The star-independent. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1904-1917, 1915-03-19
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CONTINUED


was deep. possibly due to the wager
laid upon the result; so they did not
observe him. He let Mallow finish
his run. Liquor had no effect upon
the mans nerves, evidently. for his
eyes and stroke were excellent. A
miscue brought an oath from his lips,
and he banged his cue upon the floor.
Rotten luck" said Warrington sym.
pathetically. with the DEVILS banter in
his voice.
Mallow spun around. stared for a
moment, then grinned evilly. Here's
our crow at last, Craig"
Speaking of birds of ill.repute, the
crow passes his admiration to the kite
and the yulture" Warrington SPOKE
coolly.
Mallow looked at Craig. who
scowled back. He was beginning to
grow weary at the sight of Warning,
ton. bobbing up here. bobbing up
there, always with subtle menace
He chalked his cue. got the balls into
corner and finished his string.
"Thatll be five pounds" he said,
And fifty quid for me-" added War.
rington. smiling. though his eyes were
as blue and hard as arctic ice.
III see you comfortably broiled
first" replied Mallow. as he tossed five
sovereigns to Craig. Now, what else
is on your mind?"
Warrington took out the cigar band
and exhibited it. Il found that in my
room last night. You're one OF the
few. Mallow. who smoke them out
here. He was husky Chinese, but
not husky enough. Makes you turn
bit yellow: eh, Craig. you white-liv-
cred cheat? You almost got my money
belt, but almost is never quite. The
letter Of credit is being reissued. 1t
might have been robbery: it might
have been just deviltry: just for the
sport of breaking man. Anyhow. you
didn't succeed. Suppose We take lit
tie jaunt out to where they're build
ing the new German Lloyd dock?
Therell be no one working at this
time of day. Plenty of shade"
For a moment the click of the balls
on the other tables was the only sound.
Craig broke the tableau by reaching
for his glass of whisky. which he
emptied. He tried to assume non
chalant air. but his hand shook as he
replaced the glass on the tabouret 1t
rolled off TO the floor and tinkled into
pieces.
Nerves bit rocky. eh?" Warning.
ton laughed sardonically.
You're screeching in the wrong
Jungle, Parrot. old top" said Mallow.
who, as he did not believe in ghosts.
was physically nor morally afraid of
anything. Though. you have my word
for it that I'd like to see you lose every
cent of your oil fluke."
Don't doubt it,"
But" Mallow went on. ''if you're
wanting little argument that doesn't
require pencils or voices, why. you're
on. You don't object to my friend
Craig coming along?"
"On the contrary, he'll make a good
witness of what happens
"The chit, boy!" Mallow paid the
reckoning. Now. then, come on. Three
rickshaws!", he called.
The barren plot OF ground back of
the dock was deserted. Warrington
jumped from his rickshaw and divest-
ed himself of his coat and flung his
hat beside it Gieefully as a boy NAL
low did likewise. Warrington then
bade the coolies to move back to the
road
"Rounds?" inquired Mallow.
"You filthy scoundrel, you know
very we'll there won't be any rules to
this game. Don't you think l know
your" Warrington rolled up his
sleeves and was pleased to note the
dull color of Mallow's face. He want
ed to rouse the brute in the man. then
he would have him at his mercy. II
swore four years ago that I'd make
you pay for that night"
"You scum!" roa5ed Mallow, you'll
never be whole man when they
carry you away from here"
2 Wait and see"
On the way to the dock Warrington
had mapped out his campaign. Fair
play from either of these men was not
to be entertained for a moment One
was naturally brute and the other
was a coward. They would not hesi-
tate at any means to defeat him. And
he knew what defeat would mean at
their ds-disfigurement, probably.
"Will you take shilling for your
fifty quid?" ieered Craig. He was go
ing to enjoy this, for he had not the
least doubt as to the outcome. Nal
low was without superior in a rough
and tumble fight.
Warrington did not reply. He
walked cautiously toward Mallow.
This maneuver brought Craig within
reach. 1t was not fair blow, but
Warrington delivered it without the
least compunction. II struck Craig
squarely on the jaw. Lightly as a cat
Warrington jumped back. Craig's
knees doubled under him and he
toppled forward on his face.
Now, Mallow. you and alone, with
no one to jump on my back when I'm
looking elsewhere!"
Mallow. appreciating the trick.
swore foully. and rushed. Warrington
jabbed with his left and sidestepped.
One thing he must do and that was to
keep Mallow from getting into close
quarters. The copra grower was more