“Well, but if the Chinese court interpreter couldn’t get at anything for Mr. Howbridge,” began Neale, “how do you expect——”
“I think Charlie Sing—that’s the chap I know in college—can sling a little better brand of English than even a court interpreter,” said Luke. “Anyhow, it’s worth trying.”
“All right, it’s worth trying,” agreed Neale.
“Perhaps Hop Wong won’t accompany us,” remarked Ruth.
“Oh, I guess he will,” asserted Luke, with confidence. “Hop Wong come for ride in buzz-buzz wagon?” he inquired, pointing to the automobile.
A cheerful grin spread over the features of the Celestial. He seemed to have lost all his fears now.
“Sule!” he cried. “Hop Wong velly much like buzz-buzz wagon.”
“Hurray!” cried Neale. “So far, so good!”
“I’ll stop at the nearest telephone and let Mrs. MacCall know we’ll be a bit late,” said Ruth, as they started for the car again. Hop Wong was now a willing captive and seemed delighted at the chance of riding in an automobile.
“I think this is the best thing to do,” went on Ruth to her sister, when they were once more under way, having stopped for a moment in the village to telephone to the Corner House.