Page:Henry rideout--The siamese cat.djvu/148

 catchee cat, bling back my house!' I b'long velly good boy. I go. You savee fa-tha?"

"No savee your father," grinned Scarlett. "Haven't the old gentleman's acquaintance. A filial son, aren't you? Now forget your father and give me the truth." He pricked a fresh spot between the yellow ribs. "You fashion speakee no good. No can do." He dropped into Cantonese: "Speak the truth, or I kill you with many cuts and pains. Remove this father-lie. Tell the truth quickly."

"True gold fears no fire," quoted the prisoner glibly. "Should Your Greatness transfer his treasures of jade to my hovel, he would find there much wretchedness, but the jewel of truth."

"Show it, then, before I slice you."

"Your Greatness knows I am a pauper," gabbled Ho Kong, clawing at Scarlett's feet. "I am Chlistian boy. I can speak the Chlistian