Published by Arrangeine THE FARNING.
MRS, ERABAZON. [CORERIGHT]
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 30.1899.
"McGrath, with an astonished gasp, usked, "My dear.child, for what other purpose did you go to bed."
1-1 lind back dreams," I said, shuddering- then taking her hands. In mine, cried, Dear Lady McGrath, dear Sir Fergus, do not think me quite mad-but could we all go away from this house now, to-day?!
"But, Sir Ferrys," 1 urged, "will you set take my dream as a warding, and go awají, mold. take Lady. McGrath with you? I beg you to do this,"
moming."
And he recognised your description of the man?"
"Yes"
Could you bear to come with us, and shew us the spot in the dressing-roam through which you saw the man descending?"
"Yes, I will show spuld
was coming from Ballycross Fair:-you-have-Yes; Inspector, here in this room, yesterday, -38 too intelligent, probably, to be Conserva, cyclist has the privilege of leay described the scar on his faço, and his right hand-strange, very" strångé fa
tive of the worlea irekiner Pemanent Officialby the road edger four teaspp. Ele length of time “his” machine type, but indadicremis informed to desire while transatting bussiness. In any case, it: reform of the drastic nature.contemplated by is no excuse for the cycle chief, although mag- the Empernd King Vil-ve., She used strates have ustasimir argument when the Conservative element to regain power, and ladies wear watches piled on their chests, or she courting with the Refray eleinent now carry, purses, in their hander, and have them that the Reactiondly kakles are causing trouble. snatched away, nude
donly recently, a judge was person and son, and, sh, qurat defe her jewells unlocked her bed om. So What, she really depipes ix, 19. safegund, her very severe on a lady visitor to an hotch, who nothing that will secure those chis.
the leaving folla precious cycle aattelided on. Hvertonivide, might be considered, he the least, imprudent.
Impossible,,child; I tell you there is no fear. What on earth do you mean," asked Clare. I will promise you to take il care, and if it will "You want us all to go away from here, any, be any satisfaction to you, Carroll and some of where so that we are away? Why, not twenty-the men shall tonight, patrol the house, and four hours ago you were charmed with every thing, and promised to stay for an illiititable time."
Nine o'clock had just struck, the
breakfast bell was ringing, and Sir Fergus McGrath was standing at the foot of the table waiting to see if any other member of his family intended to come down to pryers, Lady McGrath was present, and had made the tea; Sir Fergus's nephew, Carroll Oallaghan, had appeared just two minutes before the clang of the Breakfast bell, and simultaneously with him, bis pretty cousin Clare McGrath (Sir Fergus's brother's orphaned daughter); and then, quickly followed by the cook and the trim mails (for one of Sir Fergus's queer idiosyncrasies was to have no men servants about the house), appeared my humble self-Beatrice O'Brien-my sweet Clare's old schoolfellow and friend. Notwith-pass between the two men? standing my Irish birth and name, this was my first visit to the "auld country" and to Clare's dearly loved home.
I had come at Clare's invitation. Arrived at Kingston, and feeling convinced from my sen sations that, as the French say, "I had touched my last hour," indistinctly requested to be allowed to stay on board and dig there; but as the stewardess and my maid took a different view of the situation, and insisted upon forcing my hat and cloak on my whirling head and limp body, 1 at length succeeded in staggering on deck, and off the accursed boat. I was then well shaken up for two or three hours in the Irish mail, and later, after crawling along a slow loop-line for three hours more, was at length landed, battered, tired, dust-blacked and qualm- isly, at the little roadside station of Tyndagh. Dinah and 1 were the only passengers who alighted. The train ssorted its slow way on- ward, and I was left gazing at the glorious sun set lighting the grim, sentinel-like hills that guarded the little village in the hollow.
I looked round in search of my promised escort but the only vehicles. I saw were a tiny two-wheeled tub-like conveyance, the like of which I had never seen before, drawn by a small bay pony, standing by whose head was the very smallest boy in buttons that it had ever been my lot to behold; not. content with the ропу, his right hand was grasping the reins attached to the head of a rawboned, rakish looking horse, which in its turn was attached to something on two wheels, that looked more like two long butcher's mys-with a double seat running down the middle-than any other thing on earth.
Dinah stood staring silently by my side; sho will never see fifty again, and is a little self-opinionated. Suddenly, apparently from some unseen entrance, perceived a Indy hurrying towards me, and in a moment we were in each other's arms, for it was Clare. "Dear old Trix," she was saying in her sweet ringing voice, I thought it safer after all to come myself Now, Phelim (to a strong, wooden looking young man), "help Patay up with the luggage, and place Miss Griggs (with a sweet smile to Dinah) comfort ably on the car.
