Johnny Upolu had followed his liberated captive at a safe distance, and now seeing the two officers, respectfully approached, holding out the warrant to Phil, and indicating Stump with his finger.
The lad examined it carefully.
“What has he done?” Phil inquired. “This warrant must be respected, anyway.” He turned to Stump. “I’ll see the captain at once, and you being an American, he will ask to have you released if you have committed no crime.”
Johnny Upolu put his hand on the prisoner’s shoulder and led him quietly toward the jail. A few yards had been traveled when Stump stopped and called.
“May I speak to you a moment, sir, in private?”
Phil joined him, and the policeman moved away a few feet.
“Keep these here things for me,” he said. “You can show ’em to your skipper.”
Phil received a package of soiled letters and put them into his pocket.
Upon arrival on board the midshipmen went at once to Commander Tazewell’s cabin. They found him deep in thought.
“I have just left the consul’s house,” the commander said after waving the lads to seats. “He tells me all the natives believe that the guns have been landed. The Herzovinian consul a few days ago said he would help to prevent a war, and to-day he writes to the American and English consul that he must reserve his decision until Judge Lindsay has given his judgment. Kataafa was summoned by Judge Lindsay to appear before him at one o’clock to-day and he deliberately waited two hours before he appeared, a Kapuan way of showing his independence. It all looks ominous,” he added ruefully.