It is needless to dissemble.'
"'That night in the forepeak?--Lee Fu, for God's sake, what are you
talking about?'
"'Ah!' exclaimed Lee Fu with evident satisfaction. 'You are worthy of
the occasion, Captain. That is well. It will be most interesting.'
"He slapped his left palm sharply on the desk; Sing Toy appeared at the
door as if by a mechanical arrangement. 'Bring oilskin coats and hats
for three,' Lee Fu commanded. 'Also, send in haste to my cruising
sampan, with orders to prepare for an immediate trip. Have water and
food provided for a week. We come within the half hour and sail without
delay.'
"'Master!' protested Sing Toy. 'Master, the typhoon!'
"'I know, fool,' answered Lee Fu. 'I am neither deaf nor blind. Have I
not ordered oilskin coats? Do as I have said.'
"He sat down, resting the gun on the corner of the desk, and resumed the
bland tone of conversation. 'I am sorry, gentlemen, that the rain has
already come; but there is water also below, as Captain Wilbur should be
aware. Yes, it was destined from the first to be a wet journey. Yet it
will still be possible to breathe; and not so bad as solid water on all
sides, where, after a grim struggle, one lies at rest, neither caring
nor remembering--Captain Wilbur, listen to me. We go from this office to
my sampan, which lies moored at the bulkhead not far away.
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