"I was told by Commander Eckles to report to you," he replied respectfully, "for orders."
The American consul laid his hands firmly upon the edge of the mahogany desk.
"My orders, Mr. Moore, are that you leave China immediately. I trust——"
"Why?" said Peter in a dry voice.
"That is a matter which, unfortunately, I cannot discuss with you. The order comes, I am permitted to inform you, from the highest of diplomatic quarters. To be exact, from Peking, and from the American ambassador, to be more specific."
It was crystal clear to Peter that the American consul was not cognizant of what might be behind those orders from the American ambassador; yet his face, for all of its diplomatic masking, told Peter plainly that the American consul was not entirely averse to learning.
"Have I been interfering with the lawful pursuits of the Chinese Empire?" he inquired ironically.
The American consul stroked his long nose pensively.
"Well—perhaps," he said. "On the whole, that is something you can best explain yourself, Mr. Moore. If you should care to give me your side of the question, ah——"
"I haven't a thing to say," rejoined Peter. "If the United States Government chooses to believe that my presence is inimical to its interests in China——"