។
FALLING IN LOVE WITHI
INVISIBLE WOMEN.
THOUGH THOUSANDS OF MILES DIVIDE THEM. Of all mysteries of human affection none seems more inexplicable than the love of a man for a woman whom he has never seen in the desh. The few cases with which we are acquainted are not wanting in features of
interest
THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 1900.
phill, where they took up a very strong position. A squadron of the Imperial Light florse and one troop of Natal Carabiniers attempted to turn their flank for the purpose of ascertaining their strength. They were partially successful; and brought back a report estimating, the enemy's numbers at about five hundred. It was, of course, impossible to attempt to drive them it with the spall fores under Colonel Martyr's command. We were therefore pre- paring to return to the hills above Estcourt, which were held by the infantry brigade and the remainder of the guns, when to our intense surprise we noticed that the Boers were gradually clearing of the top of the last hill-an impregnable
, the Natal Carabiniers, whose horses thust have some goat blood in them, climbed up to the top, and, firing one volley, cleared the leers off into the low country, Now Gould have been our chance. Oh for a good cavalry regiment-Lancers for choice. But it was not
affected by the fine painting of a young woman Immediately the hill seemed to be clean this is infusing a bitterness into men's hearts.
Perhaps the most remarkable is that which led to the suicide of a young, wealthy and aristo cratic member of the French Royalist party rather more than a year ago. He was deeply in the Paris Salon, so much so that he offered to buy the picture, if the artist would give him an introduction to the original. This the artist refused, on the score that he could accept no conditions to the purchase of the picture, and apart from that, he was not a matrimoni agent. Despite his chagrin, the fascinated man bought the painting.
He now made every effort to discover the lady's identity, and eventually succeeded. le also found someone who was willing to give him an introduction, but, when everything had been arranged, the lady left France. Subsequently, he wrote to her, proposed and was accepted, the lady promising to return at once to France him. A certain Parisian society paper marry got wind of the romantic affair, and puldished some remarks about the lady that were not altogether flattering. Immediately a duel was arranged between the editor and the lover, in which the latter slightly wounded bis adversary in the arm. But this satisfaction was shot
lived for he soon learnt that the stories
comedians.
get
About twelve months after his marriage he had a long spell of bad luck. He couldn't i an engagement anyhow, and to make matters worse, his wife fell ill. Macrae nearly went mad, for he loved Mabel passionately, and little by little their modest home disappeared to provide the extra nourishinent she so nach needed. Things had nearly reached the climax, and there seemed nothing in front of them but the workhouse or starvation, when Macrae
of those days.
CRUSOE'S ISLAND.
HOW A SAILOR VISITED IT ALONE. the cloud, tuld be sees abous thirty piles off The blue hills of Juan Fernandez, high among says Capt. Joshua Slocum in his account of a trip around the world along in a small bon, in thrillet me when I saw the island, and I bou the Century Magazine. A thigusand emotions ed my head to the deck. We may mork the Oriental salary, but for my put could ind no other way of expressing myself:
THE LIGHT DISAPPEAREIN
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A CURIOUS CHINESE TRAIT.
Mr. John P. Young, managing editor of the pages of the Form (New York) Will Chinese San Francisco Chronicle, discusses in the Development Benefit the Western World?" Uniformity and disiny he says, have lieen the striking feature of Chinese dess for centuries. The same may be said of thuir babitations." John Thanson, in his recent bansk, “Through Chona with a Came," noted that their houses "everywhere preserve one uniform low level,"
monotonous appestance produced by them being broken only at rate intervals by n tall temple" or loty pawnshop. The interior of these, houses a uniforma as their exterion Another investigator whose attention was attracted by this remarkable peculiarity con gluded, after diligent inquiry, that the meagre. furnishing and the extreme plainneas nearly all the interiors he saw were due ti
national trait were not enforced by poverly nor
which marked
The wind being light through the day, the Spray did not reach the island ill ught. With what wind there was to fill her sails She sand close in to shore on the north east side, where it fell calm and semained so all night. I saw the twinkling of a small fight inther abg in a cove, and fited a gun, but got a user, and soon
altogether. I heard the sea boudig og instand swell was still great, although from the deck of bome beautiful. may Bule ship it was apparently small. Fm the cries of animals in the hills, which somated unter and fainter through the night, 1 judged that a light current was drifting the sloop from the land, though she seemed all night danger ously near the shore, for, the land being very high, appearances were deceptive,
it was now 6.30, and a large amount of ground carts, Shortly after this the Light Horse / happened to run acuss the greal actor-manager the cliffs all night, and ralized that the can i lack of things with which to make the
Hulle, Macrae he cried, with the hearty slap on the shoulder which 'old Bucky, as we used to call him, was accustomed to greet everyone, you're the very man Pee been look ing for
The young chap brightened up. I'm glad of that,' says he.
