would be the right thing
for him to go with the strange visitors.

If, as he really believed, they had designs on his life or his liberty,
no better place or time for the test of cunning and strength could have
been selected. It was early morning, and the highway just beyond the
grove was never long vacant of travelers. Indeed, groups of five or six
were constantly in sight.

The travelers were Chinese, of course, and not likely to assist him out
of any difficulty into which he might tumble, still the fact that they
were there was something. Even conspirators do not seek audiences for
their crimes.

Besides, there were the marines. Ned understood that they would not be
permitted to enter the ruined temple in a body, but he knew that they
would be within call.

"What's your notion?" Ned whispered to the Captain.

"Go, and take me with you."

"Of course you'll go if I do."

"And what's the matter with me goin'?" demanded Jimmie, who was near
enough to catch the impression that Ned was going somewhere and was
intending to leave him behind.

"Perhaps the hosts won't welcome three," suggested Ned, in a whisper.
"Such people, like those who present communications from dead friends,
at a dollar per, like to work in private."

Jimmie did not wait to argue the question with Ned. As usual, his
answer was direct and to the point. He advanced upon the priests and
demanded:

"Will you take me along?"

The four regarded each other in perplexity.

"Come, now," urged the boy, "be good sports. Be good fellers, for
once!"

It was finally arranged that Ned, Jimmie and the Captain were to proceed
to the ruined temple with the four and there learn something of the
mysticism of the East! Ned was positive that the time for his test of
courage had come. Still, he did not waver, for he was prepared. The
marines were instructed to gradually encircle the old temple, and to
listen for orders from the inside.

While satisfied that he had now come to the turning point in the case,
Ned wondered, while on the way to the temple, if he ought to take the
risk, whether it might not be wiser to arrest the fakirs, strip them of
their disguises, and take them, by force of numbers, to the embassy at
Peking. Still, if he took that course, he would have no proof against
them--would not be able to connect the fellows with the conspiracy.

The only thing to do was to take the risk.

So, with a premonition of danger in his heart, he