by any chance, it
should fail, the campaign would be abandoned. Our navy is not yet large
enough to match itself against the combined naval strength of America.
We can only win by dividing the enemy, and beating his squadrons, one at
a time. If the Atlantic fleet gets through to the Pacific, at the
opening of the Canal, our labor of years will vanish into nothingness.
The ships will return quietly to Japan by various, routes, and the
government will be ready to deny that any such plot ever existed. If you
and I are charged with the plot, our country will calmly disown us and
leave us to our fate.

"And we would gladly meet that fate for Nippon's sake, would we not,
Togi? We would go to our death with banzais on our lips. It is sweet
and glorious to die for one's country."

"We are prepared in any event," said Togi. "If we succeed, your yacht is
waiting in the harbor ready to carry us home more swiftly than any can
hope to follow. If we fail--" He made across his breast the sign of
hari-kari--the Japanese form of suicide.

"If we fail," agreed Namoto, solemnly, "our home will be with the
immortal gods."

He reached out his hand, and Togi grasped it firmly. For a moment they
looked into each other's eyes. Then with a murmured word of farewell,
the elder man turned and glided from the room.

Left alone, Namoto rose and strolled restlessly about. Then he
approached the window, beneath which Bert lay hidden.

For a while he stood there motionless. Then he leaned out to catch the
refreshing breeze. Bert tried to make himself as small as possible, and
pressed close against the house. Namoto's eyes, glancing carelessly
about, suddenly fell on the crouching figure.

Startled, he drew back, a cry shrilling from his lips. Like a flash,
Bert straightened up, leaped through the open window, and the next
instant his hands had closed about Namoto's throat. Down to the floor
they went with a crash.

But the mischief had been done. The cry of Namoto had carried beyond the
room. The door burst open and a horde of retainers rushed in. There was
a stunning blow on the head, a shower of sparks streamed before his eyes,
his grasp relaxed, and Bert felt himself sinking, sinking into a
fathomless abyss.

CHAPTER XIV

SNATCHED FROM THE SEA

When he came back to consciousness, he found himself tightly bound and
gagged. His head swam, and objects danced giddily before him.

Gradually he accustomed himse