The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-08-30

cretly armed. The Tartar governor or
the capital was one of the vevoiutionists
he would open the gates: the rest was
easy The imperial family were to be
put TO the sword. wiped out root and
branch-the only way 10 prevent trouble
with pretenders I'm the future. The popu-
lace. once assured OF the end OF the Msnt-
choo dynasty, would rally 10 the new
order OF things
'As kung deliberately unfolded this
gigantic scheme, which from time 10 time
was met with 'wah' OF approval from
his listeners. I thought that he ad-
dressed more OF his remarks 10 me per-
sonally than i cared TO receive. Round
and round the stolid faces Of his council
wandered his piercing eyes. but as 1
came within their radius they seemed
to fix and glitter into mine tried hard
TO think that this was only fancy, that he
paid no more attention TO mo than TO
others present. but my instinct had not
erred. Kung had accented some OF his
remarks especially for my benefit.
After he I'm no ambiguous language
had outlined the principal features OF
this gigantic scheme some whispered con-
versation took place between the leaders.
and to my gradually increasing ldismay
saw that their looks were constantly CEN
tering upon me. Then after a few pre-
liminary remarks kung disclosed the part
was to play In the conspiracy.
The success or failure OF their plans
rested upon the attitude OF Lowan, the
taotai or chief magistrate Of the capital.
q vigiiant guardian, an incorruptble Of
ncial. He had already been approached.
the result OF which was that the would
be corrupter was now languishing In
prison. Therefore Lowan had TO be sup
pressed, and. 70 mako very long story
short. I had been chosen by the council
az the instrument OF Its vengeance. 30
far. as Kung explained with rather a mis-
chievous curling Of the mouth. thought,
I had not been called upon TO prove my
loyalty to the cause. Not that II was ever
doubted-this he explained quite readily
but this was an undertaking which re-
quired clear brain and a hrm hand. and
the council had done me the honor OF In
trusting me with this most important
mission.
II listened steadily enough. but my
heart was black with rage What state
my folly had brought me TO. 1t was one
thing to give the cause my moral sup
port, another to go and commit deliberate
murder. But the fat had gone forth, and
/ knew that those yellow devils would
give me short shift II I svinced the least
sign OF hesitancy. Therefore I at once
proclaimed my willingness to obey the
behest of the council and further declared
that they had overwhelmed me with
honor. Who was /. foreign devil.
barbarian. that should be intrusted with
this glorious mission? II was incredible
that I should be singled out for so much
honor. The knowledge OF their belief in
my loyalty was sweeter 10 my heart than
honey to the lips. II was preferable 10
the possession Of the ten thousand blsss-
ings which for tho virtuous are laid mp
In heaven.
Sounds OF appreciation greeted this
graphic illustration or my modesty. II
was 'wah' and ugh again. for
though to western ears such
western ears such compliments would
compliments would sound inflated
Chinama3 the polite currency Of every
day usage. But Kung. who knaw English
anc much OF western ways, looked at
rae In a manner which left no doubt In
my mind as to how much he valued my
pI Iotsstations. But he was cunning
fisnd. and any tool was good enough for
him TO work with.
"whsn I left the assembly that night.
I carried with me my whole plan of
action, q plan carefully const rioted by
Eung himself was to proceed 10 Pe-
king without delay and kill Lowan. Once
the society was assured Of hts death. and
this nheant that .hey must have tansil'.e
prof. the march on the ;api al wc..lj De
attempted, Kung gave me to understand
4 lily rewarded and that I should nat b
called Upon TO act again. Fla even heid
out prospects, OF my retiring 70 England
en- "A competent fortune. Those who
fought should share the spo..s OF victory.
FL went back to my ship feeling the
most craven and contemplate hound IN
the universe, and had II not been for
some one on the other side Of the world I.
I might have ended the bad business
there and then by blowing out my brains.
When In my folly had mixed myself up
with these people, never dreamed of
being chosen TO do such work as this I
was down on my luck. and they had put
money In my way, and, though perhaps
possessed of n somewhat philosophic sor-
science. believe mo i was never entirely
devoid Of what good people call scruplss.
Now, / knew this thing he'd 20 be.
There was absolutely no way OF escaping
IT, The society wac ell powerful; its Will
must be obeyed. Flight was not to be
thought of. I knew that henceforth every
movement OF mine would be watched and
duly reported. Any sign OF waverrg. any
suspicion Of double dealing, and my days
would be short IN the land.
And yet I could not murder. / am
we'll aware tnat many strange tales have
been told OF Bob Kingston, but no one can
ever cay that he struck a man in the
dark. II he did things he never cared TO