"My vessel is back, sir," announced Oscar, with a bow. "If it will please your highness to visit my filthy quarters I will do what I can to make his visit full of pleasure."
His form of address was in the regular Chinese style—for a Chinaman always depreciates his own residence—and Hang Chang smiled broadly.
"Thank you, I will go," he said, his suspicions removed.
Oscar led the way and the Celestial followed. The second Chinaman held back.
"Have a care!" he called out in Chinese.
By this time Oscar and Hang Chang were on the deck of the new Holland. Andy was looking up the companionway filled with wonder.
"Sixteen, nine," said Oscar, to his lieutenant.
During their spare time Oscar had formulated a secret language and had taught it to all on board of the Holland XI.
Each number meant something important.
Sixteen meant, "There is an enemy here." Nine meant, "Go down as quickly as possible."