[ALL RIGHTS RESERVED]
THE BLACK RIBBON..
BY
LT. MEADE.
(Author of “A Woman in Grey," &e.)
SYNOPSINOVINKTAMMUNTI, and II. Maurice Doln field, a young dictor of great proniso, is in love with hie consit, Holon Lumedale, who, after a six months' visit to Russia, has returned physioul wreck, Int will not comment to one any specialist. anil Maurice susprats that he is not as illis'sh appear. Helen, after hinting at Ho mysterious work sha bas to perform, makes her asin promise his maintance through thick and thin. As soon as he los given his word he learns that Professor Kristofeld, in whose household Holan stayed whilst in St. Petersburg, is Meanwhile Expert, to visit her on the morrow. Helen's brother, in an interview with Kitty Pem bridge, with whom he is deeply in love, has promised to do all in his power to render it easier for his sister lo return to Bus. The young man tells Maurice of this promise, which adds to the intlor's name of mystery, which again is greatly detpenol by him soc- ing Helen during the night, walking in the garden ak though for oxorcise, Daring a conversation between Helen and Kristofaki, Kitty tries to extract a promiso from Maurice of n naturo similar to that he las already given to Halen, urging that they are in need of true, young friends.
CHAPTER IV
17
THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, 1904.
your life when you reach that standpoint | everything else is easy. You soc, Miss Launs. dale, you cannot do more.
"But life is a great doul to offer up." "Not too much"
Helen was silent. Again she took up her glass, her fingers vote shaking. She signed
some wine.
It is a very strange poslilon," she said then, "and a year ago I knew nothing of it." Would you go back a year, miss "I don't think so."
м
"Yon have seen, and you know." "I have seen and I know, Rawlinson, and I would not go back. But I want to ask you, just for my own satisfaction, a questen or two. You speak English like a native. How is that?
The woman smiled.
·
My mother was u Russiau," she said, but my father was a Scotchman, His name was Scotch-my name is really Rawlinson. He lived until I was fourteen years of age, and le taught me his own tongue. But I can talk in Bassian far better than I can in English.. I know French like a native, and Gorinon as though I were to the muoner born."
"You are a very clever woman. You are not really a servant."
A servant to the cause, and therefore to you, miss. And now may I ask you a question, and then give you a word of advice !**
Ask me the question Ärst '
"That young ma-Dr. Delafield ?" "What of him?" said Helen, looking up eagerly.
Is he your lover, misu ?” "No.
"Miss, you make a muistake. You know well thut his hoart is yours."*
Marjory flung herself on the grass, and looked smilingly up at her parent. She was a bright, very fresh-looking girl. She glanced from Helen to Mrs. Lumadale again.
"Kitty pat a note into my hand when she was going away," continued Marjory, "and Auno and I are just wild with excitement What do you think this day wook-yos, this day week the Pembridges are going to give a fancy ball in the grounds at Meant Edge, and they want us all-everyone of us--to be there. And they say that they'll contrive that Holen shall comin also. Oh, won't it be exciling? You'll let us, you won't wind, will you ?"
I don't suppose I shall mind. We are very good friends with the Pembridges. Will that Russian gontleman have gone
"No, that's the best of it. It's because he's staying at Mount Edge that they're giving the ball. You won't mind our going, will you, mother?"
· What does Helen say "
"You shall certainly go, if you like, Marjory, and I'll try and think out a very original dress for you.”
"Oh, you dear! How sweet that will be! Anne! I say Anne: Cone hore!"
nne's merry laugh was heard at a little dis- tance, then she also appeared in view. She was carrying a basket of flowers which sho Ind just oat in order to adorn some of the vases in the houso, ahil had placed it coquettisbly on her head. Sprays of clematis and other lovely
Bowers fell about her neck and shoulders.
If only, Anne, you could appear looking just as you are now, at the Pembridges ball, you would be the beauty of the evening," said Helon with admiration.
Anno 'laughed,
--
"We are going. We are going!" said Mar Perhaps so, perhaps se! He would be.myjory. Mother approves-Helen is all that is
spoke. "It would be lovely if you did come with me. Yes, it would be delightful. You could help me,'
"Would it really ? Yone mother bus gous sway into the hense. Someone has called her. Sho knows nothing of this resolve of yours!"
"She knows nothing as yet, but I will tell her before I go. When the time comes you will leave mo to break the news to my father and mother. Anyhow I have your solemn word that you do not reveal anything."
"I bave promised to be faithful to you, and I will not roreal anything until you give me
leave."
"You can't imagine what a comfort you are now that you are liere. I don't know how I to me, Maurice, and how much happier I am lived without you all these years. Only I feel terribly selfish, for you have the world before you."
That is quite true, madam," said a new voice, and Helen looked up with a frown between her pretty brows.
