A SERIAL STORY
A TALE OF
MY LADY: MYSTERY.
By EDGAR WALLACE.
Author of "The Four Just Mon," "The Secret House", &2.
JOHN MORLAY, as the head off firm of commercial enquiry agents, is asked by
6
JULIAN LESTER to find out about the
COUNTESS MARIE FIOLI, whom Julian would like to marry John, however, finds himself ad- miring the Countess, He meets
former MRS. CARAWOOD, a purse and now guardian of the Countess, who employs him as Meanwhile the girl's protecter. Julian engages
MARTIN, an enquiry agent, and JOE SALTER, an ex-convict, to spy on the ladies, and try to obtain certain important papers which he believes will thing
prove
their about
mystery
་
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH,
RUBBER ESTATES'
ASSESSMENT.
DOING AWAY WITH SECRECY.
41
At a meeting of the Central Perak Planters Association at Ipoh last week it was diselosed that the Association had been in the close correspondence "with Rubber Controller on the inci- dence of restriction assessments. with a view to securing less secret methods of assessment of estates, A letter from the Controller in reply to definite requests states At this point Herman supplied that he is unable to any whether estates that proved their yields in piece of information.
Mlady's going here today. 1925 and 1926 will be permitted to retain their standard next year. Mr. Fenner,"
Fenner made a sound of dis- It is also pointed out that the As- paragement.
"I wish she wasn't mlady.sessment Committee is largely That's what I wish. Oh, these guided by the restriction rules. there being an appeal to the Cen- lass distinctions!" "And, obli- vious to Mrs. Carawood's glare, he tral Committee. went on: "Men an' women born equal. Was Adam a lord Was Eve a duchess? Was-"
He caught the woman's eye and wilted,
"One of these days I'll throw some thing at you, Fenner!"
was
"It's artificial, comrade," sail Fenner feebly. It strikes at the Home very reet of social brotherhood! money I was only telling the proletariat and the
surround up at our branch last night that ing them.
In connexion with to get rid of class distinctions Mrs. Carawood's business-a num-you've got to get rid of class pri- ber of shops in London-one, vileves, you've got to get rid of titles, you've got to get rid of HERMAN, employed in the main money. shop, and a staunch admirer of "Do you ever get tired of hear ling yourself make speeches, Fen- the Countess, as well as
ther?" she rasped. ·
meets
friends.
L
50-
FENNER, an eccentric
"No, contrade, I can't say that I cialist, who admires Mrs. Cari-
io," he admitted. wood. These two do all they can
"Of course you don't," she said to frustrate Julian's investiga
cornfully. "And as to m'lad tions. Meanwhile, the Countess is travelling with John Morlar giving up her title, wasn't she born who she learns is her official with it? It's like asking you to
give up the use of your guardian. They decide to be great Anyway, you needn't be
Fenner, when she's here." CHAPTER X.
Mr. Renner retired to his last ditch. Mra, Carawood was admittedly i "Titles don't mean nothing to A very difficult woman to deal with.me. They're all part of the She accepted favours from none.envitalistic system. Armies-- drove hard bargains relentlessly; bah! Navies-bah! I hate the and had a reputation among masight of uniform." He adjusted the dealers in London which many his red necktie savagely. "Fancy a more important buyer might
grown-up man labelling himself! have envied.
It's sickening! But, believe me, No sooner was Julian out of the Mrs. Carawood, the proletariat way than, after a few minutes' ain't fools!" deep and evidently unpleasant "I don't know 'em," said the thought, she asked Herman:
"Is Mr. Fenner gone?" "No, ma'am, he's downstairs. other.""" working on the door."
woman, "but I bet there's as big fools in that club as there is in any
A young Chinese workman em- played by Messrs. Tan Kah Kee and Company was shot and fatally wounded by five Chinese gunmen in a lane off Geylang Road, Singapore, last week. It Was
in this same
What's what's ladies but women? women but units in the con- glomerate mass of the proletariat She's highly educated speak French?"
"French? She can talk German and sing Italian."
"All high-class singing seems me." he confessed.
"Bless my life! the man has tain warning gestures to Herman, "And Oxford University loo
inken long enough to build house," said Mrs. Carawood.
Summoned from the lower re sions, Mr. Fenner presented him Helf.
"Have you finished that doo, Fenner?"
"Yes, Mrs. Carnwood, just done
He still lingered, and made cer-Italian to who retiral under the impression that Mr. Fenner wished to discuss money matters. Fenner cleared his throat.
"What are you doing, ordering my boy about?"
