The Irish standard., 1916-01-22

was constantly prostrating itself y
one or other of the royal ladies and
imperial princes passed into the
mikado's anteroom.
1t was a few minutes after five
when a distant murmur, like the dron.
Ing OF bees, made itself audible 1t
rose and swelled into mourning din.
The emperor was officially dead.
The sound of lamentations filled the
palace. From our window we could
see that vast throng had assembled
In the grounds. and, hppling from one
to another, the sound was taken up
until 1t seemed as though the entire
people walled in unison.
Count Okuma is ready to strike.
Heaven grant that Fong does not fail
u.s." said Sir Arthur, turning to me.
Then, doubtfully: Can you assure
me on your honor that was rendered
unconscious?"
Before could assure him, tap
sounded on the door, and page ap-
peared. He announced that Count
Okuma requested the honor Of Sir
Arthur's presence in his apartment.
We went down the corridor in the
pages wake, until We came to the lit
tie room that Okuma occupied. 1t
was filled with the ambassadors and
ministers of the various powers.
It was furnished with a Spartan
simplicity, which Okuma, who was a
good deal Of demagogue, affected.
hoping thereby to set an example Of
frugality to the rising generation, and
ignorant, like all demagogues, that the
people saw through his pose. There
was a low Japanese couch, concealed
In part by low screen, a bronze
Buddha upon a pedestal, a charcoal
box, hibachi, a writing table, desk
heaped high with papers, and mum.
Der of chairs.
perceived that the American min.
lister alone was absent.
Count Okuma was seated at his
desk, facing US, his wooden leg thrust
out before him, and an expression Of
remarkable guilelessness on his
smooth-shaven face.
Gentlemen" said the count, rising,
II have the deep sorrow Of announc.
ing to you the demise Of his imperial
majesty five minutes ago"
Immediately each of the representa-
tives, Sir Arthur included, produced a
written memorandum of coincidence,
which he handed to the count with a
bow and few conventional words. 1t
was an interesting comedy, not the
least amusing part being Okuma's ex-
preston of surprise and pleasure at
these tokens of International sympa.
thy with Japan.
AS we were about to leave, among
the others, Count Okuma called to Sir
Arthur and asked him to remain be.
hind.
zone moment, Sir Arthur" he said,
with charming smile. 1T is to be my
pleasure to address communication
to your colleague from Washington,
who will be here in moment. and. as
our ally. 1t would be felicitous for
you to be present"
He looked keenly into Sir Arthur's
face as he spoke, and saw that the
British ambassadors expression was
almost as guileless as the counts.
We waited. Presently we heard
footsteps at the farther end Of the
passage. The American minister was
on his way to the counts room.
Okuma, turning from US, began to
rummage among the heap of papers
upon the desk before him, which ap
peared to consist largely of bills and
household receipts, until he came upon
red envelope, of legal size, unfas.
tened, and evidently containing the
ultimatum.
He took it in his hand and stood
propping himself upon his wooden leg,
his whole expression that of a charm.
ing man of the world. II the momen.
tous minute affected him, there was
no sign Of 1t in his aspect. And the
footsteps were drawing nearer
Suddenly the face of Doctor Fong
appeared at the door. He bowed low
before the count; for the first time,
saw the counts expression change.
Did he suspect Fong at that moment
and remember the mans grievance
against him? 1t was one of those
dramatic moments when nothing 10
said, nothing done. and yet one seems
to feel the thoughts Of others.
Fong walked straight to the count.
"Her imperial highness-" he began.
and held the vial beneath his nose.
The expression that had been on
Count Okuma's face was still there.
but it seemed to have been frozen
there; and he remained in exactly the
same position as he had occupied,
slightly leaning upon his wooden leg,
the envelope between his fingers.
Good Lord! Was l like that" I
heard Sir Arthur whisper, as Fong
gently opened the counts fingers and
took the envelope.
heard the slight click as the thumb
and fingers came together again.
Hastily Fong slipped the Enclosure
out Of the envelope. From the desk
he grabbed up bill or letter. which
he placed inside. did not see what
he did with the document. but when
he turned back, his hands were empty
could your excellency find some
pretext to hold the American minister
1T the door for minute?" Fong asked.
Sir Arthur stepped hastily into the
doorway, where the minister was Just
arriving. l saw Fong slip the vial