Burroughs gave his handkerchief to the Chinaman, who tore it in strips, and rolled up two wads which he placed in the German's ears.
"Wait outside, and let me know if the captain comes."
As soon as the door was shut, Burroughs took Errington to the window.
"The position's this, old man," he said. "Su Fing is coming down river. It's all up with us if he finds us here. Reinhardt won't stick at a trifle. We must get away somehow or other before evening. How it's to be done beats me."
"Where did you go when you left me?"
"I showed off the boat to Chung Pi. He'd eaten so many melon seeds that he wouldn't venture on board at first; but I got him on after a bit. I only did it to heighten my importance. It was when we were going up-stream that we met a launch of Su Fing's, and heard that the chief would be here to-night."
"You didn't fly?"
"No. Chung Pi is sure to have heard of the flying boat, and he'd have smelt a rat. Why?"
"I've just had an idea," said Errington eagerly.
"Gently, old chap. I'm not at all sure that Reinhardt can't hear if you raise your voice. What is it?"