TheOldTimeJournalistwilltellyouthatthebestreporteristheonewhoworkshiswayup。Heholdsthattheonlywaytostartisasaprinter’sdevilorasanofficeboy，tolearnintimetosettype，tograduatefromacompositorintoastenographer，andasastenographertakedownspeechesatpublicmeetings，andsofinallygrowintoarealreporter，withafirebadgeonyourleftsuspender，andaspeakingacquaintancewithallthegreatestmeninthecity，notevenexceptingPoliceCaptains。
　　Thatistheoldtimejournalist’sideaofit。Thatisthewayhewastrained，andthatiswhyattheageofsixtyheisstillareporter。Ifyoutrainupayouthinthisway，hewillgointoreportingwithtoofullaknowledgeofthenewspaperbusiness，withnoillusionsconcerningit，andwithnoignorantenthusiasms，butwithakeenandjustifiableimpressionthatheisnotpaidenoughforwhathedoes。Andhewillonlydowhatheispaidtodo。
　　Now，youcannotpayagoodreporterforwhathedoes，becausehedoesnotworkforpay。Heworksforhispaper。Hegiveshistime，hishealth，hisbrains，hissleepinghours，andhiseatinghours，andsometimeshislife，togetnewsforit。Hethinksthesunrisesonlythatmenmayhavelightbywhichtoreadit。Butifhehasbeeninanewspaperofficefromhisyouthup，hefindsoutbeforehebecomesareporterthatthisisnotso，andloseshisrealvalue。HeshouldcomerightoutoftheUniversitywherehehasbeendoing"campusnotes"forthecollegeweekly，andbepitchforkedoutintocityworkwithoutknowingwhethertheBatteryisatHarlemorHunter’sPoint，andwiththeideathatheisaMoulderofPublicOpinionandthatthePowerofthePressisgreaterthanthePowerofMoney，andthatthefewlineshewritesareofmorevalueintheEditor’seyesthanisthecolumnofadvertisingonthelastpage，whichtheyarenot。
　　Afterthreeyears——itissometimeslonger，sometimesnotsolong——hefindsoutthathehasgivenhisnervesandhisyouthandhisenthusiasminexchangeforageneralfundofmiscellaneousknowledge，theopportunityofpersonalencounterwithallthegreatestandmostremarkablemenandeventsthathaveriseninthosethreeyears，andagreatfundofresourceandpatience。Hewillfindthathehascrowdedtheexperiencesofthelifetimeoftheordinaryyoungbusinessman，doctor，orlawyer，ormanabouttown，intothreeshortyears；thathehaslearnedtothinkandtoactquickly，tobepatientandunmovedwheneveryoneelsehaslosthishead，actuallyorfigurativelyspeaking；towriteasfastasanothermancantalk，andtobeabletotalkwithauthorityonmattersofwhichothermendonotventureeventothinkuntiltheyhavereadwhathehaswrittenwithacopy-boyathiselbowonthenightprevious。
　　Itisnecessaryforyoutoknowthis，thatyoumayunderstandwhatmannerofmanyoungAlbertGordonwas。
　　YoungGordonhadbeenareporterjustthreeyears。HehadleftYalewhenhislastlivingrelativedied，andhadtakenthemorningtrainforNewYork，wheretheyhadpromisedhimreportorialworkononeoftheinnumerableGreatestNewYorkDailies。Hearrivedattheofficeatnoon，andwassentbackoverthesameroadonwhichhehadjustcome，toSpuytenDuyvil，whereatrainhadbeenwreckedandeverybodyofconsequencetosuburbanNewYorkkilled。Oneoftheoldreportershurriedhimtotheofficeagainwithhis"copy，"andafterhehaddeliveredthat，hewassenttotheTombstotalkFrenchtoamaninMurderers’Row，whocouldnottalkanythingelse，butwhohadshownsomeinternationalskillintheuseofajimmy。Andateight，hecoveredaflower-showinMadisonSquareGarden；andatelevenwassentovertheBrooklynBridgeinacabtowatchafireandmakeguessesatthelossestotheinsurancecompanies。
　　Hewenttobedatone，anddreamedofshatteredlocomotives，humanbeingslyingstillwithblanketsoverthem，rowsofcells，andbanksofbeautifulflowersnoddingtheirheadstothetunesofthebrassbandinthegallery。Hedecidedwhenheawokethenextmorningthathehadentereduponapicturesqueandexcitingcareer，andasonedayfollowedanother，hebecamemoreandmoreconvincedofit，andmoreandmoredevotedtoit。Hewastwentythen，andhewasnowtwenty-three，andinthattimehadbecomeagreatreporter，andhadbeentoPresidentialconventionsinChicago，revolutionsinHayti，IndianoutbreaksonthePlains，andmidnightmeetingsofmoonlightersinTennessee，andhadseenwhatworkearthquakes，floods，fire，andfevercoulddoingreatcities，andhadcontradictedthePresident，andborrowedmatchesfromburglars。Andnowhethoughthewouldliketorestandbreatheabit，andnottoworkagainunlessasawarcorrespondent。Theonlyobstacletohisbecomingagreatwarcorrespondentlayinthefactthattherewasnowar，andawarcorrespondentwithoutawarisaboutasabsurdanindividualasageneralwithoutanarmy。Hereadthepaperseverymorningontheelevatedtrainsforwarclouds；butthoughthereweremanywarclouds，theyalwaysdriftedapart，andpeacesmiledagain。ThiswasverydisappointingtoyoungGordon，andhebecamemoreandmorekeenlydiscouraged。
