an attack on the Kaiser, was answered by that vessel. Her
first shot took immediate effect, completely destroying the
entire battery of the Opekians, cutting down the American
flag, and destroying the houses of the people----"

"There was only one brass cannon and two huts," expostulated
Stedman.

"Well, that was the whole battery, wasn't it?" asked Gordon,
"and two huts is plural. I said houses of the people. I
couldn't say two houses of the people. Just you send this as
you get it. You are not an American consul at the present
moment. You are an under-paid agent of a cable company, and
you send my stuff as I write it. The American residents have
taken refuge in the consulate--that's us," explained Gordon,
"and the English residents have sought refuge in the
woods--that's the Bradleys. King Tellaman--that's
me--declares his intention of fighting against the annexation.
The forces of the Opekians are under the command of Captain
Thomas Bradley--I guess I might as well make him a colonel--of
Colonel Thomas Bradley, of the English army.

"The American consul says--Now, what do you say, Stedman?
Hurry up, please," asked Gordon, "and say something good and
strong."

"You get me all mixed up," complained Stedman, plaintively.
"Which am I now, a cable operator or the American consul?"

"Consul, of course. Say something patriotic and about your