Yes, he continued. I've got hold of a play-a beauty and I want you for a comic leaf
A fellow with a voice like yours ought to make the piece
Second Lieutenant Franklin, who displayed † and Macrae had let her, she'd have made her | the greatest courage, sucking to Hallane furtune in a couple of days as a mimic! But although wounded himself, is missing. Among | Machte was both poor and proud-a bad com- the many gallant deeds done the conduct of | bination, sir--and would never have thought of Setgesaat Hasest, of the Dublins, stands out allowing Mabel to contribute to their support, prominently. When Captain Wylie of the for as he used to say, if one couldn't manage to Durban Light Infantry was hit, the brave keep two decently, then, it was hard liges, Sergeant, while standing under a heavy fire, Nevertheless, none knew but himself what a succeeded in building a wall of stones hand struggle it was to live. The public some round the wounded officer to protect him howdidn't take 10 Macrae--he hever gauged the The other deeds of gallantry are, too popular taste, and perhaps he was a bit too numerous to uertion. A cruel feature of the retired for those times of rough and ready day's fighting was the conduct of the Boers in firing on our wounded, who were painfully crawling across the veldt. Such behaviour as
and the Boers may be prepared for reprisals sooner or later. Immediately the news reached us Colonel Martyr, with one squadron of lin- perial Ligh: Horse, noe troop Natal Carbiniers, and the mounted infantry of the Goth; Rifles, at once proceeded to cover the retreat and pick up the wounded. We found about fifteen, to be; horses and men were alike dead tired, mostly volunteers; these we sent down by and had been covered since twelve o'clock The Cadiniers, who were in front with the both in rain, too, had begun to fall; in fact, it was support, got into touch with the enemy and raining as it can only rain in a Natal summer. a pretty little skinish followed. The L., The under was given to retire, which we did, succeeded in killing the Boer command the Boers following us at a respectful distance, ant, three picked shots firing a.volley, at occasionally firing at our rear-guard. These him. I saw him reel in the saddle and fall, sort of minor affairs take place practically
so there can be no doubt. They canied his every day. The position here peculiar in the body away; shortly after this the enemy rey. extreme. We are, of course, the nearest point tired, the country we were in not being suited to Ladysmith that is still held by the British. to the wily Dutchman, who is not fond of
open Our garrison consists of some 3,000 men: we ground. On our return an ambulance train are assembling stores for the division that is flying the Red Cross was sent out to pick up going to relieve Ladysmith. The town is our wounded. It was, however, stopped some atisoiutely at the mercy of an enemy who choses miles from the scene of the fight, the rails to plant a few field-gras on the surrounding having been torn up. Major Butterworth, RAM.C, advanced, hearing a flag of truce. the Boer artillery. Their gun practice The Boer Commandant, whom we ajerwards is excellent, and if their shells were burst even killed, refused to allow him to proceed, saying Occasionally our losses, great as they are, would that he must have tieneral Joubert's consent, stagger humanity. Owing, however, either, to have justifical Kruger's promise that he would thus disposing of the rumgar of Joubert's death, This disaster is deeply to be deplorert: apart defective fuses of bad powder, the fact remains
from our boss n gallant divers and men, the that the Bour shells are almost harmless. The moral effect is so hud. The moment the news loyal farmers are coming in crowds with their came in to Estcourt the Kafirs work on the cattle as the Boers approach closer. Poor railway promptly halted and refused to return. people they are suffering terribly from this They were at once shifted to Pietermaritz; war; mang, unless recompensed by the Inburg, where I hope trouble awaits them. As I perial Government, are utterly ruined. Too lave previously stated, an armoured train is proud to appeal to English charity, they pin both useless and dangerous; on an occasion their faith on English justice,
against well-armed opponents has it been the slightest good. This one especially was, as the men termed, a "death trap," as it was open at the top, and, as actually happened, shells burst- ing over it create teatud hävoe. It is no time to attempt criticism, but more might be said.
farcónt itself is deserted, the stores are closal, and their occupants have fled either to Maritzburg or Darbon. Ty put matters plainly Natal is in a state of panic and the division dier General Sir Francis Clery is on its way leve. This no doubt will tend to restare con fidence. What we want here is guns and mounted infantry, cavalry are no good in this part of the country. We unfortunately have neither.
published, were rather less than the true facts and we are beginning to know the
and he blew out his brains before he had ever seen his fascinator.
