Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1895-04-18

-. ~ S@Nl the speedy ap-
proach of blighting
summer heat.
The harbor of Valletta wore the
usual aspect of European animation.
The Russian Corvette Ladislas had just
cast anchor, having on board young
grand duke, who was making the tour
of the world in leisurely and princely
fashion. Mercantile steamers came
and went, amid putting tugs,
launches and yachts, while the native
shore craft, the dhjaisos, darted about
laden with fresh fruit, or transporting
nimble tailors and washerwomen in
search of work. Occasionally tor
pedo boat of sinister appearance
glided through the throng OF ship
ping, and vanished in some adjacent
inlet, or the gig of man-of-war cleft
a passage with rhythmical fash and
dip Of oars, toward the quay.
One of the latter, quitting the side
of her majesty's ship Sparrow, recent
ly arrived from Suda Bay, brought
Flag Lieutenant Curzon to the shore.
The young man made his way
through noisy crowd, and assembled
the steps to the city of Valletta.
Below him stretched the sparkling
Mediterranean sea, and docks and
nnoles thronged with shipping. Above
him, towers, churches, palaces, with
quaint balconies and margin OF
atone wall, rose with background Of
blue sky. HIS eye was attracted by
Wayside shrines at the angle Of build
thgs, where lamps burned before saints
gaudily adorned, shops displaying fla
gree ornaments of gold and silver, and
whole webs of Maltese lace, and
groups of soldiers, nuns and priests.
His nostrils were saluted by the fra
GRANGE of flowers, coffee and those
latent odors of the southern seaport,
garlic, and fish frying in oil. His ear
was stunned by the tangled peal of
church bells, mingled with the hum of
voices
Lieut. Arthur Curzon was supple, and
vigorous of form, and alert and de-
cided in manner. His golden hair
curled tightly on a small and shapely
head, a closely trimmed beard framed
a handsome face, with clearly-cut
features, and lighted by a pair of keen
blue eyes, capable of a great variety
of expression. The sum bronzed tint
of the cheek, below the margin of a
fair and open brow, revealed by the
removal of the cap, and certain ac-
centuations of resolution and maturity
gradually deepening around the lips,
alone redeemed the entire physiog-
nomy from q youthful insouciance and
merry audacity which were eminently
attractive and boyish.
Climbing the stone steps from the
port to the old town on the height of
this most populous Of islands, he may
have sptly represented that,
'The sword of war opens the way Of COM
merce."
Truly the officer was ready to cope
with any adventure or danger which
fate might have in store for him on
this day of fitful spring weather.
He came of family noted for in
tAepid courage and originality of mind
and character. A commonplace world,
devoid of enthusiasm, pronounced the
race eccentric, perhaps a trife mad.
Descended from Scandinavian sea
rovers, who had settled on the north
ern coast of Scotland centuries ago,
the Curzons numbered prelates, sol
diers, and faithful followers of the
Stuarts among their members.
The first object ever noticed by
Arthur Curzon in infancy had been the
portrait of an ancestor suspended
above the chimney piece in his grand
fathers castle, wearing a helmet of
different colored metals, a gold chain
around the neck, and carrying horn
of the chase, studded with precious
stones.
Lieut.. Curzon had won honorable
mention at the storming of Alexan-
dris, and aspired to promotion in the
service by fresh exertion, when oppor-
tunity offered. For the rest, he was a
sailor on shore for holiday.
He directed his steps to the Strada
Zecca, and paused before a palace of
somber aspect with a projecting roof
which cast deep shadow on the pave
ment below. The memory of the
Knights Templar seemed to brood
over the spot, undisturbed by modern
innovation or change
The visitor was met at the door by a
servant with the intelligence that the
mistress Of the house was absent on
IN excursion. Mrs Griffith had left
, charming note, written on pink pa
Per, In three lines of gigantic feminine
shirography, urging the young officer