knew that any demand for the man's release might only lead the authorities to put an end to him speedily, as was done in the former case above mentioned, I determined to proceed to fetching myself without delay so as to take the authorities there by surprise, and either startle them into giving the man up to me quietly before they had time to review their position, or failing that to force my way to the prison, and remain with him till I could get further assistance from Hong Kong.
On my way home across the harbour I prepared for the journey, weighed the pros and Tires; and it occurred to me that it would be desirable to have in company a boat that could not be stopped from returning to Hurry, if I wished to send one back.
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But having only a Chinese crew could only be detained at Fatshan by the Chinese authorities if they chose to prevent any communication from reaching Hurry. I accordingly mentioned my projected journey and its object to Capt. Courtenay and asked him if he would send a boat in company with mine. At first he hesitated: but finding that I was going in any event, he finally agreed to send a boat upon my formal requisition, with the understanding that his men were not required to leave their boat. I accordingly made an application to him, a copy of which I enclose.
I arrived at Fatshan some time after dark, and secured a Chinese boat...