The Malay bowed again.
“What do you think?” said the Resident, turning to Hilton, and speaking in French, to make sure that the Malay did not understand.
“I think the man is right, and I would take him for guide; but all the same, we know what these people are: it may only be a treacherous, misleading plan.”
“We must be well on the alert as to that,” replied the Resident. “I think the man is honest.”
“So do I,” said Chumbley, “for there is no temptation for him to have been otherwise.”
“Stay with those two men,” said the Resident, addressing the Malay; “we are going with an armed expedition directly, and you shall be our guide.”
The man was led away, and the Resident watched him intently as he went out.
“Yes, I think the Malay is honest,” he said quickly. “Are you fellows ready?”
“Yes; we only wait your orders,” replied Hilton. “I am fidgeting to be off.”
“There is much to be done first. Let us go now and see Perowne, I promised to communicate with him before we left. You have not seen him yet?”