I began by asking how the young lieutenant had found me out, and why, having sent me adrift, he had thought of seeking me again. I told my adventures briefly.
"I am sure you did it for the best," I concluded, "but all the same your plans nearly cost me my life."
"We had no choice, I am sorry to say. The report that you were a Chinese spy had been so insisted upon that even Japanese discipline wavered on board. When you confessed to knowledge of Chinese, the plan of sending you as a scout with the interpreter was adopted, and I gave you all the assistance I could."
"Yes, indeed. But the interpreter proved false. He robbed me, and left me helpless."
"True; he has paid for his treachery. Yet, had you been taken prisoner, and the map and pistol found upon you, your life would have been forfeited and awful tortures inflicted," added the elder brother.
"I did not realise that contingency," said Tomi, "nor did I imagine the interpreter would be false. He evidently regarded you as an enemy; perhaps he thought he was serving us by putting you in danger. On the other hand, he did you a service by concealing you and taking the compass and revolver."
"Well, that is one way of looking at it," I said. "Let the matter rest there. Now, may I inquire why, and how, I have been sent for? and how I have been discovered?"
"The second question is the easiest to answer. Inquiries and letters are awaiting you. The English captain from Shanghai"—
"What! My skipper, Captain Goldheugh?" I interrupted.
"I think he is the same. The captain who commanded the Chinese transport, Kowshing."