“He may have discharged both the slaves and the guns,” he exclaimed. Then he apparently realized that this was impossible, for he added aloud, “Couldn’t have done that, or I should have heard of it by now.” As he still gazed seaward he saw the lights of a war-ship disappear one at a time, and knew that the schooner was then passing between the man-of-war and himself. He called loudly to arouse some of the native help who lived in houses back of the store. A native finally appeared. “Get the boat boys,” Klinger ordered hurriedly. “I shall require them at once.” The schooner anchored only a few hundred yards from him before the sleepy natives had launched his boat. Klinger paced the sand impatiently. He was consumed with anxiety for the safety of his guns. Thirty thousand dollars was to be the profit upon them. And besides, the decision of the chief justice might be given at any moment. Kataafa must have these guns before the decision was rendered, for that was required to carry out the “coup de main” which must throw the Kapuan Islands into the lap of his country. Angry and bitter at the man who had played fast and loose with his plans, Klinger climbed the “Talofa’s” side and met the culprit face to face. Klinger’s first question was more forceful than elegant. Captain “Bully” Scott only smiled in his urbane style and answered the question in Kapuan. “Hold your tongue. There’s an American naval officer standing aft by the compass.” Klinger saw by the dim lantern’s light the sheen of a white duck uniform. “What’s he doing here?” he asked suspiciously. “Only a matter of natural curiosity,” Scott replied. “Tell me why you didn’t follow my instructions,” Klinger asked. “Have you the guns on board?” “I have everything that I started out to bring here,” Scott returned, “and what’s more I’m going to land everything as snugly as a down East whaler in winter quarters.” Klinger felt much relieved. The calm confidence of the man impressed him. “How?” was all he could ask. “Send off your cargo lighters as soon as you can,” Scott explained. “Get the count to ask for a few sailors from your war-ship to stay here and prevent the English or Americans from watching us. The count is then to charter the ‘Talofa’ for a pleasure trip around the group of islands, starting as soon as we are unloaded. We shall unload part of the cargo to-night, at once.” “I don’t dare to take the guns ashore here,” Klinger exclaimed. “We can’t keep the knowledge away from these prying natives.” “Just leave that to me. They don’t go ashore here; that’s my plan,” Captain Scott replied soothingly. “You do as I tell you. That’s all you need worry about. Does the count know we are in?” he asked. “I sent him a note as soon as I learned it,” Klinger answered. “I don’t yet see what was your object in coming here. Saluafata was wide open.”