"Refuse--refuse," cried Tidman hurriedly: he approached his lips to Ainsleigh's ears. "There is death in the air to-night."
"Tidman," cried Ainsleigh starting away and staring.
"Yes--yes--say nothing. I wish you hadn't mentioned about my having the fan. Tung-yu never knew--but it can't be helped. Ainsleigh, is there another Chinaman here to-night?"
"I have seen none. Do you expect Hwei? If so we had better warn Miss Wharf. She has the fan and--"
"No! No--say nothing. Don't touch the accursed thing."
"How do you know it is accursed?"
"I knew in Canton, and in a very unpleasant way. But I'll tell you my adventure to-morrow--yes I will--if nothing happens to-night."
Rupert stared still harder. "What can happen to-night man alive?"
"Nothing--nothing," said the Major hurriedly. "I'll get back to my room--you needn't say you have seen me. I--"
"Just the man I want," cried a bold free voice, and Burgh's slim hand fell on the Major's shoulder. "Miss Pewsey asks for you."