What is it. Rawlinson P What are you do-
ing !"
Bringing your tea, madam. Some visitors have unvel, and Mrs Lansdale has to onter tuin them, so I have bronght your tea myself. Perhaps Mr. Delafield will have it with you."
That I will with pleasure," said Delafield. Rawlinson ave him a peculiar glance. By ni bye she left the young people together.
There's not the least doubt that my young mistress is failing in love with him, that, we shall have trouble, and that our plans will be jeopardised," sho said to herself. I must give. the Professor a word of warning. Oh yes what the professor says will come to pass. He doesn't like that young Dr. Delafield.
What chauce has an Englishman who opposes us when once he sets foot on Russian soil
Oh, I wouldn't break his heart or ruin his life," was Rebecca's rejoinder.
You leave it to me. And now ono word, and then you must return to your mistress. We leave England the night after the fancy ball, and if necessary Helen Imasdale goes without her parents' consent, I don't think that will be necessary, for my whole tohemo is fully ripe, the reason for the paralysis and everything else. I will see you again. This is Wednesday- will go you on Saturday night here, and at the same hear to report progress. Keep your eyes. open. I am glad you have told me, and I shall be on my guard. But the Englishanan! Pouff! he is nothing, A featherweight, no move!”
די
To be continued)
HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S SHIPS IN THE CHINA SQUADRON. Alacrity, despatch-boat, 1,700 tons, 10 gun, 3000 h.p., Com. R. M. Harbord, Hongkong Albion, Lattleship, 12,050 tons, 16 guns, Capt.
Fremantle, Weihaiwei,
9
Haiphoug Avalanche, gunboot, 110 tons, 5 guns, 150 b, p. Baionnette, gunboat, Lisut. Lefèvco, Saigon Bengali, gunboat, 680 tons, 6 gnus, 100 h.p..
Lieut. M. du Vignaux, Tourane Caronade, gunboat, Lisat, Hue, Saigon Casse-tete, gunboat, 140 tons, 5 guns, 150 h.p...
Saigon guns, 17,000 b.p., Captain A. M. Poidleile, Chateaurenault, cruiser (flagship), 3018 tone, 18
Saigon
Comote, gunboat, 525 tous, 4 guns, 438 L.p.,
Conde. Louel, Zeplong D'Aasan, oruis er, 4000 tons, 31 guss, 9500 h.p.,
Saigon
Decidée, gunboat, 645 tons, 10 guns, 1,000 h.p.,
Lieut. Comtr. East, Hankow Estoc, gunbout, -lous, gans,
-hap Lieut. Mère, Haiphong Fronde, destroyer, 350 toas, 7 guns, 303 h.p.,
Lieut. Joheune, Caton Gueydon, cruiser, 9375 tors, 36 gnus, 20,200
h.p. Captain Goudot, Bigon Henri Riviere, gunboat, tons, → guns, —
b.p., Lient. Blaise, Haiphong Jacqnin, gunboat, Lieut. Cor cu r. Haiphong
Líout. Comdr, Beaussant, Culcor Comdr, Rowland Nugent, Yangtse Algerine, sloop, 1,050 tons. 6 guns, 1,100 ... Javeline, destroyer, 307 tous, gaus, 30 h.p.. Amphitrite, 1st class cruiser. 11,000 tous, 18,000 Kersaint, guabon, 1250 tous, 6 gans, 2200 h.p.,
Comdr. L Gollear, Shanghai hp, Capt. Charles Windham, 27.0.Moutem, cruiser (Vico Admiral's legship), 9700 tons, 12 guas, 19,800 b.p., Capt. Crǝs, Hongkong Mousquet, destroyer, Liut. Prat, Canton Oly, gu boat, tons,
→gaos, -h.p., Lieut.
Weihaiwai.
