1904-10-29 — Page 9

(ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.]

THE BLACK RIBBON.

BY

L. T. MEADE.

·(Author of “ A Woman in Grey” ko)

Rupert's eyes flashed indignantly.

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1904.

You cannot expect any of Lumedales to have a high opinion of Professor Kristofaki. Remember what Holon was when she went to him, Remember what she is now."

"He is my friend," said Kitty.

"How can a paralysed girl attempt such a journey ?"

"Oh, there are ways and means, and pardon me, Delafield, I don't think you know my sister as I know her. What the risked for in the past she has done. I believo she will continue She coloured vividly, then drawing herself np. to carry out her own desires in the future. Her she looked full into Rupert's face.

malady won't be a real obstacle. She denies, "Mr. Lumsdule," she said,

remember, that Kristofski has anything to do "Yes, Miss Pembridge ?"

with hor present state of health. She adores the Professor, and as to his daughter, she has the most toider regaril for her. Anyhow I have promised Kitty to help her, and I will."

"I think I may say, without being conceited and without projudies, that you are also my friond, and I am yours."

Oh, indeed, if I could only think the lat

BYNOPSIS OF INSTALMENT 1. Maurice Dolafield. young drator of great promiso, is in love with his cousin, Helen Lumedale, who, after a six months' viglt to Buksia bas returned a physical wreck, butter," said the young man tremulously, will not consent to see any specialist, and Maurice snspects that she is not as ill as she appears. Helou, after hinting at some myntorious work she has to perform, makes her consin promise his assistance through thick and thin. As muon as he Ima giren blÁ word he learns that Professor Kristofski, in whose household Holen stynd whilst in St. Petersburg, in. to vi-it her on the morrow,

CHAPTER IN

We will suppose that it is so," was her re- mark. Now I want to test your friendship." It was almost at the moment whon Holan was king Delafleld for a test of his friendship that itty made the same remark.

"I want a test of your friendship." she re- peated. I want to know if you will help me."

In what way p

To overcome the prejudice which year fami- entertain to my friend. Professor Kristofski. Ile is coming to as me and the others. He will stay with us for perhaps a week, perhaps a fortnight, until, in short, his mission is accom- plished.

Imediately after supper that warm. still.ly delightful summer's evening Bapert Lumsdale strolled across the fields which divided the Pines from Mount Edge.

Mount Edge had been the caprice of a rieb mill-owner some years ago; he had built it to. please himself and a young wife who had died before she had time to take potession of her magnificent home. The konse was built on a solid and very large scale, and of stone, which made it enoriaus y expensive. It presinted a gray, somewhat ugly pi'e to the spectator who viewed it from afar, but the grounds surround ing the mansion were immaculate and very beautiful. The rooms were exquisitely fur- uished, and were in themselves lofty and of fine proportions. The hall. which reached up to the carved oak roof of the house, was in itself a special fastare. There was a solid stone stair case, with galleries, ranuing round each of the two floors which divided the house. Altogether it was an irreproachable sort of residence; but it had no look of age about it, and Rupert oftan suid to himself that he would rather have one porner of the cosy, low-roomed Fines than any amount of rooms in Mount Edge.

Nevertheless, it was at Mount Edge that the ladly of his heart resided. Naturally, therefore, there was a glamour over the entire place. He*- was thinking of Kitty now, as he walked along, wondering if he could bring courage to his lips, und fortitude to his heart-if he could really ask the momentous question! He knew perfectly well that if Kitty refused him ble life would b. for a time. absolutely blank. He thought that he could not face the work without hor. His affections were of the strong, almost tom. pestnons order, and Kitty Pembridge, gay, vivacious, with her fair hair, ber blue eyes, and her spirited face, had long ago first caught his fancy, and then secured his heart.

The Pembridges were, on the whole, a family Thera were completely, out of the common. four sisters. Kitty being the eldest. After her casue Connie, a dark-eyed, somewhat sombre beanty, and then, with three years between. the twine made their appearance. They were remarkably pretty. fair-haired girls, of the names of Sybil and Ernestine. They were not more than fifteen years of ago, were insepar- able. quarrelled, made it up again, walked about arm in arm, were at daggers drawn one minute, clasped in the ties of closest affection the next, were gay, spirited, full of laughter, and merry of the merry. In short they were a charming Fair.

There was no mother in this family, aud Kitty was supposed to manage them with a rod of iron. In reality she let everyone go secord- ing to her own sweet will. There were no bro- thers, only the four girls, and a tull, slonder, very aristocratic looking father. He bousted of no profession, and had no apparent story to tell of his early life. He rented Mount Edge and lived ther vory luxuriously, giving his daughters carriage horses and riding horses, and avery other imaginable delight, being led by Kitty to any extent, and making few, or in- de dany friends in the neighbourhood. Even Mr. Lumsdale of The Pines never quite knew what to make of the tacitara, dark man, who yet was so absolutely immacniate and respectable, and all that meant a gentleman of a somewhat older school than ours.

Kitty resembled her father, in some ways, al- though he was duck and she fair, but there was a look of such resolution and purpose in her keen blue eyes that she might in reality have been a mailen from the passionate south, in stead of a fair-haired daughter of England, as who was fond of declaring herself.

