"I expected you many days before this," said his Excellency, through Masein. "I trust you have not been ill."
Trent replied that he had. After a few more courtesies, including gifts, the yellow man presented Trent with a wrapped packet.
"She who intrusted these papers into my keeping passed on the night of the new moon." Then, concluding the interview, he added: "Certain supplies and mules, together with a makotou and three mafus, will be sent to you some time to-morrow. You will then proceed as she directed."
"I wish to leave immediately," Trent told him. "I am late now."
"That is quite impossible," answered the mandarin, abruptly. "All is not ready."
"But if I was expected before this, then why aren't they ready?"
The Tchentai was not pleased with that question. The green eyes flickered.
"It is enough that I say it is impossible," he replied curtly. "I am military chief of Tali-fang. My word is law."
Trent suspected that the Chinaman, knowing he was white, was deliberately taking the opportunity to display his authority. He was muscle-sore and brain-tired, and the prospect of spending the night in this moribund city did not cheer him. With a slight movement he parted his jacket; the oval of coral lay against his stained skin.
"Tell his Excellency," he instructed Masein, noticing by Fong Wa's expression that he saw the pendant, "that I demand the supplies and pack-animals to-night, now; and if he refuses, I shall report it to one whose authority reaches many miles beyond Tali-fang."