No, ma'am, ne, Miss Clare" decisively spoke Dinab, if by the car, you mean that tray on wheels, I would rather walk through this idolatrous country, every step of the way, until I get to your good uncle's house, than would trust the bones of Dinah Griggs on that heathenish conveyance."
Clare tried not to smile then answered seriously "Very and myself in the tub, and well, Dinah, you shall come with Miss Trixie Dan shall go in the car with Phelin."
46
Get in, Trix-and we will trot home as
ckly as we can."
nearly an hour we went merrily on, my headache disappearing as if by magic, in the sweet, soft air. What a peaceful scene it was, and yet homesteads and the fertile land were wasting, because of the demon of greed and misrule stalking rampant in their midst Something of these thoughts I told to Clare as we neared Corbally. "Yes," she said, "it is more than sad, and poor Uncle Fergus always maintains-
"Sir Fergus, may I speak to you in the library after breakfast?" I said, nervously: "Certainly my dear, how make a good breakfast, that will help chase the hobgoblin of your dream away," Then turning to Carrol, Sir Fergus remarked, have had another official letter this morning "We must keep a sharp cok out, my boy. I with the usual plan roughly drawn."
Was it thy fancy? Or did a look of warning
"All right, uncle-any special time men- tioned?"
Two o'clock to-morrow morning." "Ab!"
The conversation now became general, and except for the questioning look in Clare's blue eyes, my unfortunate remark seemed to have passed into oblivion.
"I will be ready for our talk in half-an-hour, my dear," said Sir Fergus, as he left the room. Then began Clare's anxious questioning..
Trix, what do you mean? Why do you look so grave and scared? As if any dream was worth making any one so wretched! Was it
your friends at home?"
No, dear," I answered slowly, "it was about you-and this house.
nothing about this house yet, and surely no Then, my dear old Trix, as you know harm can came to me with Uncle and Carroll to take care of me, don't you think anything more about it. Come, I will take you to the library now," and finking her aint in mine, we left the breakfast room.
'
I found my host waiting, and, as he placed over his face. a chair for me, a half-quizzical smile flashed Now, my child, let me hear this wonderful dream will soon be laugh- ing at your fears, you will see, and there will be no more talking about running away from Corbally!"
close before him, "how completely tired out I You know," said I, rising, and standing was Inst night. I do not think I was more than ten minutes getting into bed, and I was asleep almost before my head touched the pillow. When one is asleep, one has, of couse, no measure of time, and I have no idea what hour it was really. I had forgotten to wind up my watch. and it was dark as I awoke with a feel- ing that it was a noise that had aroused me; but again sleep overpowered ine--still with the shriek 1 had heard ringing through my head." bedroc is-but you will tell me if the room I Sir Fergus, I do not know where your describe to you is anything like it?"
16
secret way asked the second inspector
Sir Carroll, de, you know anything of his pace more let, me beg af, you do amoy hat hat hot ciltered my mind behte. th
સવા our talk either to. Clare or her aupt, I do not want to harass their tender hearts Inyen anyone instant the Whole horror of the tale to tell them, and say I have laughed you hours was concchiiftet if my bril out of all your silly fancies. I know I can rely one," said to aroll. Again the gravely on you to do this."
drew my hand within hisarmet f
The sad little procession stopped at the door
the still forms of those so dearly loved. With the fatal room. We entered sadly and silently. Side by side, covered with reverent care, were bowed heads we passed through. On reaching the dressing-room each man fooked inquiringly at me.
sadly, "but if you would but take the warning." "I will do my best, Sir Fergus," I replied
wondering what has befallen you." The mo- There, run away, my dear; Clare will be ment i quitted the library I was joined by Clare, who was dancing with impatience.
"Oh, Trixie, Trixie, how long a time you have been gossiping with Uncle Auntie, dear, scold her well; and now come along, or we shall not be out before luncheou. Which shall we do, go on the lake (you need not be afraid to trust your precious self to me in the canoe), or shall we drive to Tyndagh?"
"The lake for me, Clare darling, and don't drown me if you can help it."
of
"There it was I saw Sir Fergus on the very spot on which he was found; and there it was, I conclude, that I saw the opening in the floor, and the hand and scarred face."
Closely was the floor examined and sounded, but no trace of any opening could be found so great, however, was the impression made by the other points in my deaim that Sir Carroll remarked--
"If you will mark the spot again, I will have
floor raised." chalk line.
