be too suggestive of an idol; and to which Stedman also objected,
but for the less unselfish reason that it would "be in
the way of the pitcher's box."

They were feverishly discussing all these great changes, and
Stedman was translating as rapidly as he could translate, the
speeches of four different men--for the two counsellors had
been called in--all of whom wanted to speak at once when there
came from outside a great shout, and the screams of women, and
the clashing of iron, and the pattering footsteps of men
running.

As they looked at one another in startled surprise, a native
ran into the room, followed by Bradley, Jr., and threw himself
down before the King. While he talked, beating his hands and
bowing before Ollypybus, Bradley, Jr., pulled his forelock to
the consul, and told how this man lived on the far outskirts
of the village; how he had been captured while out hunting, by
a number of the Hillmen; and how he had escaped to tell the
people that their old enemies were on the war-path again, and
rapidly approaching the village.

Outside, the women were gathering in the plaza, with the
children about them, and the men were running from hut to hut,
warning their fellows, and arming themselves with spears and
swords, and the native bows and arrows.

"They might have waited until we had that army trained," said
Gordon,in a tone of the keenest displeasure. "Tell me, quick,
what do they generally do when they come?"