And here I am on the road--in my turn--for China." "In this box ?" "What would you have, Monsieur Bombarnac ?" asked Kinko, reddening.

"I had only money enough to buy a packing case, a few provisions, and get myself sent off by an obliging friend.

It costs a thousand francs to go from Tiflis to Pekin.

But as soon as I have gained them, the company will be repaid, I assure you." "I believe you, Kinko, I believe you; and on your arrival at Pekin ?" "Zinca has been informed.

The box will be taken to Avenue Cha-Coua, and she--" "Will pay the carriage ?" "Yes." "And with pleasure, I will answer for it." "You may be sure of it, for we love each other so much." "And besides, Kinko, what would one not do for a sweetheart who consents to shut himself up in a box for a fortnight, and arrives labelled 'Glass,' 'Fragile,' 'Beware of damp--'" "Ah, you are making fun of a poor fellow." "Not at all; and you may rest assured I will neglect nothing which will enable you to arrive dry and in one piece at Mademoiselle Zinca Klork's--in short, in a perfect state of preservation!" "Again I thank you," said Kinko, pressing my hands.