Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1884-08-13
IN THE NICK OF TIME.
BY j. h.

"Good night, friend" said man in a
long CLOAK, with broad brimmed hat
shading his features, as he walked
through the streets of Alexandria, that
home of the Pharaohs. capt. 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
sailors. "To whom have I the pleasure
of speaking?"
'''ro the Under Secretary of the
Egyptian Admiralty. I was told I
should find you here. But let us draw
aside. l have an important letter to
deliver to you, with instructions" was
the pleasant spoken reply. "You smoke,
presumed"
''Yes; thanks" said Forbes, helping
himself to choice cigar from the prof
fered case. "Shall we enter cafe; we
can talk and smoke over our coffee?"
The pair entered French restaurant,
when Forbes, who was quick at reading
character, saw from his companions
face a 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, as they
looked at the Oriental scene before
them.
It was the occasion Ola fair called
Abu-lAbbas, which derived the name
from the tomb of great saint.
Forbes and his companion were
seated on terrace oyerhangiEg the sea,
which, as usual, was restless, and rolled
in with an incessant murmur, splashing
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, crested with
stars that We'd in brillancy 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 seal stamped on black
wax.
Almost mechanically Forbes YVES
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 letter without seal.
The captain ran his eye down the
missive, and at once saw that some
mystery was attached 10 it.
"Humph! I am to sail tomorrow
morning" he said; lis anything in the
wind ?-of course, don't want you to
betray confidence; but the affair is alto
gether unexpected. aA S.
"Exactly-iust SC" said hesecretary,
drawing closer to him; "you will have
two passengers; a Mr.. Valescoe and his
wife-a charming woman"
81 am fortunate; but here, I suppose
must keep my curiosity in check until
the proper moment arrives" said Forbes,
who was too much the disciplinarian
himself, when duty was concerned to at
tempt to draw the other out!
"Valescoe has incurredth displeasure
of the government. lam, putting my
self in your power by saying so much.
May 1 rely upon your forbearance,
Capt. Forbes?"
eyes. [ am very susceptible where
women are concerned. May tell you
why?"
eff you please, captain"
Many years ago, when first entered
the Egyptian service, l had a wife and
child-a lovely girl who was the very
sun of my existence"
Hereupon the speakers voice became
husky, and he turned his head aside to
furtively wipe away tear. 80
@They are still living, trust" said
the secretary in sympathetic voice.
"Alas, I cannot tell In crossing the
desert we were attacked by Bedouins
defended my wife and child to the
death, but was struck down. When
recovered consciousness / was alone.
From that day to this I have never
heard tidings of my lost ones; duty has
silent watches of the night often lie
awake and wonder if they and I will
meet again this side of the grave"
''Pray Heaven you may, my dear
captain. When the proper time ar
rives, [ think may rely upon your hui
mainly; and excuse my saying more"
Wringing the captains hand, the Sec
rotary left hurriedly, evidently too
overcome to say more.
"What a strange affairP' thought
Forbes. evidently the sealed letter
is connected with Valescoe. [ may be
able to render him a service; but honor