Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1903-01-01
CHAPTER VI.


BY daylight-or at least by the time
it 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. | noticed
now, more particularly than | had be-
fore, how beautiful she was. | hal
thought Miss RalStou the handsomcst
girl 1 had ever seen, but my present
companion now seemed to re to be
even more lovely. Most truly. Cha
FonS had had assistants whose ludr
ment and taste in matters of feminine
beauty could not be questioned
1 greeted her warmly, and she re-
sponded with like friendlincss.
l had already partaken of my rice
breakfast, aud, at my request, Miss
Arnold ate some Of the idols portion.
Il am glad that this is my last meal
of rice, she said gayiy. ''1t is mon
otonous as steady diet. >
at is that" ] replied. 81 would
give much for n good meal of meat
and potatoes.
81 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 a
deprecatcry action on my part, toward
the hideous idol. / tore the diamond
necklace off and put it in my pocket
Then, by using some strength anA a
little skill, I loosened the finest gems
that were doing duty for teeth aud
slowed them away, likewise,
81 may want these" l. said, "whon
T get on land. Ralston has the let
ters of credit, and il 1 did not find
him | would be without means OF pay
ing my way"
Not at ALL" she replied, indig'
nautly. "My father will gladly furn'
ish all the money you want,
II appreciate it, bat diamonds are
good currency almost anywhere, aud
there is quite a fortune here. Now
let's see wha. else ] want.
Gambok Smell was awake, and was
watching us furtively, with his little
mean eyes half shut. | spoke to him
once, but he was sullen and did moi
answer He had recovered some
strength, and now, with care, would
live.
/ appropriated Cha Fong's elegant
sword Under his long silk robe he
wore handsome velvet jacket--scar.
let, covered protusely with gold braid.
1t was little stained with his blood,
but / could not afford, just then, to be
too particular
81 think this will about fit me" !
said, us | rolled him over and took OF
the jacket.
Miss Arnold stood watching me,
with All earnest, half amused look IL
her eyes,
/ PUT on the gorgeous jacket, an1
rnen his cap, with gold button omit,
Then pulled the shiny boots of his
legs and put them on my OWN. They
reached to my thighs. With the gold
hited sword buckled TO me, | was
dressed.
There" said /, fastening the
sword belt to my satisfaction. 81
fancy / must present quite formida'
bic appearance.
'You certainly do" she replied,
laughing. "Ana you will make an
impression in Hong Kong, where tht
rank denoted by the button and braid
will be recognized. You must take
them of before landing,
''What is the rauk? Doyou know
cts very high. Cha Fong was
favorite at the court Of Pckin"
"Well, / may be u favorite there
myself Who knows? As prisoner,
charged with the murder OF Cha Fong
/ would, no doubt, receive great at
tention.'
She shuddered and turned pale.
'I had not thought OF that" she
gasped. "WAy, you will be be
headed" She seemed to be about to
burst into tears.
"I don't think 1 will said con.
fdentIv. Nor did /. "Nly first visit
in Hong Hong will be to the American
Consul. There will be no beheading
there.
cit is an awful thought" said Miss
Arnold, "apd an eyewitness, too. ."
She pointed to Gambok Smell, whose
face was ingassive and cold. What.