The policy was too cunning to seem dignified; it gave to conduct which would otherwise have seemed bold and even brutally straightforward, the appearance of a timid ambuscade; and helped to shake men's reliance on the word of Germany.

On the day named, an ultimatum reached Malietoa at Afenga, whither he had retired months before to avoid friction.

A fine of one thousand dollars and an _ifo_, or public humiliation, were demanded for the affair of the Emperor's birthday.

Twelve thousand dollars were to be "paid quickly" for thefts from German plantations in the course of the last four years.
"It is my opinion that there is nothing just or correct in Samoa while you are at the head of the government," concluded Becker.

"I shall be at Afenga in the morning of to-morrow, Wednesday, at 11 A.M." The blow fell on Laupepa (in his own expression) "out of the bush"; the dilatory fellow had seen things hang over so long, he had perhaps begun to suppose they might hang over for ever; and here was ruin at the door.