The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-06-03
CHAPTER XIX.


what Is going on. Only for that we
might have been taken unawares, and
serious consequences have resulted"
Sandy pricks up his ears, and his
itching hand makes movement in
the direction of the pocket where he
keep his notebook, as though this
may be some news that concerns the
Ageneral public; but he remembers in
time, and forbears. With smile at
lis action, the traveller continues:
HE has had men in sympathy with
i'm right here under the noses of the
british officials in Bombay. strange
hough it may appear to you. Perhaps
\ere is something rotten in the state
denmark, and England may awak-
gome day to find wonderful up
Sing in the heart of her rich Indian
possessions, OF I'm no prophet, unless
"Well," remarks Sandy, solemnly.
when his friend comes to this pause,
significant in itself, unless what,
friend Josephus?"
"The conspiracy is nipped in the bud.
This can be done by the overthrow of
Baron Popoff now"
"By Jove, what pity you were not
a subject of the Queen, Joew grunts
Sandy.
"Why so, old MANI"
"Under such circumstances you
would have seen your duty clearly;
at the time you fought that duel with
the baron, your sword could and would
have nipped this Russian conspiracy In
the bud, by ending the baron on the
banks of the Nile. If his body wero
resting in one of those ancient tomps
among the hills of Mokkatam, Popof
would not be able to arouse the people
of this benighted country to rise
against their British masters and
throw off the yoke of England in or
der to assume one much more Calling
that of the White Gar"
Mynheer Joe thoughtfully rubs the
end Of his nose, as though by that op.
Grafton he might arouse his thinking
faculties Then lie turns with smile
upon his friend.
II begin to see you were right, my
dear boy. That mistake may cause
me no end of trouble, and yet some
thing held my hand when had the
chance to finish the baron. 1t Is be-
yond me to explain the feeling that
came over me. only know it existed.
You've seen such periods in your own
life, when a power controlled your &C.
tons. Let that go. What I want to
tell you now concerns us both, since
you appear to be in the same ship as
myself. In ten hours the Russian has
formed plan of action to bring about
our destruction. We are in the web"
He says this as coolly as though ask
ing for fire on account Of neglected
cigar; not the least trace Of emotion
can be detected in his voice. One
would not imagine that he refers to
their lives being in jeopardy through
this plot of the baron's.
AS for Sandy. he shows that he can
take the matter just as coolly. Even
IL the enemy be near, advancing on
the double-quick, SO to speak. that Ia
NO reason man of nerve should be
ratified and lose his presence Of mind.
"Ah! Couple of foolish flies, Ell? The
bloated old spider has managed to
spin web around us while we've been
taking in the sights of Bombay. Is
that the trick. Joe?" he remarks.
! Something in that strain, you'll find,
lend Sandy. I haven't been quite
- to make it out myself yet; but,
all tho same. it's as plain as the nose
on your face that this shrewd old
chap has been working while we were
playing, and in that way has stolen q
march on us nicely. Listen now. and
you shall have some particulars"
Mynheer Joe casts glance around
as though he, would use at least all
ordinary caution. Then he gives the
eager war correspondent the benefit OF
his late Interview with faithful Kas-
see.
Sandy's manner is something of o
thermometer. indicating his feelings.
When the story grows warm. he rest.
lessly fingers his cigar, twirling it be.
tween his thumb and finger. AS q
quiet portion Of the recital is reached.
he puffs unconcernedly at the weed or
else idly fiips the ashes from the end
Ali the while he imbibes the facts
which fall from the lips of Mynheei
Joe. Sandy is much of the nature OF
a sponge. He greedily sucks in all he
can reach. but means to give it out
again upon the least pressure. That
Is his business in life-to take and
give. retaining nothing. If what is
sues from his pen is CARRIED In new
dress. SO that 1t can hardly be recos-
nlzed as the same impression that he
received. that is In the nature of things
and only to be expected; for Sandy
himself is the wonderful machine that
grasps the rough material. and With
its magic breath transforms it into the
daintiest of fabrics.
1t can be readily set down. therefore.
that the active little newspaper man