It was in Romney's mind at that moment to state certain objections, but the face of Nifton Bend held him silent.
"I have been honoured," Dr. Ti Kung added, "in that my friends have found you all that I promised—and more. It is strange that Mother China should uncover among her most valuable workers, two men of your country—"
"I have been wondering if I have the training for such ardent nationalism," Romney said quietly.
Dr. Ti Kung turned to Nifton Bend who replied:
"We have thought of that. I can answer you best in my own experience. I was without a country—and dared to be a citizen of the world. It was this old Yellow Mother who took me in. China is not a nation. She is the bed-rock of Asia. All elements are in her breast—the most ancient, and conceptions so modern that they cannot be spoken aloud. For one must whisper the absolutely new. There is no place as yet for a visionary in America—but there is a place here. One who works for China works for all the East—and for the world, since out of the East all great things come to light."
The Hunchback smiled. "I do not speak much in this way. There is something in you that draws forth the dream.... But I see you are troubled."
"Perhaps it was because he was locked up for a night and a day," said Dr. Ti Kung.
"No, it is not that," said Nifton Bend. "I saw it here before the little house-servant escaped. He won your heart, Mr. Romney?"
"Yes," the word came eagerly.
"You lost your sense of the greatness of a cause—that could sacrifice him so ruthlessly?"