Evening star., 1922-09-10

said Mccartney coolly, "is how 1t got
out"
That is it. That is what 1 have
already said. And have explained
repeatedly it is impossible. 1t is SO
impossible it is laughing matter; that
is, for US. But for you. lieutenant. it
is perhaps more serious"
Mccartney lifted his eyebrows.
"Yes?"
His visitor leaned out to tap him
on the knee.
my dear young friend. it is better
we understand each other. / have the
most sure knowledge I am not to be
molest. My party is to work out it
self We are now de facto govern
ment. So soon we establish ourselves
we have recognition from one, two.
three great powers"
Very nice" said Mccartney with
some diffidence. Good work"
Il even have, lieutenant. a copy of
your own orders. Never mind how I
have them"-he winked fraternally-
but l have. I know what is your
authority. I know you are not au-
shell. to make one threat. Then why
the most extraordinary rumor. which
we trace back to Mr.. Converse, who
has talk with you?'
Mccartney inspected his cigar.
Let's go back a bit. You've got
some Americans in jail. On what
charges?"
"Lieutenant- But never mind.
answer you. On criminal charges,
lieutenant-what you call 'sniping.'"
That is, defending their prop
erty?'
But. no, Bearing arms against
our government. 1t is matter of def
milton. like everything else"
II see. Well, when do you propose
to release them?"
who knows? After trial. perhaps
perhaps not. 1t depend on the find
ing-as everywhere in all civilize
countries"
Mccartney never batted an eyelash.
Well. general, I'm sorry to spoil
your pipe dream. but it looks as If
I'm going to open on your city hall
tomorrow at noon."
The gilded general sat forward,
tense.
Lieutenant! But have seen your
orders! You think I am little child
L"
Mccartney stood up.
General, I've got some orders you
haven't seen. I got 'em when I left
tho academy. Every oflcer in the
Novv boo IAN, Tbov'ro eyood until TN,
dead or out Of the service. They're
called standing general orders. And
ono Of 'em authorizes me to attack
and destroy pirates wherever I find
them!"
Lieutenant! Pirates! for this"
And as you say" went on Macart-
ney, its matter Of definition. But.
accordi,y to my definition. anybody
who destroys the property of an
American citizen, robs him. plumbers
him, throws him into jail without
process Of law. starves him. tortures
him-that's a pirate" He put out his
jaw beligerently. And that's my
definition-and I'm going to act on
my orders"
The general exploded to his feet.
'You would not dare, lieutenant.
You have already insult two of my
officers-you are already in bad
enough situation. You would not
dare"
Lets set our watches together"
said Mccartney. And then for per-
haps half a minute they stood and
gazed straight into each others eyes.
Rehectively, Mccartney watched the
powerboat flying through the harbor.
He turned presently, and without ever
thinking of Dewey, who cut the
cable, he spoke to his executive officer.
Sam, I'm afraid our radios out of
commission, isn't it?'
I'm afraid it is" said Dyer soberly.
Ever since about ten minutes now.
But, Pinky. suppose he calls your
biuff?
Into Macartney's cheeks there came
a spot Of high color.
"Sam, If those boys aren't out of
the cooler we begin firing at noon,
unless I get specific orders to stop
me. And If the radios out Of order 1
won't get 'em. What did you say
we've got-three rounds? Then we'll
fire three rounds. Do you want it in
writingr
Tho Converses came aboard for
dinner. and although tho parent