The Delta independent. [volume] (Delta, Colo.) 1886-19??, 1912-05-03
Copyright 1909. BY Lop.s J-Neph Vance

Copyright 1909. by Los,s J~~eph Vance
Carefully and concisely O'Rourke
wove the events of the day into a
straight narrative, starting with the
delivery to Sypher of the Pool of
Flame, touching briefly upon Des Ire
bes' part-so far as he understood it
and concluding with the death of
the coolie. The sub-chief of police
eyed him throughout with gravely
concentrated interest, nodding his
understanding.
Il see," he said slowly. You make
it clear enough. Moreover, you've
convinced me. l didn't really believe
from the first you'd had any hand in
this CHASTITY mess, but l couldn't take
chances, of course. You're at liberty
to take up these pistols as soon as you
please; in fact, l advise you to do
so Immediately. From what's taken
place already, you may have need of
'em within the next ten seconds. e.
d. Now for this coolie. If he's able to
speak, I'll get some information out of
him."
Its too far gone he is, I'm fear
ing"
We'll soon find out" The English
man bent over the man, who was now
very quiet, but by the constant flick
er of his cunning eyes, still conscious
A hasty examination told the investi-
gator all he needed to know about the
nature of the wound. He'll not last
long" said Lieutenant Couch, and be-
gan to converse with the local ver-
nacular of Pidgin-English, about one
word in ten of which was Ineligible
to O'Rourke. AS he continued to speak
the coolies scowl darkened and he in
terrupted with a negative motion of
his head. The sub-chief repeated his
remarks with emphasis. For reply he
got monosyllable that sounded, as
much as anything else, like an oath.
Couch looked up. HE says he wants
water. and I suspect he won't speak
until he gets 1t. Can you-?"
O'Rourke fetched the half-empty
carafe and Couch put it to the coolies
lips, permitting him to drink as much
as he liked. But as soon as the bottle
was removed the fellow shut his
mouth like a trap and refused a word
in answer to the lieutenant's demands
and persuasions.
stubborn brute" growled Couch.
Most of these animals here belong to
some devlish tong or other and they'd
rather die than say anything touching
on the business of the society or af-
fecting the interests of a brother.
member. But think know way to
knife, please"
Wondering, O'Rourke rendered him
the weapon that had brought death to
Sypher The lieutenant wiped it cal
1ously on a corner of the coolies
blouse and held the keen shining
blade before his eyes, accompanying
the action with a few emphatic
phrases. A curious EXPRESSION, COM
pounded of sullen fury and abject pan
&c fright, showed in the Chinaman's
eyes, and his lips were as If by magic
unsealed. However reluctant, he be-
gan TO chatter and spoke at length,
delivering himself of long state
ment which Couch punctured now and
again with pertinent, leading ques-
tons.
At length, throwing aside the knife,
he jumped up, strong excitement burn
ing in his eyes. I've got enough from
him." he said rapidly. ''Pll explain
later. You'll help-of course; your
wife's involved as well as Miss Pyn-
sent. But don't think you need fear;
we'll be in time. Are you ready? u.
Half a minute; I've got to use
that telephone"
He ran out into the hall, rang up
and shouted number into the re-
ceiver, and for few moments spoke
rapidly in Burmese dialect.
O'Rourke gathered that he was speak
ing with a native subordinate at the
police headquarters in Rangoon.
Couch swung back into the study.
Got these revolvers, sir? Then come
along; we'll have to run for it. For
tunately our launch is handy; other
wise :"
He sprang across the veranda and
down to the lawn, O'Rourke pelting
after him.
CHAPTER XXXIV