"I see, you come one at a time; Sing-Cheng will give you time to get here, then come himself. A good idea of yours, Ah-Sam. Now tell me how you got on."
They had reached the village at early morning, said Ah-Sam, and made their purchases with no difficulty. On leaving the place they had thought it advisable to make a slight circuit, and had unluckily, after an hour's march, come plump upon two of Chang-Wo's men on horseback. One of the men had instantly recognized Sing-Cheng, and attempted to lay hands on him, while the other made at Ah-Sam with his spear.
"And how did you get away?" asked Bob.
"Killum, one, two," replied Ah-Sam simply.
"The horses?"
"He lun wailo chop-chop; my no can catchee."
"Towards the fort?"
"No, massa; lun far far wailo that-side."
He pointed in the opposite direction. Bob gave a sigh of relief.
"Did you see any more of the brigands as you came?" he asked.