Klinger saw by the dim lantern’s light the sheen of a white duck uniform.
“What’s he doing here?” he asked suspiciously.
“Only a matter of natural curiosity,” Scott replied.
“Tell me why you didn’t follow my instructions,” Klinger asked. “Have you the guns on board?”
“I have everything that I started out to bring here,” Scott returned, “and what’s more I’m going to land everything as snugly as a down East whaler in winter quarters.”
Klinger felt much relieved. The calm confidence of the man impressed him.
“How?” was all he could ask.
“Send off your cargo lighters as soon as you can,” Scott explained. “Get the count to ask for a few sailors from your war-ship to stay here and prevent the English or Americans from watching us. The count is then to charter the ‘Talofa’ for a pleasure trip around the group of islands, starting as soon as we are unloaded. We shall unload part of the cargo to-night, at once.”
“I don’t dare to take the guns ashore here,” Klinger exclaimed. “We can’t keep the knowledge away from these prying natives.”
“Just leave that to me. They don’t go ashore here; that’s my plan,” Captain Scott replied soothingly. “You do as I tell you. That’s all you need worry about. Does the count know we are in?” he asked.