Andromedia, cruiser, 12,500 tons, Capt. Nelson
Oumanney, Weihaiei Astrata, 2nd class crujaor, 436) tous, 10 guns,
7,000 lt.p., Captain Lionel G. Tafnell sługujra. Bramble gonboat, 710 toos, 6 guns, 1,300 h.p.. Jinut-Comdr. O. M, Makins, Yangtze Britorart, gunboat, 710 tons, 6 guas, 1,300 h. Lanul.-Comdr. Thos. D. Pratt, Chemalpa
Audomard, Yangtse Pascal, cruiser, 4015 tons, 27 guns, 8300 h.p,
Comdr. Chevalier, Haiphong Pello, gunboat, Linut. Lavissière, Tongku Pistolet, destroyer, Lieut. de Reinach-Werth,
Canton
yet round her secret, to try to get admissions faithful friend. Do you think it is necessary delightfel. Oh, what fun! What splendid fun!" wlien Maurice, tired out with his long vigil of Couturien, battleship, 10,50 tons, Capt. Fege Redoniable, cruiser, 9137 tone, 8 guns, 6071 h.p.,
An hour later Maurice Delafield found himself walking back across the meadows' accompanied by Miss Pembridge and Professor Kristofuki. He did not wish to go, he felt that he disliked both his companions The strongest desire of his heart at that mement was to sit near Helen and talk to her, if not absolutely about her secret, from her lips, and at the same time to keep on essuring hor, if not by words, yet by look and manner, that he loved her, but he would be true to her come what would, and that her de- sires and aims and ambitions must be shared by him. He had not dared, however, to re- fuse Kitty's imperious demand that he should accompany them to Mount Edge: Helen might have said a word, bat she did not. On the con- trary, she had smiled and said in a gentle tong
"I am so glad you are going, Maurice. Mount Edge is such a delightful place, and son will enjoy a talk with the Professor-my- Pro. fessor, us I call him. Professor dear" she said at the same instant-and the Russian. with a courtegy which no Englishman could emulate, bent towards her--ray F introduce my special friend, Dr. Maurice Dolstield.":
"We are in the same profession, shy," said the Professor, raising his brows for an instant, and giving a keen glance at the young" •suan.
A few minutes after this they started n their walk. Helen gavo a sigh of ratisfaction.
Mother," she said, turning to her parent, who was coming across the lawn, I want Nurse Bawlinsou, 1 am tired; I have done a good deal this morning.
You are always tiring yourself and wearing yourself out, my darling," said Mrs. Lulasdale. No, mother, on the contrary, 1 am keeping up the interest of life. I could not stand a lizy, do-nothing life."
Well, dearest, you have seen the professor, your great friend. When does he return to Russia?"
"I don't know. I think in a fortnight."
Masting him was too much for you, Holan Your hand is trembling, I will sond nurse to you immediately. She shall bing you your port wine, and you must drink it, and then lie quiet, dear."
for me to draw him into the toils--de you think it is woll?
"I'd just as soon you left him out of them. miss. To tell you the truth I don't like him.
"What do you menu, Rawlins?" said Helen
eagerly.
"I don't fake to him because he's honest, and honest people can't help ns. And he never be afristic, huppen what may; and we want fanatical people. You leave him out, miss. Don't draw him in. Let bim go his own life. That's my counsel."
Helen's face underwent a garions change.
She no longer locked with sympathetic eyes A hardness came over her at lier maid. mouth, and her eyes were slightly narrowed, as though she were hiding a weakness of her heart. Rawlinson tupped her feet on the ground. Inwardly she was saying to herself
If my young wistress isn't in love with Dr. Manrico Delafield she is very nearly so. Through that avenue comes the real danger. I must do what I can to saver the connection."
Helen settled her pillow more comfortably under her head. A faint colour had risen to her cheeks. The girls wonted themselves neer, and soon the three heads were bout close together, while they argued and dilated on first this and
then the other style of dress.
By and bye Marjory ran to the house to fetch a big illustrated book of costanes of different ages and periods. Aone shouted to her to bring some of Shakespeare's plays too. They wore all enquiry and chatty when the gong sounded
for lunch.
"Did ever a morning pass so quickly eriel Marjory. I think if you do really approve, Halen, that I'll be I aly Jane Grey.
And I'll be Dolly Varden," exclaimed Anne. "I'm glad you think I should make a good representation of beautiful Lady Jane Grey" continued Marjory. "I always did admire her
character so immensely By the way. Helen. Maurice said I was to tell you that he'd be back not later than three o'clock, and that he intends to read to you all the aftorneor. Won't you enjoy that
Yes," said Holen in a low voice.
Soon after eleven o'clock that night, when the entire Lumadalo family had retired to sl the night before, was in a sound sleep, and Helen herself, no longer restless, but soothed and peaceful by the knowledge of her cousin's presence and the assurance of his love, was also maid Rawlinson, took up a cloak, and glided, sleeping the sleep of the just, l-beirad from the house.
It is very easy in our present English homes for thuse who wish to be deceitful to carry unt their designs. On Rawlinson's part it was bui open it softly, and then leave it about an inch to remove the fastening from a window and open after she got out on the other side, and it shrubbery, and presently to find herself in an was a still easier matter to cross by the duck open fiel, and then to seek a path across that same field, to cross another in the further dis tance, and by and bye to arrest her steps under that champ of oak trees which were celebrated all over the county and which stone within few feet of Mount Edge estate.
There was a rough stone seat under the centre tree, und Rawlinson was guided now to the exact spot by the flicker of a cigar, and the fra- grant scent of tolaceo.
!
Waibalwei.
h.p., Capt. Hears M. T. Tudor, en roste Cressy, cruiser, 12,000 tons, 14 guns, 21,00
Singapore
Sstow, Sts. Division Fame, torpedo-bout destroyer, 360 tone, 6 guus, Espiele, ganbout 1,070 tons, 10 guns, Comp.
