“But,” began Bob, when the hubbub of chattering had subsided, “I thought China was a republic with a president. Then how do you explain this emperor stuff?”
“At one time China was an absolute monarchy, governed by rulers,” Walker told them. “The rings, unless they were faked—and I do not think they were—were once the property of one of the emperors.”
“Then—that explains everything,” murmured Joe.
“How is that?” inquired Walker, very much interested.
Joe told him how much the rings were desired by numerous Chinamen.
“I shouldn’t wonder that they are coveted, considering their worth,” the man said when Joe had finished. “Chinese especially would prize them very highly.”
The chums sought out their fathers and told them the good news.
“That puts a glorious climax to everything,” said Mr. Holton. “With this ring mystery cleared up, you can feel much better.”
“But there were others that we weren’t able to solve,” remarked Bob.
“What do you mean?” inquired Joe.