In the luxurious saloon I was extended gracious, indeed ceremonious hospitality, the hospitality of Japan. The admiral offered me cigars and cigarettes and poured out the champagne for me. I took a cigar, but refused the wine. "I am a teetotaller," I said, "a prohibitionist, as the Americans would say." I suspected that I would be questioned about the _Seeadler_, and didn't want my tongue lubricated with champagne! The admiral placed three books before me. The frontispiece of one was the picture of the _Emden_; of the other, a picture of the _Moewe_. He turned the pages. Both were filled with Japanese writing. The third book was empty. The admiral placed this book before me and presented me with a pen. "Write something about your cruise," he asked. "In our country we write about the deeds of the enemies we have met. We tell what they did for their countries, so that it may fill our youth with enthusiasm to do as much for our country. Write down one or two things that I can use." "Gladly," I replied, and began to write briefly of our experiences while rounding Cape Horn. "Just a question first," interrupted the admiral. "Did you put to sea from a neutral port, the United States, Argentine, or Chile?" "We sailed from Hamburg," I responded. "We flew the Norwegian flag and were searched for an hour and a half by a British cruiser." "Examined by the British?" "Yes." Those grave Japanese faces lighted up with smiles of exquisite amusement. After I had written my short piece, the admiral spoke again. "And now, Count, tell me where you have been." "Admiral," I responded, "that is a question I should prefer not to answer right away. First tell me where you looked for me." He brought out a big chart. A quick glance, and I saw the island of Mopelia. Around it was a faint line in pencil. That told me what I wanted to know. Undoubtedly, they had found the diary my boy had lost, the last entry of which mentioned Mopelia. The admiral pointed to the Tasman Sea, between Australia and New Zealand. "I was on your trail here, Count, but I lost you near New Zealand." "I am sorry to say, Admiral, that my ship was never within six thousand miles of those waters." "But," he responded, "the ships you sank in the Pacific were all to or from Australia." "I know, but--" A little judicious hesitation. "But where were you, Count? Tell me." "I cruised back and forth south of the Hawaiian Islands over the waters where the Australia-San Francisco ships, the eastbound and westbound, pass." There is nothing like the truth. "You are right, Count. I should have thought of it." "I am glad you didn't," I replied, "or you would have captured me."