The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-09-07

his mouth opened 10 repr1manu the
tallyman. but 1t snapped shut as be
observed the roly poly form of In
spector Duffy coming down the wharf.
The detective cast u sleepy glance
over the men on the wharf. stirred I'm,
pHdently into Hodgsons face and
when that belligerent gentleman flung
an angry word at him flashed open
his coat and displayed bis badge to the
utter confusion OF the tallyman.
/ This betrayal Of petty vanity on the
part of the inspector brought a CLEAN
to Woolson's brooding eyes. lie step
/ ped out of the cage and approached
the detective. The line of coolies was
] stringing off on to the wharf. and the
bowed gaunt form of the last man
would soon approach to pick up the
boxes against which the inspector was
carelessly leaning.
Woolson thrust an arm through the
inspectors pudgy one and turned him
away. Come over to the hotel and
have something" he said genially.
Cant you drop your duties long
enough to spend sociable half hour 7"
Inspector Duffy redeemed with tick
led vanity. Thank you. sir, III be
pleased to Join you" he agreed as he
accompanied the manager across the
wide street where the glittering glass
front OF a large hotel reflected the
busy scenes on the wharf.
Inside the hotel Woolson sat facing
] the water front. Making out pretty
well?" be asked at length.
The inspector shook his head mo
trace Of his being In the CITY," he said
ruefully. You see, Mr.. Woolson. I've
been In Victoria for two days past and
raked the place clean. and | went to
you as last resort. I've cross Ques-
toned your men, and I've got slight
clew-that's ALL"
You were saying you had clew,"
suggested Woolson as the inspector
yawned sleepily.
There Is slight clew. One of
your men described a man that bought
an outfit last week. At any rate, l
feel justified In carrying my chase to
the Yukon" said Mr.. Duffy.
Our boats are at your disposal"
murmured Woolson. lighting another
cigar.
Thanks. I'll take that one in the
morning. Now. If you'll excuse me,
SIR I'll go to my lodgings and get
some traps together"
On the steps of the hotel Woolson
stood and watched Inspector Duffy
roll down the street until the crowded
pavements swallowed him. Twilight
was falling. and the water front was
darkened with the approaching end of
the day. In another half hour the
coolie gang would stop work.
The manager of the Great Mines
company went back to his office and
worked rapidly for several moments.
Then he made his way to the wharf
and entered the paymaster's cage. He
sent the man away on some errand
and called Hodgson. The tallyman
came, throwing clustering commands
over his shoulder Mt his coolies.
Send that fellow around for his
money. Hodgson." directed his supe-
rior, that Chinaman l told you to dis
MISS"
Right. SIR" And Hodgson hustled
away
Woolson stood stiffly, waiting while
the disreputabe figure of the last man
crept up to the wicket. He lifted his
head and peered through at the big
red and white skinned Englishman
with shrinking fear In his own dirt
concealed features. Coarse black hair
tyo, Iad INT hfc do and a
long cue hung down his back. He
thrust a trembling hand through the
wicket as Wooson showed a fat en-
yelope toward him.
Laurence" whispered Woolson
guardedly. with his eyes fixed at some
point beyond tho mans head. "cut 1t!
Duffy of Scotland Yard Is after you.
There's plenty of money In this envel-
ope. It's yours in remembrance of
old times and. God willing, in antici-
patton of new and better times to
come. Lie low until midnight and
get aboard the Queen of the Sea. You
can easily lose yourself in China"
The coolie drew a deep breath. You
recognized me at once then. Arthur"
he gasped.
"Yes-never mind. It's all right, old
man. Keep me posted Of your move
ments. Better stick to the YangtZe
valley until 1t blows over. Perhaps
can help you regain whnt you've lost"
He laid his broad hand over the thin
one OF the coolie.
The mans face worked strangely for
moment. and he turned away; then
with a sudden impulse he flung the
envelope back on the desk and said
sharply: IT can't do 1t, Arthur. I'm
too big q scoundrel as it isl have
wronged you enough. I'll find Duffy
and go back to England with him.
After I've taken my medicine I'll come
back. and perhaps then I'll be worthy
to grasp your haud"- He choked sud
denly.
Woolson spoke grufly. i've done
nothing more than you would have
done In like circumstances" he said TO
the weaker one. you make me
heuced happy, old man. though |
writhe to think of your doing time
ngain. When you come back there will
be a place for you with me-" He
wrung the thin hand and WINGED as
hot tears fell on his own. Then he
was conscious that the last man" had
dISaDnaared