"There's a chance, companion of my distress, that we may be able to make our escape."
"What's the number?" queried the cowboy.
Thereupon the mandarin began revealing the plan that had formed in his mind. It was the fruit of considerable reflection and promised well.
[CHAPTER VIII.]
SPRINGING A "COUP."
Stripped of its ornamental trimmings, the mandarin's plan was marvelously simple. McGlory was to roll over with his back to him, and he engaged to gnaw through the knife laniard. When the cowboy's hands were free it would be only a few moments until he removed the ropes from his ankles and set Tsan Ti at liberty.
This accomplished, McGlory was to set up a racket, calling Grattan, Bunce, and Pardo into the pocket. As they crashed through the brush in one direction, the mandarin would crash through it in another, reach the motor cycles, and rush away on one before Grattan or his companions had an opportunity to use their firearms.
"H'm," reflected McGlory. "That's a bully plan, Tsan Ti—for you. You're the boy to look out for Number One, eh? This surprise party you're thinking of springing reminds me of the way you unloaded that imitation ruby on Motor Matt, and then sat back and allowed Matt and me to play tag with Grattan."
"What is the fault with my plan, generous sir?" asked the mandarin.