"Here is the man we have chased for three months." And then turning to me:
"I am sorry, sir, to meet you in this situation. I would rather it had been in a good, square fight."
"I should far rather be your prisoner, Admiral," I answered, "than the ignominy of living in this beastly Fiji Island jail."
The Japanese had not known of the jail part of it. The officers looked in cold astonishment at the British lieutenant, who was much embarrassed.
In the luxurious saloon I was extended gracious, indeed ceremonious hospitality, the hospitality of Japan. The admiral offered me cigars and cigarettes and poured out the champagne for me. I took a cigar, but refused the wine.
"I am a teetotaller," I said, "a prohibitionist, as the Americans would say."
I suspected that I would be questioned about the Seeadler, and didn't want my tongue lubricated with champagne!
The admiral placed three books before me. The frontispiece of one was the picture of the Emden; of the other, a picture of the Moewe. He turned the pages. Both were filled with Japanese writing. The third book was empty. The admiral placed this book before me and presented me with a pen.
"Write something about your cruise," he asked. "In our country we write about the deeds of the enemies we have met. We tell what they did for their countries, so that it may fill our youth with enthusiasm to do as much for our country. Write down one or two things that I can use."
"Gladly," I replied, and began to write briefly of our experiences while rounding Cape Horn.