Recklow said quietly that as a boy he had served under Gordon and Sir Robert.
“If, as a boy, you served under Chinese Gordon, you already know much of what I have told you, Mr. Recklow. Is it not true?” she demanded nervously.
“That makes no difference,” he replied with a smile. “It is all very new to these three young gentlemen. And as for myself, I am checking up what you say and comparing it with what I heard many, many years ago when my comrade Barres and I were in Yian.”
“Did you really know Sir Robert Hart?”
“Yes.”
“Then why do you not explain to these gentlemen?”
“Dear child,” he interrupted gently, “what did Chinese Gordon or Sir Robert Hart, or even my comrade Barres, or I myself know about occult Asia in comparison to what you know?—a girl who has actually served the mysteries of Erlik for four amazing years!”
She paled a trifle, came slowly across the room to where Recklow was seated, laid a timid hand on his sleeve.
“Do you believe there are sorcerers in Asia?” she asked with that child-like directness which her wonderful blue eyes corroborated.
Recklow remained silent.