CHAPTER VI
BILL MARLEY’S FIST
After leaving the midshipmen at the hotel, O’Neil led his friend Marley to a much frequented Japanese eating house, on the outskirts of Shibu Park, kept by an American. There he believed he would find some one who could tell him about the mysterious Robert Impey. The boatswain’s mate understood quite plainly that Phil would be able to find out all that was possible about the man from the people of his world and that he, Jack O’Neil, was to get what information there was in the keeping of those of the underworld. In other words, O’Neil guessed, and rightly, that Impey, in Phil’s belief at all events, was leading a dual life.
O’Neil and Marley seated themselves at a small table from where they could observe those about them, for the dining-room was nearly filled with foreigners. Many waiters, both men and women, moved quietly about administering to the wants of their patrons.
The proprietor stood behind a raised counter and directed the service, collecting the bills as those who had satisfied their hunger paid and went their way.
O’Neil gave his order to a waitress and at the same time slipped a hastily penciled note into the Japanese girl’s hand, pointing to her foreign master.
The sailors watched him read the note and then glance up at them, following the girl’s pointing finger. In a few seconds he was wringing O’Neil’s hand.
“Well, shipmate, how are you?” he exclaimed. There was real pleasure in “Billy” Williams’ face. “This supper is all on me,” he cried gladly. “It’s been a long time since you and me have been together, and there ain’t nothing in the house too good for Jack O’Neil.”
O’Neil smiled good humoredly, and the three men sat down at the little table. Williams called up an assistant, and sent him to take his place at the cash drawer.
“Making money?” This from O’Neil.
“Well, I ain’t losing any, but I miss our own ships,” Williams replied, still smiling. “The ‘Alaska’s’ the first we’ve had for nearly a year. American sailors certainly spend their money nobly. The foreign sailors make the eagle squeal on every dollar they hold before letting go of it.”