A good deal of attention was given 10 the South Africa a while ago it was considered of a young Dutch lady in remarkable for the reason that a proxy stood for the absent bridegroom. But this was not the most remarkable feature of the marriage for when that event took place the bride and bridegroom had never before seen each other albeit they had been engaged nearly two years. The lady was born in South Africa, and the man was a native of Holland, who had never heen out of his country. His brother, however, had nigrated, when quite a young man, te 1 went yesterday another trip on the armour- seek his fortune in Cape Colony, and there, heed tram. We went almost as far as Colenso, made the acquaintance of the lady who was but returned in baste, as parties of Boers destined to marry his brother. Unfntunately, were reported in the neighbourhood. I am the fortume-hunter was stricken down with
convinced that the armoured train will be the fever, and died. Kanwing, that 1 deep altarl
cause of a dreadful disaster some day. Nothing ment had existed between the brothers, the
could be easier than to place a dynamite cars lady took upon herself the task of acquaintingandge on the rail. The train off the line, the the man in Holland, a bank manager, with bis brother's death, and offering binther sympathy This led to correspondence, also to an inter change of photographs and eventually the bank manager made the lady an offer of mar- riage, which she accepted, flis business, how, ever, would not permig of his leaving Holland for so long as to travel to South Africa and re turn, and the larly could not see her way to teaving her aged parents. Consequently, the marriage by proxy was arranged, and thus, the lovers never saw each other until they had been man and wife shuc few montis..
It was in very much the same way that a well known barrister fiet became acquainted with his wife, to the days of his bristlessness hu went to South-America- to make a fatune, While there he was drawn into correspondence with a lady,fa friend of his sister), with he had never before heard of, and fell deeply in love with her, for the charming character she showed in her corespondence and the portret his sis ter was induced to post to him. It therefore fell as a severe blow to him, after a few months of the most friendly correspondence, to be that the lady was to be married; and, the keenness of disappointment, he vowed that he would not return to England. Two years later, however, the assurances that he received of a good supply of briefs led him to reconsider his decision and return; and some months later he learnt that his erstwhite friend had become a widow. Then the acquaintance was renewed and as he was as much fascinated by the lady's personality as he had been by her letters he proposed and was finally accepted.-Advocate,
THE ARMOURED TRAIN FIGHT.
HOW THE DUBLINS RALLIED.
ESTCOURT, November 14th, After a succession of what our local corre spondents call "quiet days at Estcourt," the situation has suddenly, changed, For some days past reports have been received that the Boers intended coming down from Colenso by Weenen's Pass, as they had but little food and were tired of the country round Ladysmith. This morning at twelve o'clock, as I was start ing for my usual ride round the country, we heard the three guns that denote an alarm. It was discovered that parties of the enemy had been seen in the vicinity. The garrison, num bering since the arrival of the West Yorks some 3,000 men, at once stood to arms. I accom panied Colonel Martyr, D.5.0., who is in com. inand of the mounted troops. We at once. started for that part of the surrounding country that the Boers were reported to be raiding After s smart trot of some nine miles we heard musketry; it was
the enemy opening fire on our advanced scouts, who speedily retired. When located the Boers
these obsolete
Beers could shell us out of the "death-trap "as it is called, and the whole party would be gut off, and either destroyed or forced to surrender,
ESTLOURT. November, 15th,
The expected has at last happened, and par armoured tenin is taken, You will remember that in my previous article I was strangely pro- phetic by a great stroke of luck Fescaped going in the ill-fated train, as the day before 'olonel Martyr, commanding the mounted troops, asked me to act as his galloper that day. The facts, of which I have confirmation, are as follows. The Iron, with une company Dublin Fusiliers and half-compay Durban Light 15- fauty, together with a 7-pounder naval gun, left Estcourt at an city hour on Wednesday,
MK, WINSTON CHURCHILL'S VALOUR.
