1900-04-14 — Page 5

IN THE DARKNESS,

BY. JAMES PERDU.

-{Specially written for the "Hongkong

Telegraph.")

There had not been much "sniping" lately, so perhaps our men had got a bit careless. During the time that sentries were being cut up every other night such a thing had never happened..

We had am up earthworks round the tent and even then had to darken our lights or a sniper's bullet would come through the tent walls, and perhaps shatter the wine glass in one's hand, or drop, on to the mess-table,

As I say we had been let too much alone lately and officers and men began to think they could go back to the routine of cantonments as if there was no such thing as an Afridi, unless perhaps a stuffed one as a curiosity in the Calcutta muscum.

I began to be openly hinted that they had all gone back to their villages and that we need not noble any mor about theat until they broke out again.

I shared tents with another chap on the "extreme, edge of the camp and we had un earthwork round it to keep affany stray shots.

Selwyn was the name of my stable companion, and he was he was a very great pal of mine. In fret we had known each other ever since we were quite kids. Our people lived near one another in the country and so later on we had gone to the same public school, Charter house, and been in the same house there,

I am afraid I was always a lazy, rather racketty kind of chap, but Selwyn was one of the good sort. I was always better than he was at football and so on, but I only just scrap. ed into Sandhurst, while he went in, and came out ton, top of his batch.

At the crammiers betre the exam, it was just the same story: I was al ways in trot waiter, while everybody thought all the world of "The Oyster, some chap gave him the name and it followed him everywhere.

Of course I was a long way down the list but the old dad went and worried the War Office and so I got into the same registent as Selwyn alias the Oyster.

He used to come over and see us nearly everyday when we were buth dn leave our first year, after we had doue our drills, suppose'l thought he came to see me, but one day he Confided in me that he was in love, don't you know, with Ethel, my youngest sister.

I'm afraid-1 hurt his feelings by laughing when he told me. I couldn't imagine "The Oyster in lore, it seemed too funny. And then Ethel seemed such a kid, i couldn't quite understand what made him want to marry her at all.

He was very much on his dignity, about it all, and said that it was no disgrace to any man to Tove agit ng he'd, I am afraid that made me Jangh more, and Haskell him if he had spoken

to the slater aimes it. I couldn't brip renem bering the picture, the one in "Alice in Wonder

land "I mean."

He was very humble again asked me if thought she could care for him at all, I said there was really no knowing what girls would do and that seemed to make him cross again. However, I promised to try and find out for him and let him kimny,

The evening when I saw the sister, I stared at her a good deal to see what any men could want to be married to her for. She caught me looking at

at her and turned colour a good deal, but I could not get any chance of saying any

on the quiet to her. I kept bringing thing in his name and watched her and every time she caught my eyes un her, she turned all the colour of the rahibow.

One day 1 go: her alone and asked her what all this betyreen her and the Oyster meant We all called him Oyster. She laughed un easily, and I ready her a lecture on breaking men's hears for the fun of the thing. I left

her in tears.

Not long after that the battalion was ordered to India and both of us with it. Of course we were both very busy at getting our kit and gear together.

When ever the Oyster came down the sister kept out of the way, I asked her once what the game was, and she turned on me like a wild car, and told me to mind my own business. I said it was my business because the Oyster had asked me to find out if she cared for him,

She blushed like anything at this and ran off

anying the Oyster had better as his unques

tions, and not bandy her name about like that She seemed to be awfully angry about it, and noticed later ber eyes were red, so I suppose she has been doing a bit of a cry over over it.

I told the Oyster what she said to me and he sighed to me like a Trojan. I never had thought she cared a bit for him. I don't see how she could anyhow, after growing up with him. And who could fall in love with a Oyster.

Anyway I don't think he took her at her ward, or said anything to her, but just before we had to go we missed of her off the

Uning room table. I asked her if she knew

stay in England and of course, the Oyster

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH, SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 1900.

housemaid, the sprightly ballad in "Pot- pourri" iad an excellent effect, too.

He used to hang about when the mail;came' | thai nerve trying period with "Mary was-a ing, He used generally to come up to me and mak for any news of the old place; F, used to tell him what there was going on. The sister often vrớt me, but she never asked after him, except say she hoped Mr. 'Selwyn (1 fairly jumped the first time I read his name in her letter so coldly about him, so said nothing was well. I couldn't tell him she had spoker seemed to be still cross with him about some thing or other fancy he felt hurt a bit that she never really mentioned bim when they had been such pals, ever since he trad taken punishments for her without saying a word about it.

