CHAPTER XIX--DAN FIRES A WARM SHOT
Flushing slightly, though with no other outward sign, Dave turned uponhis heel and left the group.
"I can understand the attitude of the Japanese officers, but why shouldEnglishmen turn against me?" Dave wondered. "The average Englishman hasno more patience with silly dueling than we Americans have."
It would have done Dave's heart good, just then, had he known how DannyGrin had met and talked to the two Japanese seconds.
On hearing that Ensign Darrin would not, under any circumstances,consent to a duel, Toruma and Hata had smiled as genially as Dan hadexpected they would do.
"I don't know," pursued Dan, "whether you can understand the feelingsthat prompt an officer to decline a duel."
"The reason that comes most quickly to mind," replied Toruma, "is thefeeling of fear."
"Gentlemen, if you think that my friend, Darrin, is afraid of anythingthat is honorable, then you are poor judges of human nature," Danreplied, with some warmth.
"But why should a naval man hesitate to accept the appeal to arms?"inquired Toruma, with another smile.
"Darrin, to my positive knowledge, never did meet any call to arms withanything except calm joy," Dalzell replied warmly. "In this presentinstance, if one of Mr. Darrin's superior officers gave him an order tomeet Mr. Katura on the field of honor, Darrin would be there ahead oftime. But Mr. Darrin took the oath of the service, binding him to obeythe Navy regulations, and one of those regulations expressly forbidshim to fight duels, or to take any part in one."
"What shall we tell Mr. Katura?" pressed Hata darkly.
"Tell him anything you please," offered Danny Grin obligingly.
"But he will feel at once, as we do, that Mr. Darrin declines themeeting because Mr. Darrin has not the valor to meet a resolute man onthe field of honor."
Danny Grin looked thoughtful for a minute. Then he glanced up to ask:
"How much actual military service, under fire, have you seen, Mr.Toruma?"
"It has not, as yet, been my good fortune to see any," repliedLieutenant Toruma.
"And you, Mr. Hata, may I inquire what is the extent of your service?"
"I have been as unfortunate in that respect as my friend, Toruma,"replied Hata.
"Mr. Katura must have seen some active, hard service," pressed DannyGrin.
"Alas, no," Toruma answered, "Mr. Katura has not been any morefortunate than have we."
"Darrin has seen some service," Danny Grin went on calmly. "He wascommended in orders for gallant and daring work when the Navy took VeraCruz. Then, down in Vengara, in South America, in a revolution, hewent, with one companion, into the wilds of Vengara to visit the campof the former dictator, Benedito, who had an army behind him, fightingthe government of Vengara. With the help of only that one companion,Darrin, in the heart of Benedito's own army, took the ex-dictatorcaptive, at the point of a revolver, and brought him through theforests, through the government lines as well, and turned GeneralBenedito over to the United States forces."
"That was a splendid deed," bowed Toruma.
"Have you heard of the recent conduct of our Navy at Nu-ping, China?"Dan asked.
"Oh, yes," nodded Toruma. "That was an excellently managed affair, andone highly creditable to your Navy."
"The officer who was in command at Nu-ping," continued Dalzell, "wasDavid Darrin, Ensign, United States Navy."
"He did a splendid act," admitted Lieutenant Toruma, bowing.
"And now," added Lieutenant Hata, "he impresses others as being afraidto meet a gentleman on the field of honor!"
"When a man has such a record, don't officers like you and Mr. Katura,who have never smelled burning powder, feel like boys criticizing thecourage of a veteran?" asked Dan dryly. With the words, Dan, with oneof his famous and sardonic grins, turned on his heel and walked away,leaving the two very much ruffled young Japanese officers.
Dave Darrin, after his rebuff in the lobby, stepped slowly toward thedoor.
"I'll go outside for a while before I go back to Belle," he decided.
Within five minutes he ran into Dalzell, who at once told him of theinterview with the two Japanese.
"The end is not yet," sighed Dave. "But now suppose we return and dressfor dinner. Remember, no word of this to Belle. I don't want hervacation spoiled if I can help it."
But could he help it? Apparently no one at the tables noticed Belle andthe two young ensigns as they made their way through the dining room.
