"Yes，"saidtheconsul；"butaresignationisalwaysinorder。
Youneedn’tgoifyoudon’tlikeit。Yousee，youknowthelanguageandIdon’t，butIknowhowtoshoot，andyoudon’t。"
"That’sperfectlysatisfactory，"saidStedman，handinghisguntooldBradley。"IonlywantedtoknowwhyIwastobesacrificedinsteadofoneoftheBradleys。It’sbecauseI
knowthelanguage。Bradley，Sr。，youseetheevilresultsofahighereducation。Wishmeluck，please，"hesaid，"andforgoodness’sake，"headdedimpressively，"don’twastemuchtimeshootinggoats。"
TheHillmenhadstoppedabouttwohundredyardsoff，andweredrawnupintwolines，shouting，anddancing，andhurlingtauntingremarksattheirfewadversaries。ThestolencattlewerebunchedtogetherbackoftheKing。AsStedmanwalkedsteadilyforwardwithhishandkerchieffluttering，andhowlingoutsomethingintheirowntongue，theystoppedandlistened。
Asheadvanced，histhreecompanionsfollowedhimataboutfiftyyardsintherear。HewasonehundredandfiftyyardsfromtheHillmenbeforetheymadeoutwhathesaid，andthenoneoftheyoungbraves，resentingitasaninsulttohischief，shotanarrowathim。Stedmandodgedthearrowandstoodhisgroundwithouteventakingastepbackward，onlyturningslightlytoputhishandstohismouth，andtoshoutsomethingwhichsoundedtohiscompanionslike，"Abouttimetobeginonthegoats。"Buttheinstanttheyoungmanhadfired，KingMessenwahswunghisclubandknockedhimdown，andnoneoftheothersmoved。ThenMessenwahadvancedbeforehismentomeetStedman，andonStedman’sopeningandshuttinghishandstoshowthathewasunarmed，theKingthrewdownhisclubandspears，andcameforwardasempty-handedashimself。
"Ah，"gaspedBradley，Jr。，withhisfingertremblingonhislever，"letmetakeashotathimnow。"Gordonstrucktheman’sgunup，andwalkedforwardinallthegloryofhisgoldandblueuniform；forbothheandStedmansawnowthatMessenwahwasmoreimpressedbytheirappearance，andinthefactthattheywerewhitemen，thanwithanythreatsofimmediatewar。SowhenhesalutedGordonhaughtily，thatyoungmangavehimahaughtynodinreturn，andbadeStedmantelltheKingthathewouldpermithimtositdown。TheKingdidnotquiteappeartolikethis，buthesatdown，nevertheless，andnoddedhisheadgravely。
"Nowtellhim，"saidGordon，"thatIcomefromtherulerofthegreatestnationonearth，andthatIrecognizeOllypybusastheonlyKingofthisisland，andthatIcometothislittlethree-pennyKingwitheitherpeaceandpresents，orbulletsandwar。"
"HaveIgottotellhimhe’salittlethree-pennyKing？"saidStedman，plaintively。
"No；youneedn’tgivealiteraltranslation；itcanbeasfreeasyouplease。"
"Thanks，"saidthesecretary，humbly。
"Andtellhim，"continuedGordon，"thatwewillgivepresentstohimandhiswarriorsifhekeepsawayfromOllypybus，andagreestokeepawayalways。Ifhewon’tdothat，trytogethimtoagreetostayawayforthreemonthsatleast，andbythattimewecangetwordtoSanFrancisco，andhaveadozenmusketsoverhereintwomonths；andwhenourtimeofprobationisup，andheandhismerrymencomedancingdownthehillside，wewillblowthemupashighashismountains。
Butyouneedn’ttellhimthat，either。Andifheisproudandhaughty，andwouldratherfight，askhimtorestrainhimselfuntilweshowwhatwecandowithourweaponsattwohundredyards。"
StedmanseatedhimselfinthelonggrassinfrontoftheKing，andwithmanyrevolvinggesturesofhisarms，andmuchpointingatGordon，andprofoundnodsandbows，retoldwhatGordonhaddictated。Whenhehadfinished，theKinglookedatthebundleofpresents，andattheguns，ofwhichStedmanhadgivenaverywonderfulaccount，butanswerednothing。
"Iguess，"saidStedman，withasigh，"thatwewillhavetogivehimalittlepracticaldemonstrationtohelpmatters。I
amsorry，butIthinkoneofthosegoatshasgottodie。It’slikevivisection。Thelowerorderofanimalshavetosufferforthegoodofthehigher。"
"Oh，"saidBradley，Jr。，cheerfully，"I’djustassoonshootoneofthoseniggersasoneofthegoats。"
SoStedmanbadetheKingtellhismentodriveagoattowardthem，andtheKingdidso，andoneofthemenstruckoneofthegoatswithhisspear，anditranclumsilyacrosstheplain。
"Takeyourtime，Bradley，"saidGordon。"Aimlow，andifyouhitit，youcanhaveitforsupper。"
"Andifyoumissit，"saidStedman，gloomily，"Messenwahmayhaveusforsupper。"
TheHillmenhadseatedthemselvesahundredyardsoff，whiletheleadersweredebating，andtheynowrosecuriouslyandwatchedBradley，ashesankupononeknee，andcoveredthegoatwithhisrifle。Whenitwasaboutonehundredandfiftyyardsoffhefired，andthegoatfelloverdead。
AndthenalltheHillmen，withtheKinghimself，brokeawayonarun，towardthedeadanimal，withmuchshouting。TheKingcamebackalone，leavinghispeoplestandingaboutandexaminingthegoat。Hewasmuchexcited，andtalkedandgesticulatedviolently。
"Hesays——"saidStedman；"hesays————"
"What？yes，goon。"
"Hesays——goodnessme！——whatdoyouthinkhesays？"
"Well，whatdoeshesay？"criedGordon，ingreatexcitement。
"Don’tkeepitalltoyourself。"
"Hesays，"saidStedman，"thatwearedeceived；thatheisnolongerKingoftheIslandofOpeki；thatheisingreatfearofus，andthathehasgothimselfintonoendoftrouble。Hesaysheseesthatweareindeedmightymen，thattousheisashelplessasthewildboarbeforethejavelinofthehunter。"
"Well，he’sright，"saidGordon。"Goon。"
