“He says he needs proof of this. He must be sure you are real true friend.”
It was now or never, Biff decided. He reached under his cloak and took out his key chain. Turning his back to Chuba and Chan Li, he took the ring off the chain. Turning, he held it out. “Ask Chan Li if this is proof enough?”
The slender Chinese stepped forward. He took the ring from Biff’s hand. He inspected it carefully, then replaced it in Biff’s hand.
“It is the ring of the Ancient One, the Old Lord of the House of Kwang,” he said to Chuba. When Chuba gave this information to Biff, his heart pounded with excitement.
“Now tell him, Chuba, that we come here to find my Uncle Charles, or to get any definite information as to where he is.”
Chuba’s head went up and down. He spoke to Chan Li. Their conversation went on and on. Biff’s anxiety grew. Chan Li’s answer was all important.
At long last, much to Biff’s relief, the conversation ended. It was a solemn-faced Chuba who turned to Biff. “He has told me many things. Many things we wanted to know.”
“Well, what are they? What are they?” Biff demanded impatiently.
“He says Sahib Charles is being hidden from soldiers by House of Kwang.”
“What!” Biff clapped his hands. He couldn’t contain his joy. “Tell me more.”