The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-11-19

Bdu-SOmeuOW 1eel CndC the ScOun' drel will never break his pledged word they should be in your hands, safe and sound, late tomorrow night. You would then, of course, obtain from them all the particulars they are able to supply and take such action as you think fit. The point is that you must not be guided by prior knowledge. I am sorry to impose this condition, but what else am I to do? What else could any man do for the sake of two women he lovedT'
 Kemp sat down heavily. The burly police captain was beginning to feel the strain of life. He didn't mind the dangers attending the chase. Such things were part and parcel of his pro fession, but he was sick at heart on account of this cold blooded compact. It was not that he feared the conse- quences officially, since Willard Bron- son might be trusted without stint in such matter, and the detective had hardly understood what he might have overheard But he felt that he was being beaten on his own ground by one whom he designated as a "Chink," and the thought ranked.
 By this time, too, Bronson knew that Manning was not to be diverted from his purpose. Further, he knew that Manning was right and insisting on a line of action which he himself would have followed if faced by any such frightful alternative. His brow whiten- ed with repressed fury, and he clench- ed his hands in a very agony of im- 1 potence.
 "We all seem to be mad,' he cried in an eerie whimper. "Just think of 1t! A murderous minded Asiatic can come to New York, kill and burn and torture and thieve as he chooses, yet men of intelligence like ourselves, backed by all the power of the state, can do nothing to checkmate him. I am beginning to distrust my own pow CTS. I feel like child in the grip of tiger. Here are May and Margaret his prisoners again, and you, Man ming, talking of giving yourself up as though you were criminal who had resolved to let the law take it's course. tell you"-
 An outburst of Bronson's was ended abruptly by Kemp's curious actions. The police captain had whipped out revolver and was gazing sternly through an open French window. The others were startled in their turn when they saw Hong Kong Harry standing on the veranda. The man was looking in at them with strained fixity of expression.
 Its all right" he said quietly. "Let me come in. I want to tell you things"
 Manning, who happened to be near est, leaped forward, caught him by the shoulder and dragged him roughly into the room.
 "We have no bargain with you, at any rate," he stormed. You are a traitor both to us and to your cut throat master. Don't think you will receive either trust or mercy here"
 Steady, Mr. Manning" counseled Kemp, who was impressed by Hong Kong Harry's confident air. Lets hear what the dog has to say, any how. Now, sit there, you," and he mo- toned the half caste to chair. But before you explain your presence I want to know how you got past our guards"
 "Easy enough" said Hong Kong liar ry nonchalantly. "I just crept through the tunnel which communicates with your coal cellar, lifted the coal chute and crept around by the rear of the house."
 'Tunnel! What tunne1?" demanded three astounded voices at once.
 '"The tunnel which Ali Singh drove | from his house to yours and through which he took away his prisoners. Oh, I know all about it! You needn't glare at me like that. I'm with you now, heart and soul. Read this and perhaps you'll begin to believe in me-"
 He took folded note from breast , pocket and handed it to Manning, to whom~it was addressed by name. It read:
 Dear Manning--You and the girls can be saved if you follow the bearers instruc- tions. Sincerely yours, NAJLA. Altef oue uull1cu SiuASC 0A"Ahlhs, {, read the brief message aloud. Willard Bronson. mercurial as ever, uttered a | joyous whoop, but Kemp, lowering his pistol, still regarded the newcomer with cold suspicion.
 You seem to turn your coat every twenty-four hours," he said. "What has happened today that you should be on our side?'
 Hong Kong Harrys face darkened in a vindictiye scowl. He rose, threw off his coat, unfastened a. collar and tie, drew his shirt partly off and exhibited his lacerated back to the three men.
 There's your answer" he muttered. Its plain English, guess"
 The mans torn flesh offered an ap- palling sight. The actual wounds caused by the brutal beating he had 1 suffered were marked by half healed scars, but the black and purple bruises wherever the surface of the skin was unbrolen looked even more sinister. With twinge of pain he slowly re- | placed his garments.
 That's what got because the bomb which wrecked Mir. Manning's house did not kill him at the same time!" he snarled. q was sentenced to be Hog ged to death and would have handed ill my checks long ago were it not for | Najla's helD. I owe her my life. and