa,” Alice acknowledged. “He is, as I told you, a god in the natives’ eyes. I can’t see why he cannot be king if his people wish it, but Judge Lindsay has studied the case for a month, and so decides.”
“Of course,” Phil exclaimed, “the war is all a put up job. I would, if I were able, indict for manslaughter every one of those responsible for this rebellion or who selfishly refused to avert it lawfully. It made me absolutely sick to see those ghastly heads on poles and know that for every one a life had been sacrificed to satisfy the selfishness of white men.”
“Some one,” Alice said reverently, “will have to account for those deaths before the great tribunal some day.”
They saw Mr. Carlson bow formally and leave the consulate.
“It didn’t take long,” Sydney said as they watched him go, mopping his perspiring face as he passed through the gate and turned toward the town.
“Do you know,” Alice said thoughtfully, “he is a very kind-hearted soul. I feel very sorry for him, because he is now shouldering the bad deeds of others.”
This short meeting of the consuls brought a temporary stability to affairs in Kapua. The three consuls now formally recognized the “de facto” government nominally under Kataafa. The count was to be the prime minister; adviser to the king. Judge Lindsay was to again occupy, if he would, the office of chief justice. The deposed King Panu-Mafili and his chiefs, if they would go to Kulinuu, and humble themselves before Kataafa, were to be permitted ashore, otherwise they must remain in the war-ships.
This all the loyal chiefs refused to do, and for their safety the war-ships were forced to keep them on board.