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232 HONDA THE SAMUEAL
camp in the changeable March weather, and was
in ecstasies over the entertainments provided both
on shore and at the dining-table on board the ship.
" This is
only the beginning of what the United
States of America is likely to do for Japan. As
for me, I am an out-and-out changed man. I came
to see savages, and I find men civilized beyond
ourselves," said a naval officer, then in low rank,
but in later years a helmsman of the ship of state
in Tokyo.
These remarks were but a very few of the hundreds
overheard by Okuma, though they were
usually spoken in almost a whisper, and when no
government spies were near. Yet with amazing
self-control Okuma played the part of a menial
servant, rarely, if ever, looking up squarely into any
one's face. Indeed he was exactly like some of the
subjects of the daimios who never actually looked
upon their lord's face, because out of fear or politeness
they always kept their eyes on the earth and
saw only his feet or clothing.
So excited with the wonderful sights that he
could scarcely sleep at night, Okuma also kept a
level head and restrained his tongue. Notwithstanding
that he heard, in addition to the covert
remarks of progressive natives, English and Dutch
spoken daily, understanding some of the former and
much of the latter, he held his peace, silencing himself
from asking any questions or from talking in
a foreign language. He used only common people's
talk. He even refrained from taking any notes, but