The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-07-31
MYNHEER JOE,
5SSSSSSSSSsSSssS
BY ST. GEORGE RATHB0RNE
3ssssssssssssSss


"Not only that, but an officer IN the
organization. 1t was as such l gave
the sign that threw these fellows into
a fever"
"How do you come to belong TO such
a lovely crowd" asks Sandy.
"Ah, my dear fellow, that is story
you shall hear some day! Really, 1t
is worth telling, since it is founded
upon strange incidents such as only a
Haggard could use with credit. For
the present let it suffice to say that
this ancient order has more about it
than the general world knows. 1t is
not organized for murder, as you and
| other people believe, although the
Thugs Of India, like the Nihilists OF
Russia, do not hesitate to remove any
one who runs against Their will.
"a series of strange circumstances
threw me into the midst Of them some
years ago, and to preserve my life 1
was obliged to join the order, attain
ing a high place Of honor before the
opportunity came to quit 1ndia's
shores.
81 can now see very plainly why
that same thing occurred to me, for
you and must have fallen victims to
the fury of the mob only for my pow
er."
by the way, Joe, have you any
more of these little bombs hidden
away? If so, put them to good use,
man. There's no telling when we may
need them in this country. Bless my
soul! have strange feeling all the
while as though invisible danger was
hanging over our heads. What can 1t
mean"
when the baron ceases to annoy US
you will get over that, Sandy. The
truth of the matter is you have fallen
into the habit of feeling his presence
near YOU. These men Of evil seem to
exhale q something that impresses it.
self upon those they hate, even as
might the rattlesnake when charming
a victim. Once the serpent is trampled
under foot and all that uneasiness
vanishes."
you've changed your mind, then,
and intend to make away with the ba-
ROM? says0Sandy, quickly.
"Well, it becomes more evident every
hour that it's a desperate case Of
Greek against Greek. Unless I de-
molish the baron he will down me-"
Eureka! That's my policy to DOT.
The question is how it shall be DONE"
"That will come out all right, old
man."
II give myself no uneasiness with
regard to it. Poor old Popof! He'll
carry out the name to letter pres
emily. But since he's shown himself
to be such a consummate rascal, no
longer feel pity for him. Let him go.
The king has commanded 1t; the de-
cree must be entered" and Sandy
makes a royal sweep with his arm
that would cause many monarch to
turn green with envy could he see it.
Mynheer Joe looks beyond, and sees
things that wise providence screens
from the eyes Of impulsive fellows Of
Sandy's stripe. He knows that the
life Of the baron is exceedingly pre-
cious to the Russian authorities, and
that they will make searching inves-
tigation into matters in case he Is
downed; it may even be considered a
casus bellum, and the two great coun-
tries be embroiled in a terrible con-
f1ict.
Thus Mynheer Joe, feeling the re-
sponsible nature Of his position, re-
solves to do nothing rash. He desires
to consult with some one who has a
long head, and knows of no person
more competent than Mr.. Grimes.
Sandy is all right. when it comes to
action, but he does not make the best
adviser in the world, as Joe has
learned before pow>~
1t is high time they turn their steps
in the direction Of the hotel, as the
hour is getting late.
Through the crowds they pass with
out any fear Of violence, since they
hold the good will of the great secret
society of India.
"Ah! There's the baronr' says San
dy. And Joe catches glimpse Of the
Russians face among the dark ones
just beyond.
He reads surprise and baff1ed rage
upon it, as though Popof had already
begun to understand that again his
plans have been defeated by circum-
stances over which he has no control.
Mynheer Joe" cannot help showing
something of his feelings in his ex-
preston. The look is not contemp-
tuous one, for he has considerable re-
| spect in the direction Of the shrewd
baron. At the same time he despises
man who win descend to the meth.
ods praetieed 1B this agent Of the
Car. Il
If Joe chooses he can meet him on q
level, and, employing the same meth
DDS, influence the secret order Of Thugs
against the Russian, for he has power
behind the throne. This does not
happen to be his way. If the baron
will not enter into another duel with
him he must employ some other honor
able means for accomplishing his end.
They finally bring up at the hotel.
The hour is aot so late for those who
make day out Of night, but with trav-
elers weary from long sea journey
and sightseeing all day it is an entire
| " different matter.