Evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1907-1913, 1912-09-14

few minutes, not merely the ascent
but the sidewalk as well.
When, at length, the way was clear,
and by direction OF youth at the en-
trance, we had passed through the
close, ill-smelling hall, where the lights
had already been lowered We came
upon Miss Clement, alone in little
well-ventilated and brightly-lighted Of
flee or parlor, jutting off at the rear.
If she was surprised at seeing Eve
lyn, size gave no sign. She welcomed
us both with the smiling cordiality of
lifelong friend. But abruptly her
smile died
Il tried to get you on the telephone
an hour ago. she explained, "but
there was some trouble with the wire,
l hoped to save you this journey for
nothing"
your protege couldn't Gomez" ]
queried.
Unfortunately. no" she returned,
with little quaver in her voice. "My
protese will never come again. He
was shot to death. Poor, poor Ling
Fol"
Shot to deathn' cried, while Eve,
lyn, with checks suddenly pale and
eyes wide, held her underlip fast be,
tween her teeth, and gripped hard on
the arms of the rocking chair in which
Miss Clement had placed her.
Yes And this strong, sweet
faced, gray haired woman in gray, her
momentarily-lost composure quite re,
covered, laid a quoting hand softly
over Eyelyn's tensed clutch. Eyes.
That sort of thing is not unusual down
here, you know. There is always more
or less pad blood between the tongs.
But it was most unfortunate, just at
this time, because | feel sure he could
have told you something worth learn
ing. I'm glad he was a good boy. He
really sincere"
Perhaps he knew too much,"
suggested.
But Miss Clement made no COM
ment- fancy it was out of considera-
ton for Evelyn that she refrained
from endorsing my conclusion; while
I reproached myself for being less
thoughtful, I was all the more con-
WINGED that I had voiced the motive
for the shooting.
AS Evelyn did not ask for particu,
lars, | prodted by the lesson thus
taught and curbed my curiosity. But
] was in no mood to drop the subject.
From Miss Clements note it was clear
that Ling Fo had already communi-
Gated to her some of the more impor-
tant facts in this connection, and OF
these l hoped to possess myself.
And so, Miss Clement" l ventured.
sharpening my wedge, chinatown is
mystfed, I understand"
She was seated, now, by her little
desk, and for a moment had been turn
ing up, searchingly, one paper after
another, from an open drawer. At
my observation. she paused and raised
her glance, a folded sheet of note size
in her hand; for heartbeat her eyes
held mine.
Yes" she said at length. China
town is all at sea. so to speak"
Over WHAT" l pressed.
Slowly she unfolded the scrap of
writing she held. and before replying
she read it through, slowly and DELHI
erately.
IF you don't mind" she proposed,
Il would prefer not to talk about it.
I am in a peculiar position here, Mr.
Clyde, as you can well understand.
and can't afford to play false to
those who trust me. At the same
time I do not always know whom
among these people to trust. Some
one who knew them very we'll wrote,
once upon a time, something like this:
You can take Chinll away from his
ian.
AWAY from his lotteries, nddles and
You can give his queue to the barber.
boss;
But YOU can't get down to the roots that
From The yellow base of his yellow
heart.
And it's very true. There are those
here who pretend to adore me, who
would think nothing of treating me
as they treated poor Ling Fo. if they
suspected l knew anything and gave
information"
Il don't want you to think Pm a
coward, Miss Grayson." she went on.
turning to Evelyn. 81 think I've proved
TO you that | want to help you and
mean to. but I'm rather upset tonight,
and I'm so afraid we shall have to let
matters rest a little longer. There is
one thing, though, that you can do
for me, if you will"
The last sentence was addressed to
me, and | made haste to assure her
that she had only to command me.
AS she had spoken she had been
folding and refolding the paper in her
hand. until it vas now tiny, one
inch square.
Take this" she said, handing it
to me, her voice a low murmur, "and
after you have read it, destroy it.
shouldn't want it found in my pos.
session"
81 understand. Miss Clement" re-
turned and the folded square went
into my waistcoat pocket.
at may mean more TO YOU" she