"Absolutely sure," I replied. "He committed suicide, and we saw him do it. But see here, young ladies; you mustn't mention this till tomorrow, when public announcement is made. Do you understand? Go home and control your grief until you hear the news from others, and then howl as much as you please."
They were puzzled at this order, but when we explained that our own lives depended upon their silence they willingly promised to obey.
At first we were all unable to figure out how they were to return to their homes without being seen and causing gossip; but Bry proposed that he should rap upon the door at the end of the passage and see if he could not arouse Nor Ghai.
The rapping had no effect for a time, and after a few attempts we abandoned that idea and tried to think of something else. Meantime, as our dinner-table still stood piled with eatables, we prevailed upon Ko-Tua and Mai Mou to satisfy their hunger, which they did with ardor but exquisite daintiness, smiling at us happily as they ate.
"Really," whispered Archie, "if I'd known Mai Lo's death could cause so much pleasure I'd have asked him to commit suicide long ago."
Presently, without warning, Nor Ghai glided into the room and took in the scene with one comprehensive glance.
"I heard the knock, but could not come then, as I was not alone," she explained. "Is there something you wish me to do?"
"You might take these girls into your harem and keep them there," I replied.
"But Mai Lo's eunuchs will find them!" she exclaimed.
"Never mind; there is nothing to fear. Mai Lo is dead."
"Dead!" she repeated, clasping her little hands.
"Never! Mai Lo never suicide," she declared, positively. "If Mai Lo dead, somebody kill him."
"Somebody did," I replied, smiling at her shrewd knowledge of the governor's character. "It was the Sacred Ape, Fo-Chu."
"But Fo-Chu is escaped and lost. I heard it today."
"Well, Mai Lo found him, and thought it was a good time to shuffle off his mortal coil. You remember that in Shakespeare?"
"Isn't it nice, Nor Ghai?" asked the widow, delightedly. Then with a sudden thought: "Ah--oo! ah-oo! ah----"
"No, that's quite safe; but she isn't supposed to use it for wailing except in public. Take her to your rooms, little one, and don't fear for her or Mai Mou any longer. Your troubles are nearly over, I'm sure."