1911-04-22 — Page 7

URNA, THE GEISHA QUEEN,

OR

THE PLAY-GROUND OF PASSION,

BY CHARLES J. H. HALCOMME. Author of "The Mystic Plowory Land,” “Children of Far Cathay,”", cfd.)

CHAPTER XVI...

THE HONGKONG DAILY PRESS, SATURDAY, APRIL 22nd, 1911.

to

blush of pride fealing kim forward to show him round the ship.

1.

This romantic voyaging. was altogether delectable to liis adventurons spirit, and he fait himself quite an unwrecked Ulysses, on his way home from Troy, aboard this mediasral-looking craft and with so fair a Calypso as his companion. craft and not interes, the render were I to give a detailesi acconut of the passage, se in

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caught sight of him and gave a shout of waloame, and the skipper camerashing out of the saloon.

Well, I'm powerfully glad to see you back, Mr. Martan," he said as they coelially gripped hands, Aud how goes things?" said Merton quietly, "and I want you to be "We are to be married to-morrow, old frisad,''

bout mau,

I have much to tell you--much which you will hardly credit

I

ass

When the world becomes winor and learns rond the signs aright. the union of spirits will hold the feet of God's peoples in the divine path which He has prepared for ther. In your sored book, the Bible- translation of which is in this monastery you will see in the great and beautiful at the beginning that the paritable though only tempor earthly union is ary, but that the spiritual union is absolutely nasry and is blessed with eternal life and it la suffisient for me to say that it was conseguescos. For it teaches that the first the happiest time Merton had over spat

believe you,” sail the skipper, woman whom a man truly loves, and who loves his life, and it gave him an opportunity of giving his hand a congratulatory squeeze. “jou in in return, is really a fundamental part of studying Ucun's character more throughly look as if you had something more than his-coustition or his spirituai being a part For, after leaving the island, all her al reserve compradores" chits. Things are lironing up hero its drums and bugles and artillery practice all of his own destiny and he of hors-and wist and reticence were laid asido and her frank and sooyer happens, whether they marry or not, affectionate sature was manifested in a variety day in The Japs mean business, you may their union has been solemnizul in heaven and of ways which charmet him and more closely lay to that! they are no longer free to love or wel another.pensated their attachment. But on uuring The giris youder." he added, níolding to- I ran only add, in conclusion," he said with and there was one thing which appeared towards this geishas home,have often hen He readily consented and cat "onds dressma) Lindl. A Jamy was burning dimly in the slici sin, tint you carry with you cast a gloom over her and that was the frequent board making kind inquiries about you."

'old man's bonediction, mad that day by day, passing of junks gul stmpers &led with troops; the objset of my jouruer

"Do you think," wil Morton, “they guessel room, but on looking out of the window he sw

through its rast of my life I shall pray for you www till skinin

hoth and look for goud tidings of you."**

BACK TO THE WORLD. Next morning Morton was vakened at an early hour by Kairs who brought a message frei Uons 45 Cho eBeet that she was going to pay her last visit to thủ Porrace of the Sand Would be glad if he would go with her and join in the solema ceremony,

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lavina completest bid to be done the white robu which had been given him and at ones company fui-hat an affert building

as found ten waitini. Ou suing him, her fues light with gladnes And she came forward, sud placing her hand confidingly in his lifted her lips to be kisserl.

"It is your customs, dear." she whispered with 1 blued as he embraced blog, "so it is mine. How good of you to come with me!"

Ah, Bent, any love the exclaimed with earnest, davation, "you are indeed beautiful -a pures and s beautiful as in very stars which are shining above us. It is a pleasure to iro menv Foo, and I wish no renter happines shuts to pass the remainder of my life in your company and under the shadow of your loc

If hyperbolicnt, there was no ille attery is his words, and he meant what he said. She really was excedingly beautiful, and on this particular scension her personal charme vare enhanced by the pile splendour of a runing moon which showed to advantage her delicain complexion, her dark flower-docked air and her Blia white bed digion,

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In a few earnest word Murton thanked his for his kindness and good counsel, and soda afterwards they can in sight of the stone Wharf alongside of which a strongly built junk was moned. She had a high stern and Two masts, but the latter ad ben unskipped in under to enable the vessel in pass out through the gateway of thereef. A number of semen in bine dungares clothes wore visible on her decks, sono battoning down butches and others attend ing to the running gear or otherwise preparing

The dino lal' come to say good-ove, so tha

for se

priests gathered around the two young people yontuences bobbing their heads and shaking lots with Merton,

O malito pozaimas! O mediło gozaimas," they marmured, and each of the presented lens with some simple keepsake which she rsvrived with tears and smiles of gratification.

learned that Japan was mobilisien ieraraiss The political horizon had evidently darkoned within the last week or tap and war with Russin

ed imminent.