In spite of all this display of patriotism, however, the re-enlistment scheme is not a good one. A very large number of the men It is a fact that no body of British troops ever | appealed to must be settled down comfortably yet sang "God Save the Queen" when going in civilian life, and it would be eminently un into action. This has often been commented | reasonable to expect these men to come for on, but it is natural enough if you consider it. ward unless they could at least be certain of a Such a slow and stately measure is not suitable pension. Shet a quick step or a charge-fancy gasping out

the solemn words of the anthem while scramb | ling över rough ground to get at your enemy! The only case of the kind was when Wilson's gallant little band was surrounded and destroyed by the Matabele. There the splendid hores went down back to back, singing the great anthem.

After a bit the old dad said the sister was a bit seedy and had got thin and out of sorts. 1 did not think much of it-girls are always getting something or other wrong with them, and of course I didn't tell Oyster it might have worried him a bit.

Well things went on in the usual way in the regiment until we got news of this show. We were all as keen as mustard to be in it, and

Oyster as keen as anyone. When we got our orders I can tell you there was a show at iness that night

I was telling you about how careful we had to be as regards showing lights and so on for fear of drawing a sniper's fire.

and he was usually fast askep when I got to Oyster used always to leave the mess early the tent for i used to stay up chatting with the other fellows or taking a hand at cards.

One night things had gone on as usual. Oyster had said goodnight and gone out of the mess soon after dinner. I had sat on talking and smoking. One of the chaps-said. Oyster was looking a bit queer as if he had seen a dun, only he doesn't have duns, but I hadn't noticed anything.

I made my way off to my tent about 11 and was awfully surprised when I got near to find il lighted up. I thought Oyster had lit a candle to go to bed by and forgotten to put it out.

When I came quickly into the tent, I found

T him on his kuces before an open trunk. I think he was saying his prayers and I saw he had the sister's photo stuck up on the lid of the things, too. fur all his gear was stowed away He had evidently been packing his except for his bed and so on.

box.

I asked him what on earth he was ding showing up the tent like that, and why to goodness he had got all his things packed as if we were going to strike camp the next day.

te looked up at me and I saw his face was white and curicusly happy looking, lle seem- ed to have settled something to his own liking

in fact, unless the War Office makes some such offer they will certainly not get the best inen available, though the present offer may attract a number of unmarried men whose responsibilities are not-great-Advacate of Initia

AUDIENCES I HAVE KNOWN.

A CHAT WITH MRS. BROWN POTTER,

A detachment of Baden-Powell's men, in clearing the Boers from a position where they were growing too importunate, forged ahead of the air of You have to have

There are no two opinions as to the personal em, whether you want 'em or not," lustily attractions of hirs. Brown Potter. More of her hellowed forth, and the bayoneis did grand photographs have been circulated and sold then work that day. Cronje is said to have been of any actress who has gone to England from much impressed when he heard of this detail. America; while as for pictures, the artists, from These songs often inect the case so aptly that Royal Academicians downwards, who are filled one wonders who started them. There is

with sorrow because she cannot accord them always a humorous and musical Tommy in sittings, can be counted by the dozen. It also every company, however, and such things happens that this clever and charming lady- some about quite naturally. Another battle-who, by-the-bye, is original enough to remain ballad of the Mafeking garrison when cun absolutely unaffected despite her tremendous cerned in the file matter of emptying some popularity has done more in the way of laur trenches of certain Hoers who had occupied ing than any player of her time. Born in Cuba, them was "Three Blind Mice." This, again Mrs. Potter somehow or other has possessed is not at all unfunny, especially the line "See herself of the secret of being able to make ber- how they run" "But Mafcking has been self at home is any quarter of the globe. notorious for supplying must of the bumour Lanilon she captured years ago, while Australia, in this otherwise solenin campaign.

America, New Zealand, and South Africa have long been under het spell.

The participators in a recent sortie from Ladysmith, according to letters from Tommies wf were " in it," lifted their voices to the air of Genting Ready for My Mother-in-law," a vulgar but catchy song that held the music- hall stage a year back.

