“It is not required of you to know that, or any other business of this province,” returned Mai Lo. “I alone am responsible, and none dares interfere with my duties. You are here on sufferance, young men; the sufferance of Wi-to, who is making a mistake in harboring you. If you abuse the hospitality extended you, I shall hold Wi-to responsible.”
“Hardly that, most wise and noble Governor,” returned Wi-to, quietly. “Your name is signed to the order given these young men by Prince Kai himself.”
“I did not read the paper.”
“You were not required to read it,” retorted the eunuch, smiling. “Your signature merely vouches for the genuineness of the illustrious Prince’s order. I but obey that order. Those responsible are, first of all, the Royal Prince, himself; and in his absence, Mai Lo, his legal representative.”
It was now the turn of Wi-to to receive the glassy stare of the governor; but as Mai Lo made no reply in words we considered that the eunuch had scored a point.
We now saluted the governor and retired to the mound of the palace, where he did not attempt to follow us.
“It is unfortunate,” said Wi-to, thoughtfully, “that there are two rulers here with powers so intermingled that there is likely to be friction between them. It is the fault of our beloved Prince, who intrusted the hereditary governor of his province with more honors than are customary. But, alas! Mai Lo will soon sleep with his ancestors, and his son Mai Tchin will rule in his place.”
“So the governor has a family,” I remarked.
“Yes. Mai Tchin is better than his father, but weak and undecided in character. Also he has a daughter, Mai Mou, who is called the Pearl of Kai Nong.”
“Is she so beautiful?” asked Archie.