"A personal "matter, comrade,' he said huskily, and sat down near the suspicious
"Mrs.
woman.
"Good!" she unlocked a drawer Carawood, for nine years I've
f her desk and fook out a small known you."
cash-box. "Now you must be paid for your trouble.. How much da you charge me?"
"Now. Theodore Fenner!"
was
of
the
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1927.
LANCASHIRE COTTON
PROBLEM.
Continued From Page 7)....
CORRESPONDENCE.
FIREPROOF BATHING HOUSES
1To the Editor, Hongkong Telegraph.]
in-
production was round 80 per cent. the existence of 25 per cent. of the industry outside the Association was not very serious. Assuming
Sir, The general desire of site that this number of non-members owners and the Government for a could, under cover of the Associa- building which comprises the essentials of safety, tion, work 100 per cont. by just necessary under-bidding its minimum prices, economy and durability are fairly the members of the Association well known and it is due to the But suggestion of site owners who could still work 73 per cent.
promised support that if average production falls to 60 have
the small advertisement, offer- per cent., then if the non-members use these methods to work seme-ing to build complete, and thing like full time, the members cluding essential furniture for uppears. Foundations: are left with only 46 per cent. $650,
Hardwood Floor two of their capacity employed. Thus Concrete. the greater the amount of neces- feet above ground. Steel Con- aary short-time, the larger the per- struction: Exterior and interior centage of the industry which the walls of asbestos sheeting. Roof; Red corrugation asbestos sheets, Association needs to control,
House to contain two dressing rooms each 6 by 8 feet, Hall 4 by 12 Verandah 4 by 12. Two glass windows. Canvas sun blinds on verandah. Alteration as to plan
cost, if necessary. subject to Government acceptance and extra Complete, with essential furniture $650..
move
1.-The
2. May be removed at very small cost and can be erected in other desirable locations, should owners ever require this.
9. May be dismantled without grievous damage and can be re- 4.-Essential articles of furni erected as garages, etc. ture as clothing racks, benches, rattan chairs, table, and water utensils are included in cost.
This type of building.particular- ly lends itself to standardization, if this is desired by a majority of site owners. It is well to men- tion the merits of various possible
materials constructional
have
THE HONGKONG SMALL INVESTOR'S SILARE AND REAL ESTATE CO. Hongkong, September, 21, 1927.
TRAGEDY ON A TRANSPORT.
PORTUGUESE SERGEANT'S
SUICIDE.
These figures and the similar Though it is possible that the above principle may be observed story told by the statistics of ex- for next year the Controller points ports certainly indicate that all out that nothing is binding on the the different interests centred in Assessment Committee, which a Manchester ought to reconsider at present much under strength their methods and make a concert owing to departures. New mem-ed effort to develop and recapture bers will not submit to be bound business. But to suppose that the right way to do this is to ruin the
Summarized, the main advan- for next year.
spinners by encouraging the The meeting resolved to bring forces of disorganization to pro- tages to site owners are:
built House being up the whole question at the meet- duce a situation where everyone ing of the Planters' Association sells at a loss, is surely most mis-almost exclusively of steel and of Malaya with a view to there guided. Whether or not the opin-asbestos, will be fireproof. being no secret assessment, or lay-ion is correctia maintaining ing down a general plan for all. which I found myself in the minor- ity when I was last in Manchester, but which is perhaps gaining round-that a proportion of idle machinery, will continue for some time to be the rule except only in abnormal and temporary condi- tians of demand, at any rate this is the situation which does now vicinity that two enshiers employed exist and has existed for some tongue. Messrs. Tan Kah Kee and Com-years. Lancashire will do better. nany were held up in broad day-therefore, to organize herself to around.light recently and robbed of a large deal with the problem of surplus sum of money. In a statement he empacity so long as it continues made before he died, the deceased to exist, than to keep up a pero said that he was suddenly attack niat illusion that all will be well ed by five. Chinese who fired at him,to-monsw...With this object, the been given close consideration, about 730 in the evening.
chief contribution to efficiency and since the typhoon.damage some economy of working which the weeks ago. This was with a view spinners as a body are able to to making as durable a structure make enn lie in no other direction as pible for the economical than in facilitiating a concentra-cost of same and after comparison that tion of production. In other res-the decision reached was perts the recovery of markets and steel, and suitably prepared as- the resuscitation of Lancashire's bestos sheeting, should have pre- trade must necessary depend on ference. Such work as may be the energy and ability and public done will be under the constant spirit of the other factors in the supervision of a skilled European
architect whose industry.
qualifications Actual experience of the As- vouch for the satisfactory nature what's girls coming to? Giving sociation's methods and the pre-of the materials involved and the em a little too much scope, don't gress of events since its forma efficient construction of same.—
lion have greatly strengthened Yours, etc., you think?"