Kitty, now dressed in gauzy white, a sash of many colours round her slender waist, came slowly across the green lawn to meet Raport. Her hair, always very curly and full of inau- merable waves, was untilily put up. This might have been one of her defects. Rupert considered it one of her charms. She seldom appeared anywhere without stray "locks falling over her shoulders, and tumbling over her beautiful broad, low white.forehead. She was a most stately, lovely creature, without a scrap of vanity about her. There was a purposeful expression in her eyes, as though she were always looking at a future which meant so much that she had no time for the frivolities of life.

The other Pembridges did not share Kitty's look of expectancy or desire. She seldom er never spoke of her feelings, and neither did her father. They were absolutely, in themselves, the most taciturn people the Lumsdalus laul ever met.

But Rupert su uo flaw in beautiful Kitty, and he now hurried quickly to most her.

"Have I kept you waiting?" he asked. "Did you expect me

"Yes, and no. Mr. Lumsdale," she replied. "The girls and I were going to walk across to inquire for Helen. We have news for Helon,

nch news."

M

Then I will accompany you. There is plenty of time. They will be delighted to see you at The Pines. The evening is quite early still. We might get up a dance."

"Oh, not to-night," said Kitty.

She looked gravely at him, hor blay eyes darkening in a marvellous manner which was one of her great charms. Rupert felt his heart beating. If only he might say to her there and then-

"I love you with all the love of my heart. Be mine. I vow I can make you happy. Trast me.. Make me in return the happiest of men." The words, legible enough in his eyes, did Dot pass his lips. Kitty looked at him, sighed very faintly, and said:

"And how is Helen ?"

To all appearance well" replied Rupert **I cannot understand her case. Sometimes think that she must be very ill, that she will never have a moment of real health again, and then once more there such a sparkle in her eyes, such animation in her whole manner, that I fail to beliova in ber illness.”

Kitty looked at him gravely,

There are some wonen set apart," she said "for a very noble and spacial work. When that is the case, the path on which their fest must tread leads to strange issues,” · :

talk."

I

What do you mean? How queerly you "Don't question me about what I mean. have something to tell you. A great, very special friend of Halen's is coming here this evening. He is Professor Kristofski."

And what is his mission?" asked Raport. "If I tell you, will you betray me ?"

You may trust me, he answered proudly. She came close to him, and dropped her voice. He wants to take Helen back with him to Petersburg. He wants her to go willingly. He wants her family not to oppose her. You can if you will, halp mightily in that. Will you?" But why should I said Bupert. My sister left hero in perfect health, possessing moat joyous youth. She has come back a broken down woman, paralysed, unable to move."

į

"And I have promised to help Helen, and I shall help her in the way most sonducire to her welfare, so now you understand."

"Then we are pitted against each other?” "It looks like it, doesn't it?" Delafield stepped away « pson or two, and. turning, faced his cousin. Both young men were in the prime of their first youth, both were good looking, both determined. They had no idea of quarrelling, but they such realised that they had taken up a different position, and that Helon was the cause célébro which animated them both.

The gay voices of the young lumadales, and of Connie, Sybil, and Ernetine Pembridge sounded in their wars. Anne Lumsdalo called out that they were going to dauce in the ball. Delafield turned aside.

*Go to them," he said to his cousin, “1 can't at prosent I have too much to think about."

Raport left him with e nod.

Delafield now took a circuitous path that led

to a lonely piece of moorland. The sun had set. and the moon was shining in silver radiance over grass, trees and shrub The young man suddenly fell on his face. le was trembling. his mental balance was upset. His thoughts Kitty turned asido. It seemed to Rupert that were all of Holen. Yes, he had found out his own heart, and he hoped, he had found hers. she smiled. Much as he loved her, that peculiar

He would win her, yes, at any cost, at any expression on her face half maddened him.

De you doubt me? Do you, an English-sacrifice. He would help her through any danger; he would be her knight to the end of woman, feel no pity for your sister woman.

the world. whose youth and life may be destroyed for ever?"

I do not agree with you. Helen hus a magnificent career before her. Sonu, very soon, if she does what is required, she will get back her youth and health, and a life of rediont pleasure will open ont

her."

But enn I help in this matter " You nidoubtedly can." Kitty," said the young man after a pause. if I do this thing as it were against my con- science-"

Yes," she interrupted, looking at bini inter- rogatively.

Against my conscience," he repeated, "am I to have a price-a reward? You know what I mean."

She just touched his arm with her hand. "I will be outspoken," she said. There are times when it is pradish to remain silent. This is one. I have known for a long time that your feelings for me" She broke off abruptly

"Need I say more ?”

CHAPTER III.

It was quite true that Holen Lumedal was of age, and was also her own mistress. She had a considerable fortune, amounting to rearly a thousand a year in her own right. She was therefore an independent woman. Her nature was so sanjable, and she had been brought up to love her parents so tenderly that under ordinary circumstances nothing could have induced her to go against their wishes. Nevertheless Deln- field, who had read her heart as he thought sright, felt that something had come to her which would make her oven oppose her parents if necessary.

