“Gentlemen, since this is a public reception, their Majesties wish to thank you in public for your heroic conduct this day.”
“It will be very embarrassing, General,” Dave answered, smiling but hesitant.
Having traversed a long corridor and several rooms, Dave and Dan looked through a door that was opened to them to a dais where the imperial pair stood under a canopy.
At sight of General Kagi and the youths, several resplendent officials came forward, and Darrin and Dalzell were conducted to this dais. At a signal, Dave and Dan made a low bow.
First the Emperor thanked the young officers for what they had done, speaking in Japanese and having it immediately repeated in English. Then her Majesty said a few words.
“You may reply,” whispered an official.
Making another low bow, Darrin answered:
“I am grateful to have been permitted to render some service to their Majesties, the Emperor and the Empress of Japan.”
Dan’s face, at first fiery red, went pale as he in turn made another low bow. He could think of nothing to say. His mind seemed blank. He felt he was going to make a fool of himself. But his head was now as low as he could make it, and he knew he must say something. Then, his voice sounding as though some one across the room were speaking, Dan heard himself say:
“Mine were but a pair of hands to assist my comrade. Neither of us was moved from within in the little that we were able to do. We were but the tools of Providence, which could not see the virtues of their Majesties perish.”