"Extraordinary, most extraordinary!" the professor was repeating. Then,
when Mrs. Barbara felt she could bear it no longer, he went on to read
out the foreign letter.
It was from his son, Jinty's father, and told how his life had been
recently in grave peril. His house had been attacked by native rioters,
and he would certainly have been murdered had it not been for the
warning of a friendly Chinaman. Mr. Ransom escaped in the darkness, but
the loyal native who had saved him, paid the cost with his own life. He
was cruelly hacked to pieces for his so-called treachery. When the
rioters were quelled by a British detachment, Mr. Ransom's first
thought was for the family of his faithful friend. But it was too late.
With the exception of one tiny girl all had been killed by the rioters.
This forlorn little orphan was already on her way crossing the Pacific,
for she was to be housed and educated at Old Studley with Mr. Ransom's
own little daughter, and at his expense. Common gratitude could do no
less.
[Sidenote: Ah Lon]
The letter went on to say that Ah Lon, the little Chinese maiden, was a
well-brought-up child, her father belonging to the anti-foot-binding
community which is fast making its way throughout China. She would
therefore be no more trouble in the old home than a little English girl,
than father's own Jinty, in fact.
"Well, of course," said the Professor meditatively, "the heavy end of
the beam will come upon you, my good Barbara.
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