Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1913-04-22

day, and so John Forrest arose in the
early dawn and enjoyed his cold tub in
the blightinS presence of the disap
proving bath boy. Later. clad in spot,
less white, be ate his breakfast in the
cool shade of the north veranda.
The first rays of the rising sun were
gliding the top of the compound wall
when the gate opened noisily and ad-
mitted a Chinese in the livery of the
consulate servants He approached
and delivered a parcel into FORESTS
outstretched hand
Forrest weighed the long. Fat pack
age in his palm for thoughtful mo-
ment. Every time he received an UNI
expected letter or parcel he was con.
scious of a throb OF expectation that
he was to be called back to prove his
mettle. Something had happened sew
eral years ago, when he had been in
the war department, that resulted in
his resignation and immediate depar
ture for foreign country. 1t was the
matter of a neglected duty which ter
minated in the loss to the department
of $4,000. Forrest was young in those
days. and his virginian hot blood was
more engrossed in the scattering of
wild oats than in the careful execution
of his duties.
The chief of the department had
been a friend of his dead fathe'' S and
he had talked to John Forrest as a
parent might have done. II can't save
you from the consequences of your
carelessness. my boy" he had said sad
ly. NO one but yourself can do that
and it may take years to re-establisb
confidence in your ability. You better
accept that clerkship with my broth
er's banking house in Shanghai and
some day when you can make good
come home again."
II don't like the idea of being ban.
ished," muttered John sullenly. Cant
l work and pay back the money? Or II
the government lost that sum through
my carelessness perhaps I might be
able to save loss some time"
The older man brought the palm of
his hand to the table with a sharp
smack. Some day. not now. John,
You go ahead and take this berth in
Shanghai. and l give you my word OF
honor that if ever see the opportunity
whereby you can step in and make
good on that mistake of yours I'll send
you a message. Because of my posi-
ton cannot write you or commit my
self in any way, but you will under
stand when the message comes that
your country needs your services anG
that your opportunity TO make gooG
has come at last. Have patience anC
wait"
Very good, sir" John Forrest leap
ed to his feet with a new light in hi
young eyes. III sail next week on tn
Cathay from San Francisco. You won
forget to send for me. sir?'
ION my honor. John. and You will
leave everything and come. my boy?"
Involuntarily John raised his RICH
hand as he spoke gravely. 81 will
come whenever you call, sir" And 81
1t was settled
That had all happened years before
and still John Forrest was waiting TO
the call of his country to make restitu
ton to her for the amount which hat
been lost In the meantime. soberes
by his bitter experience in the capita
of his country. he had worked nigh
and day at his new situation in Shang
hal. In that gay city on the Hwangpl
river there were many opportunities
for money making. and John Forres
was beginning to see where he nigh
some day be financial power in tn.
great treaty port Of the east when tn!
hot summer morning the message
came.
He knew as soon as ne had opened
the package. All the box containet
was a long bronze feather from tb
pinion of an eagle and a brief Scra "
on a slip of paper. THE eagle calls"
Then came. moment OF Temptation
to the man. He knew that very da,
q steamer sailed for San francisco
IF he missed sailing today 1t mean
that his journey would be delayed 70
three days. If he did sail today larg
interests which had occupied his min
lately and which would come to eli
max today would go to the wall 70
lack of his manipulation. If he coul
have only one more day here his fl
ture affiuence would he assured Hi
going today meant financial ruin.
J All at once he seemed to see the luz
u-ious equipment of the chiefs privat
office and heard his own voice sayin
| earnestly. II will come whenever 70
call. sir" His tilted chair crashed {
the floor, and he sent servants fyin
In a dozen different directions.
A brief note 10 one of his partner
conveyed the information that he wa
: summoned home at once and that TN
deal must be put through without hiI
, II possible He inclosed power of a
i torney and thus washed his hands q
the matter An hour later found niI
sWayinG recklessly along the Bubblin
Well rOad in n ricksha. and he gail
I ed the long wharf Just in time to cate
the rug that was conveying its last Ioa
e Of passengers TO the steamer lying OF
6 in the mouth Of the river several milk
below the city