Hoo Chack grew a shade paler.

I fancied he had a knife under his white shirt; in fact, he felt around for it.

I said, "Hoo Chack, go away, I will talk to this man." I opened the front door.

"Come with me" (to the tax-collector); "we will ask the commanding officer about this matter." My heart was really in my mouth, but I returned the man's steady and dogged gaze, and he followed me to Captain Corliss' quarters.

I explained the matter to the Captain, and left the man to his mercy.