Sydney had been examining the locality where the greater number of natives had shown themselves in their curiosity to see the white men. A gleam of white caught his eye, and before the warriors that had barred the passage of the horsemen could interfere, he had urged his horse ahead a few score of yards. An agile native grasped firmly the horse’s bridle and turned Sydney back toward his companions, but not until he had solved the mystery of that gleam of white.
“Captain ‘Bully’ Scott was with that outfit,” Sydney exclaimed as they trotted swiftly toward home. “I distinctly saw him, hidden behind a barricade of earth and banana trees; he was in white clothes, and I saw him distinctly, gray whiskers and all.”
“It isn’t likely he will remain idle,” Commander Tazewell replied, not at all surprised at Sydney’s news. “He cannot have any great friendship for us after we have confiscated his schooner, and he knows if he is caught by either an American or an English war-ship he will have to serve a term in jail for his many crimes.”
“It’s a pity he wasn’t on board the ‘Talofa’ when we captured her,” Phil said. “Now if his character is as black as Stump paints it, he will give us lots of trouble.”
Commander Tazewell nodded his head gravely.
“If the count, Klinger and Scott could be disposed of we would find these fine fellows of Kapuans only too willing to bury the hatchet,” he exclaimed, “but those three men are like vinegar in the molasses barrel. If blood is shed it will be upon their heads.”
CHAPTER XXI
A RECONNAISSANCE
A Herzovinian war-ship had come to join the four other men-of-war, all anchored inside the narrow harbor of Ukula.
The Herzovinian consul at once went on board the newcomer, and afterward he and her captain passed through the allied lines on their way to Vaileli.
That evening many were the rumors in Ukula. Alice and Avao collected the stories from the women.