They were cordially received at the gangway of the flag-ship by Admiral Ting himself, and escorted to his cabin.
Phil promptly handed him the letter from the Wai-Wu-Pu and as he read in silence, the midshipmen were prepared to see a look of surprised annoyance on his face.
“I knew when we sailed from Suez that my ships were for sale,” he said bitterly, raising his eyes from the letter, “and if China cannot retain these magnificent ships, you will believe me sincere when I say that I am glad that America will own them.” Admiral Ting spoke in perfect English. “There seems nothing for me to do but obey this order. It is from the highest authority of my country and commands me to place myself immediately upon its receipt under the protection of the Americans.”
Impey’s presence had been quite overlooked by the midshipmen. The document was not challenged. There had been therefore no reason to have brought him. How much simpler and certainly with less annoyance if he had been sent to the “Alaska” as he had desired. Now the midshipmen were to seriously regret their blunder.
“Admiral Ting, will you also read this letter?” Impey said, his voice triumphant, while he glared at the discomfited lads, for they at once saw the documents were identical in appearance.
Admiral Ting received the second letter and the surprise the lads had looked for now was only too evident in his face as he read its contents.
“What does this mean? This commands me to place myself under the protection of the Japanese,” he exclaimed, much mystified.
The midshipmen were dumbfounded. A silence had fallen and each looked to the other for an explanation, but none was forthcoming.
“I have another letter,” Phil said in a hopeless voice. “Our ambassador gave it to me before we sailed from Japan. It’s from your ambassador there.”
Admiral Ting broke the seal and read.