“No, sir.”
“Is there anything which strikes you as being of vital importance in the case which has not yet been brought out?”
“Senator Carew was chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.”
The Secretary stared at Douglas for a full minute without speaking.
“I don’t quite catch your meaning, Mr. Hunter,” he said finally.
“Let me explain, Mr. Secretary,” began Douglas earnestly. “Some time ago I received a letter from Senator Carew suggesting that I apply for leave of absence.”
“Why?” snapped out the Secretary.
“He did not specify directly,” returned Douglas calmly; “he said he wished to consult me about my future. One moment”—as the Secretary opened his lips to speak. “At the end of the letter the Senator added that he hoped I was making the most of my opportunities; that it was only the part of wisdom to inform myself of all that was going on in Japan, and that he expected that I would be able to give him some interesting data about the ‘Yankees of the East,’ as he had always been curious as regards their customs, past history, and future plans.”
The Secretary settled back in his chair and fumbled with his watch chain. He was the first to break the silence. “Did you follow Senator Carew’s advice?”
“I did, sir.”