No particulars." By this time the ships were separated and our conversation ended.

It was conducted in Russian, but I knew enough of the language to comprehend what was said.

There was a universal "eh!" of astonishment as the important sentence was completed.
Here were momentous tidings; France and Russia taking part in a war that was not begun when I left America.

A French fleet was in Japanese waters and might be watching for us.

It had two ships, either of them stronger than the Variag.
As the Danzig disappeared we went below.