“You suspect that the Chinese are involved in this? I hadn’t considered that at all.”
“No, Captain, I do not—that is, I do not know, but it is well to be cautious. I understand that the Chinese labor battalion was recruited from a very bad element in China. They are great gamblers, as you all know, and for a little money those fellows would go to any lengths. Fertile ground for the Huns, sir.”
General Gordon nodded his approval of the sentiment.
“Boucher, would it not be well to make contact with a Chinaman and have him watch his fellows?” asked the general.
“Afraid we can’t trust them. We shall have to adopt other methods, which we shall do at once.”
“Perhaps I may be able to assist you somewhat. I know one of them, and I know that he knows of the flights of the birds. He knows that I saw them; how, I can’t say.”
“Who is he?” demanded the Intelligence officer sharply.
“I should prefer not to say just now, and I hope you will not press me on that point. I am asking that, believing that I can obtain information from the man better than you can. What I learn from him may not be very definite, but it may be an indication.”
