\"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。\"
