"Did this man rob you?" asked the officer. "Speak, sir."
"Yes," I replied. "Let him deny it if he can."
The Japanese officer turned to the interpreter and said something to him, motioning to the soldier who had accompanied me to advance.
The traitor fell upon his knees, Chinese fashion, but what he said I could not understand. He produced the revolver, however, and some papers.
"He declares he was instructed to take these from you, for fear of your safety if they were found upon you by the natives. Is that so?"
"Not at all. I was given the pistol and money by your brother for my protection. He had already defended me, and the captain of the ship urged my departure as a scout, knowing some Chinese. They hoped I would remain with the army, reach Port Arthur, and so get away."
"Then you were suspected on board?" he asked sharply.
"Yes, because I was sailing in the Chinese transport, I think. Your honourable brother assisted me, and intended to send me to the British fleet."
"He had no authority to do so. But I am sure the captain would have landed you at Chemulpo had you desired it."
"I did not want to be landed. I am a sailor, and wished to continue on board until I could be sent to Shanghai or Chefoo."