Now, if there is anything on earth that will anger a native of Japan, it is the appellation "John." It places them on the same level with the Chinamen in America, who conduct the familiar and omnipresent laundry, and, look you, the Japanese rightly consider themselves much above their brother Asiatics.
Mori felt the insult keenly, but he was too much of a gentleman to retort in kind. Nattie—hot-tempered, impulsive lad—could not restrain himself.
"You cowardly brute!" he shouted, shaking his fist at Ralph. "I'd give half of what I expect to own on this earth to have you before me for five minutes."
The merchant's son paled with anger, but he discreetly ignored the challenge.
"What would you do, blowhard?" he blustered. "You think yourself something, but I can bring even you to your knees."
"We will see about that when the officers of the law arrive," replied Nattie, grimly.
"As I said before, don't be too sure. I have not played all my cards."
Mori and Nattie exchanged glances. What could the fellow mean? Ralph speedily informed them.
"Do you think I would tamely submit to arrest and go from here with the certain knowledge that my destination would be a long term in a prison?" he snarled. "Do you think I am a fool? I have a safeguard here in the person of your puny, crippled brother."