not mistaken, that is the man you want," he remarked. "I think
it only fair to tell you that I know the fellow, and he is rather an
extraordinary character. Between ourselves, he does not bear any too
good a reputation."

"Oh, that doesn't matter to me in the least," responded Browne. "My
business with him is purely of a commercial nature."

After that no more was said on the subject, and, when they rose from
the table, Browne proposed that he should go in search of the man in
question. "I am anxious, if possible, to leave Hong-kong at daybreak
to-morrow morning," he said; and then added, by way of explanation, "I
am due in Japan, and have no time to spare."

"I am sorry to hear that," returned the other. "I had hoped you would
have stayed longer. However, while you are away, your friends had
better remain with me. I will do my best to amuse them."

Browne thereupon rose to take leave. His host accompanied him to the
street, and, having put him in a _ricksha_, told the coolie where he
was to take him.

"I am exceedingly obliged to you for your kindness," said Browne, as he
shook hands. "Will you not let me return it by asking you to dine with
us on board my boat to-night? She is the _Lotus Blossom_. I don't
suppose you will have much difficulty in finding her."

"I shall be delighted," replied the other. "At what time do you dine?"

"At half-past seven," answered Browne.

"_Au revoir_, then, until half-past seven."

They waved hands to each other, and Browne laid himself back in the
_ricksha_, mumbling as he did so, "Now for our friend Johann Schmidt."

CHAPTER XXI

Leaving the Club, the _ricksha_ coolie proceeded in the opposite
direction to that which Browne had followed, when in search of the
gentleman to whom he had presented the letter of introduction. At
first, and while he remained in the Queen's Road, there was but little
difference to be observed; the thoroughfare was a fine one, broad and
commodious. After one or two turnings, however, matters changed
somewhat, and he found himself in a labyrinth of narrow, tortuous
streets, the shops on either side of which were small and mean, the
names over the doors being for the most part in the Celestial
characters. The confusion that existed in the streets was
indescribable. Here the Mongolian was to be seen in all his glory.
But, in addition to the Chinamen, almost every nationality known to the
Asiatic world was represented; while t