The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1923-07-21
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R.M SAUERFlELD

|
I've every reason to believe he
has, and I'm not taking any risks. If
| you don't slip into your tunic and
come down with me, 1 warn you I'll
search him myself"
! At that moment, Monica, trembling
with suppressed excitement, caught
sight of a red umbrella passing pla-
cidly along the roadway at the foot
OF the slope.
"Jackr' she called out suddenly,
"go down with Mr.. Pennington. You
can't afford to stand on ceremony"
I'm up to my neck in work, -
growled Hewitt protestingly.
It's something to have work-to
be up to your neck in!' declared his
sister, joining them.
! She waved her hand to them until
they were out of sight, but only Pen
nington responded.
Within twenty yards of the gang
way they overlook Chai-Hung.
Morning" said Pennington cheer
fully.
The oriental stopped dead.
/ Good morning, gentlemen" He
looked at Hewitt. Il have to thank
you for your extreme courtesy" he
told him smoothly. ION occasions
like these there are certain formal
ties which-necessary though they
may seem to be-are distinctly annoy
ing"
The commissioner flushed.
Il regret to inform you. Mr.. Chat
Hung, that circumstances have arisen
which necessitate enforcing the tenn
porary measure even in your case"
The Chinaman started.
do I understand, Captain Hewitt,
that you propose searching me?"
I'm afraid So"
Chal-Hung's lips parted, but his
broad features betrayed not the least
sign of emotion. For a second his
gaze travelled to Pennington, who re-
turned it with equanimity.
I'm afraid you will both be dis
appointed"
ION the contrary" returned Pen
nington with studied politeness. II
! feel sure that both the commissioner
and myself would be infinitely morti-
fed should it transpire that Lady
Stornaway's diamonds have come into
| your possession.
Chai-Hung drew in a deep breath,
folded his umbrella, and handed it to
4 waiting coolie.
Hewitt moved impatiently.
Might as we'll get this unpleasant
duty over" he suggested. "A cabin
would be the handiest place, don't
you think, Pennington"
The crossed the gangway and
/ passed into the first state-room that
/ CHANGED to be unoccupied. Penning
ten closed the door.
Can I offer you a drink, Mr.. Chat
Hung?" asked the commissioner.
/ The Oriental shook his head and,
/ producing a cigar-case quantity en-
broidered with a silver dragon.
glanced inquiringly round.
| II have your permission to smoker"
Most certainly" Hewitt fastened
! TO assure him. mo, thanks. Not for
me. If you don't mind. I'll have a
| cigarett."
Pennington, seated on the edge Of
\ his pockets, declined also. Chat
Hung lit up carefully. and passed
the matches on to the commissioner.
Ten minutes later, both Englishmen
emerged.
/ Hewitt dropped into a chair and
I fitting back his sun-helmet, mopped
a moist brow.
Now are you satisfied" he de-
manded.
Perfectly" declared Pennington
systematically, What d'you say to
! some liquid refreshments"
I IF it weren't so confoundedly hot, -
said the commissioner, I'D order a
double brandy! AS far as I can see,
/ you've made a pretty miss of
1 the whole affair. I'd have put my
shirt on Chai-Hung-and I was right.
can tell you-if you don't already
know it-that our mutual acquaint-
ance is mortally offended with the
way you went over him.
I'll admit I was thorough" chuck
/ led the other. signaling to a steward
who lounged in the doorway. Il sup
pose we've just about time to quench
our thirsts and get ashore before she
sails.
! He ordered sings
The deep-throated note of II E YES
/ sells siren reverberated suddenly and,
/ at that moment, Chai-Hung emerged
from the cabin, surveying the dead
| end Of the cigar he had laid aside.
Both men rose, but the benign smile
with which the oriental greeted them
| drove the intended apology from
Hewitt's lips.
Efficiency, Mr.. Pennington" he
said, lis the keynote of success. I
sincerely hope that before we meet
again you will have been successful
in your search"
With disarming cordiality, he
dropped a hand on the shoulder or
zach and accompanied them to the
gangway.
Hewitt was on the point of cross
ing to the jetty when Chai-Hung
laughed.
You will never cure yourself of
that little failing, I'm afraid" he as
serted blandly. do you mind re-
turning me my matches?"
The commissioner dropped his cane.
You don't. mean to say? BY
Cad! have thought He produced
the missing box.
The Oriental, still smiling, reached
cut for it, but, before his fingers
could close on it, Pennington's had
interviewed.
Just minute he murmured
alphabetically, a queer light in his