The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1898-11-12
CHAPTER I.

"Henry NJ. Stevens. Manila (via Hong
Kong:
business suspended Cancel unshipped
orders. Draw I.arrinaga & Co. balance to
date. 500. LANTINE 4 COMPANY"
remember as if 1t happened but
yesterda, the queer feeling which
came over me when read the forcgo-
ing cable. 1t had been an unusually
warm day for March, and was tr"ing
to keep cool in the lounging-room of
short distance from the city. My
business in Manila was practically fin
ished, and was anticipating few
days Of recreation before the Hong
hong steamer left, upon the following
Tuesday, when the message was hand
ed me by one ct the native boys en-
ployed by the club.
1t was such thorough surprise that
for several moments l did not realize
the position in which it placed me.
had been the eastern representative OF
Lantine & Company for over two years,
and, although my savings had disap-
peared through u series OF ill-adviscd
investments, my position seemed such
secure one that money matters sell
dom troubled me. Now, however,
after drawing from the Manila bank
ing and shipping house the amount
mentioned in the dispatch, my entire
capital consisted of something less
than three hundred dollars, and had
no idea which way to look for employ
ment.
Two OF the leading Manila merchants
happened to be in the club at the time,
and, after cnnceling the purchases
had made from them on behalf of my
house. ] cablcd to Hong Kong and
Shanghai In the hope of heading Off
shipments ordered there during the
previous month. Then, driving to my
hotel in Rirondo-the Orientc-I set
tied mntters MS far us lay in my power,
and was ready for dinner before eight
o'clock
The Orentc. being new and pro-
grcssivc. sets one of the best tables in
he east and, as cxpcricncc with oricn-
tai life brings the conviction that
neither hurry nor worry is con-
dncive to good health. I took my timo
over the meal. Then, lighting n che
root, I walked down the Escolta as
far as the Pucnic d'Espnna, which con-
meets Dinondo with the old walled cit
ndel of Mania, and. leaning against
the handsrail under IL solitary electric
light, watched the canoes and bnncos
on the Pasig while I tried to do little
figuring as to my immediate prospects.
Three hundred dollars would land mo
in New York by careful management,
but there was no certainty OF employ
ment when reached there; and the
other foreign houses were so we'll rep
resented between Yokohama and
Singapore that IN immediate opening
in the east seemed unlikely.
AT first could think Of nothing but
my uncomfortable predionmcnt. But
after awhile tho influence Of a good
dinner and the soothing qualities of
the climate began to make themselves
felt. found myself watching tho
motley crowd of all nationalities
which passed and repasscd across tho
bridge. the crowds Of laughing Mestiza
and Visnya girls strolling along
through the Paseo to hear the military
band at Luneta, groups of Cinnamon
sauntering about after the days bust
ness. and Spanish officers driving in
carromatas with the Indies OF their
families. Down the river were rows Of
small coasting steamers and briggs,
each spar and funnel outlined distinct
ly by electric lights on the quays; be-
yond them. II red spark from the light
house upon tho northern mole, and
scattered lights from larger vessels
which lay at anchor two or three miles
out in the bay.
While watching these, I noticed
government launch coming up the
river. The landing steps Of the quay
were but few Ences below the bridge,
and could easily see the fnces of two
men as they stepped ashore from her.
They were both strange to me, but
there was something about the walk
of one which seemed familiar. Ipre-
sumo my own face must have been dis
tinct, as leaned over the rail. for the
man glanced searchingly at me as he
climbed to the street level. At first he
turned and walked away several steps,
evidently under the impression that he
had made u mistake, then came back,
asif to cross the bridge in front of me.
We looked each other In the eye for
second; then he stopped, and said:
"If you're not Harry Stevens, of New
York, I've made the biggest mistake Of
my life"
Igrasped the utstretched hand and
began to see something familiar be-
hind the brown beard.
"Yes. I'm Harry Stevens. but-hold
on a minute. Weren't you with the
Oceanic Steamship company, several
years ago? BY Jovc! 1t can't be Dick
Halstead? What? Well, I'm blessedl
Where on earth did you drop from?
You have changed, and no mistake"
POSSIBLY. But You haven't, old
chap: I'd know you anywhere. Say,
look here, we've got heap to Talk
about; come up to the club. No, never
mind the carbonate; it's cooler on the
river. Well go up in the launch"
"But-how the deuce? / thought
she belonged to the governments"
''That's right. So do I, for the pres
emit" We had taken our seats in the