“The store looked like a recruiting station,” Phil suggested.
Commander Tazewell nodded gravely. “It may be,” he replied.
The Matautu section of Ukula, set aside for the official residences of the consuls of England and the United States, was being approached.
At the gate of the American consulate, Mr. Lee hailed them. The consul was naturally a peace loving man, and the fact that he had with him in Kapua his two daughters was an added argument for peace.
“Come in, commander,” he called from his doorway.
They turned in through the gateway.
“All manner of war rumors,” Mr. Lee exclaimed, as he shook hands, “are going the rounds. The latest is that a paper has been found written by Herzovinian statesmen some years ago declaring their country would never, never permit Kataafa to be king. The Kapuans believe that this will make Judge Lindsay decide for Panu-Mafili. Until that disgraceful affair of yesterday, and the rumor of this paper, we all thought that whatever the decision the three consuls would unite to prevent war. Panu-Mafili has said openly he and his followers would abide by the decision. Kataafa appeared willing, but has as yet made no statement.
“The situation is alarming, commander,” Mr. Lee added gravely, “and I for one am at a loss what should be done.”
“Arrest the white men who are inciting Kataafa to revolt in the event of an adverse decision and ship them from Kapua; that’s my remedy,” Commander Tazewell answered promptly.
“Count Rosen and Klinger,” the consul exclaimed. “Impossible!”