d the upper part of the scabbard. In his
excitement, the General forgot this necessity, and, with the right arm
extended to the highest elevation, the weapon was not free from the
incumbrance at the other end. He tugged, swore under his breath and
grew purple of countenance.

[Illustration: "THE TIME HAS COME TO DRAW THE SWORD."]

Major Starland, without the shadow of a smile, looked at the lower
hand of the General and nodded meaningly. The other recovered his wits
at the same moment, liberated the blade by the method indicated, and
flourished it so far aloft that the keen point nipped the ceiling.

"The time has come to draw the sword! Liberty, justice, equality and
right is the war cry of the patriots of Zalapata!"

Carefully adjusting his weapon so that it would not interfere, the
General sagged down in his chair, and puffing from his exertion and
excitement, looked into the faces of his friends to signify that he
was now ready to listen to their sentiments. A brief silence followed,
and then Major Starland said in an even voice:

"I have learned of some of the insults received from General Yozarro,
Dictator of the Republic to the west, but I am not clear as to the
last outrage: may I be enlightened?"

He looked invitingly at Captain Guzman, who silently puffed for a
minute or so before speaking:

"A month ago, the single boat which constitutes the navy of President
Yozarro was engaged in target practice; one of the shots passed over
the boundary and struck the dwelling of a citizen of Zalapata,
smashing in a side-wall and scaring the family to that extent that
they are still a-tremble. Complaint was made to President Yozarro, who
treated the complainant with contempt. Then appeal was had to
President Bambos, who despatched a messenger to Yozarro, demanding
damages and an apology, and the salutation of our flag. What answer
did the tyrant send? He kicked the messenger down the steps of his
palace, bidding him to tell our revered President that if he or
anyone else came to him on a similar errand, he would ram him down the
throat of one of his cannon and fire at the palace of General Bambos."

"But that threat is idle," gravely remarked Major Starland.

"Why?" demanded President Bambos.

"Neither he nor you have any ordnance big enough to allow a man to
serve as a charge for it."

"A quibble!" commented the Captain; "it does not lessen the deadly
nature of the insult."

"What is the amount of the claim