In the Arst instance her visit to Fetersburg bas been arranged against their desire. For so rich a girl, a girl só absolutely independent, so young, so beautiful, to choom to go as com panion to the daughter of a learned professor in Petersburg was in itself incomprehensible. Helen had never thought of Petersburg, nor of Russia in particular, until she had made the ne- quaintance of Kitty Pembridge. These two irls had been friends and comrades from the I came here to speak to you," he sail imfiret. They had a great deal to say to each other and were often together. Soon there were com- pulsively,

fidances, letters passed between them. It was Helen's delight to go and see Kitty, and it seemed to be equally Kitty's delight to visit Holon.

"You need not," answered the young man with passion.

He trembled,

Don't speak to night, dour friend I can't make any definite promise, but after Helen goes to Petersburg—“

he turned very white, so white that she staggered, then she seemed to recover herself

Yes, sqleak to me than, if you wish-do yon understand"

"But dare I hope? If I come to you and tell you all that is in my hart when Helen has gone to Petersburg, will you?"

He took her hand, and before she could pro. vent it pressed it to his lips. She turned aside. Her very silence was full of eloquence.

Your word is law, my lady, he murmured in a very low voice.

"Where are you, Kitty P. called Ernostine in her light toous. We are all three off to The Pines. Won't you come with us? We want to tell Helen that Professor Kristofski will arrive to-night."

"Oh yes, I will come," said the girl. “Ra- pert, you will be our cavalier, won't you ?"

With pleasure," he replied.

The walk to The Pines was taken in silence as far as Kitty and Rupert were concerned, bat the other girls shutted unceasingly.

Then the Russian professor, an old friend of Ho the Pambridges, appeared on the scene. met Helen, and soon in the most extraordinary way this radiant young creature soomed to ho; subjected to his will. Ho talked to her and her eyes sparkled, her cheeks glowed with colour. her impressionable heart was roused. He went away after a brief space, and then came his let ter af invitation, an invitation which those who read it construed more readily into a command. Helen must spend a winter in the gayest capi- tal of Europe. She must talk French with the savants of the Court. She must go here, there, and overywhere. She must help the Professor: te introduce beautiful young Olga into Russian society. She would be paid, of course, --that went without saying.

Helen neither refused the pay nor the invita- tion. She weal, and during her absence she wrote once or twice to Kitty Tombridge, and once or twice to ber parents. Her letters were full of enthusiasm and rapture.

Thon sho came home an invalid; changed, in deed, was the brilliant girl. Pallid was the blooming cheek, and tired the fail dark eyes. Then there came her sudden paralysis, followed by the dismay and terror of her family.

But Helen continued her friendship for Kitty, ber desire to return to Petersburg bocamo almost a pasion.

They found Helen stil lying on her sofa un- der the shade of the lime tree. Delafield was standing by her side. When Rupert came up Delafield gave him an euger, question ng glance. The light on Rupert's face sorsed to him to prognosticels that Kitty had accepted him. Delafield's eyes rested on the girl with curiosud ity. His first impression was that from being beautiful, she was almost plain. But then something about her arrested his attention, and the next ininute he was moved to admiration. Kitty was not plain, but beautiful. It was not the beauty of either figure or complexion. It was not the beauty of feature or dark eyes, or rosy lips. It was the beauty which lies alone in expression. There was strength in that clear glance, courage on those lips, resolution all over the young girl's attitude. Beaide her, ovon Heleu, strong enough in herself, looked weak and purposals.

Kitty beat and talked to Helen, who looked up at her with a kindling fuce and glowing eyes.

"Ob yes Oh, delightful!" Delafield heard her say these words, then Ru- part drew him aside,

said.

A most amazing thing has happened," he

Then you are really engaged to Miss Pem- bridge

"No. I have not even

What do you meas proposed?"!

Although I have not proposed she has virtually told me that she will be mine at a prico. *** A price?" said Delafield in are conster

nation.

Yes. I mean to tell you what it is." - Rupert laid his hand on Delafield's arm. The young men walked slowly under the trees which formed the chief attraction of the beautiful place.

What in the world do you mean "aid Delafield, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Just what I say. Kitty demands a price. She will give herself to me for the price I have mentioned."

Delafield thought of all these things as ho wandered on the moors that sight. When he returned to the house, the lights were all out. the family had evidently retired. It seeined that he was forgotten. But no. His cousin Ru pert, a shadowy figure in the now expiring moon- light, came to meet him.

"I was waiting up for you, old man. What atimo you have been by yourself. Is anything wrong?"

"Nothing." answered Delafield. tempted by the balmy air and thesummer night." And you wanted to think ont something "Yes, that's about it, Rupert,"

Ruport was silent for a minute.

"I was

on the gravel. She walked rapidly, as one in sore need of exercise.

By and by the moon sat, and the filmy pearly gray of dawn began to tremble in the air. Dula fold could watch her without being seen him self. It was morning before Helen re-entered the house. Then Delafield flung off some of his clothes, and throw himself across his bed.

"What does this mean !" he thought. "What is Helen doing What strange part in she met. ing? She is no more paralysed than I am."

