Slim Lim seized my hand, and sprang to his feet with a good-humored smile on his broad face.
“By the sacred countenance of the Child of the Sun, Lord of all the Orders, thou art very clever for thy size!” he exclaimed, as he conducted me to a seat.
The ladies of the Taou-tai’s household, who had retreated horror-stricken to their apartments, were now summoned to appear.
Tea was brewed and the Lord of the Peacock Feather insisted upon serving me with his own hands.
I was almost crazed with joy at thought of setting out for home under such happy auspices.
Bulger made friends with Slim Lim, and everybody forgave everybody.
His excellency, the Taou-tai, prevailed upon me to pass the night under his roof, assuring me that in the morning I should have a special escort, his own porte-chaise, and hampers packed in his own kitchen for my refreshment while on my journey to the seaport.
Until a late hour Slim Lim, the ladies of his household, Bulger and I gave ourselves up to feasting and merrymaking. In the morning I took my leave of the Taou-tai and his household in the happiest frame of mind.
A short week found me on board of a good staunch vessel bound for home again.
As the sails filled and we sped out of the harbor, I drew Bulger to my breast and the tears fell thick and fast. He licked my hands and face, and fixed his large, lustrous eyes full upon me.