"Butthatwhichweaskisnolongerhistogive。Hehassoldhiskingshipandhisrighttothisislandtoanotherking，whocametohimtwodaysagoinagreatcanoe，andwhomadenoisesaswedo——withguns，Isupposehemeans——andtowhomhesoldtheislandforawatchthathehasinabagaroundhisneck。
Andthathesignedapaper，andmademarksonapieceofbark，toshowthathegaveuptheislandfreelyandforever。"
"Whatdoeshemean？"saidGordon。"Howcanhegiveuptheisland？Ollypybusisthekingofhalfofit，anyway，andheknowsit。"
"That’sjustit，"saidStedman。"That’swhatfrightenshim。
Hesaidhedidn’tcareaboutOllypybus，anddidn’tcounthiminwhenhemadethetreaty，becauseheissuchapeacefulchapthatheknewhecouldthrashhimintodoinganythinghewantedhimtodo。AndnowthatyouhaveturnedupandtakenOllypybus’spart，hewisheshehadn’tsoldtheisland，andwishestoknowifyouareangry。"
"Angry？ofcourseI’mangry，"saidGordon，glaringasgrimlyatthefrightenedmonarchashethoughtwassafe。"Whowouldn’tbeangry？Whodoyouthinkthesepeoplewerewhomadeafoolofhim，Stedman？Askhimtoletusseethiswatch。"
Stedmandidso，andtheKingfumbledamonghisnecklacesuntilhehadbroughtoutaleatherbagtiedroundhisneckwithacord，andcontainingaplainstem-windingsilverwatchmarkedontheinside"Munich。"
"Thatdoesn’ttellanything，"saidGordon。"Butit’splainenough。Someforeignshipofwarhassettledonthisplaceasacoaling-station，orhasannexeditforcolonization，andthey’vesentaboatashore，andthey’vemadeatreatywiththisoldchap，andforcedhimtosellhisbirthrightforamessofporridge。Now，that’sjustlikethosemonarchicalpirates，imposinguponapooroldblack。"
OldBradleylookedathimimpudently。
"Notatall，"saidGordon；"it’squitedifferentwithus；wedon’twanttorobhimorOllypybus，ortoannextheirland。
Allwewanttodoisto，improveit，andhavethefunofrunningitforthemandmeddlingintheiraffairsofstate。
Well，Stedman，"hesaid，"whatshallwedo？"
StedmansaidthatthebestandonlythingtodowastothreatentotakethewatchawayfromMessenwah，buttogivehimarevolverinstead，whichwouldmakeafriendofhimforlife，andtokeephimsuppliedwithcartridgesonlyaslongashebehavedhimself，andthentomakehimunderstandthat，asOllypybushadnotgivenhisconsenttothelossoftheisland，Messenwah’sagreement，ortreaty，orwhateveritwas，didnotstand，andthathehadbettercomedownthenextday，earlyinthemorning，andjoininageneralconsultation。Thiswasdone，andMessenwahagreedwillinglytotheirproposition，andwasgivenhisrevolverandshownhowtoshootit，whiletheotherpresentsweredistributedamongtheothermen，whowereashappyoverthemasgirlswithafulldance-card。
"Andnow，to-morrow，"saidStedman，"understand，youarealltocomedownunarmed，andsignatreatywithgreatOllypybus，inwhichhewillagreetokeeptoone-halfoftheislandifyoukeeptoyours，andtheremustbenomorewarsorgoat-stealing，orthisgentlemanonmyrightandIwillcomeupandputholesinyoujustasthegentlemanontheleftdidwiththegoat。"
Messenwahandhiswarriorspromisedtocomeearly，andsalutedreverentlyasGordonandhisthreecompanionswalkeduptogetherveryproudlyandstiffly。
"DoyouknowhowIfeel？"saidGordon。
"How？"askedStedman。
"IfeelasIusedtodointhecity，whentheboysinthestreetwerethrowingsnowballs，andIhadtogobywithahighhatonmyheadandpretendnottoknowtheywerebehindme。I
alwaysfeltacoldchilldownmyspinalcolumn，andIcouldfeelthatsnowball，whetheritcameornot，rightinthesmallofmyback。AndIcanfeeloneofthosemenpullinghisbownow，andthearrowstickingoutofmyrightshoulder。"
"Oh，no，youcan’t，"saidStedman。"Theyaretoomuchafraidofthoserifles。ButIdofeelsorryforanyofthosewarriorswhomoldmanMessenwahdoesn’tlike，nowthathehasthatrevolver。Heisn’tthesorttopractiseongoats。"
TherewasgreatrejoicingwhenStedmanandGordontoldtheirstorytotheKing，andthepeoplelearnedthattheywerenottohavetheirhutsburnedandtheircattlestolen。ThearmedOpekiansformedaguardaroundtheambassadorsandescortedthemtotheirhomeswithcheersandshouts，andthewomenranattheirsideandtriedtokissGordon’shand。
"I’msorryIcan’tspeakthelanguage，Stedman，"saidGordon，"orIwouldtellthemwhatabravemanyouare。Youaretoomodesttodoityourself，evenifIdictatedsomethingforyoutosay。Asforme，"hesaid，pullingoffhisuniform，"I
amthoroughlydisgustedanddisappointed。Itneveroccurredtomeuntilitwasalloverthatthiswasmychancetobeawar-correspondent。Itwouldn’thavebeenmuchofawar，butthenIwouldhavebeentheonlyoneonthespot，andthatcountsforagreatdeal。Still，mytimemaycome。"
"Wehaveagreatdealonhandforto-morrow，"saidGordonthatevening，"andwehadbetterturninearly。"
Andsothepeoplewerestillsingingandrejoicingdowninthevillagewhenthetwoconspiratorsforthepeaceofthecountrywenttosleepforthenight。ItseemedtoGordonasthoughhehadhardlyturnedhispillowtwicetogetthecoolestsidewhensomeonetouchedhim，andhesaw，bythelightofthedozenglow-wormsinthetumblerbyhisbedside，atallfigureatitsfoot。
"It’sme——Bradley，"saidthefigure。
"Yes，"saidGordon，withthehasteofamantoshowthatsleephasnoholdonhim；"exactly；whatisit？"
"Thereisashipofwarintheharbor，"Bradleyansweredinawhisper。"Iheardheranchorchainsrattlewhenshecameto，andthatwokeme。IcouldhearthatifIweredead。AndthenImadesurebyherlights；she’sagreatboat，sir，andIcanknowshe’sashipofwarbythechallengingwhentheychangethewatch。Ithoughtyou’dliketoknow，sir。"
