[Illustration: THREE AMERICAN OFFICERS WERE STANDING IN THE ROAD] “What would you have us do?” Klinger answered defensively. “I have spent many thousands of dollars upon these rifles. I am taking great risks in getting them here, for if either of the war-ships seize them they will be confiscated under the treaty, and I have no redress. And, count,” he added, “you know it is all for our country.” Count Rosen nodded his head, but his steel gray eyes looked squarely into those of the manager of the Kapuan firm until the latter’s fell in quick embarrassment. The count knew that the man’s natural cupidity was a large measure of the driving force stimulating his patriotic enthusiasm. “There’s nothing to do but wait,” the count said as they reached the door of the store. Three American officers were standing in the road at the front. “The American commander will have to be handled carefully,” the count said in a low voice to Klinger, as he turned his back upon the officers. “He’s a fine type; I can see it in his face. He’d make a stanch friend, but a difficult enemy.” This last to himself. Sentiment was wasted upon the selfish manager of a grasping firm. “I must contrive to know him,” the count added aloud. The American officers had now continued along the road. “Don’t be too precipitate,” the count cautioned as he whistled to the native boy, holding his pony’s bridle. The count mounted his pony, walking it slowly down the road. At the Tivoli Hotel he stopped and dismounted. Within a half hour he walked from the hotel, carefully dressed in a spotless white linen suit and helmet. He turned his steps toward Matautu. He turned in at the American consulate gate, and walked with an air of high bred assurance up the steps of the porch. Mr. Lee arose to receive him, a frank smile of cordiality upon his face. “Count Felix Rosen.” The visitor pronounced his name slowly; there was the smallest of accents. “I have come to pay my respects,” he said quietly. “We tourists often forget our social duties.” “It is I who should apologize, Count Rosen,” Mr. Lee exclaimed, introducing the visitor to his daughter and Commander Tazewell. “You have been in Ukula for several days, and I should have called upon you and bid you welcome to our little island.” “Truly, sir, I should not expect you to take so much trouble,” the count returned suavely. “I am but a globe-trotter, as you say in America. I have no aim, no business. I go where I may be amused.” The count accepted the cup of tea offered him by Miss Lee and sipped it meditatively. He felt the awkward silence and hastened to relieve it. “My time here is likely to be so short,” he added, “that I hope if there must be war among the natives they will wait until after I can explore the islands. In my few days I have ridden miles and have been everywhere charmed with the natural beauty of the country and the charming hospitality of the natives.”