Page:Ballinger Price--Fortune of the Indies.djvu/170

 "For mercy's sake let's get in somewhere where we can talk," he suggested. So, with Mr. Tyler and Alan still gazing at him curiously, they all went into the hotel.

Mr. Tyler's compradore translated Chun Lon's paper for them, after breakfast. It was much what Mark had imagined it might be—a document stating that the bearer, Chun Lon, was sent by Mark Ingram, authorized by Tyler, Bolliver & Tyler and perfectly to be trusted, and that he was to be paid the sum mentioned in the accompanying document.

"He couldn't have carried out such a scheme," Mr. Tyler commented, "but it was boldly executed, in his ignorance. Mr. Mark, your great-grandfather, wouldn't be ashamed of you. Now I propose a day of loafing about—or perhaps you'd like to see the Willow Pattern Tea-house in the walled city?" he asked, with a dry twinkle of amusement. "And," he added, "if you've no objection, I think I'll put this paper in our safe until your expedition is ready to start for Nangpoo."