“I told them that for the support we should give them they must refuse to trade with any one but us, and that Herzovinia would hoist her flag at Kulinuu to protect them from the anger of the English and Americans.”
“Is that all?” the count exclaimed.
Klinger hesitated. “I also said that land claims of our people must be acknowledged by the king before the arms were given them.”
The count showed great displeasure.
“What land claims?” he asked.
“All claims,” Klinger replied. “The Kapuan firm holds many miles of land claimed by English, American and Kapuans. The firm cannot give this land up.”
The count bit his lips.
“It must be now exacted as a condition, count,” Klinger declared insistently. “To give in upon any point would be considered by the Kapuans a sign of weakness.”
“You have delayed the thing unnecessarily,” Captain Scott growled. “They’ll argue this point for hours.”
Klinger was obdurate.