There was a momentary hesitation in his manner.
“I have just spoken to you of the precept of the great English philosopher.”
“It was, if I remember rightly, that you should employ only Japanese in the service of Japan?”
The Privy Councillor bowed.
“Therefore, you will see, we are obliged to make a proposal which may seem to you unusual—perhaps unreasonable.”
“And this proposal is?” I asked, with undisguised curiosity.
“That you should become a Japanese.”
I threw myself back in my chair, amazed.
“Your Excellency, I am an American citizen.”