"The merchant would not credit a 'Chinese.' The natives do not mix with the foreigners except in business-talk—'pidgin,' you know. If they betrayed me I might be killed. I intended to leave here sooner, but have found no vessel in which I can yet sail. The Japanese steamer will arrive to-night. Let me remain with you. You will be sorry if you do not, I daresay."
"You speak English very well," I said. "You have been in London?"
"Yes," he answered; "I was attached to the Japanese Embassy a while—at least, I was a student in London, and met with much kindness. My brother, who is in our army, was also in England at one time."
"Can you tell me the names of any people in England who knew you?"
"Oh, certainly," he said, smiling at me as if I had asked an awkward question. Then he mentioned several people well known, and at least one family with whom my people were acquainted, their residence, and friends. I was almost convinced.
"Very well," I said after a pause, "I will take you to the hotel; but you must talk bad English, and attend me to the various places I want to see."
"Can do," he replied promptly.
"What do you mean?" I asked, in surprise.
"Can do; makee talk chop-chop. Alle same Melican-man."
"Pelican? What do you mean? Are you sensible? What's Pelican? Food?"