Klinger smiled his satisfaction and passed on his way. At the consulate his reception was none too cordial. Carlson disliked the ascendency which this manager of a commercial firm had over one occupying the office of representative of his government, especially as Klinger made no attempt to soften this evident fact by any “finesse” whatsoever. Klinger openly accused the consul of being soft-hearted, and too friendly with the English and Americans. “I must ride to Faleula plantation to-night,” Klinger said brusquely after he had seated himself. “I haven’t had time to unpack and stow away some valuable cargo just received from the ‘Talofa,’ and I want a guard of sailors from the war-ship to protect the store during my absence.” Carlson glanced at Klinger in open-eyed surprise. “What will come next?” he exclaimed. “Sailors to guard your store from robbers! Who are the robbers?” Klinger shrugged his shoulders contemptuously. “Maybe your friends the English and Americans,” he said calmly. “I have asked you for a guard. I know the business of the firm better than you do. That’s what I’m paid for.” The consul bit his lips in suppressed rage. “Is this another one of your tricks,” the consul exclaimed, “to further mortify me?” He had in mind only too vividly another occasion where Klinger had demanded sailors to guard his property and then had hoisted the flag at the municipal flagstaff, telling all the natives that his country had annexed the islands. The flag remained flying only until the next mail arrived, when the consul was severely reprimanded by his government and was forced to haul down the flag and rehoist the Kapuan ensign in its place. “I want about a dozen sailors,” Klinger insisted. “If you need a little leg stiffening,” he added cruelly, “I don’t mind telling you that Count Rosen approves, even suggested the action.” Klinger had sized up his hearer. “That puts another aspect on the question,” Carlson exclaimed, much mollified by the mention of the count’s concurrence. “When do you require these sailors?” “By four o’clock this afternoon,” Klinger replied, “and I forgot to say I told the chief of police in your name to arrest and hold one Stump, a deserter from the ‘Talofa.’” “Stump! Why, he’s English or American!” Carlson exclaimed alarmedly. “I’m having enough trouble without borrowing more.” “Another suggestion of the count,” Klinger said quietly. “Please send a written warrant to Johnny Upolu at once.” [Illustration: “I WANT ABOUT A DOZEN SAILORS”] “Oh, well, then, that’s all right,” the consul replied, again changing his tone of voice. “The count, Klinger, is a very brilliant diplomat and I’m sure would not suggest anything which would get me into trouble.” “I dare say,” Klinger said with a smirk. “The difference between you and the count in diplomacy is that he knows what he wants.” Carlson turned very red, but upon second thoughts appeared not to notice the implied insult.