5,700 h.p., Lieut. C. mdr. C. Asser, Houg Jong
Fearless, gunboat, 113 tons, 12 gaus, Comdr.
Vaughan i ows, Shanghai h.p., Captain A. W. Carter, en route Glory, tattleship, 12,950 tons, 10 guns, 13,500
Singapore 4.000 h.p., in reservo Handy, torpede-boat destroyer. 200 tʊns, & guns, Hart, torpedo-bust destroyer, 260 tons, 6 guns,
4000 h.p., Weihniwei Hamber, storeship, 1,640 tons, Comdr. P. M.
Riadore, en route Wakaiwei
Iphigenia. 2d class cruiser, 3,000 tons, Capt.
Fawcknor, Shanghai.
3,800 h.p., Lient.-Comdr. J. A. Gregory. Janus, torpedo-boat destroyer, 230 tous, & gunt.
Weihaiwel
Kinsla, river gunbrat, 331 tons, Lient-Comdr. Christopher P. Metcalf, on Yangtsze Leviathan, cruiser, 14,10 tons, Capt. Hoo, W.
G. Stopford, Weihaiwei
"You know, of course, miss," she said aloud, that we have only another fortuight. But Í will learn all particulars from the Professor to-night. And now there is one thing more. You must not take your exercise any longer on the front lawn."
"Oh. Rawlinson, that is true. I forgot to Maurice Delafield sut noar his cousin's side quiet and motionless a few paces from the Pio corben, river gunbout. 150 tons, 2 gun,
CHAPTER Y
During the entire afternoon that followed, mention it to you. I was out there last night, reading snatches from a big volume of poetry. I was simply mad-Dad to walk about I He could read as few men could, with a musical intonation, and could give the full and entire could not control the sort of trembling of my limbs for movement, for activity. And he saw meaning to each word. Helea listoned quietly. mo-wy cousin. I tried to put him off. You Oneo as she glanced at the reader and noticed Be it is impossible for ine now not to be friends the extremely uobin build of his head, and the massive brow, the classical fear res, a troubled with him. You see that for yourself,'
"Here comes your mother, miss, and weigh ron to her lips, which, however, she was Presently Delafield closed the book rad mustn't be seen talking any more. By the way most careful not to utter. a new box of books has come from Mudies,
it oked at her. Shall I fetel you one?"
Mrs. Luusdule went into the house. Hulen's eyes followed her. There was no one in signt-I the girls were away, busy over a thousand occu pations. Her father had gone to town as usual, so for that matter had Rupert. Heleu's eyes darkened and deepened with a sort of suppressed excitement as the gazed, then, raising herself frem Ler lying position, she sat up on her sofa, and looked across the distant fields. She could see, like specks in the distance, he figures of the professor, of Kitty and of Delafield.
It seems eruel," she said between her lips. It seems crnol to him. But it must conio.
Vietins must be offered up it is indispensable, He must go the way that others have gone And yet, it is cruel to him It is really cruel In the end he will be poken of as one of the martyrs who helped a nation. Poor Maurice! Tthink I could, under other auspices, have loved him. As it is, I have to simulate what I do not feel. But all is worthy in the right canso."
"You had best lie down, miss, you can never tell when people will be hovering round." said the voice of Rawlinson at that moment.
She was a very hard featured woman, with red hair, a much freck'ed fuce, and with the slightest possible east in one eye, not sufficient to really disfigure lor. but quite enough to cause people to liave their attention arrested by her face and to make them look at her again and, again, and never afterwards to forgot her. all respects she was as great a contrast to He'en Tumsdale as one woman can be to another.
In
Here's your wine, miss, and Tve brought you a couple of the bisenits you most faney.
Rawlinson placed them on a little table at Helen's Ride. "Helen carelessly broke a biscuit in two, and put it to her lips. Then she sipped
her wine.
Your mother thinks that you are very tired, ntisz."
"So I am. I am going through a good deal. You must understand that, Rewlinson."
"Bless you, mise," said Rawlinson, "I haven't lived with ladies, so to speak, in your position, with what you have got to do, for nothing. I know the feeling, my dear."
"I want to ask you a question, Rawlinson," said the girl. You came to me two months ago?
**Yes."
"Rawlinson." said her young mistress—" you represented yourself as a Yorkshire woman."
"Yes." "You bore an excollant character."
"I fancy I did. Have I not given you satis faction?"
For the first fortnight I did not like you, Rawlinson: Then, oh, you remember that night in May?"
"I do." said the woman, a queer, softened expression flitting across her fac
You told me then what you were, why you had core, and who had really sent you."
"Professor Kristofski,"
"I know," said Helen. After that things were easier."
