I go to consult
with our chief."

"You must not consult with Grabantak," said Leo firmly. "He lies limp.
His backbone has no more strength than a piece of walrus line. His son
must act for him at present."

"Boo!" exclaimed one of the warriors, with a look of ineffable contempt,
"Koyatuk is big enough, but he is brainless. He can bluster and look
fierce like the walrus, but he has only the wisdom of an infant puffin.
No, we will be led by Teyma."

This sentiment was highly applauded by the entire council, which
included the entire army, indeed the whole grown-up male part of the
nation; so that Koyatuk was deposed on the spot, as all incompetents
ought to be, and one of the best men of Flatland was put in his place.

"But if I am to lead you," said the premier firmly, "it shall be to
peace, not to war!"

"Lead us to what you like; you have brains," returned the man who had
previously said "boo!" "We know not what is best, but we can trust
you."

Again the approval was unanimous.

"Well, then, I accept the command until my chief's health is restored,"
said Teyma, rising. "Now, the council is at an end. To your huts,
warriors, and get your spears ready; and to your lamps, girls. Prepare
supper for our warriors, and let the allowance of each be doubled."

This latter command caused no small degree of surprise, but no audible
comment was made, and strict obedience was rendered.

Leo returned to Grabantak's hut, where he found that fiery chief as limp
as ever, but with some of the old spirit left, for he was feebly making
uncomfortable references to the heart, liver, and other vital organs of
Amalatok and all his band.

Soon afterwards that band came on in battle array, on murderous deeds
intent. The Flatlanders assembled on the beach to receive them.

"Leave your spears on the ground behind you," shouted Teyma to his host;
"advance to the water's edge, and at my signal, throw up your arms."

"They have been forewarned," growled Amalatok, grinding his teeth in
disappointment, and checking the advance of his fleet by holding up one
hand.

"No doubt," said Captain Vane, who, with Benjy, Alf, and Butterface, was
close to the Poloe chief in one of the india-rubber boats, "no doubt my
young countryman, having sent a message, expected us. Surely--eh!
Benjy, is not that Leo standing in front of the rest with another man?"

The Captain applied his binocular telescope to his eyes as he spoke.

"Yes, it's