The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1884-11-21
IN THE NICK OF TIME.

IN THE NICK OF TIME.
Goodnight, friend" said man in
a long cloak, with broad-brimmed hat
shading his features, as he walked
through the streets of Alexandria, the
home of the Pharaohs. "Captain
Forbes, or more properly speaking,
Pasha Forbes, believe"
Eyes; but you have the advantage of
me, friend" was the reply, spoken in
that bluff hearty way so peculiar to sail
ors. ITO whom have / the pleasure of
speakingP"
ITO the Under-Secretary of the
Egyptian Admiralty. | was told /
should find you here. But let us draw
aside. have an important letter to
deliver to you, with Instructions, was
the OVERWHELMINGLY. "You smoke,
presumed"
Eyes; thanks" said Forbes, helping
himself to choice cigar from the prof
fered case. ''Shall we enter q cafe:
we can talk and smoke over our coffecon
The pair entered French restau-
rant, when Forbes, who was quick at
reading character, saw from his COM
panion's face, handsome one of the
true Greek type, that his mission was
one that deeply moved him.
Both sat on in silence over their cot
fee, neither caring to speak, rs they
looked at the Oriental scene before
them.
1t was the occasion of fair called
Abu-l-Abbas, which derived the name
from the tomb of great saint.
Forbes and his companion were seated
on terrace overhanging the sea,
which, as usual, was restless, and roll
ed in with an incessant murmur, splash
ing against the feet of the houses that
lined the shore.
The moon was just at this time hang
ing over the hill of Kom-el-Dyk on the
opposite side of the new harbor, so
that it revealed the rushing waters, and
allowed the gaze to extend far out
across the sea on the one hand, and to
trace the black outlines of the houses
and forts and batteries on the other.
Above was placid sky crustcd with
stars that We'd in brilliancc with the
moon herself, which shone over land
scape that even Claude would not
have disdained to paint.
Here is the letter." said the Secre-
tary, handing him square missive
with the Egyptian official seal stamped
on black wax.
Almost mechanically Forbes was
about to break the seal, when his COM
panion arrested him by saying:
''No, not now; the letter must be
opened at the time and place named in
these instructions" handing him an
other letteriwithout u seal.
The Captain ran his eye down the
missive, and at once saw that some
mystery was attached to it.
'Humph! am to sail tomorrow
morning" he said; ''is anything in the
wind?-of course, don't want you to
betray confidence; but the affair is al
together unexpected -
"EXactly-just so, said the Secre-
tary, drawing closer to him; 'you will
have two passengers; Mr.. Valescoe
and his wifc-a charming woman
II am fortunate; but there, [ suppose
must keep my curiosity in check I'M
til the proper moment arrives" said
Forbes, who was too much the disci-
plinarian himself, when duty was con-
cerned, to attempt to draw the other
out.
''Valescoe has incurred the displeas-
ure OF the Governments. / am putting
myself in your power by saying so
much. May rely upon your forbear-
ance, Captain Forbes?"
"Yes. am very susceptible where
women are concerned May / tell you
whyP"
eff you please, Captain
MANY years ago, when first enter
ed the Egyptian service, / had wife
and child-a lovely girl who was the
very sun of my existence"
Hereupon the speakers voice became
husky, and lie turned his head aside to
furtively wipe away tear.
"They are. still living, / trust,'' said
the Secretary in q sympathetic voice.
"Alas, cannot tell; in crossing the
desert we were attacked by Bedouins.
/ defended my wife and child to the
death, but was struck down. When
I recovered consciousness / was alone.
From that day to this l have never
heard tidings of my lost ones; duty has
supplied their place hitherto, but in the
silent watches of the night often lie
awake and wonder If they and will
meet again this side of the grave"
pray Heaven you may, my dear
Captain. When the proper time ar
rives, l think may rely upon your hui
manity; and excuse my saying more"
Wringing the Captains hand, the
Secretary left hurriedly, evidently too
overcome to say more. lttgtIVf 4.
'What strange affair."" thought
Forbes. Evidently the sealed letteris
"onnncted with Valcscoe. NAV no