The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-07-05
CHAPTER vi.
BATTLING AGAINST ODDS.

BATTLING AGAINST ODDS.
BY daylight-or at least by the time
it must have been daylight outside
Miss Arnold was astir. She appeared
refreshed by her nights sleep, and
had lost some of the anxious, worn
look of the night before. The pallor
was gone from her face. I noticed
now, more particularly than I had be-
fore, how beautiful she was. I had
thought Miss Ralston the handsomest
girl I had ever seen, but my present
companion now seemed to me to be
even more lovely. Most truly: Cha
Fong had had assistants whose judg-
ment and taste in matters of feminine
beauty could not be questioned.
I greeted her warmly, and she re-
sponded with like friendliness.
I had already partaken of my rice
breakfast, and, at my request, Miss
Arnold ate some of the idols portion.
IL am glad that this is my last meal
of RICE" she said gayly. ''It is mon
otonous as steady diet"
"It is that" I replied. 81 would
give much for good meal of meat
and potatoes.
"I assure you that we shall have
one when we reach my fathers house
in Hong Kong. Why, what are you
going to do?"
This last remark was provoked by a
deprecatory action on my part, toward
the hideous idol. I tore the diamond
necklace off and put it in my pocket.
Then, by using some strength ana a
little skill, I loosened the finest gems
that were doing duty for teeth and
slowed them away, likewise.
"I may want these" I said, "when
T get on land. Ralston has the let
ters of credit, and if I did not find
him would be without means ofpay-
ing my way"
mot at ALL" she replied, indig-
nantly. my father will gladly furn-
ish oil the money you want.
II appreciate it, but diamonds are
good currency almost anywhere, and
there is quite fortune here. Now
S60 WudU GlSo L WALL
Gambok Smell was awake, and was
watching US furtively, with his little
meen eyes half shut. I spoke to him
once, but he was sullen and did not
answer. He had recovered some
strength, and now, with care, would
live.
appropriated Cha Fong's elegant
sword. Under his long silk robe he
wore a handsome velvet jacket-scar-
let, covered profusely with gold braid.
It was little stained with his blood,
but could not afford, just then, to be
too particular.
'I think this will about fit me-" [
said, as I rolled him over and took off
the jacket.
Miss Arnold stood watching me,
with an earnest, half amused look in
her eyes.
T put on the gorgeous jacket, and
then his cap, with gold button omit.
Then pulled the shiny boots off his
legs and put them on my own. They
reached to my thighs. With the gold
hilted sword buckled to me, was
dressed.
"There!" said 7, fastening the
sword-belt to my satisfaction. II
fancy must present quite formida-
BILE appearance.
"You certainly do," she replied,
laughing. "And you will make all
impression in Hong Kong, where the
rank denoted by the button and braid
will be recognized. You must take
them off before landing"
"What is the rank? Doyou know?"
"It's very high. Cha Fong was
favorite at the court of Pekin."
"Well, I may be favorite there
myself. Who knows? AS prisoner,
charged with the murder of Cha Fong,
I would, no doubt, receive great at
tention."
She shuddered and turned pale.
IT had not thought of that, she
gasped. "Why, you will be be-
headed" She seemed to be about to
burst into tears.
"I don't think I WILL" I said con-
fdently. Nor did I. "My first visit
in Hong Hong will be to the American
Consul. There will be no beheading
there"
lit is an awful thought" said Miss
Arnold, "and an eyewitness, too. "
She pointed to Gambok Smell, whose
face was impassive and cold. What
ever he was revolving in his mind he
did not allow to become apparent IN
his face.
I shrugged my shoulders. I had
my own plans about Mr.. Gambok
Smell. I did not think he would do
me much harm after once got out OF
him all the assistance could get.
Don't think of it, replied.
"Now we are ready to embark, shall
have to ask you to carry some things.
You may carry the rife and pistol,
and, if you cau, this bottle. Can you
manage it?"
Eyes, easily" she replied, picking
them up.
"Now, then, Gambok Smell, listen
to me-" said, with all the ugly
emphasis I could. II am going to
carry you on board the yacht. Your
life depends Oh your faithful obedience
to my commands. Do you under
stand?" He nodded sullenly.
very we'll! You are to explain to
the crew of tho yacht that we are
friends and guests of Cha Fopg's and
are to be taken at once to Hong Kong.
You can tell them they are to return
! then for their master. Do not think