e suspicions he had aroused, until he
should grow careless and over-bold, and then to pounce suddenly upon him
and catch him red-handed. The Englishman knew that unless the man were
actually caught in the act, so that there could be no possible doubt as
to his treachery, he possessed sufficient money and influence to worm
himself out of almost any predicament, however strong appearances might
be against him.

Fortunately the admiral was still awake, and, what was more to the
point, was alone; and he immediately sent back word by the messenger
that if Captain Frobisher would kindly step down into the cabin, he
would grant him the interview, with pleasure.

Frobisher descended to the admiral's private quarters, dispensing with
the services of the interpreter--since Ting spoke English--thereby
ensuring that the conversation should be strictly private. Then he
proceeded to give as succinct an account as possible of the occurrence
that had just happened, not hesitating to express the opinion that
Prince Hsi was playing the role of traitor.

Admiral Ting was much alarmed at hearing that a Japanese destroyer had
been detected prowling about in the offing, but did not express any
surprise when Frobisher mentioned his suspicions about the Prince.
Indeed, he admitted that, although he had nothing definite to go upon,
he had for some time past been extremely doubtful as to Hsi's loyalty to
his country. The man was so highly connected, however, and had so much
influence at the Chinese Court, that all the efforts that Ting had made
to get him transferred had been unsuccessful; and he had only succeeded
in making of his Highness a bitter enemy. What reason the fellow could
have for wishing to betray his country it was impossible to say, and
Ting could only surmise that he must have lost a great deal of money at
play, of which he was inordinately fond, and was looking to Japan to
fill his coffers again in return for services rendered.

Ting averred that all he could do would be to have the Prince watched
closely; but, if he were actually detected in the act of attempting any
treachery, the admiral vowed that he should be punished, happen what
might.

As there could be no longer any doubt that the Japanese fleet was in the
neighbourhood--or, if not near at the moment, very soon would be, when
the destroyer had delivered her report--it had become necessary to act
at once. There were no facilities for disembarkation at night, a