The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-02-26

is still in Serviceable condition.
a little stiff in the neck. that's all,
my boy. Wonderful stuff, hammamc-
lis. Only for my having bottle along
I'd have been laid up for week.
Jove. Feel that muscle. Like steel.
| say, this business Of exploring the
wiids is no child's play. after all. Is
it,"
Hc rattlcs on. drawing two chairs
up. placing his feet on one, and bring.
ing into view an enormous cigar.
which must have been made espe-
cially for man Of his size.
So Joe has to describe how. on many
! an occasion, he and his men have been
compelled to actually hew way
through n dense network Of vines and
fallen trees that covered the stream
they were navigating.
BY degrees they get him to khar-
toom, and as he had promised Tanner
the story of that doomed city's fall he
proceeds to give graphic description
of what took place, from the time OF
Gordon's arrival up to the ill-fated
Goth Of January. when the Christian
hero fell, a martyr to political hesita-
ton at home, betrayed by those in
whom he trusted.
Mynheer Joe would speak as lille
rs possible of his own share In these
tragic events. but they draw him out.
and he is thus compelled 10 tell what
happened.
While Molly sits there, her lovely
eyes glued on the face OF the speaker.
deep admiration and even growing
love kindling her fine features, the
baron glares at the group from the
other end Of the piazza.
He realizes that the fates have dealt
him Il terrible blow, and that his case
is indeed hopeless. unless fortune
throws in his way means Of over
turning circumstances.
The baron chances to be ore of those
men who imagine that the battle is
won by the party who fights for vic
tory; therefore he will not be apt to
sit around with his hands in his peck
cts.
Already he has proven to what end
he can be driven by necessity. None
but desperate fiend would ever think
of getting 4 dangerous rival out o. the
way by such 4 plan rs running his
looks with acid. This same man is
fertile in resources and dangerous rs
foe. Mynhcer Joe may learn 10 his
cost that he was really safer among
the bowling. maddcned derviShes OF
the Mahdi than he is in Cairo to-day.
" hen the spectacle grows too bitter
FOR him 10 longer gaze up the baron
walks away mutteriGs to himself.
Mr.. Grimes has from place CT cen.
c~almcnt been watching this game,
and chucl!cS when he notes the diplo-
mats discomhturc. Still keeping lis
eye upon him he sees the baron signal
French cx-army officer. who has
some connection with the Khcdiye's
palace. being in his employ.
These two talk long and earnestly,
during which the baron glances a
number Of times toward the trio on
the piazza. and even the Frenchman
looks earnestly that way.
Some deviltry afoot," mutters Mr..
Grimes. I'D give little TO be able
TO hear what is said, but must find
out the truth in another way
Watching the couple he finally sees
them shake hands heartily: the FrencR
officer bows. places hand on his
heart, makes 4 gesture and walks
away. Whatever has been the pur-
.port OF their conversation the matter
has undoubtedly been arranged.
As the baron passes Mr.. Grimes the
latter quietly follows him, making
sure to attract no attention. In this
way he sees the Russian diplomat
finally enter pec'.liar house. wniclf
has something of the appearance of
gymnasium.
Lettering around Mr.. Grimes discov-
crs an English gentleman, whom he
knows, about TO enter He stops him
20 ask question and learns that the
building is IN athletic clubroom. His
friend asks him to enter. which he
willingly does, for this is exactly what
he wants.
\ number OF men are within. Some
box, others leap and Swi2g dunb-bclls.
while not i few use the foilS. NJ.
Grimes discovers the baron, dressed in
Il suit that is worn in the exercise,
about TO enter into an engagement
with one OF the professors. The sight
somehow makes him jump at conclu.
,Sions. Does the baron contemplate a
duel? Since his villainous plan to de-
stroy Joes looks has failed, will he
endeavor to put the dashing explorer
out Of the way by recourse to arms
and the code Of honor?
Mr.. Grimes knows that this man has
been a principal in many duels-that
he is an expert swords:nan and dead
shot. His size. instead Of being against
him, really gives him an advantage. f,
Hence Mynheer Joe's friend watches
the work Of the baron closely. Mr.