It was above all things necessary for Frank to communicate with Hong-Kong if he could not go there himself. The moment Ling left the opium den it occurred to Frank that he might write a letter. He could not, however, do this without being observed by Yung How, who had received strict orders from Ling not to allow the boy out of his sight for a single moment. Frank therefore decided to play a bold card; but he would never have taken a step so hazardous had he not had something more than an inkling that he was likely to meet with success. He crossed the room to the couch upon which Yung How was lying, and asked the man if he would be so good as to accompany him to the balcony at the head of the stairs.
"I have something of the greatest importance to say to you," said he. "It may be to your advantage as well as mine."
Yung How looked at him in surprise, then got to his feet, and walked slowly up the stairs, followed by Frank.
They seated themselves, side by side, upon a couch in a darkened corner. Now that Frank found himself confronted by the greatest crisis in all his strange adventures, he hesitated to begin. Several minutes elapsed before he could speak, and he did not do so then without a word of encouragement.
"Well?" asked Yung How.
"I am surprised, Yung How," said Frank, "that you have not recognised me."
Yung How knitted his brows, and drawing away from the boy, turned and stared at him. Frank Armitage did not move.
"I should have thought," he added, "you would have known me."
Yung How's voice came in a kind of gasp.
"Master Frank!" he exclaimed.