"May I offer my services, sir?" said Bob instantly. "I couldn't find my way back from here to the hills, but once there I think I could act as guide over the path in question."
"Thank you. I accept your offer at once. I must, of course, wire to Tokio for permission to employ you, as otherwise your duty would be to rejoin the fleet. I will do that at once, and the answer will no doubt come early in the morning. Now, Mr. Fawcett, I will not keep you longer. You need a thorough rest after your trying experiences: that knock on the head will trouble you for some days, I fear; but I hope a good rest will set you up again. My aide-de-camp will provide you with quarters--rough, but the best at my disposal. I shall send for you in the morning."
Only now that the strain was relaxed did Bob realize how desperately tired and worn he was. When he reached the lodging allotted to him, he dropped on to the bed just as he was, and fell fast asleep. It was nearly noon when he awoke. Ah-Sam came to his side, carrying over his arm a suit of clothes.
"My hab catchee tings for massa," he said. "Aflaid massa no can get iniside."
"Well, I can only try," said Bob with a smile. "Get me something to eat, Ah-Sam. Stay, where are the ladies?"
"He in house topside-pidgin man--velly nice. He go Seoul bimeby."
"Allo savvy. My tellum allo 'bout massa long tim' ago."
"Ask them not to go until I have seen them, then get my breakfast."
"Allo lightee, massa. Littee missy wantchee look-see what--"
"Don't stand talking. Run at once, or they may gone."
"No fear! My savvy littee missy no can wailo 'cept--"
"Go at once!" shouted Bob, and the Chinaman fled.
About an hour later Bob, clad in a Japanese uniform, which left a good deal to be desired about the sleeves and the trousers, was conducted by Ah-Sam to the missionary's house in which the ladies had been hospitably lodged.
"My dear boy, how glad I am to see you!" exclaimed Mrs. Pottle, coming forward with outstretched hands. "We were afraid that you had not escaped from that dreadful brigand. If I had not had Ethel to take care of, I should certainly have ridden back myself--even with nothing but my umbrella that you make fun of."
Bob, from his knowledge of Mrs. Pottle, felt that the fair American was quite equal to that or any other hazardous adventure.
