The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-05-15
CHAPTER XII,
COMING EVENTS CAST A SHADOW BE.
FORE.

FORE.
Shepherds is astir.
Parties are sallying forth, equipped
for sightseeing. Some 60 by the river,
while others mount donkeys, accord
Ing to what they mean to gaze upon.
The scene in front Of the hotel is once
more one of confusion. Finely dressed
dragomans are busting about, order
Ing the donkey-boys this way and that,
and assuming an air Of most tremen'
dous importance Indeed, it could be
easily imagined that some great East
ern potentate is about 70 set out on
a most wonderful journey to see the
excitement that reigns in front Of the
hotel.
Every day, during the winter season.
It is the same. These tourists, prin-
cipally English and American, who
make the rounds of Egypt, leave a
large sum of money behind them, and
If a year comes when some dreaded
disease keeps the tide of travel away,
there will be mourning in the land of
the Khedive among Turk, Arab, Moor
and native fellahin.,
Mynheer Joe, after breakfast, is
seated where he may watch this pano-
rama and enjoy it's peculiar features
as only one can who is a veteran trav-
eler or has no business on hand.
While Joe sits upon the piazza he
sees one approaching whose coming
fires his heart. Of course it is Molly
no one else could make his blood
leap so madly. She reaches his side,
and Mynheer Joe is on his feet in
stantly, offering her chair He
makes a move to toss his weed away,
but she calls out:
y"Refrain! know it would give you
pain in the first place, and in the open
air I really enjoy the odor of a good
cigar" she laughs.
A.e looks at his weed doubtfully.
This is turkish tobacco, and has
fine reputation. but rather prefer the
American when 1 can get it, or Ha-
vana, which is the same thing. How
ever, since you are so kind, will keep
1t, and take a seat to leeward," which
he does with much pleasure.
She does not look as though bent
upon mission Of reproach. Joe takes
courage and boldly opens the game
himself.
"You have learned the truth, Miss
Molly. I was in the act of confessing
myself, when the baron and his friend
Interrupted us"
"Yes, I know all about it." she re-
plies, nodding.
"And you don't bear malice" Gag.
erly.
How could I-against the one who
saved my life-and under such extra
ordinary circumstances as this thing
was done, too. No. since my father
has forgiven you l will not be back
ward about doing the same. Besides,
he firmly believes that you saved his
life in some way tlat he would not eX-
plain"
1t is evident that Molly does not
know all, and is ignorant that the
baron is the prime cause of this trouble.
Some men would have taken solid
satisfaction in informing her as to the
truth, and with good reason, too, but
Mynheer Joe seems to be above it.
Let us drop the whole matter, Miss
Molly" he says, quite willing it shall
be forgotten.
She looks at him q little Queerly, for
1t has already occurred to her WON.
ans mind thai there is something back
Of 1t all which she had not yet faith.
omed-something concerning an un-
known quantity, the terrible danger
ut which her father has limited with
out giving any details, and like others
OF the human family, Miss Molly is
gifted with certain amount Of curl
osity, that trait not wholly confined to
her sex.
Very we'll, it shall be just as you
say, on one condition, Mynheer Joe,'
she replies.
What is that?" be asks.
Some time you will tell me what
this danger is that hangs over the gov
ernor's head"
"YeS, / promise. but it is no longer
there, assure you," he makes answer
They drift on to general topics, ant
then Demosthenes Tanners voice is
heard in the land, rs he figuratively
dcmolishes a clumsy waiter who has
had the misfortune to step on his pei
corn.
He joins them and greets them will
warmth that proves his mind has
undergone 10 change since they parted
on the previous night. Turning his
head right and left he shows that il
Is still in q serviceable condition.
"a little stiff in the neck, that's all
my boy. Wonderful stuff, hammame
lis! Only for my having q bottle alon:
I'd have been laid up for week
Jovc! Feel that muscle! Like steel
/ say, this business of exploring th
wilds is no child's play, after all. L
it,"
He rattlcs on, drawing two chair
up. placing his feet on one, and bring
lug into view an enormous cigar
which must have been made espe
cially for n m:a Of his size.
So Joe has to describe how. on man.