Doane inclined his head. “Yes, Jen is gone—and twelve to fifteen others. Shot or burned. One helper escaped. I could get word of no others. One of Monsieur Pourmont's engineers helped very bravely in the defense, but was finally clubbed to death.”
Dr. Cassin stood silent; then drew in her breath sharply. The keys jingled.
“Oh!” she murmured in a broken voice, “That is bad!”
“It couldn't be worse. How is it here?”
“Well”—she pursed her lips—“I'm afraid we've all been getting a little nervous. It's well you're back. We need you. The servants are jumpy....”
“I gathered that, in the gate house.”
“I wonder... in the fighting at So T'ung there must have been a good many wounded...
“Among the attackers, yes; the Lookers themselves, and village rowdies.”
“I was wondering... mightn't it be a good thing for me to go up there and take charge?”
“No.”