“It is still under the general’s protection,” Emmons replied, “and he will not permit an attack. I have expected every day to hear that the soldiers had been removed. Ta-Ling’s outlaws are encamped within a mile of the soldiers, apparently waiting an order from their leader.”
“How many are there of these rebels?” Sydney asked in alarm.
“I have not seen them, but my men tell me there are thousands,” Emmons answered.
“There must be some reason for the delay,” Emmons declared. “Have you read the viceroy’s letter to your captain?” he asked quickly. “Maybe there we shall find the cause of it.”
With trembling fingers Phil drew the letter from his pocket and without hesitation broke the formidable looking seal of the viceroy. The writing was in English and the penmanship seemed strangely familiar.
“It’s the same writing as that in the letter I picked up in the bank!” he exclaimed in surprise, then in the lantern’s dim light his eager eyes traveled rapidly over the words before him.
Sydney and Emmons waited impatiently until Phil began to read excitedly:
“His Excellency, Chang-Li-Hun, is deeply grieved at the lawless actions of the foreign gunboats, which have banded together under the leadership of the American commander to defy the authority of the laws of China. Commander Ignacio and two of his brother commanders have accepted his Excellency’s leniency and after voluntarily offering their apology have anchored at Ku-Ling. To show that China has kept faith, his Excellency has caused a strong guard of his soldiers to encamp on the hills near the American mission.
“If by ten o’clock to-morrow morning the foreign gunboats will steam to Ku-Ling flying white flags of truce, the viceroy will still give them clemency. The viceroy has held the hostages to show his displeasure at the foreigners for entering To-Yan Lake, waters forbidden them by the government of China.
“His Excellency will be powerless to protect either the hostages or the mission if a single hostile shot is fired. Enclosed is a telegram for the American commander.”