“It is my way of announcing my call,” Dave replied.
“Who are you?”
“Ensign Darrin, United States Navy, very much at your service, sir,” Dave replied. “And now, sir, I have the honor to request that you, also, announce your name and position here.”
“Since I serve his excellency, the governor, that is enough for you to know,” replied the Chinaman. “However, I will state that my name is Sin Foo. I am under secretary to his excellency, and, as such, I have come to bring word to you that it is his excellency’s pleasure that you depart from this neighborhood and return to your vessel.”
“I am very sorry, Mr. Sin Foo,” Dave responded, “but it is impossible for me to make my call on a proxy. I must see his excellency in person.”
“I am very sorry,” replied the secretary, speaking in a tone of cold contempt, “but his excellency cannot see you so early in the day. Later—”
“Attention,” called Ensign Dave, in a low voice. “Column, forward march!”
Instantly the naval line moved forward. Shocked and indignant, the secretary spoke in Chinese to some of the soldiers. The big gate began to move as though it would shut.
“At the double quick! Charge!” shouted Dave Darrin, leaping forward, brandishing his sword.
In a twinkling the first dozen seamen, headed by two officers, had rushed into the compound.