“I’m glad to see you, but sorry you’re here,” rejoined Dave.
“Why sorry to see me here?” inquired Miss Chapin. “Aren’t we now under the protection of the American Navy?”
“Every sailorman on the ‘Castoga’ will die willingly in defense of this party,” Darrin told her, “but the trouble may easily assume such proportions that our little force will prove wholly inadequate.”
Then, glancing swiftly over the missionary party, the young naval officer added:
“Will some one kindly introduce me to Bishop Whitlock?”
As Dave had expected, it was one of the three white-haired men of the party who now pressed forward. Mrs. Darrin introduced her husband to the bishop.
“You reached us not a bit too early,” the bishop assured Dave.
“You were practically prisoners in the yamen, sir?” Dave asked.
“Almost, I fear, though we refused to give up our arms. Even now seven of our men are inside keeping guard over our weapons.”
“How many rifles do you have?” Dave asked.