Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1910-10-01

touched match TO his smoke his
glance caught the malevolcnt gaze Of
the mandarin.
Ling To Fey uttered few sharp
orders and the secretary motloned the
foreigners away from their stand be-
hind the table. Reluctantly they
stepped aside. careful That their backs
should be against suffered incur
tanned window.
The secretary opened n wide panel
4ln the bulkhead. disclosing a canopled
das on which was q eildcd ana inlaid
chair on either side " the chair
stood one Of the mandarin's rctainers,
splendid IN purple and silver ana bear
ing tall staff tipped with red feathers
\ low lacquercd table was placed be-
fore the dals and spread with cloth
OF golden tissue. Then the mandarin
slowly arose and mounted into the
chair Of state.
Sons Of dogs began the mandarin
politely, because am mcrciful ruler
shall give you nm opportunity 20 die
respectfully that your wrctched souls
may be afforded some solace when you
taste the bitter tortures OF the neither
world. | will grnciously permit you
TO drink cup Of poison instead of
having your heads cut of ms you de-
server'
Ponsonby loungcd forward and re-
moved his half consumed cigarette
from between his smiling lips.
Then the deal is off:" lie querled.
The mandarin frowned thoughtfully.
~ do not understand your meaning"
he said nj last.
The millionaire explained. Burnett.
his broad back pressed against the
window, felt the shutter give beneath
his weight. 4 little rush Of cool air
came in the opening. and with It came
distant sound that awoke every
sense.
Ling To Fey was speaking: THE
only deal that will be consummated be-
tween us tonight is that you will place
the documents that have been drawn
up. together with Mr. Ponsonby's
check on the Shanghai bank. on the Ia
Die before me"
And after that:" queried Ponsonby.
after that You may quar- the pol
soned cup" answered the mandarin
amiably.
Burnett over nj the window had man
aged to slip his handkerchief through
the crack NJ his back and wedge one
corner so that 1t tluttercd out into the
night. Then he came forward and
stood beside his companion.
Ling TO Fey's face was inacxible In
It's cruelty. place the check on the
table" he commanded
In unison the two Americans flung
the remnants Of their cigarettes on the
low table. There's what's left of It,"
said Burnett erimly
Before the mandarin could COM
mand the servants TO Kill Burnett's
hand shot up in the air with a ges-
ture.
"Excellency, listen. The cry OF the
spccter bird" he shouted
The mandarin seemed 10 shrivel in
size as he bent forward. one fat hand
raised TO his ear. his face pallid with
fear. The servants had paused as IL
frozen In their tracks. with their jet
eyes fixed In terror. arms untitled.
menacing destruction 10 the two men
at the window
Then out Of the night there came a
strange. uncarthly cry.
f.taf III .1
Burnett spoke In solemn voice,
though his keen eyes spanked hope
fully
Let all beware who hear the voice
OF the spectcr Bird Let them cease
what they are doing. make peace with
enemies. lest they die dreadful
death. Listen. excellency! II may
come again.
Then all AT once 1t did come again
In the very cabin Of the junk, and at
the sound Ling To Fcy's huge bulk
lifted up In the air with an unearthly
cry Of terror ana fell lifeless and
twitching on the floor before his dais.
dead from very fright.
Through the doorway there stream
cd file of American marines headed
by an officer, who lcaped forward at
the outstretched hands Of his fellow
countrymen at the window.
Just In time. ehf' he beamed as
they voiced their thanks. Good thing
you pressed MS into service ms body
guard Ell. Burnett? The Grayling has
sneakcd along in your wake for hours.
When the junk was wedgcd into this
creek we became suspicious that some
dirty work was up aud secuted One
by one we caught the fellows on deck
and put them into the dispatch boat.
Then one OF the boys saw your hand
kerchief at the window, and we work
ed the spectcr bird cry on them. Does
the business every tlmer'
Where are we now
THE Grayling is towing you down
the river. Another half hour and
you'll be in the city"
In the early morning hours in Pom
sonby's rooms nj the hotel the million
aire drew from his uoelaf tho mag.