"This time 1 marked the floor, with a clear
love its blue depths. Come and you shall hear "I am so glad the lake is your choice. I the bells ofthe Nantysillian Church-the-the drowned church of a thousand years ago; you shall listen to the sweet music of the bells, as it comes whispering up with the south wind. Oh! Clare, Clare, when will you leave off being a child, and forget your fairy tales?"
"Never," said Clare, stoutly. Alas, how quickly the beautiful summer afternoon passed had been away; not one cloud marred the blue sky-it perfect day. The happy restful evening passed too soon,
Primitive hours were kept at Corbally, and with many hearty""goodnights," and a hand shake that spoke volumes from Sir Fergus, I retired.
"What a perfect day this has been, you dear old pet," said sweet Clare, as she lingered for a few last words before leaving for her own room, which was a little down the corridor. "To morrow Carroll will take us for a drive right into the heart of Durtig Craig. Now, pleasant dreams. I can see you are almost dead from want of sleep. I shall come in early in the morning"
to sleep although I was conscious of feeling I had fancied it would be utterly impossible drowsy, and good old Griggs, as she tucked me up, declared she never felt so sleepy in her life-it must be the hair, Miss Trix."
sleep How long I had been so I do not Very soon I was deep in a sweet untroubled know, when in a moment I was wide awake and sitting up in bed, with the most terrible shriek ringing through my head.
In a moment I remembered my dream. Throwing my gown round me, I hurried from flew down the "corridor. my room, just as Clare, like a white spectre, the shallow steps, where we found Carroll 1 followed down and the coachman; they it appeared, had been in the long corridor all night and had heard no sound, until that terrible cry. They Fergus's room, which, fastened on the inside, were now trying to force the oaken door of Sir
quick and bring the crowbar." resisted all their efforts. "Go for help; Phelin,
I knew nothing more,
A long time after, when consiousness return- ed, I found myself in my own room-and from a gentle sniffing sound, I fancied Griggs was near." more? I feared you were gone like poor, dear "Eh! My precious lamb, are you alive once Miss Clare-poor lamb-poor lamb "
"What," I cried, "tell me what you mean.' sobs, as she rocked herself backwards and for All the answer I could get was poor Griggs' wards in her grief.
A carpenter was sent for, and soon the work of cutting through commenced, when suddenly the "click" of a spring was heard, and almost without warning, a square trap-door flew up.
A simultaneous sound of breath caught con- vulsively, passed throught the room.
"He went down there," I said. Kneeling at the opening, 1 could see a flight of almost perpendicular steps, then darkness.
Without a word Carroll placed himself ready for the descent, when the head Inspector remarked
"Me first, if you please, Sir Carroll. Doctor, left waiting, each moment seeming an hour, and you will stay with Miss O'Brien." We were it must have been at least a quarter of an hour, when a hoarse voice from the mouth of the opening called "Doctor, come at once.
Without a word the Doctor stepped down the opening, and I was left alone.
I could only wait.
Carroll re-appear; he was deadly pale.
It seemed a lifetime to me before I saw Str Come away at once," he gasped. "Come and I will tell you all.',
I went with him; when we had again reached wine insisted on by Sis Carroll, he told me. the library, and-after I had taken the glass of
"You were right. We've found the man; his name is Pat Whelan. We found him dy ing he had slipped on the dark green steps and fallen; the broken ribs had pierced his lung; he was trapped in his own cage. When Gorman cane down he could do nothing with order of the council-nine years I've scaped him; the poor wretch could only gasp "By it-I'm sorry 'twas the Squire," and then he turned on his side and all was over.
