The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-02-05

ceptable reading for the world. A
vast audience, indeed, sir. Would you
kindly relate your story in detail, OIL
at least that portion of it concerning
Gordon"
His manner is persuasive, his voice
honeyed, and butter would fail to
melt in his mouth. Unfortunately he
has laid hold of the wrong man. Myn-
heer Joe lays hand on his shoulder
and almost brushes him.
For particulars I must refer you to
my press agent. Just now l am en-
gagged. Your arm, Mr.. Grimes, il you
please"
But where can l find him? / beg
that you will inform me. This is Il
matter that concerns the whole civil
lied world. Think of it, sir! Tell me
the name of this gentleman, and the
excited correspondent even lays hold
of the explorers coat in his eagerness
to gain his attention.
"You will find him yonder. Sandy,
will you attend to this gentleman"
"Great Scott! Barlow knows it all!
I see it now. A grand conspiracy to
i beat me off Well I've nicl-cd Ne "a
fumors, ana iii consolidate them into
| a sensation that will equal the truth.
Catch weasel asleep, eh?"
! He is just about to rush off when
Sandy laughs.
Left again, old fel. The wires are
entirely at my service from now Until
seven o'clock in the morning. You
couldn't get line out now on your
individual responsibility if the Khe-
| dive committed hara-kri.''
| Barlow, let me into it little. I'll
be entirely disgraced if I'm left entire
ly on this deal Is Gordon dead?"
| yes"
'And Khartoom truly fallen?"
"Without Il doubt
"What will you take to let me send
five lines merely announcing the fact?"
What will you give in promises for
the future for few crumbs, my boy?"
So the rival correspondents walk
down the piazza haggling. Sandy has
long waited for this hour his cup is
full and ,.unning over, pressed down
with good measure.
Meanwhile, the other couple move
along the piazza in an opposite direc-
ton. enjoying the delicious atmos-
phere. their cigars and the bright
scene.
By this time the great crowds have
in a measure ceased to jostle elbows
i'll the square called Esbehiyeh, for the
hour grows late. Still there are,
enough present to keep up lively APP
pearance--to please the eye of the OBJ
server with the change of eolors as
they pass to and fro
Something is OH the mind of Mr..
Grimes, but he perhaps thinks the
present moment is hardly propitious
one in which to speak. Several times
he opens his mouth, as though the
spirit moves him, but on each occasion
he shakes his head and remains silent.
AS they cross the light thrown from
the windows more than one curious
glance is cast upoL them, for already
has word been whispered around that
Mynheer Joe has come from the scene
of action, and there is an air of mys-
terry thrown about him, which his per-
sonality increases rather than dimin-
ishes; for, as has been said before, his
face and figure are such as would at
tract attention even ON Pail Mall or
the Champs Elysees.
Looking into the dance-room they
see Molly Tanner gliding about in q
dreamy waltz with a foreign-looking
man wearing an immense mustache
that curls mp to his ears-no doubt the
baron. She mods her head to them
and smiles as she glances toward her
partner in the dance; there is some
thing so spicy and roguish about it
that Mynheer Joe feels drawn toward
the girl more than ever.
"She's a dandy" the effervescent
correspondent had said to him, while
on the way to the hotel, and the more
he sees of her the better ,his peculiar
comparison applies, though, upon try
ing to analyZe it he is bound to con-
fess the meaning ambiguous and a
trifie dim.
From the window they walk down
to the end of the piazza. Here an ac-
quaintance scizes hold of Mr.. Grimes
and begS a few minutes private con-
yersatioD will, him which OF ccucse.
ne gives, asking Joe's pardon for leav-
ing him.
The latter steps down to the square
to walk little upon the cool flags.
The events of the night have been
more than singular. when his fortunes
are concerned, and he has plenty TO
reflect upon as he strolls there in front
of the hotel.
Around him are scenes also that
must make some impression on his
mind. although they are far from new
to him.
While thus strolling aimlessly about,
with the intention of killing little
time, so that he may rejoin Mr.. Grimes
when. the latter is discngaged, Myn-
heer Joe chances to pass that portion
of tha hotel known rs the bar