"Yes, we ought not to forget that," said Ethel; "you owe him—what we owe to you."
She turned away. Mrs. Pottle put her arm about her niece's waist.
"Is it to be good-bye, then?" she asked.
Before Bob could reply, Ah-Sam, who had left the room for a few minutes, returned hurriedly.
"One piecee Japanee come fetchee ladies Seoulee side. Hab got horses; wantchee lide wailo chop-chop: topside fightee pidgin."
A few questions asked of Ah-Sam, and Bob explained to Mrs. Pottle that an officer was about to start on military business for Seoul, and the occasion had been seized to provide the American ladies with an escort. He would arrive within a few minutes. Bob despatched Ah-Sam with an answer, then turned to Mrs. Pottle.
"Yes," he said, "it is good-bye."
"But not for long," she replied with forced cheerfulness. "We shall stay, anyhow, two months at Yokohama, and you must come right along as soon as you can."
"Good-bye, Mr. Fawcett," said Ethel, giving him her hand. "We shall pray for your success. Good-bye!"
CHAPTER XXI