The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-07-24
CHAPTERXIE
TContinueN

serious consequences have resulted"
Sandy pricks up his ears, and his
itching hand makes a movement in
the direction of the pocket where lie
keep his notebook, as though this
may be some news that concerns the
general public; but he remembers in
time, and forbears. With smile at
his action, the traveller continues:
"He has had men in sympathy with
him right here under the noses of the
British officials in Bombay, strange
though it may appear to you. Perhaps
there is something rotten in the state
of Denmark, and England may awak-
en- some day to find a wonderful up
rising in the heart Of her rich Indian
possessions, or I'm no prophet, unless
-"
"Well," remarks Sandy, solemnly,
when his friend comes to this pause,
significant in itself, unless what,
friend Josephus?"
"The conspiracy is nipped in the bud.
This can be done by the overthrow OF
Baron Popoff now"
"By Jove, what pity you were not
q subject of the Queen, Joe" grunts
Sandy.
"Why so, old man?"
under such circumstances you
would have seen your duty clearly;
at the time you fought that duel with
the baron, your sword could and would
have nipped this Russian conspiracy in
the bud, by ending the baron on the
banks of the Nile. If his body were
resting in one of those ancient tombs
among the hills of Mokkatam. Popoff
would not be able to arouse the people
of this benighted country to rise
against their British masters and
throw off the yoke of England In or
der to assume one much more CALLING
that of the White Gar"
Mynheer Joe thoughtfully rubs the
end of, his nose, as though by that op-
Grafton he might arouse his thinking
faculties. Then he turns with smile
upon his friend.
81 begin to see you were right, ms
dear boy. That mistake may cause
me no end of trouble, and yet some
thing held my hand when l had the
chance to finish the baron. 1t Is be-
yond me to explain the feeling that
came over me. 1 only know it existed.
You've seen such periods in your own
life, when a power controlled your ac-
tons. Let that 60. What I want to
tell you now concerns US both, since
you appear to be in the same ship as
myself. In ten hours the Russian has
formed a plan of action to bring about
our destruction. We are in the web"
He says this as coolly as though ask.
Ing for fire on account Of neglected
cigar; not the least trace of emotion
can be detected in his voice. One
would not imagine that he refers to
their lives being in jeopardy through
this plot of the baron's.
As for Sandy, be shows that he can
take the matter just as coolly. Even
If the enemy be near, advancing on
the double-quick. SO to speak, that is
no reason a man Of nerve should be
ratified and lose his presence Of mind.
"Ah! Couple of foolish flies, eh? The
bloated old spider has managed to
spin a web around US while we've been
taking in the sights Of Bombay. Is
that the trick, Joe?" he remarks.
"Something in that strain, you'll find.
friend Sandy. 1 haven't been quite
able to make it out myself yet; but,
all the same, it's as plain as the nose
on your face that this shrewd old
chap has been working while we were
playing, and in that way has stolen u
march on us nicely. Listen now, and
you shall have some particulars"
.Mynheer Joe casts glance around
as though he would use at least all
ordinary caution. Then he gives the
eager war correspondent the benefit of
his late interview with faithful. Kas.
see.
Sandy's manner is something of q
thermometer, indicating his feelings.
When the story grows warm. he rest
lessly fingers his cigar, twirlhg it be-
tween his thumb and finger. AS Il
quiet portion of the recital is reached,
he puffs unconcernedly at the weed or
else idly fiips the ashes from the end
ALI the while he imbibes the facts
which fall from the lips of Mynheer
ice. Sandy is much of the nature of
sponge. He greedily sucks in all he
can reach, but means to give it out
again upon the least pressure. That
Is his business in life-to take and
give, retaining nothing. If what is
sues from his pen is garbed in new
dress. so that it can hardly be recog-
nized as the same impression that he
received, that is in the nature of things
and only to be expected; for Sandy
himself is the wonderful machine that
grasps the rough material, and with
its magic breath transforms it into the
deintiess Of fabrics.
1t can be readily set down, therefore.
that the active little newspaper man
is a good listener. His memory is as
tonishingly tenacious for one SO accuS-
toned to making notes. and he will not
soon forget q word of what has been
said.
1t is a thrilling narrative Joe gives
him, and would even be so were it any
other than themselves thus placed in
danger. At the same time, Joe makes
no rhetorical fourishes in his MARIA
tive. but gives it in plaip, everyday