Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1884-06-01
CHAPTER XVIII

''What a very interesting family we are
getting to be-" Ruth murmured, taking
her seat by CharlOtte's side, and prepar-
ing to hear about DR.. Craig. ''What
with mysterious Polish girl, and a re-
turning vOyager, l think we might as well
90 into bOOk-fOrm at once"
'.And a halfcrazy German painter
Charlotte asSented, smiling. Il think
Herr Werner is really the most interest
ing one of US
but not the best known" Lois inter
rupted. Now, please, will you not tell
us about the letter, Miss CharlOtteT'
''Well! 1t was written from YeddO
three months ago. WelbOrn'-here the
irrepressible Ruth laughed softly-''Wel-
born SAYS his ship was wrecked some
where near the Friendly Islands; and
that for a long while ne fiOated around
among what must have been the islands
of the Central Archipelago. He doesn't
enter into particulars; and, really, his
letter is a little vague. Anyhow, after
months of trial and hardship he reached
Sidney, New South Wales, without a cent
and much broken down in health and
spirits. Accidentally making friends
with the Captain of an India-bOund mer-
chairman he secured passage to Calcutta.
There he made himself known to the
British officials, and the kind English
hearts were opened to him at Once.'
'Why did he not go at once to England
from Calcutta - Lesley asked.
S'He was not wealthy man at home,
nor one of a wealthy family. He had
been disappointed in his main purpose,
and l suppose he thought India as good a
country as any other in which to accumu-
late a fortune"
''Betterl" Bob interrupted. "And still
the interest grows, Ruthr' he cried, eX-
ultantly. "Our sailor is not only wrecked,
but is coming home to exhibit Indian
magnificence. l believe you said he is
coming home, Miss CharlOtte?" quizzi-
cally.
Eyes; but not as you say. WeIborn
could never become a rich man. / think
he is too scrupulOusly just for that.'
1--WE Will not argue the pOint,' Bob re-
piled, cOndescendingly prepare your
fatted calf, Lois. Miss Charlotte will
show us a returned prodigal after a few
weeks"
ssYou are altogether too taIkative, Rob
ert," Ruth cried. ''But isn't he coming
rich, Miss Charlotte? Please let us have
it all in regular stOry-boOk style"
''YOu must wait and see, dear. He
doesn't say one word about that. He
only says he is at last satisfied with the
results OF his efforts in India and Japan,
and has secured passage on the next
steamer
''Bring us a lexicon, please, Lesley
Ruth said, very demurely. ''Such Ian
guage requires translation"
We were all happy; and happy people
find 1t easy to laugh.
s.What merry familyl" Herr Werner
exclaimed. coming into the sitting-rOOm.
sIt is Saturday; so l said there will be
leisure at Frau COnway's."
"And so there is" Lois answered.
'Ruth and | will have to leave you after
a while; but for an hour or two we caa
take things comfortably. There are a
few little touches to ne added to the deco
ratiOns in the Academy chapel; after
which we can take breath and prepare
for the race next week. After next week,
there will be eight weeks of blessed
rest"
..Ah, that is goOd!'' rubbing his hand to-
gether i'm true German fashion. "And
when does the young DR.. Hayward re-
turn:'' looking towards Ruth.
son the fifteenth" Lois answered, see
ing that Ruth was resOlutely silent.
''Ah! i congratulate you" his eyes
still upon Ruth. who was blushing pref
tily.. Then we Will be finished fami-
W"
'sWhat were you saying yesterday
about Lois ineXperience, Herr WeTnerY
Ruth interrupted. '.YOu know we did
not settle that dispute"
les; yes. know. III Is Julss NY
dear madame" turning impulsively to
Lois. "YOu want your prophets face to
say, 'Mein Colt, is this the worship of my
peOple!' and you want his expression to
tell all that is revealed to him of cursings
and destruction, Ell! Or you want simply
hOrrOr-which -
''BOth,' Lois answered.
''Ah, yes. l see-I see,'' he chuckled.
ssYOu have the wisdom of genius, madame.
Welt The sorrOwful knowledge you
have already expressed. But the horror
you do not get. Why? Not because you
cannot; simply because you know not.
Once l was in Warsaw. Winter before
the last, / think. And man there, a no
bleman, be discovered a Nihilist. The
authorities are directed to hunt him
down. Afterward 1 am by his side when
he shot himself; and l see horror in his
friends face. Then, tor all time, know
horror. You seey'
'sDId that happen two winters ago! Did
YOU know the parties - l asked, eagerly, a
strong intuition seizing me.
"NO. l was Woodworking artist, get
! ting ready for America, you know. Twas