The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-08-02

n CeTLdlu sOl VI SiuP Pio aAeSt~N
produced, some even now in existence
showing the quaint simplicity of the
people. Commerce had become es-
tablished. We hoped that Talmooch
would make name for itself among
the smaller nations. But there was an
evil day in store for us.
"The greedy and covetous eye of
the Chinese fell upon the beauties OF
Talmooch. You mayor you may
not-understand the governmental
system of China. To be brief, the
Empire is now under the rule OF the
Mantchoos-a province of northern
China The Emperor has been called
OR was, when I was of the world-a
progressive man, but my experience
here has led me to believe that greed
and cruelty are about all there is to
the Chinese religion. A cousin of the
then ruling family was governor OF
one of the eastern provinces. This
mans name was Hen-Ko-Hl. 1t was
said that he fell in disgrace with the
Emperor, and to restore himself to
favor, he set out to conquer some new
land and thus enrich his royal cousins
exchequer. At any rate, twenty years
ago, this monster Hen-Ko-Hi swooped
down upon our little island and
brought death and desolation with him.
ct cannot begin to tell you of the
monstrous cruelties and awful bar
barities practiced by Hen-Ko.Hi and
his followers. The ruling family at
Quiental, who were Kaleks, were all
put to death. The men of Talmooch
were ruthlessly murdered. The women
we're treated in the most brutal man
ner. Some of the women of the
Jumars were very beautiful. These
were taken away. A government was
established which was similar to that
of tributary province of China-in-
dependent, save that it contributed
largely to the maintenance of state at
Pekin. Hen-Ko-Hi proclaimed him
self governor. He set up his court at
Quiental. He appropriated the palace
of the former king. He prevented any
intercourse between the people of Tai
mooch and other lands. He levied
taxes that were excessive. He prsc-
ticed all sorts of outrage.
"My own dear wife was taken by
this hated monster. All, American,
you can appreciate my sorrow-my
grief-my hate. Pardon these falter-
ing words-these tears of an aged
mourner. Yes, the blasphemous hands
of the scoundrel fell even upon my
wife, and she was taken to Quiental.
I heard afterward that she put herself
to death rather than submit to the in
dignities heaped upon her"
The old man was weeping. Miss
Arnold had buried her face in her
hands and was sobbing. The blood
boiled through my veins. I felt that
I would like to take shot at Gov
ernor Hen-Ko-Hi.
The sad memories he had aroused
seemed likely to put an end to the
missionary's story. I waited q short
time, and as he did not proceed I spoke
to him.
"But why do you remain here now,
Mr.. Avery?" I asked. care there
not happiness and forgetfulness for
you in England?"
A bitter smile played around his
mouth.
"Crickmore," he replied, "when
you have felt the sorrow I have felt,
you will also feel morbid pleasure in
remembrance. But be that as it may,
I could not leave, even if I would.
For twenty years there has been no
opportunity to escape. So severe is
the penalty here for any apparent
effort to defeat the objects of the gov
crnment, and so complete is the sys-
tenn of espionage established by Hen
Kohl, that not one soul of US has
ever been able to escape. We can die;
that is all. And my time will soon
come. I am far on the pathway now.
What matters it?"
"But of your arm. Is that, too, a
testimony of Hen-Ko. His cruelty?"
AYE, even this poor old frame
has many times felt the might of
his royal wrath. Crickmore, I
have died thousand deaths.
I have stood with this arm
in fire, praying to God that my soul
be released from the tortured body.
But it is His will that should endure
yet little longer. When He pleases,
+ am ready"
"What was your punishment for?"
I asked.
"Nothing. Hen-Ko-Hi is hater of
all Christians. He tortures them and
kills them. No European could escape
death or torture at his hands. I have
known him, when [ was suffering the
awful torment he put upon me, to call
his officers, that they, too, might en-
Joy the inspiring scene of an old mans
tears. Ali"
"The fend! He is devil, not a
mani" I said tiercely.
Miss Arnold was low weeping as If
her heart would break.
"Oh, what will become of US? What
can we do?" she cried.
There was no answer. Mr.. Avery
sat with his chin buried in his unin-
jured hand, his thin lips working con
vulsively, his eyes bent on the ground.
I mused sadly upon what he had told
us. In truth, our troubles seemed
only to have begun.
At length the old man rose to his
feet, and placing his hand on the fair
head of my sweet companion, said:
"Crickmore, listen to me. I am an
aped man. I have suffered much. NV