"You have had a desperately hard time," he said at the conclusion of the story. "I had already heard part of the circumstances from the American ladies who came in some time ago. I can quite understand their warm praise of you. And, let me say, you are to be congratulated on your escape from the Manchu Chang-Wo; he is a desperate villain—an old enemy of Kobo San, as perhaps you know. But now tell me; you came through the mountains north of the Yalu; is the road practicable for guns?" "It might, I think, with some labour be made practicable for guns for some miles up to the spot where we first struck the Yalu; but I don’t think the path we subsequently followed could be so used." "That path is marked, I think, tentatively on our maps. Look at this; that is the path, is it not?" "Yes," said Bob, after a glance at the map unrolled before him. "It would be of the greatest importance to us if it were practicable. Did any of the Chunchuses with whom you have been acting come in with you?" "Unfortunately no, sir. I learnt that they slipped away immediately after we were relieved by your cavalry." "They are free lances, and probably thought if they came in they would have to act under our orders, or more probably be disbanded. No doubt they are making their way back by devious paths to their old haunts in Manchuria. It is a pity they have gone. I should have liked to employ some of them as guides." "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." "Oh! Just run and tell them I’m here—" "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—"