It was a blue tunic, plain save for a white border and a number of Chinese written characters on its back. It was this lettering that Langdon was studying.
“Viceroy Chang-Li-Hun,” he read slowly aloud. Then he glanced up, a worried expression on his usually calm face.
“Mr. Wilson,” he said, “it’s serious; we’ve the viceroy’s soldiers against us.”
CHAPTER IV
THE EMBASSY TO THE VICEROY
If the man with whom Phil had fought was a soldier of the viceroy, it was indeed convincing evidence that the outlaws were receiving aid of the official class. Lieutenant Wilson at once saw the seriousness of the situation for all foreigners living within the provinces under the jurisdiction of Viceroy Chang-Li-Hun. The American naval man knew that his duty required him to place this information in the hands of his commanding officer on board the “Phœnix” immediately, in order that all the foreign powers represented might know that the threatened uprising was no longer one of unorganized, misguided coolies or working men, but was at the instigation of the powerful mandarins, receiving their instructions, no doubt, directly from the viceroy himself. Did he dare take the risk of sending messengers out of the mission at this time when the enemy were doubtless gathered about the walls of the compound, perhaps even now making up their minds to attack the defending garrison? Yet in the morning affairs might have grown even worse: the morrow’s sun might see the mission besieged, and every outlet barred.
“Langdon,” Lieutenant Wilson questioned, after an impressive silence, while his companions waited, looking to him to give the orders which each felt the terrible development demanded, “are you sure that you have read these characters correctly? We must not alarm the foreigners unnecessarily. Might not this garment have been worn by a discharged soldier? Are we safe in assuming that the viceroy is back of this attempt on the gate because one of the culprits wears his uniform?”
“It is possible, sir,” Langdon answered thoughtfully, “but I believe improbable. This plan is not one that could be conceived by a stupidly ignorant coolie mob; you can see for yourself it must have been devised by those who have some knowledge of the use of explosives; and knowing as they must that the mission is being guarded by American sailors, it was intended as an affront to the nation that they represent.”
“I believe you are right, Langdon,” the lieutenant agreed promptly. “I shall act upon your judgment; your knowledge of the Chinese should make your reasoning sound.” Then he turned to the expectant midshipmen: “Mr. Perry, this news must be taken to Captain Hughes to-night; I offer you the chance to go; your right to be chosen can’t be disputed: your discovery of the viceroy’s treachery and your heroic conduct in frustrating his design has won you the privilege.”
Phil flushed with pleasure at his senior’s words of praise, while he stammered out his readiness to undertake the hazardous enterprise. Asking that Sydney accompany him he received a ready assent.
“Can you spare me, too, sir?” Langdon asked earnestly. “I know every foot of the land about here; I’ve shot pheasant all over these hills, and understanding the language, may be a help to Mr. Perry if he should be stopped by the natives.”