Chapter 7 Summary

Gorth lets Dirk know that he is unhappy about the situation at the settlement. His father, Brock, had warned them and suggested they leave, but Dirk wouldn't hear of it. Now the Chinese have crowded into the square waving banners and lanterns and shouting. They estimate that there are two to three thousand people in the square calling for the death of the foreigners. Mauss wants to go and talk to the crowd but Dirk won't allow it. As more of the traders arrive, they find that no one knows what is happening. Dirk tells them not to fire into the crowd because, in spite of the gathering, the Chinese aren't harming them.

The men discuss the situation. Some agree with Gorth and want to fight; others agree with Dirk and caution restraint. They'll fight if they have to and Brock has a...