Struan goes to the plaza and sees that a crowd has gathered around a woman who has been struck by lightning.
Struan orders his men to take the woman to the hospital and to bring a priest.
Struan speaks with the American consul, Mr. Hedge, and learns that the woman is an American missionary named Mrs. Horatio Sinclair.
Struan and Hedge discuss the situation, and Struan suggests that they keep the incident quiet to avoid attracting attention from the Chinese authorities.
Struan returns to his office and finds that Jin-qua has arrived with the silver.
Struan thanks Jin-qua and gives him the promised favors.
Struan and Jin-qua discuss the situation in Canton and the possible repercussions of the lightning strike.
Struan and Jin-qua agree to keep the incident quiet and to work together to maintain peace in the city.
Struan receives a letter from his brother Robb, who is in Hong Kong, and learns that the new governor, Sir William Longstaff, plans to evacuate the island of Chu-Shan.
Struan is concerned about the implications of the evacuation and decides to go to Hong Kong to speak with Longstaff.