“And be sure and wash our faces and our hands before we started,” added Barkins.
“Get out; I can see where it joins,” I cried. “But did he say any more?”
“Only that we were to mind and not get into any trouble with the people, and that we had better take Ching.”
“Yes,” said that individual gravely. “Much better take Ching. Velly useful take care.”
“To be sure,” I cried, full of excitement at the idea of a run through the mazes of the quaint town, and the prospect of seeing a Chinese performance. “I say, Ching,” I cried, striking an attitude, “take us where you can give us a tune, ‘Ti—ope—I—ow.’”
“Yes; velly nicee music,” he said, nodding and smiling. “Ching takee see something velly good. You leady?”
“In five minutes,” cried Barkins. “Gnat, go and tell them to have the boat ready. Mr Reardon said we were to be rowed ashore.”
“Ching leady in five minutes,” said the interpreter, running towards the door.
“Eh? Why, you are ready,” said Smith.
“No. Go put on new blue silk flock. Leady dilectly.”