* They hailed one of these transports

"Do you eally think there will be war Veng asked Marton

"I fear there will, dear, unless Rasit climbs down pretty considerably lie answered, shalting his head. It is a bail busines from beginning to end and Japan will have to fines a powerini and unscrapulous foe. But I feel confidont that your plucky little countrymen will wander a good account of themselves."

They may by fitis, dear," she said, tho pride of race suffusing her cheeks with a deeper colour, but their hearts are larga aul hears For the chivalrons spirit of the amarui is a | livening quickening fores within them and they will never arrive defeat or dishonon Japan will no Bighting for her very life and freedom but, even if she is victorious. it will be very terrible and the cursernences will be far-reach- ing. For way is like a swarm of locusts whigh salties upon the land, consuming its substance to the last blade of grass and Ravior it a desolate waste"

-

The skipper wanked shrewilly.

4. I guess le colis, “they can she tinsigh a brick wall about as well as most woment Bless ths ble, creatures. I just calculate theý will be powerbally pleased to so you two happily aplical-they wanted it all along ↑ "

That is very good of them." sail Morton with a suit of gratieation. You will b pensed to hear that I have made arrangements lur the purchase of their hous; and after the cernuray to-morrow shall and then the title deeds and a little nest egg in the shape of A small munnity."

"That's what I call haulsomo !" exclaimed

the ekipper with hearty approval; and it shows the heart of a gecfleman and a Christian. Ahl where are you going to spend the honey- moon

"We shall sail to-morrow night for Shanghai,” responded Morton; sul I want the steward to aake a spread in the saloons, as I shall give the girls ally evening before we stari."!

with you, Me: Morton," was the chaury * and I'll tell Mr. McLowrie to have

r,+༥༦UH rurything ship-shape and Bristol fashion, That rouille me. I must brush my till hat and swallowtalled con and dust my concertion."

And now, my children," said the kindly of chief, laying his brands upon their smiders, "I give you my blessing one more, and may the Kenon of God and the sunshine of peace and They now proceeded towards a iurgo templo. contentust enter into your hearts and lives;

mul romní: with you always. Farewell

On arriving at Kokrro, which their junk like structure where they found the priest, us-

Merton and Kaida now assisted Vonn reached on the working of January 27th, after sonabled in realiness to start for the Terraca of the But The High Priest come forward a gangway which bridged the speceu passage of three days, they took leave of the between the vessel and the wharf. On arriving peaptain and ero and at one made their way to Bud acknowl deing their salutations

baird they were wat by the skipper, an the railway station and left by the first train for took his place on the fiber side of Lent. Thellaris priest, who informs them that the Nagasaki. Being a small numurtant place, all -musteions-new-furgently Land of them and the.

rest of the company behind; and, as a solombo favourabl

wind was fair had that the weather promisel to wes guist-ul turbut on wanting the nexting

slati J which was the feat of Maji, they found chant brako upon the silly air the procession

the platform ecorded with souliers and sailors moved forward through the broad, ayenne, which

and filled with government alors of overy led past the rained temple in which Merton had

kind, including thousands of mags of clee from so lately been imprisoned.

the interior.