Between ten and eleven on the following day Kitty Pembridge appeared, accompanied by Professor Kristofaki. The night before, Dela- field had intended to go up to town, but he changed his plans on the following morning; be told the Luzasdales that he would like to spend a quiet day in their luxurions place. The girls wore pleased, only Helen frowned faintly.

I will come and sit with you under the tree, cousin," he said, addressing her personally. "and read to you, anything you lika."

"I shall be busy," she answered, I expect Miss Pembridge and Professor Kristofski this morning."

“After they go, then,” he soswered. He gave her a keen glance, and she coloured quite perceptibly.

"I was up late last night," he said. Very fate. When I went to my room I sat by tho window. It faces this lawn and the tree sauer which you are now lying, Helen. I sat there and thought of you."

The colour in her face had now given place to a dreadful pallor. She gasped, as it word, for breath, then controlling herself said smilingly

I

"At such times one is apt to see ghosts." trust no visitants from the other world troubled you, Maurice."

He did not reply, except with his eyes, which soomed to say very plainly

I know at least part of your serret, aid I mean to discover the rest."

She was about to speak, when Kitty and the professor, who had been talking to Mrs. Luns. date within the house, now approached.

"I will come back afterwards,” he said.

He seated himself under a tree, took up the ** Times,” lit a cigar, and trind to enjoy himself.

Hannah Rawlinson, a cross-grained, disagres able woman, who acted as Helen's nurse, passed him, and gave him an unfriendly glance. She carried shawls and cushions and busied herself for a time over her young mistress. As uha bont over her, Helen evidently said something in her ear, for a minute or two latar, to the young man's amazement, Hannah approached where he was sitting.

I should like to tell you, sir," she said, that agitation of any kind is exceedingly bad for my patient. She is far mere ill than you have the least idea of, and her malady is of a nature which must not to spoken of."

"What do you mean ?" he askel in natenish

ment.

She laid her fingers to her lips, and then sig- nificantly tapped her forehead.

The next instant she had left him." "Disgraceful! horrible thought Delafiel "She insinuates that Helen, with the calmest. clearest brain in the world, is insane. That I do not and will not believe,"

He bent f ward a little as the thought rash- ad through his mind. Helen looking calm as as calm could be, and more. beautiful than aver he had seen her, was discoursing with the Pro. fessor.

Kristofaki was a distinguished-looking man, with a long brown beard, and soft lair of the same colour swept away from a loft forehead His eyes were clear and of a bright brown. His features wore aquiline, his figure upright and graceful. He wore a ring with one single diamond on the small finger of bis left hand. The diamond flashed when he moved.

Kitty, who had accompa sied Professor Kris tulski to Helen's sofa, now nodded to the two and came slowly over in Delafield's direction.

How do you do?" she said. “I am so glad you are here. What a lovely morning.”

"It is," he replied, rising and offering her his sent.

She sank into it at once.

I must introduce you to our dear profes. "I consider that you will be sor," she said, much honoured by the chanen of his acquaint auceship. He is the most wonderful man in Europe.

"What is his speciality ?" asked Delafield.

He belongs to the medical profession.

Ah, Russian physician. When the Rus sians diagnose, they diagnose well.“

He does, emphatically." replied Kitty. * He has genias enough for anything.”

"Have you know him long, Ming Pem. bridge 2"

119

"Yos," the answered a little evasively, "since my childhood. But by the way, when are you coming to at Mount Edge, Ir. Delafield?"

Whenever you are good enough to ask me, Miss Pembridge.

"Come to-night, won't you?" “Thanks, I accept with pleasure."

Anne and Marjory are coming. Rupert won't be home, so will you chaperone your consins?"

*With pleasure."

He moved a little impatiently. Kitty gave him a lazy glance

"You can fetch another chair, if you like, abe.said, and sit near me. Professor Kristof

We may as well go to bed now," he said ski has a great deal to say to Helen, and I am abruptly,

Certainly

"Will you have a smoke ?" "No, thanks."

Then I will take you to your room.” They went upstairs by the back way. The room apportioned to Do afold was at the end of a corridor on the second storey. It was a apacious room with a wide bay window through Which the mosalight entered in long slanting besшs.

"I won't light my candle," he said. "The night will soon be over, and the moonlight is beautiful.

The

waiting to escort him homo for lunch. By the way, what do you think of Helen ? Do your ba love that she is seriously ill P ̈*

Her nerves are out of order."

"Oh, yes," said Kitty with a laugh. "That is what all doctora say at the present time. We all suffer from serves of sorts; but her paralysis is particularly, sad, poor darling.”

Delafield was silent.

*She feats it dreadfully continued Kitty, for by nature she is so active." Still Delafield did not speak,

You have great influence over her, Delafield," said Kitty then.

Mr.

"Do you ask me to make you a promise?" "I should like it beyond words. You are no ordinary man, I have spoken to my dear pro- fessor about you, and he agrees with me. I would like you to make me a promise in the dark."

Kitty gave a nervous laugh, "That is about all," she said.

To be continued)

MEN-OF-WAR ON THE CHINA AND JAPAN STATION.

AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN,

Asporn, cruiser, 2437 tone, 20 gans, 7300 h.

