Phil seized Avao by the arm and turned quickly back toward the road.
From out on the water a rocket soared into the sky.
“Well, of all the mysteries,” Phil exclaimed as they hurried back toward the consulate. “I wonder if the guns are in that store after all?”
At the landing the Herzovinian cutters were beginning to arrive as Phil and his party passed. They saw a company of sailors with two officers quickly form and move at double time up the road.
The lads soon saw Commander Tazewell and the American consul hurrying toward the town.
“What has happened?” Commander Tazewell demanded of Phil as they met.
Phil breathlessly explained. “I suppose the war-ship thought it was an attack,” he ended. “But why are the guards there at all unless the guns are in the store and not on board the schooner? Kulinuu is deserted,” he added. “We landed there and walked home.”
“Kataafa probably has the guns by now,” Commander Tazewell said to the consul in a low voice which Phil could barely hear. “Is this a plan to trick us into committing ourselves before the chief justice’s decision is rendered?”
“There’s no need of our going further, commander,” the consul said, nervously regarding his daughters with a fond eye and fearful of danger to them. “Come back with me. We can talk more privately.”
A figure proceeding from the landing was soon recognized as the British captain.