But Knappe seemed unteachable by fate.

It is probable he thought he had "Already waded in so deep, Returning were as tedious as go o'er"; it is certain that he continued, on the scene of his defeat and in the midst of his weakness, to bluster and menace like a conqueror.

Active war, which he lacked the means of attempting, was continually threatened.
On the 22nd he sought the aid of his brother consuls to maintain the neutral territory against Mataafa; and at the same time, as though meditating instant deeds of prowess, refused to be bound by it himself.
This singular proposition was of course refused: Blacklock remarking that he had no fear of the natives, if these were let alone; de Coetlogon refusing in the circumstances to recognise any neutral territory at all.
In vain Knappe amended and baited his proposal with the offer of forty- eight or ninety-six hours' notice, according as his objective should be near or within the boundary of the _Eleele Sa_.

It was rejected; and he learned that he must accept war with all its consequences--and not that which he desired--war with the immunities of peace.
This monstrous exigence illustrates the man's frame of mind.

It has been still further illuminated in the German white-book by printing alongside of his despatches those of the unimpassioned Fritze.