The compradore stood whispering: they had found the tunnel empty, because, he thought, the sappers were gone out to eat their chow.

"I bought chow, when all Saigong was full o' cartridges!"

After Fâ-hien set out from Ch'ang-gan, it took him six years to reach Central India; stoppages there extended over six years; and on his return it took him three years to reach Ts'ing-chow.

"It would seem to be advisable to call particular attention to what the Japanese mean when they say that they will return Kiao-chow to China.

"Sit down an' chow an' tell us what you know.