The Americans quickly learned the ill effects of the traitor’s words, for the viceroy at once disregarded the pilot’s presence and in the most insulting tone turned to his interpreter.
“His Excellency,” that Chinaman said upon the completion of the viceroy’s ultimatum, “sees that the ranking officer has more intelligence than his low-caste companions, and that as he has given his promise that an apology will be made, his Excellency will at once set him at liberty to return to his people. And his Excellency further warns his compatriots that if the sailors are not withdrawn within twenty-four hours to their ships, and if the fleet does not leave the To-Yan Lake, that the lives of those held as hostages will pay the penalty.”
Phil, throwing discretion to the winds, was upon his feet before the interpreter had finished his threatening sentences.
“Commander Ignacio,” he exclaimed, beside himself with anger and mortification, “can you not see what you have done? The viceroy offers you your freedom; you must at once insist that we are under the sacred protection of a flag of truce and that he has not the right to detain us.”
“Are you then so anxious about your precious skin?” the foreigner answered, an expression of intense dislike on his swarthy face.
The viceroy had risen, taking the arm of an assistant. He bowed formally, and moved away toward his own apartments.
Langdon heard his parting instructions to his interpreter.
“Hold these American dogs and send the others back to their own people. Let their commander tell them that when their sailors have ceased to pollute Chinese soil then I shall treat with them. And to show my displeasure at the attack of the foreigners upon our innocent people, I shall hold these dogs as hostages.”
Realizing his helplessness, the pilot was silent, and he and the midshipmen allowed themselves to be led away by the waiting guards.
Commander Ignacio gave Phil a look of triumph as he passed him, which glance the lad returned proudly. Doubtless this despicable man believed he had won a signal victory over the midshipman who had accused him of cowardice before his own men.