Gordonsatupandclutchedhiskneeswithhishands。"Yes，ofcourse，"hesaid；"youarequiteright。Still，Idon’tseewhatthereistodo。"
Hedidnotwishtoshowtoomuchyouthfulinterest，butthoughfreshfromcivilization，hehadlearnedhowfarfromithewas，andhewascurioustoseethissignofitthathadcomesomuchmorequicklythanhehadanticipated。
"WakeMr。Stedman，willyou？"saidhe，"andwewillgoandtakealookather。"
"Youcanseenothingbutthelights，"saidBradley，ashelefttheroom；"it’sablacknight，sir。"
Stedmanwasnotnewfromthesightofmenandshipsofwar，andcameinhalfdressedandeager。
"Doyousupposeit’sthebigcanoeMessenwahspokeof？"hesaid。
"Ithoughtofthat，"saidGordon。
Thethreemenfumbledtheirwaydowntheroadtotheplaza，andsaw，assoonastheyturnedintoit，thegreatoutlinesandthebrilliantlightsofanimmensevessel，stillmoreimmenseinthedarkness，andglowinglikeastrangemonsterofthesea，withjustasuggestionhereandthere，wherethelightsspread，ofhercabinsandbridges。Astheystoodontheshore，shiveringinthecoolnight-wind，theyheardthebellsstrikeoverthewater。
"It’stwoo’clock，"saidBradley，counting。
"Well，wecandonothing，andtheycannotmeantodomuchto-night，"Albertsaid。"Wehadbettergetsomemoresleep，and，Bradley，youkeepwatchandtellusassoonasdaybreaks。"
"Aye，aye，sir，"saidthesailor。
"Ifthat’stheman-of-warthatmadethetreatywithMessenwah，andMessenwahturnsupto-morrow，itlooksasifourdaywouldbeprettywellfilledup，"saidAlbert，astheyfelttheirwaybacktothedarkness。
"Whatdoyouintendtodo？"askedhissecretary，withavoiceofsomeconcern。
"Idon’tknow，"Albertansweredgravely，fromtheblacknessofthenight。"Itlooksasifweweregettingaheadjustalittletoofast，doesn’tit？Well，"headded，astheyreachedthehouse，"let’strytokeepinstepwiththeprocession，evenifwecan’tbedrum-majorsandwalkinfrontofit。"Andwiththischeeringtoneofconfidenceintheirears，thetwodiplomatswentsoundlyasleepagain。
Thelightoftherisingsunfilledtheroom，andtheparrotswerechatteringoutside，whenBradleywokehimagain。
"Theyaresendingaboatashore，sir，"hesaid，excitedly，andfilledwiththeimportanceoftheoccasion。"She’saGermanman-of-war，andoneofthenewmodel。Abeautifulboat，sir；
forherlineswerelaidinGlasgow，andIcantellthat，nomatterwhatflagsheflies。Youhadbestbemovingtomeetthem：thevillageisn’tawakeyet。"
Alberttookacoldbathanddressedleisurely；thenhemadeBradley，Jr。，whohadsleptthroughitall，getupbreakfast，andthetwoyoungmenateitanddranktheircoffeecomfortablyandwithanairofconfidencethatdeceivedtheirservants，ifitdidnotdeceivethemselves。Butwhentheycamedownthepath，smokingandswingingtheirsticks，andturnedintotheplaza，theircomposureleftthemlikeamask，andtheystoppedwheretheystood。Theplazawasenclosedbythenativesgatheredinwhisperinggroups，anddepressedbyfearandwonder。OnonesidewerecrowdedalltheMessenwahwarriors，unarmed，andassilentanddisturbedastheOpekians。Inthemiddleoftheplazasometwentysailorswerebusyrearingandbracingatallflag-staffthattheyhadshapedfromaroyalpalm，andtheydidthisasunconcernedlyandascontemptuously，andwithasmuchindifferencetothestrangegroupsoneithersideofthem，asthoughtheywereworkingonabarrencoast，withnothingbutthestartledsea-gullsaboutthem。AsAlbertandStedmancameuponthescene，theflag-polewasinplace，andthehalyardshungfromitwithalittlebundleofbuntingattheendofoneofthem。
"WemustfindtheKingatonce，"saidGordon。Hewasterriblyexcitedandangry。"Itiseasyenoughtoseewhatthismeans。
TheyaregoingthroughtheformofannexingthisislandtotheotherlandsoftheGermanGovernment。TheyarerobbingoldOllypybusofwhatishis。Theyhavenotevengivenhimasilverwatchforit。"
TheKingwasinhisbungalow，facingtheplaza。Messenwahwaswithhim，andanequalnumberofeachoftheircouncils。Thecommondangerhadmadethemliedowntogetherinpeace；buttheygaveamurmurofreliefasGordonstrodeintotheroomwithnoceremony，andgreetedthemwithacurtwaveofthehand。
"Nowthen，Stedman，bequick，"hesaid。"Explaintothemwhatthismeans；tellthemthatIwillprotectthem；thatIamanxioustoseethatOllypybusisnotcheated；thatwewilldoallwecanforthem。"
Outside，ontheshore，asecondboat’screwhadlandedagroupofofficersandafileofmarines。Theywalkedinallthedignityoffulldressacrosstheplazatotheflag-pole，andformedinlineonthethreesidesofit，withthemarinesfacingthesea。Theofficers，fromthecaptainwithaprayer-bookinhishand，totheyoungestmiddy，wereasindifferenttothefrightenednativesaboutthemastheothermenhadbeen。Thenatives，awedandafraid，crouchedbackamongtheirhuts，themarinesandthesailorskepttheireyesfront，andtheGermancaptainopenedhisprayer-book。Thedebateinthebungalowwasover。
"Ifyouonlyhadyouruniform，sir，"saidBradley，Sr。，miserably。
"Thisisalittlebittooseriousforuniformsandbicyclemedals，"saidGordon。"Andthesemenareusedtogoldlace。"
Hepushedhiswaythroughthenatives，andsteppedconfidentlyacrosstheplaza。Theyoungestmiddysawhimcoming，andnudgedtheonenexthimwithhiselbow，andhenudgedthenext，butnoneoftheofficersmoved，becausethecaptainhadbeguntoread。
