“I no spick,” bleated the Jap.
“See that you don’t––not a single word––if you do I’ll skin you!”
Never in the three years he had served the young man had Bateato seen him in anything like this savage state of mind.
“I spick no more for noting not nobody quick!” he promised, and his hand clasped over his mouth like a vise.
Having corked Bateato in this wise, Gladwin turned to Helen, who stood as if rooted to the floor, staring straight ahead of her.
“Don’t be frightened,” he said gently. “Everything is all right.” He took her arm to reassure her and then spoke to Phelan, who had been making a vain effort to solve the mix-up and didn’t feel quite sure that he wasn’t bewitched.
“Now, Phelan,” said Gladwin, “I’ll explain the thing.”
“I wish to God ye would!” said Phelan from the bottom of his heart.
“This lady’s being here is all right––and she isn’t connected with this affair in any way. I’ll prove that to you readily enough.”