The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-05-31
CHAPTER III.
[CoNT1NUED.]

we QlQ 90 IL up Qulchly. LII less
than an hour we we're back in Langs-
tons Office with tickets for three
frst-class passage-in our possession.
On our way back we got carriage for
the sake of Mr.. Ralston. While
Langston had been talking to the
agent, I had been telegraphing to
Congressman Wellman, of San Fran
cisco, then in Los Angeles on business
connected with large cattle-ranch
which he owned there, and I had re-
ceived reply that he would cable the
American consul at Hong Kong, a
friend of his, to give US all the assist
ance in his power. It was with a
sense of assured victory that we took
Ralston and his father to the Golden
Gate Club for supper.
We were q silent supper-party. But
little was said. No one knew better
than I that we were setting ont on a
dangerous mission. The odds were
against us-no matter how favorable
everything looked. We did not know
what unknown foes we would meet or
what agencies would be against us.
The man who had carried away the
most beautiful girl in California no
doubt had powerful friends and abet-
tors in the land to which he was tax
ing her. Edward was as gloomy as
his father. Langston was more thought
full than was his habit. AS for
me, I saw nothing but the sweet face
of Annie Ralston. It came between
my plate and me. It was in the air
around me. It was everywhere.
Then, back of it, over it and through
it, saw the diabolical face of that
Chinaman, around whose throat my
fingers would so lovingly curl until
his lying tongue stretched from his
mouth in strangulation.
Having satisfied our hunger-there
was no other pleasure attendant on
the meaf-we got into our carriage
again and were taken to the Union
Depot to see Mr.. Ralston off for Oak
land. At first, the old gentleman in
sisted upon remaining to see US en-
bark the following morning, but Ed
ward feared the excitement would be
too much for him. So, with half
willing consent, he was going home to
his grief.strioken wife.
When he left US at the gate his
emotion. almost overcame him. He
talked long and lovingly to Edward,
while Langston and I roamed around
the station-platform. When they had
finished we went to them.
"God bless you, my boys" said the
old father, tremulously, as he grasped,
first my hand and then Langston's in
q vise-like grip. "God bless you and
grant you success in this great under
taking. I know you will do every.
thing that can be done. My wife and
I will await your coming with hearts
full of hope. Every night and every
day we will pray for you and for her.
Bring her back" and now his voice
was broken by sobs. Bring her
back, no matter what has happened to
her. Tell her she shall be my darling
Notwithstanding. And, oh, if she
should be dead, if you can only bring
her body home! If not, then some
proof of her death, that our hearts
may not longer be tortured with
fears"
''Mr. RaIston," replied, edo not
worry. I have no doubt that we shall
be in Shanghai before the Ketoto
arrives. If 30. all danger is past, for
we will meet your daughter as she
lands. 1t is all clear enough in my
mind. You must not allow yourself
to become sick with fear. Keep up e
good heart; we will bring Annie
back"
"God bless you again" he said,
gulping down his sobs. Then the uni
formed geteman called out the train
for Oakland, and Mr.. Ralston left US s:
We three said but little on the way
from the depot to Ralston's hotel,
where we left the carriage for last
chat.
At ten o'clock I started for home.
Langstop lazily shook himself, and
also bade Ralston good night.
''Shall we meet you here," asked,
stor shall we meet at the pier?"
"The pier. I think" said Ralston.
'I shall be in more or less of a hurry,
rushing around to Brown & Browns.
I will take a cab and save all the time
I can. Don't miss the steamer"
s..,Doa't fear. Well be there" We
shsEE cred.
:, "Good night'.'
1t did not take long in those days
for me to prepare for q journey-even
if it was halfway round the world.
BY midnight my trunk was in the hall,
packed and waiting for the morning
e1pressman.
called the ianitor.
"Mr. Robbins" I said, IT am 60.
ing away for short time, and want
to pay my rent in advance"
"Bless me, doctor, your rent amt
due TIL the 1st, and you' surely won't
be gone longer than that"
eyes, I shall be gone a couple oi
months. I am going to China.
China
eyes; Hong Kong and Shanghai.
leave tomorrow with two friends.
Yes, it is rather sudden; but-the
case is urgent. Now, Mr.. Robbins, il
don't come back-mind you, ez'
pect to be back by the 1st of March
but if I don't come back, you can dis
pose of my things here I have nc
heirs. If Langston, who is going with
me, should return without me, he is
to have anything that he watts that i: