CHAPTER XIX

IN THE CLUTCHES OF LI FAN Tao Ching was in high spirits. He was firmly under the impression that he had effected the recapture of Li Fan's former prisoner, Forsyth. The latter's escape had been reported to the Deputy-Governor of Nan-ngan by some villagers who had seen him in flight. Li Fan, who hitherto had shared in the belief that Forsyth had perished when part of the prison collapsed, was thrown into a state of consternation at the news. He feared the consequences should Forsyth succeed in getting away and re…