The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-08-08


land would be compelled to Join, as
Japan's ally. by the terms of the
treaty. The influence OF this group.
though powerful. Is not sufficient TO
bring about a war. They intend. there
fore, that the voyage OF the feet shall
be attended by such incidents as shall
kindle the anger of America to the
explosion point and bring about the
results that they desire. Remember
ing how the destruction OF the Maine
precipitated the war with Spain, II Is
their intention that the flagship OF
Admiral Evans shall be destroyed by
Japanese treachery during the passage
Of the fleet through the straits OF
Magellan. More than one vessel they
will not injure. lest their loss leave
America too weak to fight Japan. This
act will force America to declare war.
and England will be compelled to
take up arms against her Hence it is
of the utmost urgency that this muir
derous scheme be foiled."
But how Is 1t to be accomplished ?"
I inquired.
Sir Edward Grey threw away his
cigar and continued in hurried. agi-
tated tones.
I'VE received information this morn
ing. An order, to which the name OF
the mikado has been forged. has been
placed in the hands Of Japanese mil
ltary attache at Rio Janeiro, by name
Kitachi. It states that he will con-
slider himself responsible only to his
emperor; that he will proceed i'm
mediately to Punta Arenas, the little
Chilean town upon the straits OF
Magellan, and the center of the sheep
farming industry. Thence he will pro-
/ coed to a tiny harbor, known only to
the Japanese survey, that lies like
cleft among the frowning cliffs which
rise sheer from the waters. There he
| will set up his camp and make his
preparations, and, at the precise mo-
ment Of its passage, he will destroy
the flagship of the American admiral
by means Of the new secret Japanese
torpedo, which can be controlled and
guided during its fight by means Of
wireless telegraphy. There will occur
| one moment Of panic; then the great
ship will rear herself and plunge to
her grave, through the almost fathom-
less waters, carrying all her crew to
destruction. Captain Adams, the fu-
| ture Of England lies in your hands"
With these concluding words he dis
| missed me.
The American feet was preparing
to set sail from Hampton Roads that
very afternoon. On the following
morning I could reach a Cunard
steamship which would land me in
| New York on the sixth day. Thence
a fast passenger ship would carry me
to Rio close at the heels of the
squadron. Every day she spent in that
port would be clear days gain there
after. hoped to reach Punta Arenas
full week ahead Of the feet, allow
ing for delays and coaling; and this I
actually succeeded In accomplishing.
It was about one month later when
Talbot and I, standing side by side
upon the deck Of the little sheepboat
! which brought US southwark from Rio,
/ perceived, through a drenching rain,
the fearful heights that bordered eth
er side Of the straits of Magellan, and
the little town looming up white
against background OF barren hills,
bordered with dripping forests.
Begging your pardon. sir, might I
arsk whether our stay in this burg
is liable to prove q long one. sir?''
asked Talbot
I could not but smile at the faithful
fellows misery. After the long sea
! voyage our terminus certainly did not
appear very attractive-and~ Talbot
was a cockney Of cockneys. But the
| thought of the work on hand quickly
reduced me to a condition OF serious
ness.
Talbot" said. you and I are go
ing into a hard game" I saw his
eyes brighten. Talbot was with me
In Afghanistan. when for three days
! we two and a wounded lancer kept SO
Afghans at bay. "Henceforward."
continued. until the danger is over
you VIII kindly address me as an
equal"
"All right, old man." said Talbot
easily, instantly falling into the spirit
of his instructions. It was, In fact, an
ancient understanding between US
SO soon as we passed beyond the
boundaries Of the conventional, ii
which fortune had made US master
and servant, Talbot would show him
self the fine comrade that he is, by my
} request.
Hidden somewhere among those
cliffs" I said, is little bay. There
a man there, playing with dangerous
toys. We've got to get him and breal
his toys. Savvee?'
Talbot grinned. What ho!" he an
: swered, In his inimitable cockney dia
lect.
It was arranged that 1 should pass
as sheep purchaser, or as a wealth!
Eng1ishman who desired to look Owe
the sheep runs with view to making
an investment Talbot was q gold pros
| hector whom had met on the voya orc