The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-05-24

mother. You know how she is. She
needs you. We will 10 to China. We
will find Annie. Bus you must stay
with mother. Don't you know?"
eyes, yes. it is so! But oh, my
heart will go with you! Ny heart will
go with you in its sorrow!'
"Now let's see what's what, said
Langston. eff We want to accomplish
anything when We get to Shanghai, it
is time we were getting ready. Let's
see. I've got travellers guide here
somewhere. I had it the other day
when I went to Los Angeles. What
did I do with It? All, here it is! Now
let's see."
"What time will the Ketoto arrive
at Shanghai" I asked, standing so I
could look over his shoulder.
eyes, that is first. The Ketoto be-
longs to the British America and
China line, and might not be in this
guide, which is only domestic. Here!
What is this: The Pacific coast line
of steamers connects with the E. A.
and G.. at Vancouver Ah, here it is:
The B. A. and C. from Vancouver to
Shanghai every Wednesday. Pas
sage, twenty-five days This is the
21st of December. The Ketoto,
then, would be due in Shanghai on the
18th of January. That is oil right so
far. Now the fastest line between
here and China is the Occidental and
Oriental Line, stopping at Hong
Kong and Bangkok. We don't care
about the Bangkok part of it. Where
is it? O. and O., page ITO. Now:
Occidental and Oriental Line OF
steamships, San Francisco to Hong
Kong, twenty days; Bangkok, twenty
three days. Well, Bangkok is no
good. You see, that lands in Hong
Kong first. Sailing Thursdays.
Empress of India, December Is. City
of Rio de Janeiro, December D.
Good! That will bring her into Hong
Kong on January II, just one day be-
fore the Ketoto arrives at Shanghai.
I believe the distance by rail from
Hong Kong to Shanghai is about
eight hundred to a thousand miles.
By making connections quickly, we
ought, if we sailed on the Rio de jan
eiro tomorrow, to be in Shanghai at
least as soon as the Ketoto reaches
there"
He closed the book and lay back in
his chair, waiting for someone to
speak. The Ralstons, father and son,
had followed him breathlessly as he
had proceeded, and now Edward,
whose face showed great emotion, said:
Fate works with US. But can you
go tomorrow, both Of you? What
about your professions?"
"Let them take care of themselves"
I said. "For my part, I am going to
China on the Rio de Janeiro if lose
every patient I've got. But about the
passage. It's rather late to obtain
staterooms.
Rather" said nangston. "But,
fortunately, I am we'll acquainted with
the agent of the Occidental and ORR
entail, and I think I can fix it. But
there is a great deal more to be done
than that. To begin with, we have
no passports. That must be arranged
between the State Department and the
American Consul at Hong Kong by
cable. If Mr.. Ralston will telegraph
or write Immediately to the present
Senator from California, who is now,
I believe in New York, he could. no
doubt, have that arranged better than
we could"
II will do so," said Mr.. Ralston.
"Senator Balmor is a personal friend
of mine. he will take great pleasure
in helping me at this sad time. And,
Edward, you had better see Brown &
Brown and obtain letters of credit.
"That will be very necessary, said
Langston. "We will probably need
plenty of money to see US through.
We shall certainly want to eat some
thing besides rice. And that reminds
me that it is nearly supper-time. 1t
is too late for you to see your bankers
tonight, Ralston; SO leave it till morn
ing. The ship sails at ten a. M, but
YOU Will nave UluQ0 cfCu dG phdts ooe
now must 60 and see about our pas
age. OF course, we won't mind lit
tie crowding."
"No. For my part" said Edward
Ralston, IT would be willing to travel
as freight in the hold. Dc anything,
spare no expense, but do get US pas
sage on that ship tomorrow.
"Well, then, I propose that you and
your father remain here while Crick-
more and + hurry and perfect our ar
rangements. We will not be gone
more than forty-fve minutes, and then
we will Join you for supper.
Every we'll, replied Edward Rails
ton, "and then father had better take
the evening train to Oakland"
"Suit yourselves about that. Any
way, make yourselves comfortable
here till we come back. Well do it
up quickly"
Inn ~, 1oNr1Srrn