rrived there, and having seated themselves, the admiral
ordered refreshments, and immediately plunged into the matter always
nearest his heart, now more so than ever.

"Since you have reported, Captain Frobisher," he commenced, "I take it
that you are ready for service at any moment."

"This instant, if you wish it, sir," answered Frobisher.

"Thank you, Captain!" said Wong-lih. "That is practically what it
amounts to. Your ship, the _Chih' Yuen_, is here now; and I would like
you to take command of her at the earliest possible moment. She is in
readiness to go to sea, with stores, ammunition, and men aboard--would
be at sea now, as a matter of fact, had we had an officer to whom we
dared trust her. And you, sir," turning to Drake, "are you willing to
accept service under my Emperor? If so, I can offer you a berth."

"Certainly I am, your Highness," replied Drake heartily. "Only, if I
may be so bold as to say so, I should like to be on the same ship as my
fr--as Captain Frobisher here."

"Say `friend', Drake," broke in Frobisher. "It was on the tip of your
tongue, and it is the truth. If a man who saves another's life is not a
friend, I do not know what else you would call him."

"Quite right, Captain Frobisher," said Wong-lih. "I like to hear you
say that. And as for you, Mr Drake, I can satisfy your wish very
easily, as it happens. The acting first lieutenant of Mr Frobisher's
ship is not fitted for the post, but he was the best we had at the time.
Now, if you choose, you shall replace him as first lieutenant of the
_Chih' Yuen_, and I will have your commission made out immediately."

"Nothing would please me better, my lord," replied Drake, with the
utmost enthusiasm; "and I assure you that you--"

"Very well, then," interrupted the admiral, who was plainly hard pressed
for time; "that's agreed. You shall receive your commission to-night.
And now, gentlemen both, although I am so busy that I scarcely know what
to do first, I must spare the time to give you a short account of the
state of affairs as it stands at present, since it is necessary that you
should have the fullest information to enable you--you in particular,
Captain Frobisher--to understand exactly how things are with China, and
how extremely critical the situation is. When you have heard what I am
about to tell you, you will be able to form your own ideas and plans,
and so be in a position to work intelligently with your brother
capta