The enemy were reported in some strength this sule of Colenso. The train had orders 10
bring back as much information as possible, and report if the line had been further damaged. The train proceeded very slowly, but dear Chieveley a catastrophe was awaiting them. A heavy guns, was awaiting them. The enemy Boer commando from Springfield, with three had chosen their place well, as about this spot the track curved almost in semi-circles, Atlie bottom of a stiff gradient turning a corner de Boers had laid their trap, widening the rails some nine inches at the very place where the train should have swung round the corner. They were rewarded by a dreadful smash, One of the trucks manned by Dublins and Volunteers turned over on its side, hurling the man to the ground The Boers immediately opened a heavy and continuous shell fire from their continually right in the middle of the pany. heavy quick-firing guns, dropping their shells The half company of the D.L1. attempted to right the capsized truck, while the Dublins, under command of Captain Haldane (Gorden Highlanders, who was wounded at Elands Langte), occupied a position some distance away from the wrecked train. In the meantime a por- tion of the enemy had worked round behind us, and had succeeded in removing a rail. A party of volunteers, consisting entirely of plate- layers, &c., led by Mr. Winston Churchill, whe behaved throughout with mus: heroic courage, succeeded in replacing the rails. Some idea of the accuracy of the enemy's fire and of Mr. Churchill's courage may be obtained by narrating the fact that a Boer shell buist in front of Mr. Churchill's
face, killing two men on each side of him. Our
gave
side, the continued rifle-fire and the weird sound wounded were now dotting the veldt on each
of the quick-firers adding to the horrors of the situation. At last the line was clear, and the engine, with one carriage of the armoured train, was enabled to return to Frere, leaving Captain Haldane's fiercely engaged. The Boers
party it a passing salvo of shells, hitting the tender and nearly derailing the train a second time. It escaped, however, and proceeded back to Frere slation with its on the top of a very high bill. They seemned melancholy load. At Frere Mr. Chur- in some force, and crowded to the highest hill, despite the entreaties of the people with pinnacle of the height to look at our party him, insisted on returning to Captain Haldane, Colonel Martyr at once sent for two guns of the Natal, Field Artillery, The Natal Field who was an old comrade of his in the Thab Artillery are armed only with what are rudely expedition, and, seizing a rifle from one of the described as popguns; and, really, for effective wounded men, was last seen making his way use they are little more, being the old 7-pounder across the velct. The officer in command of muzzle-loader with a range of only 3,000 yards.
the rear truck reports that Winston Churchill was hit twice, in the hand and in the shoulder. It is really disgraceful the way some of
colonial forces
We have, however, no confirmation of this equipped- are prehistoric guns,
rifies,
The train arrived safely at Estcourt, it was a and faulty ammunition. It was, of course, im. horrible sight, the wounds inflicted by the Boer possible to foresee that the brunt of the fighting shells being Awful. The inside of the truck was literally a pool of blood. The unfortunate would fall on loyal Natal, but surely her wind- trimming, time-serving Ministry might have her were at once taken into the hospital, done better for the local forces as regards their where they were immediately attended to. All of the wounded who were fit to give any account being mostly colonial-brud, knowing the country of the engagement describe Churchill's conduct well; good horsemen and fair shots. Perhaps heroic beyond all ordinary heroism. He is haps in most glowing terms. It must have been the pick of all the local forces I have as yet seen described as walking up and down under are the Natal Mounted Police, mostly gentle the terrible fire, giving confidence to the man; light-weights, fine horsemen, excellent shots, they are an ideal mounted infantry wavering volunteers, carrying the wounded, corps. Their duties in time of peace extend good shots to assist Captain Haldane
at another moment collecting a party of over a very wide area. Hunting in couples, so to speak, they patrol far into Zululand, Fondo short, there can be no possible doubt that he land, and the adjacent territories. Little is carried himself in a manner worthy of the heard of their work, but we are reaping the historic name he bears. It is no exaggeration or benefit of it now; for without the Natal Mounted stereotyped form to say that every one in camp Police we should have to rely almost entirely prisoner certainly; for, true to his character regrets his tosa bitterly, Dead he may be, à on Kaffirs for our Information.
