The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1908-02-07
A NOSE FOR
THE KING
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

III lie uOrHluS Cdlm OIL rNOESd, WACA
its peace and tranquility truly mers-
tied its ancient name. Chosen"
there lived politician by name Z:
Chin Ho. He was man of parts,
anc-who shall say?-perhaps in no
wise worse than politicians the world
over. But unlike his brethren in
other lands, vi Chin Ho was in Jail.
Not that he had inadvertently divert
ed to himself public moneys, but
that he had Inadvertently diverted
too much. Excess is to be deplor-
ed in all things, even in grating, and
Vi Chin Hos excuse had brought him
to most deplorabIe straits.
Ten thousand strings of cash he
owed the government, and he lay in
prison under sentence of death. There
was one advantage to the situation
ne had plenty of time in which to
think. And he thought we'll. Then
called he the jailer to him.
Most worthy man, you see before
you one most wretched," he began.
Yet all will be well with me if you
will but let me so free for one short
hour this night. And all will be we'll
with you, for shall see to- your adj
vancement through the years, and
YOU shall come at length to the di-
rectorship of all the prisons of Cho-
SEN
How, now?" demanded the jailer.
What foolishness is this? One short
hour, and you but waiting for your
head to be chopped off! And /, with
an aged and much-to-be- respected
mother, not to say anything of a wife
and several children of tender years!
Out upon you for the scoundrel that
you are!"
From the Sacred City to the ends
OF all the Eight Coasts there is no
place for me to hide" vi Chin Ho
made reply. Il am man of wisdom.
but of what worth my wisdom here
in prison? Were free, well know
could seek out and obtain the mon
ey Wherewith to repay the govern
ment. | know of nose that will
save me from all my difficulties."
nose!" cried the jailer.
"A nose," said vi Chin Ho. "a re.
markable nose, if l may say SO, a
most remarkable nose."
The jailer threw up his hands des-
pairingly. "Ah, what a wag you are.
what wag," he laughed. To think
that that very admirable wit of yours
must go the way of the chopping
block!n
And so saying he turned and went
away But in the end, being a man
soft OF head and heart, when the night
was well along he permitted vi Chin
Ho to go.
Straight he went to the Governor.
catching him alone and arousing him
from his sleep.
a Chin Ho, or I'm no Governor
cried the Governor what do YOU
mere who should be in prison waiting
on the chopping block?"
pray your excellency to listen to
me-" said vi Chin Ho, squatting on
MS hams by the bedside and lighting
MS pipe from the flrebox. "a dead
man is without value. It is true. T am
as dead man, without value to the
government, to your excellency. or to
myself But If, so to say, your ex.
ceiiency were to give me my free.
doTn--"
impossible!" cried the Governor.
Besides you are condemned to
DEATH" -
Your excellency well knows that
II can repay the ten thousand
strings OF cash the government will
pardon me-" vi Chin Ho went on. $50
as ! say, If your excellency were to
give me my freedom for a few DAYS
being man of understanding should
tnen repay the government and be in
2 position to be of service to your ex.
ceiiency. ] should be in position to
pc OF very great service to your ex.
celleney."
Have you plan whereby Won
nope to obtain this money?' asked
the Governor. D
= have" said vi Chin Ho.
Then come with it to me tomor.
row night; would now Sleep said
the Governor, taking up his snore
where it had been interrupted.
On the following night, having
again obtained leave of absence from
the jailer, vi Chin Ho presented him,
sell at the Governors bedside.
rs 1t you, vi Chin HOP" asked the
Governor. "And have you the plan o.
1T is I, your exce.lency," answered
II Chin Ho. sand the plan is here
Speak" commanded the Governor.
The plan is here,' repeated VI
Chin Ho, here in my hand"
The Governor eat up and opened
his eyes, vi Chin Ho proffered in
bis hand sheet Of paper. The Gov.