Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-10-30

Of a man who was little likely to al
free will, in anything he might I'M
dertake. The mouth was firm, the
chin square, the eyes dark and well
set; moreover, he wore heavy black
mustache, which he kept sharp
pointed. His hair was of the same
color, though streaked here and
there with gray. His height was an
inch and a half above six feet, but
by reason of his slim figure, he looked
somewhat taller. His hands and feet
were small, but Of his strength there
could be no doubt. Taken altogether,
he was not q man with whom one
would feel disposed to trife. Unfor-
tunately, however, the word adven tur-
er was written all over him, and, as .
considerable section of the worlds
population have good reason to know,
he was as little likely to fail to take
advantage Of his opportunities as he
robbed him, or who had done him an
Ill turn. 1t was said in Hong Kong
that he was we'll connected, and that
he had claims upon viceroy now
gone to his account, that, had he per-
severed with them, might have placed
him in very different position. How
much truth there was in this report,
however, I cannot say; one thing.
however, is quite certain; If it were
true, he had fallen grievously from
his high estate.
When his meditations had con-
tinued for something like ten minutes
he rose from the bed. blew q cloud of
smoke, stretched himself, strapped
his valise once more, gave himself
what the sailors call a hoist, that he
might be sure his money belt was in
the door, passed out, relocked it after
him, and returned to the bar. There
he called for certain curious liquors,
smelt them suspiciously before using
them, and then proceeded delibera te ~
to mix himself peculiar drink. The
landlord watched him with an ap-
preciative surprise. He imagined him
self to be familiar with every drin k
known to tho taste Of man, having
rs this he had never encountered be-
fore.
What do you call it 2" he asked,
when the other had finished his prep
arationu.
II call il Help to Reformation )"
the stranger replied. Then, with a
sheer upon his face. he added: at
should be popular with your custom
ers."
Taking the drink with him into tho
veranda outside, be seated himself in
a long chair and proceeded to sip it
slowly, as if il were some elixir who's e
virtue would be lost by haste Some
people might have been amused by
the motley crowd that passed along
tho street beyond the veranda rails,
but Gideon Hayle, for such was his
name. took no sort of interest in it.
He had seen it too often to find any
variety in it. AS matter of fact the
mere sight of a pigtail was sufficient
to remind him of certain episode in
his career which he had been for
years endeavoring to forget.
1T doesn't look as If they are 90
ing to put in an appearance tonight"
he said to himself as the liquor in
the glass began to wane. "Can this
letter have been a hoax. an attempt
TO draw me off the scent? If so. bv
all the gods in Asia, they may rest as
sured III be even with them"
lie looked as though he meant il!
AT last he rose and, having returned
his glass TO the bar donned his topee,
left the hotel and went for stroll.
1t was bur short distance to the
hatbor. and he presently found him
sell strolIing along the several miles
of what have already described as the
most wonderful shipping in the world.
knowing the spo' where the British
India boats from Calcutta usually lie.
he made his way to it, and inquired for
a certain vessel. She had not yet ar
rived, he was informed. and no one
seemed to know when she might be
expected. At last, tired of his occupa-
ton, he returned to his hotel, and in
due course sat down to supper. He
smoked another cigar in the veranda
afterwards, and was on the point OF
retiring for the night, when two me n
suddenly made their appearance be-
fore him, and accosted him by name.
He Immediately sprang TO his feet
with cry of welcome.
II had made up my mind that you
were not coming" he said, as they
shook hands.
The old tub didn't get in until a
quater to nine" the taller Of the two
newcomers replied. when did you
arrive
This afternoon" said Hayle, and
for a moment volunteered no further
information. A good poker player is
always careful not to show his hand.
~ suppose this place is not full?"
inquired the man who had last spoken.
PULP" asked Hayle, scornfully. "It' q
full of cockroaches and paildsw. II
that's what you mean?"
1.-The best company we could posi-
bly, have" said the taller man. Cock
reaches and black beetles don't talk
and they don't listen At keyholes
What's more, If they trouble you, you
can put your heel on them. Now let's
see the landlord and see what he's got
to offer us in the way Of rooms. We
don't want any dinner, because we had
1t on board the steamer"
Hayle accompanied them into tbs