The yacht was ready to sail, and the permit from the Wai-Wu-Pu, the throne council of China, for the United States to take the entire new navy from the Chinese crews was in Impey’s possession at that moment. The “Alaska” could sail from Yokohama, and send the important news of Japan’s intentions of seizing the Chinese ships. The yacht with her high speed could carry ahead the permit to the United States admiral in Manila Bay.
“Japan is indeed fortunate, Captain Inaba, in the possession of an officer who so successfully combines the qualities of a strategist, diplomat and international detective. I take off my hat to you, sir.” Impey pronounced his words with great precision. No sign of the nervousness which earlier had been apparent was evident.
He was as yet safe from Captain Inaba’s suspicion. With that thought bringing a smile to his lips he bowed himself out of the office.
CHAPTER XI
PHIL CONFESSES
The midshipmen were much agitated over the exciting news of the contemplated seizure of the Chinese ships by Japan given them by the ambassador. Where could Impey have obtained his information?
“Can we depend upon the truth of this story?” Phil asked anxiously as the two lads left the embassy to return to their hotel.
Sydney shook his head.
“If what we’ve heard was in the secret letter then there’s no way to prove its truth,” he answered thoughtfully, “for now the letter is back in the hands of the Japanese.”
“If that is what was in the letter, then the seal had been broken by Impey and the Japanese will believe that we are the guilty ones,” Phil exclaimed. “That will make them even more determined to seize the Chinese ships.”
The midshipmen were more than ever suspicious of Impey’s honesty. What was his part in this international intrigue? What was Impey’s object? Why had he talked to them at the garden fête in the same strain as he had talked to the Japanese baron in the railroad train?