"'Are you crazy, Lee Fu?' he growled 'What is it—do you want to rob me? What's the meaning of this nonsense, Nichols? Have both of you gone mad?'
"'No, Captain' interposed Lee Fu 'But we have found a man who wanted to sink the Speedwell,, and we wish to observe him under certain conditions.... Is it possible that you do not as yet comprehend that I share your secret? You were seen, Captain, that black and cruel night in the forepeak; and those details, also, are known to me. It is needless to dissemble longer'
"'That night in the forepeak? ... For God's sake, Lee Fu, what are you talking about? Nichols, this is too ridiculous! Tell me the answer, and get over with it'
"'Ah!' exclaimed Lee Fu with something like satisfaction 'You are worthy of the occasion, Captain. It will be most interesting'
"He slapped his palm sharply on the desk; Sing Toy appeared at the door as if by a mechanical arrangement. 'Bring oilskin coats and hats for three' Lee Fu commanded 'Also send in haste to my cruising sampan, with orders to prepare for an immediate journey. Have water and food prepared for a week. We come within the half-hour, and will sail without delay'
"'Master!' protested Sing Toy breathlessly—their words, in rapid Chinese, were wholly unintelligible to Wilbur. 'Master, the typhoon!' He glanced at the revolver in Lee Fu's hand, then raised his eyes to the wall that smothered the tumult of the gale.
"'I know, fool' answered Lee Fu 'I am neither deaf nor blind. But it is necessary to sail. Go, quickly, do as I say'
"He sat down, resting the revolver on the corner of the desk, and resumed his former tone of bland conversation 'I am sorry, gentlemen, that the rain has already come; but there is water also below, as Captain Wilbur should be well aware. Yes, it was destined from the first that this should be a wet journey. Yet it will be possible still to breathe; not quite so bad as solid water all around, where after a grim struggle one lies at rest, neither caring nor remembering.... Captain Wilbur, attend to what I say. We go from this office to my sampan, which lies moored at the bulkhead, not far away. During the walk, you will precede us. I shall hold my revolver in my hand—and I am an excellent shot. If you attempt to escape, or to communicate with any passerby—if you call for help, or even disclose by your manner the strangeness of the occasion—you will immediately be dead. Bear this in mind. And do not think that I should fear the consequences; we shall pass through Chinese streets, where action of mine would not be questioned'
"'Damn you!' Wilbur burst out 'What crazy nonsense are you up to? Nichols, will you permit this? Where are you taking me?'
"'Never mind' replied Lee Fu 'As for Captain Nichols, he knows, if anything, less than you do about it. He, also, is at my mercy.... Ah, here are the raincoats. Put one on, Captain Wilbur; you will need it sorely before your return. Now we must hurry. I would be clear of the harbour before darkness falls entirely'