The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-12-09
The COffin-Maker Of HangChOW.

any of the well-known or suspected
houses, We must find out which they did
visit"
Chi smiled almost superciliouslv.
Il am under the impression that even
thought of that
and what did you do?"
II set the law in motion, but discov-
cred nothing"
Are You sure?"
Well, nothing of any Importance"
These young men never dropped a hint
as TO where they played?"
81 know of none"
You have closely questioned their rel
atiyes?"
Closely"
"A most unpromislng business"
Most" he repeated, dolefully. I'm
fortunately for me, all these young men
were wealthy. OF course l kept the af-
fair under as long as / could, but the rela-
tiyes have at last taken the liberty of for
warding a petition to Pekin.'
And your friends are moving in the
natter"
He smiled grimly.
Yes
Poor Chi! 1t was not well for him that
the story of his incompetence should have
reached the capital. There were many
superior administrators waiting for his
exalted post.
My friend'' said I, "this is undoubted-
ly singularly interesting problem; but,
between ourselves, / see no reason why it
should not be solved
Then you have an idea?" he asked,
eagerly.
Perhaps have many. think I'll go
to bed and let them mature"
l had sufficient faith in Chi's intelli-
gence to warrant the belief that he had
gone thoroughly to work in his officra,
way. Taking this granted, also the fact
that the young men were gamblers, there
remained :he question-where did they
gamble? AS they never approached any
of the suspected houses, it was obvious
that they met in secret. Where was this
secret meeting place.
The next morning l donned my Chinese
dress, and with few skillful touches
added good ten years to my face. Then
l stole quietly down to the breakfast room
and patiently awaited the arrival Of the
Governor. Occasionally / heard his voice
as he sharply addressed his secretaries,
and knew that he was knee-deep in bust
ness. But presently heard him rise and
come toward the door, and when he saw
me his hrows clouded with annoyance.
Your business, sir?" he asked, sharply.
is with his Eycellency the Governor,
Chi-li-Ling'
This is not his Excellency's business
room-nor hour" he added, stifly, point
ing toward the door.
That is nothing to me-" answered,
coolly. Who are you that presume to
speak as one in authority"
His Excellency CHILLING" he an
swered, thinking the name would paralyze
me.
And l am his Excellency's very good
friend, Edward Clandon, the foreign dew
H." and laughed loudly in my natural
voice-if might be said to have a nat
ural voice.
He came close to me and peered into
my face.
so it is" he said, II know the eyes.
But it's marvellous. marvelous!" Then
he looked at me attentiyely, and a close
examination discovered some iafiritesi-
NAL flaws; but to the unsuspecting I was
really what / seemed.
/ was rather proud OF this test, for Chi
was shrewd man and knew me we'll, SO
went out into the streets, buoyant; with
in me was a presentiment of good for
tune. Countless strange places I visited.
L made many enquiries among all sorts
and conditions of men. Some led me on
with false hopes, others curled up and
looked mysterious whenever l preached
the subject. One had heard of a secret
gambling place where rich men went and
played fantan for large sums, while an
other even directed me there Needless
to say my patience and my energy were
exhausted in the vain search, and I was
returning disconsolately to my starting
place, ready to admit that the problem
was more difficult than ever. when some
thing happened which gave a fresh zest
to my endeayours.
Aimlessly wandering along the street, 1
loitered for a moment to inspect the
wares in an adjacent window. and as |
did so two men met in the roadway be-
side me and at once INDUCED in the usual
AS they spoke we'll, and
were evidently of the better class, stole
a look at them out of the corner of my
eye; upon perceiving which one said to
the other, Il am in great hurry now,
but / will see you tonight at the coffin
makers"
Agreed was the reply. and then he
who had spoken first bowed and walked |
swiftly away.
The other surveyed me somewhat in |
snlently, l thought, and then he, too,
turned upon his heel. He was rather n |
goodlooking young fellow, with the |
flushed face of the immoderate liver |
His friend seemed gentleman Of similar |
procliviies.
watched him out of sight; watched
him as one watches the sea- the sun the |
sky-that is, with no particular object,
and yet with 4 vague. indefinite interest.
Then / went slowly after him. repeating
to myself: Il viii see you at the coffin !
MAKERS" At first the words were vi, h /
out Significance; then they seemed rather
comic; then their singularity struck me-
the young man with the flushed
face became intensely interesting. Why
should two young gentlemen meet at
night at a coffin makers?
The query urged me forward at rapid
pace, but when / reached the turning
down which he had disappeared there
was neither sight nor sign of him. Ours
ing my own stupidity, hurried forward,
and. arriving at the end of the street, |
stood for moment undecided to turn to
the right or to the left. On the right an
alley-way presented itself; on the left
the street was wider and / knew that
presently 1t debouched upon one OF the
main thoroughfares. Which should l
take?
Fortunately was not called upon for a
speculative decision. for at that moment,
upon LOOKING up the alley-Way, | saw the
young man with the flushed face emerge
rom door and come toward me. Think-
ng l might be recognized, ! moved 10
the other side OF the road and glued my
ACE to 4 window; but he came swagger-
ng along as though oblivious of the ex-
stence of anything but his own sublime
To follow such a man was
l task requiring neither cleverness nor
,aution. l saw him enter IN eating
house, and there / left him, doubling not
hat might still expect t. find him there
Ia In ha h6i,