"Stop him! Stop him!" shrieked Miska.
"You 'care nothing' for this man. Why do you tremble?"
"Oh!" she wailed piteously. "I cannot bear it … oh, I cannot bear it! Do what you like with me, but spare him. Ah! you have no mercy."
Fo-Hi handed her the hammer for striking the gong.
"It is you who have no mercy," he replied. "I have asked but one gift. The sound of the gong will end Dr. Stuart's discomfort … and will mean that you voluntarily accept my offer. What! you hesitate?" A stifled scream rang out sharply.
"Ah, yes! yes!"
Miska ran and struck the gong, then staggered back to the diwan and fell upon it, hiding her face in her hands. The sounds of torture ceased.
Fo-Hi closed the door and stood looking at her where she lay.
"I permit you some moments of reflection," he said, "in order that you may compose yourself to receive the addresses which I shall presently have the honour, and joy, of making to you. Yes—this door is unlocked." He threw the keys on the table. "I respect your promise … and Chunda Lal guards the outer exits."
He opened the further door, by which he had entered, and went out.