The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-09-17

the possessors of no ordinary inteni-
| gence."
Jim passed this taunt He was in no
position to handy words with Knug,
who held the privileged post of master
OF the situation. But his eyes went
| toward the carpenter, and saw the first
| real shade Of anger darken his face.
who is that dog7" he said.
kung smiled again, an oily, yellow
smile that was sickening exasperating.
Koon-Si scowled horribly and took q
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 Is
Loo-Hi, and his revered father was Chi
Ii OF patriotic memory. For certain rea-
sons. however, he was called upon TO as
sumo the name OF Koon-Si, a very excel
lent carpenter who, instead OF keeping to
his trade, contrfved TO mix himself with
dangerous matters. The result was that
he died suddenly, a fate which overtakes
so many people who will not listen to the
dictates of reason. II therefore became
necessary to fill his place, for he had
been man OF some consequence In his
day, and as unfortunately the lamented
carpenter had an uncommon left nostril
I was forced to slit this honorable gentle
mans nose. But he bore II bravely. 1t
now having explained so much should
really like to know who you are and
what debt II Is / owe you for which you
would exact such heavy payment7"
My name is Carter" said Jim.
And mine Gray"
"Carter-Gray." repeated Kung. honor
ing US with doubtful look Curious I
have many very dear English friends"
this with an inconceivably malicious
smiles. but don't seem to recollect
either name. Are you sure that you re-
member rishtly-that terror has not dim |
med your inteliect?'
quite sure"
Nevertheless II Is very strange As a |
rule. know my guests. either personally /
or by repute, and 1 usually receive |
them with open arms. have the reputa-
ton OF a warm embrace. and, as you !
know. when a man has earned a reputa-
ton that Is In any way singular he con-
stantly strives to live up to it. However,
IL toward you 1 have In tho least fallen
short OF that hospitality for which I be-
lieve / am not unknown, I shall strive
TO atone for II later on. There
Is some one coming who knows many peo-
Pile who personally are unknown to me.
He will repsar and little omissions OF |
mine" He rose as II 20 go. then sudden
" sat again "Oh. by the way. II is some
little time since the carpenter set OF in
pursuit OF his anoestorsi May ask who
,ould have told you OF him."
Some one," said Jim, who remem-
oers that kung Is mortal like the rest of |
as"
AYE. to be sure. Only with this diff
erence, Kung is we'll served. Still IL |
matters not. He of whom I spoke will |
soon be here. Once 1 know for certain
Who my guests are. trust me to treat
hem as they deserve"
He rose again, and this time the heavy |
curtains fell before him. Then the lights
we're extingushed, n pattering Of feet fol-
owed, and Jim and stood alone in the
darkness
You are there, Jim7'
Yes, lad"
Then there was a silence between us |
or many minutes, and peered eagerly |
through the darkness. hoping TO catch a |
glimpse OF him, but the gloom was too |
profound. only the occasional rattling of |
IFS chains, the shifting from foot TO foot
md the hard breathing coming 10 tell me |
hat / was not alone. For the rest dark I0
hought and bitter regret were mine. and
knew enough OF Jim fully 10 appreciate
lis state OF mind. We had played and |
ost. and /, now more fataiistic thar ever.
allied utterly TO believe that we could | I
ave done other. II was easy now to see !
he madness OF trusting implicitly 10 I
he carpenter. yet not TO trust would :
ave rendered all our efforts futile. Who {
Tould have believed the man was | Z
- |
,rection we had sought out Koon-Si and =
is welcomee was such. as to raise I'm us T
opes OF success. He had realized all we :
'ere led 20 expect. even TO his physical |
and, though we might have n
cen more oircumspect. I failed 10 see r.
ow the end could have been ALFRED. a
Presently Jims voice reached me out s
the gloom. n
''can you sit at all7" n
mo" =
Same with me. Forgive me. Davlew n
'Dear Jim"
ay be swift" .,
low chuckle came from the far cor r.
n OF the chamber, and mingling with g. N
IL were, was the voice Of Kung r.
Fear not. The end shall be very
lift" a.
CTo be continuedD ~