“Impey, as the agent of the builders of these ships, desires them to go to either the United States or Japan.
“That is Captain Rodgers’ opinion,” Phil continued. “The ships were built for China, but as yet not paid for. Impey declares he has in his pocket an order from the Chinese council for the throne, the great Wai-Wu-Pu, to turn the ships over to the American government. If he were not the agent how could he get such an order?”
Takishima shook his head in sign of mystery.
“Cannot we manage to prevent either nation from getting them?” the midshipman asked excitedly. “Then all would be settled amicably.”
“How could we do the impossible?” Takishima asked, his dark eyes sparkling.
“Get this order from Impey. Use the ‘Sylvia’ and take the Chinese ships into Manila Bay,” Phil replied quickly. “Our admiral would look out for them and convey them back to China.”
Takishima drew himself up stiffly.
“What do you mean?” he gasped. “That I should betray my country, and deliver the ships into your admiral’s hands?”
Phil in his earnestness had certainly made a blunder.
“Phil means to put the Chinese ships out of the reach of both nations,” Sydney hastened to explain, and Phil nodded gratefully.