An hour went by and nothing was heard from Page; another hour slowly passed and still the Ambassador did not return.

The faces of the assembled staff lengthened as the minutes went by; what was the Ambassador doing at the Foreign Office?
So protracted an interview could portend only evil; already, in the minds of these nervous young men, ultimatums were flying between the United States and Great Britain, and even war might be hanging in the balance.

Another hour drew out its weary length; the room became dark, dinner time was approaching, and still Page failed to make his appearance.

At last, when his distracted subordinates were almost prepared to go in search of their chief, the Ambassador walked jauntily in, smiling and apparently carefree.

What had happened?
What was to be done about the detained ships?
"What ships ?" asked Page, and then suddenly he remembered.