Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-08-29
A Mystery Story
By Mary Dahlberg
cOpyriEht. 1880. By Dufnsld and COMPANY.

withdrew, obseQuiously. Chang rose and
poured hot water from pot on q tiny
gilded brazier over the leaves In q bowl,
then strained on the golden liquid into
a second bowl.
"This is essence Of the gods-if there
be gods" he said, presenting it. Prom
my own gardens in the south. Once
it was reserved for the Son Of Heaven.
Now Chang presents 1t to his friends"
The irony did not escape her.
"You have been very successful, gen.
eral," she answered. But can you be
sure that success has meant happiness
to your Would you not have been hap
pier. possibly, as a collie In those tea
gardens?"
mo" he retorted promptly, "for I
am not so constituted"
"Blaine Howard wouldn't accept your
belief" she replied. Nor should /.
"That is true as TO Mr.. Howard" ne
agreed. IT offered him power on plane
with my own, He would not accept.
The old lama had bent his mind the
other way"
1T understand" assented Chang.
But do not be misled by the idea.
There are many ways-nearly as many
as there are men, for no two Of Us walk
the same road"
II walk Blaine Towards road" she
retorted proudly.
wise" He rose again, imp Ea,s n.ay
much to discuss with each other" For
the first time his seamless yellow
cheeks wrinkled in q smile. Those
who disagree have most TO 1mpart--
and to learn. But do not think we
shall really disagree"
why not?" challenged Dagger.
because you are Of those whose feet
seek the way of power" he returned.
"And the man who might have set your
feet upon another way" he hesitateo
perceptibly-"is gone" he concluded:
But in my time go, too" she said
mot from Sung-fu so soon?" he
questioned.
Il came here to learn Of Blaine
Howard. not to find different way"
she said.
1T will tell you Of him." he prom
ised: and whatever way you take must
be of your own choice"
She drew herself erect with . touch
Of haughtiness.
"It is not necessary for you or any
one to tell me So"
"5ave I not said you were Of those
whose feet sought the way Of power?"
he replied, making no effort to conceal
the admiring light in his narrow eyes.
"You were born to be princess, Mrs.
Vaneering, ruler Of men, the mother
of kings"
He Strobe to the door before she
could think Of an answer.
"Oh. your tea things" she cried
after him.
He bowed on the threshold.
"Since they have known your pres
ence they are too good for my humble
abode" he said. please honor me by
accepting them as an appreciation Of
your wisdom and beauty"
MY glory" Dagger murmured to
herself lapsing into the favorite ex-
preston of Aunt Espy, as the door
closed upon the Tu-chun's tan f1gure..
In the morning Mr.. Arah waited
upon Dagger again, very much I'M
"Motah car come" he announced.
Driver say Turchun sent it for you"
She didn't know whether to be
amused or annoyed, but on second
thoughts concluded that she must make
allowance for the customs Of the East.
as well as for the fact that Chang
probably intended the gesture as .
tribute to Howard. And II she had
entertained any doubts as to the pro-
priety of accepting the Tuschun's
courtesy, they were dispelled when she
discovered the advantages of riding in
one Of his cars, with two sli1artly uni
formed soldiers on the drivers seat
Even the American consul sauntered
out Of his office to receive her, . mix
ture of satire and hun1or giinting In
his eyes.
Joined the harem, Mrs. vaneer-
ing?" he inquired.
why? Is this one Of the per-
quisites?" she retorted.
only for the Number One Wife, I'd
say"
''Will it ruin my reputation" she
asked merrily.
He laughed
Lord, no. But I'll bet you my last
years hat Chang has intentions.
You're the first woman, who wasn't
an officials wife, he's put himself out
for like this"
Continued tomorrow.)