They met no one on the way, the inhabitants
having all rushed to the other side to repel the attack. They stopped
at a small gate in the wall, the Chinaman drew back the bolts and
opened it, and they passed out into the country. For an hour they
kept on. By the end of that time Jack could scarcely drag his limbs
along. The Chinaman halted at length in a clump of trees surrounded
by a thick undergrowth.
"Allee safee here," he said, "no searchee so far; here food," and
he produced from a wallet a cold chicken and some boiled rice, and
unslung from his shoulder a gourd filled with cold tea.
"Me go back now, see what happen. Tomollow nightee come again--
bringee more food." And without another word went off at a rapid
pace.
Jack moistened his lips with the tea, and then turned to his
companion. Percy had not spoken a word since he had been released
from the cage, and had been insensible during the greater part of
his journey. Jack poured some cold tea between his lips.
"Cheer up, Percy, old boy, we are free now, and with luck and that
good fellow's help we will work our way down to Canton yet."
"I shall never get down there; you may," Percy said feebly.
"Oh, nonsense, you will pick up strength like a steam engine now.
Here, let me prop you against this tree.
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