The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-05-29


master Of ceremonies, has a weight OF
responsibility on his shoulders; but
he knows the best he can do at pres
ent is to see that Joe gets a decent
nights sleep and is up betimes.
The pseudo silver king has watch
of peculiar make, with an alarm that
can be set for any time, just like 6
clock. Placed under his pillow, II
will make noise enough at the desig
mated hour to arouse q light sleeper
such as himself. he has depended
on it many a time and not been disap
pointed.
Mynheer Joe has found Molly in the
hotel parlors, and seems to be well
content to pass the balance Of the
evening in her company, drinking the
intoxicating cup Of love from her cleal
gray eyes.
Mr.. Grimes leaves him alone. This
will not make him nervous in the
morning or his eye unsteady. Better
to be in her company listening to hel
songs than drinking with convivial
companions, as the baron is doing al
this same hour, playing baccarat.
The news has gone abroad-strange
how such things do travel, as might
the mist that comes silently in from
the sea and spreads over the land like
magic. People pretty generally know
that the insult has been passed be-
tween the Russian baron and the
American traveller who was with Cor
don in the Soudan. Knowing also the
reputation one Of these men has as @
duelist, it is set down as certain that
q meeting must take place soon.
Hence, Mynheer Joe finds himself
the cynosure for many eyes, and be
is annoyed at the interest people seem
to take in him, but that Is the fate
of any one whom fortune destines to
move on a higher plane than his fel'
lows, and he must get used to 1t.
Molly, on her part, believing this
attention is caused simply because the
people have learned that he is the
sole survivor of the massacre at Khar.
toom, is proud Of the fact that he is
her friend-pleased to think he is an
American, and thinks more Of him
than ever.
Ee gives no hint of what is to
come off in the morning, for it Is not
his way to boast, and he can keep q
secret. Indeed, to see how merry lie
appears no one would think he has
anything on his mind. Those who are
in the secret are amazed, and not q
few make up their minds that the
whole report may be a canard, for
they cannot imagine a man who ex-
poets to meet the Russian baron at
sunrise could be so cool about it.
The evening passes, and finally Myn-
heer Joe bids the ladies good night.
Mr.. Grimes sees that he retires to his
room to get a few hours sleep. At
the proper time Grimes is up and
arouses both Mynheer Joe and Sandy.
Together they quickly repair to the
dining.room Of the hotel. A cook has
been bribed to be up and hands them
each a cup Of fine coffee, than which
not better can be had in the world
than right there at Shepherds in
Cairo.
This opens their eyes and makes
them feel as though they have a
warmth next their heart. Outside the
poor moon hangs up in the sky, but
her pale light already gives way to
the coming Of early morning. Soon
the gathering hosts of light will rush
up from their stronghold below the
eastern horizon, when the rout Of the
night-king will be complete.
Just about this hour, Molly Tanner,
dressed in white wrapper and with
her hair showering down her back,
enters her fathers rooms by means
of the connecting door.
who's that?" asks Tanner, sitting
upright, bis night-cap hanging over
his ear.
"Only Molly, father" comes the re-
ply.
What the dickens are you wander
ing around for? Go back to your bed,
child" he says, softly, for his love to-
ward his daughter is very great.
1T is early morning. You can hear
the birds twittering out in the trees.
l was awake, and, catching voices,
went to the window. Below I saw
three men move toward the river. I
am almost positive I recognized one
of their voices"
We'll" grunts the orator, getting
ready to resume his nap, what Of
that, Molly?"
But it was Mynheer Joe."
"Eh?"
And heard one Of the others Il am
sure it must have been Mr.. Grimes
say: 4 will examine the swords. He
shall have no advantage
Tanner grunts again.
Then the report was true?"
What report, governor"
"Never mind, child. 1t doesn't con-
ccrn you. Go back and get your beau
ty nap" he growls.
"Not until you tell me what this
means. Three men leave the hotel at
daybreak. They talk about swords.
What is about to happen?"
Bah! Some officers on lark, per-
haps."
You know better, governor. You
betrayed yourself when you said the
report was true. What report? 1t
concerns Mynheer Joe. 1 remember
now how strangely they looked at him
last night"
"onfounG it,.ichild. You are little
onI 1,,,111D1o1 old n