“But this cannot be called an order,” he said quietly. “It is only advice from an old and trusted friend. He advises me to put myself under the protection of the American fleet in Manila until Japan and the United States can adjust their differences. Unhappily my country is now harassed by a threatened civil war, and the Peking government fears that those opposing the dynasty may seize my ships. They little know our loyalty,” he added with tears in his eyes. “They do not trust us.”
Phil felt the success of his plans was fast slipping away. Impey appeared jubilant.
“That is what I would advise, admiral,” Impey said in an oily voice. “The American admiral will be glad to protect you.”
Phil was hot and cold in turns. To go now to Manila with the ships might mean war, and also there was strong probability of their falling into the hands of the Japanese fleet on the way.
CHAPTER XXIII
BY WIRELESS
Phil gazed at Sydney for an inspiration. How could he persuade this clever Chinaman? For he read his intelligence in his face. Why not confide to him his entire plan? The possibility of keeping these ships, of which the lad saw he was proud to the point of conceit, might be a potent factor.
“As I have here two conflicting letters from the Wai-Wu-Pu,” Admiral Ting said, after a painful silence, “my duty is quite plain. I must use my own discretion.”
“Admiral Ting,” Phil exclaimed suddenly, finding his voice at last, “if you will hear my plan, I can save your ships for China and defeat the aims of this scheming rascal.” Phil’s face was flushed as he pointed an accusing finger at Impey. “There is a harbor on the coast of Paragua in the Philippine Islands. The entrance is narrow, but with sufficient water for a battle-ship, and inside, your ships can anchor securely and be invisible from the outside.” The lad’s voice was eager and earnest and made a visible impression on the Chinaman.
“I know the channel, having been there on a small gunboat and made a survey of the bay; I can pilot you in. There we can make terms with the world by wireless without either of the disputing countries discovering our whereabouts.”
“Your Excellency,” Impey exclaimed with a harsh laugh, “you must see that this is the talk of a romantic boy. It is unlikely that there is any such place, and from my knowledge of the coast of Paragua Island, I would advise you not to risk your ships. It is a rocky and dangerous coast, and the charts are worse than useless.”