Chapter 28 Summary

Richards does not want to be seen with Conklin as they approach Victoria Peak and Conklin agrees, provided Richard serves as a covert "inside man." The British are sure to "cover their colonial asses." Conklin gets out down the road and walks to the mansion, where he demands to see Havilland and McAllister, threatening to camp out until he is admitted. They assume Conklin knows whatever Marie does, but that is limited. Conklin has untold resources in Asia to call into play. When they hear he has started a fire that will anger the neighbors, they relent and let him in. Conklin refuses to shake hands, for fear of "rotten joss." He tells them about the ghastly death he has just witnessed, and they are relieved only Staples, not Marie, is the victim. McAllister is frozen with fear, but Havilland orders Conklin to...