　　Andthenaswarworkwasoutofthequestion，hedecidedtowritehisnovel。ItwastobeanovelofNewYorklife，andhewantedaquietplaceinwhichtoworkonit。Hewasalreadymakinginquiriesamongthesuburbanresidentsofhisacquaintanceforjustsuchaquietspot，whenhereceivedanoffertogototheIslandofOpekiintheNorthPacificOcean，assecretarytotheAmericanconsulatthatplace。ThegentlemanwhohadbeenappointedbythePresidenttoactasconsulatOpekiwasCaptainLeonardT。Travis，aveteranoftheCivilWar，whohadcontractedasevereattackofrheumatismwhilecampingoutatnightinthedew，andwhoonaccountofthissouvenirofhiseffortstosavetheUnionhadallowedtheUnionhehadsavedtosupporthiminoneofficeoranothereversince。HehadmetyoungGordonatadinner，andhadhadthepresumptiontoaskhimtoserveashissecretary，andGordon，muchtohissurprise，hadacceptedhisoffer。Theideaofaquietlifeinthetropicswithnewandbeautifulsurroundings，andwithnothingtodoandplentyoftimeinwhichtodoit，andtowritehisnovelbesides，seemedtoAlberttobejustwhathewanted；andthoughhedidnotknownorcaremuchforhissuperiorofficer，heagreedtogowithhimpromptly，andproceededtosaygood-bytohisfriendsandtomakehispreparations。CaptainTraviswassodelightedwithgettingsuchacleveryounggentlemanforhissecretary，thathereferredtohimtohisfriendsas"myattacheoflegation；"nordidhelessenthatgentleman’sdignitybytellinganyonethattheattache’ssalarywastobefivehundreddollarsayear。Hisownsalarywasonlyfifteenhundreddollars；andthoughhisbrother-in-law，SenatorRainsford，triedhisbesttogettheamountraised，hewasunsuccessful。
　　TheconsulshiptoOpekiwasinstitutedearlyinthe’50’s，togetridofandrewardathirdorfourthcousinofthePresident’s，whoseservicesduringthecampaignwereimportant，butwhoseafter-presencewasembarrassing。HehadbeencreatedconsultoOpekiasbeingmoredistantandunaccessiblethananyotherknownspot，andhadlivedanddiedthere；andsolittlewasknownoftheisland，andsodifficultwascommunicationwithit，thatnooneknewhewasdead，untilCaptainTravis，inhishungryhasteforoffice，haduprootedthesadfact。CaptainTravis，aswellasAlbert，hadasecondaryreasonforwishingtovisitOpeki。Hisphysicianhadtoldhimtogotosomewarmclimateforhisrheumatism，andinacceptingtheconsulshiphisobjectwasrathertofollowouthisdoctor’sordersathiscountry’sexpense，thantoservehiscountryattheexpenseofhisrheumatism。
　　AlbertcouldlearnbutverylittleofOpeki；nothing，indeed，butthatitwassituatedaboutonehundredmilesfromtheIslandofOctavia，whichisland，inturn，wassimplydescribedasacoaling-stationthreehundredmilesdistantfromthecoastofCalifornia。SteamersfromSanFranciscotoYokohamastoppedeverythirdweekatOctavia，andthatwasallthateitherCaptainTravisorhissecretarycouldlearnoftheirnewhome。Thiswassoverylittle，thatAlbertstipulatedtostayonlyaslongashelikedit，andtoreturntotheStateswithinafewmonthsifhefoundsuchachangeofplandesirable。
　　Ashewasgoingtowhatwasanalmostundiscoveredcountry，hethoughtitwouldbeadvisabletofurnishhimselfwithasupplyofarticleswithwhichhemighttradewiththenativeOpekians，andforthispurposehepurchasedalargequantityofbrassrods，becausehehadreadthatStanleydidso，andaddedtothese，brasscurtain-chains，andabouttwohundredleadenmedalssimilartothosesoldbystreetpedlersduringtheConstitutionalCentennialcelebrationinNewYorkCity。
　　HealsocollectedevenmorebeautifulbutlessexensivedecorationsforChristmas-trees，atawholsesalehouseonParkRow。Thesehehopedtoexchangeforfursorfeathersorweapons，orforwhateverothercuriousandvaluabletrophiestheIslandofOpekiboasted。Healreadypicturedhisroomsonhisreturnhungfantasticallywithcrossedspearsandboomerangs，featherhead-dresses，anduglyidols。
　　Hisfriendstoldhimthathewasdoingaveryfoolishthing，andarguedthatonceoutofthenewspaperworld，itwouldbehardtoregainhisplaceinit。ButhethoughtthenovelthathewouldwritewhilelosttotheworldatOpekiwouldservetomakeupforhistemporaryabsencefromit，andheexpresslyandimpressivelystipulatedthattheeditorshouldwirehimiftherewasawar。
　　CaptainTravisandhissecretarycrossedthecontinentwithoutadventure，andtookpassagefromSanFranciscoonthefirststeamerthattouchedatOctavia。Theyreachedthatislandinthreedays，andlearnedwithsomeconcernthattherewasnoregularcommunicationwithOpeki，andthatitwouldbenecessarytocharterasailboatforthetrip。Twofishermenagreedtotakethemandtheirtrunks，andtogetthemtotheirdestinationwithinsixteenhoursifthewindheldgood。Itwasamostunpleasantsail。Therainfellwithcalm，unrelentlesspersistencefromwhatwasapparentlyaclearsky；
　　thewindtossedthewavesashighasthemastandmadeCaptainTravisill；andastherewasnodecktothebigboat，theywereforcedtohuddleupunderpiecesofcanvas，andtalkedbutlittle。CaptainTraviscomplainedoffrequenttwingesofrheumatism，andgazedforlornlyoverthegunwaleattheemptywasteofwater。
　　"IfI’vegottoserveatermofimprisonmentonarockinthemiddleoftheoceanforfouryears，"hesaid，"Imightjustaswellhavedonesomethingfirsttodeserveit。Thisisaprettywaytotreatamanwhobledforhiscountry。Thisisgratitude，thisis。"Albertpulledheavilyonhispipe，andwipedtherainandsprayfromhisfaceandsmiled。
　　"Oh，itwon’tbesobadwhenwegetthere，"hesaid；"theysaytheseSouthernpeoplearealwayshospitable，andthewhiteswillbegladtoseeanyonefromtheStates。"
　　"Therewillbearoundofdiplomaticdinners，"saidtheconsul，withanattemptatcheerfulness。"Ihavebroughttwouniformstowearatthem。"
　　Itwasseveno’clockintheeveningwhentherainceased，andoneoftheblack，half-nakedfishermennoddedandpointedatalittlelowlineonthehorizon。
　　"Opeki，"hesaid。Thelinegrewinlengthuntilitprovedtobeanislandwithgreatmountainsrisingtotheclouds，and，astheydrewnearerandnearer，showedalevelcoastrunningbacktothefootofthemountainsandcoveredwithaforestofpalms。Theynextmadeoutavillageofthatchedhutsaroundagrassysquare，andatsomedistancefromthevillageawoodenstructurewithatinroof。
