The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1908-02-27
Thu DRAGONS
CLAW
By A. n. m artin

1t was evening and the lights were
piercing the shadows at the Sign of
the Rat Sing ChonS arose and placed
the sum of many winnings in the folds
of his garments. He had burned many
punks before the face of the great
god of fortune, and the Fates had
smiled upon him. So there was peace
in the heart of Sing Chong and many
yen in his pocket. 1t was too early
for the white smoke and Sirg Chong
glided into the night, stealing like a
shadow from wall to wall For it was
not wise for an honorable one to run
into the nets of sons of swine" as
sometimes happens when the honor
able one has won many yen.
And besides the white pigs" were
on his trail For had not Sing Chong
made much money from the sale of
the daughters of the Flowcry hand?
And it is ever the way of the white
devils to pry into the business of an
honest man.
AS Sing Chong fitted from shadow
to shadow, he deserted a man and a
woman walking in the street They
were of the white pigs" tribe, for
only they would wander lightly where
even the devils from the earth-pit
tread softly. They were in charge
Of Chinese guide, and as Sing Chong
recognized his features, a dark smile
lighted up his heavy face
Approaching the guide, Sing Chong
remarked that the woman was very
beautiful with hair like the finest Jet
Truly she was a prize, and Sing Chong
regarded her with a friendly smile.
"Hearken, first born of an ape" he
commanded, laying a claw-like hand
on the shrinking shoulder of the guide,
bring the strangers to the home of
Mother Ho Chow, and see that thou
do it safely, or | Will slit thy throat.
son of devil bag and he glided
into a nearby alley without pausing
for reply.
For few moments he pressed on
ward and then pausing at a window
from which beamcd green light
tapped thrice upon the pane. A sound
of shutting footsteps followed and the
door was opened by Chinese bag
who grinned evilly as her gaze fell
upon her visitor
Lister, Mother Ilo Chow" he said
rapidly, without greeting. soon will
man and woman of the white
snakes come to greet You All Lin
leads them by my order. As they on
ter ! will strike the man; to you Is
left the woman. If YOU do Jour work
well there will be many gold pieces
for you, and Wah Hotai will rejoice. ="
THE arm of lIo is strong, and her
stick cuts deep into the flesh" she an
sVered; thy white slave shall be well
taught. And the bars are strong"
ct is well. | hear their footsteps,
and the time is come. Greet them
softly and bid them welcome"
The bag opened the door in re
Spouse to the summons of the guide,
and welcomed them with a smiling
face and many words of pleasure.
Sing Chong crouched behind the door
In his hand duly cleaned a heavy
bar Of iron.
For an instant he watched, then as
the door closed he struck with sud.
den fierceness, and the body crum-
pied and sank at his feet. At the same
instant the bag sprang upon the girl
and hnrp har tIn OF
gagged her to stilc Tor cries. and
swiftly bound her wrists and ankles.
Mother Ho had not handled girls for
20 years for nothing With flying
fingers she stripped the jewels and
from her prisoner and
dragged her through evilsmelling
corridors to bare room Illuminated
by single candle And from it's
place on the wall she plucked a blood
stained whip.
Al the Sign of the Rat the white
smoke curled around the head of
Joss and the smokers breathed hcayi-
ly. Sing Chong drew gently at his
pipe and thanked Wah Hotai for his
kindness. And in the smoky haze
the god seemed to smile on him and
promise him much treasure for his
white slave. All Lin and the white
stranger were sleeping in the tran
quill depths Of the ocean. 1t is not
good that you share your secrets with
others. And Mother Ito was old If
she should die no one would trouble
about her 1t would be much better
than to waste shining gold ON the
spawn Of viper Sing Chong Stun.
bered with a smile upon his face.