Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1911-12-29

the detective. The line Of coolies was
stringing OF 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 a scciable half hourT'
Inspector DUFFY Redeemed with tick
led vanity. Thank you, sir, I'll 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
wellT' he 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 a slight
clew-that's ALL"
you were saying you had a clew,''
suggested Woolson as the inspector
yawned sleepily.
There is a slight clew. One Of
your men described man that bought
an outfit last week. At any rate,
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 Dufry
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
NOOilC BdhS nOulu sup WOIh.
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 told you to dis
miss
Right, sir" And Hodgson hustled
away.
Woolson stood stiffiy, waiting while
the disreputable figure of the last man
crept up to the wicket He lifted his
head and peered through at the big
red and white skinned Englishmau
with shrinking fear in his own dirt
concealed features. Coarse black hair
struggled into his dark eyes, and q
long cue hung down his back. BE
thrust 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 FL
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 Il
come. Lie low until midnight and
get aboard the Queen Of the Sea. You
can easily lose yourself in China"
The coolie drew deep breath. "YoJ
recognized me at once then. Arthur?
he gasped.
"Yes-never mind, it's all right, ole
man. Keep me posted of your move
ments. Better stick to the YangtzC
valley until 1t blows over Perhaps
can help you regain what you've lost
He laid his broad hand over the thir
one of the coolie.
The mans face worked strangely fol
a moment, and he turned away; ther
with a sudden impulse he flung thu
envelope back on the desk and sale
sharply: 81 can't do 1t, Arthur. I'm
too big a scoundrel as 1t isl have
wronged you enough. I'll find Duffy
and go back to England with hi
After I've taken my medicine I'll com,
back, and perhaps then I'll be worthy
to grasp your hand"- He choked sud
denly.
Woolson spoke grufiy I've don,
nothing more than you would hav,
done in like circumstances" he said Il
the weaker one. you make m,
deuced happy, old man, though
writhe to think of your doing tim,
again. When you come back there vii
be a place for you with me-" HI
wrung the thin hand and WINGED al
hot tears fell on his own. Then b,
was conscious that the 'last man" hat
disappeared
After he had dismissed Hodgson an(
paid that bewildered tallyman his du,
Of wages Woolson sauntered back to hil
Office to await a message from Inspec
tor Duffy.
One hour passed and another, anC
his face grew haggard and bitter will
renewed disappointment. Then thu
message came,
"Got himW beloved the inspector
joyfully. Came and gave himself NJ
was dressed like lord and cool al
you please! Jolly odd how missed
him, amt itf'
Woolson hung up the receiver am
smiled contentedly.