Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1912-01-05
500 -. NV
Sr1NrIER %HH.


river roadstead OF Rangoon; and with
in the ensuing hour her passengers
had deserted her, De Hyeres and Miss
Pynsent in their van, O'Rourke among
the last to leave. And nothing him
dered him. not the least hitch delayed
his Decentralization 1t was curious,
1t was incredible. 1t was disturbing.
He took away with him no ease OF
mind whatever.
There were tikkagharries waiting,
and without breath's delay the adj
venturer- and his servant climbed into
the nearest and desired to be con.
veyed to the Offices of Messrs. Sec
retain and Sypher. The vehicle whirled
them swiftly away and into the main
travelled way of Rangoon, Mogul
street.
In front of a structure OF stone ana
iron so palpably an office bullalne
that it might have been transplantec
to the Strand without exciting com
ment-save for the spotless cleanii'
ness of it-their tikkagharry drew up
The gharriwallah indicated the OIL
fees of Messrs. Secretan and Sypher,
one fight up-and named his fare.
O'Rourke paid him and alighted, wlth
Danny at his heels and his heart try
ing to choke him. The hour OF 1ni'
filment was at hand-and all was
well! He who had faced death IN .
hundred shapes Of terror, uniiinch'hs'
found himself in flutter OF nerves
that would have disgraced a school,
girl
He lodged into the building, took
the steps three at a stride ana
suddenly found himself in the pres
ence of, more than that, closeted WIZ
the man to meet whom he had crossed
half the world at peril of his lille.
Mr.. Lansdowne Sypher.
Colonel O'Rourke?" Syphers man
ner was very cordial. I'm glad to see
YOU. You are within your time, yet
had begun to despair OF you. Be
seated" He indicated chair beside
his desk. And permit me; you OF
all men will appreciate the precau
ton
He laughed and Went 10 the WIN
.dums. adjusting the wooden shades III
such manner that the light was
tempered and no portion OF the room
could be visible to anyone spying
from window in one of the adjacent
buildings. The he turned and smiled
cheerfully at the stupefied adventurer.
y have it here" said ORourke; safe
be the mercy OF several highly poten'
tial saints" He laughed uneasily.
fumbling in his breast pocket. There
1t is" said he, tossing the stone in its
channels covering upon the solicitors
desk.
Sypher himself betrayed some evl-
dences Of nervousness as he sat Tor
ward and lifted the case by its leath-
ern thongs. He let it dangle before
him for an instant. watching it with a
curious, speculative smile.
Well" he said really
And after pause: Il congratulate
you, Colonel O'Rourke. And admire
you immensely. You see
when this commission was offered US.
I considered seriously the project OF
going in search OF you in person and
bringing the stone back TO Rangoon
myself. But then--although I'm not
really a timorous man knew the
circumstances so WE'LL feared /
should never reach Rangoon alive.
Yes He thrust hand into his waist,
coaa pocket and produced a penknlie'
with which he began TO slit the
stitches that enclosed the ruby.
you've been wondering. no doubt
why SO enormous reward was OIL
81 have that" assented O'Rourke.
1T was partly because OF the dan.
ger" said Sypher, intent upon his oc'
cupstion. You know. these Burmese
are turiously pious folk: when onc
OF them grows rich he employs the
major part of his fortune in building
a temple-or in some such work. ms
particular gentleman-a very wealthy
merchant-chose to give half oil what
he had to the restoration OF tho Fool
of Flame TO the Buddha from which "
was originally stolen. Rut he, 100
was afraid. Hes superstltious ABOUT
the stone-believes it bad luck TO
touch it so long as It remains away
from its Buddha. SO he came 10 u.s.
l myself am not superstitiouS'
but
He ceased 10 speak abruptly. for the
Pool of Flams lay naked, a bllpains
marvel in the hollow OF mis- pain
O'Rourke heard him gasp ann was
conscious OF his fastened respiration
Watching the man intently, ne sd"
q strange shade OF pallor color MS
face
lis meself," said the adventurer.
that's no more superstit,ous than ye.
sir. Yet I'm willing TO confess I'm
glad the things out OF ms hands at
last"
Sypher seemed to recollect himself