The dark fross, the white forms mud the solemu music and singing combined taken weird spectacle which greatly impressed him and, us nyes furtively plane at the fair young girl whose han rested in his with childlike simplicity, his mind bea kushed with rapture and exultation,

It seemed to him most like a dream which would vanish with the coming of day yol his thoughts were tinget with the and triumph of conquest, 1- and honourally woood, and, after may doubts mid tribulations. had at length won his heart's derive; and before another had set fin would be bearing his cherished prize away over the waters--away from these path of mystery to a world of hoppin

"The pingosion jinsed round to the western base of the grout terrace and, turning to the east, slowly and in silico auded of flight of nuurble stopet, now atol ngain pausing ut a sign from High Priest to rst and repeat a prayer. On reaching the top, the prist, knelt in a long run with their faces farmed towels the rising sun, which was ja keeping stor the clearly-defined rim of the horizon; white all around them stretched the shadowy waters, and at their feet a grey mist hovered alkore time tregtops, completely obscuring the island and Kolating the termes in a cloud.

Cena and Meriça kielt silby-side on tho extreme left of the Ene af priests, and their reperable etief took a place in the middle of the

•

terrace sale in advance of the others. Erary head was bared; and, as Merton saw the great orb slowly rising over the Eastern hemi- sers and flooding the son with its glorious light,

his thoughts shaped femselves into a dérout prayer.

The radiance procul houseward; and; as the first ruddy low fell upon the sumsit of that mighty monument, those who knelt there raised their Loads and extended their arms in sibot supplication, remaining in this posture until day hul Fally aware and the i last shadows of wight hul fasted from the west- eru sky. Then, with a loud jubilant rey, they ress with one accors and to the seat of solimin music formed into fours and descended the enstern staircase,

The pronessiva returned through the avenue and at Tength stopped and dispersed in front of a long building which proved, to be the ban quoting hall of the monastery,"

The High Priest, invited Merton in Lehalf of himself and the rest of the lethren to enter ned partake of the fast meal with

m. Io readily accepted the invitation and sécomptoried "Tran to a plan on the left hand side of the old man, who e quatted like the rest of the priests of a small falfe or reu about six inches kirk his fare was plain binat wholesome, consisting of fine whito em, sum driod fish. mület und Zie turhi cakes and light amber-coloured tra,

Hardly a was spoken during the mal though and again the elders conversed in. an andertale with-fheir guest. Presently the great bell begen fulling, and a young man came and informed the High Priest that his vessel was: in readiness to start with the morning breed.

Phen, my children.” Investid, turning to the happy couple, "we will now accoñjany you down to the winef and watch your departure,

Kuisha rashed off and soon returned bearing three large valises which he and another mon carried down to the vessel. The priests now gath ored around Uenu, and as they proceeded towards of the lagoon there was a general interelangs friendly wishes and dumplincuts. Then the High Priest drew her aside and for a spoke to her in solemn carnest tones which scomed to affect her deeply; and after that he went up to Merton and gently led him away from the rest of the company,

03-

forma

My son," he said, and his voice trembled with emotion, " I na now rendering up to yoù and to your safe keeping the pride and joy of an old mon's Jpart. ↑ For Uetia has been as a daughter to me and I as a father to her. lu bidding yon farewell, I wall entreat you not to attach any special importance, wept in A worldly 8-nss, to the of marriage which is contemplated by you and which is on outinl alwal and cařthly gemtruef, but, on the other hand, to regard your spiritant usion, which we commemorated here as the abiding and re-embodying attack.ment..

Fur the woman you wait is as a bone which has grown in your body, and, the light of her life, will shino as a part of your light through all the successive stages of your boing.

Should. Uera bu tuken from you, lot th remembrance of this spiritual alliance, or my stical union of heucis, deter you from entering into any further contract of marriage, for those who love and pass onward guard the kindred seal on earth with a shield of protecting light.

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He then showel them to their berths, which"; wen situated under the deck of the lofty poop at on either side of a small cabin. Though mfortably furnished and scrory class, they were little better than boxes and are only out for sleeping purposes; but Merion felt thing to be where he was end to have Vers with him.

flaving inspected their berths, they returned nu dock and the mooring Ines were cast off the junk slowly moved out into the ingroom way, those are waved a lastadion and fucd And, as proceeded on her watching the vesse until she had passed beyond the barrier and had gained the open sea.

