Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-02-20

are not England. England is slent-great
and silent. She means more Bobs and
says less. She will love me. too, for what
1 nave done perhaps-but different fVom
this taIk-in her own silent way"
lie stopped, coughing.
ert.
Bother the cough! 1t is rather bad th,s
morning, though. isn't It'll DO you know
We'll. sir?"
go to a hot country at once"
"A hot-what, sar2"
"A hot country, Bobs."
Bobs was alarmed. He at once suspected
diplomacy. John was whimsical. ana wills
ful. Bobs knew what II meant when those
dry rose-lips closed lightly.
hioh country, Master John7" said the
cid man TREMENDOUSLY.
He OWNED horribly that the bird was
ABOUT TO fly from the old cage.
which country, slr2" he repeated before
John answered.
Il am thinking of China. Bobble." said
John.
The old mans hands met in terror.
say China, Master John"
i believe that China is a hot country
In the summer, Bobbie?" said John In inno-
cent query.
Il know nothing about China. Master
John Certainly. it is no fit place for such
as you"
"Oh, don't see that. Bobbie."
But why China, Master John, IL you
really think OF going anywhere? China,
recollect, is at the other end OF The worldd
But that's where my ship Is Isn't it,
Eobbie?"
Your ship? What, ships again?-and
you coughing there like an echo among
the Chiisern Hills? Well. well, I suppose
It's no use an old man talking-who has
served your father before you, and your
grandfather before him."
Yes. 1t is, Bobbie; believe me- X IS Bobsf
But still-really-you will try and be good,
went you? ! must go, Bobbie."
We'll, that seal" said Bobbie a hand
over his mouth shaking the head of con-
ten-plative wondern.ent. He was thinking
of that "sea-fever'' which, in the history
Of the house of Hardy. had more than once
resulted :II In domestic tragedy and disaster:
We'll, that sea- he said-"those ships!'
mo, it isn't quite that Bobbie: it isn't
the sea-" said John. Don't go blaming
the sea. OF course, one is fond OF the sea.
and all that; but that isn't quite the reason
now. | feel that l must go, and l must
really"
'Well. but isn't that what / said Master
John?-that II is no use old man talking?
That one pays any heed 10 him? no one
whom he has watched over and yearned his
heart over, more than any son? All"
suddenly the old man fell half over the bed,
imploring with tears. Listen to me. Mas
ter Johnnie, do, now-give up these wild
thoughts! What good can come Of them?
So, from boy It always was-and did old
Bobbie ever lead you wrong? DO, now,
don't think of such things-it is the Enemy
puts them in your head-drive them awayi
Here is all England going TO make much
of you-why not stay with old Bobbie?
Don't go, my son! Don't you go! You are
not in a fit state, and It is no fit place,
among g. pack of heather men. fighting
fteuds-what good can you do? Stay here
with me! Can you suppose that would
tell you wrong? Come. now comfort OLD
Bobbie's heartfelt me"
John Hardy rubbed his pink face against
the old mans shriveled cheek.
ut is 50 hard to say no TO you, Bobbie,
he said. II hardly think IL is right of you
to urge me in that way. You see, | have
made up my mind, and it is hardly-kind Is
It? If ones mind Is made up In certain
way It is beyond ones power to change Ii,
is it not? Go must, you see"
The dry rose-leaveS were pressed Gloss
row, and Bobbe should have noticed them;
but ne went rashly on.
only listen to me, Master john he SAID.
Hear me out
.'No-no more" said John II bid you be
silent now. Pass me a sheet of note-paper
and a, pencil
hobhled to a desk. and then back.
John scrubbed a few words, handed them
to the old man, and said:
at is all right, Bobbie. l am not the
least cross, you know: Bnt there arg
ores own way. aren't thereY Have thht
telegram sent off at once, wifi you? Ana
bring me a good big tumbler OF cham-
payne will you, BobsE m. -
contained these words: So,
To Selby, Captain of English Bird lying
ct Freshwater:
please have English Bird ready TO sail by
Sunday night at latest Going coast Ok
Spain. JO1.N 1900
Yacht of Hardy's own, with an easy speed
of ten knots.