Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-03-20
airs Of privilege. so that in time they

airs Of privilege, SO that in time they
come to 1T them as second nature.
| That this cody was one who had COM
claimed. There was, unless l erred
| greatly, keen brain behind those
deep set eyes. That square jaw and
| thin mouth proclaimed an indomitable
/ will and callous nature.
OF the men who surrounded him
there were three, and In spite Of his
change of apparel 1 Immediately recog-
nized the one on the right of the chair
as our esteemed friend Koon-Si, the
| carpenter. As his eyes met mine he
smiled, but without speaking, and no
longer doubted that the cody In the
chair was no less parsonage than the
formidable Kung, and again and again
my eyes went to him, and though at
last STOOD face to face with him un-
der such dreadful conditions I could
hardly realize that this was the man
who welded such awful power, who
had brought such destruction on me
and mine, whose image had pursued
/ AAS AAhS - III summary AOA bO lduy years.
That we had been betrayed was now
self evident, but how came Koon-Si,
he whom my father had entreated us
to join. to be on the side of the enemy ?
Tint he was only fool could no
longer doubt unless he was playing
a deep game. looked again, and
once more he smiled, but had a mis-
giving as to the correct reading of that
smile. If Kung was the father of evil,
verify believed that Koon-Si was his
own son.
And SO for some little time we watch
ed eacli other in silence. Silence SEEM
ed popularity Of these people, and
under such conditions 1t was really
nothing less than species OF torture
rendered singularly impressive. 1t
| gave one time to think when thought
was least welcome. But eventually
Kung waved his hand, and one Of the
attendants Immediately disappeared.
Shortly after the patter of bare feet
was heard, and presently two men,
leading third between them. entered
the chamber, and my heart gave q
great thump. was II Jim!
His head was enveloped in a cloth Of
some description. but as soon as he
was fastened in a collar like mine the
cloth was removed. and saw Jim's
face; but, oh. so dreadfully pale and
emaciated! He blinked at the light
for little while, and then his gaze
went slowly round the room. AS his
eyes met mine his face frightened up,
and he exclaimed, for all the world as
sincerely and earnestly as IL we had
been alive:
"Still alive, my boy! Thank Godg'
"Why do you thank GodY' said Kung
In excellent English, for SO the cody
occupant of the chair proved In very
truth to be. "What has he done for
you"
1t was very pertinent question and
one which It was not easy to answer
offhandedly with any degree Of con-
viction, but Jim replied somewhat dog
gedly. Because we are still alivey'
Truly that is something's small
matter. but something. Tell me to who
am indebted for the honor Of this
visit? How is 1t l find your exalted
excellency thus condescending to hon.
or with your illustrious presence my
contemplate abodeT
"Who are you that asks?' said Jim.
~ am known by many names in
many provinces" replied the cody,
with curious smile. "but have rea-
son to believe that Kung is the best
known Of them all.
$50 you are KungT
"You seem to know the name"
II know nothing good Of it,
"And yet you take all the trouble to
come from England for no reason that
can see except to pay me visit.
Strange people. you English. 80 good
and confiding! 1t is real pleasure to
deal with you. My estimable friend"
and here he nodded toward the car
penter. "has amused me greatly with a
relation of your meeting and your trav-
els. You came, believe, with the
charitable intention of,killing Kung7
Well, let me congratulate you on the
excellent chance you have Of accom-.
plishing your work"
He smiled most afrably, and Koon-Si,
taking his cue from the master. grin
ned decorously.
II admit" said Jim calmly, ''that we
have lost the first Set but the game is
not finished yet.
kung smiled. -For you 1 think It is.
never yet knew q man win game
once that collar was round his throat.