　　"Iwonderwherethetownis，"askedtheconsul，withanervousglanceatthefishermen。Oneofthemtoldhimthatwhathesawwasthetown。
　　"That？"gaspedtheconsul。"Isthatwhereallthepeopleontheislandlive？"
　　Thefishermannodded；buttheotheraddedthattherewereothernativesfurtherbackinthemountains，butthattheywerebadmenwhofoughtandateeachother。Theconsulandhisattacheoflegationgazedatthemountainswithunspokenmisgivings。Theywerequitenearnow，andcouldseeanimmensecrowdofmenandwomen，allofthemblack，andcladbutinthesimplestgarments，waitingtoreceivethem。Theyseemedgreatlyexcitedandraninandoutofthehuts，andupanddownthebeach，aswildlyassomanyblackants。Butinthefrontofthegrouptheydistinguishedthreemenwhotheycouldseewerewhite，thoughtheywereclothed，liketheothers，simplyinashirtandashortpairoftrousers。Twoofthesethreesuddenlysprangawayonarunanddisappearedamongthepalm-trees；butthethirdone，whenherecognizedtheAmericanflaginthehalyards，threwhisstrawhatinthewaterandbeganturninghandspringsoverthesand。
　　"Thatyounggentleman，atleast，"saidAlbert，gravely，"seemspleasedtoseeus。"
　　Adozenofthenativessprangintothewaterandcamewadingandswimmingtowardthem，grinningandshoutingandswingingtheirarms。
　　"Idon’tthinkit’squitesafe，doyou？"saidtheconsul，lookingoutwildlytotheopensea。"Yousee，theydon’tknowwhoIam。"
　　AgreatblackgiantthrewonearmoverthegunwaleandshoutedsomethingthatsoundedasifitwerespeltOwah，Owah，astheboatcarriedhimthroughthesurf。
　　"Howdoyoudo？"saidGordon，doubtfully。TheboatshookthegiantoffunderthewaveandbeacheditselfsosuddenlythattheAmericanconsulwasthrownforwardtohisknees。Gordondidnotwaittopickhimup，butjumpedoutandshookhandswiththeyoungmanwhohadturnedhandsprings，whilethenativesgatheredabouttheminacircleandchattedandlaughedindelightedexcitement。
　　"I’mawfullygladtoseeyou，"saidtheyoungman，eagerly。
　　"Myname’sStedman。I’mfromNewHaven，Connecticut。Whereareyoufrom？"
　　"NewYork，"saidAlbert。"This，"headded，pointingsolemnlytoCaptainTravis，whowasstillonhiskneesintheboat，"istheAmericanconsultoOpeki。"TheAmericanconsultoOpekigaveawildlookatMr。StedmanofNewHavenandatthenatives。
　　"Seehere，youngman，"hegasped，"isthisallthereisofOpeki？"
　　"TheAmericanconsul？"saidyoungStedman，withagaspofamazement，andlookingfromAlberttoCaptainTravis。"Why，I
　　neversupposedtheywouldsendanotherhere；thelastonediedaboutfifteenyearsago，andtherehasn’tbeenonesince。
　　I’vebeenlivingintheconsul’sofficewiththeBradleys，butI’llmoveout，ofcourse。I’msureI’mawfullygladtoseeyou。It’llmakeitsomuchmorepleasantforme。"
　　"Yes，"saidCaptainTravis，bitterly，asheliftedhisrheumaticlegovertheboat；"that’swhywecame。"
　　Mr。Stedmandidnotnoticethis。Hewastoomuchpleasedtobeanythingbuthospitable。"Youaresoakingwet，aren’tyou？"hesaid；"andhungry，Iguess。Youcomerightovertotheconsul’sofficeandgetonsomeotherthings。"
　　Heturnedtothenativesandgavesomerapidordersintheirlanguage，andsomeofthemjumpedintotheboatatthis，andbegantoliftoutthetrunks，andothersranofftowardalarge，stoutoldnative，whowassittinggravelyonalog，smoking，withtherainbeatingunnoticedonhisgrayhair。
　　"They’vegonetotelltheKing，"saidStedman；"butyou’dbettergetsomethingtoeatfirst，andthenI’llbehappytopresentyouproperly。"
　　"TheKing，"saidCaptainTravis，withsomeawe；"isthereaking？"
　　"Ineversawaking，"Gordonremarked，"andI’msureIneverexpectedtoseeonesittingonalogintherain。"
　　"He’saverygoodking，"saidStedman，confidentially；"andthoughyoumightn’tthinkittolookathim，he’saterriblesticklerforetiquetteandform。Aftersupperhe’llgiveyouanaudience；andifyouhaveanytobacco，youhadbettergivehimsomeasapresent，andyou’dbettersayit’sfromthePresident：hedoesn’tliketotakepresentsfromcommonpeople，he’ssoproud。TheonlyreasonheborrowsmineisbecausehethinksI’mthePresident’sson。"
　　"Whatmakeshimthinkthat？"demandedtheconsul，withsomeshortness。YoungMr。StedmanlookednervouslyattheconsulandatAlbert，andsaidthatheguessedsomeonemusthavetoldhim。
　　Theconsul’sofficewasdividedintofourroomswithanopencourtinthemiddle，filledwithpalms，andwateredsomewhatunnecessarilybyafountain。
　　"Imadethat，"saidStedman，inamodest，offhandway。"I
　　madeitoutofhollowbambooreedsconnectedwithaspring。
　　AndnowI’mmakingonefortheKing。Hesawthisandhadalotofbamboosticksputupalloverthetown，withoutanyundergroundconnections，andcouldn’tmakeoutwhythewaterwouldn’tspurtoutofthem。Andbecauseminespurts，hethinksI’mamagician。"
　　"Isuppose，"grumbledtheconsul，"someonetoldhimthattoo。"
　　"Isupposeso，"saidMr。Stedman，uneasily。
　　Therewasaverandaaroundtheconsul’soffice，andinsidethewallswerehungwithskins，andpicturesfromillustratedpapers，andtherewasagooddealofbamboofurniture，andfourbroad，cool-lookingbeds。Theplacewasascleanasakitchen。"Imadethefurniture，"saidStedman，"andtheBradleyskeeptheplaceinorder。"
　　"WhoaretheBradleys？"askedAlbert。
　　"TheBradleysarethosetwomenyousawwithme，"saidStedman；"theydesertedfromaBritishman-of-warthatstoppedhereforcoal，andtheyactasmyservants。OneisBradley，Sr。，andtheotherBradley，Jr。"
　　"Thenvesselsdostophereoccasionally？"theconsulsaid，withapleasedsmile。
　　"Well，notoften，"saidStedman。"Notsoveryoften；aboutonceayear。TheNelsonthoughtthiswasOctavia，andputoffagainassoonasshefoundouthermistake，buttheBradleystooktothebush，andtheboat’screwcouldn’tfindthem。
