"Come," said Komoru to his companion. But Ethel did not move. Her mind was racked with perplexity. Here she was in a city of her own people. Why should she continue to accompany this young Japanese whom, despite his gentlemanly conduct, she instinctively feared? Yet what else could she do? She was dressed in the peculiar attire of the invaders, and would certainly have trouble in convincing an American of her identity.
"I must ask you to hurry," said Komoru, as the others moved off. With an effort Ethel gathered her wavering emotions in hand and went with him. If she must go, she reasoned it were well not to arouse Komoru's suspicion of her loyalty.
A few minutes later they were again in the air, following the lead of a plane with bright red wings—the flag-ship, as it were, of the group.
In a half hour the expedition was approaching Houston. Coming over the city, the leader circled high and waited until his followers were better massed.
"Are we going to attack the town?" inquired Ethel, as Komoru asked her for the water-bottle.
"Oh, no," he replied, "nothing of the sort; we are simply bluffing. There are a number of expeditions going out to-day. We must make the appearance of a great invasion."
"How many planes are there all told?"
Komoru smiled. "Not so many," he said.