“But there isn’t going to be any duel,” smiled Dave, “and I am not a principal, nor are you my second. You are my friend, and the best in the world, but you will never be my second.”
“There’s going to be the dickens of a mix-up,” grunted Dalzell, as, after wringing Darrin’s hand, he moved toward the door. “I’ll do the best I can, but you must expect, after declining a duel, to be snubbed everywhere in Tokio.”
“Then I shall endeavor to set Tokio an example in calmness,” smiled Dave again. But the instant that the door had closed on him, and he strolled down the hallway, a thoughtful frown came to his face.
In the meantime Dan Dalzell was hastening below, on a by no means pleasant mission.
Just now Dave did not want to go back to Belle, for fear she might question him. After a turn or two he went back to Dalzell’s room.
Half an hour later, growing impatient, Dave decided to go below and to address Toruma and Hata himself.
Down in the lobby Ensign Dave beheld Lieutenants Toruma and Hata, talking with two men who looked like Englishmen.
“Dan must have finished his part,” thought Dave. “I’ll see if I can draw Toruma aside.”
Just as Dave Darrin approached the group Toruma caught sight of him.
Some low-voiced remark ran through the group.