“But,” Sydney persisted unconvinced, “suppose we told him where you found the document and that you had the best of intentions and were going to give it to him, when you found it had been taken away from you. Couldn’t you then apologize for your act, explaining that he misunderstood you entirely? Surely Taki will be influenced by his academy training to believe you are not afraid, but that your only wish is to aid the two governments to remain on peaceful terms.” Phil’s answer was prevented by a knock on the door, and the man who they believed was at the bottom of their trouble came in. The two midshipmen did not attempt to conceal that his presence was unwelcome; but unheeding the evident coldness of his reception, he sat down calmly in a vacant chair, regarding the Americans with a complacent smile on his face. “I have done all I could to dissuade Lieutenant Takishima,” Impey began. The midshipmen winced, for they fully believed that his protestations of friendship for them were only feigned. “But he insists upon the challenge. These Japanese are mediæval in their methods of thought. He even talked of hara-kiri. He said he would be forever disgraced. His soul revolted at the thought that violent hands had been laid upon him. You know how these fellows feel.” “I didn’t ask for your good offices, Mr. Impey,” Phil exclaimed in sudden anger. “I am fully able to look out for myself.” “As you please,” Impey returned in a hurt voice, giving an expressive shrug to his massive shoulders. “Of course you have thought how the duel is going to influence affairs?” “Your interest in our doings, Mr. Impey, for an outsider, seems to me quite extraordinary.” Phil spoke in a quieter voice. “Perhaps if you would be good enough to explain a few points to us this duel which you profess to wish to avoid might be averted.” Impey’s face flushed, while an uneasiness crept into his crafty eyes. “Only the interest of friendship,” he declared quickly. “I have always had the confidence of your ambassador.” “Maybe you wouldn’t mind telling us,” Phil asked, “how you came by the lost naval document I found in the hand of one of the secret service men who assaulted you in your rooms last night.” Impey regarded Phil in much surprise. “I can easily,” he declared. His face had suddenly cleared. “Was it you then who answered my call for help? I heard your answer just as I was losing consciousness.” Phil waved the question aside. “It was found by a friend and given to me,” Impey continued after a pause. “I recognized it as an important paper, but at that time I knew nothing of its character. I can translate Japanese, and instead of going to the prime minister’s ball, I made a translation of that letter. One of my friends, Randall, was with me and had just gone out when I was attacked. He discovered me afterward unconscious on the floor of my room.” Phil was about to interrupt with another question, but Impey hastened on.