The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1901-02-11
MI heart gaze a great thump. Was
I,n3

JtWf
II handicaps him dreadfully. But no
doubt, since you are so venturesome,
you are man who has been accustom-
I'd to giving long odds. I fear, though,
that you are overmatched this time.
My good friend Loo-hi," here he nod
led once more toward the carpenter,
"however, depicts you as a resolute
man. Believe me, cordially welcome
such, especially when they prove, as
you have proved, to be the p0ssessors
bf no ordinary intelligence"
Jim passed this taunt He was in no
position to handy words with Kung,
who held the privileged post Of master
bf the situation. But his eyes went
toward the carpenter, and I saw the
FIRST real shade of anger darken his
face.
"Who Is that dog?" he said.
Kung smiled again, an oily, yellow
smile that was sickeningly exasperat-
ing. Koon-Sl scowled horribly and
took d step forward, but with a wave
Of his hand Kung restrained him.
"A very excellent gentleman and one
who has served me with devotion be-
yond all praise. His illustrious name
"a Loo-Hi, and his revered father was
Chilli Of patriotic memory. For GER
tain reasons, however, he was called
upon to assume the name Of KoOn-Si
q very excellent carpenter who, in
stead Of keeping to his trade, contriv-
ed to mix himself with dangerous mat
tiers. The result was that he died sud
denly, fate which overtakes SO many
people who will not listen to the die
tates of reason. 1t therefore became
necessary to fill his place, for he had
been d man Of some consequence in his
day, and us unfortunately the lamented
carpenter had an uncommon left nos
fril I was forced to slit this honorable
gentleman's nose. But he bore it brave
ly. 1t was all for the good Of the
cause. And now, having explained so
much should really like to know who
you are and what debt it is l owe you
for Which you would exact such heavy
paymentT'
my name IL Carter" said Jim.
"And mine Gray"
"Carter-Gray," repeated Kung, hon
bring lis with a doubtful look. Curl
Ous. l have many very dear English
friends" this with an incohceivably
malicious smile, "but don't seem to
recollect either name. Are you sure
that you remember rightly-that terror
has not dimmed your intellectf'
"Quite sure"
Nevertheless It IS very strange. As
q rule, know my guests, either per-
sonally or by repute, and l usually re.
ceive them with open arms have the
reputation Of a warm embrace, and, as
you know, when man has earned IL
reputation that Is In any way singular
he constantly strives to live up to it.
However, II toward you l have in the
least fallen short of that hospitality
for which believe am not unknown,
I shall strive manfully to atone for 1t
later on. There Is some one coming
who knows many people who personal
~ are unknown to me. He will repair
any little omissions Of mine" He rose
rs II to 20, then suddenly sat again.
rob, by the way, 1t is some little time
since the carpenter set of In pursuit Of
his ancestors! May l ask who could
have told you Of himf''
, "Some one" said Jim, "who remem-
bers that Kung is mortal like the rest
Of u.s."
, AYE, to be sure. Only with this diff
ference, Kung Is well served. Still, It
matters not. He of whom spoke will
soon be here. Once know for certain
who my guests are, trust me to treat
them as they Deserve
He rose again, and, this time the
heavy curtains fell before him. Then
the lights were extinguIshed, a patter.
Ing Of feet followed, and Jim and I
stood alone In the darkness
''You are there, JIM"
Eyes, lad"
Then there was a silence between us
ror many minutes. and l peered eager
" through the darkness, hoping to
catch a glimpse Of him, but the gloom
\ was too profound, only the occasion.
lal rafting Of his chains, the shifting
from foot to foot and the hard breath-
Ing coming to tell me that was NOT
alone. For the rest. dark thought and