"Isn't he a lad!" said the cabman admiringly. "Pair of lads, that's what
you are! By cripes, you are! Where are you making for, missus?" His
eyes, full of curiosity, were on the ship as a babble of voices rose.
"Listen, they've got ole monkey-face! That's him singing out now. We'd
better put our best leg forward for fear he comes after you."
"If he does I shall put him back again," she said; "we were going to the
Hotel Australia--but I don't think I'll take my husband there. I think
they mightn't like him. Do you know anywhere else we could go--a
house--where there are poor people who won't be rude to me about him?"
He thought for a moment. Then his face brightened.
"I know the very place, ma. It's quite near. The boss boozes, but Ma's a
good sort. She'll have a room, sure. It's all among the Chows, if you
don't mind that."
"Chows--what are Chows?"
"Chinese--Chinks--a good many white people won't live among them."
"If they don't object to us, I'm sure I shall not to them."
The next minute she was sitting beside Louis, but he was fast asleep.
"Louis," she whispered, shaking him gently. He stirred and muttered, but
could not waken. She stared at him in the passing light of the street
lamps. He looked so helpless, so much at her mercy. Quite unexpectedly
she leaned over and kissed the tip of his ear.
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