“It’s a plot, Tom!” exclaimed Ned. “It’s a trick on the part of Kilborn to delay us!”
“I’m afraid it is,” said Tom in a low voice. “We’ve got to get out of this in some way. Stand by me now, Ned! I’ll see what a little strategy will do!”
Tom turned toward the two officers, a grim look on his face.
CHAPTER XVIII
CHINESE BANDITS
Talking rapidly in his own language, the officer with the sword said something to the man who had acted as interpreter before Tom could say anything further.
“What’s he talking about?” Ned wanted to know.
“He say if you be ready he take you to jail now. Judge hear you talk to-morrow,” was the interpreter’s answer.
“Oh, he’ll hold us for a hearing to-morrow, will he?” snapped out Tom Swift. “That doesn’t suit me. Look here,” he went on, to Yal, which the interpreter had said was his name, “ask him how it is he doesn’t arrest that other fellow who landed not far from me. The red airship! Why didn’t he arrest that pilot? Kilborn his name is.”
“I ask,” offered Yal, and there was more talk before he turned to Tom and Ned, saying:
“Red machine man he have permit to land. He send money on for it week ago.”