I did not like the expression in his eyes.

All this transpired because I was on the road to Singapore, away from
Berlin, on my first important mission in the German Secret Service.
The Intelligence Department had instructed me to ascertain the extent
of the new docks and fortifications in course of completion in the
Straits Settlements--an assignment calling for exact topographical
data, photographs and plans.

Leaving port, I had found the _Bayern_ comfortably crowded. In the
East war clouds were gathering and among the passengers were a number
of Japanese called home, as I afterwards learned, for the impending
struggle. At Port Said we had taken on a Russian contingent, quite a
few of whom were officers bound for Port Arthur, Dalny and
Vladivostock, and in view of the gathering conflict I found the
relative conduct and bearing of representatives of these races that
were soon to clash, vastly interesting.

And after my experience with the Russians, I was to know more. From
that time on, I began to notice a subtle change in Baron Huraki's
attitude toward me. Quite of his own accord he discussed with me the
customs, ideals and aspirations of his caste and country. Wrapped in
a Shuai kimono, his gift to me, we spent many hot and otherwise
tedious nights, sprawled in our deck chairs, discussing unreservedly
the questions of the East. What I learned then and the insight I got
into the aims and character of Nippon, were invaluable to me. Baron
Huraki, now high in the services of the Mikado, is my friend still.
Once a year he sends me _Shuraino-Ariki_, a wonderful spray of cherry
blossoms, the Japanese symbol of rejuvenating friendship.