“I feel that it will be necessary,” bowed Katura. “But let none of my friends suspect that it was more than a joke. An American officer and gentleman could not be an intentional thief.”
“Even as a joke it was in very, very bad taste,” declared Lieutenant Hata slowly and gravely.
“Say not so,” urged Katura. “Let us say nothing, and suspect or accuse no gentleman.”
“But let us go to the Imperial Hotel as fast as possible,” urged Lieutenant Toruma.
“By all means,” agreed Hata.
So Katura, who was sorrowful and dazed, felt thankful that he had loyal friends with him to do his thinking for him at this moment.
Not many minutes were needed for reaching the Imperial. Three little Japanese officers, with smiling faces, entered and went to the desk in the hotel office.
“We desire to see Mr. Darrin of the American Navy,” declared Toruma, speaking in Japanese to the clerk, who was a fellow-countryman.
“I regret much to say that Mr. Darrin is out,” replied the clerk.
“Then may we do ourselves the honor of waiting until your guest returns?” asked Hata.