謝
of Thujo paver Falkstone, auditifë anîndar Erlebration of the
"1pból!" "that" of
Hut the Youngs and the Konge and the fas¦| NESTE FAIDILAT BIESSS) 10, the foreign
forces at the paper sagttor Yang Le know
The original church phthide's in this country, advisers competent to advise. What does for Gelists was hold tide yours o
VEJEN,
affair took place on Sunday, "t" first church
ehlay olah, dhadaye wala have parades were genethily the occasion of a mare preacher, such as "Whit or less hindrunk while chosen by the
come to be regarded onlayson with cycles only as accessories to their normal natures, and church parades are merely excuses local charities. for demonstrations in favour of hospitals and
the
lyhe
Russia at Port Arthurs turned to Russia who does fan she has about her chang, and he accing Englund retreat bere
something, is adding
na the crescent power. Chang Yin-huan, who knew also, is banished to Turkestant for having dared to entertain ideas of reform. It recall his K.C.M.G., that what he particularly is worthy of remark, by-the-bye, when we advocated was the reorganisation of the military forces of the Empire on English plan. The Times contributor count it to the Emperor for lack of foresight, that he did not appreciate the difficulty of enforcing reforms at a distance from Peking. It seems to us, on the contrary, that reform was making way in the Provinces freely enough schools of foreign learning and the electric light had been established even in the capital of Hunan. It was the Placeinen Feking whom he failed to control; and it is in that hotbed of ignorance and vested interests that the writer has been inspired. It is tolerably notorious, in England, that the greatest Obsta cle to reform of the War Office is the War Office itself! It was the group of sinecurists who the Emperor sent unwisely adrik from six dis established Boards who begged the Empress to tunities, since, of testing their value. There is save them and--herself She has had opper said to be much irritation and unrest on ac- is undoubtedly much unrest on account of count of French activity in Yunaun. There
There is said to be uneasiness on account of French-cum-missionary claims in Szechuan. the massacre of a Russian surveying party by brigands at Kirin-which the Marseilles China-Russian frontier And there is, lastly, Correspondent describes, by the by, as on the anxiety on account of impending designs on the part of Italy in Chekiang. With what degree of lucidity are the Reactionary leaders placed these circumstances before the Empress and what advice are the Presidents and Secretaries of the six re-established Boards prepared to give 7-L. & C. ExpresS.
CYCLING AT HOME.
A feather in the cap of cyclists! His grace- world-famed Pack, at Welheck, to excursionists, the Duke of Portland has had to clase: his. and has barred brake parties, but does net extend his prohibition to riders of cycles, who may obtain permission to cross the finest estate in the Dukeries by writing for it. Such discrimination is as welcome as it is rare; heretafore it has been a general rule; when the lordly owner of a fine park has found the privileges alused which he has afforded for others to see the beauties of his pince, for Him and bar them. The Duke of Portland, however, to assume that cyclists were the cause of it all, has taken care to locate the damage, on the right parties, and gives cyclists a clean bill of health as to the moral disease of damaging the fair face of a lovely woodland,
DANGERS IN THE AIR,
NARROW, ESCAPES,
Nor long ago, a hely, who was being driven in the neighbourhand of Singapore, became errified by her syce's suddenly lashing the along the road at the rate of some twenty-five horses into a gallop and making them bolt
perate pace for about two hundred yards, the miles an hour. After proceeding at this des man pulled up his horses and jumped to the ground, where he rolled about in agony on the grass: Feeling assured that the syce had gone mad, the lady, who was along, quickly: des cended from the carriage and looked about for help. A party of European gentlemen happened just then to come riding along, and to them she explained, the situation. LONDON, Friday, August, 25th, 1899.
They at once went to the syce and ques tioned him, when he explained that he had Quite a small sensation has been feit in known, on turning a sharp corner, that he must cycling circles by the announcement of the for mation of a corps of cycling constables, to give He could neither see nor hear the insecis, but drive close under a passing swarm of hornets. out of London, but the first encounter these Thinking it would be best to drive on, as quick chase to scorchers, on the main North Road he knew they were close in front of him. valiant men have had, has proved a decisively as possible, lest the insects might settle on victory for the wheelmen. Not that the wheel the lady or on the horses, he whipped the latter men have given them a run for their money, and escaped with only half-a-dozen hornets because these newly appointed speed-con-dropping on his clothes. These commenced stables are really incapable of hurrying. They to invade the interior of his baju and to sting set for cyclists, but do their catching on tanced the swarm to the extent of some 200 nde to whatever trap they may happen to hiin, but he dared not stop before he out-dis foot with drawn truncheons and a lot of yards. This story is capped by one in the war were eight cyclists, duly haled before whistling and shouting. The first spoils of Guardian which Mr. Hardy tells as follows:-