"I doubt now," said the woman, "whether I did right to tell you the truth, but it seemed to me to be the best thing to do in the long run. "I haven't yet spokon to the Frofessor. I will get his opinion to-night. I am to meet him an the emmon outside Mount Edge at olevon o'clock. There's a clump of oak trees there,
Do. please. Rawlinsen. Ak, mother dear. am very much better for my lunch." Mrs Lumsdele sat down by her danghter. She took up her needleirork and began to work. Now and then she looked up and talked gently. She was, of course, anxious about Helen, but not intensely so. The girl was so gentle and uncomplaining, and certainly did not look worse day by day, and she was inclined to believe that here was only a case of nerves, that she really only required rest to be quite well again. "Well, darling." she said. I hope you are a happy girl. You have had your own way on a most mementous point, and for a fortnight wo will not speak any more of the great. Londva specialist and his visit.
Thank you so much, mother dear." "And, Neil. my child, you owo this to your good cousin Maurice. What a dear, charming. olever fellow he is."
Indeed you are right, méther,
"
Well, Nell," he said with a smile," how have you enjoyed it?"
"Ob, vory much. Orly you must forgive pie, Maurice, I did not listen all the time.”
I did not menu that you should. I wante you to dose off, to slumber, to forget yourself at any rate,”
I could never forget myself, that is the worst of things"
་
"I know it, Holen. Oh, Helen!" continued the young man, letting the volume ship to the ground and beading towards ber, "why do you give me only half confidences. Why don't you tell me everything."
I am not aware that I concal things." Not aware that you conecal things after Inst night!*
You must not talk of that-not at present.” "On one condition "And what is that?"
"Will you indeed?" he asked eagerly. "Will you faithfully promise ?
That you tell me everything sono day," Some day is ragno," sid Eelen slowly. "I feel as though he were a son of my own,) continued Mrs. Lumalale. Your father and I"Suppose I promise to tell you in three months are delighted to welcome him back. The more time." friendly you can be with him, the Lappier for yourself, Helen. Young people ought to asso ciate with young people, and I always hold it as one of my maxims, that the more the sexes mingle and have to do with each other, the hot- ter and the happier and the more natural things will be. I rm very fond of Maurice, and your father thinks he will do well in his career.""
"I will faithfully promise. I will tell you all there is to tell in three months from now."
For answer he took a small almanac from his pocket, put a mark against a date, and returned it to its place.
That's well enough," he said, "I shall hold you to it, remember."
And so ura I ind of Maurice," said Relen.
She smiled and did not reply.. Her mother looked at her. After a pause
Now let me tell you," continued Maurice she said
Helon, I must, speak. It is only to sea yonwhat I think of Professor Kristofski. I had together to be sure of his feelings for you. Now, if it were in any way possible that yo could return his attachment, your father and I. wald welcome him as u son of the house with raptures."
Mother, there is no use in talking about. this, for I shall never marry. How could a girl in my condition even think of such a thing
But Maurice says, and Im sure he i right, that the state of your health is but tem.* porary, Holen, darling, we will talk of no THAT- riage at present, but some day-and when that time comes, if you could faney Maurice, how happy you wousi make your old parents. You must forgive me for mentioning the thing. 1 wouldn't were you not nu heiress."
And what difference does that make ?" "A great deal, for a man with all the honor in his inture that dear Maurice possesses would hesitule long before offering himself and his comparatively small prospects to a woman, with so rauch money."
That is quito kely, mother, although of course it would be absurd, for it is the man him self and not his money that the wi man wants But there, we needa't talk of it, for what you wish can never, never be, although I ani fond of dear old Maurice all the same."
"Flow.different he is from that dreadful Ras- sian professor. I can't imagine how you can like him. And he is old, too, although not so old as I expected."
"In reality he is not old at all. He is not forty yet."
En
"My dear Helen, and you are twenty-one! What possible interest esu you have in old enough to be your father?"
"He does interest me profoundly as a learned man, us a very noble man, as one she has put and it's dark in the middle. It's there we are his hand to the plough."
to ment. He's coming to give me directions, ! "You are always talking is that mysterions,
so you needn't be troubled."
is possible for me to carry them out ?"
un-English way. I wish with all my heart that
try,"
Do you think, Rawlinson, do you think it you had never set foot in that detestable coun
Just at that moment Marjory Lansdale ran across the lawn.
Why, of course, Miss Lamsdale, you are i bound to, and you know it."
th, I know it, but some things are too. bard."
Nothing is too hard," answered the other woman, "when you are prepared to offer up
"Oh, mother, here you are, talking to Helen; Are you in a very good humour-the very best
"What do you mean, child.!"
Is that you. Rawlins n?" said a voice. She stopped, untwined a wrap which she wore round her head, let her cloak drop and stood
fessor.
"Any news, Rebecca Rawlinson?" "We have need to be cautious," said the won un after a pauso.