　　Whentheysawyourflag，theythoughtyoumightmeantosendthemback，sotheyranofftohideagain；they’llbeback，though，whentheygethungry。"
　　ThesupperyoungStedmanspreadforhisguests，ashestilltreatedthem，wasveryrefreshingandverygood。Therewascoldfishandpigeon-pie，andahotomeletfilledwithmushroomsandolivesandtomatoesandonionsallsliceduptogether，andstrongblackcoffee。Aftersupper，StedmanwentofftoseetheKing，andcamebackinalittlewhiletosaythathisMajestywouldgivethemanaudiencethenextdayafterbreakfast。"Itistoodarknow，"Stedmanexplained；
　　"andit’srainingsothattheycan’tmakethestreet-lampsburn。Didyouhappentonoticeourlamps？Iinventedthem；
　　buttheydon’tworkverywellyet。I’vegottherightidea，though，andI’llsoonhavethetownilluminatedallover，whetheritrainsornot。"
　　Theconsulhadbeenverysilentandindifferent，duringsupper，toallaroundhim。Nowhelookedupwithsomeshowofinterest。
　　"Howmuchlongerisitgoingtorain，doyouthink？"heasked。
　　"Oh，Idon’tknow，"saidStedman，critically。"Notmorethantwomonths，Ishouldsay。"Theconsulrubbedhisrheumaticlegandsighed，butsaidnothing。
　　TheBradleysreturnedaboutteno’clock，andcameinverysheepishly。Theconsulhadgoneofftopaytheboatmenwhohadbroughtthem，andAlbertinhisabsenceassuredthesailorsthattherewasnottheleastdangeroftheirbeingsentaway。Thenheturnedintooneofthebeds，andStedmantookoneinanotherroom，leavingtheroomhehadoccupiedheretoforefortheconsul。Ashewassayinggood-night，Albertsuggestedthathehadnotyettoldthemhowhecametobeonadesertedisland；butStedmanonlylaughedandsaidthatthatwasalongstory，andthathewouldtellhimallaboutitinthemorning。SoAlbertwentofftobedwithoutwaitingfortheconsultoreturn，andfellasleep，wonderingatthestrangenessofhisnewlife，andassuringhimselfthatiftherainonlykeptup，hewouldhavehisnovelfinishedinamonth。
　　Thesunwasshiningbrightlywhenheawoke，andthepalm-treesoutsidewerenoddinggracefullyinawarmbreeze。Fromthecourtcametheodorofstrangeflowers，andfromthewindowhecouldseetheoceanbrilliantlyblue，andwiththesuncoloringthespraythatbeatagainstthecoralreefsontheshore。
　　"Well，theconsulcan’tcomplainofthis，"hesaid，withalaughofsatisfaction；andpullingonabath-robe，hesteppedintothenextroomtoawakenCaptainTravis。Buttheroomwasquiteempty，andthebedundisturbed。Theconsul’strunkremainedjustwhereithadbeenplacednearthedoor，andonitlayalargesheetoffoolscap，withwritingonit，andaddressedatthetoptoAlbertGordon。Thehandwritingwastheconsul’s。Albertpickeditupandreaditwithmuchanxiety。Itbeganabruptly——
　　"Thefishermenwhobroughtustothisforsakenspottellmethatitrainsheresixmonthsintheyear，andthatthisisthefirstmonth。Icameheretoservemycountry，forwhichI
　　foughtandbled，butIdidnotcomeheretodieofrheumatismandpneumonia。Icanservemycountrybetterbystayingalive；andwhetheritrainsornot，Idon’tlikeit。Ihavebeengrosslydeceived，andIamgoingback。Indeed，bythetimeyougetthis，Iwillbeonmyreturntrip，asIintendleavingwiththemenwhobroughtushereassoonastheycangetthesailup。Mycousin，SenatorRainsford，canfixitallrightwiththePresident，andcanhavemerecalledinproperformafterIgetback。Butofcourseitwouldnotdoformetoleavemypostwithnoonetotakemyplace，andnoonecouldbemoreablyfittedtodosothanyourself；soIfeelnocompunctionsatleavingyoubehind。Ihereby，therefore，accordinglyappointyoumysubstitutewithfullpowertoact，tocollectallfees，signallpapers，andattendtoallmatterspertainingtoyourofficeasAmericanconsul，andI
　　trustyouwillworthilyupholdthenameofthatcountryandgovernmentwhichithasalwaysbeenmypleasureanddutytoserve。
　　"Yoursincerefriendandsuperiorofficer，"LEONARDT。TRAVIS。
　　"P。S。Ididnotcaretodisturbyoubymovingmytrunk，soI
　　leftit，andyoucanmakewhatuseyoupleaseofwhateveritcontains，asIshallnotwanttropicalgarmentswhereIamgoing。Whatyouwillneedmost，Ithink，isawaterproofandumbrella。
　　"P。S。LookoutforthatyoungmanStedman。Heistooinventive。Ihopeyouwilllikeyourhighoffice；butasformyself，IamsatisfiedwithlittleoldNewYork。Opekiisjustabittoofarfromcivilizationtosuitme。"
　　Albertheldtheletterbeforehimandreaditoveragainbeforehemoved。Thenhejumpedtothewindow。Theboatwasgone，andtherewasnotasignofitonthehorizon。
　　"Themiserableoldhypocrite！"hecried，halfangryandhalflaughing。"IfhethinksIamgoingtostayherealoneheisverygreatlymistaken。Andyet，whynot？"heasked。Hestoppedsoliloquizingandlookedaroundhim，thinkingrapidly。
　　Ashestoodthere，Stedmancameinfromtheotherroom，freshandsmilingfromhismorning’sbath。
　　"Good-morning，"hesaid，"where’stheconsul？"
　　"Theconsul，"saidAlbert，gravely，"isbeforeyou。InmeyouseetheAmericanconsultoOpeki。
　　"CaptainTravis，"Albertexplained，"hasreturnedtotheUnitedStates。Isupposehefeelsthathecanbestservehiscountrybyremainingonthespot。Incaseofanotherwar，now，forinstance，hewouldbetheretosaveitagain。"
　　"Andwhatareyougoingtodo？"askedStedman，anxiously。
　　"Youwillnotrunawaytoo，willyou？"
　　Albertsaidthatheintendedtoremainwherehewasandperformhisconsularduties，toappointhimhissecretary，andtoelevatetheUnitedStatesintheopinionoftheOpekiansaboveallothernations。
