Tales of Chinatown

Excerpt.......In the saloon bar of a public-house, situated only a few hundred yards from the official frontier of Chinatown, two men sat at a small table in a corner, engaged in earnest conversation. They afforded a sharp contrast. One was a thick-s ... Read more

Excerpt.......In the saloon bar of a public-house, situated only a few hundred yards from the official frontier of Chinatown, two men sat at a small table in a corner, engaged in earnest conversation. They afforded a sharp contrast. One was a thick-set and rather ruffianly looking fellow, not too cleanly in either person or clothing, and, amongst other evidences that at one time he had known the prize ring, possessing a badly broken nose. His companion was dressed with that spruceness which belongs to the successful East End Jew; he was cleanly shaven, of slight build, and alert in manner and address. Having ordered and paid for two whiskies and sodas, the Jew, raising his glass, nodded to his companion and took a drink. The glitter of a magnificent diamond which he wore seemed to attract the other's attention almost hypnotically. “Nothing much,” returned the one addressed as Freddy, setting his glass upon the table and selecting a cigarette from a packet which he carried in his pocket. “I'm not so sure,” growled the other, watching him suspiciously. “You've been lying low for a long time, and it's not like you to slack off except when there's something big in sight.” “Hm!” said his companion, lighting his cigarette. “What do you mean exactly?” Jim Poland—for such was the big man's name—growled and spat reflectively into a spittoon. “I've had my eye on you, Freddy,” he replied; “I've had my eye on you!” “Oh, have you?” murmured the other. “But tell me what you mean!” Less