Hwei wavered, and his keen face grew troubled. The persistence of Rupert was having its effect. "Are you sure?"
"Quite sure," said Ainsleigh promptly.
"Will you swear this before the god Kwang-ho."
"Certainly--but remember I am a Christian."
Hwei went to the shrine and brought forth a joss stick. "The god Kwang-ho is all powerful," said he solemnly, "if you lie, he will not spare you. Burn this joss before him and swear."
"No," said Rupert drawing back. "I am a Christian."
Hwei's eye flashed with fury. "You are lying," said he, "you will never leave this place alive."
"Oh I guess so," said Clarence easily, "neither I nor Ainsleigh has the fan, and you can't kill either of us unless the god grows angry. You've got to climb down before him."
"That is true," said Hwei dropping the joss-stick, and sat in his chair with a puzzled face. He then pointed to the clock, the long hand of which was drawing to twelve. "When that strikes, my hour is over," he said, "but I may kill you before then."
"You've got ten minutes to do it in," said Burgh cheerfully, "and Ainsleigh and I intend to fight for it. You'll be hanged too."