Evening star., 1921-12-25


his arms hastily. but the consul took
no heed. Clinging to a carved pro-
lection beneath the painted eyes of
the patrol launch was a senseless man
whom the consul had recognized, and
the. Georgian watched as his helms
man laid the two boats alongside with
nice precision. Then. seeing that his
boys were attending to Toptit. the
consul regarded the officer, who was
dancing with rage.
This is very fortunate" he OBJ
served suavely. Il perceive that you
we're about to rescue my countryman.
I am the consul OF America at Chung
king"
He is not your countrymsn, excel
lency." responded the officer angrily.
HE is a man of France"
"You are mistaken. I. know him
very WELL" said the consul smiling.
At this the officer changed counte-
nance.'>
very well. excellency," he respond
ed. bowling. "Wessaw him floating in
the river and came to his assistance.
Cndoubtedly-"
Undoubtedly that was we'll done."
interrupted the consul. who could be
just as bland as any yellow man goA
ing. II shall report your zeal at the
yamen You win be rewarded"
"A man of your excellency's posi-
tion should not be troubled with
drowned bodies" said the officer.
IF you will turn over the man to
us. We will bring him to Cheng-tu
with all due respect and"
! HE is not drowned. and he is a
friend of mine," said the consul. THE
matter shall be duly reported at the
yamen, SO say no more. My papers
are at your disposal il you care to see
them
THAT is not needed; have seen your
| excellency before this"
The officer bowed and turned away
with shrug The consul ordered full
! speed ahead. which the engineer made
haste to obey. The launch had drifted
in close to the east bank, where there
! were many shadows.
bow of the patrol boat had nearly
drowned him. but had turned most OF
| the blows aimed at him. opened his
! eyes to meet the consul's smile.
Hello" he observed, sitting up.
! Say, I've had a devil of a nightmare!
| Where did you come from. old man.?
y x +
"EROM here to there" The consul
produced a flask. sit steady now
! till I fix you up snifter: you need it.
| What the deuce have you been DOING
Toptit, to get the yan"n after your
! ished you in another minute"
Toptit felt for his pocket. patted it
and then relaxed with an expression
of complete bliss.
Me? Nothing at ALL" he said in an
aggrieved tone. "Fye just been TAX
Hello! If that isn't"
| "A familiar voice, lifted in below
| from the receding bank, drew Toptit
/; hastily to his feet. He observed the
figure of Kdng Ho excitedly waving
! from the shore. He waved response
and pointed in the direction of Cheng-
/ tu. The pirate waved in understand
ing and vanished.
! Great Scott" exclaimed the con-
sui. Whats all this wigwagging.
Toptit? Who was that chap"
! "a friend of mine-name is s~kang
! Ho." Toptit took the drink that was
| proffered him, then paused before the
consurs look OF incredulous conster-
nation.
i "Kang Ho? Man. you're crazy! 1t
can't be the river pirate of that name
! the beggar with a reward of five
thousand liang on his head"
| Toptit grinned suddenly. ''See here.
! are you talking to me in an official
capacity?" he demanded.
"You bet ! am. If you're tied up
with that pirate, there's going to be
! trouble all up and down the line, my
son.
! Toptit swallowed his drink.
Well" he said, don't you worry
about it! That isn't any pirate.
That's just a big overgrown kid who
got me into a hell of a mess. He'll
!! probably be up at Cheng-tu in the
! morning to get a present 1 promised
to give him. I'll introduce you"
81 think" observed the consul. re-
garding him gravely. that you're
| lying, Toptit!"
| Toptit chuckled. "Of course. l am.
Everybody lies to consul. OF
course, if you weren't in an official
| capacity"
"Oh, understand" The consul
dropped into a chair and produced
cigars. "Here-my boy is getting out
some dry clothes now. Tell me
while"
Toptit told his story. He told the
exact truth and produced the bronze
tiger hilt to prove his words. And
yet
To this very day the consul aftirms
that Toptit is the most polished liar
he ever met.
/ Copyright, 1921
NJ