So Nor Ghai smiled also, and led her two friends away. The last we ever saw of them were their pretty forms toddling up the passage with their pretty faces turned over their shoulders to smile upon us. Then the tapestry hid them and they were gone.
CHAPTER XXX.
THE POOL OF THE DEVIL-FISH.
That evening, being unable to sleep, we sat up late, packing our booty into the chests furnished by the eunuch. They were light and strong and so closely did the gems pack that we were able to get our ivories and some other valuable ornaments into an extra case. Before we went to bed all the boxes were tightly nailed, wound with cords, and the cords sealed with wax. As the seals bore the impression of Prince Kai’s signet ring I felt sure they would be respected.
Next morning we sent for Wi-to, and when he appeared, looking still a bit “groggy,” as Archie expressed it, we told him the story we had invented to suit our necessity.
“Mai Lo is dead,” I began.
The Chief Eunuch started.
“You have killed him?” he asked.
“No; he committed suicide.”
“Impossible!”
“So I would have said had I not seen it,” I answered, gravely. “And perhaps, after all, the governor did not intend to fulfil his duty so hastily. Sit down, Wi-to, and listen to the story.”