Read "The Boy Fortune Hunters in China" by L. Frank Baum online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
Really, we had created a sensation in the summer-house. The three beauties were huddled together in a bunch as far away as the circling willows would permit, and with clasped hands and wide open eyes they were staring at us intently.
"Permit us to introduce ourselves," said Joe, in his most polite manner. "I am Joseph Herring, of America."
"And I am Archie Ackley, of the same grand old country."
"I am Sam Steele, at your service, ladies. Won't you sit down? " I continued. "Now that we are here let us tell you all about Prince Kai Lun Pu, and how he sent us to this place."
"Go away! " said Mai Mou, in low tense tones.
"Oh, no, we can't do that," said Joe.
"But you must," persisted the Pearl.
"Why so? " asked Archie, calmly seating himself at the table.
"You will be sliced if you are found here," announced Nor Ghai, with a dimpled smile, half frightened, half amused.
"Sliced! What does that mean, little friend? " I asked.
"You are bound to the plank and the axe begins at your feet and slices you thin until you are dead -- and long afterward."
"Oh, that's nothing," said Archie, contemptuously. "We're not afraid."
"If you care not to consider yourselves, then consider us," begged the fair Ko-Tua. "If you are found here we shall be beaten with bamboos upon the soles of our feet and cast into dungeons without food."
"Don't worry," I said, assuringly. "I will not allow the eunuchs to harm you."
"How can you prevent it? " asked Mai Mou, curiously.
"This is our authority," I replied, exhibiting the Prince's ruby ring.
"Oh -- h! " sighed Nor Ghai, gliding swiftly toward me. Then she knelt and touched the ring with her rose-bud lips, saying:
"It is his, Mai Mou! It is my brother's signet, Ko-Tua! We need fear nothing, I am sure."
"Then sit down and let's talk it over," I said, motioning toward the chairs.
Very timidly they approached, like frightened doves about to fly at the least alarm, and then they plumped down upon a bench all together, with their arms twined around each other for mutual encouragement.