Capt. Friedrich Grinzenberger, Singapore Kaiserin Elisabeth, cruiser, 400 tons, 29 g,

0 h.p., Captain Mirti, Japan

FRENCH. Acheron, armoured gunboat, 1796 tons, 10 guns,

1700 h.p., Lient, Forret. Saigon Alouette, gunboat, 300 tons, 7 guns, 100 h.p.,

Liout, A. Varuoy, Saigon Argue, gunboat, 123 tone, guns, 500 h.p,

Lieut. Jeanuel, Cautón

Aspic, gunboat, 475 tons, 3 guas, 450 h.p.,

Lient. Méart, Saigon Avalanche, guabost, 140 tone, 5 guns, 150 h.p.,

Παίρδους Brionnette, gunboat, Lieut. Loftero, Saigon Bengali, gunboat, 580 tone, 5 guns, 4 hp,

Lieut. M. da Vignaur, Tourano Casse-tute, gunboat, 140 tons, & guna, 150 h.p., Carenade, gauboat, Lieut. Hus, Saigon

Saigon

Chateaurenault, craiser (flagship), 8018 tona, 18 guns, 17,000 b.p., Captain A. M. Poidlous, Saigon Cométe, gunboat, 525 tons, 4 guas, 438 hp,

Comdr. Louel, Haiphong D'Asses, ornis or, 4000 Low, 31 guns, 9500 b.p.,

Saigon

Decidée, gunboat, 645 tons, 10 guns, 1,000 h.p.,

Lient-Comdr. L'Eost, Hankow Estoc, gunboat, tone,gane,

b.p.

Liert. Mine, Haiphong Fronde, destroyer, 350 tons, 7 guns. 302 h.p.,

Lieut. Jeborne, Cinton Gueydon, cruiser, 9376 to 8, 36 guns, 20,200

h.p, Captain Goudot, Saigon Houri Riviere, gnnboat. tons, guos, —

h.p., Lient. Blaise, Haiphong Jacquin, gauboat, Lieut. Corlover, Haiphong Javeline, destroyer, 307 tons, 7 guns, 30 b.p.,

Lieut.-Coudr. Beaussaut, Canton Keranist, guubunt, 1250 tons, 6 guns, 2200 h.p.,

Comdr. Le Gallenr, Shanghai Montesim, cruiser (Vies. Admiral's flagship). 9700 tons, 12 guns, 19,600 h.p., Capt. Cros, Hongkong

Mousquet, destroyer, Lieut, Prat, Cauton Olry, gu boat, toos, — guos, — ḥ.p., Livur. Pascal; erniser, 4015 tons, 27 guns, 8500 h.p.,

Audemard, Yengtse

Comdr. Chevalier, Haiphong Peiho, ganboat, Lieut. Lavissière, Tongku Pistolet, destroyer, Lient. the Reinach-Werth,

Canton

Redoutaba erniser, 9437 tons, 8 guns, 6071 h.p., Commodore C. P. M. Poidloüe, Saigon Siys, ervisor, 1796 tous, 10 gune, 1700 h.p.,

Condr. T.de Baliucourt, Saigon Sully, cruiser, 10,014 tene, 38 guns, 20,000 h.p.,

Captain Guiberteau, Hoihow Surprise, guabout, 6-9 tons, 2 guus, 900 b.p..

Lieut. Rogne, Hankow Taking, ganbuttons.

guos, b.p.

Lieut. —. Yangisze Takou, destroyer, Lieut. Gaillard, Saigon Vauban, cruiser, (reserve) 150 tons, 23 guns

4560 L.p., Lieut. Raty, Saigon Vigilante, gunboat, 123 tons, 7 guns, 540 h.p.,

Liva', Carol, Canton

GERMAN.

Bussard, cruiser, 1857 tons, 15 guns, 2900 b.p.,

Cowdr. Huss, Fatherland, gentont, tons, guns, hip,

Captain von Buelow, Wuhu

Furst Bismarck, (flagship), 11,000 tons, 36 guns, 14,000 h.p., Captain Prowe, Shanghai Geier, cruiser, 1776 tons, 15 guns, 2960 b.p., Hansa, oraiser, 6230 tons, 34 guus, 10,000 h.p.,

Condr, von Studaitz, Shanghai

Captain Waber, Hongkong Hortbs, cruiser, 6510 tons, 37 guns, 10,000 h.p,

Capt. Baron Schimmelmont, Hongkong Iis ganoat, 100 tons, 10 guns, 1360 h.p.,

Comdr. Baron von M. Hullessen, Canton

Jaguar, gaubont, 900 tons, 10 guns, 1300 ...

