The Press., 1911-12-06


 arvo1upallaeu rnes manager aerDss Ans wide street where the glfttering 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?'' he asked at length.
 The inspector shook his head. "No trace of his being in the city," he said ruefnlIy. "Yous see, MT. Woolson, I've been in Victoria for two days past and raked the place clean, and I went to you as last resort. I've cross ques- tioned your men, and I've got a slight clew-that's all."
 'You were saying you had a. clew," suggested Woolson as the inspector yawned sleepily. ---.--a
 '"There is slight clew. One of your men described a man thar bought an outfit last week. At any rate, feel justified in carrying my chase to the Yukon,'' said MT. 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 at 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 stif1y, waiting while the disreputable figure of the last man crept up to the wicket. He lifted his head ard peered through at the big red and white skinned Englishman with a shrinking fear in his own dirt concealed features. Coarse black hair struggled into his dark eyes, and a long cue hung down his back. He thrust a trembling hand through the wicket as Woolson showed a fat en- velope toward him.
 "Laurence.' whispered Woolson guardedly. with his eyes fixed at some point beyond the mans head, "cut it! Duffy of Scotland Yard is after you. 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 it blows over. Perhaps can help you regain what 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 sudden impulse he flung the envelope back on the desk and said sharply: ''T can't do it. Arthur. I'm +nn iC hou uo wronged you enough. I'll find Duffy and go back England with him. After I've taken my medicine I'll come back, and perhaps then I'll be worthy to grasp your hand"- He choked sud denly.
 Woolson spoke gruff1y. eve done nothing more than you would have done in like circumstances" he said to the weaker one. "You make me deuced happy, old man, though writhe to think of your doing time again. When you come back there will be a place for you with me-" He wrung the thin hand and winced as hot tears fell on his own. Then he was conscious that the "last man" haG disappeared.
 After he had dismissed Hodgson and paid that bewildered tallyman his due of wages Woolson sauntered back to his office to await message from Inspec- tor Duffy.
 One hour passed and another, and his face grew haggard and bitter with renewed disappointment. Then the message came.
 "Got him"' beloved the inspector joyfully Game and gave himself up was dressed like lord and cool as you please! Jolly odd how I missed him, ain't it?'
 Woolsou hung up the receiver and smiled Contentedly.