"Aren't they proletariats too?" opinion in its favour-go much
that the Midland Bart in their she sneered.
For a second he taken last Monthly Review have com- mitted themselves to the view that aback.
"True, true. I believe in women "the Failure of the Yarn Associa having the same chance as mention would be a disaster for the
trade." If the Association com If they can get it."
Daringly he took down one of manded a membership of practic
ally the whole trade. it could by the books from the shelf. **The Temptations
combination of prescribed hours "I've got to say it."Nine years I've known you. And in that time Duchess. You was always a bit and transferable quotas Mr. Fenner closed his eyeя. have I been drunk? Have I mis-romantic. I'm thinking, Mrs. Cara steadily towards the appropriate degree of concentration of pro- "There's friendship and there's conducted myself? No, I've been wood."
He was touching her now on a duction. Nothing seems more cer
An inquest was held on Tues- I don't business," he began oracularly. faithful and true.
week at Singapore, spinners as a day of last There's people that's grasping.. your money. Money is repugnans very tender point, did he but know tain, therefore, than that it is the there's people that's generous me-it's capital. Besides, veit All, the colour and beauty of interests of the
life were stored in those thin whole to strengthen the Associatouching the death of a Portu "You'll not be either grasping got a bit saved of my own."
tion. But the trouble is that these guese named Jose Lopes Miguel, volumes.
"I was. There have been times, consideration do not seen to weigh in artillery Sergeant, who shot Fenner, when I wanted to get out against the obvious advantages o ness, and walk in marble halls, they get for nothing the advan- tages for which a member geeking so to speak."
a transferable quota is ready to pay. But by just underbidding the Association's minimum prics they can obtain for nothing all. and more than all, the advantages of the Association's regulation af cutput. Here is something being done in the general interest. should like to offer a small prize -hard to describe for the best those who, in spite of the perilous position of a great industry to which they themselves belong. steal the advantages without
But hu: they have not yet become ne- Here he had an explanation to joining in the subscription.
far--perhaps belter offer, and ene which was, by all the practical problem is how best rive So tests, satisfactory. His employer to persuade, cajole, or compel things are in store-the Federa was ill. Mrs. Carawood knew the them to come in. 'old man. He had a yard in Pen-
First there is coercion by legfa- Associations has not done what it ton-shirect. A sour old gentleman lation. Where a Trade Associi- might; and, so long as this is so, with an acid tongue. She was on represents a large majority the apathy of outside bodies can concerned to hear of his sickness.
of an industry; the Board of Trade rearcoly be condemned.. "I've worked for him, man and should, in my opinion, have power he hope that the roundtable con- boy, sixteen years. Somehow at its discretion, on the applica-ference betweef representatives meet haven't got the heart to go into the tign of the Association, to extend of the Federation and of the Yarn yard now he's away. A great certain of its rules to the whole of Association. which is to
"Tom, he the industry, subject to an op-shortly, will find that they can old pal of mine he is. saya to me about a week ago portunity to consumera, to opera- agree on drastic action in the com he always calls me TomTom, tives, and to the minority in the mon interest.
Third, there is coercion by re- he says, you've been trying four industry to show reasons to the
taken by the "Read 'em ever since I was teen years to convert me an one contrary. If such powers could taliatory measures
of these days I'll convert you. be brought into existence. here Association or by others interest- girl," she said briskly,
"There's art and taste in 'em, Tom' he says, 'I don't know much would be a case for their applies ed, particularly the banks. It in 'evident that the banks could do about socialism and I ain't likely tion. Mind you, there's no-to while you're its mouthpiece. I admit.
Second, there is coercion by
a good deal if they chose. The thing tike reading to improve your fully. "Have you been, amongst mind," he said, with a certain com. There's many a good religion spoilt public opinion. In a concentrat powers of the Association in this placent carelessness. "I've read by bad preachers.' I don't know ed area such as Lancashire, some circation are seriously limited by thing might be hoped from this, its lek of financial resources. that kind of people again?"
