“Givee fitty dol. I know.”
“I don’t pay in advance. Tell me where Tolo is, then, if I find him, you get the money.”
The Chinaman was silent.
“Who are you?” demanded Glennie.
“Me Ah Sin.”
“Where’s Tolo?”
“Pay first. Me tellee, you no givee!”
“You’re an insolent scoundrel!” cried Glennie hotly. “I’m an officer and a gentleman, and if I say I’ll give you fifty dollars, I’ll do it.”
Ah Sin ducked humbly, but he remained firm. “Melican men plenty slick,” said he, with a gentle grin, “but China boy plenty slick, too.”
“If you won’t trust me,” returned the puzzled ensign, “how can I trust you?”