Phil, remembering Takishima’s promise to be open and frank with him, began by asking the question that seemed to be the most important to clear up.
“Have your war-ships been given orders to prevent the sailing of the ‘Alaska’?”
Takishima’s eyes opened in mild surprise.
“How could you believe that Japan would be so impolite?” he replied. “Who is responsible for such a rumor?”
“Impey, of course,” Phil returned, smilingly, “the source of all our misinformation.
“But,” Phil persisted, “if the ‘Alaska’ should leave now and send a wireless to the American fleet in Manila to take the Chinese ships, Captain Inaba’s mission would fail.”
Takishima was thoughtful.
“We should not stop the ‘Alaska,’” he said decidedly. “What steps our Minister of Marine would take afterward I cannot say, but of course you know we would take all steps possible to insure Captain Inaba’s success.”
“If you were sure America did not want the Chinese ships, your minister would be willing to have Captain Inaba fail, wouldn’t he?” Phil asked.
“Yes, certainly,” Takishima answered without a moment’s hesitation.