The Yarn Association is in fact All such methods are, however, He could do no more than make, overal bits by Erbert Spencer what he means.".
endeavouring to mobilize opinion, obviously undesirable in them- a gesture of protest and feel ner- and John Stuart Mill. Philosophy
Meetings have been held in the If only it were possible, to sot last fortnight at Oldham, Royton, in motion through Lancashire a Ashton-under-Lyne, sufficiently overwhelming wave of Blackpool, and Rochdale, in each case with feeling that the concerted action the Mayor of the town in the for which the Yarn Association. chair. Nevertheless, public opin- stands is a necessary thing in the. ion, though strongly sympathetic, general interest, and that those
Marle came flying into the arms Press and the Banks from being both in fairness, and in “public.
ner indignantly.
WATE
"I know." said Mr. Fenner. "It' the feelin' tha: drives people to the, pictures.".
or generous with me, Fenner," in- She rose slowly, that smile on terrupted Mrs. Carawood, sitting her lips which softened every hard back in her chair and regarding line of her face. him with a friendly eye. "How "You're not a bad fellow, Theof the second-hand clothing husithe outside arm. For not only can
A lot. But uch do I pay you?"
Though you do talk "For fixing a door?" said Fen I'm not marrying any more."
"For a mere
"You're young. in a manner of dab of varnish, so to speak-"
Carawood." he speaking. Mrs. "Don't be a fool, Fenner, I'd pleaded and you've neither chick have had to pay somebody else and
nor child." I'm not going to make use of my "And I don't want any," she triends. And hurry up, because said. "No, Theo, it's no m'lady may be back at any like you. You're a straight de ment."
"What are friends for?" de- cent mian, I don't mind you bein: manded Mr. Fenner, in his best socialist because I don't know platform manner. "They're to be what it means." used as and when required."
mo-
He nodded to the wooden parti tion behind which the woman was vitting.
What about me putting up a little room instead of that screen?" She put down her pen with a sigh.
"Fenner you don't suppose I'm going to let you work for me for no- thing, do you? Herman!"
Herthan had strolled into Azore."
the
"Mrs. Carawood is calling you comrade," said Fenner, ever ready tu help.
"I wish you'd get out of the habit of calling Herman comrade," said Mrs, Carawood sharply.
"Ain't we all comrades?" pro- tested Fenner. "I was addressing A meeting of the proletariat last right and I says to them" He saw the look of distrust in her face and was chilled.
"Proletariat!" she said
scorn-
uae.
"I could explain in ten minutes, he said eagerly.
"You've been explaining for ten years and the only thing I know about it is that it turns your the red."
He picked up a paper-covered
took from the desk.
"What's that, Mrs. Carawood?" She turned and snatched the
book from his hand.
"Keep your hands off what don't concern you, Fenner," she said sharply.
But Mr. Fenner had seen the title.
"Only, a shop girl: A stirring story of love and sacrifice. You like then kind of tales, Mrs. Cara- wood?""
་
Д
She took him by the shoulders gently and pushed him into the middle of the shop.
like to see you
now and again, Fenner, but don't you ever do any work? You're wasting your time, and I hate to see a man wasting time.":
"Maybe he thought your argu-
himself in his cabin on board the Portuguese transport then in port. His comrades heard a shot about 2pm. on the Monday, and found Miguel lying in his cabin with a bullet wound in his right temple Witnesses from the ship said and a revolver in his hand. that they understocd Miguel had et letters saying that he intended trouble with any superior officer. to commit suicide. He had no They were quite satisfied that the fatal wound was self inflicted... The Coroner returned a verdict #ccordingly.
tion of Master Cotton Spinnera'
It is to
a. Beat the bright red necktie; very good, very beat, Mrs. Cortments silly suggested the cepecially amongst shareholders. selves. It would be much better, Yor, however short Mr. Fenner tend that kind of book, Mrs. Caraman, looking on the wantieth might be on the principles of so- Wood?"
"No-I don't even read these for clalism, he was scrupulous in the' observance of its outer forms, myself--Herman likes to hear 'em. He was a socialist largely because He can't rend."
the science offered him a plat- Mr. Fenner was shocked. form and an opportunity of hear-
"Terrible thing, lack of educa Your young lady now, Chel-
ing himself speak. Ee would have tion.
time at the clock on wall.
"He couldn't have meant that
Mr. Fenner.
he wasn't delirious then," said
It was at that moment that
a
been as vehement a reactionary tenham Girl's School, wasn't It" car stopped before the house and is still 'passive on the whole. The who steal its fruits are. wanting
had capitalism given him similar opportunities.
"College Ladies' College."
"Ah! Class again. Tut tut-
of her beloved Nanny.
(To be Continued).
lukewarm have become friendly, spirit.
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A neglected leak in your plam- bing may seriously impair th health of some one of your family."
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WITHI
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