Commander Wilbrandt, Nanking Luchs, gunboat, 850 tons, 10 guns, 1341 h.p.,

Commander Krooncke, Hanko Mowe, gunboat, 1009 tons, 8 guns, $75 h.p.,

Commander vou Grumbkow, Manila Seeadler, erniser, 1640 tons, 15 guns, 800 h.p.,

Commander Persins, Tsingtau Theti, cruiser, 2600 tons, 14 guns, 8000 k.p.,

Captain Voit, Shanghai-

Tigor, gunboat, 300 tone, 10 gune, 1800 h.p.,

Commuuder Deimling, Amoy Titaniu, cruiser, Captain Schauke, Hongkong, Tsingtas, garboat, 170 ton, 5 guns, 130 h.p.,

Commander Giebber, Canton Vorwarts, guuboat, tous. 3 guns, 300 h,p.,

Lient. Scharf. Slaugkai,

ITALIAN,

Elba, erniser, 23011 2018, 10 guns, 7471 b.p.,

Captain Boren Bieci, Haiphong

Marco Polo, erniser, 360 tons, guns, .p.,

aptain Presbitero, Shanghai

Puglia, cruiser, 2408 tons, 9 gaus, 7600 h.p.,

Captain Pescetto, Chemaipo

PORTUGUESE,

Adamasior, cruiser, 1960 tons, 14 gaus, 400 hp., Captain d'Antas libeiro, Baukow Din, gunboat, 720 tons, 6 guns, 700 b.p., Capt.

Continho, Macao Vasco de Game, cruiser, 3020 tons, 20 guns, 6:00 h.p., Capt. Manuel Vasco de Carvalho, Shaoghai

RUSSIAN,

Amour, cruieer, 26.0 tons, guns, 4700 b.p.,

Commander Gramatchickoff, Port Arthur

|

Rasboinik, craisor, (training shipt, 133 tons, 10 guns, 1786 hp, Commouder Livon, Fort Arthur Retvizan, battleship, 12,902 tons,62 guns, 16,000

b.p. Rossi protected orniser, 12,200 tons, 68 guns, 17,000 h.p., Captain Sepolrennipoff, Vladi. Savastopol, battleship. 10,960 tons. 50 gaus,

19,600 h.p., Captain Serebrennikoff, Port Arthur Siwontch, gunboat, 950 tons, 2 guns, 1125 h.p.,

Lient -Comdr. Ivanoff, Port Arthur. Basarevitch, battleship, 13,110 tone, 68 guns,

16,300 hp.. Capt. N. Dabitch, Pori Arthur Zabiynlig, cruiser, 1930 tour, 15 guns, 1104h.p,

Commander Abramoff, Port Arthur

UNITED STATES,

Albany, cruiser, 3769 tous, 25 guns, 7500 hp..

Captain Dyer, Cavite Annapolis, gaubent, 1000 tons, 12 guns, 1927

hp. Captain Rohrer, Shanghaij Baicbridge, t-hd., 420 tons, 7 guns, 800 h.p.,

Liont, G. Williams, Mazila

Barry, t-b-d. 426 tong, 7 guns, 8000 h.p.,

Lient, Irwin, Manila" Callao, gunboat, 208 tons, 10 guns, 600 h.p.,

Lient. Diemaker, Hongkong

Chauncey, t. b.d., 420 tour, 7 guns, 8000 h.p.,

Lient. E. P. Jessop, Manila Cincinnati, ruizer, 8213 tons, 19 guns, 7500

hp., Captain G. B. Harber, Dale, t...d., 420 tons, 7 guns, 2000 hp, Lieut.

Garness, Manila

Deonantur, t-b.d., 420 tons, 7 gurs, 8000 h.p.

Lieut. A. W. Knox. Manila Eleano, guuboat, 560 tons, 10 guns, 6000 h.p.,

Lieut-Comdr. J. Hood, Shanghai Helens, gunboat, 1392 tons, 8 guns, 1989 b.p.,

Commander P. E. Sanyer, Canton Monadnock, monitor, 3990 tons, & gans, 3000

h.p., Captain Maban, Shanghai Monterey, monitor, 1084 tons 4 guns, 5244 h.p.,

Commander J. B. Milher, Carita New Orleans, ruizer, 3457 tous, 20 guns, 7500

h.p., Commander, Shanghai Oregon, cruiser, 10,288 tons, 45 guns, 11,111

b.p.. Captain Burwell, Shanghai Pampanga, gunboat, 201 tons, 3 guns, 250 h.p.,

Ensign J. E. Buss, Cavite Faragna, gunboat, 201 tous, 3 guns, 250 hp.,

Captain Bennett, Cavite Rainbow, erniser, 4000 tons, 14 guus, — h.p.

Captain J. D. Collins, Manila Haleigh, cruiser, 3213 tons, 18 guns, 7500 b.p..

Commander Marshall, Ceulpo San Francisco, cruiser, 4098 tous, 27 guns, 9913

h.p., Captain Very, Manila Vicksburg, craisar, 1000 tons, 13 guns, 1118 Lp, Commander Marshall, Shanghai Villalobos, gunboat, 347 tons, 3 guns, 600 h.p.,

Lient. H. A. Wiley, Yangtse Wilmington, gunboat, 1307 tous, & guns, 1894 b.p., Commandør A. W. Dodd, Manila Wisconsin, fagship, 12,000 tons, 50 guns, 12,600

b.p., Captain Clover, Shanghai

HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SHIPS IN THE CHINA SQUADRON.

Alacrity, despatch-boat, 1,700 tons, 10 gune, 3,000h.p., Com, B. M. Harbord, Hongkong Albion, battleship, 12,050 tons, 16 guns, Capt.

