“Is it true? Have you forced yourselves into the presence of Mai Lo’s wife and daughter, and also of the Princess Nor Ghai?”
“Why we have seen and talked with them, if that’s what you mean,” I replied.
“I demand the culprits,” called Mai Lo. “In the name of the law, I demand them!”
“Go quick,” whispered the Chief Eunuch, scowling. “Quick, for your lives, to the palace!”
We obeyed without question, sprinting along the paths at our best gait and urged by the loud clamor of protesting voices behind us.
Bry and Nux brought up our rear more leisurely, and Wi-to held back the mandarin’s gang of cut-throats until we had a good start.
But after we had reached our apartments and bolted the outer door securely we had not time fully to regain our breath before the shouts of our pursuers were heard in the halls and passages.
The noise calmed down presently, and after several minutes a sharp rap came at our door.
“It is I; admit me!” said the voice of the Chief Eunuch.
Joe opened the door, but bolted it again as soon as Wi-to had stalked into the room.