“Poor devils,” commented the naval officer to Jack. “I have nothing against them. They are good enough fellows in their own surroundings, but have been made the pawns of these smugglers.”
“I’m going to try to talk to them. Do the rest of you line up on each side of the doorway.”
The big group swayed a little, as if its members were ready to fly apart and break into flight. In a moment a Chinaman in civilian clothes, as distinguished from the sort of convict’s uniform of dark blue pants and blouse worn by the others, stepped a pace or two forward. He moved unwillingly, but evidently was awed by the appearance of the naval officer in uniform.
“Me speakee Englis,” he said. “Me Cholly Lung.”
“All right, Charley Lung. I am an officer of the Navy. Out there is a great big warship. You keep these men quiet and nothing will happen to them. But if they make trouble the cannon will blow this building to pieces. You understand? You tell them that.”
A quick jabber in Chinese followed, as Charley Lung faced his unfortunate compatriots.
“Allee boy sclared,” Charley Lung declared, facing about. “No maken tlouble. What shall do?”
“Send each man to his bunk. Tell them to stay there.”
Again the quick patter of Chinese on Charley’s part. The coolies, some fifty in number, scampered away, diving headlong into the bunks lining the walls. Then the Ensign beckoned Charley Lung to him authoritatively. He asked him a quick series of questions as to the whereabouts of “Black George,” his assistants and the crew of the trawler. Charley looked bland. To every question he answered monotonously.
“Very well,” said Ensign Warwick grimly. “You come with me. I think you do know.”
“Doniphan, mount guard here. Get a rifle from the boat. We’ll wait until you return. Tell Robbins to keep the searchlight playing in here, and explain why.”
“Now,” said Ensign Warwick. “We’ll take up the trail. I haven’t heard a sound for some time. But somewhere up that creek Inspector Burton’s party has met the enemy, and we must go to the rescue.”
“Charley, you are interpreter here. Don’t deny it. You know where ‘Black George’ and his party have gone. And you know the road to follow. You have been violating the laws of this country and you are in my power now. If you do what I say, it may be easier for you later. Now I want you to lead the way.”