"Oneminute，please，"calledGordon。
Hesteppedoutintothehollowsquareformedbythemarines，andraisedhishelmettothecaptain。
"DoyouspeakEnglishorFrench？"GordonsaidinFrench；"IdonotunderstandGerman。"
ThecaptainloweredthebookinhishandsandgazedreflectivelyatGordonthroughhisspectacles，andmadenoreply。
"IfIunderstandthis，"saidtheyoungerman，tryingtobeveryimpressiveandpolite，"youarelayingclaimtothisland，inbehalfoftheGermanGovernment。"
Thecaptaincontinuedtoobservehimthoughtfully，andthensaid，"Thatissso，"andthenasked，"Whoareyou？"
"IrepresenttheKingofthisisland，Ollypybus，whosepeopleyouseearoundyou。IalsorepresenttheUnitedStatesGovernment，thatdoesnottolerateaforeignpowernearhercoast，sincethedaysofPresidentMonroeandbefore。ThetreatyyouhavemadewithMessenwahisanabsurdity。Thereisonlyonekingwithwhomtotreat，andhe————"
Thecaptainturnedtooneofhisofficersandsaidsomething，andthen，aftergivinganothercuriousglanceatGordon，raisedhisbookandcontinuedreading，inadeep，unruffledmonotone。Theofficerwhisperedanorder，andtwoofthemarinessteppedoutofline，anddroppingthemuzzlesoftheirmuskets，pushedGordonbackoutoftheenclosure，andlefthimtherewithhislipswhite，andtremblingalloverwithindignation。Hewouldhavelikedtohaverushedbackintothelinesandbrokenthecaptain’sspectaclesoverhissun-tannednoseandcheeks，buthewasquitesurethiswouldonlyresultinhisgettingshot，orinhisbeingmaderidiculousbeforethenatives，whichwasalmostasbad；sohestoodstillforamoment，withhisbloodchokinghim，andthenturnedandwalkedbacktowheretheKingandStedmanwerewhisperingtogether。
Justasheturned，oneofthemenpulledthehalyards，theballofbuntingranupintotheair，bobbed，twitched，andturned，andbrokeintothefoldsoftheGermanflag。Atthesamemomentthemarinesraisedtheirmusketsandfiredavolley，andtheofficerssalutedandthesailorscheered。
"Doyouseethat？"criedStedman，catchingGordon’shumor，toOllypybus；"thatmeansthatyouarenolongerking，thatstrangepeoplearecomingheretotakeyourland，andtoturnyourpeopleintoservants，andtodriveyoubackintothemountains。Areyougoingtosubmit？areyougoingtoletthatflagstaywhereitis？"
MessenwahandOllypybusgazedatoneanotherwithfearful，helplesseyes。"Weareafraid，"Ollypybuscried；"wedonotknowwhatweshoulddo。"
"Whatdotheysay？"
"Theysaytheydonotknowwhattodo。"
"IknowwhatI’ddo，"criedGordon。"IfIwerenotanAmericanconsul，I’dpulldowntheiroldflag，andputaholeintheirboatandsinkher。"
"Well，I’dwaituntiltheygetunderwaybeforeyoudoeitherofthosethings，"saidStedman，soothingly。"Thatcaptainseemstobeamanofmuchdeterminationofcharacter。"
"ButIwillpullitdown，"criedGordon。"Iwillresign，asTravisdid。Iamnolongerconsul。Youcanbeconsulifyouwantto。Ipromoteyou。Iamgoingupastephigher。Imeantobeking。Tellthosetwo，"heranon，excitedly，"thattheironlycourseandonlyhopeisinme；thattheymustmakemeruleroftheislanduntilthisthingisover；thatIwillresignagainassoonasitissettled，butthatsomeonemustactatonce，andiftheyareafraidto，Iamnot，onlytheymustgivemeauthoritytoactforthem。Theymustabdicateinmyfavor。"
"Areyouinearnest？"gaspedStedman。
"Don’tItalkasifIwere？"demandedGordon，wipingtheperspirationfromhisforehead。
"AndcanIbeconsul？"saidStedman，cheerfully。
"Ofcourse。TellthemwhatIproposetodo。"
Stedmanturnedandspokerapidlytothetwokings。Thepeoplegatheredclosertohear。
Thetworivalmonarchslookedatoneanotherinsilenceforamoment，andthenbothbegantospeakatonce，theircounsellorsinterruptingthemandmumblingtheirgutturalcommentswithanxiousearnestness。Itdidnottakethemverylongtoseethat，theywereallofonemind，andthentheybothturnedtoGordonanddroppedononeknee，andplacedhishandsontheirforeheads，andStedmanraisedhiscap。
"Theyagree，"heexplained，foritwasbutpantomimetoAlbert。"Theysaluteyouasaruler；theyarecallingyouTellaman，whichmeanspeacemaker。ThePeacemaker，thatisyourtitle。Ihopeyouwilldeserveit，butIthinktheymighthavechosenamoreappropriateone。"
"ThenI’mreallyKing？"demandedAlbert，decidedly，"andIcandowhatIplease？Theygivemefullpower。Quick，dothey？"
"Yes，butdon’tdoit，"beggedStedman，"andjustrememberI
amAmericanconsulnow，andthatisamuchsuperiorbeingtoacrownedmonarch；yousaidsoyourself。"
Albertdidnotreplytothis，butranacrosstheplaza，followedbythetwoBradleys。Theboatshadgone。
"Hoistthatflagbesidethebrasscannon，"hecried，"andstandreadytosaluteitwhenIdropthisone。"
Bradley，Jr。，graspedthehalyardsoftheflag，whichhehadforgottentoraiseandsaluteinthemorninginalltheexcitementofthearrivaloftheman-of-war。Bradley，Sr。，stoodbythebrasscannon，blowinggentlyonhislightedfuse。
ThePeacemakertookthehalyardsoftheGermanflaginhistwohands，gaveaquick，sharptug，anddowncamethered，white，andblackpieceofbunting，andthenextmomentyoungBradleysenttheStarsandStripesupintheirplace。Asitrose，Bradley’sbrasscannonbarkedmerrilylikealittlebull-dog，andthePeacemakercheered。
"Whydon’tyoucheer，Stedman？"heshouted。"Tellthosepeopletocheerforalltheyareworth。WhatsortofanAmericanconsulareyou？"
