“The Kapuans are noted as the most generous and friendly nation in the world,” Phil returned. “It’s almost a religion with them. To hurt a stranger’s feelings by rebuke or inhospitality is something rarely known to have happened. But come on,” he ended. “I see our party beckoning us.”
They clambered up the side of the ragged rock and were soon where their ponies were tethered.
Alice called the midshipmen to her side.
“It’s unfortunate for you that we came,” she said, but her eager, excited face showed no sign of sorrow.
“I thought so,” Phil exclaimed. “What is it, though?”
“The council has prepared a ‘tonga-fiti’[21] on the Kapuan firm, and you two American officers having been here at the council, Klinger will not believe you are innocent.” Alice could not keep back her joyful smile. “Klinger will probably say you put the Kapuans up to it.”
“What are they going to do?” both lads asked in one breath.
“They have heard of the landing of the guns for Kataafa from the ‘Talofa,’” she replied excitedly, “and to-night they are going to break into the store if necessary, open the boxes and seize the guns. They say that this is the only way they can overcome the great advantage in warriors that Kataafa has over Panu, their choice for king. Then they are to turn the guns over to Judge Lindsay.”
“Gee!” Phil exclaimed. “What a box for us to be in. Who told you? Avao?” he asked.
Alice nodded. “Tuamana gave her a severe scolding and told her to say nothing, but of course you know women, and Kapuan women in particular, would die in keeping a secret, so she confided in all of us while you were in swimming.”