Evening star., 1936-10-11
Hogoxins Sec

stripped. All those gewgaws which spoke u
the mincing voice of Mrs. Sam King w
missing: it was barren little room. But
shrine remained, and now, faint scufff
sound attracted my attention to that corr
where, upon Victorian mahogany tad
Emperor's cage reposed. The wicked, be-
eyes regarded me fixedly.
Sam King placed glass in my hand, raiso
his own.
ITO your long life and happiness in Chins
said.
ITO all of that happiness you desire,"t
replied, which would be true happiness Il
your continued health and our unbroh
friendship" We drank. solemnly.
1T is fitting thing and very welcon
thing" Sam King continued, that you sho1
visit me tonight But am unhappy to n
ceive you in this bare and inhospitable ROOM
''You are here. Sam. and it was you can1
to see.''
''You honor me-"
We were silent for while. Vaguely cout
hear water dripping somewhere, and Emperos
evidently satisfied that was an Acceptable
visitor, scuffled about at the back OF his cage
Otherwise. we were alone with the old pet
fumes of the place. among which that of Samt
shag began now to assert its usual predomt
nance.
THE wise man takes pleasure in the cont
pany of friend" he said presently; I'D
only wise man knows one. Sometimes q
your writings, Respected, you have spoke
evil of my oountrymen. Is it not true?"
1T is true l replied, but only in I
limited sense I have portrayed some of you
race perhaps, in an unfavorable light; bul {
never the Chinese as whole. There are evil
men in China as there are evil men in every
country. Your words, Sam, are not just"
Il spoke the words, - he answered, merely
to hear your reply. In friendship. misunder1
standing is impossible"
As he ceased speaking, I found myself
listening for something else which expected
to hear; exactly what, didn't know. All l
heard was the dripping of rain, until piece
Of ash dropped from the fire in the little CRATE.
and made me start.
ITO sit in the shade beside some willow
bordered canal" Sam King continued, land
to contemplate the infinite beauties of nature.
This Respected. is fit occupation for the
aged philosopher"
He closed his eyes and became silent.
remembered that had committed the social
sin of failing to. inquire after his wife; there:
fore: Il trust your wife is in the best OF
health" said.
MY WIFE" he replied. us fortunate
woman, for she enjoys all that she has earned
She is at present bidding her farewells to
Limehouse. thank you, Respected, for YOU
interest"
Silence fell again, then: "As you have
seen." said Sam King, most of my pool
possessions are gone. But one which has some
times attracted your friendly interest still
remains. Indeed. have kept it for you as q
parting gift and as token of the honorable
pleasure which you have afforded me-"
He reached down under the chair in which
he was seated, and took out a short, heavy
curved sword, the hilt bound with plaitec
catgut, the blade concealed in a shagreer
scabbard. 1t was beautiful piece of finely
tempered steel, the upper part of the blad,
curiously damascened had often admired it
He drew the blade from the scabbard.
Really" l protested. "your generosity il
too great. You treasure this sword. couldn'
dream of accepting it."
Sam King raised the blade before his eyes
and then performed a curious semi circular
horizontal movement with it "a movement