He, in turn, stared at me curiously, and asked a question. I made a lamely expressed reply in Chinese as I understood it; but the man, to my great delight, asked in "pidgin," "Wantee go sea? Melican-man?"
"Yes," was my reply, greatly relieved; "England. Elopean man—wantchee Shanghai. What fashion man here?"
"Alle samee, Melican-man. Sabee cash, chop-chop, eh?"
"Yes," I nodded; "plenty much cash."
"Alle light; no watchee long talkee. One piecee man wantee cash. Chow-chow?"
I nodded again. I was hungry. "See dless?" I said.
"Ah! dless come more better! Makee laugh, not number one."
No, it certainly was not proper then, but I laughed, and the villagers were surprised at the conversation. The coolie understood my "pidgin," and I felt much happier. I had cash, and even silver, so I could reward him if he assisted me; but suppose he tried treachery?
This seemed probable, but I must risk something. He said something to the villagers, who replied vehemently. The coolie, who was a waiter from Port Arthur, as I understood, said to me—
"Number one topside-man say plis'ner! No can do: walkee!"