Fremantle, Weihaiwei. Algerine, sloop, 1,050 tons; 6 guns, 1,100 b.,

Comdr. Rowland Nugent, Yangtse Amphitrite, 1st class cruiser. 11,000 tons, 18,000 h.p., Capt. Charles Windham, CV,O., Weibaiwei.

Audromedia, cruiser. 12,500 ious, Capt. Nelson

Omwanaer, Waibaiwei Astraca, 2nd class cruiser, 4,360 tons, 10 guns,

7,000 1.b.p., Captain Lionel G. Tufnell Singapore

Bramble, gunhcat, 710 tone, 6 guns, 1,300 h.p., Lieut. Comdr. O. M. Makins, Yaugtsza Britomart, ganhout, 710 tons, 6 guns. 1,300 h.p..

Lieat.-Comdr. Thos. D. Pratt, Chemulpo Centurion, battleship, 10,500 tons, Capt. Fegen.

Waihaiwei.

Cressy, craiser, 12,000 tona, 16 gune, 21,000

h.p., Capt. Henry M. T. Tudor, en route Singapore

Espiegle, gunboat, 1,070 tons, 10 guns, Comar

Satow, Sts. Division

Fame, torpedo-boat destroyer, 360 tons. 6 guns, 5,700 h.p., Lieut.-Comdr. C. Asser, Hong- Roug

Fearless, gunboat, 413 tous, 12 guns, Comdr.

Vaughan ewes, Shanghui

Glory, battleship, 12,950 tons, 16 guns, 13,500 h.p., Captain A. W. Carter, en route Singapore

Handy, torpedo-boat destroyer, 260 tons, 6 guns,

4,000 h.p., in reservo

Hart, torpedo-boat destroyer, 260 tons, & guns,

4000 h.p., Weihaiwoi

Humber, storoship, 1,610 tons, Comdr, P. M.

Riadore, Hongkong

Iphigenia, 2nd class cruiser, 3,609 tous, Capt.

Fawckuer, Shanghai.

Janus, torpedo-boat destroyer, 280 tons, 6 guns, 3,900 h.p.. Lieut.-Comdr. J. A. Gregory, Weihniwei

Kinaha, river gunboat, 331 tons, Ldeut.-Comdr.

Christopher P. Metcalf, on Yangtze Leviathan, cruiser, 14,100 tons, Capt. Hou, W.

G. Stopford, Weihaiwai Moorhen, Fivez ganboat, 180 tons, 2 guns,

Lieut -Comdr. F. B. Noble, West River

Dean, battleship. 12,950 tons, 18 gans, 13,500

i.hp., Captain Greet, C.M.G., Weihaiwsi Otter, torpedo-boat destroyer, $50 tons, in

resorro

Phonir, gloop, 1,015 tons, 6 guns, 1,100 h.p.,

Comdr. J. Nicholas, Yangtse

Rambler, surreying-ship, 583 tons, Comdr."

Cha, E. Monro, Labaku Riuzido, sloop, 380 tons, 6 guns, Comdr. V. 9.

Aubyn Wako, Shanghai

Robin, river gunboat, 85 tons, 2 guns, 240 h.p., Lieut.-Coude. Vaughan, Wast Rivar Rosario, sloop, 80 tons, ti guns, 1,400 k.p.,

Comdr. Divian Manila

Sandpiper, river gunboat, 85 tons, 2 guns. 240 b.p.,Lieut.Cumdr. L. W. Joans, West River

We Askold, cruiser, 6000 tons, 27 gans, 246.00 h. Birius, 2nd class cruiser, 3,600 tona, Capt. U. II.

"I have known her for a long time. moon will set in half an hour," said

have been friends from childhood." Expert. Wall, good-night."

"Then what do you think of her case now? I want Do you believe her to be seriously in? you to tell me."

I can't tell you until I know more about har symptoms, and her recent life. She has evidently been subjected to a very severe shock, probably while she was in Russia. That is the inference likely to be arrived at, ceeing that she was quite well when she went, and ill when she returned.

The cousins parted. Delafield seated himself on the wide window ledge, and looked out into "I believe," sail Eupert very slowly, "of the garden. Yes, dawn would soon arrive, but course I tell you this in confidence that Kitty he was not aleepy. Ho felt strangely wide will be mine if I can induce Helen to return to awake and terribly restless. He felt that tron. Petersburg with Professor Kristofski." ble was near, that the trouble touched Halen, and throught Helen, himself. He was oppressed by a sense of mystery now. Then he laughed at his own sensations. What possible mystery, what possible evil would touch a happy English gic in nu English home? Nevertheless, the She will give herself to you, and you will sensation that it did exist was very present with tako hor, at the risk of Helen's life-Helen, him. your sister!"

