Los Angeles herald., 1906-01-28

| "We-insignifcant and unworthy Drained men
that we are-cannot understand that honorable
language that you speak. It is not Japanese nor
yet Dutch, which alone we know"
Enough Of this speech was understood by the
lieutenant. Plainly, they pretended not to un-
derstand his Japanese.
Wherefore these hidings of the light Of the
honorable sun from our insignificant eyes?" he
continued in Japanese, changing his idiom.
Again, came the answer of Che Japanese official.
Your excellency, we cannot understand"
The lieutenant uttered an oath. These heath
en- were trying, he told himself
ANY one here speak English" he demanded.
Instantly figure sprang forward out Of the
crowd Of sghtseers beyond the military lines.
Having advanced boldly, the volunteer hcsitated
an instant if he had acted upon an impulse,
regretted moment too late. It was Mori, but
Mort still in disguise.
The American lieutenant saw his hesitation
''I>o you speak Englsh?"
Keild summoned such knowledge Of the Ian
guage as Satsuma had taught him. He answered
briefly:
eyes"
''Then ask what these screens have been put
up for"
Keild repeated the question to the Japanese
officer, who, angered at his penetration Of their
evasion, cast scurly glances upon him. They
swered readily, however. Mori translated their
reply into English moment later.
'"They say" he reported, chat in Nippon all
great gatherings are private. These screens keep
off the common, low people,"
Tell them these things must come down." or
dered the officer, in what the Japanese consid-
cred an impolite, not to say insolent, tone.
Mori translated.
what do they say2" asked the lieutenant
There was pause.
Nothing yet" said Mori, stifhy.
While the officials still stared, the officer turn
ed to the offending screens. With his own hands
he began their demolition. Slowly, one by one,
the Japanese Joined him. Soon the space once
Enclosed by the screens was bare to the view of
all on the American vessels. The officer moved
towards his boat
81 wish to speak some more words with you,"
said Mort, following him.
ooh, certainly. What is it,"
mot here, if you please. Down by the boat"
Come"
Followed by the angry looks Of the whole
group of Japanese sub-offcials, in which there
was distinct hostility towards himself, Mort went
with the lieutenant to spot towards which the
boat was approaching.
'3Now what can do for your" inquired the Of
ficer. more affably
''You think you treat with the Emperor in
CURED Mort, his face flushed by the Others lack
of courtesy.
Certainly"
"You do not"
''What?"
The officer started, regarding Mori specifically
mo, you do not. You but treat with his war
the Shotgun"
whats the Shogun?"
"There two emperors in Japan; one the
rightful emperor, the Mikado; the other his vas
sal, his war lord who is without authority to
deal with you. He makes seeming submission to
the Emperor"
"Is this true?"
"Tel it to your master, that Lord Perry. Ask
that he demand the truth from those sent to
meet him, in the public gathering"
"Why, this is astounding! It must be looked
into. Will you come on board with me and re-
port it in person.
Mort shook his head. a
"No, cannot" he replied. ''but let him seek
the truth where it must be told unto him"
They had been speaking in Japanese, with an
occasional word of English, when one was un-
able to understand the others rendering of its
equivalent. The officer returned to English.
your name?" he asked
Mori replied in Japanese.
"Your master is honorably ignorant of nv
name and rank. The truth from any source is
sufficient. Ask at the proper place. and you will
know that I speak the truth"
The officer paused, with one leg lifted over the
gunwale Of the boat. He made sudden move
ment towards his men, sitting with raised oars
"Seize him!" he ordered.
Before the sailors could drop their oars and
obey Keild, who OWNED the significance of the
words ran rapidly along the sandy beach, disap-
pearing beyond headland.
''Blamed awkward, this" commented the lieu
tenant, "but it must be reported to the old man."
Then to his crew:
"Giye way, men!"