Frobisher's watch--which he had been allowed to
retain, or which had escaped the notice of his captors--when they
regained level ground; and half an hour or so later the company came to
a halt, the litter was set down, and all hands, as Frobisher could see
by looking through the curtains, prepared to make a meal.

He was by this time beginning to suffer very severely from thirst, and
had about made up his mind to call for Ling and order him to bring some
water, when that individual softly pulled the curtains aside and stood
looking down at the prisoner with an expression on his face that
Frobisher found difficult to fathom. Then, seeing that the Englishman
was conscious, Ling remarked:

"Me glad see mastel open eyes again. Me thinkee once that mastel killed
dead."

"It is no fault of yours that I was not, you treacherous rascal!"
returned Frobisher, so savagely that the Korean involuntarily stepped
backward a pace. "If ever I get out of this and can get my hands on
you, I'll make you sorry for your betrayal of me!"

"Ah, mastel," exclaimed Ling, glancing apprehensively over his shoulder;
"no speak so loud. Listen. When you save my life this molning, me wish
velly much that me could wain you, but me dale not then--it too late.
But Ling nevel folget kindness of mastel; and me tly to savee you, if
can. But to do that me must pletend me velly glad you caught; pletend
me velly angly against you. Allee same, me not so leally; and me do
allee can fol you on q.t."

Despite his anger and pain Frobisher could scarcely refrain from smiling
at the quaint "pidgin" English, especially the phrase "q.t.", which the
man had evidently picked up from some Englishman, and of which he seemed
quite proud. But he sternly repressed the inclination, and looked
keenly at Ling, to ascertain, if he could, whether the man were really
in earnest in saying that he would help him if he could. The Korean now
bore the scrutiny boldly, and did not lower his eyes; and from the
expression of his face Frobisher felt almost convinced that Ling meant
what he said. If the fellow could be relied upon implicitly, he would
be simply invaluable, and might be the means of getting Frobisher out of
the clutches of the Koreans; whereas, without assistance, escape seemed
almost beyond the bounds of possibility. It was therefore in a gentler
voice that the Englishman said:

"Very well, Ling; I'll believe you. And, what's more, if you prove
yourself t