“I knew when we sailed from Suez that my ships were for sale,” he said bitterly, raising his eyes from the letter, “and if China cannot retain these magnificent ships, you will believe me sincere when I say that I am glad that America will own them.” Admiral Ting spoke in perfect English. “There seems nothing for me to do but obey this order. It is from the highest authority of my country and commands me to place myself immediately upon its receipt under the protection of the Americans.” Impey’s presence had been quite overlooked by the midshipmen. The document was not challenged. There had been therefore no reason to have brought him. How much simpler and certainly with less annoyance if he had been sent to the “Alaska” as he had desired. Now the midshipmen were to seriously regret their blunder. “Admiral Ting, will you also read this letter?” Impey said, his voice triumphant, while he glared at the discomfited lads, for they at once saw the documents were identical in appearance. Admiral Ting received the second letter and the surprise the lads had looked for now was only too evident in his face as he read its contents. “What does this mean? This commands me to place myself under the protection of the Japanese,” he exclaimed, much mystified. The midshipmen were dumbfounded. A silence had fallen and each looked to the other for an explanation, but none was forthcoming. “I have another letter,” Phil said in a hopeless voice. “Our ambassador gave it to me before we sailed from Japan. It’s from your ambassador there.” Admiral Ting broke the seal and read. “But this cannot be called an order,” he said quietly. “It is only advice from an old and trusted friend. He advises me to put myself under the protection of the American fleet in Manila until Japan and the United States can adjust their differences. Unhappily my country is now harassed by a threatened civil war, and the Peking government fears that those opposing the dynasty may seize my ships. They little know our loyalty,” he added with tears in his eyes. “They do not trust us.” Phil felt the success of his plans was fast slipping away. Impey appeared jubilant. “That is what I would advise, admiral,” Impey said in an oily voice. “The American admiral will be glad to protect you.” Phil was hot and cold in turns. To go now to Manila with the ships might mean war, and also there was strong probability of their falling into the hands of the Japanese fleet on the way. CHAPTER XXIII BY WIRELESS Phil gazed at Sydney for an inspiration. How could he persuade this clever Chinaman? For he read his intelligence in his face. Why not confide to him his entire plan? The possibility of keeping these ships, of which the lad saw he was proud to the point of conceit, might be a potent factor. “As I have here two conflicting letters from the Wai-Wu-Pu,” Admiral Ting said, after a painful silence, “my duty is quite plain. I must use my own discretion.”