“Continue to lay-to until we inspect you,” was the short and sharp command.
“I will do so.”
No more was said, and in a few minutes a boat was lowered at the side of the warship and an under-officer entered with eight sailors. In ten minutes the officer was on the deck of the O-Taka, and Captain Toyano greeted him cordially.
“Inspect as you will,” said the captain. And then he told how he had come to pick up those on board and of the escape from the Russians at Port Arthur.
“You were fortunate to get away,” said the Japanese naval officer. “One good shot would have sunk you instantly.” He gazed at Gilbert. “Who is this Englishman?”
“He is an American, a representative of an importing company that was doing business in Manchuria. He wanted to get away, and so we took him along.”
“He is not a spy?”
“I am sure he is not. But you can question him, if you wish.”
“I will.”
Gilbert was called up, and the naval officer put half a dozen pointed questions to him, all of which he answered satisfactorily.