CHAPTER XXIII

HARD AGROUND As soon as the three survivors of the _Chen Su_ were brought on board the _Hermione_, the unwounded pirate was subjected to a severe cross-examination. Wun Li, the messman, rose to the occasion nobly in his capacity as interpreter. It was a good thing, perhaps, that Captain Purvis did not understand all the blandishments and promises the wily Chinese messman showered upon his compatriot; but in a few minutes the scowling pirate was transformed into a smiling and communicative being. "He makee allee t…