“No,” said Benham. “He is shameless. Let him do what he can.”
The messenger was still reluctant to go.
And scarcely had he gone before misgivings seized Benham.
“Where IS your friend?” asked the mandarin.
“I don't know,” said Benham.
“But they will keep him! They may do all sorts of things when they find he is lying to them.”
“Lying to them?”
“About your help.”
“Stop that man,” cried Benham suddenly realizing his mistake. But when the servants went to stop the messenger their intentions were misunderstood, and the man dashed through the open gate of the garden and made off down the winding road.
“Stop him!” cried Benham, and started in pursuit, suddenly afraid for Prothero.