“I can’t see how that can be done,” Takishima replied, after several minutes’ thought. “I am very sorry, but as a Japanese naval officer I cannot take any action that would defeat the aim of the Emperor. His Majesty has made his decision; that decision cannot be changed.”
“Then you refuse to help us to avert this war!” Phil exclaimed.
“There is nothing else honorable for me to do,” Takishima answered.
CHAPTER XVIII
A BOLD PLAN
The midshipmen returned to their hotel in despair at the outcome of their plans to save a delicate situation.
They had been in their room but a few minutes before there was a knock on their door and Robert Impey entered.
Both lads looked up in annoyed surprise, for they had studiously avoided him at the embassy and had showed in their manner that the kindly feeling which they had entertained for him earlier had received a distinct check.
The foreigner refused to be put aside by this evident coolness, but sat down in a vacant chair, gazing boldly at his accusers.
“I see you have dug up the corpse,” he said, an ugly smile on his face.
“Yes,” Phil hastened to reply, “we’ve learned of your two-faced dealings, and will be greatly obliged if you close the door from the outside.”