The midshipmen followed the doctor into the hallway of the navy building, where the injured man had been taken. They were quickly surrounded by naval officers, asking for the story of the accident. Phil found himself talking to Lieutenant Takishima, while behind him stood Captain Inaba listening eagerly. There seemed to be much concern over the deplorable affair. Several officers went out hurriedly and soon returned, their faces grave, to make their report to Captain Inaba. What was the meaning of so much concern over the mishap to a mere employee?
“Can I not give him something, poor man?” Phil inquired anxiously, producing his purse. “Of course, Mr. Impey will provide for him, but maybe a little money would aid his family.” He innocently attempted to put the bank-note into the victim’s pocket, but much to his surprise his arm was held tightly by Captain Inaba. A look into the naval man’s face convinced him that the attitude of those about them was not friendly. Did they then blame Sydney and him for the accident? Surely they could not be so unfair.
The midshipmen quietly withdrew, seeing that their presence was a source of embarrassment. They found O’Neil and Marley waiting for them, having engaged and held four rikishas. All thoughts of the ambassador’s reception had quite passed out of the lads’ minds, so they were soon on their way to their hotel as quickly as their coolies could carry them, the sailors bringing up the rear.
“What is it, Marley?” Sydney asked as Marley signed them to stop as they alighted and were entering the hotel.
“We’ve got something important to show you,” O’Neil said mysteriously, his face grave, while Marley nodded soberly.
“Come along then,” Phil answered, leading the way through a side entrance which opened on the court near the rooms assigned the American naval officers.
O’Neil closed the door quietly, while Marley nervously put his hand within his sailor blouse and produced the big envelope which he had hidden within.
Phil took the proffered letter in silence.
“The ‘Shimbunshi,’” he read aloud. “Why, that’s for a Japanese newspaper published in Tokyo. Where did you get it?” he asked.
Marley had turned red and was stammering incoherently. O’Neil came to his rescue.