“Oh no.”
“Given him no cause of offence? These Asiatics are rather fond of nursing up a bit of revenge.”
“Oh no,” repeated Blunt.
“What about the coolies, then? Any knocking down or punishing any of them?”
“Nothing of the kind, sir. I am quite at a loss to think of anything that could have prompted a Chinaman here to retaliate.—You can think of nothing, can you, Lynn, in the short time you have been here?”
Lynn remained silent and looked very conscious, while Uncle Jeff watched him sideways.
“Hah!” he said at last. “Dumb. Now, Stan, lad, what are you thinking of? Out with it.”
The lad tried to clear his throat, but in vain, for his voice sounded husky as he said:
“I was thinking about Wing being on the watch, uncle—about my shooting at him, Mr Blunt, and his tumble.”
“Puss! puss! puss! puss! puss!” said Uncle Jeff softly, and he looked towards the door.