"So zick! Yes; and what is ze consequence? He is in my debt; he bleed me, sir: he owe me five hundred dollars and more. He promised to pay me wizin a week; ze week is past: he did not pay; and now he is a prisoner: I never see my money. You say, do somezink for him; what has he done for me? You ask me to spend my money, risk my life, for a young fool wiz no principle, no backbone, as you say--for a fellow zat sponge on me, and zen cheat me----" The German was working up to a fine heat of spurious indignation; but he was suddenly checked by an abrupt movement on Burroughs’ part. White with anger the young Englishman had clenched his fist and raised his arm to strike. But he curbed himself as Reinhardt shrank back. "This is your house," he said, in a fierce low tone, "and for the moment I am your guest. You may think yourself lucky. If I hear of your repeating any of the lies you have just uttered, I swear I’ll thrash you within an inch of your life--you mean hound!" He could not help catching the man by the collar and shaking him. Then, flinging him off, he hurried out of the house. CHAPTER XII THE PRICE OF A MOUSTACHE A man in a rage cannot think clearly; and Burroughs was in such a heat of indignation with Reinhardt that it was some time before he was able to devote himself calmly to the still unsolved problem. The solution came to him presently in a flash: he must save Errington himself. He could not leave his friend to an unknown fate; something must be done; he alone could do it. His flying boat was the fastest craft on the river. He must fly up to Meichow, get Errington out of the yamen by hook or crook, and bring him back. If he were discovered and pursued, his speed, whether on the water or in the air, would give him at least a good chance of escape. He sent for his comprador. "I’m going up to Meichow, Sing Wen," he said. "You’ll be in charge during my absence. If any one inquires for me, tell nothing." "Hai galaw! No can do!" cried the astonished Chinaman. "Fly boatee velly good: no can get inside plison; China fellas look-see Yinkelis[#] man; makee plenty bobbely, catchee all-same." [#] English. "Could you make me look like a Chinaman?" "Plaps can do," said the comprador, doubtfully. "Yinkelis man no can talkee Chinee all-same; he no smart inside." "That’s true. I wish I could talk Chinese like Reinhardt. But look here: why shouldn’t I go as a German? Mr. Errington’s firm is German; and if there is any hanky-panky between the Germans and the rebels I shall be all right in Meichow; at any rate I can bluff it out." "My no aglee all same." "I don’t want you to agree; you’ve nothing to do with it." "Supposey you catchee tlouble, what my tellum boss Shanghai side? He say my no do plopa pidgin let you go wailo."