ich has nothing to
do with Len Yang. But"--he threw away the half consumed
cigarette--"you have made a mistake, Kahn Meng. The first matter to
settle is the more important one of identity."

"Take me just as I am," pleaded Kahn Meng earnestly. "We have one
desire, I know, in common--to clean up that horrible city! You have
visited Len Yang. You know the wretched condition of the
miners--slaves, poor devils. Perhaps you have seen them at nightfall
coming from the shaft, dripping with the blood-red of the cinnabar,
starving--blind!"

"I have seen all that," agreed Peter, grimly.

"Ah! But are you acquainted with that man's methods? Do you know that
his corrupt influence has extended into every nation of Asia? His
organization is more perfect than any eastern government. His system
of espionage puts those of Japan and Germany to shame! You must know!
You have encountered his underlings. Oh, I have heard of the Romola
Borria affair. Your escape was masterly! I believe you astounded him."

Kahn Meng paused and puffed long at his cigarette.

"Think, Kahn Meng, what might be accomplished," said Peter fervently,
"if the power he wields, that tremendous human machine--hundreds and
thousands of men--were devoted to the proper ends! Think what could be
done for China!"

Kahn Meng turned quickly. His eyes seemed to shine above the ruby glow
of his cigarette.

"I wanted you to say that!" he exclaimed, enthusiastically. "The thing
has been in my mind for years--ever since I was a child! We can do it!
We can!"

"Yet one thousand men cannot enter Len Yang. It is a fortress."

"There is another way into Len Yang--by the mines. It cuts off three
days of the journey. I remember it as a child. Tremendous black
ravines lead to the entrance from the merchants' trail, and the opening
is so small that you could pass it a thousand times without suspecting.
Will you accompany us, Peter Moore--Naradia and I and our followers?
We leave at dawn." He waited anxiously.

Peter shook his head regretfully. The song of adventure was musical to
his ears, but he could not leave with Kahn Meng in the morning. There
was Miss Lorimer--in Kialang.

"I cannot leave Ching-Fu until to-morrow night."

"That will be as well, perhaps," assented Kahn Meng after a moment's
thought. "We will rest for the night in the Lenchuen Pass. It is to
the right of the black road. My sentries will be watching for you."

CHAPTER XI