The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-06-26

81 only know my orders. baron" he
says.
"You will not allow ME to proceed,
sir?"
II am IN English officer; have been
sent to find and convey you before the
general. There my duty ceases. Not
If there were q dozen steamers to sail
and thousand barons to take passage
on them, would I fail to obey the or
ders I have received"
The baron grinds his teeth in rage.
what If I refuse to accompany
you?" he says, in quiet tone that
contrasts strangely with his excited
manner.
Much to my regret I shall be
obliged to use force" replies the officer.
Suppose I should resist?"
II would take you, baron, If had
to call upon yonder iron-clads for
help" pointing to the great British
war-vessels vesuvius and Thunderer,
which lie about where the feet opened
the awful bombardment on Alexandria
some half q dozen years before.
The baron seems to be weighing the
chances. He hates everything Eng
lish, and is peculiarly fitted for the
mission to India in the interests Of the
White Car. 1t CRATES upon his nerves
to be thus ignominiously brought back
by a British officer and compelled to
give up his contemplated embarkation;
but he can see no other possible out
let. The gates seem closed around him.
He looks like a baffled tiger, with
it's prey in full sight at the time the
trap closes. Even Molly sees his face.
and never forgets the look there is
stamped upon it. Men glare at fel-
low-human that way just before they
do murder.
"There is no way out Of this mess,
then"
"Only one-by accompanying me to
headquarters, where you may explain
matters and be back before the steam
er leaves" replies the Briton.
"You know that is a false hope, sir.
minutes or so," replies the Russian,
savagely.
"Well. as a dernier resort, try Suez."
"Eh.w
"Take the railroad to Suez and there
await the coming of the steamer down
the canal"
"Confusionr' 1t is Sandy who NUT
ters this. as he smites his head with
his hand. "Great brain that Of yours,
old fellow, never once to think Of that.
Grimes. kick me, will your"
wait Danger Of upsetting the boat,
and I reckon there are sharks here.
When we get on board theosteamer,
I'll accommodate you with the great.
est pleasure in the world" returns the
practical Grimes.
"You try it when there are others
around, and the worm will turn, sir,
turn and rend you; but I am in the
dumps. Think Of the grand scheme
I've arranged to shake that fellow, and
never once thought Of what that dan
dy officer just now so coldly informed
him-that he could, even if delayed
couple Of days, take the train, run to
Cairo, and from there to Suez, waylay-
ing US there. Hang the luck. I see
I'll have to murder him in cold blood
yet"
That was a convincing argument,
and he gives in. See how sullenly
l,n
boatmen to pull for the shore. There!
He looks this way. I wonder if he
suspects. Keep a straight face, San
dy, for heavens Sake. Mynheer Joe,
forward once more"
. The traveller gives short, sharp
order in the Arabic tongue; oars again
fall into the wtaer, brawny arms ex-
ercise their muscles, and the boats
shoot toward the steamer.
The last they see Of the baron and
his followers, he Is landing and NOV
ing away with the officer, to whom he
talks with many gesture, while
Colonel Taylor and the Hindoo watch
the luggage.
Our lTlSuuS DOdFu tuS SledlucI. SOuut
little delay is brought about, during
which Sandy becomes nervous, walk
ing the deck with a quick stride,
watching the quay and pulling at his
diminutive mustache.
Then comes the whistles, they move
away, and Alexandria is left behind.
Look" says Sandy to Mr.. Grimes,
nodding in their wake. "The baron
has returned-he Is in his boat-the
men row madly, but no one on board
notices! Ia, ia, old fellow! Wait here
for the Malwa, or meet US at Suez.
Adieu! Adieu"
The steamer increases her speed, and
the city Of Alexandria is soon lost to
sight in the gathering dusk, although
her many lights remain in view for
some time. Gradually these fade away,
and night reigns over the great sea
whose waves wash the shores Of three
continents, and on board the Alham.
bra all seems well.
ITO be Continued