CHAPTER XX

A BATTLE OF WITS Li Fan's state of mind did not compose itself to any great extent after the pirate captain's departure. Like a caged tiger he paced the Hall of Audience, pondering over the situation. He had Annesley in his power. That was a great coup. He had lost Forsyth. That was a decided set-back. Should Forsyth regain the _Hermione_, Li Fan's position would be shattered. If, on the other hand, Tao Ching succeeded in recapturing the escaped prisoner, Li Fan could feel fairly safe from interference with h…