"I have seen none. Do you expect Hwei? If so we had better warn Miss Wharf. She has the fan and--"
"No! No--say nothing. Don't touch the accursed thing."
"I knew in Canton, and in a very unpleasant way. But I'll tell you my adventure to-morrow--yes I will--if nothing happens to-night."
Rupert stared still harder. "What can happen to-night man alive?"
"Nothing--nothing," said the Major hurriedly. "I'll get back to my room--you needn't say you have seen me. I--"
"Just the man I want," cried a bold free voice, and Burgh's slim hand fell on the Major's shoulder. "Miss Pewsey asks for you."
"I guess not. She wants to fuss round about your cold. Heaping coals of fire's the English of it."
"Let her leave me alone," said the Major petulantly. "I'm quite well. I am going back to my room," and with a nod to Rupert, he marched out.
Burgh looked after him with a smile and a shrug: then he turned to Rupert who was moving towards the door. "Can I speak with you?" he asked with a frown.
"Not here Mr. Burgh," cried Ainsleigh, "this is not the place for a quarrel."
"And why not," cried the other, advancing with clenched fists, "I--"
"Keep your distance," said Ainsleigh sharply starting back on his guard, "the attendant is looking on," and he pointed to the man behind the counter who attended to the hats and cloaks.
Burgh tossed him a shilling, "Go and get a drink," he ordered.
"Stop where you are," commanded Rupert, "or I'll report you."
But the man, who was a dissipated-looking waiter pretended not to hear this last remark, and disappeared from behind the counter. The two men were alone, and Burgh spoke first. "I guess I'm going to lay you out," said he, "on account of--"
Ainsleigh let drive before he could finish the word and in a second Burgh was sprawling on the floor. He rose with an oath and slipped round his right hand. "You draw a revolver and I'll break your neck," panted Rupert, "you bully, what do you mean by--"
Burgh drew his hand away--perhaps he was afraid a shot would bring in others to see the fray. But he dashed again at the young man. A short struggle ensued, which ended in Burgh being thrown again. Then Rupert, disinclined for a vulgar row, walked away. He stopped at the door to give his antagonist a bit of advice. "You touch me again," he said, "and I'll hand you over to the police after giving you a good thrashing. It's what a bully like you deserves. And if you dare to speak to Miss Rayner I'll make Marport too hot to hold you." When Rupert vanished, Burgh raised himself slowly and with an evil smile. "Perhaps the place will be too hot for you my fine gentleman," he said savagely, and began to think.