About the same time, a public official
in Kalaya, whose duty it was to convey news to the community by
means of a primitive system. of manuscript placarding, hit upon a
mechanical method whereby news-sheets could be multiplied very
rapidly and be sold to readers all over the kingdom. Now the Duroban
General felt eager to test his discovery in a campaign, and,
happening to have a quarrel with a politician in the neighbouring
state, did his utmost to excite hostile feeling against Kalaya. On
the other hand, the Kalayan official, his cupidity excited by the
profits already arising from his invention, desired nothing better
than some stirring event which would lead to still greater demand
for the news-sheets he distributed, and so he also was led to the
idea of stirring up international strife. To be brief, these
intrigues succeeded only too well; war was actually declared, the
armies were mustered, and marched to the encounter.
"'They met at a point of the common frontier where only a little
brook flowed between the two kingdoms. It was nightfall; each host
encamped, to await the great engagement which on the morrow would
decide between them.
"'It must be understood that the Durobans and the Kalayans differed
markedly in national characteristics. The former people was
distinguished by joyous vitality and a keen sense of humour; the
latter, by a somewhat meditative disposition inclining to timidity;
and doubtless these qualities had become more pronounced during the
long peace which would naturally favour them.
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