The native, many mention, has no notion earned as a soldier. I begged him not to wear he insisted on wearing the medals he had whatever of either time or amount. For in them, and pointed out that if he were taken tance, what he calls an "impi, which really means an army corps may casily resolve-self there would be but little chance for him. The into twenty or thirty men. The same remark who know him well hold-is that he is such an one hope-and it is a view, that several of us- holds good in the obverse manner:-"A few; oh, not many, may be a commando 2,000 strang.extraurdinaty min that he is quite capable of The guns that had been sent for arrived, but convincing the Boer leaders that it would be the moment the enemy noticed them they beat the best thing for them to release him.
armament. The material is excellent; the men
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However he snapped up the chance at once, and from that day studied the part with the thoroughness which only a man can give whose mind is in his work. The piece was not to be produced for another three weeks, Buckman bad given him a sub on accuunt, and so be spent the interval in nursing his wife and coaching himself at the same time. Mabel gradually began to mend, and to amuse her, Macrae frequently enacted the role of Anthony Pumpkin at the bedside, but not without mutual benefit, for the girl would give him many useful and valuable Kiats, and correct some of his more glaring gestures.
out place at the top of the mountain, where I of course made a pilgrimage to the old looke Selkirk spent many days peesing in the dis- tance for the ship which cami at best. From a
by the personal observations of the writer, who This opinion is borne out
has found the houses or apartments of the more prosperous Chinese merchants of San Fran many persons who employ Chinese as domestics cisco plain to severity, and has learned from
that they are, as a rule, indifferent to the appearance, of the room assigned to them to to herd in Chinatown, it permitted to do so. sleep in, and that they early all would prefer
This latter trait is significant. When we are Hold that in a great Chinese city like Canton
Macrae looked a bit crestfallen, for his tablet tixed into the face of the meke 1 copied unt of the workshops are kitchen, dining. light voice, more like a-woman's than a man's had always been a thorn in his flesh, having,eir words, inscribed in Arabie expitals in room, and bedroom to and that in these the like most comedians, a yearning to tragedy tive of Largo, is the County of Fife, Sectia, night stretch themselves out on them to sleep," inemory of Alexander Selkirk, a manner, it ap workinen "breakfast on their benches, and at when he was no more suited for serious business who lived on the land in complete slide we may reality suppose that the density of popula than the man in the moon.
for four years and four months. The was handledtion is responsible for this conilition of affairs, from the Cinque Porte y dley, yo tuns, a guns, A.1 1704, and was taken off in the Pale, prin spite of the misleading term "Chinese, cheap But throughout California, where the Chinese, vateer, 12th February, qo, He died Leu | labou enjoy hetter wages than most of the fortyseven. This tableti erected nearsirlik's the same phenomenon is witnessed. I have Jenast of 1. M. S. 117rmouth, A.D. 1735, aped purely labouring class of the Western world, Inokout by Commodore Powell and he seen Chinese, eaming over two dollars a day, officers of H.M.S. Zapate, ̃A.1, 1863." The sleeping in bunks coded as closely together as those in the steerage of an ocean steamer, while on the island is at the head of the bay
Indifference to surroundings, the gregariotis now called Robinson Crusne Bay. Hisalonu instinct, and parsimony seem to furnish the a bold headland west of the present anchorage explanation of this tendency, But these traits and landing. Ships tare anchored there, but are not the product of a day; they are the it airds a very indifferent berth. Bol of result of an tense struggle for existance these huchenges are exposed to north winds, extending though thousands of years; they which, however, die tot reach home with munce as much a part of the national character, violence. The hokdung gound being good in † and Wistinguish the Chinese in as pronounced the first named lave to the custwand, the t manner as their visible physical peculiarities, change there may be con idari sua, sklough and, perhaps, are as inevaílicable. the underlow at times makes it, wild, ndings
All went well for awhile; Mabel was con- valescent, and when the anat rehearsal came, Buckman was highly pleased with the young artin's reading of Athony, a charter which he considered of such importance as to neres silate the engagement of an understudy, Macme didn't take to this at all; the understudy was palpaldy jealous of him, he asked linchan | to get someone else, but the latter with his genial goval nature saw no fault or guile in
At length the day of the premise arrived, and that very morning lacrae met with 'an accident. He was knocked down in the street by a calno bones bring boken fortunately
i
CAVE IN WHICH SELKIRK DAVENT
THE WORLD'S TONGUE.
ENGLISH IS INCREASING BY LEXPS AND
BOUNDS.
The English language at present contains 250,000 words, many of which have been intro. daced within the last fifty years At the be
Shipping. STEAMERS.
THE CHINA AND MANILA STEAM- SHIP COMPANY, LIMITED,
FOR MANILA.
-but when he was brought house he was found ginuing of the century it was spoken by HE Company's New Steamship
There are 20,son words in the German L. gunge, and about 70,000,000 people speak in that tongue,
It is rumoured that Churchill is to be recom- Mended for the V.C.
