New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1923-08-10
NOW GO ON WITH THE STORY

slowly, that Chai-HunE is a little out
OF the ordinary"
Pennington clasped both hands over
his knee and looked hard at the
wall.
He is" he admitted. There's
something horribly uncanny about
the merchant, and ! only hope the
Commissioner realizes it as much as
do"
How long time would you con-
slider sufficient to presume him
dead?"
Pennington grinned.
mot long" he announced more
cheerfuly. You see Chat Hung-to
give the devil his due--has decided
sense of humor; not the refined
harmless article that you or / lay
claim to, l admit, but still a sense of
humor! / fiatter myself that I know
enough of the gentleman to be GER
tain that he won't be able to resist
for long the desire to let me know
that he's eluded me-" g..
Varney lifted the siphon from the
table and thoughtfully sprayed a
large spider that was in the act of
crossing the floor. ..s4
by the bye" he said, you didn't
by any chance tell anybody you were
coming here p
Good heavens, yes! told Mon
lea and the others my probable
plans, for one thing; and, for another,
/ instructed my men to follow me on
here if they wanted anything or
cleaned anything of importance they
thought | ought to know"
That accounts for 1t.
Accounts for WHAT"
The trader dived a hand into his
tunic and produced Hewitt's letter
folded round the piece of card.
Here's your evidence right
enough" he told him. 1T foated in
from the darkness barely haitian
hour ago."
Chinese Pennington spread the
document out on the table and sur
veyed the yellow Seven as man
might survey long-lost brother
Great snakes!" he murmured pres
emily. looking up into the others
eyes. Il fancy it was meant for me,
all right
varney appeared relieved.
There happened to be message
with that bit of cardboard. IL was
given to my servant, verbally, to the
effect that if admitted you or helped
you in any way-my number was up!"
Pennington's jaw dropped.
Have you any idea where your
boy put my things"
Varney took his guest by both
shoulders and forced him back into
the chair.
Whatever damage there's likely
to be is done already, and if you
fancy I'm going to allow pack of
dirty thieves to dictate to me what
guests entertain--you're very much
mistaken. merely told you as a
matter of interest. Chai-Hung, it ap-
pears, is at large"
Very much So My dear old Var
ney. what an unholy mess-up, Do
you realize that every blessed China
man on the islend belongs to that
gang of cut-throats ?"
Actively"
Either that or passiveIy. That's
exactly where Chat lungs strength
lies. However loyal an Oriental NAV
be to his white master he darent re-
fuse to comply with any request the
bandit may make. He wouldn't live
a week If he did,"
AS the trader reached over to take
bis glass, Pennington caught sight of
the tattooed tiger.
Il know one man, at least, who'd |
mourn your. loss if Chat Hung car
RED out his, threat" he said quietly.
And that is-?"
ara-khan. He'd lament the loss
OF both generous client and a walk
Ing picture gallery of his art"
AT that moment Chong-Hee ap-
peared at the doorway to announce
that the baths were ready.
The rusted hands of the veranda
clock pointed to little after one
when Narney stretched his tattooed
arms and yawned.
Time for bed, old son."
Pennington, who was leaning on the
TAIL, glanced back over his shoulder.
Tired"
The other nodded.
Taken all round, it's been a rather
.ryng day. You won't be in too
much of hurry to get away in the
Cant say. 1t depends on circum
'tances-and Mr.. Chai-Hung. You
won't mind if I hang about here for
spell. l know where to find my
room"
Varney smiled.
DO Just as you like. of course. I'm
lot going to suggest that you're fee,-
ng uneasy about recent events; but,
n any case, Chang would raise Cain
ong before any outsider could reach
he house" He bent down and pat
ed the creatures shaggy head,
Pennington held out his hand.
Good night Varney. It's done me
! world of good seing you so NJ and
never worry; it
wastes so much time. But try to
imagine l can sleep better when half
he worlds asleep"
He stopped there-rolling and
moking interminable cigarettes, and
ach time he struck a fresh match
be hound that was curled in a cane
hair jerked UP its head. Presently
extinEuished the lamp. |
g he came back to his original posi-
on a sudden sound attracted his at
'ntion Tb7 moon sailing gaily