He remarked that he did not know whether the English Government would help me, but I replied that they would certainly do so, otherwise the Chinese Legation would not confine me so strictly, but would openly ask the British Government for my legal extradition.
"My life," I said to him, "is in your hands. If you let the matter be known outside, I shall be saved; if not, I shall certainly be executed. Is it good to save a life or to take it? Whether is it more important to regard your duty to God or to your master?—to honour the just British, or the corrupt Chinese, Government?"
I pleaded with him to think over what I had said, and to give me an answer next time he came, and tell me truly whether he would help me or not.
He went away, and I did not see him till next morning. It may well be imagined how eager I was to learn his decision.
