Evening star., 1936-10-11

out In a neat grey ndnneI SUIT. fuS Snlpn1dteS,
I happened to know, had nicknamed him
after popular film star; and except that
Louis was step or two nearer the jungle,
the resemblance could not be denied had
an idea there was an Asiatic streak, an idea
which later events tended to confirm.
'How are you. LOUISE" said; when did
you get in?"
I'VE berthed this morning, sir. We're off
again on Tuesday"
His manners were unexceptionabe; in fact,
in the main I didn't dislike the fellow. All
l disliked about him was his somewhat obvi-
Gus relationship to Mrs. Sam King A cousin
he may have been - one couldn't doubt that
they hailed from the same part of the world -
but he certainly took full advantage of the
kinship.
~'Sit down. my pearl crooned old Sam
King. placing chair for his wife. This is
happy occasion. Louis, tonight it will be
labor of love to prepare, as you know 50 well
how to do, four of those punches which we
esteem We have an old friend with us; one of
those rare friends who understands us all"
detected a curious intonation in the
grooming voice, when my thoughts were
broken by scream from Josie. "Sam!" she
shrieked. "Sam! lock that damn thing up!'
She was standing bolt upright, her eyes
fixed in terror upon the mongoose. Emperor,
from the other side of the room, was regard
inp her fxedly, and his regard was not a
friendly one
MY child - old Sam King squeezed her
shoulder - will you never learn to know
those who love you?"
Lock the damn thing up!' she demanded
angrily.
They are angry with you, my Emperor"
Sam King murmued. picking up the sleek
little animal 'You make them angry, and so
you must be locked up, my small friend"
He returned the mongoose to his wired cage
and then snilingly rejoined us.
why do you let the thing out?" Josie
asked; 'you know hate it"
Il did not know, Josie, my precious, that
you would be joining u.s."
Let's forget it, Louis suggested. You're
jumpy, Josie A real drink is what you want.
and it's coming to you, now"
Josie, rather ashamed of herself, dropped
back into her seat.
The episode was forgotten. Conviviality
reigned in the room, and old Sam King
chuckled delghtedly at Louis's anecdotes.
Josie watched the raoonteur with adoring
ewes. don't know what the hour was when
Louis stood up.
81 expect you'll want to turn in. Sam, :" he
said, but have promised Josie to take her
down to Mrs. Joys for couple of dances
before they close. know you won't mind
why should II" the old Chinaman re-
piled. Youth should be gay. am happy in
what have, and wish that which have to be
happy also"
When the pair had gone, calling back
laughing farewells: Il also must be going, my
friend" said. "What does your wife say to
the change? Is she looking forward to living
in China?"
realized that had put the thing rather
bluntly but the words we're spoken and
could not recall them. Old Sam King, who
had leaned back in his chair and lowered his
eyelids, now tuned upon me that regard as of
a benevolent snake; it was somewhat dis
ooncerting.
my wife will go before me-" he replied
softly, Ito prepare my house, Respected, as
it is fitting that wife should do"
Some months elapsed before l saw Sam
King again, but I often thought about him.