"THE CHINK"

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1918, Page 4

"THE CHINK"

“No can do,” said Wong Pong dispassionately. The officer sighed. The job was urgent, and here was the strongest member of the Labour Corps proving a “wash-out.’’ It turned out that Wong Pong was not well. JIo diagnosed his complaint as “ muehee jump belly.” So he went calmly to hospital, took his medicine, and waited impassively for recovery.

Somehow, the enemy planes got through and were almost overhead. The hospital staff w irked feverishly at getting the wounded into the cellar out of harm’s way. When a nurse offered assistance Wong Pong shook his head.

“Can do,” he said briefly, and worked like a man.

One by one the wounded, tightlipped and pale, were carried downstairs, so that the ward was almost empty when the first bomb struck it. A doctor gave a choking cough and collapsed. Wong Pong staggered slightly, looked dazedly at the destruction—and carried on. The sick man in his arms stared at a spreading stain on the Chinaman’s jacket. “Oswald,” he said, “you’re hit.” Wong Pong carried himself downstairs without a word.

[ “Sister,” cried the sick man ! “ Sister, I think he’s hurt.” The nurse hurried forward. “ Let me see,” she said, and looked grave. “ Here, lie down” —for she saw that the injury was set ions. Wong Fong thrust his face forward and opened his sleepy eyes wide. The nurse stared in wonder at the depths revealed.

“ Can do,” said Wong Fong fiercely, and started for the stairs. He made an effort, collapsed against the wall, and slid to the floor. He tried to rise, then laid his pale cheek against the flags. Jfo can do,” he whispered; and cloned his eyes;