ESTCOURT, NATAL, November, 17th to be so seriously binised and shaken that the Since last writing fresh light has been thrown doctor said it was absolutely necessary he people, and toed je seme i zapaapnu on the disaster to the amoured train. It appears should remain in bed at least a week, Macias people are using the English Language, showing that the total loss was not so great as a dest re-stormed, raged, and fuard. His chance was
an increase of 345 per cent. ported. We sent the ambulance train out first pore; his aiden study would get it instead, and thing the next day, relying on the Boers having he cursed the fate that seemed to be working, bad on answer from General Joubert. They as usual, against him! Mabel tried to reason him into calmness, but he wouldn't listen; he ately refused to allow our medical officers give any information as to names or nature of to the floor.. to go near their camp, and refused to clambered out of bed, only to stagger senseless wounds, saying that there were only fire killed. and three wounded on their hands. It is feared Captain Haldane is among the wounded. They refused to say anything about Churchill, say that they did not understand such things
as "war correspondents." I need scarcely say the train runs no more.-A. M. Gazette Cor.
A FALLEN STAR.
I was a youngster at the time-scarcely 'more than a student at the feet of Thespis, with the flush of pride at having secured my first paid engagement hardly faded from my cheeks. It was a cold November, and I had sauntered into the Shakespeare, a small but Strand, where theatrical folk, impecunious or comfortable tavern down a side street off the
otherwise, were accustomed to congregate and
advertisement enluinns of the " Fra."
Some 65,000,00 prople converse in the Russian language, 440,000 in Portuguese.
known world to-day, 89 of which are to be beard Altogether £60 languages are spoken in the
in Europe, 117 in America, 114 in Africa, and 12 in Asia. Nearly one half the languages have their origin in the islands of the Pacie and her origin in
Germany is the acknowledged-
J:
HOME OF LOND WORDS,
i
" DIAMANTE,
Captain R. W. Almond, will be despatched for the above port, on MONDAY, the 22nd instant,
at P.M.
The attention of Passengers is directed to the excellent accommodation provided by this striper. She is fitted throughout with Electric Light.
For Freight ar Passage, apply to
SHEWAN, TOMES & Co., General Managers. Hongkong, 17th January, 1900.
(72b
INDO-CHINA STEAM NAVIGATION
COMPANY, LIMITED,
FOR MANILA.
"What was to be done? They were preity nigh starving now, and no performance, no pay Mabel thought hardly, Buckman had not yet been told of the occurrence, and she sent a messenger far her sister. She came; and that night at the theatre Buckauan shook hands with Macrae as he entered the stage door. Macrae was billed, and it was Macme everybody thought who went in. The voice at any rate, but the following telegram, accepted for the THE Company's Steamship' was there to perfection, and at the end of the sum of sixpence, is undoubtedly unique: Ad first act the house rose and cheered him as one ministrator-General's conter-revolutionary in- man, Buckman was delighted, and congratuler-communications uncircumstantiated. Quart. lated himself on having discovered so great aer-master-General's disproportionable nest cha stat, especially when at the end of the show the racteristically contradistinguished unconstitu ovation accorded to Macrae was as great as tionalist's incomprehensibilities." It contains that to the celebrated manager himself. And
168 letters, Macrae's reputation from that night was estab lished "
But it was not he who appeared?" I asked
>
discuss prospective shops" and scan the cool And it was never even known by Buck. something under 8,000 words. The great Shake-
around to see whether the man I had arranged As I entere the private bar, I glanced
to meet had arrived, but the place for once was empty, and considering mysell alone I sat upon a stool and called for a bitter; one had to be cuamical in his drinks those days?
Cold night, sir!"
Ja
I turned at the souri of the voice, and then noticed a tall thin man of sixty or thereabouts huddied up in the corner of the seat nearest the fire, and whom I had not previously observed. "Yes, indeed," I replied. "But we must ex pect it
To be sure, but as we get older we feel the chill winds. Besides, you're not out of a shop," I'm afraid coloured slightly, and then ani swered briedy "No"
man himself that the impersonation of Anthony Pumpkin the first week of the run of the play was not Macrae at all, but Mabel, his wife!! ́
The old man laid down his pipe, and drained the remainder of the whisky, while 1, scarcely recovered from the narrative, remained silent aminient.
"And you say Macrae eventually took to drink ? “ Í queried at inst.
