It was evident that the stranger had sought other protection.
Much annoyed at losing this man, whom he believed might have given him information of value to hold over the head of Captain Scott, he turned his steps toward his consulate.
Mr. Carlson was drinking tea on his porch when the count arrived.
“I came to tell you,” the count said condescendingly, “that I am taking a trip on that schooner anchored in the bay. Klinger discharged the cargo last night. It was all for the Kapuan firm.”
The consul should have been consulted first before discharging cargo, but he knew that to hold his place as consul he must always meet the demands of Klinger.
“I’d like to have you give me the clearance papers,” the count continued. “She will go to the plantations for copra and then return here. She’s now in ballast.”
Carlson called his native clerk and told him to prepare the papers. The count was named as supercargo for the trip.
After receiving the clearance papers the count did not linger at the consulate.
“Remember, Mr. Carlson,” he said as he rose to go, “if the chief justice decides not to acknowledge Kataafa as king, you have agreed to refuse to stand with the other consuls to uphold that decision. The eagle,” he added, “is a coveted decoration.”
The consul blushed with pleasure and smilingly nodded his fat head vigorously.