Evening star., 1921-03-13

suppose Mr. Marshall ought to know,
for he's been there several times. but
from all I've read in the books. this
Portuguese Macao place is full OF an
European ever gets in he leaves all
his money behind and sometimes his
life in addition"
"Oh, you mustn't believe all you
read in the books, you know. our
guide certainly wouldn't let US get
into any dangerous places, and be-
sides. Mr.. Marshall has very kindly
offered to go with US himsef as our
protector, though Of course he doesn't
call it by that name. Now. come.
that's a good mamma, Just say that
we can go and I'll tell him at the
know he will be delighted to make
all the arrangements for u.s."
So Mrs. Barnes finally yielded, as
most indulgent mammas do. and nav
ing obtained papa's consent to the
program-on the sole condition that
than dollar stake at a time-Miss
Rosalie looked forward with the
keenest anticipation to seeing the
young man at the club.
"Oh! Mr.. Marshall" she said. as he
came over to where she was sitting
with the ladies, Its all arranged for
the trip to Macao. Papa and mamma
have given their consent and it only
remains for you to name the happy
day."
Before the blushing youth, who was
assiduously mopping his brow after
a very lively game. could find time
to frame words for 4 reply; the ever
the islands leading gossip. blufted
out: "Why. How very sudden! A dis
tinct proposal, declare, and right
here at the club before US all. Papa
AMI mamma have given their consent
and it only remains for our sweet
bride to name the happy day Well. I've
always heard Of the brevity Of Amer
ican engagements. And now. my dear
child" turning to Miss Barnes. who
showed how keenly she felt the en-
must carry out your part of the pro-
gram by just hanging your head and
blushing and saying: "Oh! This is SO
sudden"
The young couple very properly did
all they could to ignore Lady Strath-
chief had been done, and all Hong
kong was gossiping about it that
very evening. There were only two
courses open to them: they would
either have to accept the situation
and openly acknowledge the engage
ment or Immediately cut the ac-
quaintance short and depart on their
several ways. Was the wife Of Lord
Strathmore to prove a match h-maker,
or match-breaker? Subsequent
events were to show. But, in any
case. there was no real reason in their
minds for giving up the trip to Macao,
and so the very next day they LETT on
the early steamer for the beautiful
Portuguese isle.
Everything passed off very pleas
antly and they were preparing to re-
turn on the afternoon steamer, after
visiting the castle and driving along
! the wonderful beach and being shown
! through the Palaces of Chance"
| where many a European traveller has
! parted with all he possessed. Just
| be fore leaving the charming hotel by
I the sea Mr.. Barnes drew Mr.. Marshall
aside and whispered in his ear some =
| thing that made the young man start
and then look more serious than he
had at any time on the trip-and no
| wonder. for this is what lie said:
MY young fAend. ! have a serious
confession to make to you. While you
and the ladies were slipping tea on the
I yeranda this afternoon you remem-
Der / excused myself for an hours
| siesta-
| "Yes. sir: well. what of it."
| II didn't go to my room. but went
| off with a Portuguese gentleman, who
| had very kindly explained TO me the
system by which Europeans can al
| ways win at the Chinese CANDLES,
and-weli. ] may as well tell you the
| truth staked all / had and very
much more. and as the system unfor-
| tunately failed to work out right,
J lost over a thousand dollars"
| Good heavens! What are we to
| do? The Portuguese authorities will
never let us leave unless we pay up.
| for you see these places are all bond
! ed and that's the way they run the
: government. You'll be put under ar
| rest and"
| II am already under arrest"
What"
| "Yes, but the ladies' mustn't know
| q word of it,
| "How are we going to get aWay?'
l eWen lA1& Il. &hoascl,eoa S11eueame