The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-06-05

| mask from one VI AiS poSnSeS'
Joe shakes his head.
THAT isn't in my line, sir, though L
thank you all the same. I've seldom
found time when my nerves needed
strengthening by such artificial MEANS
though I confess that my life was
once saved by a small amount Of
LIQUOR. The fellow drank it who was
left to execute me, and got into such
q maudlin condition that easily over
powered him and made my escape.
Except as medicine have no use for
| the stuff"
A minute later all Of them are busily
engaged in examining their revolvers,
which are found to be in good condi-
ton.
"Take charge of mine, Mr.. Crimes"
remarks Joe, who, Of course, cannot
be thus burdened when about to enter
upon an engagement that will require
all his agility.
with pleasure, sir, and should the
occasion arise for using it, / trust you
will find thai I can make each shot
count almost as well as yourself. BY
the way, Joe, you didn't forget to
bring the rubber footholds borrowed
from the professor?'
Never fear; have them. The bar
on will not get his work in through a
slip on my part, If I can help it." re-
turns Joe, touching q pocket Of his
blouse, where a small package OF
some sort is hidden.
Presently they pass outside again,
to find that the sun has arisen and a
new day begun. They keep a short
distance from the shore in order to
catch the full benefit C the breeze,
but every palm stands out IN bold re-
lief.
The scene is such as can be gazed
upon any day along the lower Nile,
and yet one never tires Of looking
upon it. Numerous sails dot the broad
river, some beating down, while many
fly before the breeze. A string OF
camels forming a caravan can be no
ticed above the bank, doubtless bound
for the far.off cities, between which
and Cairo quite a trade is carried on
in this way.
Here some travellers on donkeys can
be seen, making an early start for the
pyramids. Now and then slaves are
discovered at work with the poles and
buckets known as a shedoof, and
which primitive method Of engineering
in the way Of lifting water from
lower level Is still practiced in the
land where they carry on agriculture
Just as their forefathers did two thou
sand years back.
An occasional windmill is seen
where some house nestles on the bank,
but this is generally the property Of
foreigners. Upon the river freight
cangias are met with, heading to or
from Cairo. Those boats which have
the fair wind are supposed to keep out
Of the way Of others, but the reis in
command Of their craft seems to be
in something Of daredevel spirit this
morning. He swings the dahabeah in
so close to one Of the heavier craft
that he comes within an ace Of having
the sandal trailing behind sunk.
The sun is now almost half an hour
high. When will the boats come to
land? Surely there is no need Of trav-
cling a great distance from old Cairo
in order to discover a good dueling
ground.
Perhaps the baron has particular
spot in view. He may even have been
principal in some affair of honor
that has eliminated in q meeting up
the Nile, and his success at that time
inspires him to select the same rem
devious again.
Our friends show no impatience,
whatever they may feel. Sandy, look
ing ahead, directs the attention of his
comrades to point.
Like as not we're aiming for that.
can see rows Of tombs in the rocks
back Of it. Such a place would make
an admirable spot for the duello. Re-
member the old stories I've read OF
steamers on the Mississippi stopping
to let q couple Of passengers fight on
some sand-bar, and the spectators
burying one Of 'em there. This puts
me in mind of it. Where could you
find a better place to dispose Of the
unfortunate victim than in one Of
those empty rock tombs? Capital
idea! Jove; I'll improve on this sub
ject when write it up, see if 1 don't"
Sandy gets no further, as he feels
grip on his arm, and, turning, sees
Mr.. Grimes making expressive GRIM
aces intended to warn b m that be is
treading on dangerous ground. Myn-
heer Joe, however, does not seem at
all affected, but treats the matter as
huge joke.
Il think, for my part, prefer being
buried in a modern cemetery, and l
authorize you, my friends, in case the
worst comes, to see that my poor re.
mains are taken care Of. In my pock-
ct will be found. letter addressed to
you, Mr.. Grimes, concerning the little
matter we were speaking about last
night. You can ler the person most
interested see it. There-I am done.
l have made my peace, but I want
both Of you to understand that it is
not Mynheer Joe's intention to drop
before the SWORD Of the Russian. I
hope to snow him how an American
can uphold the honor of his flag even
ut the swords point"
Confident words, these, but they eX-
press the feelings of the man. 1t is
partly this assurance concerning his