"Rather Fêng Shui," I said. "The same man. What of him?"
"He has come up in an American steamer, and has made inquiries about you all around the coast—at Chefoo and at Talien-wan. He boarded the Naniwa, and we told him all we knew. My brother had previously told me something about the interpreter, and a Britisher in camp. So we put our ideas together, and decided then you were the missing man."
"And the captain has letters for me?"
"Several; and despatches also, I understand. Inquiry from the consul, too; so your Government think you are of some importance."
I laughed, and said, "I suspect my father and mother, were alarmed, and set the diplomatic wheels moving. Then I am to go home?"
"Yes; but meantime we have a favour to ask, and we had considered it possible you would assist us on the way back."
"Certainly; when I have announced my safety at home, I can do all you require, I hope."
"It is merely to convey a letter to the English admiral in the gulf outside Wei-hai-Wei. You have several ships there, and Admiral Ito is sending a squadron to keep watch on Tengchow and Wei-hai-Wei."[[1]]
[[1]] Pronounced Way-hi-Way.—H.P.
"Then you intend to capture and occupy Shengtung?"