"Did you notice, Dave, that none of the Japanese officers, and therewere a good many of them in the room, rose and bowed to me tonight?What can the matter be?"
"Let us hope," answered Dave, "they're absorbed in their own affairs."
Belle noted, however, that throughout the meal and on their leaving theroom, no one except some United States naval officers and two Americaninfantry officers on leave offered them the slightest courtesy.
Leaving Belle in the parlor, the two young officers returned to thelobby. They were shortly approached by Lieutenant Commander Emery ofthe "Katahdin."
"Hullo, Darrin. Evening, Dalzell. Now Darrin, what is this rumor aboutyour refusing to meet a Japanese officer on the field?" he askedabruptly.
"There was a challenge, yes," admitted Dave. "I declined on the groundthat our regulations forbid dueling."
"Of course you couldn't fight," responded the lieutenant commander."But hadn't you better go back to the ship and remain there as long asshe lies in Yokohama?"
"And give up my vacation with Belle?"
"Don't you realize what it means in some countries to decline a duel,Darrin? You'll be an outcast in Tokio. For Mrs. Darrin's sake, don'tremain ashore and let her be tormented by the studied coldness thatwill be shown you everywhere in Tokio."
"They may think me a coward for not fighting, but I can't be cowardenough to run from the consequences, though I dislike to involve Bellein this."
"Here comes Decoeur of the French Navy," said Lieutenant CommanderEmery suddenly. "I want to shake hands with him."
Decoeur, looking slightly embarrassed, shook hands very cordially withEmery, who then rather abruptly introduced his brother officers, Mr.Darrin and Mr. Dalzell.
The French officer gave the ensigns only the shadow of a bow. His handdid not come forward. Then he passed stiffly on.
"You see," said Emery. "You understand what the attitude in Tokio willbe. Are you going to subject Mrs. Darrin to such humiliations?"
"I don't see how I can avoid it," replied Dave, sick at heart onBelle's account.
CHAPTER XX--CONCLUSION
"Isn't this delightful?" cried Belle, holding up a card that she hadreceived in the mail that morning. "Mrs. Fullerton of the Embassy hassecured for us this invitation to the reception that the Prime Ministerof Japan gives to the Emperor this afternoon at the Prime Minister'sofficial residence."
"There'll be a dreadful crush there," replied Dave, with a secretsinking at heart.
"Of course, if you don't care to go--" began Belle considerately.
"Of course I want to go," Dave returned bravely. "Do you think we'dmiss such an event as this will certainly be?"
"Going to the reception this afternoon?" asked Dan a little later.
"Certainly; Belle has a card for us."
"And yet Toruma and Hata say that you have no courage!"
"Are you invited?" Dave asked.
"Oh, yes. And going, of course."
Three o'clock that afternoon the young people entered the carriage thatDave had ordered. The drive to the Prime Minister's residence was notlong, but it took time to get through the crush of carriages thatfilled the last two blocks. Even after the carriage had delivered itspassengers at the door, it was another long time before the Darrinparty succeeded in making its way through the throng to the hall inwhich the reception was being held.
As yet their Majesties had not arrived. The Prime Minister and his wifewere receiving guests. Their Majesties would arrive late and depart notlong afterwa
rds.
The names of Ensign and Mrs. Darrin and Ensign Dalzell, United StatesNavy, were called at the door. Only those nearest the entrance couldhear the names announced. But at the mention of theirs, Dave could seemany an epauleted shoulder turn aside so as not to see the Darrinparty.
In due time they made their bows to Prime Minister Kotito and his wife.Then they were swept to the far end of the room. Presently LieutenantCommander Emery came to them.
"Darrin," he said, after greeting Belle, "word has come that theirMajesties are on their way. According to custom, the officers ofwhatever service or country who may be present are going out. In thestreet, they will take places on the outer edge of the throng andsalute the Emperor and the Empress. I'll take Mrs. Darrin to theEmbassy party, then return and go outside with you."
"You are very kind," replied Dave, and Belle, accepting Emery's arm,was led away.
Emery was back quickly, but just outside the house he was accidentallyseparated from the two ensigns.
"Suppose we go farther up the street, Dave," suggested Dan. "I'd liketo be in the very first squad to salute their Majesties."
