She had large brown eyes... odd, with that hair!... and they met his, hung on them.
In a low measured voice he explained:
“The natives attacked a mission station here—”
“Oh, just a mission!”
“They burned it down, and killed all but one of the workers there.”
“Were they white?”
“The workers were Chinese, Christian Chinese. But—”
“Oh, I see! I couldn't imagine what it was all about. It's been frightful. Sitting here, without a word. But if it was just among the Chinese, then where's—I've got to tell you part of it—where's Harley Beggins? He brought me out here. He isn't the kind that skips out without a word. I've known him two years. He's a good fellow. You see, this thing—whatever it is—leaves me in a hole. I can't just sit here.”
“I am trying to tell you. Please listen as calmly as you can. First tell me something about this Harley Beggins.”
“He's with the Ho Shan Company. An engineer. But say—you don't mean—you're not going to—”