The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-08-14

which he has gained entry through
letters of Introduction, and for pur.
poses of his own. At the time lie
chances to be engaged in game Of
billiards with French gentleman Of
note, travelling in India to see the
country, so it is said, although there
are suspicious that he meets the baron
by appointment.
France and Russia are hand in glove.
Their interests do not clash, and both
secretly hate England. In the event
of a general European war, in which
Great Britain received a drubbing,
Turkey and India would be the spoils
Of Russia, while Egypt must fall 10
France. These things are talked Of in
India, where the British troops are
but drop in the bucket compared to
the natives, and every move upon the
chess-board of Europe finds its respon-
sive throb over the Indian Ocean. Be-
sides, the popularity Of this position
causes them to see things in different
light.
When the baron has read his note, he
looks pleased, and his French COM
panion laughs aloud.
Success, baron, eh? You are lady
killer. Who would think it, a man
given over to diplomatic intercourse
such as my friend, and yet finds time
for these little amours. congratulate
you. Who is 1t, mon ami"
The baron shakes his head, and gen.
tly deposits the perfumed note in his
inner pocket.
THAT would be telling, monsieur. l
never give my secrets away until ain
sure. The bird futters, but l cannot
call it mine until my hand closes
around it. Enough to say, am afraij
the baron is caught at last"
"Mon Dieu! Is it so serious as that?
I had not thought it meant so much.
1t is too bad, baron, that the event OF
your life should come upon you while
on this trip,
The Russian gives him a look that
means much.
. "Never fear, Monsieur Lamar; I am
equal to the occasion"
They drop the subject and knock
the balls about for some time longer.
1t is evident, however, that the baron's
letter has broken up his style, for he
plays like an amateur and finally
drops his cue in disgust, excusing him.
self to his friend.
He hardly knows how to pass the
time away until evening, and the hours
must seem like an eternity to his i'm.
patient soul.
During the afternoon he has callers
at his rooms; several men come to con-
fer with him in mysterious way. 1t
is evident that the baron has connec.
tions here in Bombay with powerful
clique. This makes it doubtful wheth.
er the clever little scheme Of the
Americans can be made a success, for
some one Of these elements may hap
pen upon the game and discover the
truth. Still, such men as Mynheer Joe
and Mr.. Grimes can be trusted to
stand up against all corners and hold
their own.
Thus the day draws to close, and
the momentous night creeps over the
city on the sacred rivera night that
will be fraught with great events to
several Of our characters
All hail the coming Of evening with
joy, for the hours have dragged to the
last. Even the natives rejoice at the
setting of the sun. Some Of them are
worshipers of the great flre-god, and
can be seen doing reverence to his de-
scent behind the watery horizon. There
are Mohammedans on their knees,
with their faces toward distant Mec-
ca, oblivious Of all save their prayers,
accompanied by the most fantastic
bending Of the body.
These sights are so common in all
Eastern countries that the old traV.
eler fails to notice them beyond a
casual glance.
Baron Popoff, after his dinner, pro.
ceeds to make an elaborate toilet. He
is always something Of q dandy, but
on this particular night he wakes his
mustache with particular care, so that
the ends stand out like needles.
When ready to sally forth, he sur
veys himself in the glass; smiles with
satisfaction, as though personally
we'll pleased with his appearance, gives
a last twirl It his mustache and then
leaves the house.
Already he has seen to his prepara-
tions, and a shigram is waiting at the
door, managed by one of his own men.
The baron is suspicious by nature and
likes not the idea of being driven about
the dark streets of Bombay by one In
whom he puts no confidence.
ITO be Continued
Hay in Round Bales Now.
Hay as we'll as cotton Is put up now