The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1912-10-17

1t clear enough. moreover, you've
convtnt ID me. I didn't really believe
from Il first you'd had any hand in
this gh hlstly mess, but l couldn't take
chances, of course. You're at liberty
to take up these pistols as soon ss you
please; in fact, I advise you to do
30 Immediately. From what's taken
place already, you may have need OF
'em within the next ten seconds. .
Now for this coolie. II he's able to
speak, I'll get some information out Of
him"
"'Tis 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 inves.i.
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 Yer"
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 a monosyllable that sounded, sa'
much as anything else, like an oath.
Couch looked up. "He says he waits
water, and I suspect he won't speak
until be gets it. Can you-?"
O'Rourke fetched the half-empty
carafe and Couch put 1t 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 1evlish tong or other, and they'd
rather die than say anything touching
on tho business Of the society or af.
tectiny the interests Of q brothar'
member. But think I know . way to
bring him to reason. Hand me that
knife, please"
Wondering, ORourke rendered him
the weapon that had brought death to
sypher. The lieutenant wiped it cal
lously 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
Ic fright, showed in the Chinaman's
eyes, and his lips were as II by magic
unseeled. However reluctant, he be-
gan to chatter and spoke ut length
delivering himself Of a long state
ment which Couch punctured low and
again with pertinent, leading cues
tons.
At length, throwing aside the knife,
be Jumped up. strong excitement burn
Ing III his eyes. I've got enough from
him." he said rapidly. I'LL 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? .
Half a minute; I've got to use
that telephone"
He ran out into the hall, rang up
and shouted a 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
polio, headquarters In Rangoon.
Colch swung back into the study.
'Got those revolvers, sir? Then come
along; wen have to run for 1t. For.
tunately our launch is handy; other
wise -.
He sprang across the veranda and
dow1 to the lawn, O'Rourke peltins
after him.