The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1912-10-28

That night stole along the lighted thoroughfares under the swinging fshskin lanterns and found the dark alley whereof Fong How, the tea merchant, had told me. Five times, he had bidden me, did l upon the tiny ivory button ere the heavy door swung back and let enter. No was to be There only long passage with many real false doors, and in the dim tissue 1ar tern. Then, in of these doors the iron wicket grated and heard voice asking for the sign. Lean fingers reached forth and seized the card, then the door .opened slowly and changed shut behind
 The doorkeeper old man, Tartar, his face b1eached by darkness and age, but his eyes were bright as those of a cat his voice harsh He held light in his cornorant claws. He bowed low as he called me by many honorable titles.
 AI to have speech with Fling Tai,' said sI "Where may Wing Tai be found?
 of the chamber of Justice said he, pointing down a corridor, Sin the room of the Yellow Drag ons.'
 The great dim, and demons and afrits glowered there about the throne and judgment of. the tong, and ghouls rustled in the banners. Light came from the of the Yellow Dragons, and I heard the sound of voices. I unsheathed the short sword and crept slowly toward the siken tans and peered within the There sat Wing Tai at table of teak, with five of his .henchmen about him: coolies and braves that carry and pistol and do murder for the tong. Some of them smoked opium whose reek swan1 out to nostrhs Whose name was that heard upon their foul lips? Surely they were speaking of Loy Shanl They speaking Of her sa1e her worth in dollars Of the land. :
 "fIer price will go up," said Wing Tai; "it be- hooves to wait. Never yet the thing desired lost worth by the waiting!
 "Wan Rang, the fruit grower of Co1usa, would give three thousand dollars for the grl said of the others
 "she is worth five" answered. Wing Tai. ssNBeiiek the of the Consul said another, sWah Sing Quong, who has renounced the young fools that call themselves New China, would give still more.'
 eWhere is the maid kept pent?" asked another suddenly.
 Wing Tai was silent puffed at his pipe then made reply in crafty wise:
 What matter, so she be- safe?- Hard pressed am these days find places of hiding where the girls may be safe from enemies, especially the white police. None knows of her hiding place save my mother, who conducted her from China, and my sister
 "But she is guarded safe enough said he laughed. There is no hiding place or secret, my friends-secret!"
 longed to leap upon him with the naked steel and hew that secret from his heart, but caution spoke within and I forebore.
 Wing Tai then bespale his
 We must have more offers. Go and see 1t that you make high report of her, spreading the fame of her beauty wide. Tell them that would the fairest girl that ever brought to this port attend me- "@@~ s~
 He muttered drowsy; the demon of the drug seemed to work its will upon him.
 I heard a shu1ing of feet and pressed myself closely against the dark wall behind heavy hang ings. I them forth-one, two, three, four, five-and pass through the council hall into the narrow corridor. But Wing Tai forth. . peered into the and him seated carved table under the lantern in a mist of opium smoke. A e1eer upon his lean lips, his eyes sunk inwards that his face was like the mask of dead.
 / Steathi1y I crept upon him, sword in hand ] would force him tell where he had hidden my stolen bride To Shan. He did stir, but sat as if in dream, his pipe to his lips Then stretched forth the sword and knocked the ivory pipe from his mouth. H. stared bat did not rise show fear, nor recognition
 "Dogs shouted at him, "where have you hidden the woman you stole from the house os her father at Tsing Hin?'
 N tVNEhat is that you7' he answered without ing. Would you bid for herr"
 sIt is my bride you have stolenr' cried. Tell me where you have hidden her send this sword l. into your throat "Bridegroor1s are unwse and -ash'' said he with his devils smile; and slay would only te the death of you and perhaps of your bride Yet you may have the maid again; for behold in you inapassioned faithful bridegroom Price of barter price. of ransom are alike to me What would you offer, for sher?"
 He spoke calmly and seemed scarcely to mark my rage nor the naked steel which shook in my hand.
 How came you hther my friend?" said he. "Has sentry betrayed us!
 ssIt does not rnatter,. I cried "so long as I am here And now that have found you you shall not escape"
 speaking of my escape, for you may find your escape a difficult thing .,ss.
 footfan sounded in the hall without the cur tans parted three of the braves returned. hid the sword in the folds of my garments
 "Your worship" said the ta1lest, with glance at me, ~our sentry told us he had admitted one who bore the symbols, and of us deemed ii wise return"