　　"TheymaynotthinkmuchoftheUnitedStatesinEngland，"hesaid；"butwearegoingtoteachthepeopleofOpekithatAmericaisfirstonthemapandthatthereisnosecond。"
　　"I’msureit’sverygoodofyoutomakemeyoursecretary，"
　　saidStedman，withsomepride。"IhopeIwon’tmakeanymistakes。Whatarethedutiesofaconsul’ssecretary？"
　　"That，"saidAlbert，"Idonotknow。Butyouarerathergoodatinventing，soyoucaninventafew。Thatshouldbeyourfirstdutyandyoushouldattendtoitatonce。Iwillhavetroubleenoughfindingworkformyself。Yoursalaryisfivehundreddollarsayear；andnow，"hecontinued，briskly，"wewanttoprepareforthisreception。WecantelltheKingthatTraviswasjustaguardofhonorforthetrip，andthatIhavesenthimbacktotellthePresidentofmysafearrival。ThatwillkeepthePresidentfromgettinganxious。Thereisnothing，"continuedAlbert，"likeauniformtoimpresspeoplewholiveinthetropics，andTravis，itsohappens，hastwoinhistrunk。HeintendedtowearthemonStateoccasions，andasIinheritthetrunkandallthatisinit，Iintendtowearoneoftheuniforms，andyoucanhavetheother。ButIhavefirstchoice，becauseIamconsul。"
　　CaptainTravis’sconsularoutfitconsistedofonefulldressandoneundressUnitedStatesuniform。Albertputonthedress-coatoverapairofwhiteflanneltrousers，andlookedremarkablybraveandhandsome。Stedman，whowasonlyeighteenandquitethin，didnotappearsowell，untilAlbertsuggestedhispaddingouthischestandshoulderswithtowels。Thismadehimratherwarm，buthelpedhisgeneralappearance。
　　"ThetwoBradleysmustdressup，too，"saidAlbert。"Ithinktheyoughttoactasaguardofhonor，don’tyou？TheonlythingsIhaveareblazersandjerseys；butitdoesn’tmuchmatterwhattheywear，aslongastheydressalike。"
　　HeaccordinglycalledinthetwoBradleys，andgavethemeachapairofthecaptain’srejectedwhiteducktrousers，andabluejerseyapiece，withabigwhiteYonit。
　　"ThestudentsofYalegavemethat，"hesaidtotheyoungerBradley，"inwhichtoplayfootball，andagreatmangavemetheother。HisnameisWalterCamp；andifyouriporsoilthatjersey，I’llsendyoubacktoEnglandinirons；sobecareful。"
　　Stedmangazedathiscompanionsintheirdifferentcostumes，doubtfully。"Itremindsme，"hesaid，"ofprivatetheatricals。Ofthetimeourchurchchoirplayed`Pinafore。’"
　　"Yes，"assentedAlbert；"butIdon’tthinkwelookquitegayenough。Itellyouwhatweneed，——medals。Youneversawadiplomatwithoutalotofdecorationsandmedals。"
　　"Well，Icanfixthat，"Stedmansaid。"I’vegotatrunkful。
　　Iusedtobethefastestbicycle-riderinConnecticut，andI’vegotallmyprizeswithme。"
　　Albertsaiddoubtfullythatthatwasn’texactlythesortofmedalhemeant。
　　"Perhapsnot，"returnedStedman，ashebeganfumblinginhistrunk；"buttheKingwon’tknowthedifference。Hecouldn’ttellacrossoftheLegionofHonorfromamedalforthetugofwar。"
　　Sothebicyclemedals，ofwhichStedmanseemedtohaveaninnumerablequantity，werestrunginprofusionoverAlbert’suniform，andinalesserquantityoverStedman’s；whileahandfulofleadenones，thosesoldonthestreetsfortheConstitutionalCentennial，withwhichAlberthadprovidedhimself，werewrappedupinaredsilkhandkerchiefforpresentationtotheKing；withthemAlbertplacedanumberofbrassrodsandbrasschains，muchtoStedman’sdelightedapproval。
　　"Thatisaverygoodidea，"hesaid。"Democraticsimplicityistherightthingathome，ofcourse；butwhenyougoabroadandmixwithcrownedheads，youwanttoshowthemthatyouknowwhat’swhat。"
　　"Well，"saidAlbert，gravely，"Isincerelyhopethiscrownedheaddon’tknowwhat’swhat。Ifhereads`ConnecticutAgriculturalStateFair。Onemilebicyclerace。FirstPrize，’onthisbadge，whenwearetryingtomakehimbelieveit’sawarmedal，itmayhurthisfeelings。"
　　Bradley，Jr。，wentaheadtoannouncetheapproachoftheAmericanembassy，whichhedidwithsomuchmannerthattheKingdeferredtheaudienceahalf-hour，inorderthathemightbetterpreparetoreceivehisvisitors。Whentheaudiencedidtakeplace，itattractedtheentirepopulationtothegreenspotinfrontoftheKing’spalace，andtheirdelightandexcitementovertheappearanceofthevisitorswassincereandhearty。TheKingwastoopolitetoappearmuchsurprised，butheshowedhisdelightoverhispresentsassimplyandopenlyasachild。ThriceheinsistedonembracingAlbert，andkissinghimthreetimesontheforehead，which，Stedmanassuredhiminaside-whisper，wasagreathonor；anhonorwhichwasnotextendedtothesecretary，althoughhewasgivenanecklaceofanimals’clawsinstead，withwhichhewasbettersatisfied。
　　Afterthisreception，theembassymarchedbacktotheconsul’soffice，surroundedbyanimmensenumberofthenatives，someofwhomranaheadandlookedbackatthem，andcrowdedsoclosethatthetwoBradleyshadtopokeatthosenearestwiththeirguns。Thecrowdremainedoutsidetheofficeevenaftertheprocessionoffourhaddisappeared，andcheered。ThissuggestedtoGordonthatthiswouldbeagoodtimetomakeaspeech，whichheaccordinglydid，Stedmantranslatingit，sentencebysentence。Attheconclusionofthiseffort，Albertdistributedanumberofbrassringsamongthemarriedmenpresent，whichtheyplacedonwhicheverfingerfittedbest，anddeparteddelighted。
　　Alberthadwishedtogivetheringstothemarriedwomen，butStedmanpointedouttohimthatitwouldbemuchcheapertogivethemtothemarriedmen；forwhileonewomancouldonlyhaveonehusband，onemancouldhaveatleastsixwives。
　　"Andnow，Stedman，"saidAlbert，afterthemobhadgone，"tellmewhatyouaredoingonthisisland。"
