They knew no English, but they comprehended the action, and paused irresolutely.
“Order them away, Mai Lo,” growled Archie. “Quick, you yellow monkey, or I’ll put a bullet through your head!”
“Hold on, Archie,” I called, still facing the eunuchs. Then I showed them the ring of Prince Kai and said sternly:
“Wi-to!”
They understood at a glance, and lowering their weapons, bowed humbly before me. Then one of them ran up the hall and disappeared, while we stood motionless in our places. Mai Lo was held fast by the blacks, Archie and Joe stood behind me with drawn revolvers and I faced the band of eunuchs.
Wi-to suddenly entered and came hastily toward us.
“What is the meaning of this?” he asked, taking in the scene at a glance.
“Mai Lo has been hasty and summoned your men by mistake,” I answered. “He wishes you to send them away.”
Wi looked at the captive governor, who stood motionless with Archie’s revolver pointed directly at his left ear, and then the eunuch smiled as if amused.
“Is this true, most noble Governor?” he inquired.