“But you got us nearly killed,” protested Smith.
“That was all in the bargain,” cried Barkins. “Well, I say he came out well, and I shall give him two dollars, though I am getting precious short.”
“Flee dollar,” said Ching firmly. Then, shaking his head, he counted upon his fingers, “One, two, flee.”
“It’s all right, Ching,” I said. “Two dollars apiece. Come on, Blacksmith.” I took out my two dollars. “Come, Tanner.”
“No, no,” cried Ching; “tanner tickpence; two dollar tickpence won’t do. Flee dollar.”
“It’s all right,” I said, and I held out my hand for my messmates’ contributions, afterward placing the six dollars in the Chinaman’s hand.
His long-nailed fingers closed over the double amount, and he looked from one to the other as if he did not comprehend. Then he unwillingly divided the sum.
“No light,” he said. “Flee dollar.”
“The other for the fight,” I said, feeling pleased to have met a Chinaman who was not dishonest and grasping.
“You wantee ’nother fight morrow?” he said, looking at me sharply. “Don’t know. Not aflaid.”