In what way? Is there any danger of my plans not succeeding?
There is considerable danger if you allow that Englishman, Dr. Delafield, to become your confdant.
"Indeed! Is that so: sit down, my good Rabeeen and tell me more,
"Thnow what I know, Professor. The most important person at present to carry out our schernes and to fulfil our wishes is Helen Lmus. dalo. She has got a passionate heart, as nsitive nature, a big sympathy, an absolute power of Sho also has money. Wo self abnegation, want all that her woman's heart can give, and
also her money."
That is quite true, and I presume that we have all that for women's heart can give, and her money."
Do you, Frofessor Kristalski," said Rawlin son, after a pause, want a divided heart?"
Her heart is mine, What do you mean? girl"
Up to the present it is, but it won't be for long, he te falling in love with that handsome young Englishman, her cousin, Dr. Delafield."
Indeed Are you sure?" "I know it!"
The Professor at quite quiet. He took the cigar from his mouth, wip doff the ash which had accorñlated at the other end, and restored You always were a nervous and apprehensive it one again to his lips and smoked tranquilly. perscu," he said. I, myself, seo no danger,"
"You are our head, Professor. To go against your wishes would meat death to several, I, least of all, would oppose you. I who have been your servant from my youth up. But I just tell you how matters stand, and then we can rest on your guidanco.
"Maurice Delafield evidently cared for his cousin, Helen Lurusdalo, years ago. Her appar- ent delicacy, her pallor, her beautiful face, struck tire to his passion when he arrived yester day. What was a young man's ordinary attach- went to a bountiful woman is now a strong He believes that
a walk with him."
If you are going to say things in his fav-man's most intouse first love. our I will listen, but not otherwise."
He is very intellectual; he has been highly trained; he is a remarkably dover physician,"
You are right."
He is a man possessing a great deal of las-
And
cuation"
"You are right," said Helen again.
In particular he could attract women. Perhaps," said Helun dubiously. yet, Maurice, in his wonderful salons at Peters burg, men cluster round him, men of all sorts, men of all ages, of all shades of thought. Ah, if you could have heard him then!"
That is probable, but the men were for eignors. A foreigner and an Eagishman mo a the poles saunter. I doubt if he would attract Englishmen."
Has he not attracted you, my dear cousin?" "I am interested in him," said Maurice eva sively.
But interest does not mean liking." Hole", I will say it-I do not like him. I do not like him because. I de not trust him."
"We won't talk of him any more," said Helen. Here comes tea and mother, darling
mother!"
"One minute before your mother arrives. He spoke a good deal about you, and he said, Hulen my dear, he said that you were returning with them to Petersburg. Now I wish to my one thing, if you go-I go.”
"Oh, Maurice dear!"
his cousin is in danger, and is resolved to rescue her to any extent. In short, he has given up his future to her cause. He knows, too, that her paralysis is feigned."
"AL" said the Professor with a start, "and what madness has brought that about?"*
The madness which must always accompany the actions of such an impulsive girl as Helen She will Lumsdale. I warned her in vain. scarcely erinre the inuetion of her provent life; she can't see how all important it is from our point of view.'
"And yet there was no one more faithful," said the professor.
"That is so. She is faithful. She would die
willingly ten times over for our ease. Never theless, she is the sart of woman who in spite of herself, will betray us, if we are not careful." "You certainly have a wise head on your shoulders, Rebecca."
"I have need of it, living in these stormy dies. Well, to return to my story.
She would walk on the front lawn last night, and Delafield, the young man who is in- love with lor, saw her. You can inngine the rest."
The Professor dropped the end of his cigar. "Diable!" he cried, "What horrible erea. tares these women are. Trust them, and they deliberately set fire to a mine of gunpowder. What a fool! What a fool the woman is!"
"Things might have been worse, for Delafield "Have I zot promised to be your friend is faithful to her, and will not betray her. Ho, however, scents a mystery, and when she goes to vowed it, in short? If you go back with Pro-
Pe'ereturg, he fessor Kristofski, your cousin, Maurice Dots-
“Nonsense goes too." "He does unless you prevent it." field, goes on board the same ship, reaches the
And how am I to prevent it?" same destination, euters on the same life."
"Ab, would you indeed? And would you do
"I leave that to you. He is your adversary; He ja all this in the dark? Would you. Maurico?"
In the dark, if necessary, for I have refolved he does not even pretend to like you. to give my life up to you, at any rate for the Helen's lover-where she goes he will go. He present. You are surrounded by a hideous has made up his very strong mind—a mind that mystery. I don't like the aspect of thingsntali.will not be easily shaken.' Thave promised not to betray yon, and I have pro- mised myself to be your humble servant until I see you on frm ground. Perhaps then-ab; Holen, I don't want you to promise suything." "Of coures not," she said colouring as she
The Professor roan.