But one of the choicest pieces of humour in the war so far was the arrival of the Naval Brigade at Muskler River. They were badly needed in a position that had not been forc seen, and they trundled up with the big gun, so say the other regiments, to the inspiring struns of Up I came with my lule lot. This was singularly to the point, and met the case exactly. The big gun did notable work that day.-S. and Gossif, April 1st,

p

"On the subject of good looks, Mrs. Potter." Do you consider that they are essential in an actress 7"

"Yes, I do; for what is the stage but to look at? A manager's chief aim should be to get ideal manhood and womanhood. This is most important."

And do you encourage women to adopt a theatrical career?"

"Hundreds of young aspirants ask me that question. I think that if a girl has talent the theatre is an excellent profession for her, On' the stage a woman is absolutely level with a man. In this respect there is no profession like it. As a rule, don't discourage girls who wish to become actresses; I don't see any occa- sion to do so. If they are tall and handsome, and have good voices, and all the mental and physical attributes which are necessary for success they are likely to win their way to the front on the stage as quickly as they would in any other walk of life, if not quicker. Their heart must] be in the profession, of course-it is futile to go on the stage if you are not enthusiastic about it and they must be prepared to work hard; but no one yet achieved success who did not perform a certain amount of drudgery at the commencement of a carcer-Sport and Gossip

Consignees.

NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA. NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES. FROM MIDDLESBOROUGH, ANTWERP, LONDON, COLOMBO AND SINGAPORE.

When I had the pleasure (writes an inter vitives of spending a tour with Mrs. Potter; THE Company's Steamship some few weeks back, I took the opportunity of questioning her about her audiences, with a view to discovering what effect her nationality has on her success in countries to which she is foreign.

do

"It doesn't appear to me that an actress's nationality has anything whatever to with her succe s," Mrs. Potter observed. "This, at any rate, is my experience, for I have travelled so much and met such a number of kind people, that I can say without exaggertion that the sun never sets on my friends. I am a citizen of the world. You my scarcely credit it, but last Christmas I hid thousands of cards

me.

THE NEGLECT. D ART OF SAYING from playgoers who were entire strangers to Then when I was ill early in the year, GOOD-BYE.

and had to relinquish my part of Milady, in Theatre, the treatment I received at the hands "The Three Musketeers at Her Majesty's

sent to me. of the public was most touching. No fewer than six thousand letters of sympathy were

ways been an art, and the way in which this A graceful exit from a drawing room has have a strong feeling something will happen as a person of refinement and good breeding "I know you will laugh at me" he said "but Iittle act is accomplished stamps one at once to-night and I shan't be alive to-morrow." ne the reverse, says an American writer. No

"Skittles" said "I suppose

off colour or are in for a go of ever you are nothing will impress upon a hostess and her guests so pleasant a personal recollection as a light or we shall get shot at, and turn in and gearful leave taking. In spite of the time- the morning," get a good sleep and your will be quhe fit in Svoro admonition in letter writing always to say Be simited queerly as he blew out the light. done, it is proverbial that women always leave what one has to say and stop when that is Well if anyibing happens you'll find all my

the ost important part of a fetter for the in order, Goodnight, old man. must have been some hours later that Postslipt. So, is making calls, women fre woke up suddenly to find the test comia: down quenly defer their most momentous announce

ments unit after they have risen and are about about my ears. I lay near I tipped off my bed and crawled under it. I leave-taking has been reduced to a fine art the edge, so to take their leave in Washington society thought some of the other chaps were having a Of course, there is no other place in the country lark with us.

where visiting is made so much a matter of business.

tent then I heard talk going on and recognised I heard stealthy footsteps going round the

that they had marked down the tent by the light that they were Afridis talking. I guessed now

and now had cut the ropes and would knife us at their leisurIC.

I remained quite still. I dared not call out to alarm the camp for the heavy folds of tent would have muffled ny voice, and the sound would have shown the natives where I

One who is unaccustomed to making format and when the call is ended rise quickly and calls should keep in mind the point of leaving, easily, shake hands with her hostess, making some pleasant, friendly remark as she does so, and go directly out. French critics, and some English, affo, I believe, have said of American women that they are absolutely lacking. in re pose of manner, and that no matter how little they may have to say that is worth the saying they fingering the tent to try and find the occupants versation. Also, that they do not know when The cold sweat started on me as I felt them feel obliged upon all occastion to make con- the breath stood in me and my heart kept punip or how to leave. Despite these very uncompli through my cars. I heard them creep slow-mentary opinions, there is cause for rejoicing round to the other side of the tent.

that the women of America possess less repose than the English and somewhat more the French.

lay

I

The heavy tent falling upon Oyster must have disturbed him and made him move. caught a hurried whisper as he tried to put it heard the harsh rip as the kukrie kaip slit from his face. Then as I, listened I distinctly through the tent,

Oyster gave a long sobbing moan and all was quiet again. I tried to get to him through the hampering weight of the tent antl the confusion of ropes and so on. At every moment I expect ed to feel the sharp writhing knife in my flesh, but the men must have gone.

