Ling kicked open the door, and they found within an old man, very disreputable and dirty, clothed in rags, sound asleep before the glowing embers of a charcoal fire.
Ling touched the sleeper upon the shoulder, and the old man sat up.
"The mighty Ling!" he exclaimed, the moment he saw his visitor.
"Peace," said Ling. "I come in peace, my friend. You need not be discomfited. I ask for nothing more than you can give me."
The old man, who had now risen to his feet, bowed low.
"A mandarin of the Blue Button has but to speak," said he. "Who is a mere drover of foul pigs to gainsay the word of so distinguished a personage? Is it food you desire, or water, or an hour's rest upon your journey? All I have, sir, is your own."
"I want that which will cost you nothing," answered Ling. "This will not be the first time that you have aided me. I will reward you--at a later date--if all goes well with me."
"May the gods assist you," said the old man, bowing again.
"I rely upon myself," said Ling. "Tell me, Cheong-Chau's men have come from the mountains. They are reported on the Sang River. Have you seen anything of them?"
"I have indeed," said the other. "There is a junk anchored about three li west of the tower. I saw it this afternoon."