“I suppose that was his reason,” Mabel agreed.
At this moment an orderly entered the room and gave a message to General Fullaway. The latter read it, and then turned to Mabel again.
“It seems that your warning may bear fruit, after all,” he said quietly.
“Why, sir?” asked the girl eagerly.
“Why, this message I have here,” said the general, tapping the paper with his finger, “is, or seems to be at least, a communication from the Japanese commander. He says if his ships are not allowed to pass through the canal to-morrow, he will destroy the city of Colon!”
CHAPTER XI.—A WAR SCARE.
An air of intense anticipation pervaded the General’s dining room.
Shirley finally broke the silence.
“And will you give them permission, general?” she asked.
“Not without such instructions from Washington,” was the reply. “My duties are clearly defined. The Japanese ships cannot pass through the canal while German merchantmen are in Colon harbor. However, I am not at all sure the message is from the Japs.”