On one of my visits to Jelebu, as we were the magistrates. But six of the eight were returning down the, pass the syce suddenly freed, and the only two fined, were one who urged his pony to a gallop. We dashed lown. other who put in no appearance at the police thought each moment must see un plunged offered resistance and tried to escape and an. the steep winding track at such a pace that I
dence was discounted largely on cross-examin- thed from my grasp and only lashed the court to defend himself. All who did appear, over the brink I seized the reins, thinking had their cases dismissed, as the police svi the man had lost his wits; but he snatched
perspicacity of the constables may be guaged hornets, My Malayboy was shivering with empty road, was held to be not dangerous. The ation, and the defendents' fifteen an hour on an affrighted pony more furiously, vouchsafing but one word of explanation-the Malay for from the fact, that one of the captives was a lad three weeks previously. He was in amongst whinnied with terror. I looked round in of fifteen, who had only learnt to ride a cycle infection, for she laid back her ears and fear, and the pony too seemed to catch the
miles an hour the men, alleged to have been doing thirty-five amazement. Hornets! Where? All was per- fectly still and serene, not a cloud, -net a sound to break the monotonous roar of
silence save the the cascades, now
louder, now fainter, as we tore past the
with velaginellae, over rough plank-bridges archesoffern fronds, bytowering cifs, prismatio down the steep descent. Through gracefu
wheel, now on the other, down we plunged it where the track was undermined, now on the
to her haunches in front of a wayside huli alive. Once there the syce pulled the pony on was a miracle that we ever reached the plain
Out we all tumbled unhurt. Literally tearing pony inte the hut, calling out to us to follo off the slight harness, the syce dragged, the
surveyed us with that stolidity pecullar to the The owner of the place, a Chinamuim, we interrupted in his afternoon pipe
whamm
race. Neither "syce nur
boy" him, but fell to work closing up door
regarded
little pony stood sweating and shivering windows, and every crevice, while the earthen door. In this way barely ten m distant wheels, and growing in volum passed before a sound was beard, at fits second till it finally passed over our.head a deafening burr. It was, the flight of Ands of hornets. I could not have cred had not the syce flung ed to a dense black cloud rapidly s
open the door, ap
of the insects as had been unable to c the plain in front, while the dead bodie high atap roof lay about us
shriek, I struggled to awake, got out of bed, " seemed to me, that, after hearing the and put on my dressing-gown. I opened the door, and went down the corridor, turried down two shallow steps on my left, and along a
short square passage; then I found myself in a pannelled lowelled room. opened a deepset door; this I entered, and All the furniture was massive and old.
THE SITUATION AT PEKING. bedstead, with a deep canopy and carved posts, The with curtains half drawn, stood in the centre of
Trying the convey to English readers an Soon the united forces caused the door to idea of the position of the Emperor as the the room; the bed was disordered and there
yield, and we were standing in the, lo ric, per apex of a cult, was an outline of a figure half across if; a la fectly familiar bedroom. There was the quaint the ball we my see in shop windows balanced recent writer likened him to tern was burning on a table standing by," "Go on, child," he said, impatiently.
bedstead, the silent heap, the lantern giving its oa the top of a water-jet. The simile is effective, sickly light. The dressing-room door stood as power in China is standing vidently a gentleman's dressing groan dropped from the lips of the inen,
*On my right," I resumed,
certainly notised a door open--Clase ran to it, She gave one gasping below; but it appears applicable to the built up from peered in it was a
sob and fell as one smitten with death, present position of the Empress-Dowager small room, room-and there an awful sight met my eyes; and from Carroll as he lifted her tenderly admirers with being a strong woman, and another sense. She is credited by her on the floor you were lying dead, the blood was and laid her on the couch, for there, lying she has certainly shown a capacity for taking cozing and soaking through your white linen stark and dead, with the blood staining strong measures to gain and keep power. space from you, just in front of the dressing brave, cheery Sir Fergus. There was nothing to distinguish, in the East, between strength from cruel stabs in your breast; and a short his white night clothes, was all that was left of Strength is relative; neither is it always easy table, the mat that had been there was in the room disarranged-only a mat thrown on thrown on one side. There was an opening one side in front of the dressing-table.
