There was a foot upon the steps, and the Tumongong entered and saluted both gravely.
“His highness bids me tell you,” said the officer, “that he does not forget the many good services you have done for him. He desires now that you content yourselves by staying here, where you will have everything you desire.”
“Except liberty,” said Mr Braine, bitterly.
“Except liberty,” replied the Tumongong. “Good-night. Sleep. Be obedient, and your lives are safe.”
He bowed and left them, and as soon as he was out of hearing, Mr Braine told Murray what had passed.
“Then our lives are safe?”
“If we are obedient.”
“I shall be obedient till I see an opportunity to strike, sir. But go on; tell me who will reign in his stead.”
“That man,” said Mr Braine, quietly puffing at his pipe.
“The Tumongong?”