After several vain efforts to reach him I gave up the attempt. By good luck my hand found my revolver and I fired it at randon through

the side of the tent.

The noise alaried the sentries and soon men come and helped to raise the tent again. As Oyster. soon as I could see my way I crossed over to

side, but he was smiling happily and I could Ite was quite dead, with an ugly gash in his

have cried to see him. "I covered his face with a handkerchief and told the men what had happened.

not to marry,

Poor old Oystert we buried him out there and 1 had to adjust his affairs, there was

in an alien don't you know, anything about it, but she only shook her head, seated letter for the sister, and, of course, I had and I always believed she gave it to him.

We had a dinner the last night of our to break the news to his people..

He was the only son, and his people did came. I fancy his people were a bit cut up at been dead some time now, too, so there's only not out-live the shock long. The old dad has his not spending his last night at home. We the sister and myself left. We two go on to asked them to come, too, but they did not,gether for the sister seems to be determined and, of course, he needn't have come to us unless he liked. He was very silent all dinner, and kept looking at the sister. She made up for his silence, for I don't suppose she stopped talking and laughing ance all night. I suppose she wanted to show the Oyster she did not care" When the bullets are piping up their for him, and that was kinder than telling him monotonous tunc, and Tommy is forging not to nourish a dead hope, don't you know. ahead to meet them, he generally strikes up a However, she paid for her high spirits next tune of his own. It is not warlike, as a rule, day, for she had too bad a headache to come to and does not contain any noble sentiments, but the station and see us off. I ran into to see there is always humour and usefulness about her and kiss her good bye, and so on. Sheit. In nine casca out of ten it is a music-ball said her head was splitting, and the rooms was ditty. A good many street songs have mingled bali dark, and abo said she had let the Eau their notes with the drumming bullets in de cologne get into her eyes and make them South Africa.

red,

We met the Oyster and his people at the station. He seemed hurt that the sister hadn's turned up because alio had a bit of headache, and was in bed when I left. He kissed his people and then we were away, I saw him kissing a little sprig of some thing it was some thing we have in our garden and the sister, who is a bit of a botanist has some outside her window and gives fra long name I expect they have some, too, at his place and his people wanted to give him something as a kind of

T

I wasn't much cut up a leaving home myself, I had always wanted to go out and see, a bit of the world, age 2

souvenir.

The Oyster and I and a third were packed in a cabin all the way out and so I saw a good deal of him, but he was very quiet and never Joined in any of the fin on board, and gave all the wives a very wide berth. They resented being disregarded in that way and I fancy tried to set their husbands against lim. But nobody could find any fault with the Oyster

When, we were at our station in India we did not see so much of each other. I lived the usual.station life, not much, work, and a good deal of polo, danclog and finting. But the Oyster care for none of these things I used to see him at mess, of course, but he never, Went out much, so I saw very little of him,

WHAT TOMMY SANG IN ACTON, |

Over-anxiety to do the correct thing causes. one to appear self-conscious and awkward. One should cultivate confidence in bneself, and and natural a way as possible. Naturalness is should do whatever one has to do in as simple the most potent charm in any one-man or woman. To stand at the door of the drawing room and gossip after one has risen to depart, keeping the hostess standing and uneasy, while words before bringing their visits to a close, is her other guests impatiently wait for a few not only selfish but the height of ill breeding Son-compliance with accepted customs may be forgiven in a genius or a great hero, but an in this as in all other things connected with ordinary mortal must mind his "p's and q's social usages.-S. and Cossíp, April 1st.

"BACK TO THE ARMY."

OLD SOLDIERS ANSWER TO THE QUEEN'S

APPEAL.