　　"It’saverysimplestory，"Stedmansaid。"Iamtherepresentative，oragent，oroperator，fortheYokohamaCableCompany。TheYokohamaCableCompanyisacompanyorganizedinSanFrancisco，forthepurposeoflayingacabletoYokohama。
　　Itisastockcompany；andthoughitstartedoutverywell，thestockhasfallenverylow。Betweenourselves，itisnotworthoverthreeorfourcents。Whentheofficersofthecompanyfoundoutthatnoonewouldbuytheirstock，andthatnoonebelievedinthemortheirscheme，theylaidacabletoOctavia，andextendeditontothisisland。Thentheysaidtheyhadrunoutofreadymoney，andwouldwaituntiltheygotmorebeforelayingtheircableanyfarther。Idonotthinktheyeverwilllayitanyfarther，butthatisnoneofmybusiness。MybusinessistoanswercablemessagesfromSanFrancisco，sothatthepeoplewhovisitthehomeofficecanseethatatleastapartofthecableisworking。Thatsometimesimpressesthem，andtheybuystock。ThereisanotherchapoverinOctavia，whorelaysallmymessagesandallmyrepliestothosemessagesthatcometomethroughhimfromSanFrancisco。Theyneversendamessageunlesstheyhavebroughtsomeonetotheofficewhomtheywanttoimpress，andwho，theythink，hasmoneytoinvestintheY。C。C。stock，andsowenevergonearthewire，exceptatthreeo’clockeveryafternoon。Andthengenerallyonlytosay`Howareyou？’or`It’sraining，’orsomethinglikethat。I’vebeensaying`It’sraining，’nowforthelastthreemonths，butto-dayIwillsaythatthenewconsulhasarrived。ThatwillbeapleasantsurpriseforthechapinOctavia，forhemustbetiredhearingabouttheweather。Hegenerallyanswers，`Heretoo，’or`Soyousaid，’orsomethinglikethat。Idon’tknowwhathesaystothehomeoffice。He’sbrighterthanIam，andthat’swhytheyputhimbetweenthetwoends。Hecanseethatthemessagesaretransmittedmorefullyandmorecorrectly，inawaytopleasepossiblesubscribers。"
　　"Sortofcopyeditor，"suggestedAlbert。
　　"Yes，somethingofthatsort，Ifancy，"saidStedman。
　　Theywalkeddowntothelittleshedontheshore，wheretheY。C。C。officewasplaced，atthreethatday，andAlbertwatchedStedmansendoffhismessagewithmuchinterest。The"chapatOctavia，"onbeinginformedthattheAmericanconsulhadarrivedatOpeki，inquired，somewhatdisrespectfully，"Isitalifesentence？"
　　"Whatdoeshemeanbythat？"askedAlbert。
　　"Isuppose，"saidhissecretary，doubtfully，"thathethinksitasortofapunishmenttobesenttoOpeki。Ihopeyouwon’tgrowtothinkso。"
　　"Opekiisallverywell，"saidGordon，"oritwillbewhenwegetthingsgoingourway。"
　　Astheywalkedbacktotheoffice，Albertnoticedabrasscannon，perchedonarockattheentrancetotheharbor。Thishadbeenputtherebythelastconsul，butithadnotbeenfiredformanyyears。AlbertimmediatelyorderedthetwoBradleystogetitinorder，andtorigupaflag-polebesideit，foroneofhisAmericanflags，whichtheyweretosaluteeverynightwhentheylowereditatsundown。
　　"Andwhenwearenotusingit，"hesaid，"theKingcanborrowittocelebratewith，ifhedoesn’timposeonustoooften。
　　Theroyalsaluteoughttobetwenty-oneguns，Ithink；butthatwoulduseuptoomuchpowder，sohewillhavetocontenthimselfwithtwo。"
　　"Didyounotice，"askedStedman，thatnight，astheysatontheverandaoftheconsul’shouse，inthemoonlight，"howthepeoplebowedtousaswepassed？"
　　"Yes，"Albertsaidhehadnoticedit。"Why？"
　　"Well，theyneversalutedme，"repliedStedman。"Thatsignofrespectisduetotheshowwemadeatthereception。"
　　"Itisduetous，inanyevent，"saidtheconsul，severely。
　　"Itellyou，mysecretary，thatwe，astherepresentativesoftheUnitedStatesGovernment，mustbeproperlyhonoredonthisisland。Wemustbecomeapower。AndwemustdosowithoutgettingintotroublewiththeKing。Wemustmakethemhonorhim，too，andthenaswepushhimup，wewillpushourselvesupatthesametime。"
　　"Theydon’tthinkmuchofconsulsinOpeki，"saidStedman，doubtfully。"Youseethelastonewasaprettypoorsort。Hebroughttheofficeintodisrepute，anditwasn’treallyuntilIcameandtoldthemwhatafinecountrytheUnitedStateswas，thattheyhadanyopinionofitatall。Nowwemustchangeallthat。"
　　"Thatisjustwhatwewilldo，"saidAlbert。"WewilltransformOpekiintoapowerfulandbeautifulcity。Wewillmakethesepeoplework。TheymustputupapalacefortheKing，andlayoutstreets，andbuildwharves，anddrainthetownproperly，andlightit。Ihaven’tseenthispatentlightingapparatusofyours，butyouhadbettergettoworkatitatonce，andI’llpersuadetheKingtoappointyoucommissionerofhighwaysandgas，withauthoritytomakehispeopletoil。AndI，"hecried，infreeenthusiasm，"willorganizeanavyandastandingarmy。Only，"headded，witharelapseofinterest，"thereisn’tanybodytofight。"
　　"Thereisn’t？"saidStedman，grimly，withascornfulsmile。
　　"YoujustgohuntupoldMessenwahandtheHillmenwithyourstandingarmyonceandyou’llgetallthefightingyouwant。"
　　"TheHillmen？"saidAlbert。
　　"TheHillmenarethenativesthatliveupthereinthehills，"
　　Stedmansaid，noddinghisheadtowardthethreehighmountainsattheotherendoftheisland，thatstoodoutblacklyagainstthepurple，moonlitsky。"TherearenearlyasmanyofthemasthereareOpekians，andtheyhuntandfightforalivingandforthepleasureofit。TheyhaveanoldrascalnamedMessenwahforaking，andtheycomedownhereaboutonceeverythreemonths，andtearthingsup。"
　　Albertsprangtohisfeet。
　　"Oh，theydo，dothey？"hesaid，staringupatthemountain-tops。"Theycomedownhereandtearupthings，dothey？Well，Ithinkwe’llstopthat，Ithinkwe’llstopthat！
