“There’s nothing else we can do,” Commander Tazewell said sorrowfully. “If we had sufficient force we could support him, because he is the rightful king; but two hundred sailors are not enough to hold the town, much less be able to seek for and attack the rebels, numbering many thousands and all well armed with new and modern rifles.” “Then there will be no fighting after all,” Phil exclaimed. And the evident disappointment in his voice caused a general laugh. Commander Tazewell shook his head. “Some of the chiefs, among them Tuamana, declared they would not submit, and would defend Kulinuu, but I believe when they find themselves outnumbered their ferocity will subside. We shall guard the Matautu district, and I’ve sent word for all peaceful people to come here for protection.” The midshipmen were further told by their captain that Mr. Lee had given over a wing in his big house, and he was sending word to his steward to bring over a hand-bag of clean clothes, so the midshipmen scribbled a note to one of their messmates to send along a valise full of necessities. “It will give my daughters and myself,” Mr. Lee said gratefully, “a feeling of great security to house you under our roof, and I hope we can make up in our hospitality for the lost comforts you enjoy on board ship.” Phil and Sydney exchanged amused glances. Their little two-by-four cabin compared to a big, airy bedchamber on shore was certainly funny. The Herzovinian sailors that had been landed to guard Klinger’s store were now reënforced and camped near their own consulate in the Matafeli district of the town. A flagpole had been erected, and the Herzovinian flag floated alongside the Kapuan standard not far away at Kulinuu. “One’s afraid and the other dare not,” Sydney exclaimed as he and Phil lounged luxuriously in the capacious wicker chairs in their big bedroom. “Herzovinia thinks she isn’t strong enough to back Kataafa openly and we know we are not numerous enough to resist him.” “I don’t think the native enters into the question, really,” Phil declared. “You see, Syd, a fight in which the white people might be arrayed on both sides would certainly mean a diplomatic rupture at home. That’s what the consuls and naval commanders are trying to avoid. Herzovinia is deeply involved in this game. Commander Tazewell hasn’t said so, but I believe he thinks that Count Rosen is really a diplomatic agent sent here to create an intolerable situation. His government is tired of this triumvirate control and wants to own Kapua herself.” “I wish the English and Americans had taken the bull by the horns and sent word to Kataafa that if he attacked Ukula they would fire him out by force. I don’t believe then he would dare attempt it.” Sydney’s eyes flashed.