The fact is, a theatrical audience does not concern itself with the nationalities of the actors. I have had many ups and downs-- have done every kind of work and played to some grea triumphis and some great failures.

places, including the roughest of rough mining all manner of people and in all manner of

camps, yet I have found that audiences are

much the same the world

over. What success depends upon is merit

"Cermin kinds of stories are, of course, more acceptable in one place than in another, for

were born.

which season one's success while on tour neces sarily varies. If you give the public what they don't want they are cold and indifferent; but if your play is a good one you will meet with audiences are quick to detect anything faulty in nothing but kindness, no matter where you At the Cape and in Australia the a production, but the moment you have won their hearts you are their idol. They are keen critics in Australia. They give you a magni- this is only by way of welcome. For the remain. ficent reception the first night, it is true, but

der of your visit you stand on your merits."

"But you are exceptional, Mrs. Potter. have heard it whispered that you are able to calm the most hostile audiences that, in fact, you have more than once soothed the savage breasts of desperadoes who hurled vegetables on the stage."

"HAKATA MARU,” having arrived from the above Horts, Consignees of Cargo are hereby informed that their Goods, ure being landed and placed at their risk in the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company's Gorlowns at Kowloon, where each consignment will be sorted out mark by mark and delivery can be obtained as soon as the goods are landed

Optional goods will be landed here unless instructions are given to the contrary before 4 PM, TO-DAY.

Goods net cleared by the 17th instant, will be subject to rent.

No Fire Insurance will be effected.

Shipping STEAMERS.

DOUGLAS STEAMSHIP COMPANY,...

LIMITED.

FOR SWATOW, 'AMOY AND FOOCHOW,

THE Company's Steamship

"HAICHING," Captain Davis, will be despatched for the above Ports, TO-MORROW, the 15th instant, at Daylight,

(490b

For Freight or Passage, apply to

DOUGLAS LAPŔAIK & Co, Geamal Managers. Hongkong. 14th April, 1900.

THE OSAKA SHOSEN KAISHA,

LIMITED.. FOR SWATOW, AMOY AND TAMSUL T

THE Company's Steamship

4

"MAIDZURU MARU,"

Captain T: Olags, will be despatched for the above Ports, TO-MORROW, the 15th instant,

1 Daylight,

For Freight or Passage, apply to

THE MITSUI BUSSAN KAISHA, Agents.

Hongkong, 14th April, igoo.

OCEAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY. FOR LONDON VIA SUEZ CANAL. "HE Company's Steamship

THE

Captain Day, will be despatchell as above on "PROMETHEUS,"

TUESDAY, thr 17. instant.

For Freight, apply to

BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE,

Agents. Hongkong, 2nd April, 1400.

(425 OCEAN. STEAMSHIP COMPANY.. *FOR LIVERPOOL (DIRECT),

Taking Cargo at London Rates. HE Company's Steamship

"HECTOR," Captain Bart, will be despatched TUESDAY, the 17th instant.

For Freight, apply to

OD

BUTTERFIED & SWIRE, Agents. Hongkong, 5th April, 1900,

[371b THE OSAKA SHOSEN KAISHA, LIMITED.

FOR SWATOW, AMOY AND TAIWANFOO,

All ship-damaged packages must be left in on TUESDAY, the 17th instant, and FRIDAY, "the Gindowns where they will be examined

the 20th instant, both days at to A.M.”

All claims must reach us before the 9th TE Company's Steamship. instaut, or they will not be recognised.

NIPPON YUSEN KAISHA. Hongkong, toth: April, 1900,

[475b

NORTHERN PACIFIC STEAMSHIP instant, at Daylight.

མ --

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES. STEAMSHIP BRECONSHIRE," FROM TACOMA, VICTORIA, YOKO

HAMA, KOBE AND MOJI The above Steamer having arrived, Consignees Bills of Lading for Countersignature, and to of Cargo are hereby requested to send in their take immediate delivery of their Goods from alongside.

will be landed and stored at Consignees' risk Cargo impeding the discharge of the Vessel and expense.

DODWELL & CO., LIMITED,

Agents. Hongkong, 11th April, 1900.

[4

THE CHINA MUTUAL STEAM NAVIGA. TION COMPANY, LIMITED.. NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES. FROM GLASGOW AND LIVERPOOL. THE Company's Steamship

goods are landed,

"PINGSUEY," having arrived from the above Forts, Consignees of Cargo are hereby informed that their Goods "Well, although I have been accustomed are being landed and placed at their risk in to years of globe trotting, and have never had the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown plain of. Perhaps my success is partly due to consignment will be sorted out mark by mark, assistance from anybody, I have nothing to com. Company's Godowns at Kawfoon, where each my being of a naturally sympathetic dis..and delivery can be obtained as soon as the position. I remember playing with a com pany in a very rough coal mining district, The audience was camp-dwellers, who early in the evening wholly composed of began to throw oranges and apples on to the stage, and eventually grew so boisterous deemed inadvisable to lift it again. Well, I that after the curtain had been lowered it was determined to try to restore order, so walking boldly in front of the curtain, I addressed the

malcontents in a few words. The result was lambs, and remained so for the rest of the startling. The great fellows became as quiet as

evening

"How do you manage to choose a play to suit the taste of every sort of audience?"

