We had got nearly half way to Seoul when I saw with alarm a large party, apparently of Corean soldiers, marching westward. They were easily ten to one as compared with our escort, yet I had not the slightest doubt our Japs would put them all to flight if they attempted to bar our way. Taking two of the Japs with me, I galloped on ahead to learn the intentions of the cavalcade in front. They paused in their march on seeing us coming up, and their leader galloped forward to meet me. To my surprise I saw it was the Prime Minister himself.
“Well, you old scoundrel,” I cried, “your head is still on your shoulders unfortunately. What’s the meaning of this movement of troops. Do you think you’re going to stop us?”
“Oh, no, Excellency, no. I have come to greet you, and offer you the profound regard of the Emperor himself.”
“Now, just try to speak the truth for once; it won’t hurt you. You know very well that you had no word of our coming.”
“Pardon, most Gracious Excellency, but your white ambassador arrived as soon as the gates were open this morning.”
“Our white ambassador! Oh, that’s Cammerford, very likely. So he has reached the capital, has he?”
“Yes, Excellency, and has received the honour due.”
“That ought to be a gorgeous reception. And did he send you to meet us?”
“No, Excellency, it was the white Princess.”