“They believe we are here to spy on them,” he added, after a moment’s pause. “Did you make it straight with your Japanese classmate?”
Phil swallowed hard and shook his head sorrowfully while Sydney came to his friend’s aid.
“We didn’t get a chance, but we shall this evening. We expect to meet him soon, don’t we, Phil?” he asked grimly.
“It may clear the atmosphere,” the captain said. “I don’t like the aspect of it. Have you heard of the bulletin in front of the ‘Shimbunshi’ office? There were thousands of Japanese standing in front reading it when we drove past.”
The lads nodded in assent.
“That’s pretty quick work. The ambassador sent a cable this morning, and here we get action in the afternoon. If word went to Manila at the same time we may be getting our orders to sail at any moment. I’ve already cabled my failure to obtain an audience.” Captain Rodgers opened the door as he finished speaking.
“Come in, sir. What can we do for you?” he exclaimed in surprise as a dapper Japanese naval lieutenant stood at the threshold. Phil’s heart was beating wildly. Here was Takishima’s representative. The relations between the two countries would now be further strained when this unfortunate duel was made public.
“I desire to speak with Meester Perry and Meester Monroe,” the newcomer replied politely, bowing profusely.
“There they are,” Captain Rodgers returned, smiling and motioning him to enter. “Good-bye. Keep out of trouble,” he added banteringly as he bowed and left them with the Japanese lieutenant, no thought of the seriousness of the call entering his mind.
“I have come from Count Lieutenant Takishima with his card,” the newcomer said importantly and in carefully studied English.