l that," Jack asked, grumblingly--for he was
getting hungry! "What's the use of all that if the Chinks sit out there
like blooming cigar-store images and never give a hint as to where we
are? We are likely to starve before the American ambassador can act with
success."

Hans rubbed his stomach protectingly.

"Empty!" he said. "I could eats a Schinks!"

"Eat one for me," advised Jack.

Sandy, who had been listening in silence to the explanations which had
been made, now asked:

"How many Chinks are there out there?"

"Army!" answered Hans.

This was discouraging, for, as has already been stated, the boys were
meditating a rush as soon as the city was astir. They did not
anticipate much help from bystanders, even if they should gain the
street, but they knew that such a ruction as they would be able to put
up would attract the attention of the authorities, and so bring the
matter before the courts.

While they talked the chances over, another breeze of trouble blew in
from the entrance tunnel. An argument of some kind was in progress
between the men stationed there.

Sandy moved forward to the mouth of the dark hole and listened. The
argument was being carried on in the language of the country, but now
and then a few words in English were heard.

"I tell you they got away, slick and clean!" the Englishman said, as
Sandy listened.

A mumbling of native talk, and then another sentence:

"And some one will be here directly."

Jack, who had heard the words, turned to Frank with a grin.

"Is that a promise or a threat?" he asked.

"I think our friends are coming," Frank replied.

"They can never find us in this hole," Jack complained. "Suppose we
make a little noise?"

"If they are headed this way, they know where we are," Frank said, "and
it seems as if we ought to wait for them.".

"I'll starve!" muttered Jack. "I could eat a fried telegraph pole, and
like it!"

"I eat since yesterday only plue sky!" Hans contributed. "My pelly
makes argument mit my konscience! But?"

Sandy sat dejectedly by the wall and said nothing. He knew that he was
still suspected of leading the boys into the trap in which they now
found themselves, and was studying over plans to assist them out and at
the same time establish his innocence.

It seemed to the lads that a whole day passed without a single thing to
break the monotony, but Frank's watch insisted that it was only eleven
o'clock. It was dark most of th