In Honolulu, so near the scene of action, German and American young men fell to blows in the street.

In the same city, from no traceable source, and upon no possible authority, there arose a rumour of tragic news to arrive by the next occasion, that the _Nipsic_ had opened fire on the _Adler_, and the _Adler_ had sunk her on the first reply.

Punctually on the day appointed, the news came; and the two nations, instead of being plunged into war, could only mingle tears over the loss of heroes.
By the second week in March three American ships were in Apia bay,--the _Nipsic_, the _Vandalia_, and the _Trenton_, carrying the flag of Rear- Admiral Kimberley; three German,--the _Adler_, the _Eber_, and the _Olga_; and one British,--the _Calliope_, Captain Kane.

Six merchant- men, ranging from twenty-five up to five hundred tons, and a number of small craft, further encumbered the anchorage.

Its capacity is estimated by Captain Kane at four large ships; and the latest arrivals, the _Vandalia_ and _Trenton_, were in consequence excluded, and lay without in the passage.