The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-04-09


ward the waiting steamer, from
whose funnel the smoke pours-she
resembles some impatient animal eag-
er to start in the race.
Indeed, sir, what do you wish with
me? have not kept my light hidden
under a bushel while in Alexandria"
returns the Russian.
Pardon me, baron, know nothing
Of the matter beyond the fact that
have instructions to bring you before
the general"
"VVhatW and with q weird Russian
curse bubbling from his lips, the baron
springs to his feet.
"My language was plain, baron. T
am sorry to break into any of your
plans. but my orders allow no lati.
tude."
But, SIR" thunders the baron, ex-
cited, II am booked to leave on that
steamerr'
II am sorry for that, baron"
"You will not stop me now. What.
ever this may be, it could easily be
explained, but if return with you to
| the citadel I lose the steamer
The officer looks his regret, but he is
as firm as ademant-
~ only know my orders, baron" he
says.
You will not allow me to proceed,
sir?"
II am an English officer; I have been
sent to md and convey you before the
general. There my duty ceases. Not
II there were dozen steamers to sail
and a thousand barons to take passage
on them, would fail to obey the Or
ders have received"
The baron grinds his teeth in rage.
"What if I refuse to accompany
you" he says. in quiet tone that
contrasts strangely with his excited
manner.
Much to my regret I shall be
obliged to use force" replies the officer.
Suppose 1 should resist?"
II would take you, baron, il 1 had
to call upon yonder iron-clads for
help" pointing to the great British
war-vessels TesuviCs and ThuIderer,
which lie about where the feet opened
the awful bombardment on Alexandria
some half q dozen years before.
The baron seems to be weighing the
chances. He hates everything Eng
lish, and is peculiarly fitted for the
mission 20 India in the interests Of the
White Gar. It CRATES upon his nerves
to be thus ignominiously brought back
by British officer and compelled to
give up his contemplated embarkat;on;
but he can see 10 other possible out
let. The gates seem closed around him.
He looks like bafiicd tiger, with
its prey in full sight at the time the
trap closes. Even Molly sees his face,
and never forgets the look there is
stamped upon it. Men glare at fell
low-human that way just before they
do murder.
! "There is no way out Of this mess,
them"
"Only one-by accompanying me to
headquarters, where you may explain
matters and be back before the steam.
er leaves" replies the Briton.
you know that is false hope, sir.
The Alhambra will steam away in ten
minutes or so," replies the Russian,
Eavagely.
"Well. Us a dernier resort, try Suez.'
"Eh?"
"Take the railroad to suez and there
await the coming Of the steamer down
the canal"
"ConfTsionw 1t IS Sandy who mrt-
ters this. as he smiteS his head with
his hand. "Great brain that of yours,
old fellow, never once to think OF that.
Grimes, kick me, will you:"
Wait. Danger of upsetting the boat,
and l reckon there are sharks here.
When we get on board the steamer,
III accommodate you with the great
est pleasure in the world" returns the
practical Grimes.
You try it when there are others
around, and the worm will turn, sir,
tuih s-AlS ISiu yOu, DuL III TIC
dumps. Think of the grand scheme
I've arranged to shake that fellow, and
never once thought OF what that dan.
dy officer just now so coldly informed
him-that he could, even If delayed a
couple Of days, take the train, ruin to
Cairo. and from there to Suez, waylay-
ing us there. Hang the luck. 1 see
I'll have to murder him in cold blood
get"
That was a convincing argument,
and he gives in. See low sullenly
he resumes his seat anu orders his
boatmen to pull for the shore. There!
He looks this way. l wonder if ne
suspects. Keep straight face, San
ly, for heavens sake. Mynheer Joe,
forward once more"
The traveller gives short, sharp
brder in the Arabic tongue; oars again
fall into the wtaer, brawny arms eX
prcise their muscles and the boatS