“We have one already,” I replied, “deposited at the American consul’s office, at Shanghai.”
“But that is so far away,” he said significantly.
“What then?” I demanded.
“Will you promise not to talk about what has occurred?”
“What will you promise in return?”
“To send you safely back to Shanghai at once—tomorrow.”
“We intend to remain here some time.”
“You cannot remain here alive.”
“Indeed!” I exclaimed. “If that is your game I will expose you now—to the Chief Eunuch.”
“You will not see him again,” said Mai Lo, slowly, “unless you promise to return at once to Shanghai.”