The German monarch sat still, unable to parry this unexpected blow.
“The Japanese Ambassador—” he began to mutter.
“Will confirm my statement, sire. I have already asked to be confronted with him. Before going to Kiel, I sent him information of my plans, so that he is already expecting to hear from me, I have no doubt.”
Wilhelm II. saw that he had come to the end of his tether. Lying back in his chair, he ejaculated——
“I believed there was only one man in the two hemispheres who could do things like this!”
“I am flattered to think you may be right, sire,” I responded in my natural voice, with a smile.
The Emperor bounded from his seat.
“You—are—Monsieur V——!” he fairly gasped out.
“I was, sire. Permit me to repeat that I am now called Prince Matsukata of Japan.”
Wilhelm II. made an effort, and came out of it with his best manner.