The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-03-19
MYNHEER JOE,
SsSSSSSSSsSsSSSS
BY ST. GEORGE RATHBoRNE
sssssssssssSssss
CopR

the roof Of the cabin, a pillow under
his head, which the captain of the boat
has brought out, and to all appear
ances enjoying his cigar.
Together they enter the cabin. Upon
the table is seen a quaint flagon ana
a glass. Mynheer Joe moves toward
it. but he finds the hand Of Mr.. Grimes
before him.
Not allowed. my friend. Heaven
knows what sort Of drug there might
be in this. If you must steady your
nerves" And he produces q Snail
flask from one Of his pockets. But
Joe shakes his head.
THAT isn't in my line. sir, though
thank you all the same. I've seldom
found time when my nerves needed
strengthening by such artificial means.
though l confess that my life was
once saved by a small amount OF
liouor. The fellow drank it who was
left to execute me. and got into such
a maudlin condition that l easily over.
powered him and made my escape.
Except as medicine I have no use for
the stuff"
A minute later all Of them are busily
engaged in examining Their revolvers.
which are found to be in good coudi-
ton.
Take charge of mine, Mr.. Grimes.
remarks Joe, who, OF course, canno:
be thus burdened when aboIr to enter
upon an engagement that will require
all his agility.
with pleasure, sir. and should the
occasion arise for using 1t. | trust You
will find that l can make each shot
count almost as well rs yourself. By
the way, Joe. you didn't forget to
bring the rubber footho!ds borrowed
from the professor:'
Never fear: have them. The bar
on will not get his work in through Z
slip on MY part, if can help it. rc1
turns Joe, touching i pocket of his
blouse, where smal! package OF
some sort is hidden.
Presently they pass outside again.
to find that the sun has arisen and Il
new day begun. They keep a short
distance from the shore in order 10
catch the full benefit C. the breeze,
but every palm stands out N bold re-
lief.
The scene is such as can be gazcd
upon any day along the lower Nile.
and yet one never tires of looking
upon it. Numerous sails dot the broad
river, some beating down, while many
fly before the breeze. A string OF
'camels forming caravan can be no.
ticed above the bank, doubtless bound
for the far-off cities, between which
and Cairo quite q trade is carried on
In this way.
Here some travellers on donkeys can
be seen, making an early start for the
pyramids. Now and then slaves are
discovered at work with the poles and
buckets known rs shedoOf. and
which primitive method Of engineering
IN the way Of lifting water from q
lower level is still practiced in the
land where they carry on agriculture
just as their forefathers did two thou
sand years back.
An occasional windmill Is seen
where some house nestleS on the bank.
but this is generally the property OF
foreigners. Upon the river freight
cangias are met with, heading to OF
from Cairo. Those boats which have
the fair wind are supposed to keep out
Of the way of others, but the reis in
command of their craft seems to be
In something Of daredevel spirit this
morning. He swings the dahabeah in
so close to one of the heavier craft
that he comes within an ace OF having
the sandal trailing behind sunk.
The sun Is now almost half an hour
high. When will the boats come to
land? Surely there is no need Of tray
cling a great distance from old Cairo
in order to discover a good dueling
ground.
Perhaps the baron has particular
spot In view. He may even have been
a principal in some affair of honor
that has eliminated in a meeting up,
the Nile, and his success at that time
inspires him to select the same rem,
devious again.
! Our friends show no impaiieace.
whatever they may feel. Sandy, look,
ing ahead, directs the attention Of big
comrades to point.
"Like as not were aiming for that.
I can see rows OF tombs in the rocks
back Of it. Such a place would make
an admirable spot for the duello. Re
member the old stories I've read OF
steamers on the Mississippi stoppin:
to LEI couple of passengers fight on
some sand-bar. and the spectators
burying one of 'em there. This puts
me in mind of it. Where could you
find better place to dispose Of the
unfortunate victim than in one OF
those empty rock tombs: Capital
idea! Jove; I'll improve on this sub
ject when write it up, see if don't"
Sandy gets no further. as he feels
grip on his arm, and, turning. sees
Mr.. Grimes making expressive grim