of
it. The voice of the stranger was raised as though in anger or
altercation, while that of the Governor was pitched lower, in tones that
seemed to convey the idea of expostulation, entreaty, and apology.

There seemed to be a further altercation outside, the stranger speaking
in an angry, authoritative voice; then the lock grated harshly as a key
was inserted and turned, the door flew open, and a man entered, dressed
in Chinese naval uniform, or what passed for uniform in those days,
closely followed by the Governor, whose countenance betrayed a curious
mingling of ferocity, apprehension, and anger.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

FROBISHER'S COMMISSION.

The Chinese naval officer--who, Frobisher decided, was undoubtedly a man
of high rank and very considerable distinction--looked keenly about him
for several minutes, evidently taking in and forming his own opinion as
to the details of the scene which met his gaze. Then he stared long and
appraisingly at the young Englishman, who thought he detected the ghost
of a smile hovering about the new-comer's mouth as he again glanced at
the forms of the two assistants. Turning to the Governor, the navy-man
sharply addressed what seemed to be a series of questions to him. The
Governor replied, making what Frobisher guessed to be a long and
elaborate explanation. Finally, with a gesture expressive of anger and
impatience, excited apparently by the unsatisfactory character of the
Governor's explanation, the stranger cut him short and turned to
Frobisher.

"Sir," he exclaimed, touching his cap as he stepped forward, and
speaking almost as excellent English as the Governor's own, "permit me
to introduce myself. I am Admiral Wong-lih, of the Imperial Chinese
Navy; and I deeply regret that it should have become my duty to offer
apologies, on behalf of my illustrious master, to an Englishman who has
been unfortunate enough to undergo such treatment as you have suffered
at the hands of a countryman of mine." Here he turned and glowered at
the Governor, who bowed deeply, probably to hide the chagrin and
annoyance that showed themselves only too plainly in his yellow face.

"My name," returned the Englishman, "is Murray Frobisher; and I was,
some time ago, a lieutenant in the British Navy. I came out here for
the purpose of delivering a cargo of arms and ammunition to the Korean
rebels at a certain Korean town. Owing to the treachery of a native in
my employ, I was betrayed into th