“But we’re putting our heads in the jaws of a trap, and the least little thing is likely to spring it,” added Joe.
Archie looked puzzled.
“I can’t understand why you take that view of it,” he protested. “It seems to me the thing’s easy enough. We’ve got the Prince’s letter to his people, and the ring, and the secret of the private way into his ancestral hall. If we bungle such a job as that, we ought to be hanged.”
“And will be, or worse. So we mustn’t bungle it,” said Joe. “Where is this province of Kwang-Kai-Nong, Sam?”
“I forgot to ask,” I replied, wondering at my oversight.
“China’s a big country,” suggested Joe.
“I know. I’ll inquire about the location, and how to get to it, the next time I see the Prince.”
“Do,” said Archie, “that’ll help a lot.”
But I didn’t see the Prince again. At the lunch table we found the doctor, eating with apparent gusto but with an intent look on his face.
“How’s your patient, Doc?” Uncle Naboth was asking as I entered.