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


The most powerful mandarin In north
west China Ling To Fey. n massive
bulk Of flesh. was gorgeous in blue
brocade.
At his right hand sat Luke Pom
sonby. millionaire promoter of mining
Industries. HIS attorney and friend,
John Burnett. sat at the left OF the
Chinese potcntate.
The attorney knew II required del
icatc approach Of the crafty and su-
perstitious official, but after many
weeks Of skirmishing he had brought
together the two principals in the
transactions. The evening on the junk
was the result.
81 presume your excellency." said
Burnett, SIS prepared 10 close this mat
ter now. All that remains Is for YOU
10 sign this agreement and give Mr.
Ponsonby receipt for his check. which
covers onc-half of the agreed amount
The remainder viii he paid TO you at
the expiration Of Your term Of office,
when the matter may he made public"
"ouite true" murmurcd Ling To
Fey In his slow English words. 81
shall he pleased to discuss the matter
when my secretary appears. Mean
while we will enjoy the entertain
ment."
He clapped his hands. and a moment
later wide easements were thrown
open. revealing the flower boat along
side keeping pace with the junk's lei
surely progress The lanterns in the
cabin were extinguishcd. and the three
men gathered about the window TO
witness the spectacle.
Burnetts eyes seemed 10 pierce the
darkness beyond the lighted boat. His
compelling glance seemed to demand
reinsurance from something that
should be near at hand. aud n vague
anxiety crept into his watching face
as no sign appeared.
His eyes finally wandered TO the
massive head Of the mandarin behind
whom he stood. The glowing ruby in
the white velvet cap seemed 10 pulsate
with some strange emotion.
After awhile the mandarin clapped
his hands. and the SingSong boat drop
ped astern and was seen no more.
As the windows were closed and
lights nared forth Ponsonby drew out
his watch. The hour grows late. cx-
cellency. We wish to return to Shang-
hal before midnight" he drawlcd
The mandarin smiled hlandly. His
voice was smooth ms SILK. II regret
that my villainous secretary has been
left behind in Shanghai | have dis
patched sampan for him. aud In the
meantime we will anchor until he ap-
pears. The matter must wait until the
rascal joins MS"
The two Americans exchanged quick
glanceS. The lawyer spoke first.
"If that is the case we viii defer the
settlement OF this matter"
I'VE will await the coming OF the
secretary" purred the mandarin
softly.
1T will avoid future unpleasant
ness began Burnett with some heat.
when something happened that closed
MS lips INTO rlelu llnt,
ont of the night beyond the closed
windows, so loud that II seemed al
most ut his elbow. there came blood
freezing scream. followed by splash.
n choking gurgle ana then dead ST.
lence.
What was that;" Burnett asked
sharply.
The mandarin shrugged his fat
shoulders. and for the first time his
eyes fully opened. and the hatred In
their depths startled the foreigners.
"a killing n small matter" he sneered
The cry IN the night as they passed
through the houSeboat city merely
served TO strengthen their belief that
up here, now beyond the confines Of
the native city, they were quite at the
mercy OF the mandarin.
Instinctively Burneits hand sought
his hip pocket and came away-empty!
His muttered exclamation prompted
Ponsonby % feel for his own weapon,
with the same result. Some time
since their arrival on board they had
been relieved Of their rcvolvers.
Ling To Fey's yellow hand touched
gong beside him and the curtains
parted to admit the recreant secretary,
who doubtless had been within ten
feet OF his master during the entire
voyage.
The mandarin uttered a few words
in Chinese and the secretary moved
swiftly 20 the heavy draperies that
covered the walls Of the cabin and
lifted them one by one. revealing rows
OF armed servants in grim outline
against the carved background.
When the Americans had counted
thirty In all the last curtain dropped
from the hand Of the secretary.
"a holdup for sure" murmured Pom
sonby. drawing a small leather covered
book from his pocket From among
the leaves OF cigarette wrappers he
drew n thin folded slip Of paper, tore
II In two and passed half TO his com
panion.
smoke your last cigarette, Burnett"
he said significantly. Offering his to-