“That’s when he told me, but it seemed so absurd and impossible that I didn’t repeat it.”
“What was it, Miss Ashton?” asked General Fullaway. “Will you tell us?”
“He said that Colon was in danger,” replied Mabel, and she repeated the conversation she had had with Captain Von Blusen aboard the Yucatan.
The others listened to her with breathless interest, and there were exclamations of surprise when she concluded.
“Absurd,” said Mr. Willing.
“Impossible,” Colonel Ashton agreed.
“It would seem so, on the face of it,” said General Fullaway, “and I suppose it is. It is true, there are two Japanese warships off the entrance to the Canal. They have not been allowed to pass through because several German merchant vessels are here. As soon as they have cleared, of course we shall permit the Japs to go through.”
“And have the Japs objected to the delay?” asked Mr. Willing.
“They have indeed. They have demanded permission to pass, which has been refused. That was yesterday. But this tale of yours,” the general turned to Mabel, “is incredible. I suppose the German commander told it to you to frighten you.”