Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-12-08

man. was ACTUALLY d pIlSoicI ia tue
hands of the native authorities. He
could scarcely believe his senses. but
when he realized it was true he
seized his hat and, ordering his pri-
vate launch to be ready Immediately
at the wharf. fastened at once to the
British consulate.
"Well Chelmford," he said, in a
great state of excitement, there's a
pretty how-do-you-do The tao-tai
has arrested my compradore because
his son Scotty stole miserable little
tombstone out of the cemetery last
ing him up at the yamen now. My
whole hong is upset by this stupid
nonsense and l want you to- go or
send over there at once and order
him released"
Il am sorry for you, Watsford," an
sWered the consul. but you see it's
on Chinese soil and entirely outside
my jurisdictions"
DO you mean to tell me that the
british government can't send over
there and get that chap free? Why,
it's outrageous"
THE only thing that I can do for
you Is to go over there and ask the
tao-tai personally to see that he is
kindly treated untn the son turns
up"
We'll, for goodness sake go quick,
then. You know what those yamen
have his very life blood if he doesn't
pay up handsomely"
The consul and the merchant re-
turned in the launch to the yamen
and after an interview with his en-
cellency received his assurance that
no harm would be done to the prjs-
oner, but that he was obliged to hold
him in confinement until every effort
mad been made to secure the person
of Scotty.
Two full weeks passed by. but not
trace OF the criminal could be found.
The tao-tai then sent a dispatch to
the consul telling him that the town
was in such state of excitement
that unless Scotty turned up within
six days he would be obliged to APP
Ply the torture in order to secure
confession from the compradore and
thus appease the people.
Good gracious said Watsford,
isn't there any human way of CATCH
ing the villain and saving his poor
innocent father from those Internal
demons? Why, If they once get at
him they'll kill him. sure as fate"
Il have been thinking over it a
good Seal'"' answered the consul, land
have decided to wire to the gov
ernor at Hongkong for Wang Foo"
And who is this Wang Foo?"
1.-THE most remarkable man in the
colony. They call him the 'mysteri-
GUS He is Chinese gentleman of
means who gives his whole time and
attention to ferreting out criminals,
and seems to succeed when all others
fail. His record as detective among
his own people is certainly wonder
full"
Wire for him at once. Tell them to
send him on the very first ship and
look to me to foot the bills.
The man of mystery arrived on the
appointed date and after his usual
very careful and painstaking in
quiries. together with private exam
nations of all the parties interested,
proceeded to his interview with his
excelency, the tao-tai. He was most
courteously received and, after the
that all the attendants be retired and
that the doors to the private apart
ment be securely closed and locked.
The tao-tai reluctantly granted his
request. They sat down facing each
other upon the couch of honor and
took up the tobacco pipes. Wang
lighted the paper fuse and, looking
his companion straight in the face,
made with it certi:n passes in the
air. The tao-tai appeared confused.
Wang continued the motions and with
Chinese hiercglyphics. "shoong.
Hwai" exclaimed the startled official
as he rose. 1.-THE brotherhood!'
"The same" answered Wang, as he
calmly replaced the fuse in the holder.
"You have not forgotten me. then?
You remember the case at Long Chow
and how l saved you from official dis
grace? The time has come. now, for
YOU to return that favor"
what favor do you ask"
"The relief and justification of Hoo
Sam-Lok.'
but suppose I do not grant It?
What then?"
Wang leaned forward and. gripping
the officials hand. held it like a wise.
"If you do not, the official promo
ton to provincial Judge which you
have been expecting in fortnight's
time viii mysteriouSly fall through!
Do you understands
"But how can ] satisfy the peoples
demands? They know that crime
of the most heinous nature has been
committed and the heads of all the
clans and guilds in town are clam
orng at my gates for torture and for
trial. If l refuse to crafty them l
am ruined man. How can l break
the laws and traditions of the en-
pire?"
Listen" said Wang, still gripping
the tao-tais hand. SIS it not written
in the analects, The superior man adj
justeth the punishment to the crime?
You know he is innocent-absolutely
innocent-you also know as we'll as I
that there are ways of going through
these forms without injury to the vic
l. 1T l. ,l,s,