Stedmanraisedhisarmhalf-heartedlytogivethetime，andopenedhismouth；buthisarmremainedfixedandhismouthopen，whilehiseyesstaredattheretreatingboatoftheGermanman-of-war。InthesternsheetsofthisboatthestoutGermancaptainwasstrugglingunsteadilytohisfeet；heraisedhisarmandwavedittosomeoneonthegreatman-of-war，asthoughgivinganorder。ThenativeslookedfromStedmantotheboat，andevenGordonstoppedinhischeering，andstoodmotionless，watching。Theyhadnotverylongtowait。Therewasapuffofwhitesmoke，andaflash，andthenaloudreport，andacrossthewatercameagreatblackballskippinglightlythroughandoverthewaves，aseasilyasaflatstonethrownbyaboy。Itseemedtocomeveryslowly。Atleastitcameslowlyenoughforeveryonetoseethatitwascomingdirectlytowardthebrasscannon。TheBradleyscertainlysawthis，fortheyranasfastastheycould，andkeptonrunning。Theballcaughtthecannonunderitsmouthandtosseditintheair，knockingtheflagpoleintoadozenpieces，andpassingonthroughtwoofthepalm-coveredhuts。
"GreatHeavens，Gordon！"criedStedman；"theyarefiringonus。"
ButGordon’sfacewasradiantandwild。
"FiringonUS！"hecried。"Onus！Don’tyousee？Don’tyouunderstand？WhatdoWEamountto？TheyhavefiredontheAmericanflag！Don’tyouseewhatthatmeans？Itmeanswar。Agreatinternationalwar。AndIamawar-correspondentatlast！"HeranuptoStedmanandseizedhimbythearmsotightlythatithurt。
"Bythreeo’clock，"hesaid，"theywillknowintheofficewhathashappened。Thecountrywillknowitto-morrowwhenthepaperisonthestreet；peoplewillreaditallovertheworld。TheEmperorwillhearofitatbreakfast；thePresidentwillcableforfurtherparticulars。Hewillgetthem。Itisthechanceofalifetime，andweareonthespot！"
Stedmandidnothearthis；hewaswatchingthebroadsideoftheshiptoseeanotherpuffofwhitesmoke，buttherecamenosuchsign。Thetworowboatswereraised，therewasacloudofblacksmokefromthefunnel，acreakingofchainssoundingfaintlyacrossthewater，andtheshipstartedathalf-speedandmovedoutoftheharbor。TheOpekiansandtheHillmenfellontheirknees，ortodancing，asbestsuitedtheirsenseofrelief，butGordonshookhishead。
"Theyareonlygoingtolandthemarines，"hesaid；"perhapstheyaregoingtothespottheystoppedatbefore，ortotakeupanotherpositionfartheroutatsea。Theywilllandmenandthenshellthetown，andthelandforceswillmarchhereandco-operatewiththevessel，andeverybodywillbetakenprisonerorkilled。Wehavethecentreofthestage，andwearemakinghistory。"
"I’dratherreaditthanmakeit，"saidStedman。"You’vegotusinasenseless，sillyposition，Gordon，andamightyunpleasantone。AndfornoreasonthatIcansee，excepttomakecopyforyourpaper。"
"Tellthosepeopletogettheirthingstogether，"saidGordon，"andmarchbackoutofdangerintothewoods。TellOllypybusIamgoingtofixthingsallright；Idon’tknowjusthowyet，butIwill，andnowcomeaftermeasquicklyasyoucantothecableoffice。I’vegottotellthepaperallaboutit。"
Itwasthreeo’clockbeforethe"chapatOctavia"answeredStedman’ssignalling。ThenStedmandeliveredGordon’smessage，andimmediatelyshutoffallconnection，beforetheOctaviaoperatorcouldquestionhim。Gordondictatedhismessageinthisway：——
"Beginwiththedateline，`Opeki，June22。’
"Atseveno’clockthismorning，thecaptainandofficersoftheGermanman-of-warKaiserwentthroughtheceremonyofannexingthisislandinthenameoftheGermanEmperor，basingtheirrighttodosoonanagreementmadewithaleaderofawanderingtribeknownastheHillmen。KingOllypybus，thepresentmonarchofOpeki，delegatedhisauthority，asalsodidtheleaderoftheHillmen，toKingTellaman，orthePeacemaker，whotoredowntheGermanflag，andraisedthatoftheUnitedStatesinitsplace。Atthesamemomenttheflagwassalutedbythebattery。Thissalute，beingmistakenforanattackontheKaiser，wasansweredbythatvessel。Herfirstshottookimmediateeffect，completelydestroyingtheentirebatteryoftheOpekians，cuttingdowntheAmericanflag，anddestroyingthehousesofthepeople————"
"Therewasonlyonebrasscannonandtwohuts，"expostulatedStedman。
"Well，thatwasthewholebattery，wasn’tit？"askedGordon，"andtwohutsisplural。Isaidhousesofthepeople。I
couldn’tsaytwohousesofthepeople。Justyousendthisasyougetit。YouarenotanAmericanconsulatthepresentmoment。Youareanunder-paidagentofacablecompany，andyousendmystuffasIwriteit。TheAmericanresidentshavetakenrefugeintheconsulate——that’sus，"explainedGordon，"andtheEnglishresidentshavesoughtrefugeinthewoods——that’stheBradleys。KingTellaman——that’sme——declareshisintentionoffightingagainsttheannexation。
TheforcesoftheOpekiansareunderthecommandofCaptainThomasBradley——IguessImightaswellmakehimacolonel——ofColonelThomasBradley，oftheEnglisharmy。
"TheAmericanconsulsays——Now，whatdoyousay，Stedman？
Hurryup，please，"askedGordon，"andsaysomethinggoodandstrong。"
"Yougetmeallmixedup，"complainedStedman，plaintively。
"WhichamInow，acableoperatorortheAmericanconsul？"
"Consul，ofcourse。Saysomethingpatrioticandaboutyourdeterminationtoprotecttheinterestsofyourgovernment，andallthat。"Gordonbittheendofhispencilimpatiently，andwaited。
"Iwon’tdoanythingofthesort，Gordon，"saidStedman；"youaregettingmeintoanawfullotoftrouble，andyourselftoo。
