San Antonio light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1911-1993, 1923-10-24
The Yellow Seven
THE BOX TRICK
Copyright 1928, NEA Service BY EDMUND SMELL
BY EDMUND SMELL

am up to my neck in work,
growled Hewitt protestinsly.
ITS something to have wOrk-tC
be ND 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 fthe gang
way they overlook Chai-Hung.
Morning" said Pennington cheer
fully.
The oriental stopped dead.
"Good morning, gentlemen" He
looked at Hewitt. II have to thank
you for your extreme courtesy" he
told him. smoothly. "On occasions
like these there are certain formali-
ties which-necessary though they may
seem to be-are distinctly annoying"
The commissioner flushed.
Il regret to inform you. Mr.. Chai-
Hung, that circumstanc"s hare
arisen which necessitate enforcing
the temporary measure even in your
case"
The Chinaman started.
"Do l understand, Captain Hewitt,
that you propose searching me?"
"I'm afraid So"
Chai-Hung's lips parted, but his
broad features betrayed not the least
sign of emotion. For 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, Il
feel sure that both the commissioner
and myself would be infinitely morti-
fled should it transpire that Lady
Stornaway'A diamonds have come
into your possession"
Chai-Hung drew in a deep breath,
folded his umbrella, and handed 1T to
a waiting coolie.
Hewitt moved impatiently.
might as well get this unpleasant
duty over" he suggested. a cabin
would be the handiest place, don't
you think, I-nnington?"
They crossed the gangway and
passed into the first state-roOm that
CHANGED to be unoccupied. Penning-
ton closed the door.
Gan i offer you drink, Mr.. Char
Hung?" asked the commissioner.
The oriental shook his head. and,
producing cigar-cas, quantity EN-
broidered with a silver dragon,
glanced inGuiringly round.
Il have. your permission to
smoke:"
"Most certainly" Hewitt FASTENED
to assure him. mo, thanks. Not for
me. If YOU don't mind, I'll have a
cigarette"
Pennington. seated on the edge of
the berth, his hands stuck deep i'll
his pockets, declined also. Chai-Huns
lie up carefully, and passed the
matches on to the commissioner.
Ten minutes later, both English
men emerged. :.
Hewitt dropped into chair and,
fitting back his sun-helmet, mopped a
moist brow.
"Now arr you satisfied" he de-
manded.
Perfectly" declared, Pennington
automatically. what dyou say 10
some liquid refreshments?"
IF it weren't so confoundedly
hot said the commissioner, I'D order
a double brandy. As far as / can sec
you've made pretty mess of the
whole affair. I'd have put my shirt
on Chai-Hung-and was right. ]
can tell you-if you don't already
know it-that our mutual acquainr'
ance is MORALLY offended with the
way you went over him. !"
I'll admit l was thorough,
chuckled the other, signaling to
steward who lounged in the door
way. Il suppose we've just about
time to Guench our thirst and ge
ashore before she Sails"
He ordered sings.
The deep-throatrd note Of the yes
sells siren reverberated suddenly and
nj that moment, Chai-Hung emerge,
from the cabin. surveying the dead
end of the cigar he had laid aside
Both men rose, but the benign smil
with which the oriental greeted then
drove the intended apology from Hew
tits lips.
Efficiency. Mr.. Pennington. b,
said. ais the keynote of success.
sincerity hone that hefon, we mec
again you will have been successful II
your search"
With disarming cordially. h
] dropped hand on the shoulder o