And the agents separated without reaching any result, save that diplomatic relations had been restored between the States and Germany, and that all three were convinced of their fundamental differences.
Knappe and de Coetlogon were still friends; they had disputed and differed and come within a finger's breadth of war, and they were still friends.

But an event was at hand which was to separate them for ever.
On December 4th came the _Royalist_, Captain Hand, to relieve the _Lizard_.

Pelly of course had to take his canvas from the consulate hospital; but he had in charge certain awnings belonging to the _Royalist_, and with these they made shift to cover the wounded, at that time (after the fight at Laulii) more than usually numerous.

A lieutenant came to the consulate, and delivered (as I have received it) the following message: "Captain Hand's compliments, and he says you must get rid of these niggers at once, and he will help you to do it." Doubtless the reply was no more civil than the message.

The promised "help," at least, followed promptly.