I saw that he was burning to know by what means I had escaped the fate prepared for me. But I had no object in gratifying his curiosity, and mere boasting is not a weakness of mine.
Steadfastly preserving the tone of a business interview between men who understand each other, I went on to say:
“I am here, as you know, in the joint interests of England and Japan.”
My murderer nodded faintly. I could see him making a tremendous effort to control his nerves, and enter into conversation with me on my own terms.
“I think I should be glad of a little more brandy. Thank you!—I am not at all myself.”
I shook my head compassionately.
“You should be careful to avoid too much excitement,” I said. “Any sudden shock is bad for a man with your nerves.”
The promoter gasped. The situation was clearly beyond him.
“You,” I went on in my most matter-of-fact tone, “on the contrary, are acting on behalf of Germany.”
“Who says so!” He was beginning to speak fiercely; but his eye met mine, and the words died on his lips.