So past the uniformed groups and through the crowd the two made theirway. When they halted they were about fifty feet beyond the nearestgroup of uniformed men.
The procession came into sight. Just before the imperial carriagereached the spot where they stood, both ensigns brought up their handsin a military salute. Then, so rapidly that it seemed part of the samemovement, they raised their caps in homage to the Empress.
The Emperor beheld the salute and bent his head in acknowledgment ofthe tribute.
Spt! Spt! Sizz-zz!
Dave Darrin's military training made him start at the sound. Taller bya head than the Japanese in front of him, Dave's eye caught sight ofsomething that escaped the other onlookers.
"Quick, Dan!" he shouted. "A leg up!"
Though Dalzell did not know what the trouble was, he seized Dave belowthe hips, raising him as though to boost him over a high wall.
Over the heads of those in front of him plunged Dave Darrin. He camedown, grappling with a sullen-looking Japanese, who, crouching over,held something concealed.
Spt! Sizz-zz!
Dave grappled with the man, who was trying to conceal the sputteringbomb preparatory to throwing it. Down in a heap went Dave and theJapanese, the sizzing bomb under both.
Standing close to the scoundrel with the bomb, were three otherpolitical malcontents, and these men now let knives slip down fromtheir sleeves and sprang at the young ensign.
By this time Dan had reached his friend's side and, using his fist,struck down the fellow who was nearest to Dave.
Frightened screams arose on the air as word flew through the crowd.
Police heard, and, understanding, charged through the crowd. Soldiersheard, and used their clubbed rifles in an effort to get through to thescene of disorder.
Meanwhile, Dave Darrin was fighting with the man underneath him--the manwho held the bomb that was about to explode. Suddenly Dave leaped up,leaving his opponent unconscious. In the half-second before getting tohis feet, Darrin had taken the sputtering, glowing fuse between fingerand thumb. Though his hand was being burned and blistered, he held onuntil he knew that the danger was past.
"Throw it away from their Majesties' carriage," implored the Japanesewho could speak English.
"No need to now!" called Dave steadily, holding up the bomb to show thefuse was out.
In these few pulsing moments the speed of the Emperor's carriage hadnot been increased. Neither the ruler nor his consort looked about.
The crowd was wild, and would have torn the miscreants to pieces, butthe police blocked the attempt, and the men were marched away.
Dave and Dan were trying to hide themselves by mingling with the crowd,but a Japanese army officer, a general of division, hurried up to them,followed by members of his staff.
"Pardon, gentlemen, you must not go yet. You have done Japan a greatservice. The Government must know the names of such brave officers."
Though reluctant to do so, the ensigns were forced by courtesy to givetheir names to General Kagi, as he introduced himself. Through thecrowd, silent through respect for the Americans and thankfulness forthe safety of their sovereigns, the general led the way to theresidence of the Prime Minister. There was a conversation with a highofficial, then General Kagi said:
"Gentlemen, since this is a public reception, their Majesties wish tothank you in public for your heroic conduct this day."
"It will be very embarrassing, General," Dave answered, smiling buthesitant.
Having traversed a long corridor and several rooms, Dave and Dan lookedthrough a door that was opened to them to a dais where the imperialpair stood under a canopy.
At sight of General Kagi and the youths, several resplendent officialscame forward, and Darrin and Dalzell were conducted to this dais. At asignal, Dave and Dan made a low bow.
First the Emperor thanked the young officers for what they had done,speaking in Japanese and having it immediately repeated in English.Then her Majesty said a few words.
"You may reply," whispered an official.
Making another low bow, Darrin answered:
"I am grateful to have been permitted to render some service to theirMajesties, the Emperor and the Empress of Japan."
Dan's face, at first fiery red, went pale as he in turn made anotherlow bow. He could think of nothing to say. His mind seemed blank. Hefelt he was going to make a fool of himself. But his head was now aslow as he could make it, and he knew he must say something. Then, hisvoice sounding as though some one across the room were speaking, Danheard himself say:
"Mine were but a pair of hands to assist my comrade. Neither of us wasmoved from within in the little that we were able to do. We were butthe tools of Providence, which could not see the virtues of theirMajesties perish."
