Noting Chuba's keen interest, Li told him all that had happened in Calcutta. He also mentioned his worry about whether or not he should inform Biff's family as to those facts, or wait until he received direct word from Biff. Chuba promptly solved that problem.
"You have trouble," Chuba told Li, "and Sahib Keene is trouble-shooter. If you don't hear from Biff by tomorrow, I'll talk to Sahib Keene. Then he will talk to you."
They didn't have to talk with Charles Keene the next day, for they talked to Biff himself instead. That was when the long distance call came from Judge Arista in New Delhi. Biff talked to his mother first, explaining the situation briefly. Then Judge Arista came on the wire, assuring Mrs. Brewster that all was probably well with her husband.
At the same time, Judge Arista stated that the trip to Chonsi was not only urgent but dangerous. Colonel Gorak confirmed that when he spoke both to Biff's mother and his Uncle Charlie. But all agreed that the mission was imperative, and since it was necessary for Biff to accompany the party, the other boys should have their choice in the matter, too.
Their choice was unanimous. They all said they would go. Li and Chuba talked to Biff and told him that. Then Biff introduced Kamuka and Chandra to Chuba; and finally, he had Mike Arista on the line, having him meet both Li and Chuba. It was Uncle Charlie who ended that round robin.
"Let me get my instructions," he insisted, taking the telephone from the boys at his end, "before the Indian government has to dig another gold mine to pay for this long distance call."
Uncle Charlie not only took instructions; he was filled in on all the details of the Rajah's ruby, otherwise known as the Light of the Lama, as well as Biff's adventures since leaving Calcutta. Uncle Charlie went into all that for the benefit of the breathless listeners, who included his nephew Ted and his niece Monica. Then:
"We're taking off today," Charles Keene stated, "by way of Katmandu, the capital of Nepal. Then a big hop over to Leh. If bad weather delays us, we can meet the party somewhere between Leh and the Tibetan border. They've given me a list of locations where they will stop. So let's get ready to go."
That was meant for Li and Chuba, but Ted and Monica thought that they were included, for they jumped up and were rushing off to pack when their Uncle Charlie called them back.
"No, small fry!" he said. "You're staying here!"