Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1903-02-13
CHAPTER vi.
BATTLING AGAINST ODDS.


1t must have been daylight outside
Miss Arnold was astir. She appeared
refreshed by her nights sleep, and
had lost some OF the anxious, worn
look of the night before. The pallor
was gone from her face. I noticed
now, more particularly than I had be-
fore, how beautiful she was. [ had
thought Miss Ralston the handsomest
girl had ever seen, but my present
companion now seemed to me to be
even more lovely. Most truly, Cha
Fong had had assistants whose ludg-
ment and taste in matters of feminine
beauty could not be questioned.
I greeted her warmly, and she re-
sponded with like friendliness.
1 had already partaken of my rice
breakfast, and, at my request, Miss
Arnold ate some of the idols portion.
81 am glad that this is my last meal
of rice," she said gayly. cit is mon
otonous as steady diet"
"It is that" 1 replied. 81 would
give much for a good meal of meat
and potatoes.
ST assure You that we shall have
one when we reach my fathers house
in Hong Kong. Why, what are you
going to do?"
This last remark was provoked by o
deprecatory action on my part, toward
the hideous idol. I tore the diamond
necklace off and put it in my pocket.
Then, by using some strength ana a
little skill, l loosened the finest gems
that were doing duty for teeth and
slowed them away, likewise.
81 may want these" said, "when
I get on land. Ralston has the let
tiers of credit, and if I did not find
him would be without means Of pay
ing my way"
mot at ALL" she replied, indig-
nantly. "My father will gladly furn.
ish all the money you want"
II appreciate it, but diamonds are
good currency almost anywhere, and
there is quite fortune here. Now
let's see what else 1 want"
Gambok Smell was awake, and was
watching us furtively, with his little
mean eyes half shut. I spoke to him
once, but he was sullen and did moi
answer. He had recovered some
strength, and now, with care, would
live.
I appropriated Cha Fong's elegant
sword. Under his long silk robe he
wore handsome velvet iacket-scar'
let, covered profusely with gold braid.
It was little stained with his blood,
but could not afford, just then, to be
too particular.
81 think this will about fit me-" ]
said, as rolled him over and took Oh
the jacket.
Miss Arnold stood watching me,
with an earnest, half amused look In
her eyes.
1 put on the gorgeous jacket, and
unen his cap, with gold button omit.
Then I pulled the shiny boots off his
legs and put them on my own. They
reached to my thighs. With the gold
hilted sword buckled TO me, I was
dressed.
.There!" said I, fastening the
sword.belt to MY satisfaction. 81
fancy I must present quite iormida'
BILE appearance"
"You certainly do" she replied,
laughing. "And you will make an
impression in Hong Kong, where the
rank denoted by the button and braid
will be recognized. You must take
them off before landing"
"What is the rank? Doyou know?'
cts very high. Cha Fong was a
fayorite at the court of Pekin."
"Well, I may be favorite there
myself. Who knows? AS q prisoner,
charged with the murder of Cha Fong'
I would, no doubt, receive great at
tention."
She shuddered and turned pale.
IT had not thought Of that" she
gasped. "Why, You will be be-
headed" She seemed to be about to
burst into tears.
81 don't think I WILL" I said con
fidently. Nor did I. "My first eisi
in Hong Hong will be to the. American
Consul. There will be no beheadine
there"
cit is an awful thought" said Miss
Arnold, sand an eyewitness. too,
She pointed to Gambok Smell, whos'
IL a