The Monroe journal., 1910-09-06

his bungalow trying 10 be content
in the knowledge that his enforced
rest from the daily grind Of his Hong
kong practice was proving very bene'
fetal 10 his health as well as TO his
projected book ON Chinese Temple
Ruins" And because the famous Len
ehuou temple ruins were in the neigh
borhood he had gone no farther north
than the coast town Of Ko-Nsan.
Within the jasmine draped veran-
da all was dark save the red glow OF
the doctors cigar Overhead the great
punkah fan swayed TO and fro, stirring
the air into refreshing GOODNESS.
A sampan bumped against the little
landing. and there came the slap-slap
of bare running feet on the ground
outside. then the gate in the garden
wall creaked slowly on Its hinges, a
shadowy form fitted up the path be-
tween the oleanders and flung itself
In a crumpled heap at the foot Of the
steps and somebody's long cue struck
the floor like the snap Of a whiplash.
"well. what's the matterT' asked
the doctor sharply. who is it?'
"The great doctors contemplate
servant whose honored father the
whine died away in a choking sob.
Or. 0smond half rose TO his feet.
"You are the Canton man who called
me TO town yesterday? Your father
is worse?'
NAY, the great foreign doctor cured
my revered father of fever" whined
the Chinese Nevis eye and an owls
membrane were OF no avail. but the
black medicine Of the foreign lord
brought my parent TO life.
II am grateful 10 the great physi-
clan. I would reward him generously
FOR saving my fathers life. | am
poor man, but l have knowledge that
may repay the great lord for his good
ness" wlined the Canton man.
IL want no reward, my man. | am
glad your father is better. Do you
want some more Of the black medi'
cineF
q. mo more medicine is needed. My
father is well and happy. The for
eign doctor is interested in the ruins
Of the temple in the walnut grover
Eyes,
ale has perhaps wondered what be-
came Of the sacred image of the God
dess Of Mercy whose fame Is on every
tongue, but whose face has never been
looked upon since the earth dragon
shook down the temple century ago.!
"By Jove, yes" The doctor leaned
forward eagerly.
HE has perhaps heard Of the price
less Jewels hung upon the sacred form
offerings from royal pilgrims Of many
ages. He has heard of the great EN-
erald that son OF heaven took from
bis royal brow and placed in the hand
Of the Goddess Of Mercy? The great
foreign physician would like to see all
these splendors and perhaps choose
some for HIMSELF"
"Your story sounds incredible, and
yet-can you take me to the ruins
now?"
Eyes. 1t is but few steps to the
walnut grove
"Wait. then. while l make ready
Still skeptical as to the truth of the
natives story, DR.. Osmond equipped
himself with cap and stout oaker
stick from the rack In the breast
pocket Of his white coat was another
weapon without which he never tray
eled In this country of doubtful
friends-small and heavy and shining
and very deadly looking when on
faced its muzze
The doctor lighted a paper Lantern
for the Canton man. and this, augment
ed by the white triangular ray iron
his electric pocket lamp, lighted thci
way through the garden to a gate II
the south wall that gave into tangled
field
On the farther side Of the field tn,
walnut grove loomed backly.
Under the trees the doctor and hi
guide picked their way among tn
crumbling columns and scattered
stones Of the fallen temple.
Suddenly the Chinese paused an
swung his lantern about with swift
circular movement, lighting up heap
Of broken rocks and columns, roug
and forbidding, Just as they had faller
He beckoned to osmond, and the lat
ter bent his back and followed hi
guide through an opening among tn
debris that grew larger as they ad
vanced. The ground sloped SUDDEN!
and be felt several stone steps beneat
bis feet. He paused while the Chimes
lifted slab of stone and then anothe
and motioned him forward.
"If the great lord will go on ahea(
his servant will arrange the openin
that we may have air."
Nothing loath, 0smond moved dow
three shallow steps and found himse
in a small chamber choked with debri
Before he could look around there wa
the dull clang of falling stone, and b
rushed up the steps only to knock b