and successful intrigue, Success, at Oriental in the floor, a large cruel hand was grasping During this time I had spoken no word. I felt inimical mores; and the modicum of strength Courts, consists in detecting and defeating the edge, and I noticed, without any surprise, turned to stone. The sobs breaking from the required to defeat intrigue woven by the ett there was no thumb---only a stump of about an "Why there be is, bless him ! With a jerk inch in length. For one moment a face lay there, done to death by some cruel hand,
men as they realised their brave, kindly master nuchs and placemen of Peking need not really, we stopped, as we pulled up before a long, low, appeared with a crape task, but on the lower roused me from the trance-like state, but still shown capacity for making up her mind to
be very great. Still, the Empress has certainly It is rather extraordinary, that amid all the grey, stone house, which had bashfully hidden part of the cheek a long deep scar shewed without enabling me to speak. I reimced my strike while others are weaving. There is a its original face under a veil of clematis flowers plainly; a moment longer and the floor was steps to the bed, the others following me; I disposition, in some quarters, to think she is races in outofthe to indulge in harmless road out-cry against scorching, there are still op and clinging ivy. There in the old-work whole again. In my fancy porch, set as in a picture-frame, shaded by the opening, hut no trace could I discover. I
tried to find the turned back the clothes; and there, sleeping contemplating another coup d'ilat, now. An
races in out-of-the-way districts. These con. drooping ivy leaves, I saw a stately, grey-tumed and left the room, and re-entered the the pillow the message I had read in my with the assurance born of new perception,
the last sleep, was dear Lady McGrath, and on occasional correspondent of The Times, writing on with pacemakers, or with the knowledge of tests harm nobody, when they are not carried haired man whose stern face lit up as he step- bedroom. I moved the lantern from the table, dream! ped forward, and in one of the most musical and approached the bed. I lifted the bedclothes;
affirmas that she is not really hostile to reform running handicaps, still futher minimises any a crowd of sightseers. And the latest way of voices I have ever heard, said, as he clasped and there, with one cruel stab through her
and struck in, last year, only because the latent risk. It not only to forbid all extraneous my hands in his, "Welcome to Corbally, heart, lay Lady McGrath-dead-whilst on the
Conservatism and the difficulty of enforcing help another. This is managed by starting the Emperor had underestimated the strength of pacing, but to contrive that no competitor shall my dear, for your own sake, as well as for the pillow, was a piece of paper, and written in
reforms by Imperial authority at a distance sake of my little tryant here," and he lovingly rough characters, in something red, was first pinched Clare's car. Then I followed my host,
men in a handicap five minutes apart, with the from Peking; but that she is really in sympathy order of starting reversed, the scratch man go- and with little Clare's hand in mine we entered outline of a coffin; then the words "By a small cross with four points; under that the
with him and willing, now, to take a fresh starting first, and all the others, at five minutes in the house. It was a very old house, and every order of the Council-two o'clock." With
say this: it is an echo (in part) of declarations gaps continually increase, no two men come It was scarcely necessary to go to Peking to tervals later. Thus, in theory, the five minutes thing about it had the lovely shabbiness of age, A scream awoke. The grey dawn was and long and careful wear. Little thick-walled
made at the time of the Emperor's superses together, and there is no semblance of a race. just breaking. I was shaking with fright rooms, dark and cool, with flowers, and flower It was all so terribly real, Sir Fergus, 1
sion: it is an echo (in part) of the view Ofcourse the result is worked on the watch after scents lying in wait for you everywhere. Some could not sleep again, and the intensity
(part of it) of views that have been ex- taken by the Legation, and a repetition each man has finished. As a severe test of in- houses strike one with a feeling of rest; others of relief, as the morning, sun came in, was the reverse this was a allent, fragrant home. almost painful, but the vividness of my dream
pressed freely in England, by the Em far fairer than when the luck of pacing and dividual prowess, a road-fifty on these lines is To me who had snorting locomotives racing did not grow less; to me it seemed like a
press's admirers, ever since she made her position have to be considered. The North through my head for so many hours, this dumb warning."
coup.
We are unable to entirely share the conviction which the writer evidently feels with perfect success, and though the excitement sweetness acemed like heaven. I was dimly
Road Club ran an event of this naturd last week, conscious of a wams welcome from Lady Mc.
that he has mastered the subject. Grath-2 dear old lady whose pink and white
fact seems to be that the Empress has created
The of a race, as distinct from a set of time trials, complexion any gitt might envy, and whose
situation which she finds it difficult to control, the point of view of the competitors and ar was absent, it was a truly sporting affair from little silver side curls made a perfect setting to
She is at the top not of one water jet, but of there is no gate on these occasions, the specta her sweet face.
three or four which play with varying strength, cular aspect does not count, and is conscious of a sense of instability bom of unfamiliar conditions, She knows the Palace circle of cycling legislators, over the question There is a fight expected in the the inner as no other person probably knows it, and of allowing amateur and professional riders to thought she could find her way in the dark. compete together, one for the laurel wreath, But some fresh pieces of furniture have been the other for the bag of gold, in the same race.
