Ashland tidings. [volume] (Ashland, Or.) 1876-1919, 1915-02-04

of applause. The sweat began to form
upon WI Chang's forehead. Two such
exploits In one day were terribly en-
ervating. When the affair was over
the stiffened figure of the Chinaman
relaxed. He found some difficulty, too.
In opening his thin, tapering hands,
which had been tightly clinched under
the concentration of his will.
Are you satished?" he whispered
rather weakly to Mills. who sat next
to him.
Il am. and I will keep to the letter
Of my bargain"
"And never brag again about your
sons oratorical powers. | doubt If
could hold him again"
Mills flushed, hut for all that he was
mighty glad to be high and dry on
shore. He would send the boy on a
long tour. People would forget.
Chang entered Mills automobile. and
plain clothes man recognized his face
and Immediately warned Storm and
the other officers to watch Chang's
house Chang ordinarily would have
kept away from his home. but he was
weak and tired and wanted-nay. need
ed-the solace Of his poppy pipe.
Arriving home he at once conferred
with Hassam All and was glad to
learn that Zudora had been confined
to the walled room. At dawn Nine.
Du Roy would convey her to the ship
that was TO sail for Cberbourg. From
there they would drop down to Mar
seilles and sail for HOngkong Zudora
TrainOr would never be heard Of again.
II think that before | smoke ! will
see the young lady" said Chang. smil.
ing.
Hassam ALI smiled too In his minds
eye he was counting up the enormous
pyramids of gold coin. He would build
himself palace close to Paris, and no
prince in Hindustan would rival him
In luxury. Yet luxury would require
the spending Of these pyramids. and
stralGhtway his enthusiasm grew cold
and died.
~ hear automobiles" be said sud-
denly and with apprehension.
Chang placed hand to his ear.
"And they are stopping in front!
will take care Of the girl and see that
you play the part Of WI Chang well
This is critical moment 1t may be
the police. Speak softly and kotOw
as often as they ask questions. Your
makeup In this light will fool them"
mo; you remain and let me go TO
Zudorap
Fool! am master here. Do as
sayr'
With that WI Chang ran toward the
alcove behind which was Zudora's pris-
on. Hassam All swallowed with diff
Guilty. He was courageous only when
he was sure Of results. Nine. Du Roy
had already vanished. He was alone.
He reused his will and subdued his
shaking knees. A bold front for few
moments. and the difficulties would be
surmounted.
The bell began TO ring violently, and
Immediately after there followed II
furious hammerng - Storm. furious
with anger and fear.
THAT won't do any good. Mr.
Storm" advised one OF the detectives
"There'll be better hammering than
that presently-that Is. if Chang mas
had hand in this abduction"
But they may be hurting herr
"That'll make the hammering all the
better" grimly. "Ha, some one nj the
door! Old Chang himself, | should
say"
The door opened. and what looked
like the bland face OF cultivated
Chinaman peered out at them from
the half opened door.
Gentlemen, what is this?"
ut means. Mr. Chang, that we will
have to search your house. Orders"
And for what?"
This gentleman here" and the de-
tectlve indicated Storm, "claims that
you abducted young lady this even
Ing and that she is here"
A low chuckle followed this state
ment. This evening was at the
Delhi hail. have just returned. Abb
duction? The young man Is mad
Enter, please, and search"
Hnssnm All was doing very well con.
siderlng the state Of his knees.
Storm and the detectives crowded
past him and swarmed about the
house. There was Il good deal OF un.
necessary racket. As Storm was pass.
ing the alcove he stopped short, con.
vinced that he had heard cry. He |
listened intently. but heard no further |
sound. Half an hour later the detec-
tives trooped back to their taxls, their
previous convictions that WI Chang |
was good Chinaman stronger than
ever.
"She is In that house." said Storm
stubbornly, "and I'll get her out alone
II necessary"
The detectives shrugged commiserat
ingly and took solace in cigars.
Storm had heard n cry This is what
had taken place behind the alcOve:
Chang. curious TO learn what Zud0n
would do. brought ner back to her
senses and. reasonably secure In his
haven from outside Interference. pass.
ed his hands before her face. Over
his shoulder pecred his assistant, his
Il