Von Blitz, cunning and methodical, sowed the seed of distrust; it sprouted at will in the minds of the uncouth, suspicious islanders.  They began to believe that no good could come out of the daily meetings of the three lawyers.  A thousand little things cropped out to prove that the intimacy between their man and the shrewd lawyers for the opposition was inimical to their best interests.

It was Von Blitz who told the leading men of the island that their wives—­the Persians, the Circassians, the Egyptians and the Turkish houris—­were in love with the tall stranger.  It was he who advised them to observe the actions, to study the moods of their women.

If he spoke to one of the women, beautiful or plain, the whole male population knew of it, and smiled derisively upon the husband.  Von Blitz had turned an adder loose among these men; it stung swiftly and returned to sting again.

The German knew the condition of affairs in his own household.  His overthrow at the hands of the American had cost him more than physical ignominy; his wives openly expressed an admiration for their champion.

He knew too well the voluptuous nature of these creamy, unloved women, who had come down to the island of Japat in exchange for the baubles that found their way into the crowns of Persian potentates.  He knew too well that they despised the men who called them wives, even though fear held them constantly in bond.  Rebuffed, unnoticed, scorned, the women themselves began to suspect and hate each other.  If he spoke kindly to one of them, be she fair and young or old and plain, the eyes of all the others blazed with jealousy.  Every eye in Japat was upon him; every hand was turning against him.

It was Miss Pelham who finally took it upon herself to warn the lonely American.  The look of surprise and disgust that came into his face brought her up sharply.  She had been “taking” reports at his dictation; it was during an intermission of idleness on his part that she broached the subject.

“Miss Pelham,” he said coldly, “will you be kind enough to carry my condolences to the ladies at court, and say that I recommend reading as an antidote for the poison which idleness produces.  I’ve no doubt that they, with all the perspicacity of lonely and honest women, imagine that I maintain a harem as well as a bar-room.  Kindly set them right about it.  Neither my home nor my bar-room is open to ladies.  If you don’t mind we’ll go on with this report.”

Miss Pelham flushed and looked very uncomfortable.  She had more to say, and yet hesitated about bearding the lion.  He noticed the pain and uncertainty in her erstwhile coquettish eyes, and was sorry.

“I beg your pardon,” he said gently.

“You’re wrong about Lady Deppingham and Mrs. Browne,” she began hurriedly.  “They’ve never said anything mean about you.  It was just my miserable way of putting it.  The talk comes from the islanders.  Mr. Bowles has told Mr. Britt and Mr. Saunders.  He thinks Von Blitz is working against you, and he is sure that all of the men are furiously jealous.”