Evening star., 1908-01-19

What is to say?" he shrugged arching his eye
brows and pursing his lips. 4 repeat, have no
orders.
But you have seen them?"
"Oh, yes They are here"
Then will you oblige by sending in my name
to Baron kerber and saying"
1t is impossible. Go to your ship! l speak
friend"
Il am sure you wish to help me-" persisted Dick
but am carrying message of some Importance"
Ah from whom?"
From lady.
Who is shee''
lone of the ladies of our party
'Ahi. erndo Amor! You have ladies on board.
them"
Something in the Italians manner warned Royson
that he was treading on unsafe ground 1t occurred
to him that if Mrs Haxton had good reason for her
display of fear the sight of Alfer it was advisable
not to spread the tdings of her presence in Massawa
by revealing it to inquisitive official And the
warning given one of the letters his pocket sud
denly assumed sinister significance. He strove
against any outward exhibition of concern, and the
lieutenant was manifestly anxious to help him.
Il am sorry was the unsatisfying statement II
do nothing without His Excelency's instruc-
tions, and he has gone out for drive"
Gone out for a drive!" repeated Royson taken
aback by this rather bewilderng explanation. Am
l to understand that my friends are kept here"
You are to understand nothing but what have
told you, and you will remember that have con-
tented myself with advising you to return to your
Yacht!
1t was evident that no good end could be achieved
by striving to saddle the courteous Offcer with
responsibility for his admissions Dick took the cue
thus offered, and tried another line.
will you kindly tell me at what hour the Gov
ernor returns?" he asked.
Certainly He will be here in twenty minutes"
May wait until he arrives!
Nothing would give greater pleasure"
appeared Some wine, ice, and cigarettes!" he
commanded. He engaged Dick instantly in
versation to the prospects of in South Africa
and was obviously desirous not to discuss personal
matters He was decent fellow and an enthusiastic
admirer of the British soldier, of whom he had
good deal during visit to Alden; SO the talk did
gateway announced the advent of carriage
The Governor, fat. unhealthy looking man.
whose scanned brow and puffy eyelds suggested that
the highest form of diplomatic happiness, was
pleased to be explicit when Dick introduced
to him and he found that the Englishman spoke
French
AFTER consultation with the Government advo-
cate, he said, :" have decided to release Mr.. Fen
fense of Baron Won Kerber's undertaking The lat
ter must remain in custody, and warn you, and
intend to give the same warning to all persons on
board your vessel, that gunboat is patrolng the
with the positive instructions to sink the
Aphrodite any attempt is made to land on Italian
territory, elsewhere than at recognized port
His Excellency had cultivated the habit of plain
speaking, which is essential part of all dealings
with Abyssinians. Royson did not attempt to
swer him. He asked if Fenshawe would be set at
liberty forthwith and was assured that the Govern
or's own carriage would convey both Fenshawe and
himself to the hotel within few minutes. The big
little then vanished, and Dick had the
satisfaction of seeing Irenes grandfather escorted
to the inner courtyard by file of soldiers
1t was a singular meeting between the two.
Though the yacht owner white with anger he
was manfestly pleased at finding Royson there.
"Ah.' he said extending his hand Il ann glad
to see YOU Does Miss Fenshawe know of this out
rage9"
mo, sir, l think not Indeed am almost posi-
tive she has not heard of it."
Then why you here?"
Hov vfor1 oxx-,f1 60 d.
Won Kerber."
Mrs. Haxton probably guessed what would hap