“Schultz has deserted us,” the captain told him. “He got ashore during the night--probably let himself down over the side into a waiting canoe. So you can speak out.” Phil had been conversing in guarded tones. The entire situation from beginning to end was discussed, the executive officer and most of the important officers of the cruiser being present. “The ‘Sacramento’ will be here at ten o’clock,” Commander Tazewell said after all points had been discussed. “Captain Sturdy and his British sailors will hold all roads leading into Ukula west of the Mulivaii River while we garrison Matautu to that river. A squad will take care of the pilot station, and guards must be furnished all the consulates in Matautu.” All listened eagerly. The time all had looked forward to was fast approaching. “Lieutenant Morrison will command our men,” the captain added, as he rose to his feet in sign of dismissal. “We may of course have opposition, but we must guard against precipitating the fighting. Our duty is only to hold and not to advance. When the admiral arrives he will of course tell us what to do next. “Tents, rations and supplies will be landed to-night after the sailors are ashore,” he added. Phil remained behind after the officers had filed out of the cabin, having been detained by a word from his captain. “I want you to take the news to Mr. Lee at once,” Commander Tazewell said to the lad, “and show him the necessity for secrecy. No one must know until we are ashore.” Phil made himself presentable, and then was conveyed to the shore by the captain’s boat, which on its return carried a letter from Commander Tazewell, addressed to Commander Sturdy of the British war-ship, acquainting him of the change in the situation and the plan for the night. Mr. Lee and Judge Lindsay were both jubilant over the turn of affairs, while Alice fairly danced with joy. Miss Lee, quiet and dignified, rather shrank from the thought of possible bloodshed. There was only one drop of bitterness in Alice’s joy. Phil insisted that Avao should not be told until after the “Sacramento” had entered the harbor, and landed her men. He feared the fatal custom of women’s gossip among the Kapuans. “I sincerely hope this strong stand of our admiral will have the required effect, and that we shall have no further bloodshed,” Mr. Lee said solemnly. “There can be no lasting peace in Kapua, Lee,” the judge exclaimed earnestly, “so long as the islands are administered by three rapacious beasts and animals of prey. A lion and two eagles can never act in harmony. It is best for the people that only one should govern. Herzovinia has the greatest interests on this island; she should govern it. Our presence is but a stick in the molasses.” “I agree with you in principle, judge,” Mr. Lee replied, “but even you are not willing to see one nation, in deliberate disregard of the treaty rights of others, seize what is not hers.”