Part 14 (1/2)
I made out the signal as directed, and it spelt ”May we proceed?” The engineers anxiously awaited the reply, and the crew expected the order to weigh.
But to my dismay, and certainly to the disappointment of all on board our steamer, the reply came from the j.a.panese, sharply--
”Heave to, or take the consequences.”
We looked at each other, the Chinese commanders were furious. The men made ready their rifles, and got up ammunition. Things began to look black all round.
The Chinese commanders demanded to know what had been said, and when they had been informed a discussion arose. So greatly were they exercised that the foreign officer suggested that the soldiers might be sent below, because he feared a disturbance if any j.a.panese came on board; and also, I think, he fancied we all were in danger if the troops became mutinous.
This advice, backed up by the officers of the steamer, was acted upon, and when I had a.s.sisted in carrying out the order with the quarter-master, Louis, we came on deck again, and we saw the same s.h.i.+p again approaching us on the port side--on the beam; she took up a position so that she could enfilade us with her starboard battery, and we could see that she had prepared to fire her broadside.
I really could not believe we were in danger. It seemed so absurd to think that our j.a.panese friends could threaten a British s.h.i.+p sailing under the ensign, and employed in transport duties. I said as much to the mate. He shook his head.
”You see, we are in the enemy's pay, and the j.a.ps must have the first blow if they mean war. Still, I suppose they will take us off the steamer, and make the Johnnies prisoners. Here comes a boat. We shall soon find out all about this business.”
”The j.a.panese are armed,” I said.
”Certainly they are. They are on the warpath. I hope we shan't lose our scalps!”
I laughed at the idea, and the mate walked forward to keep watch and order ahead, without echoing my misplaced merriment. He seemed to take things seriously. How absurd!
”Gangway!” came the order, and the captain went down to receive the two j.a.panese officers who intended to come on board. They were received with politeness, the lieutenant and his sub demanded to see the steamer's papers. For this purpose they went into the chart-room.
Meantime I was staring at the boat and the j.a.panese sailors, neat and tidy fellows, and at the youthful officer keeping guard. My heart leaped. I recognised him as the youth whom I had a.s.sisted that evening in Shanghai when the feeling against the j.a.panese ran high. He recognised me at the same moment, and smiled. I advanced and saluted him; he replied in kind, and we exchanged greetings. It was Tomi!
”May I inquire what your captain intends to do with us?” I asked after a while.
”I cannot say,” he replied. ”My officer and your captain will doubtless arrange matters.”
”We are not at war,” I persisted; ”we cannot be harmed.” I glanced at the English ensign as I was speaking.
His eyes followed mine, and he touched his cap politely, then looked at me. ”Will you come on board?” he asked. ”I will a.s.sist you now, if you like.”
”Why? What for?” After a pause, I replied, ”No, thank you. I am on duty, of course.” But I thought it kind of the middy. He knew the danger.
”Stand back, please; here is my officer,” he said quickly. ”Be silent.”
He at once became distant as the land, and shut up like an oyster. He perhaps was afraid to be seen speaking to me.
The captain and the j.a.panese lieutenant then appeared. The latter said--
”I will convey your message, sir, I understand that this vessel is under the charter of the Chinese Government to convey troops from Taku to Asan. Is that correct?”
”Perfectly,” replied the captain.
The lieutenant continued, ”There are eleven hundred soldiers on board, with arms and ammunition and supplies. Are you prepared to follow the _Naniwa_, sir?”
”I am willing to do so,” replied the captain. ”Will you favour me with your esteemed name?”
”Lieutenant Hitomi,” was the reply. ”Yours, sir, is Goldheugh?”