Iwon’tsayaword。"
"TheAmericanconsul，"readGordon，ashispencilwriggledacrossthepaper，"refusestosayanythingforpublicationuntilhehascommunicatedwiththeauthoritiesatWashington，butfromallIcanlearnhesympathizesentirelywithTellaman。YourcorrespondenthasjustreturnedfromanaudiencewithKingTellaman，whoaskshimtoinformtheAmericanpeoplethattheMonroedoctrinewillbesustainedaslongasherulesthisisland。Iguessthat’senoughtobeginwith，"
saidGordon。"Nowsendthatoffquick，andthengetawayfromtheinstrumentbeforethemaninOctaviabeginstoaskquestions。Iamgoingouttoprecipitatematters。"
Gordonfoundthetwokingssittingdejectedlysidebyside，andgazinggrimlyuponthedisorderofthevillage，fromwhichthepeopleweretakingtheirleaveasquicklyastheycouldgettheirfewbelongingspiledupontheox-carts。Gordonwalkedamongthem，helpingthemineverywayhecould，andtasting，intheirsubservienceandgratitude，thesweetsofsovereignty。WhenStedmanhadlockedupthecableofficeandrejoinedhim，hebadehimtellMessenwahtosendthreeofhisyoungestmenandfastestrunnersbacktothehillstowatchfortheGermanvesselandseewhereshewasattemptingtolandhermarines。
"Thisisatremendouschancefordescriptivewriting，Stedman，"saidGordon，enthusiastically；"allthisconfusionandexcitement，andthepeopleleavingtheirhomes，andallthat。It’slikethepeoplegettingoutofBrusselsbeforeWaterloo，andthenthesceneatthefootofthemountains，whiletheyarecampingoutthere，untiltheGermansleave。I
neverhadachancelikethisbefore。"
Itwasquitedarkbysixo’clock，andnoneofthethreemessengershadasyetreturned。Gordonwalkedupanddowntheemptyplazaandlookednowatthehorizonfortheman-of-war，andagaindowntheroadbackofthevillage。Butneitherthevesselnorthemessengersbearingwordofherappeared。Thenightpassedwithoutanyincident，andinthemorningGordon’simpatiencebecamesogreatthathewalkedouttowherethevillagerswereincampandpassedonhalfwayupthemountain，buthecouldseenosignoftheman-of-war。Hecamebackmorerestlessthanbefore，andkeenlydisappointed。
"Ifsomethingdon’thappenbeforethreeo’clock，Stedman，"hesaid，"oursecondcablegramwillhavetoconsistofglitteringgeneralitiesAndalengthyinterviewwithKingTellaman，byhimself。"
Nothingdidhappen。OllypybusandMessenwahbegantobreathemorefreely。TheybelievedthenewkinghadsucceededinfrighteningtheGermanvesselawayforever。ButthenewkingupsettheirhopesbytellingthemthattheGermanshadundoubtedlyalreadylanded，andhadprobablykilledthethreemessengers。
"Nowthen，"hesaid，withpleasedexpectation，asStedmanandheseatedthemselvesinthecableofficeatthreeo’clock，"openitupandlet’sfindoutwhatsortofanimpressionwehavemade。"
Stedman’sface，astheanswercameintohisfirstmessageofgreeting，wasoneofstrangelymarkeddisapproval。
"Whatdoeshesay？"demandedGordon，anxiously。
"Hehasn’tdoneanythingbutswearyet，"answeredStedman，grimly。
"Whatisheswearingabout？"
"HewantstoknowwhyIleftthecableyesterday。Hesayshehasbeentryingtocallmeupforthelasttwenty-fourhours，eversinceIsentmymessageatthreeo’clock。Thehomeofficeisjumpingmad，andwantmedischarged。Theywon’tdothat，though，"hesaid，inacheerfulaside，"becausetheyhaven’tpaidmemysalaryforthelasteightmonths。Hesays——greatScott！thiswillpleaseyou，Gordon——hesaysthattherehavebeenovertwohundredqueriesformatterfrompapersallovertheUnitedStates，andfromEurope。Yourpaperbeatthemonthenews，andnowthehomeofficeispackedwithSanFranciscoreporters，andthetelegramsarecomingineveryminute，andtheyhavebeenabusinghimfornotansweringthem，andhesaysthatI’mafool。Hewantsasmuchasyoucansend，andallthedetails。Hesaysallthepaperswillhavetoput`ByYokohamaCableCompany’onthetopofeachmessagetheyprint，andthatthatisadvertisingthecompany，andissendingthestockup。Itrosefifteenpointson’changeinSanFranciscoto-day，andthepresidentandtheotherofficersarebuying————"
"Oh，Idon’twanttohearabouttheiroldcompany，"snappedoutGordon，pacingupanddownindespair。"WhatamItodo？
that’swhatIwanttoknow。HereIhavethewholecountrystirredupandbeggingfornews。Ontheirkneesforit，andacablealltomyself，andtheonlymanonthespot，andnothingtosay。I’djustliketoknowhowlongthatGermanidiotintendstowaitbeforehebeginsshellingthistownandkillingpeople。Hehasputmeinamostabsurdposition。"
"Here’samessageforyou，Gordon，"saidStedman，withbusiness-likecalm。"AlbertGordon，Correspondent，"heread：
"TryAmericanconsul。Firstmessage0。K。；beatthecountry；
cantakeallyousend。Givenamesofforeignresidentsmassacred，andfulleraccountblowinguppalace。Dodge。"
TheexpressiononGordon’sfaceasthismessagewasslowlyreadofftohim，hadchangedfromoneofgratifiedpridetooneofpuzzledconsternation。
"What’shemeanbyforeignresidentsmassacred，andblowingupofpalace？"askedStedman，lookingoverhisshoulderanxiously。"WhoisDodge？"
"Dodgeisthenighteditor，"saidGordon，nervously。"Theymusthavereadmymessagewrong。YousentjustwhatIgaveyou，didn’tyou？"heasked。
"OfcourseIdid，"saidStedman，indignantly。"Ididn’tsayanythingaboutthemassacreofanybody，didI？"askedGordon。
