The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1904-05-06


err to start in the race.
Indeed, sir, what do you wish with
me? have not kept my light hidden
under a bushel while in Alexandria,
returns the Russian.
'sPardon me, baron. know nothing
Of the matter beyond the fact that ]
have instructions to bring you before
the general"
"What" and with a weird Russian
curse buDbling from his lips, the baron
springs to his feet.
"My language was plain, baron.
am sorry to break into any of you
plans, but my orders allow no lati
tude."
But, SIR" thunders the baron, ex.
cited, 81 am booked to leave on thai
steamer"
Il am sorry for that, baron"
"You will not stop me now. What
ever this may be, it could easily be
explained, but if return with you tt
the citadel lose the steamer
/ The officer looks his regret, but he Il
IS firm &c adamant.
81 only know my orders, baron" he
says.
You will not allow me to proceed
sir?"
II am an English officer; have been
sent to find and convey you before the
general. There my duty ceases. Not
f there were a dozen steamers to sail
and a thousand barons to take passage
On them, would fail to obey the or.
1ers have received"
The baron gcinds his teeth in rage.
"What if 1 refuse to accompany
7ou? he says, in quiet tone that
contrasts strangely with his excited
manner.
"Much to my regret I shall be
obliged to use force" replies the officer
Suppose l should resist?'
81 would take you, baron, if had
% call upon yonder iron-clads fol
lelp," pointing to the great British
war-vessels Vesuvius and Thunderer,
which lie about where the fleet opened
he awful bombardment on Alexandria
some half a dozen years before.
The baron seems to be weighing the
chances. He hates everything Eng.
ish, and IS peculiarly fitted for the
mission TO India in the interests Of the
White Car. 1t CRATES upon his nerves
% be thus ANONYMOUSLY brought back
by British officer and compelled to
give up his contemplated embarkat:on;
out he can see no other possible out
let. The gates seem closed around him.
He looks like baffied tiger. with
Its prey in full sight at the time the
rap Closes Even Molly sees his face,
md never forgets the look there is
stamped upon it. Men glare at fell
.ow-human that way just before they
10 murder.
',rhere is no way out of this mess.
them"
"Only one-by accompanying me to
headquarters. where you may explain
matters and be back before the steam.
ar leaves" replies the Briton.
"You know that is false hope. sir.
The Alhambra will steam away in ton
minutes or So" replies the Russian.
savagely.
"Well, as dernier resort. try Suez."
"Eh?"
"Take the railroad to Suez and there
await the coming Of the steamer down
the canal"
Confusion" 1t is Sandy who NUT
tiers this. as he smites his head with
his hand. "Great brain that of yours
old fellow, never once to think of that
Grimes, kick me. will your"
'Wait. Danger of upsetting the boat
and l reckon there are sharks here
When we get ON board the steamer
I'll accommodate you with the great
est pleasure in the world" returns the
practical Grimes.
you try it when there are othees
around, and the worm will turn, sir,
turn and rend you; but am in the
dumps. Think of the grand scheme
I've arranged to shake that fellow, and
never once thought of what that dan
dy officer just now so coldly informed
hin-that he could, even if delayed a
couple Of days. take the train, run to
Cairo, and from there to Suez, waylay-
ing us there. Hang the luck. l see
I'll have to murder him in cold blood
yet"
That was convincing argument,
and he gives in. See how sullenly
he resumes his seat and orders his
boatmen to pull for the shore. ThereI
He looks this way. wonder if he
suspects. Keep straight face, San
dy, for heavens sake. Mynheer Joe,
forward once more"
The traveller gives a short. sharp
order in the Arabic tongue; oars again
fall into the wtaer. brawny arms ex-
ercise their muscles, and the boats
shoot toward the steamer.
The last they see of the baron and
his followers, he is landing and NOV
ing away with the officer, to whom he
talks with many a gesture. while
Colonel Taylor and the Hindoo watch
the luggage.
Our friends board the steamer. Some
little delay Is brought about, during