uldn't be sufficient to prove a connection between them and the
Japanese Government. I hadn't thought of that before."

"Well, I rather think that is the way it will work out," said the
lieutenant. "However, you never can tell which way the cat will jump at
Washington, and this may be the first move in a great war. We won't have
many days to wait to find out, anyway."

The submarine made all haste to the nearest cable station at Colon, and
from there ciphers in the navy code were sent to the authorities,
narrating all the events connected with the plot.

Bert was put ashore, as soon as the submarine reached harbor, and parted
from her officers with warm expressions of mutual esteem. The morning
was well advanced, as he hurried toward his hotel. There was a hum of
preparation apparent, the streets were crowded with throngs hastening to
secure a point of vantage for the coming spectacle, and flags and bunting
floated everywhere. And just then, as he turned a corner, Dick and Tom,
with a wild yell pounced upon him. The anxiety and fear written on their
haggard faces were replaced by a look of inexpressible delight. They
grabbed his hands and pounded him on the back and otherwise acted as
though suddenly deranged.

"You old rascal," shouted Tom. "Where on earth have you been?"

"Glory, hallelujah," cried Dick. "We've searched high and low and have
nearly gone crazy."

Their queries rained on him without stint, but not till they had reached
the hotel and he had bathed and dressed did he pour out the details of
the astounding plot. The boys were thunderstruck at the peril, missed
only by a hair's breadth, and their pride in Bert's achievement and joy
at his return were beyond all words.

They were sitting on the upper veranda, as they talked, and the huge
American flag that flew over the hotel, floated past them, just brushing
them, as though in a caress.

"Old Glory," murmured Bert.

"The flag still waves," added Tom.

"Yes," exulted Dick, "and not at half-mast, either."

CHAPTER XVI

THE FOILING OF THE PLOT

It was noon, and Namoto sat in his library, waiting.

He was alone. All preparations had been made for instant flight. His
household treasures, his heirlooms, his followers, with Togi in charge,
had been sent to the yacht, that, with steam up, was lying at its
moorings. The captain had reported the disposition of the prisoner, and
had received his master's commendation. And now, a