　　Idon’tcarehowmanythereare。I’llgetthetwoBradleystotellmealltheyknowaboutdrilling，to-morrowmorning，andwe’lldrilltheseOpekians，andhaveshambattles，andattacks，andrepulses，untilImakealotofwild，howlingZulusoutofthem。AndwhentheHillmencomedowntopaytheirquarterlyvisit，they’llgobackagainonarun。Atleastsomeofthemwill，"headded，ferociously。"Someofthemwillstayrighthere。"
　　"Dearme，dearme！"saidStedman，withawe；youareabornfighter，aren’tyou？"
　　"Well，youwaitandsee，"saidGordon；maybeIam。Ihaven’tstudiedtacticsofwarandthehistoryofbattles，sothatI
　　mightbeagreatwar-correspondent，withoutlearningsomething。Andthereisonlyonekingonthisisland，andthatisoldOllypybushimself。AndI’llgooverandhaveatalkwithhimaboutitto-morrow。"
　　YoungStedmanwalkedupanddownthelengthoftheveranda，inandoutofthemoonlight，withhishandsinhispockets，andhisheadonhischest。"Youhavemeallstirredup，Gordon，"
　　hesaid；"youseemsoconfidentandbold，andyou’renotsomucholderthanIam，either。"
　　"Mytraininghasbeendifferent；that’sall，"saidthereporter。
　　"Yes，"Stedmansaid，bitterly。"IhavebeensittinginanofficeeversinceIleftschool，sendingnewsoverawireoracable，andyouhavebeenoutintheworld，gatheringit。"
　　"Andnow，"saidGordon，smiling，andputtinghisarmaroundtheotherboy’sshoulders，"wearegoingtomakenewsourselves。"
　　"ThereisonethingIwanttosaytoyoubeforeyouturnin，"
　　saidStedman。"BeforeyousuggestalltheseimprovementsonOllypybus，youmustrememberthathehasruledabsolutelyherefortwentyyears，andthathedoesnotthinkmuchofconsuls。
　　Hehasonlyseenyourpredecessorandyourself。Helikesyoubecauseyouappearedwithsuchdignity，andbecauseofthepresents；butifIwereyou，Iwouldn’tsuggesttheseimprovementsascomingfromyourself。"
　　"Idon’tunderstand，"saidGordon；"whocouldtheycomefrom？"
　　"Well，"saidStedman，"ifyouwillallowmetoadvise——andyouseeIknowthesepeopleprettywell——IwouldhaveallthesesuggestionscomefromthePresidentdirect。"
　　"ThePresident！"exclaimedGordon；"buthow？WhatdoesthePresidentknoworcareaboutOpeki？anditwouldtakesolong——oh，Isee，thecable。Isthatwhatyouhavebeendoing？"heasked。
　　"Well，onlyonce，"saidStedman，guiltily；"thatwaswhenhewantedtoturnmeoutoftheconsul’soffice，andIhadacablethatveryafternoon，fromthePresident，orderingmetostaywhereIwas。Ollypybusdoesn’tunderstandthecable，ofcourse，butheknowsthatitsendsmessages；andsometimesI
　　pretendtosendmessagesforhimtothePresident；buthebeganaskingmetotellthePresidenttocomeandpayhimavisit，andIhadtostopit。"
　　"I’mgladyoutoldme，"saidGordon。"ThePresidentshallbegintocableto-morrow。HewillneedanextraappropriationfromCongresstopayforhisprivatecablegramsalone。"
　　"Andthere’sanotherthing，"saidStedman。"Inallyourplans，you’vearrangedforthepeople’simprovement，butnotfortheiramusement；andtheyareapeaceful，jolly，simplesortofpeople，andwemustpleasethem。"
　　"Havetheynogamesoramusementsoftheirown？"askedGordon。
　　"Well，notwhatwewouldcallgames。"
　　"Verywell，then，I’llteachthembase-ball。Foot-ballwouldbetoowarm。ButthatplazainfrontoftheKing’sbungalow，wherehispalaceisgoingtobe，isjusttheplaceforadiamond。Onthewhole，though，"addedtheconsul，afteramoment’sreflection，"you’dbetterattendtothatyourself。I
　　don’tthinkitbecomesmydignityasAmericanconsultotakeoffmycoatandgivelessonstoyoungOpekiansinslidingtobases；doyou？No；Ithinkyou’dbetterdothat。TheBradleyswillhelpyou，andyouhadbetterbeginto-morrow。
　　Youhavebeenwantingtoknowwhatasecretaryoflegation’sdutiesare，andnowyouknow。It’stoorganizebase-ballnines。Andafteryougetyoursready，"headded，asheturnedintohisroomforthenight，"I’lltrainonethatwillsweepyoursoffthefaceoftheisland。ForTHISAmericanconsulcanpitchthreecurves。"
　　Thebestlaidplansofmengofarastray，sometimes，andthegreatandbeautifulcitythatwastoriseonthecoastofOpekiwasnotbuiltinaday。Norwasiteverbuilt。ForbeforetheBradleyscouldmarkoutthefoul-linesforthebase-ballfieldontheplaza，orteachtheirstandingarmythegoosestep，orlaybamboopipesforthewater-mains，orclearawaythecactusfortheextensionoftheKing’spalace，theHillmenpaidOpekitheirquarterlyvisit。
　　AlberthadcalledontheKingthenextmorning，withStedmanashisinterpreter，ashehadsaidhewould，and，withmapsandsketches，hadshownhisMajestywhatheproposedtodotowardimprovingOpekiandennoblingherking，andwhentheKingsawAlbert’sfree-handsketchesofwharveswithtallshipslyingatanchor，androwsofOpekianwarriorswiththeBradleysattheirhead，andthedesignforhisnewpalace，andaroyalsedanchair，hebelievedthatthesethingswerealreadyhis，andnotstillonlyonpaper，andheappointedAlberthisMinisterofWar，StedmanhisMinisterofHomeAffairs，andselectedtwoofhiswisestandoldestsubjectstoservethemasjointadvisers。HisenthusiasmwasevengreaterthanGordon’s，becausehedidnotappreciatethedifficulties。
　　HethoughtGordonasemi-god，aworkerofmiracles，andurgedtheputtingupofamonumenttohimatonceinthepublicplaza，towhichAlbertobjected，onthegroundthatitwouldbetoosuggestiveofanidol；andtowhichStedmanalsoobjected，butforthelessunselfishreasonthatitwould"beinthewayofthepitcher’sbox。"
　　Theywerefeverishlydiscussingallthesegreatchanges，andStedmanwastranslatingasrapidlyashecouldtranslate，thespeechesoffourdifferentmen——forthetwocounsellorshadbeencalledin——allofwhomwantedtospeakatoncewhentherecamefromoutsideagreatshout，andthescreamsofwomen，andtheclashingofiron，andthepatteringfootstepsofmenrunning。
