The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-10-11
CHAPTER XVIII.
BEFORE THE CURTAIN DROPS.

BEFORE THE CURTAIN DROPS.
Ten days later the captains gig lay
at the wharf at Quiental, and happy
party we're about to embark in her to
board the Beaver, which lay, with
steam up, ready to transport US at
once to Hong Kong.
eve had been delayed by the ILL
ness of Edward Ralston, who was but
just sufficiently recovered to warrant
his making the long journey home.
He and Annie were going to San
Francisco. Miss Ralston had some
what recovered from her six months
incarceration. Between her and Miss
Arnold a deep friendship had sprung
up-a friendship that was to ripen and
deepen as the years went on.
Mere words are utterly inadequate
to express the gratitude of the Raj
stons toward Largston and myself for
our efforts to rescue Annie. The results
of this gratitude were~afterward made
apparent to me in the benefits Tai
mooch received, induced by Western
influence.
As I said, the Ralstons were going
home.
Miss Arnold and I were going to
Hong Kong to meet her father. Ii
that gentleman raised no objections,
and we anticipated none, we were to
be united in marriage by Mr.. Avery,
and take up our permanent residence
in the palace of Quiental. 1t was not
until I had given my solemn promise
to return that GaruSaak, Oso-Bark
and Bado.Ror signi6ed their willing
ness for me to leave them even for
time.
I asked Mr.. Avery to accompany
me, but the old man preferred to re-
main and take care of his people until
we returned.
It was doubtful just what Langston
would do. He had avowed his inten-
ton to remain in Talmooch and assist
me in building up nation. His
legal knowledge would prove in
valuable to me; but he had also fallen
desperately in love with Annie
Ralston, and doubted if he would
see her leave Hong Kong and not
accompany her. I firmly cherished
a fond hope that in the near future
they would take the step Miss Arnold
and I had resolved upon, and become
citizens of Talmooch. I even pro-
posed to Langston that he become my
Secretary for Foreign Affairs; and he
laughingly accepted, provided we
could obtain the protection of the
United States Government. Ralston
promised that we should have it If
Western influence could bring it
about.
Mr.. Avery, Garu-Saak and Oso-
Bark bade US adieu at the wharf, and
watched US as we rowed toward the
Beaver. When we were safely on
board and the anchor was raised
guns were fred from the shore.
We waved farewells to our friends
on land and rapidly steamed away.
As we got farther and farther away
from Talmooch I watched the island
through powerful glass.
Framed in the stone setting Of the
little window in the north tower I
saw the pale, furrowed face of the old
missionary looking sadly after US.
Good, faithful friend! He deserved
all that could do for his welfare, and
I resolved, upon my return, to sub
stantially reward him for his kind,
fatherly care over Miss Arnold during
our long stay on the island and his
faithful assistance to me in my danger
Gus plans.
And so I leave you. Trusting in
the future as T have always trusted,
firm in my belief that Talmooch shall
some day make for itself a name
among nations, of which both you and
I shall be proud, I lift my hat to the
glorious stars and stripes-emblem of
liberty-that floats above me from the
masthead, and fondly, sadly. say:
Adieu
THE END.