She retreated from them ever so slightly.
“—or,” the younger man repeated—“or what?”
“Devils,” she said, in a whisper.
They burst into laughter. All their good-nature was restored in a moment.
“And what are we?” inquired the elder man.
“Neither,” she said, looking at their faces very earnestly. “You only just plain men—just like me—same thing.”
“How is it you could not understand our Japanese before, yet you answer us now?”
“My ears were stupid then. They are brighter now,” was her paradoxical response.
The elder man turned to the other.
“I’ve an idea; let’s question her. She’s a half-caste, apparently, and may be able to help us in the search for the Lorrimer child.”