"Ihopetheyarenotimprovingonmyaccount。WhatAMItodo？Thisisgettingawful。I’llhavetogooutandkillafewpeoplemyself。Oh，whydon’tthatDutchcaptainbegintodosomething！Whatsortofafighterdoeshecallhimself？
Hewouldn’tshootataschoolofporpoises。He’snot————"
"HerecomesamessagetoLeonardT。Travis，Americanconsul，Opeki，"readStedman。"It’srainingmessagesto-day。`SendfulldetailsofmassacreofAmericancitizensbyGermansailors。’Secretaryof——greatScott！"gaspedStedman，interruptinghimselfandgazingathisinstrumentwithhorrifiedfascination——"theSecretaryofState。"
"Thatsettlesit，"roaredGordon，pullingathishairandburyinghisfaceinhishands。"IhaveGOTtokillsomeofthemnow。"
"AlbertGordon，Correspondent，"readStedman，impressively，likethevoiceofFate。"IsColonelThomasBradleycommandingnativeforcesatOpeki，ColonelSirThomasKent-BradleyofCrimeanwarfame？CorrespondentLondonTimes，SanFranciscoPressClub。"
"Goon，goon！"saidGordon，desperately。"I’mgettingusedtoitnow。Goon！"
"Americanconsul，Opeki，"readStedman。"HomeSecretarydesiresyoutofurnishlistofnamesEnglishresidentskilledduringshellingofOpekibyshipofwarKaiser，andestimateofamountpropertydestroyed。Stoughton，BritishEmbassy，Washington。"
"Stedman！"criedGordon，jumpingtohisfeet，there’samistakeheresomewhere。Thesepeoplecannotallhavemademymessagereadlikethat。Someonehasalteredit，andnowI
havegottomakethesepeoplehereliveuptothatmessage，whethertheylikebeingmassacredandblownupornot。Don’tansweranyofthosemessagesexcepttheonefromDodge；tellhimthingshavequieteddownabit，andthatI’llsendfourthousandwordsontheflightofthenativesfromthevillage，andtheirencampmentatthefootofthemountains，andoftheexploringpartywehavesentouttolookfortheGermanvessel；andnowIamgoingouttomakesomethinghappen。"
Gordonsaidthathewouldbegonefortwohoursatleast，andasStedmandidnotfeelcapableofreceivinganymorenerve-stirringmessages，hecutoffallconnectionwithOctaviabysaying，"Good-byfortwohours，"andrunningawayfromtheoffice。Hesatdownonarockonthebeach，andmoppedhisfacewithhishandkerchief。
"AfteramanhastakennothingmoreexcitingthanweatherreportsfromOctaviaforayear，"hesoliloquized，"it’sabitdisturbingtohaveallthecrownedheadsofEuropeandtheirsecretariescallinguponyoufordetailsofamassacrethatnevercameoff。"
AttheendoftwohoursGordonreturnedfromtheconsulatewithamassofmanuscriptinhishand。
"Here’sthreethousandwords，"hesaid，desperately。"Ineverwrotemoreandsaidlessinmylife。Itwillmakethemweepattheoffice。Ihadtopretendthattheyknewallthathadhappenedsofar；theyapparentlydoknowmorethanwedo，andIhavefilleditfullofprophesiesofmoretroubleahead，andwithinterviewswithmyselfandthetwoex-Kings。Theonlynewselementinitis，thatthemessengershavereturnedtoreportthattheGermanvesselisnotinsight，andthatthereisnonews。Theythinkshehasgoneforgood。Supposeshehas，Stedman，"hegroaned，lookingathimhelplessly，"whatAMIgoingtodo？"
"Well，asforme，"saidStedman，"I’mafraidtogonearthatcable。It’slikeplayingwithalivewire。Mynervoussystemwon’tstandmanymoresuchshocksasthosetheygaveusthismorning。"
Gordonthrewhimselfdowndejectedlyinachairintheoffice，andStedmanapproachedhisinstrumentgingerly，asthoughitmightexplode。
"He’sswearingagain，"heexplained，sadly，inanswertoGordon’slookofinquiry。"HewantstoknowwhenIamgoingtostoprunningawayfromthewire。Hehasastackofmessagestosend，hesays，butIguesshe’dbetterwaitandtakeyourcopyfirst；don’tyouthinkso？"
"Yes，Ido，"saidGordon。"Idon’twantanymoremessagesthanI’vehad。That’sthebestIcando，"hesaid，ashethrewhismanuscriptdownbesideStedman。"Andtheycankeeponcablinguntilthewireburnsredhot，andtheywon’tgetanymore。"
Therewassilenceintheofficeforsometime，whileStedmanlookedoverGordon’scopy，andGordonstareddejectedlyoutattheocean。
"Thisisprettypoorstuff，Gordon，"saidStedman。"It’slikegivingpeoplemilkwhentheywantbrandy。"
"Don’tyousupposeIknowthat？"growledGordon。"It’sthebestIcando，isn’tit？It’snotmyfaultthatwearenotalldeadnow。Ican’tmassacreforeignresidentsiftherearenoforeignresidents，butIcancommitsuicide，though，andI’lldoitifsomethingdon’thappen。"
Therewasalongpause，inwhichthesilenceoftheofficewasonlybrokenbythesoundofthewavesbeatingonthecoralreefsoutside。Stedmanraisedhisheadwearily。
"He’sswearingagain，"hesaid；"hesaysthisstuffofyoursisallnonsense。HesaysstockintheY。C。C。hasgoneuptoonehundredandtwo，andthatownersareunloadingandmakingtheirfortunes，andthatthissortofdescriptivewritingisnotwhatthecompanywant。"
"What’shethinkI’mherefor？"criedGordon。"DoeshethinkIpulleddowntheGermanflagandriskedmyneckhalfadozentimesandhadmyselfmadeKingjusttoboomhisYokohamacablestock？Confoundhim！Youmightatleastswearback。Tellhimjustwhatthesituationisinafewwords。Here，stopthatrigmaroletothepaper，andexplaintoyourhomeofficethatweareawaitingdevelopments，andthat，inthemeanwhile，theymustputupwiththebestwecansendthem。Wait；sendthistoOctavia。"
Gordonwroterapidly，andreadwhathewroteasrapidlyasitwaswritten。
