Hanging Waters by Keith West

JUST after noon of the next day the boat was tied up to the great stone wharf in the city of Kwei Sek. The usual crowd of ricksha coolies and labourers rapidly assembled, sensing work to be had for the asking. But Ming So, very much on his dignity, instructed the master of the boat to remain at the wharf until further orders.

-"You will keep this ill-mannered mob from trespassing on the boat which my unfortunate uncle has hired," he said. "As soon as I have consulted with the family, further orders will be sent to you. Until that time, do nothing. That should not be a difficult task for you." And with this parting shaft he stepped ashore, carrying in the black, shiny box all his belongings. He bore the box himself, for he dared not risk a refusal to obey orders on the part of any of the crew, and, in any case, the box was light. He hailed two rickshas.