Suddenly he stood
up. The hand held a revolver, pointed at Wilbur's breast.
"'If you move from your chair, Captain, I will shoot you dead, and your
end will never be known,' he said rapidly. 'It is time we came to an
understanding for the day wanes.'
"Wilbur uncrossed his legs, leaned forward, and looked at Lee Fu
narrowly. 'What's the joke?' he asked.
"'A joke that will be clear as time goes on--like one you played with
bow ports on my friend. Captain, we are going on a journey. Will you
join us, Captain Nichols, or will you remain on shore?'
"The question was perfunctory; Lee Fu knew well enough that my decision
was in his hands. I stood up--for until now I had been chained to my
chair by the amazing turn of the moment.
"'Bow ports?' Wilbur was saying. 'Put that gun down! What in hell do you
mean?' He started to rise.
"'Sit down!' commanded Lee Fu. 'I mean that I will shoot. This is not
play.' Wilbur sank back, angry and confused.
"'Are you crazy, Lee Fu?' he demanded. 'What's the meaning of this,
Nichols? Do you intend to rob me? Have both of you gone mad?'
"'Is it possible that you do not comprehend that I share your secret?'
asked Lee Fu sternly. 'You were observed, Captain, that night in the
forepeak of the "Speedwell;" and those details, also, are known to me.
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