With a curt good-morning Klinger took his departure. “Why do they send such mountains of ignorance and conceit to manage our political affairs?” he complained. He little reckoned that a wise government had sent Carlson to act as a check upon Klinger. The radical Klinger and the conservative Carlson gave the exact mixture required. At exactly four o’clock the sailors arrived. Klinger took aside the petty officer in charge and in detail laid down for him the course he was to follow during his absence. Then he mounted his little pony and turned its head toward Kulinuu, the seat of government of the uncrowned king, Kataafa. Arriving at the king’s house, he entered and was ceremoniously received. Kava was made and all the chiefs were gathered to drink. Klinger talked for nearly an hour, explaining and directing. Then he rose and bade a ceremonious farewell. Accompanied by several mounted natives he departed, and in the gathering darkness took the trail leading back of Ukula and toward the eastward, while Faleula, where he told Carson he was going, lay in exactly the opposite direction. CHAPTER VIII AVAO, TAPAU OF UKULA The morning following the arrival of the schooner, Phil and Sydney were on deck early. The “Talofa” was still at anchor. The canoe barges were lying alongside the dock at the store of the Kapuan firm. Herzovinian colors were flying on the schooner. Phil had given his friend a full account of the perplexing happenings of the night before. “If the schooner brought guns where are they now?” Phil asked. Sydney shook his head. “Ask me something easier,” he replied. “I’m not good at conundrums.” After morning quarters and drill the midshipmen dressed for a visit ashore. This was only the second day of their arrival and each was full of eager interest to explore. Their shipmates poked much good-natured fun at them for their strenuosity. “Hitting the beach before lunch?” the doctor inquired with mock gravity. “I’m afraid I’ll have to examine your sanity.” After landing they walked along the main road toward the Kapuan firm’s store. As they passed, the portly figure of Klinger could be seen within the doorway, while on the porch a score or more of large boxes were displayed to view. A glance at the barges lying at the wooden dock showed them to be empty. The cargo had been discharged during the night. “The ‘Talofa’s’ getting up anchor,” Sydney suddenly exclaimed. The schooner’s mainsail had been set and the crew were plainly seen heaving around the capstan, weighing the anchor. “The count is off on his cruise about the islands,” Phil said. “I wonder,” he added thoughtfully, “if those boxes really do contain arms?” “Very likely,” his companion answered, “but come on. You can’t look through their wooden sides.” At the house of Chief Tuamana, Avao met them with a demure smile of welcome on her comely face.