“We also, count, are hoping that there will be no war,” Mr. Lee replied. “And if your consul will stand with the British consul and myself it can be averted.” “So!” the count exclaimed surprisedly. “Does Mr. Carlson then desire a war? Sometimes I lose all patience with my stubborn countryman. It is very strange,” he added. “I lunched with him to-day and he seemed aggrieved that you and the British consul would not support him to prevent a war.” Commander Tazewell had been carefully studying the speaker’s face. He read there only disinterested amusement over the situation. What business could this cultured Herzovinian have with Klinger? He decided to endeavor to find out. “Most of the disturbances among the natives,” Commander Tazewell said quietly, “are brought about by the merchants. Arms, you know, Count Rosen, are merchandise upon which an enormous profit is realized. A war, though, is required to create a market. I believe that Mr. Klinger could allay your uneasiness over the possibility of a war more certainly than can either of the consuls.” The count raised his eyes slowly to the speaker’s face. Their eyes met and for a moment each gauged the other. The count shifted his gaze first; a faint suspicion of a flush had come under his tanned cheeks. “Klinger has been good enough to arrange some trips for me into the interior of the island,” the count explained quickly. “I was arranging details with him for a trip to the Papasea,[10] the sliding rock, when you passed his store.” A smile of delight spread over his handsome face as he suddenly asked: “Can’t we make up a party for that trip? I should be charmed to play host. But,” he added, “I suppose with you it is an old story.” Mr. Lee declined for himself. The uncertainty of the situation demanded his continuous presence in Ukula. After some discussion it was arranged that the party start the next morning. Alice and the midshipmen returned in time to be included, together with Commander Tazewell and Miss Lee. “I cannot express to you the honor you have done me in accepting my invitation,” the count exclaimed, as he bade good-bye. “This morning I was a lonesome stranger, and now I am rich in friends.” “Who is he?” Commander Tazewell asked the consul as his straight figure passed out of sight down the road. Mr. Lee shook his head. “Some well connected Herzovinian of the smaller nobility, I suppose,” he replied. “His consul called upon him almost at once after he arrived on the last steamer from the South. A title carries a great deal of dignity with it.” “He is certainly very fine looking,” Miss Lee said admiringly. “And knows how to talk,” Phil added. “I believe he is a past master in the art of talk,” Alice said pointedly. “And the worst of it is we know what he says and not what he means.” All laughed at the girl’s quaint mode of expression.