The Savannah morning news., 1901-08-11
A DOZEN HANDS TURNED THE CART OVER ON ONE WHEEL

the greater part of it, while the little
princess kept vigilant watch. And when
evening approached again, and the
light faded from the gloomy building,
the three waited confidently for Chow
Yen. But he came not.
Late on the afternoon of the 18th a
sharp cry woke the lads simultaneous
ly and they sat up to find the ware
house hazy with pungent smoke-to see
the frightened face of the princess
looking at them over the silken barrier.
A dull, throbbing noise filled their
ears and a lurid glow was reflected on
the ceiling.
ITS another fire!" exclaimed Dan.
They climbed hastily to the nearest
window slit. and their courage was
hardly proof against the terrible sight
that met their gaze. The limited vista
to the north showed an unbroken sheet
OF flame and smoke, spangled with my
RAIDS of sparks, f1ecked with burning
brands and cinders. and shooting up
every few seconds into waves of blue,
purple and green fire. Nearby houses
were blazing furiously, and the confia-
grafton extended right and left as far
as could be seen.
II am not afraid to die" she spoke
heroically, but. for my fathers sake.
desire life. You will save me? Prom
ise!"
Alec looked at her with admiration.
We will save you" he answered.
There must be a way"
TT means certain DEATH" said Dan,
huskily, ito venture out. And 1t is
Death to remain where we are"
He was right. While Alec, with knit
ted brows and anxious face, pondered
what could be done in this terrible ex-
tremifV tho raYfd1V
from bad to worse. The roar and tu-
mutt increased. The angry flames,
tanned by a breeze, swept near
er and nearer. They licked the
walls of the warehouse, and
urid, forked tongues were darted
through the farthest window Sits. The
interior, as the hot, sitting smoke hung
IN Wreflths and pillows, was already
IKE furnace. The heat became I'M
oearable and showers of sparks danced
~ the shimmering atmosphere. Dan
orushed several from the girls bro
caded gown, and she chung to him with
choking, hysterical sob.
Another minute will suffocate u.s."
cried Alec. Let us try the ditch
creep through the water to the canal"
Come ONT" Dan exclaimed. ANY
end but by fire. And I've got a few
shots for the first ruffians who modest
u.s."
But they had delayed too long; II
was too late for flight. That slim hope
was suddenly frustrated by an inter-
upton which, strangely enough, they
mad taken no reckoning of. There was
noisy rattle of wheels and drumming
81 hoofs in the court yard, followed by
me changing Of an iron bar on the flag
stones. Then the double doors of the
warehouses were torn open and a mid
ue-aged Chinaman appeared on the
threshold.
II the fugitives were started by the
s"lft misfortune that had destroyed
sneir hopes of escaping unseen to the
SJch, the silk merchant-for such his
EIess proclaimed him to be-was equal
u frightened by his discovery. He
80 - rooted to the spot, his teeth chat
te'lng and his face turning to a sickly
gray hue, while the lads rose to their
teet and confronted him. Through the
open door a large cart was visible, and
q second Chinaman, doubtless a SER
1aht' was staring with dilated eyes in
70 the warehouse. from his post at the
heads of the two mules that were har-
Messed to the vehicle.
Kin the foreign devils, master" he
shouted. "Slay them, and gain the re-
Ward!"
The merchant whipped an ugly-look-
ing knife from his waist, but as quick
~, finding himself covered by Dams
rine his hand fell to his side.
Alec struck up the barrel of the lev
eco weapon. I'VE are not going TO
narm you, Sam Wong" he cried. I'VE
want to talk to you sensibly, but first
crop that knife"
Sam Wong obeyed, and just then his
servant attempted 10 slip OF W aEdeE