The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-04-02
CHAPTER XXIII aREVENGE IS SWEETD


 Chang Bing Ho and his two Chinese accomplices lifted the unconscious form of Jim Dalton from the pavement
 The blow with the loaded chain had Teen swift and accurate. It had done its work.
 Run for taxicabr commanded Chang Bing Ho. addressing one of the men. But first notice well the fea- lures of the driver! Choose not him that Is of willy cast of countenance For he may indeed suspect us of a crimew
 His accomplice slipped away. And Tn short space of time a long low whistle communicated to Chang Bing Ho the fact that he had been sue cessful. The man was not too sharp and shrewd
 The unconscious form of Dalton was therefore dragged down the dark lane end lifted hurried1y into the waiting vehicle. Chang Bing Ho took care that the driver didn't see the young mans face.
 The Jehu drove away.
 Chang Bing Ho drew a long breath of satisfaction, which was echoed by his two confederates. The victim now Was at their hand
 Virtue has virtues reward, but evil has the reward of evilr The great 'Decrees of Heaven" were ever on the
  man
 For time had thoughts of com hitting suicide upon his doorstep! That would have brought the deepest curse of heaven upon him.
 The others ehorused an assent. For ] such an action is considered by the Chinese to be the most deadly injury that one man can do another.
 For instance, out in distant Shang- hai in our days of poverty, we had a samily feud," proceeded Chang Bing Ho communicatively. Tt was dispute concerning the division of some land, which our rich cousins claimed. They hribed the lawyers and they won their case
 My three brothers and I were there fore flung into yet deeper poverty. We pianned revenge. We drew lots as to which of us should die, and thus bring the curse of high heaven upon our evil cousins.
 'The honor fell to my eldest brother He committed suicide with gladness or the cousins doorstep. The law therefore forced the cousins to pay a large indemnity.
 Again we drew lots. Another broth- CT sacrificed his life. Again our evil cousins had to pay large indemnity.
 But we desired to bring about their complete financial downfall. So third brother committed suicide upon their doorstep. That was the final act which ruined them. From riches they came to the direst poverty, with the curse of heaven upon them"
 The two confederates acclaimed this tale delightedly.
 Force this young fellow here"-they nodded towards Jim Dalton-''to 'chih chin tze'--to swallow gold That would be a fitting death for him, considering that he has robbed up of much gold!' But Chang Bing Ho shook a reflec- tive head
 "tChi tu'-to eat poison--would be ktin more painful And I desire for of various ways" Here his narrow eyes assumed a dreamy, far-off look. 'To sprinkle kerosene upon his gar- ments and apply the matchl Or to place the heavy weights upon his feet"' His gaze travelled to Jim's im- eff of minor limbs, such as the toes and fingers"
 An excellent punishment would be the removal of the eyelids,' suggest cd one of the confederates, thought fully. 'H have seen it carried out with great success. The knife, however, must be sharp!"
 T still possess the thumbscrew and the bootjack of my most honorable an- cestors,'' said Chang Bing Ho, with dig rity. Yes. this young fellow certainly must pay the price. The scores" against him were so numerous. Arrived in Linn ehouse they smugg1ed Jim into the unpleasant cellar which was their temporary abode.
 The taxi driver received another pound and was dismissed.
 The still unconscious visitor was flung upon a heap of straw in a, damp dismal corner and allowed to lie there while the Orientals made their plans together.
 Revenge was useless while the vic tim was insensible
 A WEARY WATT
 On his way up to London on the