Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1901-03-13

him 1cttll q smile.
BILE depression seized me, and I'm
afraid my face showed It. Nothing
was clear. We were like children crop
ing in the dark. We were too much in
the hands of this carpenter.
II agree with you," said Jim, to
whom had expressed these doubts,
but 1t is fairly evident that without
him we should be more in the dark
than ever. admit that don't like the
fellow, but what of that? He is in the
same boat with us, and l believe him
to be shrewd and masterful man,
and he is absolutely necessary to us.
Beyond that do not trust him. When
the pinch comes. you may be sure that
he will fight only for his own hand.
Well. we can't expect more. Walk with
your hand on your revolver"
The entrance of Koon-Si, bundle
under his arm. here cut short any fur
tlier conversation. He was smiling
pleasantly and seemed In the best Of
spirits
II have spoken to my illustrious
cousin" he said, land he Is hopeful.
But we must move with caution. The
eyes Of Kung are everywhere"
"You have news?"
Nothing definite. But we have hopes
that Kung is still on his island"
"lf that Is So" said l, reverting to a
former idea. why does your cousin
not denounce him?"
"To whom?" asked the carpenter,
turning upon me with IN amused
smile.
why. to the authorities. Of course.
You say they would give much to Sc
cure him."
"True. But you must not forget that
Kung is the bend Of a society which
embraces all ranks. The very official
to whom you confided your secret
would probably be In the employ of the
very man you wished to denounce.
Then for you the end is not far off.
No; 1t is not in that way that Kung
shall be brought to book. We must
strike with our own hands, You are
prepared?''
Always" answered Jim grlmly.
You carry"-
"rhat which will send Kung hurried
ly to join his ancestors"
Good. You are brave men. Brave
men are dangerous. You have come far
10 KILL"
This was rather IN unhappy remark
and one ! am sure which neither Jim
nor appreciated. And yet that's what
II looked like. For what other reason
had we come? ! had no wish personal
ly to Kill Kung, and yet knew rather
than let him escape would bring him
down. But always had the vague sort
If hope that something would inter-
yene and that the law would ultimately
punish him for his many crimes.
Jim, however, evinced no squeamish-
ness. The deadly determination of the
man was shown In every look and
word.
Have we not good causeY he said.
AYE, many of us have good cause"
repeated the carpenter. .rhe sins Of
Kung must be paid for"
"Mark you, Koon-Si." said Jim. at is
written in our good book that there
shall be blood for blood, and so 1t has
been. and SO 1t shall be. And now, tell
us your plan"
Koon-Si looked steadily at Jim, and l
knew that the subtle brain of the Chi
naman was beating fast behind those
inscrutable eyes, but he said:
"My plan is this: This evening we de-
scend by boat to the island of Ching-hi.
We shall run down in half the time 1t
took the steamer to come up. But 1t
will be necessary for you to dress In
the native fashion, SO that you may
pass through the streets unobserved.
have the clothes here" and he touch
ed the aforementioned bundle. "You
can easily slip them over your own
things"
"And who goes with us2''
"Your boy, All Yon, and perhaps
two boatmen. Friends, you under
stand, who will wait for us in case we
have to retreat suddenly" He turned
to go and then came back with eau
tious finger uplifted. 81 am sorry te
add that your excellencies had bettel
remain within doors today. The eyes
of Kung are everywhere. 1t would moi
do for him to gain IN inkling Of your
esteemed presence In Hankow-would
not do, that is, for your excellencies."
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