To encounter unsheltered such a flig stack about since her last excursion, and she
most certain death. On recounting is finding it necessary to take new sights. racing now languishes under in this country, it instances of similar encounters which his pri Although hardly a cure for all the ills that cycle ture at the Residency, I was afforded pyöri She is possessed by two clear ideas. One is a is to uphold the dynasty-for its own sake, no less some procrack tumbled over a wobbling tures approach? I can only desire to maintain herself in power; the second and could not do anybody the least harm, un
would undoubtedly, give a fillip to the sport, ed fatal. But it will be asked, were
cause the greater involves the less, When the was a gentleman, and the professional a labour sign nor sound to intimate the doubt, in a measure, but measurably, also be amateur. The old distinction that an amateur-question. As I have said, there way !
my yce and "boy" aware of the
Reform party contemplated deposing her, she er, or hireling, has long disappeared, and the deposed the Emperor. The man who helped, social status of amateurs and professionals on years of age-but could obtain to nore,defuite chiefly, to accomplish her purpose was Yang the English path, is practically the same level, solution of mystery than that
I questioned my "boy"a man of about thirty Lu: the next was Inspectors are there, and the doctor."
too and rumour has it that the objections of snobbery, to the mixing of him there, and I wish the other gentlemen to
Yung Lu, having obtained control of the military, the clauses, is at an end, Go and tell Mr. Carroll I am coming to shows a disposition to act as Afaire de palais remain,"
A queer chase on borrowed bicycles recently to an extent that the Empress dislikes. That happened in a South London suburb. A man poor Clare's loved Carroll with her. What a understood that he wanted the Viceroyalty, was stolen. Instantly spotting a tandem stand. is one reason alleged for Kang-I's approaching left his bicycle on the kerbstone while he on In a few moments Dinah returned and my return from Nanking. It was commonly tered a shop. On emerging, he found his steed change in him since yesterday; he was now and that Yung Lu was willing he should haggard and grief-stricken-but as thoughtful go. But the Empress is said to want him, after the thief. The owner of the tanden, for others as ever, his yolca shook as he said:
ing close by, he leaped on that and hurried to now,
balance Yong Lu. "Miss O'Brien, I could not think of troubling lean to a certain extent on Price Ching, rowed a single, and there was
She can thinking his, machine was being stolen, bor. you to come to the library, will you not tell me whose position as prince of the blood gives bust-up. The man on the tandem alone caught here what I may de for you?"
glorious him importance; but he one would so slander Kang 1, Then she is it. The owner of the tandem caught the pair,
credited tendencies towards reform, whereas no adjustment for the thiol, he could not hu out of
his prey, for as the stolen
closeted daily, gossip has it, with Li Hung and accepted the explanation, and no one
gtis, too. He is also pro-Japanesqueting, of
who is a refonner, according to his suffered except to first borrower," who got
the two months hard labour.
And now that we have secured you, we do not mean to let you go in a hurry. Take her away Clare. Ten shall be sent up, you will have a little rest, then dinner, and a long night's sleep."
Two hours later I was laying down my head upor soft and snow-white pillows, saying to myself that this delicious sensation, of utter droway repose, of soft darkness, and restful quiet, was worth all the anguish I had suffered on that never-to-be-fagotien boat; and then came-sweet.oblivion.
I think the best and quickest way of in gratiating one's self into the good books of the heads of a household the master's especially is a punctual and regular attendance at break- fast and family prayers. A man feels slighted If his family does not seem to appreciate him as chaplain 1. m
I don't know whether: Carroll: O'Callaghan's ideas on the subject were the same na mine, but this morning I heard Sir Fergut remark, after a hearty good morning to me, "Why, Carroll, my boy, this is something quite new down in time for prayers and Clare as well Tut! Tut!
Then soon after began the pleasant cheerful meal Presently Clare remarked-Well, cannot say you look much rested, Trixie you look infinitely more fagged than when I left you last night"
in thought.
Sir Fergus did not speak, he appeared wrapped
"Tell me," I questioned, are there rooms like that in the house
"You have described the situation of our rooms and each peculiarity in them, exactly," was the answer,
dressing room?"
"And is there an opening in the floor of your
"Yes, but it is a secret known only to myself; that is the strangest part of your dream. It is utterly incomprehensible; and I must beg of you, my dear Miss O'Brien, not to mention it to any person whatever."
"May I know where it lends to, Sir Fergus?" I asked nervously.
"Yea, my dear, as you know so much, I will tell you. It leads down to an old disused well, and from that is a subterranean passage which ends on the strand just over by that lowrhang- ing cliff there," pointing from the window as he spoke to a mass of cliff and rock about a hundred yards away. Continuing, Sir Fergus remarked, still in the half-absorbed way in which he had spoken all through, "It has been long years ago, the smugglers brought many a used as a way of escape in perilous times, and keg of French brandy and Dutch Hollands into Corbally. As a boy one of my greatest delights was to listen to my grandfather's glori ous stories of the old times, when man and master, tenant and landlord were one in heart, one in Interest, and all for the love of the sod of the old country; but that was before any of their damned-I beg your pardon, my dear, i am carried beyond myself when I think of it all."
