Dave frankly related the circumstances as told him by his wife.
“If we could see the note, that might throw some light on the matter,” suggested Lieutenant Hata, darkly.
“That is the curious part of it, gentlemen,” said Dave, gravely. “Soon after the gift came that note disappeared, and neither Mrs. Darrin nor I have been able to find any trace of it.”
“That is certainly remarkable,” said Hata, with emphasis.
“Very remarkable,” agreed Toruma.
“So remarkable,” added Katura, “that I cannot comprehend it at all.”
“At any rate, before I leave Tokio,” proposed Darrin, “I shall hope to have the whole matter cleared up.”
For the second time Lieutenant Katura’s face flushed a fiery red. He could not help feeling that he was being lightly or insolently used. In his own mind the Japanese was not prepared to suspect an American officer and gentleman of deliberate theft.
“Mr. Darrin,” asked Katura, “is this your idea of a really clever joke?”
“What do you mean, sir?” demanded Dave Darrin, flushing in turn.