Yet even then the actors seemed blissfully unconscious that anything unusual was happening and it was not until nearly a dozen had gone down under the trip-hammer blows, measuring their length on the stage, that the situation was understood. “Come away, you blooming idiot!” O’Neil exclaimed, grasping Bill Marley’s collar and dragging him backward, still waving madly the flag he had succeeded in rescuing. But Bill Marley was in no mood to be led like a lamb by the collar even by his friend O’Neil. His fighting blood was aroused. His slow mind had been deeply outraged by this evident insult to his countrymen. His thoughts were alternating between the vague belief that it was his duty to contend single handed with those on the stage, erasing the impression of a Japanese victory, and that those impersonating American sailors needed only his leadership to turn the tide of battle. “Come on, you little midgets!” His voice was loud and angry, but the firm twist which O’Neil had given his wide sailor collar nearly stifled the encouraging words that were to follow for the benefit of the vanquished stage foreigners. “Follow me and we’ll show ’em----” The rest was only a gurgle, for O’Neil had encircled the excited sailor’s neck with a strong arm and had lifted him fairly off his feet. The next second the boatswain’s mate had let go of his companion and the two were standing at bay against a score of infuriated Japanese, who had suddenly become cognizant of the true conditions. O’Neil was still dizzy from the effects of a blow on the back of the head, received while he was yet struggling with Marley. Now the usually cool-headed petty officer was white hot with anger and resentment. “Don’t let them get a hold on you, Bill,” was O’Neil’s warning, hissed through his closed teeth, while his two fists were driving forward like battering-rams. CHAPTER VII THE SECRET DOCUMENT Phil reached the ballroom just as the music had stopped, and looked quickly about for Sydney. He saw him at the far corner of the room and hurried to his side. “Syd, get your coat and hat and meet me at the door, quick!” he whispered excitedly. “I’ll stay to explain if necessary,” he added, glancing at Helen, the centre of a group of officers. Sydney would have asked for an explanation, but a look at his friend’s face showed him that it was a matter of grave concern. Helen became suddenly conscious of something unusual. She had caught the danger signals in the excited faces of the midshipmen as she glanced their way just as Sydney was on the point of leaving. Phil knew that some explanation would be necessary. “Go on, Syd,” he urged; “I’ll tell Miss Tillotson and then join you.” Sydney had gone, picking his way across the crowded room. Helen was standing beside Phil, her eyes dilating with apprehension. “What is it?” she exclaimed in a low voice. “Has anything happened?” Phil cast about for appropriate words to explain something which he himself could only guess.