Wilbur plainly showed his astonishment now. ’The total amount? ... Well, if you want all the details, I have about forty thousand dollars in my pocket. I’m not aware, however, that it’s any concern of yours....’ "Lee Fu shot at me a stare full of meaning; it might have been a look of caution, or a glance of triumph. I was expected to understand something; but for the life of me I couldn’t catch the drift of the situation. Confused by the terrific struggle to keep my mouth shut, I only perceived that a crisis was impending. "’As I was saying, I once examined the bow-ports of the _Speedwell_’ Lee Fu calmly resumed. ’At that time, I satisfied myself as to their construction; unlike you, Captain Wilbur, I could not be afraid of them. When properly fastened, they were impregnable to any danger of the sea.... And I remember, Captain, that it occurred to me, as I examined their fastenings, how easily these ports could be loosened from within, by anyone who desired to sink the vessel. The iron cross-bars could be lifted from their brackets by a single strong man; with a small tackle they could be dropped without noise into the bottom. No one need know of it; and, lo, the ship would sail to meet her destiny riding on the waves. Has the thought ever occurred to you, Captain Wilbur?’ "Wilbur’s air of mingled repugnance and perplexity was innocence itself. ’I can’t say that it has’ he answered shortly ’Your imagination is a little morbid, Lee Fu—I won’t say worse. Who would want to sink the _Speedwell_, I’d like to know?’ "’Who, indeed?’ observed Lee Fu, staring at Wilbur with a steady, biting gaze. As he stared, he reached out slowly with his right hand and opened the top drawer of the desk. Suddenly he stood up. The hand held a revolver, which pointed with an unwavering aim at Wilbur’s breast. "’If you move from your chair, Captain, I will shoot you dead, and your end will never be known’ said he rapidly, throwing a cold determination into his voice ’It is time we came to an understanding, for the day wanes’ "Wilbur uncrossed his legs, leaned forward, and looked at Lee Fu narrowly. ’What’s the joke?’ he demanded. "’A joke that will be clear as time goes on—like one you played with bow-ports on my friend.... Captain, we are about to go on a journey. Will you join us, Captain Nichols, or will you remain on shore?’ "The question was perfunctory; whatever was in the wind, Lee Fu knew that my decision rested in his hands. I stood up—for until now I’d been chained to my chair by the amazing turn of the moment. "’Bow-ports?...’ Wilbur was saying ’Put that gun down. What in hell do you mean?’ He started to rise. ’Sit down!’ commanded Lee Fu ’I mean that I will shoot. This is not play’ Their eyes met in a sharp struggle, which Lee Fu won. Wilbur sank back, angry and confused. "’Are you crazy, Lee Fu?’ he growled ’What is it—do you want to rob me? What’s the meaning of this nonsense, Nichols? Have both of you gone mad?’