Conway replied politely. Only Mallinson had given no sign of his attitude in the face of these kind offers. Like Barnard, he had been suffering from breathing problems, but now, with an effort, he found breath to exclaim: “And afterwards, also, if you don't mind, we'll make our plans for getting away. The sooner the better, so far as I'm concerned.”

• Mallinson was happy to stay at the monastery for a few days.
• Mallinson was rude to the Chinese host.
• Mallinson worried that he would have to stay at the monastery.
• Mallinson was eager to organise how they would leave.