Now, about your dream. It was à re markable and a very painful-one burdonor my dear child, let it come between you and your enjoyment of our eagerly looked forward visit from you. There is really no chance of danger for any of us now. If we were back
"Oh, it is true, Miss Trix, it is true " Do you mean dead?" I whispered. "Yes, the terrible shock was too much-her heart was never strong, and it killed her; sho had no suffering, poor lamb."
I lay as one stunned.
14 Drink
will feel better is Trix-then mayhap you I pushed Griggs' hand on one side and gasp ed-The man-have they caught him?"
De tacte this, my dear or you'll be wander ing. There no trace of no man nowhere." see Mr Carroll at once."
Help me to dress, Dinah," I urged, "I must
again beginning to sob.
"Oh, the weary day, moans poor Dinah,
all that could be arranged for the victims of Whilst I was dressing, Dinak told me that
Carroll, that everything was now in the hands the awful tragedy had been done by Mr. of the constabulary, but that not a trace of the murderers had been found. him at once."
Tell me where is Mr. Carroll-1 must see
me
ค
He is in the library, Mr. Trix; two of the their ambition** Kang-1. But these men have As the distinction has ceased to be social, even (sudah tau). It-occurred to me 12
hurry on
prevailing in the forest might have accounted for the intimation, but that is only going back from human to animal instinct. To instinct it another of that great mass of fascinating facts must in any case be attributed and forme which at present we have so little mialysed,
1 HOT
-THE BULL AND THE TRAIN, T
A vicious bull got loose at Chofaki Häntug?
his way, It at last found itselfifin the middle lvania, recently, and ran headlong/dor/C streets of that town, guring threbi pensbro in of the Fennsylvania railway track. It went along the line on the top of anembanliga at a slow pace till a train approached at the ter The leaving of a bicycle gnattended in this with Japan. Yung Lu, on the contrary, manner, though it subjects the owner to risks engineer, sighting the bull, bless of about twenty-five miles anŸblr,[Che loves neither reform nor Japan. Then she has of theft, is all the same, perfectly legal and tea but this enly infuriated the beast, which loscardd been reading Kang Yiliehenderedairers aay-sumable, and the cyclist has a just cause of its head and charged at his utmo, which toward old forgetting that she professed to have read action against any other user of the highway the front of the engine. Thement dwie him once before with the result of ordering that does it any damage. It may be unwise disastrous to all concerned, Thai dngiatowa re-sale but maintaine the decree against Kapg prompt one. to give it better accommodation, along the track and killed, questo boflex Now she says they are good, and permits their one's love for one's cycle, woull naturally while the bull was hurled about fifty fobbed his books to be burnt and the author killed. to so leave a machine in narrow streets, and detailed and thrown down the cofsink mar Yu-wol all the same. The pertinent comment but there have been cases of machines smashed being broken The engineer Craved himself of our Tientsin contemporary is that the up in broad thoroughfares, in which damages by jumping from his apgine when the buil avowed change is rather thin The Empress have been recovered, and it is now settled that a | afrudie it.
should like the Inspectors as well to hear the
Mr. Caroll, I am quite strong now, and I with strange thing I have.to tell you, Please take
within his arm, and slowly we walked to the ne down another word he placed my hand library.
The three gentlemen looked up hastily and neuple never canaleep the first night-in-a-gg-of-the-carly-eighties tight teek in questioningly as we entered the room the
nervous there were some evil deeds planned me.
with a grave bow placing a chair for and done then, and that infamous society of but thank goodness they were routed. Ahigrowing more calm, I was able to tell them my the Black Lists of Landlords was in full sway, frantically I could not speak but in a moment For a moment my heart thumped so that is a strange coincidence-it did not strike terrible dream, ropeated me before it is just twelve years ago that that Mis O'Brien, do I understand that you
Do I?" I said, rather faintly, Iam ufrald you did not sleep well?? sug, gested Lady McGrath kindly, and with a little anxique bir, as if a slight to her luxurious room. was implied by my wakefulnessSome strange bed, and I stupidly forgot to ask whether you like the feather bed or mattress on the top
Yes, I did sleep I answered gloomlly,
I wish to heaven Thad not
Wish to heaven you had'
Bir Fergus and Clare in one breath, while Lady | villain, Fat Whelan had a shot at me, as I told the late Bir Fergus thi
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