But Rexdale did not make the report. The next morning he was waited upon, to his utter bewilderment, by Oto himself, obsequious, deft, and silent as of old! CHAPTER VI. A SCRAP IN MALTA. The lieutenant-commander rubbed his eyes and stared at the little brown man in utter amazement. "Oto!" he exclaimed at length. "You here?" "Yes, sir," replied Oto, placing a steaming cup of hot coffee at the right hand of the officer. "Come round here where I can see you. When did you come on board?" "This morning, sir, at about three bells." "Who brought you? Did you swim back?" demanded Rexdale, still mystified. "No, sir. I came in the _Kiku's_ boat," said Oto, showing his white teeth in a genial smile. "There was fog. The _Osprey_ was going at less than half speed, and the lookouts did not see me. We came very quiet." "Well, what have you got to say for yourself, any way?" asked Dave, irritated at the boy's self-possession. "Do you know I can put you in irons for deserting the ship?" The little Jap spread his arms, in deprecation. "Very sorry," said he humbly. "It was all mistake. Captain Osara wanted to give me message. He did not wish me to leave ship. All mistake. So I come back. Captain Osara say he apologise. Here his letter," and he handed a sealed missive to the commander, who impatiently tore open the daintily folded sheet. It was covered with Japanese characters. "Read it to me," said Dave, handing the letter to Oto, who translated as follows: "SHIP 'KIKU,' "ROYAL NAVY OF JAPAN. "To the Honourable "DAVID REXDALE, "Commanding U. S. Ship _Osprey_. "Am desirous to tender most humble apologies to your august presence for having taken to my ship the man Oto, whom I restore tremblingly to you. Augustly condescend to grant your forgiveness, and accept my joyful congratulation on your august health and the beauty and majesty of your ship. "Respectful veneration, "OSARA." "Well," said Rexdale, smiling, in spite of his vexation, at the language of the apology, "what was the message?" But neither threats nor persuasion could induce Oto to divulge the nature of the communication which had been of sufficient importance to take a naval vessel out of her way and to lead her commander to play such a daring trick--for such it evidently was, in spite of his polite phrases--on a United States war-ship. Oshima in his turn was closely questioned, but professed entire ignorance of the matter. "I've not a particle of doubt," said Rexdale, talking it over with Staples, "that it has some connexion with the strained relations between Russia and Japan. He's a dangerous fellow to have on board, this Oto, with his skill at gunnery, his high-bred manners, and his mysterious disappearances and appearances. When we reach Hongkong I shall dismiss both Japs. They might get us into a heap of trouble."