"Operator，Octavia。Youseemtohavemisunderstoodmyfirstmessage。Thefactsinthecasearethese。AGermanman-of-warraisedaflagonthisisland。ItwaspulleddownandtheAmericanflagraisedinitsplaceandsalutedbyabrasscannon。TheGermanman-of-warfiredonceattheflagandknockeditdown，andthensteamedawayandhasnotbeenseensince。Twohutswereupset，thatisallthedamagedone；
thebatteryconsistedoftheonebrasscannonbeforementioned。Noone，eithernativeorforeign，hasbeenmassacred。TheEnglishresidentsaretwosailors。TheAmericanresidentsaretheyoungmanwhoissendingyouthiscableandmyself。Ourfirstmessagewasquitetrueinsubstance，butperhapsmisleadingindetail。ImadeitsobecauseIfullyexpectedmuchmoretohappenimmediately。
Nothinghashappened，orseemslikelytohappen，andthatistheexactsituationuptodate。AlbertGordon。"
"Now，"heasked，afterapause，"whatdoeshesaytothat？"
"Hedoesn’tsayanything，"saidStedman。
"Iguesshehasfainted。Hereitcomes，"headdedinthesamebreath。Hebenttowardhisinstrument，andGordonraisedhimselffromhischairandstoodbesidehimashereaditoff。
Thetwoyoungmenhardlybreathedintheintensityoftheirinterest。
"DearStedman，"heslowlyreadaloud。"Youandyouryoungfriendareacoupleoffools。Ifyouhadallowedmetosendyouthemessagesawaitingtransmissionheretoyou，youwouldnothavesentmesuchaconfessionofguiltasyouhavejustdone。YouhadbetterleaveOpekiatonceorhideinthehills。IamafraidIhaveplacedyouinasomewhatcompromisingpositionwiththecompany，whichisunfortunate，especiallyas，ifIamnotmistaken，theyoweyousomebackpay。Youshouldhavebeenwiserinyourday，andboughtY。C。C。stockwhenitwasdowntofivecents，as`yourstruly’
did。Youarenot，Stedman，asbrightaboyassome。Andasforyourfriend，thewar-correspondent，hehasqueeredhimselfforlife。Yousee，mydearStedman，afterIhadsentoffyourfirstmessage，anddemandsforfurtherdetailscamepouringin，andIcouldnotgetyouatthewiretosupplythem，Itookthelibertyofsendingsomeonmyself。"
"GreatHeavensl"gaspedGordon。
Stedmangrewverywhiteunderhistan，andtheperspirationrolledonhischeeks。
"Yourmessagewassogeneralinitsnature，thatitallowedmyimaginationfullplay，andIsentonwhatIthoughtwouldpleasethepapers，and，whatwasmuchmoreimportanttome，wouldadvertisetheY。C。C。stock。ThisIhavebeendoingwhilewaitingformaterialfromyou。NothavingaclearideaofthedimensionsorpopulationofOpeki，itispossiblethatIhavedoneyouandyournewspaperfriendsomeinjustice。I
killedoffaboutahundredAmericanresidents，twohundredEnglish，becauseIdonotliketheEnglish，andahundredFrench。IblewupoldOllypybusandhispalacewithdynamite，andshelledthecity，destroyingsomehundredthousanddollars’worthofproperty，andthenIwaitedanxiouslyforyourfriendtosubstantiatewhatIhadsaid。Thishehasmostunkindlyfailedtodo。Iamverysorry，butmuchmoresoforhimthanformyself，forI，mydearfriend，havecabledontoamaninSanFrancisco，whoisoneofthedirectorsoftheY。C。C。，tosellallmystock，whichhehasdoneatonehundredandtwo，andheiskeepingthemoneyuntilIcome。AndI
leaveOctaviathisafternoontoreapmyjustreward。Iaminabouttwentythousanddollarsonyourlittlewar，andIfeelgrateful。SomuchsothatIwillinformyouthattheshipofwarKaiserhasarrivedatSanFrancisco，forwhichportshesaileddirectlyfromOpeki。Hercaptainhasexplainedtherealsituation，andofferedtomakeeveryamendfortheaccidentalindignityshowntoourflag。Hesaysheaimedatthecannon，whichwastrainedonhisvessel，andwhichhadfirstfiredonhim。Butyoumustknow，mydearStedman，thatbeforehisarrival，war-vesselsbelongingtotheseveralpowersmentionedinmyreviseddespatches，hadstartedforOpekiatfullspeed，torevengethebutcheryoftheforeignresidents。Aword，mydearyoungfriend，tothewiseissufficient。Iamindebtedtoyoutotheextentoftwentythousanddollars，andinreturnIgiveyouthiskindlyadvice。
LeaveOpeki。Ifthereisnootherway，swim。ButleaveOpeki。"
Thesun，thatnight，asitsankbelowthelinewherethecloudsseemedtotouchthesea，mergedthembothintoablazing，blood-redcurtain，andcoloredthemostwonderfulspectaclethatthenativesofOpekihadeverseen。Sixgreatshipsofwar，stretchingoutoveraleagueofsea，stoodblacklyoutagainsttheredbackground，rollingandrising，andleapingforward，flingingbacksmokeandburningsparksupintotheairbehindthem，andthrobbingandpantinglikelivingcreaturesintheirraceforrevenge。Fromthesouthcameathree-deckedvessel，agreatislandoffloatingsteel，withaflagasredastheangryskybehindit，snappinginthewind。Tothesouthofitplungedtwolonglow-lyingtorpedo-boats，flyingtheFrenchtri-color，andstillfarthertothenorthtoweredthreemagnificenthullsoftheWhiteSquadron。Vengeancewaswrittenoneverycurveandline，oneachstrainingengine-rod，andoneachpolishedgun-muzzle。
Andinfrontofthese，aclumsyfishing-boatroseandfelloneachpassingwave。Twosailorssatinthestern，holdingtheropeandtiller，andinthebow，withtheirbacksturnedforevertowardOpeki，stoodtwoyoungboys，theirfaceslitbytheglowofthesettingsunandstirredbythesightofthegreatenginesofwarplungingpastthemontheirerrandofvengeance。
"Stedman，"saidtheelderboy，inanawe-struckwhisper，andwithawaveofhishand，"wehavenotlivedinvain。"
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