The lads nodded their heads, while Phil answered in an apologetic voice.
“In the Philippines, in China and South America, but nothing like your experiences. You must tell us about it some time.”
“There isn’t much to tell,” Takishima replied truthfully. “I was very much frightened at first, but afterward I became so excited I forgot my fear.
“Yet I don’t remember a thing that happened,” he went on. “I tried to afterward when the admiral directed me to write a report. All I could say was we opened fire at the enemy and they fired back at us.”
Sydney and Phil both laughed at Takishima’s droll way of putting things.
Suddenly Takishima rose to go.
“Don’t let me disturb you,” he begged politely. “My admiral, on whose staff I am, has already gone, so I must follow.” He shook hands affectionately with his classmates. “I am sure you and Mr. Impey will have plenty to talk about,” he added. “Mr. Impey is very much interested in war-ships.”
Phil believed he detected that Impey started imperceptibly at Takishima’s words; but nothing he had said seemed to Phil to be of significance. He welcomed an opportunity to talk with this man and perhaps surprise him into that which would betray him. They watched Takishima walk briskly away, his small dirk, the Samurai emblem of honor, jingling at his side.
“Nice chap that,” Impey said quietly. “He’s the Minister of Marine’s right hand aide.”
They had all risen to bid Takishima good-bye, and now found themselves once more on the gravel walk of the path.