.
"I am glad you have told me, Rebecca," he said. "I think it is just possible that I can manage, if not in one way, then in another. Talk of Englishunen, and Englishmen's liborty!'
Lieut -Comdr, F. B. Noble, West River can, battleship, 12,950 tous, 16 gnas, 13,500 i. p., Captain Greet, D.M.G. Weihaiwei Otter, torpedo-boat destroyer, 350 tons,
resorve
Phoenix, sloop, 1,015 ions. 6 guns, 1.400 .p...
Comdr. J. Nicholas, Yangise Rambler, surveying-elp, 58 tons, Comdr.
Cha. E. Monro, Labuan Ripeldo, sleep, 980 tons, G guns, Comdr. D. S.
Aubyn Wake, Shanghai Robin, river gunboat, 85 tous, 2 guns, 21
1.p., Lieut. Comdr. Vaughan, West River Retario, sloop, 980 tons, 6 guns, 11,400 b.p.
Comdr. Divian, en route Singapore Sandpiper, river gunboat, 85 tous, 2 gaus, 2k,
b.
Teut-Comdr. L. W. Jones, West River
H. Moore, Shanghai Sirins, 2nd class cruiser, 3,500 tons, Capt. C. I Snipe, river gun-boat, 85 tons, 2 guns, 210 b.p.
Lient.-Comdr. Ernest W. G. Davidson
Yangisno.
Taku, torpedo-host destroyer, 250 tons, & gaus
5,000 hp, Hougkang Tamar, receiving ship, 4,600 tom. 6 gune,
Commodore C. G. Dicken, at Hongkong Comdr. E. F. R. Dugmoro, on Yangtze Teal, river gunboat, 180 tous, guns, Lieut- Thetis, eruiser, 3,100 tons, Capt. J. C. A.
Wilkinson, Weihaiwei
Tweed, gunboat, 362 tons, 3 gaus, 200 h.p.
Lieut. Comdr. R. H. Keate, on Yungisz Vengeance, battleship, 12,950 tous, 1 guns,
13,500 i.h.p., Capt. L. C. Stuart C.M.0., Bong hong
Vestal, sloop, 980 tous, 10 guns, 1,400.
Comdr. Stuart St. J. Farqalar, Yangtz Virago, torpedo-boat destroyer, 260 tons,
ìo reserve
Waterwitch, surveying ship, +20 tuns, 450 i.h.p..
Comdr. E. C. Bardy, at We haiwoi Whiting, torpedo-boat destroyer, 360 tors, 6 guns, 5,900 h.p.. Ligat, Comdr. Welz Hongkong
Wivern, crast defence ship, armoured, 2.750 tons,
1.000 h.p., in reserve, Hougkong Woodcock, gunboat, 150, tons, 2 guns, 550 hp.,
Lieut. Cowdr. Hugh Somerville, Yang(s Woodlork, gunboat, 150 tons, 2 guns, 550 b.p.
Lieat. Comdr. Weson, Tangise MEN-OF-WAR ON THE CHINA AND JAPAN STATION.
AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN.
Aspero, evniser, 2437 tons, 20 guns, 7800 b.p... Capt. Friedrich Grinzenberger, Singapore Kaiserin Elisabeth, cruiser, 4 00 tons, 29 gu
2000 b.p., Captain Mirtl, Japan
FRENCH.
Acheron, armoured gunboat, 1796 tona, 10 guos,
1700 L.p., Lieut. Ferret, Saigon Alouette, guubout, 300 tons, 7 guns, 400 L.p.,
Lieut. A. Varney, Saigon Argus, gunboat, 123 tons, guns, 500 h.p.,
Lieut. Jennus!, Canton
Aspie, gunboat, 475 tons, a gaps, 450 hp.,
Lieut. Méléart, Saigon
Commodore C. P. M. Poidloüo, Saigon Styx, cruiser, 1796 tons, 10 ganz, 1700 h.p.,
Comdr. T. de Baliacourt, Saigon Captain Guicertean, Hoitow Surpriss, gunboat, 6.0 tops, guns, 900 h.p., Solly, cruiser, 10,014 tons, 38 guns, 2-4,000, k.p.,
Lient. Rogno, Hankow Takiang, gaubt, tous, gans, -h.p.
Lieut., Yaugtszo Taken, destroyer, Lieut. Gaillard, Saigon
456 b.p., Lieut, Ruyé, Saigon Vigilante, gunboat, 123 tons, 7 guns, 500 h.p., Vanbau. cruiser, (resorve) 150 tons, 23 guns
Lieu, Coral, Canton
GERHAN.