Merton was pleased to find that the botwhich had brenght him to the id was still awaiting him ontside; and the or man and his boy sumed delighted at seeing him again. Sait recotoring his Enropun clothes and other luggagy, he further rearardal thom for their honesty and sout them on their way rejoicing, The masts of the jak wear now raised aid stayed and the Rails hoisted to

*** gentle northerly cesz which rapidly bore them

way towards the southern shores of the Inland Sea. Then Morton' went to his

hand, unpacking a tuggage, divested himself of his Japanese disguise and priestly role and donned his own clothes; and, when he had done so, he felt more like himself and more lile a true-Englishman.

Ila pattered shout for some time making the berth more comfortable, and Kaish brought him some waren. budding for his bunk. Then. ring the sound of a numisen be repaired on dock and found that Lona hadiscardel her while

bine kimono and crimson sash. vestments for

She came forward to mest, him, making a graceful bow.

My lord, I gront you," she said with n demne smile, and I rejoice to see you us you as, for your own brase dress becomes you well,

seriousness, linking her arm into his and with

It does indood, do!" she added with want

Don't bring the conpertina to church with you," laughel Merton, as they cuterad the

loon, where dinner is awaiting them.

This is the firs? square anal I have taxiod sure leasing you," he observed, gravely survey: the table and settling down in good carnest to appease a long-suffering appetite.

After dessert they went on deck to finish ther cigars, and Merton gan to relate his recent experiences which proved so absorbingly interesting to the skipper that instead of amok. The railway leials were bustling about antiig he allowed his cigar to bura out and went. appeared to have their hands fall, and the train a chewing the charred stamp; and now and was delayed for half an hour; and when it at guia ho would pause and with an ejaculation of length started, every carriage, including their surprise ask if so and so was really true.

Theory was long on, and the hours own, was packed to its fullest capacity with

akipped by with muffled tread. The roizes navad and military men,

This menna war murmured. Uenu within the forecastle gradually dieday Merton's. blanched face, nervously slipping her and into to a sleepy droge, and the glimmer of its lights and those on shora vanished one by one, until silence and darkness prevailed on all sides. Yot the two men uneasingly paced to and fre, as though their feel woull never tire..

Never mind, tur," he whispered, pressing her and reassarongly. We will look a the gloomy side of things; and even if war comes, it will not soparale you and me."

Still the nic ned heavy with forebelings of impending strife and this seamed to east a giooni over her, and during the rest of th journey ska ta silently listening to the label of voices around them. for the graziest excitement and enthusiasm prevailed.

Nadasaki was reached shortly after two ookek, and love again the liveliest activity was everywhere noticeable.

Suddenly Morton stopped and springing over to the starboard rail, pofuted to a small guuboat which was passing close to Thema ou fer way out of the harbour.

Thathe Fiatka!" he exclaimed in a hourse agitated voice. She is shaking away to ser; and sho las no lights showing."

Lot n alluk sal the skipper.. "They they're know there's going to be ructions, so going to show the Japs a clean pair of heels." Merton accompanied Venn and Kaisha to the. Agroat cloud of smoke, now and again ! house of de geishus, where they received laminated by a fiery, glove, streamed out of warm welcome from O Hana-sun. The rest of the roset's fanoel as she stealthily glided the girls were out. Uena seemed leth to learesenward like some dread phantom of the night. Merton, so they walked together in the garden "That's strange!" ejaculated Merton, spok for nearly an hour, and no one came to disturbing half to himself as he watched the gunbout them in their lappiness. Then he took loan disappear into the darkness.

said the skipper.- of her at the little wooden gate and returned Not at all strange to the British Settlement for the purpose of "The bear is misking for his lake.

"Man alive," hea kiad, “do you know what applying for a special. licenca in order that their urriage might take place on the morrow. time it is " Ho also transacted some business with the agent of the Hongkong and Shanghai Bank,

The sun had already set when he got into a wampon and proceeded down the harbour to the For Cathey. His mind was filled with injoy expectation and with the satisfaction of having been victorious in his quest.

His coming was nuoxpected on the yacht, etly he stopped on board. Mr. MoLooris a one awaited him at the gangway; but,

“Abont ten, I suppose.** "Half-past twelve: Coms. we had better, turn in

You want rost and you downto it" kö said as they both the dock together, "for I gusa you've had some of the most ex- traordin try experienoa, I've oper heart of exes, t in fairy tales, You! lave ething to do to write it all down in your diary.

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