"Alas, yes! In the zenith of his fame, when he had a thousand or two in the bank, his wife died, and he, too, became dead to the world. He never got over the loss of Mabel, spent whofe days weeping over her grave, finally lust ambition, and then his money went. Then came drink, as I've said before. He's alive now, ears. ing a precarious living as scene-shifter at an East-end theatre. A scene-shifter! Macrae, who once made the world laugh till it cried; Macrae, who held thousands enthralled by fis marvellous genius-a fallen star, homeless, and penniless.
"Well, I am, and have been for years. There's no chance for an old actor nowadays, youth managers want, not experience." with all these young chaps springing up. It's Again 1 coloured, for I was sensitive on the score of my juvenile appearance.
"We were all young once," I responded warmly, "and I suppose everyone has his chance some time or other"
The old man sighed deeply, and took a retro-sympathy." spective pull at his pipe
Ah! Chance-luck! What a marvellous thing it is! He began to hold himself mora erect, and a lateni fite gleamed in his leary
ས་ eyes. Some are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them. How true the wordi are, and no one knows it better than my. self. You've heard of Macrae, the great come dinn, I suppose? He was the rage fifteen years ago."
My eyes became dim with tears, which I vainly endeavoured to hide.
"A cried feelingly, "what a topsy-turvy world this is! The poor man has my sincerest
The old actor rose to his feet and looked at mc, moved by my obvious compassion,
Macrae, sirl he exclaimed, striking his breast with his band, Macrae, the fallen star, stands before you now!"
The next morning, I was still dwelling upon the old-time comedian's sad story, and thought of the sovereign I had given him on parting without a pang of regret, when i mot Dixon, Yes," I replied, "but he never kept long to an actor in the same company as myself. the boards, I understand. Retired, or some», "By the way," I remarked, after we had dis- thing of the sort, didn't he?"
cussed various matters, I met a once celebrated My friend drew closer to me, and whisperedactor last night. He's down on his luck." in an undertone.
"Common complaint repited Dixon. "We're No, but he had to leave them-went to the all that some time or other celebrated or dogs. Drink."
otherwise I Indeed!"
C
What I was talking about was luck-chance; A man may be clever, conscientious, a thorough master of the craft, yet never come to the front, while another may be pushed into a position by a mere fluke. Think of the comedian, for example, who owed his success to a pain in the back. And it was much the same with Macrae,, though no one ever dreant of the
"Yes, but that's neither here nor there.
facts,"
interested, and gazing at the somewhat dissi "You astonish me," I replied, becoming
pated countenance of the old man with wonder. But your glass is emply, I see! Name your
You're very kind, size=Irish special," When he had taken a sip of whiskey he resumed.
poison."
"As it happens, I knew the Macraes per sonally, knew his family, his wife-all of em, in fact. He was only a young chap like your self then, just married to a not particularly beautiful, but uncommonly nice girl, and one of the cleverest women living, Bless yout if
"Yes," I responded, but fifteen years ago Macrae," this man was a star of stars. None other than
Dixon's eyes opened wide, and a look of en- lightenment came upon his face. Then he laughed
"A tall man, rather thin, bleer-eyed and fond of Irish ?" he queried.
Amazed at the apt description, I nodded, an assent,
"Then you've been sucked in, old chap!" he let you in for?" he cried, with another laugh. "How much did
"I gave him a sovereign," I stammered, feeling remarkably fantish and vexed.
"Thought you were young and green, I sup posod,
but you'vo-met-a-fraud, of course le related in the third person the harrowing story "of Mucize's sudden leap into lame, with its sensational ending as being himself. Lies, old chap-pure lies The fellow's an Irishman, Patrick Ryan by name, and when sufficiently sober rolls up the rag at the Colosseum. As a matter of fact Macrae's been dead ten years or more--you'll find bis grave at Kensal Green
A hurried retreat. The position occupied, by. USELESSNESS OF THE "DEATH TRAP.”- - the Boers was 'n range of" hills connected with Our approximate losses in killed, wounded, each other by what are called necks. They, as | and mishing are about one hundred men only, I have said, immediately retired to the next | Captain Haldane is wounded in the shoulder; | she had made up her mind to take to the boarda | if you'll take the trouble to look |--Zxchange.