"
Bus-ord, cruiser, 1857 tons, 15 gnus, 2900 h.p.,
Comdr. Hass, Fatherland, gnuboat, tons, guns, — hip.,
Captain ron Buslow, Wuhu
Farst Bismarck (gp), 11,00) tons, 35 guns,
14,000 b... Captain Prowa, Shanghai Conde, von Staduitz. Shanghai Geist, crais, 1776 tons, 15 gaus, 2960 h.p.,
Haue, cruiser, 6239 tags, is guss, 10,000,
Captain Weber, Hongkong Hertha, cruiser, 6060 Lona, 37 guns, 10, 00 h.p.,
Capt. Baron Schimmelasun, Hongkong Iltis, gaat oat, 100 lens, 10 guns, 1300 h.p.
Condy. Baron von M. Hallesom, Canton Jagnar, gunboat, 000 tons, 10 gaus, 1300 h.p.
Commander Wilbrandt, Nankieng Lachs, gunboat, 850 tons, 10 guns, 1344 h.p.,
Commander Kroencke, Hankow Mowe, gaubost, 1009 tons. 8 guns, 875 Lip,
Commander von Grumbkow, Manila Sesadler, cruiser, 1640 tons, 15 guns, 1800 h.p.,
Commander Persius, Tsingtau
Thetis, cruiser, 2660 tons, 24 gans, 2000 h.p.,
Captain Voit, Shanghai
Commander Deimling Amoy Tigor gunbooty 900 tons, 10 gana,. 1300 h.p.. Titania, cruiser, Captain schaake, Hongkong. Tsingtan, guutost, 170 tou-, 5 guns, 1300 h.p..
Commander Giebler, Canton Forwarts, gunboat, tous, & guns, 500 h.p.
Lieut. Scharf, Shanghai.
ITALIAK.
Elba, craiser, 2300 tons, 10 gans, 7471 h.p.,
Captain Boren Ricci, Haiphong Marco Polo, cruiser, 3800 tons, — gans, h.p.,
aptain Presbitero, Shanghai Puglia, erniser, 2138 tons, 20 gaus, 7000 h.p.,
Caplain Pescetto, Chenalpo
PORTUGUESE,
Adamaster, cruiser, 1960 tons, 14 guns, 4600 b.p.. Captain d'Antas Ribeiro, Hankow Diu, gunboat, 720 tome, 6 guns, 700 b p., Copt.
Coutinh. Macao
Vasco de Gems, cruiser, 3020 tons, 20 guns, 600 .p.. Capt. Manuel Yasco de Carvallic, Sharghai
RUSSIAN,
Amur, craiser. 26.0 toog, 5guns, 4700 h.p..
Commander Gramatehickoff, Port Arthur Askold, ernisor, 6000 tons. 27 gans. 24,000 h.p.,
Captain Reitzenachtein, Shanghai
Tostock
Bayan, raiser, 7800 tons, 10 gaus, 16,500 h.p.,
Port Arthur
Bogatyr, cruiser. 6640 fous, 12 guns, 19,500 b.p. Boyaria, cruiser, 320 tons, 19 guns, 18.00hp., Commander Sarntobeff, Port Arthur Diana, cruiser, 6731 tous, € guns, 8000 E.p.,
Saigon
Djigit, gunboat. 1456 fons, guns, 1700 h.p.,
Caplain Nasarowsky, Port Arthur Gaidamak, gunboat, 5 0 tons, 9 gans, 3500 h.p.,
Commander Youieff. Port Arthar Gromissleby, gunboat, 1400 tons, 6 guns, 2000-
1.p, Commander Zagorousky Gromoboi, cruiser, 12,364 tons. 44 guas, 14,509
h.p., Captain Jessen, Vladivostock Guiliak, gaabost, 1000 tonn, 6 guns, 1000 h.p..
Commander Stumoff
Mundjour, gunboat; 1824 tour, 7 guns, 1400 h.p...
Commander Crown, Bhanghai Otvajuy, gaaboat, 1490 tous, 6 gaus, 2000 b.p.,
ommander Vasili, Port rthor Pallado, cruiser 6630 tons. A guns, 11,010 h.p..
Captain Kesoriich, Port Arthur Peresciet, battlesh p. 12,67 tons, 60 guns, 14,500
hp., Captain Korole, Port Arthur
h.p. Capris Zatziciong, Port Arthur Pobeda, kattlesuip, 12.074 toas, 60 guns, 14,500 Foltara, battleship. 10,900 tons, 50 guae, 10,500
h.p., Captain Oseroff, Port Arthur
STATE EXPRESS
CIGARETTES
ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE IN THEIR QUALITIES.
Packed in Patent Vacuum Air Tight Tine of 50 Cigarettes, thereby retaining their magnificent favour in any climate.
KELLY & WALSH, Lt.
Obtainable from LANT, CRAWERA & CO., Ltd, Hong Kong. Manufacturers: ARDATH TOBACCO CO, LONDƐH, E.G.
1422-0
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