Whereupon he arose, and after a series of kowtows, the same broad smile playing around his wide mouth and small kindly black eyes—withdrew to consult with his assistant, sub-assistant, and first and second sub-assistants.
It was quite dark when So Too re-entered the room.
Bulger and I, during his absence, had slept most soundly.
No wonder, for we were both tired to the bone.
Orders were now given to illuminate the halls and apartments.
In a few moments, thousands of the most brilliantly colored and quaintly decorated lanterns shed a delightfully soft glow over everybody and everything.
Again we took our places around the superbly decorated table which held the paraphernalia for brewing tea and the exquisitely painted cups and saucers of egg-shell thinness, and the tea drinking and cake-eating were resumed. Again I skillfully turned the conversation to the subject of my departure for the nearest seaport.
Again So Too arose and backed out of the room for the purpose of holding another consultation.
By this time my stock of patience had dwindled down considerable.
Every moment I could feel my blood grow warmer and warmer.