Durant weekly news. (Durant, Choctaw Nation, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 190?-1944, 1915-01-01

detective and John Dorr drew up in
side street and stopped.
1T was here they left me-" said the
chauffeur sulklly.
The detective and John got out and
stared about them. They were in the
lower part OF Chinatown. a single tier
OF blocks that stretched beyond the
bounds toward the bay-not In the
quarter. but OF IT,
(which way did they take the girir'
said the practical detective.
The driver led them around the cor
ner and up an alleyway. He pointed
to Sing wah's door. II think they
went in there" he muttered-
"Ah." said the detective thoughtful
ly. when | was on the police force
| used to know that Chinaman- He's
the smoothest rascal In America. bar
none"
John gritted bis teeth in helpless
rage. "And she's In that fends foul
clutches" he groaned aloud.
At this moment a policeman came
along and accosted Johns companion
familiarly. In n few words the case
was explained to him.
''You won't find anything. of course"
the officer remarked. But just for
satisfaction let's have look-see and a
chln-chin with Sing wah."
They entered the shop Just as Chi
nese was closing panel door after
Drake. who had come to make his
promised attempt to win Ruth's conf
dence. Sing Wah was nowhere to be
seen.
After some futile parley with the
Chinese. whose ignorance was com
plete in every detail. the two officers
agreed that they were wasting time.
"old Sings the boy to see." said
the house detective. Lets wait
awhile"
Now, Sing Wah had pondered the
AFFAIR during the night. and the more
he thought over having a lovely white
girl In the cylindrical room the less
he liked II. IL was deadly dangerous
Courts might be lenient with the Snug.
gler and the go-between. Sing Wah
knew that II even n suspicion got
| abroad that young white woman was
imprisoned In his quarters a ravening
mob would tear his place stick from
stone and hang him without trial. He
was determined TO get the girl away
| Immediately. So he was unfeignedly
glad TO see Drake.
! Drake attempted to explain what
Wilkerson wanted. hut the Chinese cut
him short
Harry Is insane" he said quietly
"He Is mad over that woman. have
done all can You must get her ont
OF here"
But howI" demanded Drake. "She
doesn't know me very well. and shell
scream her head of. and I'll be arrest
ed. and Wen all be in II muss."
Sing Wah nodded thoughtfully
Then he looked up and listened to the
low words OF one of his clerks Dis
missing him with a single grunt. h,
turned to Drake.
There's not much time" he said
softly. They are on the trail al
ready"
"WhoT'
"The police" He motioned Drake L
a chair In the little alcoye. where they
stood aud went on: Stay here a mo
ment. | will see for myself" HI
pulled lever. and the room SWUNG
around till the door was opposite him
With long. slender fingers he slipped
back the panel and vanished.
Ruth lay on couch, open eyed anC
white faced Beside her n richly dress
I'd Chinese woman cronched. whisper
ing soothingly. AT sight OF Sing Rutl
Gallon suddenly sat upright in silen
horror.
IL beg your pardon. MISS" Sing saiC
IN his silkiest English. II have cOm'
10 take you back to your friends out
side"
The girl shrank back. mo, no. no.
she moaEed. ''They are not IN!
friends"
Surely Harry Wilkerson"- sins
suggested craftily. TO see how the lanC
lay.
"wilkersonI" she whispered "Is HI
was he heref"
Her tone conveyed all that he wIshet
| 10 KNOW. ne mOtioneu 10 tne WOmai
to leave and when she was gone pulle(
a cord. which let down a light rop'
ladder.
II am sorry. madam" he said quiet
ly. but i shall have to ask you 4
climb up this. 1t is the only safe wa,
out" He laid one hand gently on he
arm.
Now, Ruth was California bred. witt
all the prejudices for and against tn
Chinaman- She screamed. At that in
stant there was crash of a shattere'
door In the distance and the sound o
men talking In excited tones.
"You must come" said Sing Wal
Il win take you to place OF safety
All ] ask OF you is to follow me AM