The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-04-15


the roof of the cabin, 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 quaint fagon and
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 small
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 / confess that my life was
once saved by a small amount Of
liquor. The fellow drank it who was
left to execute me, and got into such
maudlin condition that easily over
powered him and made my escape.
Except as medicine l 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 condi-
ton.
"Take charge of mine, Mr. Crimes"
remarks Joe. who. of course. cannot
be thus burdened when about to enter
upon an engagement that will require
all his agility.
"With pleasure, sir, and should the
occasion arise for using it. truss you
will find that l can make each shot
count almost as well as yourself. By
the way, Joe, you didn't forget to
bring the rubber footholds borrowed
from the professor
''Never fear; 1 have them. The bar
On will not get his work in through
slip on my part, if l can help it," re-
turns Joe, touching a pocket of his
blouse, where a small package of
some sort is hidden.
Presently they pass outside again
to find that the sun has arisen and
new day begun. They keep q short
distance from the shore in order to
catch the full benefit c. the breeze,
but every palm stands out IN bold re-
lief.
The scene is such as can be gazed
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
forming a caravan can be no.
ticed above the bank, doubtless bound
for the far-off cities, between which
and Cairo quite trade is carried on
In this way
Here some travellers on donkeys can
be seen, making an early start for the
pyramids. New and then slaves are
at work with the poles and
buckets known as shedoof, and
which primitive method Of engineering
in the way of lifting water from
lower level is still practiced in the
land where they carry on agriculture
lust 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 or
from Cairo. Those boats which have
the fair wind are supposed to keep out
of the way of others, but the refs 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 trav-
cling a great distance from old Cairo
in order to discover 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 impotence.
whatever they may feel Sandy. LOOK
ing ahead. directs the attention of his
comrades to point.
Like as not we're aiming for that.
I can see rows of tombs in the rocks
back of 1t. Such place would make
an admirable spot for the duello. Re
member the old stories I've read of
steamers ON the Mississippi stopping
to let a couple of passengers fight on
some sand-bar. and the spectators
burying one of 'em there. This puts
me In mind of 1t. 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 1t up. see If I don'tw
Sandy gets no further. as he feels
grip on his arm. and. turning. sees
Mr.. Grimes making expressive GRIM
aces intended to warn b m that he is
reading on dangerous ground. Myn-