“How about my pay for carrying your guns?” Scott asked. Klinger nodded. “I have your check in my pocket,” he replied quietly. Then he rose to speak to the assemblage. His words were eagerly heard by the chiefs, and after he had finished the talking man in a loud liquid voice gave Klinger’s meaning to the crowd. There was a murmur of disapproval from several quarters. Chiefs arose at many points in the crowd, their talking men beside them. It was considered undignified for a chief to speak for himself. Klinger’s placid face remained calm. The count showed plainly his anxiety, while Captain Scott smiled grimly. “A little previous, I’m thinking,” Scott said, shaking his head knowingly. “What did you say to displease them?” the count demanded of Klinger. “I told them that for the support we should give them they must refuse to trade with any one but us, and that Herzovinia would hoist her flag at Kulinuu to protect them from the anger of the English and Americans.” “Is that all?” the count exclaimed. Klinger hesitated. “I also said that land claims of our people must be acknowledged by the king before the arms were given them.” The count showed great displeasure. “What land claims?” he asked. “All claims,” Klinger replied. “The Kapuan firm holds many miles of land claimed by English, American and Kapuans. The firm cannot give this land up.” The count bit his lips. “It must be now exacted as a condition, count,” Klinger declared insistently. “To give in upon any point would be considered by the Kapuans a sign of weakness.” “You have delayed the thing unnecessarily,” Captain Scott growled. “They’ll argue this point for hours.” Klinger was obdurate. “The harbor of Tua-Tua is one of our claims,” he said to the count in an undertone. “The American government succeeded in leasing some land there for a coaling station. That is the purpose of this condition. The Americans must leave that harbor.” The count appeared puzzled. “After we have taken over the islands,” he said, “then we could ask the American government to give up their lease.” “I have lived among these people many years, count,” Klinger explained determinedly. “The island of Kulila, in which is Tua-Tua, is for the most part loyal to Panu-Mafili. After Kataafa becomes king, he must bring that island under control. We must help him to take the warriors across the straits and supply him arms and ammunition to fight successfully against Chief Moanga, who is a very formidable warrior. Otherwise we shall not control all of the islands.” While the “fono” was still in progress a messenger arrived with information of an important character. Kataafa heard the messenger in silence. He did not show by a single muscle that the news displeased him. “The chief justice rendered his decision this morning,” Klinger told the count in a whisper. “He has decided that Panu-Mafili is the king of all Kapua, and all who take up arms against him are declared rebels.”