The average unlearned Englishman is sail to use between three and four thousand words in his vocabulary; the average learned man
speare had a vocabulary of 15,000 words, the alphabet, a, i, s, t, and r coming next, while The letter e is more used than any other in
and are used least of all. A curious fact the letter w occurs more often in the names of great people than any other. It is calculated that it is possible to read from three to four hundred words a minute in a well known language.
is
The greatest linguist ever known was an Italian priest who died about the middle of the century.
guages,
He could speak accurately flan
"LOONGSANG,”, Captain Weigall, will be despatched as aboye on TUESDAY, the zard instant, at a P.M.
This Steamer has Superior Accommodation for First class Passengers, and is fitted through- out with Electric Light
For Freight or Passage, apply to
JARDINE, MATHESON & Co.,
General Managers. Honkong, 19th January, 1900,
[77b NIPPON
YUSEN KAISHA
FOR MANILA. HE Company's Steamship.
TH
YAWATA MARU,"
(3,800 Tons Gross, Captain A. Ę. Moses,) will be despatched for the above Port, on FRIDAY, the 26th instant, at 4 F.M.
THE POWER OF THE EYE OVER carried."
WILD BEASTS.
SOME EXPERIMENTS.
There is an old saying that any man can subdue a wild animal by merely gazing into its eyes. Yet it is A much debated question whether such a thing is possible, and there are some hunters who believe that the human eye has absolutely no power over wild animals. A South African sportsmen once determined to put the question to the test. Approaching a large ostrich, he j
gazed!
fixedly at it, and to his delight the mesmeric glance seemed to meet with immediate success. The bird crouched and Rapped its wings nervously. Some hours later, however, the man's body was found with the ostrich alternately sitting and jumping upon
it.
Another believer in the human eye experi mented on a wild cat confined in a zoological garden. He afterwards confessed that but for the wires of the cage his face would have been torn to pieces.
A very different story is related of a negro attached to an African hunting party, Wander- ing one day from camp, he surprised two lion cubs at play, and thoughtlessly commenced to amuse them. He was only too successful. The big cubs gambolled fearlessly about him, and to his dismay refused to desist when he
wished to leave them.
Realising the danger to which he would be exposed should the mother appear, he began to run, but the cubs refused to be shaken off, and in their play they scratched his lege in fearful fashion.
That the creatures were thoroughly enjoying | themselves was evident from tlicis manifesta tions of delight, and before long theit unusual cries brought a lioness leaping to the spol. Trembling in every limb, the negro faced the growling animal, while the cubs continued to jump up at him, enger for further caresses, The enraged linness inbred round uneasily in n circle, may and beast-keeping their eyes-fixed steadily on each other. Several times the lioness crouched to spring, but the man, from fear, never shifted his gaze.
At length, after what seemned an age, when the negro was ready to drop from exhaustion, the animal suddenly called her cubs away and disappeared into the surrounding scrub. Advocate of India,
This new Mail Steamer is specially cons Incied for service in the Tropics and is provided with Superior Accommodation and with all modern fittings and improvements for the safely and comfort of Passengers, Electric Light and Refrigerator, Doctor and Stewardess Return Tickets issue: by this Company aro available for return by steamers of the other Lines.
For Freight or Passage, apply to
A. S. MIHARA, Manager. Hongkong, roth January, 1900.
[Bib EASTERN AND AUSTRALIAN STEAM- SHIP COMPANY, LIMITED.
FOR SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE. (Calling at PORT DARWIN and QUEENS LAND PORTS, and taking through Cargo:
to ADELAIDE, New ZealanD, TASMANIA, Kc.) HE Steamship
1
"EASTERN," Captain Ellis, will be despatched as above on SATURDAY, the 27th instant, at Noon.
This New Steamer is specially fitted for Passengers, and has a Refrigerating Cham ber which ensures the supply of Fresh Flo- visions, Ice, &c., throughout the voyage..
This Steamer is installed throughout with the Electric-light,
A Stewardess and a duly qualified Surgeon are carried.
WH-Return Tickets issued by this Com. pany to and from MANILA, are available for return by the Steamers of the CHINA NAVIGA- TION COMPANY and vice verså.
For Freight or Passage, apply to
GIUD, LIVINGSTON & Co,
Agents. Hongkong, Sth January, 1900.
[39b SHEWAN TOMES & CO'S. "NEW YORK: LINE.
FOR NEW YORK, VIA SCEZ CANAL, THE Steamship
"QUEEN ELRANOR," will be despatched for the above Purina or about the 1st Fehntag
The
To be followed by Steamship,
MORVEN,"
about the 25th February, 1900. For Freight, apply to
SHEWAN, TOMES & Co. Agents, Hongkong, 3rd January, 1900.,
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