"In the north of Japan we have very cold weather, but it is sufficiently warm in the south. But in any case, there is nothing depressing in my country, such as a foreigner finds in England."
"It is the English climate, to a great extent, which has made us what we are, Count," observed Colpster seriously.
"I can say the same of Japan. Hardy climates make hardy men, sir. Do not think that I don't admire your country, for I do; but oh, these swathing mists and damp fields!" He shivered smilingly.
"At least, we have no earthquakes," put in Patricia with a nod.
"Ah, there you have the advantage of us," answered Akira, wiping his mouth; "but in some places we can keep earthquakes away."
"What do you mean?" asked Theodore, scenting something occult.
"Yes." Akira guessed what he vaguely felt. "There are laws which control earth waves."
"Scientific laws?" said Basil quickly.
"You might not call them so," said Akira quietly; "but in the East, you know, we are aware of natural laws which the West has not yet learned."
"Well, then, tell us how to control earthquakes," said the Squire, with a sceptical look on his face.