"Of course; but, even so, we can't always stay shut up in this old rat-trap."
"No, but it will be safer to leave at night, and also we have much to do before we shall be ready."
"Have we?" asked Rob. "What, for instance?"
"It is my plan that you should travel as a priest under a vow of silence, until we reach Hankow, while I go as your servant. If it is agreed, then must your head be shaved in priestly fashion, your skin must be stained a darker color, and we must obtain garments suitable."
"That's all right, so far as the priest business is concerned, if you think I can act the character; but you are way off when you talk about going to Hankow, for I am not bound in that direction. You see, I have just come from there and am on my way to Pekin."
"But the road to Pekin is filled with danger."
"So is the road to Hankow. I ought to know, for I have come over it, and I am certain, from the posters I saw displayed in every town, that Ho-nan is a Boxer province by this time. Besides, Hankow is twice as far away as Pekin."
"It is reported that all foreigners in Pekin have been killed."
"Including members of the legations?"
"So it is said."