"He wantchee he 'nother time all-same?" he asked his master.
"Your conversation--is it not finished?" the German interposed. "One is incomplete wizout ears."
"I'm afraid you must remain incomplete for a while," said Burroughs. "Put them in, Chin Tai; then tell those fellows they can clear away the food and eat what's left. I want you."
As soon as the door was closed behind the guard, Burroughs took Errington and Chin Tai to the window, and the three remained for some minutes in earnest conversation.
"Now," said Burroughs at last to the servant, "you know what you have to do. First of all, cut off to the captain; he has finished his luncheon by this time--and say that I request the honour of waiting upon him on a matter of great urgency."
"Allo lightee, sah; my talkee he allo plopa."
And he went with an air of much self-importance to fulfil his errand, reflecting with a chuckle that Lo San was out of this.
CHAPTER XVII
THE DASH FROM THE YAMEN
Chin Tai returned in about twenty minutes.