Part 11 (1/2)
”Do not turn away. I am in danger in these clothes. Can you a.s.sist me? I am a j.a.panese officer.”
”A j.a.p!” I exclaimed. ”Why this disguise, then? What are you doing here?”
”I have been travelling in China. The Chinese suspect me in consequence of the murder here. Can I accompany you a while?”
I paused a moment, and at length consented. We proceeded to the Consulate, and were seated upon the bench there, when my new acquaintance replied to my request for information by saying--
”I am a sailor--a j.a.panese junior officer. Those men intended to kill me. I am searching for news. They are arming against us.”
[Ill.u.s.tration: WE PROCEEDED TO THE CONSULATE]
”Yes,” I replied; ”I hear as much. How can I protect you then, supposing you are a j.a.panese officer? How can I tell that?”
”I can produce my authority, sir,” he said gently but firmly.
”Will you disclose your ident.i.ty to the Consul, then?”
”I would prefer not.”
”How, then, can I protect you? I have no proof of your mission.”
”If you permit me to remain with you until evening, I can then meet protection.”
”Why not address some other Englishman--a merchant or s.h.i.+pper? There are many officers and sailors better than I.”
”The merchant would not credit a 'Chinese.' The natives do not mix with the foreigners except in business-talk--'pidgin,' you know. If they betrayed me I might be killed. I intended to leave here sooner, but have found no vessel in which I can yet sail. The j.a.panese steamer will arrive to-night. Let me remain with you. You will be sorry if you do not, I daresay.”
”You speak English very well,” I said. ”You have been in London?”
”Yes,” he answered; ”I was attached to the j.a.panese Emba.s.sy a while--at least, I was a student in London, and met with much kindness. My brother, who is in our army, was also in England at one time.”
”Can you tell me the names of any people in England who knew you?”
”Oh, certainly,” he said, smiling at me as if I had asked an awkward question. Then he mentioned several people well known, and at least one family with whom my people were acquainted, their residence, and friends. I was almost convinced.
”Very well,” I said after a pause, ”I will take you to the hotel; but you must talk bad English, and attend me to the various places I want to see.”
”Can do,” he replied promptly.
”What do you mean?” I asked, in surprise.
”Can do; makee talk chop-chop. Alle same Melican-man.”
”Pelican? What _do_ you mean? Are you sensible? What's Pelican?
Food?”
”No,” he replied, smiling broadly, ”Melican-man is an American in the pidgin. Melican.”
”Oh, I thought you said _pelican_ first, not _pigeon_.” He smiled.