The Argosy, Vol. 76, No. 3 — page 108: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

578 “Tl tell you what let’s do with the thing. Let’s send it to the British Mu- seum, if it is so much of a curio as Eimlen said, and write them all that we have heard about it. We can make up the package at the hotel.” Marjorie demurred. The box was a curious keepsake and was a memento of a most interesting adventure, and the superstition that was evidently at- tached to it, whatever it was, made it only the more interesting. Of course it was utterly absurd to believe for a moment that any ill luck could actually attach to such a thing as-a silver box, and as for herself she did not believe it. “I would like, however, to find out where it came from and what its his- tory is,’ she said. “ But, really, ‘since you gave it to me I would rather keep jt as a keepsake from two very good friends.’ She wound up with a smile that disarmed any disappointment that they felt at the failure of their scheme to send the box away. When they reached the hotel, Hem- ingway went at once to the office and came over to Oakes and Marjorie with an anxious face. “The clerk says that they have been looking everywhere for you, Oakes. There is some complication afoot. The Japanese consul has been here twice to see you. Have you seen him since you landed?” “No. I sent him word that I have the written permission from the home government in Tokyo — Yeddo, you know—to take eight hundred coolies to Chenampho, and that in view of the fact that I must get work started at once on the Chenampho Extension, I would appreciate prompt attention to our clearance papers. “ Of course, Shanghai is only a port of call for us, anyway, and they can- not do anything here to help or hinder us. “* Chenampho is our real destination. I wonder what he wants? I suppose I had better go and see him. If any- thing has happened to tie up our work THE ARGOSY. it may cause incalculable worry and expense.” At the Japanese consulate he found that Hemingway’s fears were only too well founded. A courteous if some- what peremptory gentleman assured him that under the existing instruc- tions it was absolutely impossible for the coolies to be landed, as the ship’s papers and the reports of the surgeon showed that bubonic plague had been found on the ship within a week. The Japanese authorities could not afford to take any- chances on the plague getting a foothold in a country like Korea, where hygienic precautions were only enforced by the natives when they were backed up by the heavy hand of the Japanese imperial govern- ment. “T would suggest,” he said pleas- antly enough when Oakes had laid the whole matter fairly before him, “ that you allow me to cable to Yeddo for definite action and orders,.and that we request to have these orders sent by cable to Taku. From there to Che- nampho is but a short run, and you will be saving time by working up the coast toward Taku, instead of paying wharfage and port dues here. If, as I do not anticipate, there should be trouble about landing the coolies, you could subcontract them, to a contractor on the Manchurian Railroad.” Oakes grinned. ‘‘ But, man,” he said, “we cannot trade coolies from ‘-Swatow along the line like a foun- dered horse.” The Japanese consul smiled the in- scrutable smile of the Fast. ‘“‘ Many things can be done at Taku that seem impossible at Shanghai,” he said pleas- antly. “‘ You will sail in the morning, is it not? I fear that if there should be any further delay you might find it excessively inconvenierit. I realize, too, sir, that the imperial Japanese gov- ernment is most anxious to have the work on that line fairly begun before cold weather closes the passes. Shall you sail in the morning? ” Oakes grimly assented and, with © CO@ DOOKE 5) c CO@