"Hello, Sports!" Jimmie cried.
Ned motioned to the boy to remain silent.
The Captain addressed the priests in a couple of Chinese sentences, but received no immediate answer. One of the fellows, the one with a great star painted, or worked, on the breast of his gown, soon advanced and stood directly in front of Ned.
"We have had warning of your approach," he said. "We have been waiting for you for many days."
Ned started, for the words were spoken in English. The Captain muttered under his breath:
"I haven't a doubt of it."
"What do you want?" asked Ned.
The four bowed to the ground.
"Attention. The mysticism of the East is open to you if you are brave and strong."
"Bunk!" whispered Jimmie.