He put out his head, and looked eagerly **Nonsense, Delafield. There is no talk of across the lawn.” He saw, or fancied he saw, a with knowledge." Helen's life being in duoger. She wants to go shador more faintly under one of the trees. to Petersburg, Kristofski wants her to return, The next moment, with a gasp and a smothered Kitty wishes her to go. This is not a question exclamation, he put in his head again and re of life or death.".

mained absolutely still, for gliding across the Pardon me," replied. Delafield, "I con-

grass, moving with perfect ease, on a gal will sidor it very much a question of life and death,walk in almolut- health, he saw his cousin Helen and I, for my part, will certainly hot aid you. With grace and precision she went slowly said suddenly There is something very grave I believe I have some influence with Helen" forward. Presently, she reached the tree under that Helen and I-yes, Helen and have got which she had sin for so many hours that to do. We do not shrink-oh, not for a moment, afternoon. Ble turnst her hand into the bogom but we want the help of our friends, not the We claim the sympathy of the of her dress, took out a letter, and began to read hindrance.

he coloured as he spoke. I shall certainly use it, and against your wishes. Her life was in danger during a former visit to Russia; she must not return.'

But she wishes to," said Rupert irritably Ever since she has come back she has bann mying 80."

"Yes, it would not require a genius to come to that conclusion," said Kitty in a careless tune, Nevertheless, it is a wrong conclusion, Mr. Delattold. I say this emphatically and Delafield's eyes sparkded. He wondered what answer Kitty would make bin were he to tall her what he saw with his own eyes during the night that had just gone by. Kitty was silent for a minute, then she rose.

"I should awfully like you to help me," she

it. Afterwardsiehe paced up and down in the young. the enthusiastic. We will leave out lime-bordered footpath. Her dreas was whits, those who are old, those who cannot understand and Delafield saw it flash at intervala; he also what it is incumbent on us to perform Will heard the crunching sound made by her footfall you, or will you not help us ? '

Captain Reitzeuschtein, Shanghai

vosteck

Bayan, erniser, 7800 tona, 10 guns, 16,500 h.p.,

Port Arthur

Bogatyr, cruiser, 8040 tons, 12 guns, 19,500 b.p. Boyarin, cruiser, 320 tons, 1 guns, 18,000 b.p.,

Commander Sarutchef, Port Arthur

Dians, cruiser, 6781 tons, & guns, 5000.h.p.,

Suigon

Djigit, gunboat. 1456 tons, 3 guns, 1700 hp,

Captain Nasarowsky, Port Arthur Gaidamak, gunboat, 5 0 tons, 3 guns, 3500 h.f.,

Commander. Yourieff, Port Arthur Gremissteby, ganboat, 14 tone, 6 guns, 2000

b.p, Commander Zagurausky Gromohoi, cruiser, 12,384 tons. 44 guns, 14,599

hp, Captain Jessen, Vladivostock Guiliak, gooboat, 1000 tons, 6 guns, 1000 h.p.,

Commander Sibumoff Mandjour, ganboat, 1224 tous, 7 gaus, 1400 h.p.,

Commander Crown, Shanghai Otvajuy, gunboat, 1400 toas, 6 guus, 2 60 h.p.,

Commander Vasilioff, Port Arthur Pallads, cruiser. 6630 tons, 34 grua 11,610 hp,

Captain Kossowitch, Port Arthur Peresvist, battleship, 12,674 tons, 60 guna, 14,500

b.p., Captain Korola, Port Arthur Pobeds, battleship, 12.074 koos, 60 guns, 14,500 by, Capuiu Zatzarcieng, Port Arthur Poltavu, battlechiy, 10,000 tons, 50 suss, 10,600

h.p., Caplain Oaeroff, Port Arthur

|

H. Moore, Shanghai

Snipe, river gun-boat, 85 tons, 2 guns, 240 h.p., “Lieut.-Comdr. Ernest W. G. Davidson, on

Yangtsze

Taku, torpedo-hoal destroyer, 250 tonz, 6 guns,

5,600 h Hongkong

h P.... Tamar, receiving ship, 4,600 tons 6 guns,

Commodore C. G. Diokon, at Hongkong Teal, river gunboat, 180 tons, 2 guns, Lieut.

Comdr. E. F. R. Dugmore, on Yangtze Thetis, cruiser, 1,400 tona, Capt J. C. A.

Wilkinson, Weihaiwei

Tweed, gunboat, 362 ton, 3 guns, 200 h.p.

Lieut.-Comdr. R. H. Keate, on Yuugtszé Vengeance, battleship, 12,95 tons, 13 geny, 33,500 i.b.p., Capt. L. C Stourt C.M.G., Hongkong

Vestal, sloop, 980 tons, 10 guna, 1,400. k.p.,

Comdr. Stuart St. J. Farquhar. Yongtaze Virago, torpalo-boat destroyer, 360 tone,,

in reserve Waterwitch, surveying-ship, 620 tons, 450i.h.p...

Comdr. E. C. Hardy, at Weiluiwoi Whiting, torpedo-boat destroyer, 960 tons, & gaos, 5,000 b.p.. Livut. Comdr. Wells, en route Hongkong Wivern, coast deferee ship, armoured, 2,750 tons,

1,000 hp., in reserre, ut Hongkong

Woodcock, gaubeat, 150 tons, 2 gans 650 h.p.,

Liant Com. Hugh Somerville; Yangtze Wordlark, gunboat, 150 tons, 2 guns, 550 b.p.,

Lieut-Gain. Wason, Yanglaze