The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1910-08-25
a Tale of south China

DR.. Osmond sat on the veranda of
his bungalow trying to be content
in the knowledge that his enforced
rest from the daily grind OF his Hong.
kong practice WAS proving very bene-
ncial TO his health as well as TO bis
projected book on "Chinese Temple
Ruins" And because the famous Len
chuou temple ruins were In the neigh.
borhood he had gone no farther north
than tho coast town OF Ko-Ngan-
Within the jasmine draped veran.
da all was dark save the red glow of
tho 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 It's hinges. q
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 whiplash.
well, what's the matterr' asked
the doctor sharply. WHO Is it7"
1.-THE greet doctors contemplate
servant whose honored father the
whine died away In choking sob.
DR.. Osmond half rose to his feet
you are the Canton man who called
me to town yesterday Your father
Is worseT
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.
81 am grateful to the great physi-
clan. I would reward him generously
for saving my fathers life. am a
poor man. but l have knowledge that
may repay the great lord for his good
ness" whined the Canton man.
81 want no reward. my man. am
glad your father Il better. Do you
want some more of the black medi-
ciner'
"No more medicine Is needed. My
father L. well and happy. The for
elgn doctor Is interested In the ruins
Of the temple In the walnut grover
"Yes."
"He 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 agoY
"By Joye. 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 a son of heaven took from
his royal brow and plaQed In the hand
Of the Goddess Of Meaey7 The great
foreign physician would like to see all
these splendors and perhaps choose
some for himselfr'
your story sounds incredible. and
yet-can you take me to the ruins
nowr'
Eyes. 1t Ia but q few steps to the
walnut grove"
wait, then. while / make ready"
Still skepticai as to the truth Of the
natives story, DR.. Osmoud equipped
himself With cap and stout oaken
stick from the rack. In the breast
pocket OF his white coat was another
weapon without which he never trav-
eled In this country of doubtful
friends-smail and heavy and shining
and very deadly looking when one
faced Its muzzle.
The doctor lighted paper lantern
for the Canton man, and this, augment
ed by the white triangular ray from
his electric pocket lamp. lighted their
way through the garden to a gate In
the south wall that gave into tangled
field.
On the farther side of the Geld the
walnut grove doomed blackly.
Under the trees the doctor and his
guide picked their way among the
crumbling columns and scattered
stones OF the fallen temple.
Suddenly the Chinese paused and
swung his lantern about with a swift
circular movement. lighting up heaps
OF broken rocks and columns. rough
and forbidding. just as they had fallen
He beckoned to Osmond. and the lat.
ter bent his back and followed his
guide through an opening among the
debris that grew larger AZ they ad-
vanced The ground sloped suddenly.
and he felt several stone steps beneath
his feet. He paused while the Chinese
lifted a slab Of stone and then another
and modoned him forward.
III the great lord viii go on ahead.
his servant viii arrange the opening
that we may have air"
Nothing loath. Osmond moved down
three shallow steps and found himself
In q small chamber ch0ked with debris.
Before he could look around there was
the dull clans Of falling stone. and he
rushed up the steps only to knock his
head against the stone that covered
the entrance
It did not need the derisive cries
Of the Canton man to reveal to d..
Osmond that be had been the victim
Of n very 6imay Mot. His threats md