'But, my dear fellows,' Williams replied, 'you're not in a fit state for any more fighting.'
'It's only sleep we want,' Charlie declared. 'We shall be as fit as any one after we have had a good long rest.'
'If that's the case, I shall be glad of your company; but you must turn in at once.'
'Before we do that we want to know how it is that you are here. When we last saw you, you had no idea of going to China.'
'Well, I'll soon explain that. My capture of that coper on which I found you and Ping Wang won the approval of the authorities, and, fortunately for me, I was able to effect another capture, about three weeks later. Soon afterwards I received orders to go up to London, and in less than a week I was on my way to China to join my present ship.'
Charlie, Fred, and Ping Wang heartily congratulated their friend, but he cut them short by telling them that if they wanted to accompany him to Kwang-ngan they would have to turn in at once, and get as much sleep as possible.
'If that's the case, good-night,' Charlie replied, and all the three hurried away to their beds in the basement, and slept soundly.
When they awoke they found that the Japanese troops had arrived, and that the British sailors were to start within half an hour for Kwang-ngan. After a rapid but hearty breakfast they marched out, with the rifles at the shoulder, to report themselves to Williams, whom they found outside the enclosure inspecting the men. Some of the newly arrived Japanese soldiers had already been posted around the mission wall, and the Japanese flag flew, side by side with the Union Jack, over the gateway.
'Well,' Williams exclaimed, cheerfully, as he shook hands with Charlie, 'do you still wish to come with us?'
'Certainly,' Charlie replied, speaking for all three of them.