serious thing to
strike a seaman of the Imperial navy, a man wearing the Emperor's
uniform. In von Moll's opinion such conduct could not, without grave
impropriety, be described as "rather fun." He was not at all sure that
the German navy would not suffer in prestige among the islanders.

"The man," he said stiffly, "had three teeth broken."

"Oh," said the Queen, "I'm so sorry, and I'm afraid there's no dentist
on the island. Still it was his own fault, wasn't it?"

"I am sure," said von Moll, "that you will punish the girl suitably."

The Queen looked at him with astonishment. She had not the slightest
intention of punishing Kalliope. It seemed to her extraordinary that
von Moll should suggest such a thing. She was a little inclined to be
angry. Then she thought that von Moll must be making a joke. He looked
rather grim and solemn; but perhaps that was the way all Germans
looked when they made jokes. She laughed in polite appreciation of von
Moll's attempt at humour.

Gorman, watching with twinkling eyes, was greatly pleased. Von Moll
was evidently another Steinwitz in seriousness and pompous dignity. It
was a delightfully amusing trait in the German character.

"I'm still rather in the dark," he said. "Who's Kalliope?"

"My maid," said the Queen. "There she is."

Gorman glanced at Kalliope who was at the moment placing a plate
before her mistress. The girl grinned at him in a friendly way. She
was quite aware that she was the subject of conversation.

"It strikes me, von Moll," said Gorman, "that your navy hasn't come
very well out of its first regular sea battle."

Von Moll's face hardened disagreeably. It was an outrageous thing that
an Irishman, a mere civilian, who apparently had no right to wear a
uniform of any kind, should poke fun at the Imperial navy. He wished
very much to make some reply which would crush Gorman and leave him
writhing like a worm. Unfortunately it is very difficult to make that
kind of reply to a man who insists on laughing when serious subjects
are under discussion. Gorman, still watching von Moll closely, felt
pleased.

"I hope the Press won't get hold of the story," he said. "Just imagine
the headlines. 'Grave International Crisis.' 'Naval Encounter in the
Cyrenian Sea.' 'Imperial Gunboat'--they'd be sure to say gunboat, you
know--'attacked by a girl.' If it had been a man! But a girl! However,
I won't mention the matter. If you fix that fellow up with a set of
false teeth