Though all Japanese eyes were downcast, there was a flash of gratitudein every pair as Dan's speech was put into Japanese; though Dan himselfcould never be made to understand what a tactful one it was.
Dave and Dan having followed their conductors to the right of the dais,his Majesty spoke briefly for the Empress and himself, the words beingtranslated into English and French for the benefit of the diversnationalities represented. Their Majesties then withdrew and thereception was soon over, though Dave and Dan found themselvesembarrassed frequently during the next few days by impromptu receptionsin all sorts of places--shops, streets, the hotel lobby--by grateful andadmiring crowds.
It was on the day following the reception at the Prime Minister'sresidence that Dave received a note. Belle and Dan were present when hegot it, and, apologizing, he broke the seal. Then he read aloud thebrief note from Katura.
"'That I did you a deep wrong I am convinced. I shall not crave yourpardon until I am able to do more. I trust you will not leave Tokiobefore I have the honor of seeing you. All I can now say is that I aminvestigating.'"
"What does he mean?" asked Belle wonderingly. "I have of course knownsomething was wrong, for I could see that we were avoided; but I knewyou were trying to keep it from me, so did not ask questions. But----"
"Yes, you had better know the whole story. Perhaps I should have toldyou at first," replied Dave. So he told her all, not without help fromDan, who thought Dave too modest.
Dave wanted to get out of Tokio and away from the unwelcome publicity.But Belle persuaded him to await Katura's explanation. It came withinthree or four days.
Toruma called at the hotel. Dave met him with cordiality, then theJapanese said:
"I have come on account of my friend, Mr. Katura. Mr. Katura'sregrettable challenge grew out of the affair of the medallion."
"Under the circumstances," said Dave, "I can not blame him forsuspecting me of stealing it."
"Not stealing it! He thought it an inconsiderate joke! An American toldus that he had seen you slip your hand into Katura's pocket and takeout a lacquer box. That box belongs to Katura's
mother and is veryprecious to her."
"An American?"
"Yes; Simmons. But he was working for a man, English or American, namedPembroke."
Then Dave understood. Pembroke, angered by the humiliation at the yamenand more so because he himself had confessed when he thought he wasabout to die, had hired this man to help him in his scheme ofvengeance.
"This Simmons is a criminal and has keys that open many doors, so,after delivering the package to Mrs. Darrin, he later entered the roomand secured the note that had gone with the box."
"Why did they not sell the medallion?"
"That would have been impossible. It is too well known here for anyoneto handle it safely."
Katura called and tried to apologize, something that Dave Darrin wouldnot allow. He asked Katura and Toruma and Hata to dinner to meet Belle,and the officers parted as friends.
It was a year later that Dave and Dan heard that Bishop Whitlock andhis missionaries had gone back to Nu-ping and that a new governor hadbeen appointed for the province. They learned, too, that "Burnt-face"was dead of cholera and that Miss Chapin was married to her missionarylover.
The ensigns' leave was up, and, parting regretfully with Belle, theyreturned to their ship. There they found new honors awaiting them. Ontheir arrival the Admiral sent for them and read them a despatch,signed by the Secretary of the Navy.
"'The President directs that you extend to Ensigns Darrin and Dalzellhis thanks and commendation for their conduct in preventing the assaulton the Emperor and Empress of Japan. At appropriate time you willpublicly commend these officers.'"
They learned too that as soon as they expressed their willingness toaccept the honor they would be commissioned as lieutenants, juniorgrade.
"Accept! You bet we'll accept!" said Dan, but not in those words beforethe Admiral.
One other honor was to come to them. The Emperor bestowed on them thedecoration, second class, of the Order of the Rising Sun, a decorationthat Congress allowed them to accept.
But now Dave's ship sailed away under sealed orders, leaving Belle towonder when she would again see her husband. When this time was andwhere, will be told in another volume: "Dave Darrin and the GermanSubmarines; or Making a Clean-up of the Hun Sea Monsters."
THE END
Transcriber's Note: Many of the chapter titles printed in the Table ofContents are different from the ones printed at the start of theactual chapters. The original, though inconsistent, chapter titleshave been retained in both places.
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