The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-12-20
AConrinusoA

silently reproaching himself, made mental notes Of the destination. He had not renewed his sallow complex don, for reasons of his own, and his dilated pupils were beginning to con- tract again, facts which were not very evident. however, in the poor light. He was very twitchy, nevertheless, and the face of the man beside him was that of sympathetic vulture, if such a creature can be imagined. He inquired casually If the new patron had brought his money with him, but for the most part his conversation turned upon China. with which coun- 1, try he seemed to be we'll acquainted Arrived s at Victoria, MT. Gianapolis discharged the cab and, again taking the Frenchman by the arm, walked with him some twenty paces away from the station. A car suddenly pull ed up almost beside them.
 Ere M. Max had time to note those details in which he was most interest ed Gianapo.is had opened the door of the limousine, and- the Frenchman found himself within, beside Gianapo- lia, and behind drawn blinds, speeding hesknewsnot in what direction. .
 In some covered place that was very dark the car stopped, and Gianapolis, leapfng out with agility. assisted M. Max to descend. <
 This was a covered courtyard, only lighted by the head lamps of the + mousine.
 '.Take my hand" directed the Greek.
 M. Max compiled and was conduct ed through low doorway and on to descending steps. 4 # Dimly, he heard the gear of the car reversed and knew that the limousine was backing out from the courtyard. The door behind him was closed, and he heard no more. A S,m light shone' out below.
 He descended, walking more conh- dently now that the way was visible. A moment later he stood upon the threshold of an apartment which calls for no further description atsthis place; he stood in the doorway of the in- credible, unforgettable cave of the golden dragon; he looked into the bee tie eyes of Ho Pin, whom Giahapolis ] had mentioned as the manager of the Establishment.
 sHo Pin bowed before him, smiling a mirthless smile In his left ha&d he held an amber cigarette tube in which q cigarette smoldered gently, sending up gray pencil of smoke into the breathless. perfumed air. 9f
 "Mr. Ho Pin," said Gianapolis, indi- eating the Chinaman, "who will at tend to your requirements. This Is dlr new friend from Paris, introduced by Sir B. M -. M. Castor" ]"
 "You are vewry welcome" said the Chinaman in his monotonous, metallic voice. T understand that fee of 25 ! enineas" He bowed again, still Smiling.
 AThe visitor took out his pocketbook Ind laid i've notes, one sovereign and two half crowns upon little ebony ta- ble beside him. Ho Pin bowed again and waved his hand toward the lemon colored door on the left.
 Good night, M. Gaiton," said Gia- napolis in radiant benediction-
 eAu revoir, monsieur"
 M. Max followed Ho Pin to Block A and was conducted to a room at the extreme right of the mating lined cor ridor. He glanced about 1t curiously. If you will pwrepare for your flight Into the subliminal," said Ho Pinf bow Ing in the doorway, T shall pwresent- ly wreturn with your wings. z
 In the cave of the golden dragon Gianapolis sat smoking upon one of the divahs. The silence of the place was extraordinary, unnatural, in the very heart of busy commercial Lon don. Ho Pin reAppeared and, standing in the open doorway of Block X, sharp ly clapped his hands three times.
 Said, the Egyptian, came out of the door at the farther end of the place, bearing brass tray upon which were little brass lamp of oriental manu- < facture wherein burned blue spiritu- ous flame, a Japanese lacquered box not much larger than snuff box and a long and most curiously carved pipe Of wood inlaid with metal and having metal bowl. Bearing this. he cross cd the room, paSSeO ITO FIJI duu eulcI- ed the corridor beyond.
 You have, of course, put him in the observation room7' said Gianapolis. < Ho Pin regarded the speaker unemo- kionally.
 "Assuwredly," he replied, "for, since he visits us for the first time. MT. King will wish to see him.
 A faint shadow momentarily crossed the, swarthy face of the Greek at men lion of that name-Mr. King! The servants of Mr. King, from the high est to the lowest, served him for gain and from fear,
 Utter silence had claimed again the cave of the golden dragon. Gianapolis nat alone in the place, smoking ciga rette and gazing crookedly at the i'm age on the ivory pedestal; then, glanc Ing at his wris. watch, he stood uI Ind, stepping to the entrance door was about to open it.
 z ..Ahl so2 You go-alreadyf'