The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-14


really should be no danger. Captain Bar
r!ster of the War Hawk, has secured
for me all the necessary papers, and
am to be your companion as far as Mel
bourne"
81 am so glad of that Robert. dear"
"Furthermore, l hear only most favor
able statements regarding the Nora
Brandt's commander, Captain Van Hau-
sen. His vessel Is under charter to the
government. moreover. to proceed 10
Shanghai with commissary stores. And
have it from his own liRs. Lady SoIners.
that having discharged she Will SAIL al
once for Melbourne with ballast only,
from which port you and Emily easily
can secure passage home by steamer.
AS Emily says. my dear aunt you owe
It to your husband, as well as yourselves.
to accept this opportunity to leave emma.
"Odd's blood, Lady somersl; laughing
Nv observed a rugged, elderly man IN
naval attire, who just then CHANGED TO
pass their table; IF you don't leave now
Lord knows when you WILL. Fore Heaven,
I have no wish to lose two such charm-
ing friends from among us, yet say go
and God speed you, If the chance Is pre-
scented. Tho Hakka schoolmaster. with his
horde Of Acknowledged fanatics. already
threatens Nankin, and If he makes the
coast our naval vessels won't think Of
leving. I'll shake hands and say good-by,
at all events, Lady somers.
"Good-by. commodore" smiled Lady
Somers, graciously, rising to extend her
hand. II presume shall not recant from.
my determination. In fact, our traps have.
already been sent aboard the Nord
Brandt, and we ourselves are about pre-
pared to embark. My kindest adieux to
your wife and Captain Barrister. And
so many, many thanksN for your cour-
tesies aboard the War Hawk When In
London, don't fail to visit us, will you?"
Surely not, Lady Somers! Good-by.
Miss Emily. and may skies as fair rs
your own sweet face attend you! Lieu
tenant you are expected to return to
duty at once after starting your friends
from Melbourne
Lieutenant Vail respectfully saluted and
resumed his seat at the table, while the
burly figure of the British commodore
threaded its way among people and tai les
and vanished through the main entrance.
to the house proper
down. exclaimed Lady somers. half
helplessly only the talk about this p!-
rate, Redlaw rendered me exceedingly
nervous"
"Pshaw!" laughed Vail. assuringly. Sea
robbers confine, their attacks to laden
vessels, Lady Somers, and the Nord
Brandt will sail for Melbourne In ballast
only"
but I heard it said that Redlaw'a
dreadful craft is most frequently en-
countered In those southern waters, and
that the gold ships out Of Australia are
his special quest One can scarce foresee
what may happen.
IF the Information will afford your
friends any comfort. Lieutenant Vail.
can asure you that the notorious vessel
which renders them uneasy has lately
been cruising off the west African coast.
presumably to seize diamond shipments
from Capte Tomn. Molestation between
Shanghai and Melbourne. by RedlaW at
least, is hardly probable.
These assurances came from solitary
individual at the adjoining table, who
naturally would have overheard what
had passed He had turned slightly.
addressing himself solely to Lieutenant
Vail, both men instinctlvely saluting,
though apparently strangers,
The speaker was man about nfty,
with swarthy features, n heavy dark
beard and a pair of piercing coal black
eyes. He evidently was seaman, ana
his powerful figure was clad in a light
linen or duck suit the coat of which was
fanclfully braided. His observations
had been emlnently respectful, yet his
deeply resonant voice. at once suEges-
tive of tremendous reserve power, had
Both drew back little; hut Lieut. Vail
quickly accepted the information IN the
spirit with which 1t appeared to have
been offered, and said:
II am obliged to you, sir, though !
cannot call you by name
am Capn Lascar, sir, OF the Ven
ture." replied the stranger, without SO
much as IA glance at the ladies' Hear
Ing your name spoken by your commo-
dore, and the fears expressed by your
friends | venteured to volunteer an in
formation thought might relieve them.
] arrived here only last week from Cape
Town and know where Redlaw then
was located No offense intended. SIR
And none given. Cap'n Lascar, am
sure" Vail heartily rejoined with a bow.
Lady Somers, will you allow me TO pre-
sent Capt. Lascar? And Miss somers g
Lady Somers now smiled ana bowed.
the stranger merely bending his head
with some display of embarrassment,
while the former said gratefully;
1T was very kind of you. sir, to notice
our apprehensions. No doubt they are
foolish, yet feel much relieved by your
assurances"
mo trouble, .ma'am. indeed I'd like
| the same done for one OF my own II
| need were"
'And let men thank you. too. Capt;
Lascarl' exclaimed Emily. rblushing ana
bending nearer.
| These attentions seemed to discon--
| cert the stranger, and a deep glow OF
red mingled with the swarthy hue OF his
| foneful and rather unattractive race.
| He muttered with some confusion ms
acknowledgment Of their gratitude theh