“It began when your fleet started for Manila by way of the south of Africa,” he replied, “and has steadily increased in intensity until now, when we are nearer to war than we have ever been without having it.”
“Then in a month more it will die a natural death,” Phil said, brightening, “for the fleet is to return next month to the east coast of the United States. The cause then of all this jingo talk will have been removed.”
“A month!” Takishima exclaimed grimly. “Much can happen in that time.”
“If Japan is truthful when she says she does not desire war,” Phil said, “I can see no cause for worry. We are not seeking a war. We have enough to care for without getting into a fight so far from home.”
“But how can Japan be sure that what you say is correct?” Takishima asked quickly. “To whom in America can we go to be assured that she is peacefully inclined?”
“To our President,” Phil answered, his eyes flashing proudly, “the most powerful leader in the world. If he gives his word it is law. Even Congress would not dare betray it.
“Taki,” he continued, “I am sure that our people admire yours. We think your head may be just a little swollen over your prowess in war, and would like to see the swelling subside; but a war with you or any other country is not our desire now or at any other time. The United States fights only when its honor is involved, and not for conquest. If both countries are honest and do not attempt to trick each other by threatening to strike in order to force a favorable action on a measure or treaty unfavorable to the other, then there can be no war.”
“And you will help me to prevent these misunderstandings?” Takishima asked.
“To-day Captain Inaba lost a valuable paper,” Takishima added earnestly. “The messenger Oka, who was injured, was carrying it in his hand when he was struck by Mr. Impey’s machine. If that paper, translated, should fall into the hands of indiscreet persons, it would cause a vastly greater strain on the friendly relations between our countries.”
Phil listened eagerly. Could it be possible that the paper the sailors had found was the one in question, and if so did Takishima know the character of it? Phil recalled quite clearly the venomous composition, calculated to arouse the entire Japanese nation against the American people in general and the cruiser “Alaska” in particular. If this was the letter and Takishima knew the contents then there was but one conjecture to make; that Taki’s protestations of honesty were hypocritical. But Phil would not condemn his classmate unheard.