The officer addressed looked inquiringly across to the captain, who hesitated a moment and then said in suppressed emotion: "Hardy, go down and tell the passengers that the _Tacoma_, through an unheard-of, treacherous surprise, has fallen into the hands of a Japanese cruiser, but that the passengers, on whose account we are obliged to submit to this treatment, need not be startled, for they and all their possessions will be landed safely at Yokohama to-morrow morning." Hardy's soles seemed positively to stick to the steps as he went down, and he was almost overcome by the warm air at the entrance to the dining-saloon, where the noise of boisterous laughter and lively conversation greeted him. "Halloo, when are we going on?" he was asked from all sides. Mr. Hardy shook his head silently and went to the captain's place. "We must drink your health," called several, holding their glasses towards him. "Where's the captain?" Hardy was silent, but remained standing and the words seemed to choke him. "Be quiet! Listen! Mr. Hardy is going to speak----" "It's high time we heard something from the captain," called out a stout German brewer from Milwaukee over the heads of the others. "Three cheers for Mr. Hardy!" came from one corner of the room. "Three cheers for Mr. Hardy!" shouted the passengers on the other side, and all joined in the chorus: "For he is a jolly good fellow." "Do let Mr. Hardy speak," said the Secretary of Legation, turning to the passengers reprovingly. "Silence!" came from the other side. The hum of voices ceased gradually and silence ensued. "First give Mr. Hardy something to drink!" said some one, while another passenger laughed out loud. Hardy wiped the perspiration from his brow with the captain's napkin, which the latter had left on his plate. "Shocking!" said an English lady quite distinctly; "seamen haven't any manners." Hardy had not yet found words, but finally began in a low, stammering voice: "The captain wishes me to tell you that the _Tacoma_ has just been captured by a Japanese cruiser. The United States of America are said to be at war with Japan. There is a Japanese guard on board, which has occupied all the companionways. The captain requests the passengers to submit quietly to the inevitable. You will all be landed safely at Yokohama early to-morrow and--" Hardy tried to continue, but the words would not come and he sank back exhausted into his chair. "Three cheers for the captain!" came the ringing shout from one of the end tables, to be repeated in different parts of the room. The German brewer shook with laughter and exclaimed: "That's a splendid joke of the captain's; he ought to have a medal for it." "Stop your nonsense," said some one to the brewer. "No, but really, that's a famous joke," persisted the latter. "I've never enjoyed myself so much on a trip before." "Be quiet, man; it's a serious matter."