　　Astheylookedatoneanotherinstartledsurprise，anativeranintotheroom，followedbyBradley，Jr。，andthrewhimselfdownbeforetheKing。Whilehetalked，beatinghishandsandbowingbeforeOllypybus，Bradley，Jr。，pulledhisforelocktotheconsul，andtoldhowthismanlivedonthefaroutskirtsofthevillage；howhehadbeencapturedwhileouthunting，byanumberoftheHillmen；andhowhehadescapedtotellthepeoplethattheiroldenemieswereonthewar-pathagain，andrapidlyapproachingthevillage。
　　Outside，thewomenweregatheringintheplaza，withthechildrenaboutthem，andthemenwererunningfromhuttohut，warningtheirfellows，andarmingthemselveswithspearsandswords，andthenativebowsandarrows。
　　"Theymighthavewaiteduntilwehadthatarmytrained，"saidGordon，inatoneofthekeenestdispleasure。"Tellme，quick，whatdotheygenerallydowhentheycome？"
　　"Stealallthecattleandgoats，andawomanortwo，andsetfiretothehutsintheoutskirts，"repliedStedman。
　　"Well，wemuststopthem，"saidGordon，jumpingup。"Wemusttakeoutaflagoftruceandtreatwiththem。TheymustbekeptoffuntilIhavemyarmyinworkingorder。Itismostinconvenient。Iftheyhadonlywaitedtwomonths，now，orsixweekseven，wecouldhavedonesomething；butnowwemustmakepeace。TelltheKingwearegoingouttofixthingswiththem，andtellhimtokeepoffhiswarriorsuntilhelearnswhetherwesucceedorfail。"
　　"But，Gordon！"gaspedStedman。"Albert！Youdon’tunderstand。Why，man，thisisn’tastreet-fightoracane-
　　rush。They’llstickyoufullofspears，danceonyourbody，andeatyou，maybe。Aflagoftruce！——you’retalkingnonsense。Whatdotheyknowofaflagoftruce？"
　　"You’retalkingnonsense，too，"saidAlbert，"andyou’retalkingtoyoursuperiorofficer。Ifyouarenotwithmeinthis，gobacktoyourcable，andtellthemaninOctaviathatit’sawarmday，andthatthesunisshining；butifyou’veanyspiritinyou——andIthinkyouhave——runtotheofficeandgetmyWinchesterrifles，andthetwoshotguns，andmyrevolvers，andmyuniform，andalotofbrassthingsforpresents，andrunallthewaythereandback。Andmaketime。
　　Playyou’reridingabicycleattheAgriculturalFair。"
　　Stedmandidnothearthislast，forhewasalreadyoffandaway，pushingthroughthecrowd，andcallingonBradley，Sr。，tofollowhim。Bradley，Jr。，lookedatGordonwitheyesthatsnapped，likeadogthatiswaitingforhismastertothrowastone。
　　"IcanfireaWinchester，sir，"hesaid。"OldTomcan’t。
　　He’snogoodatlongrange’ceptwithabiggun，sir。Don’tgivehimtheWinchester。Giveittome，please，sir。"
　　AlbertmetStedmanintheplaza，andpulledoffhisblazer，andputonCaptainTravis’s——nowhis——uniformcoat，andhiswhitepithhelmet。
　　"Now，Jack，"hesaid，"getupthereandtellthesepeoplethatwearegoingouttomakepeacewiththeseHillmen，orbringthembackprisonersofwar。Tellthemwearethepreserversoftheirhomesandwivesandchildren；andyou，Bradley，takethesepresents，andyoungBradley，keepclosetome，andcarrythisrifle。"
　　Stedman’sspeechwashotandwildenoughtosuitacriticalandfeverishaudiencebeforeabarricadeinParis。Andwhenhewasthrough，GordonandBradleypunctuatedhisorationbyfiringoffthetwoWinchesterriflesintheair，atwhichthepeoplejumpedandfellontheirknees，andprayedtotheirseveralgods。Thefightingmenofthevillagefollowedthefourwhitementotheoutskirts，andtookuptheirstandthereasStedmantoldthemtodo，andthefourwalkedonovertheroughlyhewnroad，tomeettheenemy。
　　GordonwalkedwithBradley，Jr。，inadvance。StedmanandoldTomBradleyfollowedclosebehind，withthetwoshot-guns，andthepresentsinabasket。
　　"AretheseHillmenusedtoguns？"askedGordon。Stedmansaidno，theywerenot。
　　"Thisshot-gunofmineistheonlyoneontheisland，"heexplained，"andwenevercamenearenoughthembeforetodoanythingwithit。Itonlycarriesahundredyards。TheOpekiansnevermakeanyshowofresistance。TheyarequitecontentiftheHillmensatisfythemselveswiththeoutlyinghuts，aslongastheyleavethemandthetownalone；sotheyseldomcometoclosequarters。"
　　Thefourmenwalkedonforhalfanhourorsoinsilence，peeringeagerlyoneveryside；butitwasnotuntiltheyhadleftthewoodsandmarchedoutintothelevelstretchofgrassycountrythattheycameupontheenemy。TheHillmenwereaboutfortyinnumber，andwereassavageandugly-lookinggiantsasanyinapicture-book。Theyhadcapturedadozencowsandgoats，andweredrivingthemonbeforethem，astheyadvancedfartheruponthevillage。Whentheysawthefourmen，theygaveamixedchorusofcriesandyells，andsomeofthemstopped，andothersranforward，shakingtheirspears，andshootingtheirbroadarrowsintothegroundbeforethem。Atall，gray-bearded，muscularoldman，withaskirtoffeathersabouthim，andnecklacesofbonesandanimals’clawsaroundhisbarechest，raninfrontofthem，andseemedtobetryingtomakethemapproachmoreslowly。
　　"IsthatMessenwah？"askedGordon。
　　"Yes，"saidStedman；"heistryingtokeepthemback。Idon’tbelieveheeversawawhitemanbefore。"
　　"Stedman，"saidAlbert，speakingquickly，"giveyourguntoBradley，andgoforwardwithyourarmsintheair，andwavingyourhandkerchief，andtellthemintheirlanguagethattheKingiscoming。Iftheygoatyou，BradleyandIwillkillagoatortwo，toshowthemwhatwecandowiththerifles；andifthatdon’tstopthem，wewillshootattheirlegs；andifthatdon’tstopthem——Iguessyou’dbettercomeback，andwe’llallrun。"
　　StedmanlookedatAlbert，andAlbertlookedatStedman，andneitherofthemwincedorflinched。
　　"Isthisanotherofmysecretary’sduties？"askedtheyoungerboy。