Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1902-11-27
CHAPTER iii.
CONTINUED.

tirst-class passage-in our possession
On our way back we got carriage fol
the sake of Mr.. Ralston. While
Langston had been talking to the
agent, 1 had been telegraphing &c
Congressman Wellman, of San Fran
cisco, then in Los Angeles on business
connected with large cattle-rancl
which he owned there, and had re
ceived reply that he would cable the
American consul at Hong Kong, {
friend of his, to give us all the assist
ance in his power. 1t was with {
sense of assured victory that we took
Ralston and his father to the Colder
Gate Club for supper.
We were silent supper party. Blu
little was said. No one knew better
than I that we were setting out on &
dangerous mission. The odds were
against us--no matter how favorable
everything looked. We did not know
what unknown foes we would meet OF
what agencies would be against us
The man who had carried away til,
most beautiful girl in California IL,
doubt had powerful friends and abet
tors in the land to which he was tax
ing her Edward was as gloomy n.
his father. Langston was more thought
full than was his habit. As fo.
me, I saw nothing but the sweet face
of Annie Ralston. 1t came between
my plate aud me. 1t was in the all
around me. 1t was everywhere
Then, back of it, over it and through
it, L saw the diabolical face of tina
Chinaman, around whose throat my
fingers would so lovingly curl unit
his lying tongue stretched from hi.
mouth in strangulation.
Having satisfied our hunger -ther,
was no other pleasure attendant OIL
the meal-we got into our carriag
again and were taken to the UnioI
Depot to see Mr.. Ralston off for Oak
land. At first, the old gentleman in
sisted upon remaining to see us EN-
bark the following morning, but Ell
ward feared the excitement would b,
too much for him. SO, with half
willing consent, he was going home tt
his grief-stricken wife.
When he left us at the gate his
emotion almost overcame him. He
talked long and lovingly to Edward
while Langston and | roamed around
the station platform. When they haG
finished we went to them.
"God bless you, my boys" said the
old father, tremulously, as lie grasped
first my hand and then Langston's il
vise-like grip. Good bless you and
grant you success in this great under.
taking. l know you will do every,
thing that can be done. My wife and
will await your coming with hearts
full of hope. Every night and every
day we will pray for you and for her.
Bring her back" and now his voice
was broken by sobs. Bring her
back, no matter what has happened tG
her. Tell her she shall be my darling
Notwithstanding. And, oh, if she
should be dead, if you can only bring
her body home, Ii not, then some
proof of her death, that our hearts
may not longer be tortured with
fears"
Mr. Ralston,' replied, "do not
worry. have no doubt that we shall
be in Shanghai before the ketot1
arrives. If so, all danger is past, for
we will meet your daughter as she
lands. 1t is all clear enough in my
mind. You must not allow yourself
to become sick with fear. Keep up a
good heart; we will bring Annie
back"
God bless you again" he said,
gulping down his sobs. Then the uni
formed gateman called ont the tram
for Oakland, and Mr.. Ralston lett us
We three said but little on the way
from the depot to Ralston's hotel,
where we left the carriage for last
chat.
At ten o'clock I started for home.
Langstop lazily shook himself, and
also bade Ralston good night.
"Shall we meet you here asked,
Tor shall we meet at the pier?"
"The pier, think" said Ralston.
IT shall be in more or less of a hurry,
rushing around to Brown e. Browns.
I will take cab and save all the time
can. Don't miss the steamer"
Don't fear. Well be there" we
answered.
Good night!'
1t did not take long in those days
for me to prepare for u journey--even
if it was halfway round the world.
BY midnight my trunk was in the hall,
packed and waiting for the morning
expressman.
I called the janitor
"Mr. Robbins" / said, 'T am CO.
ing away for short time, and / want
to pay my rent in advance"
"Bless me, doctor, your rent amt
due till the 1st, and you surely won't
be gone longer than that"
Eyes, / shall be gone couple Of
months. ! am going to China"
"Chinaw
Eyes; Hong Kong and Shanghai. I
leave tomorrow with two friends.
Yes, it is rather sudden; but-the
case is urgent. Now, Mr.. Robbins, if
l don't come back mind you, l ex-
pect to be back by the 1st of March
but if | don't come back, you can dis.
pose of my things here. have no
heirs. If Langston, who is going with
me. should return without me, he is
to have anything that he wants that is