“It seemed as if I ought to get word to you—after that. I promised, of course.”
“But your note surprised me.”
“You thought I wouldn't keep my promise?”
“I wasn't sure that you could.”
“If you hadn't heard from me, what would you have done?”
“I should have left T'ainan this afternoon.”
“But how could you? Where could you go?”
“The provincial judge has assigned four soldiers to me. He was most courteous. He wants me to publish articles in America and England against the Ho Shan Company. He seems a very astute man. And he sent runners to the inn just now with presents.”
“Oh—what were they?”
“Some old tins of sauerkraut. A German traveler must have left them here.”