"Yes."
"We couldn't have it ready under twenty minutes. Why, what——"
"Never mind the reason, sir," interrupted Grant, impatiently. "I must be in Tokio before twelve o'clock."
"It is impossible, sir."
"Not at all. It must be done. Where is the engine that brought the train in a few moments ago?"
"It is still in the station, but it will go to the running sheds before long."
"I must have that engine," exclaimed Grant, with determination. "I will pay you five hundred yen for an hour's use of it. I will also give a bonus of fifty yen each to the engineer and fireman."
Five minutes later a powerful locomotive left the station, bearing the party. A small table had been secured, and hard at work upon it was Mr. Burr, writing for dear life as Grant dictated.
The line was clear, telegraphic orders having been sent to that effect from Yokohama, and the intricate mass of iron flew upon its journey at the rate of seventy miles an hour.
It was a strange spectacle, and one never before witnessed in all Japan. To the engineer and fireman, native born, it was a novelty indeed, and they cast many curious glances at the group upon the tender.