Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1915-05-06


while an honorary student at the
American Military School at West
Point Beyond that the writing Is
mostly in what suppose is Japan
ese, with only an occasional word in
English. Here and there through
this part, however, the name Of
Lieutenant Gafford appears.
"At least l suppose it is his,
though the word is merely 'Gafford.'
OF course I couldn't read it, hut I
thought that as it was written while
Oshitu was in America, and men
toned that name, that it might be
important. And so when Lieutenant
Gafford and poor Karloff came for
me last night. / wouldn't leave un-
til had run back and got this book
You see-I thought"-she paused
and then finished with rush-"I
thought that maybe it might have
some bearing on Lieutenant Gaf-
ford's case"
Spry and McRae were sitting for
ward in their interest. Gafford,
paler than was his won't gripped the
arms of his chair. "Would you mind
letting me see it?" he asked in a
voice not quite steady, despite his
visible effort at self control. "You
know | read Japanese"
Shiela extended the book, opened
at a place she appeared to have
marked.
Grafford took it. and ran his eyes
from top to bottom of the page and
read on with strained attention,
sprang suddenly to his feet, and
brought the book down .on the table
with crash.
"Mr Secretary" he cried in in
tense emotion to McRae, Twill you
believe me when say that, when
this is translated, it will prove all
that contended at the time of my
trial? 1t is here-here in black and
whiteW
"If you can read it, why not trans
late it to US now?" suggested Nc
Rae with evident impatience Of de-
lay.
"If you WISH" Gafford made eager
assent and picked up the book. "This
first place where my name appears,
which was where Miss McRae
handed me the opened book, reads:
i, 1rawaya Oshitu, am today the re-
cipient of great honor in that his
divine majesty the Mikado has here
by commanded me, on penalty OF
death for failure, to secure the plans
of certain military works of the
Americans, both built and in course
of construction. l have much hope
that through my friendship with
Gafford may be enabled to begin
this at once"
go on" urged McRae. as he
paused.
Il will have to ask you to let me-
read it as | find it, then, sir" ex-
planned Gafford as he seated himself
and began turning the leaves of the
book. While they sat and waited he
read on and on. Gradually his face
became absorbed and he seemed to
forget their presence. Quite un-
eXpectedly he closed the book and
at is all here, sir!' he burst out. ~
haven't the control. 1t means too
much. But-Ill tell you this. It
closes-with an exultant paragraph
to the effect that l have been con-
victed of his act, and that no one
suspects him of the theft"
His voice rose and broke on the
last word. He sank forward against
the table and bowed his head on his
arms.
McRae rose and crossed to his
side. He put down hand and laid
it on the bent shoulders.
Lieutenant" said he, ~ congratu-
late you from my heart. This was
all that was needed to make the in
cident complete. AS soon as l return
home | shall see that the case is
reopened and we all know what the
now verdict will be
"And along the same line, | want
to stop in Nagasaki long enough to
see this woman whom you call
White Kate. feel that, in view Of
her service, | can pledge her such
action as will result in her being
perfectly free to come back to the
STATES"
"She's not bad woman" said
Gafford, sitting back in his chair
and speaking quickly. "And she
loves her country. She's proved it.
hope you can fix it. SIR"
addressed Captain Spry-"if you'll
call away the launch, captain, I'm
going ashore. Late though it is,
must see our consul, and when | get
back We'll sail"
The captain rose, and McRae fol-
lowed him from the room.
Alone, Gafford turned to the girl.
"And you thought to bring this book
at such a time," he began. "How
can l thank you for all owe your
First you came to me and wakened
my deadened manhood. Now, at the
last, you give me back my country
and my good name.
"The nightmare and despair Of the
five last hdeous years is ended, and
I can live again. 1t was your wo-
mans soul which read all the an
swer to the riddle of why all these
things have happened and pointed it
out. 1t is you whom 1 must thank
for the fact that once more | can call
mvself-American. This little book
Il ans the rehabilitation of the name
GaEord l shall go back to my coun-