The Hunchback bowed toward his countryman, studying him with a strange mixed expression of anxiety and compassion. The long, narrow, wolf-hound head held something that invariably lifted Romney—something very deep that had to do with the love of man for man. "I’m afraid," he remarked, "that I don’t take the joy in a foot-race that I once did. And it’s mainly knowing how now. I’m really far from fit." "We trust that there will be no more of that for your portion. We have reserved a task for you, Friend Romney—not more important, perhaps, but of a much higher form of activity." It was in Romney’s mind at that moment to state certain objections, but the face of Nifton Bend held him silent. "I have been honoured," Dr. Ti Kung added, "in that my friends have found you all that I promised—and more. It is strange that Mother China should uncover among her most valuable workers, two men of your country—" "I have been wondering if I have the training for such ardent nationalism," Romney said quietly. Dr. Ti Kung turned to Nifton Bend who replied: "We have thought of that. I can answer you best in my own experience. I was without a country—and dared to be a citizen of the world. It was this old Yellow Mother who took me in. China is not a nation. She is the bed-rock of Asia. All elements are in her breast—the most ancient, and conceptions so modern that they cannot be spoken aloud. For one must _whisper_ the absolutely new. There is no place as yet for a visionary in America—but there is a place here. One who works for China works for all the East—and for the world, since out of the East all great things come to light." The Hunchback smiled. "I do not speak much in this way. There is something in you that draws forth the dream.... But I see you are troubled." "Perhaps it was because he was locked up for a night and a day," said Dr. Ti Kung. "No, it is not that," said Nifton Bend. "I saw it here before the little house-servant escaped. He won your heart, Mr. Romney?" "Yes," the word came eagerly. "You lost your sense of the greatness of a cause—that could sacrifice him so ruthlessly?" "Yes. He was all tempered with suffering—so absolute in fortitude.... They murdered him at my feet in the cell." "He has done well. Perhaps you can see that we too love a servant like that—" "Yes—but to put him out of the way—" "The cause is greater than the man." "I do not mean to argue. I can either take it or leave it." Romney could not say more. There was an encompassing understanding in the Hunchback’s eye. "We are glad to discuss this with you. The East regards these things differently. Tell us how you overtook him and what happened before the arrest—"