“I understand. Chan Li won’t try double cross.”
“Okay. Let’s get going then. And on the double.”
The Ancient One took the slip of paper from Biff. He looked at it carefully, then nodded his head. He turned to Chuba and spoke softly, swiftly. After a few moments, he stopped and indicated with a nod toward Biff and Charles Keene that Chuba was to interpret.
“The Ancient One says there is great hope for escape. This piece of paper comes from one of his grandsons. He works in the kitchen. It is not known by the officials here that this cook is member of the House of Kwang. He was placed here to spy on Ping Lu. To try to find out plans. To warn when danger threatens Kwang House people.”
The Ancient One resumed his speaking.
He grabbed the guard by the collar and lifted him by one hand into the room
“He says that paper with ‘K’ on it is signal. Either tonight, when clock makes twelve strikes, or tomorrow night at same time, attempt will be made to rescue him and us.”
“How, Chuba? Ask him how?” Biff said.
As Chuba spoke, the Ancient One shook his head.