It is hard to exaggerate the peril of the forenoon that followed, as they lay off Laulii.

Nobody desired a collision, save perhaps the reckless Leary; but peace and war trembled in the balance; and when the _Adler_, at one period, lowered her gun ports, war appeared to preponderate.

It proved, however, to be a last--and therefore surely an unwise--extremity.

Knappe contented himself with visiting the rival kings, and the three ships returned to Apia before noon.

Beyond a doubt, coming after Knappe's decisive letter of the day before, this impotent conclusion shook the credit of Germany among the natives of both sides; the Tamaseses fearing they were deserted, the Mataafas (with secret delight) hoping they were feared.