Page:On to Pekin.djvu/70

50 comes to real business." Nuggy Polk gave a lurch which landed him on the grass of the roadside. "Say, but that tumble made me weak in the legs!" he declared.

"Better rest here, and see if your friend comes back," suggested Gilbert. "I'll stay with you; and, if he doesn't return, I'll see to it that you get back to Manila in safety."

"Will you? That's mighty kind, lieutenant, and I'll stay; and I'll pay you for all you do for me." And the young man pulled from his pocket a roll of bank bills. "I reckon bills go with you, even if the confounded natives won't accept 'em."

"I don't want your money—"

"Don't grow offended, lieutenant. I'm all right, and you're all right. We understand each other, don't we?"

"I hope we shall, if not now, then later on," replied Gilbert, with an emphasis which was entirely lost on the befuddled young man to whom the words were addressed.