And so he answered Boatwright with a manner of calm confidence.
“Kang is putting up a fight, of course, but Pao will prove too strong for him. At least, there's no good in believing anything else, Elmer. It's the position we've got to take. I'll get into my walking clothes again.”
“You're not going to Hung Chan alone, to-night?”
“Yes. It's the quickest way.”
“Don't you need sleep—a few hours, at least?”
“No, I was too late at So T'ung.”
“That was not your fault.”
“No. Still... I'll go right along.” Doane got up.
“If you could give me a few minutes more there's another matter. I'm afraid you'll regard it as rather important. It's—difficult....” And then, instead of continuing, he fell to rolling the pencil, and gazing at it. His color rose a little.
There was a light knock at the door. Neither man responded. After a moment the door opened a little way, and Mrs. Boatwright looked in.