The wounded man's hand gripped Sinclair's. A spasm of pain crossed his face. He closed his eyes and lay for a few moments very still. Then, without opening his eyes, he said in English:
"What do you know about Allister MacAllister?"
"I know his father, his mother, and his sister. I know that they are searching the world for him. I know that he disappeared and left no trace behind him, because he thought he had killed a man." The great, dark eyes were open now and looking in unbelieving wonder into Sinclair's frank, kindly blue ones. "But he didn't kill him."
"Dr. Sinclair, do you mean to say that Captain Philip Standish did not die?"
"Yes, that is what I mean. He is alive and well, and has been helping your father to search for you."
He covered his face with his hands. His lips moved as if in prayer. Sinclair did not stir, nor utter a word to disturb his thoughts and thankfulness. At length he uncovered his face and looked up.
"Dr. Sinclair," he said in a voice scarcely above a whisper, "where did you meet my people?"
"Here in Tamsui.... No," he continued, in answer to the eager, startled look, "they are not here now. But they are not far away. They are in Hong-Kong."
Four days later the _Hailoong_ was again seen standing in towards the harbour. After a very brief delay the French allowed her to proceed.
The whole foreign population except Sergeant Gorman and the patient, whom he remained to care for, were down at the dock. The native Christians were there in a body in the hopes that Dr. MacKay might be on board.
As the first boat with the first news from abroad for exactly six months zigzagged through the field of mines and obstructions with which the mouth of the harbour was blocked, every glass was focussed upon her.
"It's McLeod who is bringing her in," said Boville, who was using the long customs telescope. "Whiteley is not on the bridge. He is on deck with two passengers."
"That's MacKay next to him," said the consul. "I can tell him by his size and the long black whiskers against his white clothes."
"Who's the big man on MacKay's left?" asked Sinclair, who wanted some one to confirm his own impressions.
"It looks like MacAllister," replied Boville. "Yes, it is MacAllister. I can see him plainly now that she has swung to starboard. I wonder what is bringing him back to Formosa."