The Hardin tribune-herald. [volume] (Hardin, Mont.) 1925-1973, 1936-05-29
A Chinese Romance In Which the vir-
tue Of Constancy Is Rewarded by An
oriental Projects Strange Provision Of
Justice-By LOUIS PAUL

;; Provision Of <; |
sympathies are all toward a faithful
o WILLOW ana her young son. am doing
everything I can in order to help you
out Of your predicament. However,
nave learned that Shan-chi is in pos
session OF his fathers will, which ap-
pears to support him in the matter, and
some 20 difficulty may arise in everything
Us provisions. You understand an Of
i!clals position when it comes to adj
pathy, but the legal aspects, which must
gulde him and finally be alluded"
We are satisfied to be in the hands
o o1o; SO e,, wise and virtuous an Official"
Mel Shih bowed.
Now you will go to the house Of
S SslaaIa. and await further develop
ments,"' he said. For Magistrate T'eng's
campaign was carefully mapped out;
something of its success depended upon
secrecy and surprise
So your story teller, with what ar
tistry ne possesses, will 60 on to con-
ciuae his tale by saying that with the
customary fanfare Of signs and ban
beautiful blue silk umbrella, the ef-
1ect OF an officials pomp concealing
the purpose in his mind. Mel Shin and
Shan-chi knelt to receive the presence,
ana the throng of assembled relatives
1olloWed their example. The official was
on the point of entering Shan chis
mouse when. suddenly he stopped,
lous expression spreading on his count
enance, then murmured something as
though in answer to greeting.
10 the establishment of the whole
gathering they saw T'eng nod and ges-
ture politely, exactly as though he had
met and was escorting an honored
placed chair OPPOSITE 'o the s'e pos Haes
OF honor, and continued to address this
absence with the conventional cour-
tesles--though it was perfectly obvious
that there was no one seated in the
cha!r: The people in the room stared
at this amazing exhibition with a med
ley of mixed feelings, some thinking
spirit WALL" others that the magis-
trate had taken leave of his senses.
T'eng continued to sit across from the
empty chair in an attitude of concen-
trated attention. and finally, as though
the imaginary person had paused for
answer:
Your wife has come to me to sue
sir?" ' ~ 0'
Again he bent forward, as though to
listen. He nodded his head, wrinkled his
brow, and murmured a few II sees" be-
tween times. At last he spoke again. II
know. Quite true. Your elder son has
comported himself disgracefully-" He
stopped, and then went on: "Well, ex-
actly what disposition do you wish
! see. The cottage by the left wall in
the garden. Yes. And OF course I
shall carry out your instructions! I am
honored to be of service to you, SIR"
Ihere was a longer pause, and the
Willy Magistrate Teng made several vio-
lent protestations of refusal. mo, in
an honorable official to take a gift for
his services. No, do not press me. I
simply would not think Of accepting
three hundred gold taels. T." T'eng.
superb actor that he was, sighed, II
am embarrassed that you press me, sir,
for must surely be guilty of gross dis
courtesy were to protest further. I
present is witness to my reluctance =
He rose, made three deep obeisances,
and when he recovered his face wore
establishment.
Where has Mr.. Nj gone??" he de-
manded.
But" Someone whose voice had
m n been lost completely, stammered,
no Mr.: Nj here, sir!"
. WELL" exclaimed the magistrate,
II must say that this is a most mys-
ter1ous affair" He turned to Shan-chi.
only this moment met your honor
able father at the door and he took me
IN here, and we've been conversing for
Inc last ,a,. half hour. Why, you must
None Of US heard him." replied
Shan-chi, shaking.
MOST extraordinary. Perhaps If I
describe his appearance you will be
convinced" T'eng, of course, had be-
come acquainted with Mr.. Mis- features
through his portrait, of which Shan
en- knew nothing: "A tall man, fine
wearing an official hat, black boots.
red robe, and a belt of gold. Surely
that was your father, Nj Shou-lien?"
everyone was struck speeches. BY
this accurate description of the aged
Rrefect, and now thoroughly convinced
mat II not In the flesh he must GER
talnly have returned in spirit.
~ was constrained" said T'eng, by
erty. He particularly mentioned that
ne wished his younger son to have
the house and grounds by the left wall
IN the garden. You must have heard
ms words. Is there such parcel upon
the property"
baffled.
=. Let us 60, by all means, and inspect
it," said Ten.
And when they were upon the
grounds the magistrate looked about
MN, making sure that the property was
tne one described in the second will of
M Shou-lien. II now declare this sec
lion OF the estate to be the property of
Mel 'Sh1h and Shameful in accordance
Wlth the expressed wishes of the Pre-
Icy ~, i Shan-chi agrees with my
magistrate said slowly, lin order to
avold further litigation or disagree
ment between the parties affected"
AG this announcement Shan-chi was
1 over1oyed. While the property was one
winch he would have liked to keep in
ms possession, he felt that he was
coming out of the affair Quite chean=