“Sago,” Captain Rodgers added, and the steward bowed low in answer, “remember the United States wishes to be Japan’s friend. Her interests and Japan’s are not really in conflict. It is these interested third parties who are forcing us to be unfriendly and maybe to fight.”
Sago bowed again and drew in his breath sharply in sign of agreement.
“Will you tell me just what was in that letter?” the captain asked.
Sago hesitated several minutes, while the three American officers waited patiently, no sign of intimidation in their attitude toward the uncertain Japanese.
“It said the United States ships in Manila will be ordered to seize the Chinese ships. That United States make law to keep all Japanese out of America and the Philippine Islands. That United States want to capture Formosa. That United States and some European countries want to make Japan give up Manchuria. It then say Japan must quick buy Chinese ships and America would be afraid to make war because Japan then be too strong.” Sago spoke jerkily and slowly, selecting his words carefully while he translated, in his mind, the characters of the secret letter.
“And all of that misinformation came to the Japanese through Mr. Impey and his agents!” Captain Rodgers exclaimed angrily. “What a wonderful imagination Impey must have! And so the Japanese have rushed away to take the Chinese ships to prevent their falling into our hands. How easily an intelligent nation’s suspicions can be aroused. The Japanese diplomats believed that letter was an accurate summing up of the situation, and in reality America has not raised a hand to acquire these vessels.
“To whom was this letter addressed and by whom signed?” Captain Rodgers asked earnestly of the steward, who seemed now only too anxious to give all the information possible.
“Addressed to the advisers of the Emperor and signed by the chief officers of naval and military services,” Sago answered unhesitatingly.
“Captain Inaba is their right hand man!” Phil exclaimed. “He probably composed the letter, and Taki said he knew the contents.”
“Only half of the secret has been unraveled,” Captain Rodgers said thoughtfully. “Impey took his garbled story of the letter to our ambassador. He probably also went to Captain Inaba with the tale that the letter was in the hands of our sailors; Captain Inaba has gone to seize the Chinese ships before our fleet in Manila can intercept them. Impey gave you this information and Takishima has confirmed it.”