podar bowed. Our companion-ladder was rigged on the instant, and
a launch lowered. The Gospodar and Captain Rooke--taking me with
them--entered, and rowed to the warship, where we were all honourably
received. There were an immense number of men on board, soldiers as well
as seamen. It looked more like a warlike expedition than a fighting-ship
in time of peace. As we stepped on the deck, the seamen and marines, who
were all armed as at drill, presented arms. The Gospodar went first
towards the Captain, and Captain Rooke and I followed close behind him.
The Gospodar spoke:

"I am Rupert Sent Leger, a subject of his Britannic Majesty, presently
residing at Vissarion, in the Land of the Blue Mountains. I am at
present empowered to act for the National Council in all matters. Here
is my credential!" As he spoke he handed to the Captain a letter. It
was written in five different languages--Balkan, Turkish, Greek, English,
and French. The Captain read it carefully all through, forgetful for the
moment that he had seemingly been unable to understand the Gospodar's
question spoken in the Turkish tongue. Then he answered:

"I see the document is complete. May I ask on what subject you wish to
see me?"

GOSPODAR. "You are here in a ship of war in Blue Mountain waters, yet
you fly no flag of any nation. You have sent armed men ashore in your
boats, thus committing an act of war. The National Council of the Land
of the Blue Mountains requires to know what nation you serve, and why the
obligations of international law are thus broken."

The Captain seemed to wait for further speech, but the Gospodar remained
silent; whereupon the former spoke.

CAPTAIN. "I am responsible to my own--chiefs. I refuse to answer your
question."

The Gospodar spoke at once in reply.

GOSPODAR. "Then, sir, you, as commander of a ship--and especially a ship
of war--must know that in thus violating national and maritime laws you,
and all on board this ship, are guilty of an act of piracy. This is not
even piracy on the high seas. You are not merely within territorial
waters, but you have invaded a national port. As you refuse to disclose
the nationality of your ship, I accept, as you seem to do, your status as
that of a pirate, and shall in due season act accordingly."

CAPTAIN (_with manifest hostility_). "I accept the responsibility of my
own acts. Without admitting your contention, I tell you now that
whatever action you