He made upward and downward motions
of respect with clasped hands in the blue sleeves, and presently, in
perfect English, he said:
"In one minute Li Choo will receive you. It is the moment of sacrifice.
You wish him to die for the death of Mazarine. So be it. It is right
for him to die. You will hang him; that is your law. He will not
prevent you. He has told the truth, but he is making the sacrifice.
When that is done you will enter and take him to prison."
The two constables standing beside the Coroner made a move forward, as
though to show they meant to enforce the law without any palaver.
The Chinaman raised the palms of both hands at them. "Not yet," he said.
Then he looked at the Coroner. "You are master. Will you not prevent
them?"
The Coroner motioned the constables back. "All right," he said. "You
seem to speak good English."
"I come from England-from Oxford University," answered the Chinaman with
dignity. "I have learned English for many years. I am the son of Duke
Ki.
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