Errington took the envelope, and shook hands with his friends, in the confusion of utter amazement. He laid the envelope beside his plate, then rose with the impulsive haste so characteristic of him, walked round the table, and clasped the hand of Mr. Ting.
"Forgive me, sir. I don"t know what to say. You and the Mole are the best friends any man could have, and--and----"
He could say no more.
Lying wakeful that night, Errington thought over the past, and looked humbly into the future. What was he to do with this fortune which the love of a father and the loyalty of a friend had secured to him? Before he slept he had made up his mind. Mr. Burroughs was a sound, plodding man of business; not wealthy; unable to develop his business for want of capital. What better could he do than invest the money with him, as the price of a partnership? He knew his own capacity; he had never a doubt that the work he could put in would justify itself; and if only Mr.
Burroughs would consent, Errington was sure that the future would prove the wisdom of his step.
So it fell out. The style of the firm became Burroughs & Errington.
The two younger partners managed jointly the branch at Sui-Fu, and the business grew by leaps and bounds. Their friendship was never clouded by the least shadow, though in course of time Burroughs declared one day in jest that his nose would soon be put out of joint--when Mrs.
Errington appeared on the scene. Lo San looked forward to this event with the most ardent approval, for when "Ma.s.sa Bullows" left the house, he hoped to see the last of Chin Tai.
One day, Chin Tai announced a visitor. "Velly big fat China fella, sah,"
he said, with a gravity behind which his master detected a sly amus.e.m.e.nt "inside."
"Show him in," he said.
The door opened to admit Chung Pi, bigger and more prosperous-looking than ever, and--what was this?--actually sporting a mandarin"s b.u.t.tons.
He greeted Burroughs with great heartiness, and a touch of the self-importance that beseemed his new rank. After complimentary salutations, he addressed Burroughs in a speech of some length, not giving Chin Tai time to translate as he went along.
"What"s it all about?" asked Burroughs, when he came to an end.
"He say he tank hon"ble genelum velly muchee. No can tink what fo" he belongey flend one time that mislable olo outside fella Su Fing. He velly big glanty[#] fightee man; empelor say he muss wailo catchee Su Fing, fightee bad fella all plopa. Chung Pi he go makee what empelor say, catchee Su Fing Cheng Tu side, killum tousan hantun bad fella, hab catchee topside b.u.t.ton allo lightee. He say he hangee on tailo booful hoss--booful!--booful!"
[#] Grand.
HERBERT STRANG"S ROMANCES OF MODERN INVENTION
ROUND THE WORLD IN SEVEN DAYS. 3/6
"The most stimulating, as it is certainly the breeziest he has ever given us."--_Observer_.
KING OF THE AIR;
or, To Morocco on an Aeroplane. 2/6
"Much the best book of its kind now in existence."--_Manchester Guardian_.
"The flights of the airship and final rescue of the imprisoned diplomat are brilliantly told."--_Journal of Education_.
"The story goes with a fine zest and gusto, and few writers have known as well as Herbert Strang the exact proportions to allow of amus.e.m.e.nt and information."--_Bookman_.
LORD OF THE SEAS:
the Story of a Submarine. 2/6
"Mr. Herbert Strang has struck a new vein with remarkable success, and has narrated a series of exciting adventures in the South Seas in an effective and admirably sustained tone of humour."--_Notts Guardian_.
"A rattling good story, full of life and go."--_Record_.
SWIFT AND SURE:
the Story of a Hydroplane. 2/6
"A grand yarn about a hydroplane, in which Mr. Strang shows that he is a new Jules Verne."--_Hearth and Home_.
"The excitement increases from chapter to chapter."--_Literary World_.
THE CRUISE OF THE GYRO-CAR:
A Story of Adventure in Albania. 2/6
"One of the most readable motoring books we have ever handled. It should have an enormous sale."--_The Road_.
HENRY FROWDE AND HODDER & STOUGHTON