"Formerly I was in the habit of buying plays that appealed to me personally. Now I don't. I've changed my tactics. Before I make up my The more widely the Queen's appeal be- comes known the greater grows the enthusiasm.the standpoint of a member of the public. I bigger each day, and from all un fera carte put my own vie playgoor would think of it, and mind to accept a play, I try to criticise it from stream soldiers to the War Office gets on one side, reports that old soldiors are sending in their act accordingly. If, however, I feel that I must names for re-enlistment

have it, if I exclaim to myself, I can't bear anyone Judging from the looks of the men who visit else to have that play, then I take it. This is fail to pass the doctors. Most of the men are factory one I leave you to decide. It is quite the Horse Guards not many applicants will my method of selection. Whether it is a satis- in the prime of life, and look as hard as nails. impossible to judge whether there is money in They one and all seem delighted at the pros a piece before it is produced, for in many cases pect of getting back to the Army again" if it is one moment to the play that makes it a only for a short period, and they anxiously success." inquired if there were any chance of them being eventually allowed to complete their twenty-one years' service, which would enable them to claim a pension.

So numerous, indeed, have such inquiries been that the authorities are considering whet her it would not be wise to allow the men who wish to do so to complete their full term in the right direction. Now, too, that it is of service. This undoubtedly would be a step found that old soldiers are not to be put en tirely on one side, retired officers are coming forward in plenty."

GREATEST AMOUNT OF ENTHUSIASM.

the

The Gloucestershires at the Battle of Dundee, according to all accounts, went for-

It is interesting to note that this little notice ward to the tune of "A little bit off the top," calls the Royal Reserve battalions and it carried them though with a swing. They

"Veterans' Battalions." hadn't a monopoly of this song, for the Munster

Perhaps Woolwich is the place where the Fusillers, on latest reports, sang it when advancQueen's appeal has been reponded to with the ing upon the trenches at Madder River. When troops charge it is hard to sing anything, and, moreover, they need their breath for the assault. But in advancing at the quickstep a catchy tune goes well, and the man have several times been known to actually fight hand to hand to the rhythm of it. Songs are not forbidden by any in authority, unless there is strict need for silence, and the wise officer knows better than to check anything of the sort.

Woolwich is a garrison town in which soldiers instinctively settle down, many finding employ ment in the dockyards and in the arsenal, and the applications from these. men are so nume- roue that although there is accommodation for over 7,000 troops, the authorities are beginning to wonder where they will put the men.

The

"Naw tell me how you study your lines, Mrs. Potter."

"As soon as I hear a play read I strive to imagine the heroine-how she would look, and so on. As for committing a part to memory, I study the words just as any schoolgirl studies drudgery to me. At one time I was a quick a lesson, Getting the words is a dreadful

pieces I've created about seventy parts-has study, but I am not so now. Playing in so many

However, when once I've grasped a thing I to some extent impaired my powers of memory,

of French and Greek history which I learnt never forget it. Even now I can recite pages when was a girl,"

yours must be a fearful tax on your nerves. "These difficult and sometimes tragic rôle of You weep real tears, I know,"

"That is becase everything both on and off me as the weather acts on a barometer-so the stage is very intense to me. Events act on much so that I feel very sorry for myself some to me. Once, when I played it for an entire times. The part of Juliet, for one, is most tiring season, I fell into a frightful state of melancholy; With regard to tears, I shed them can't help myself. 1 feel the part too keenly to be able to preserve my sang-froid, Still, keep up my nerves until the end of the play. Then I get very hungry. Finally, I slowly unwind myself, as it were, tumble into bed, and sleep soundly."

Do you fecla part so much that if you have you that you are really taking a life." to commit a murder on the stage it seems to

At the Royal Artillery Barracks, for instance, the recruits coming forward from all part of the On the march towards a position or across kingdom for the eight new batteries are so country there is always plenty of singing, and the favourite tune with the Buller forces on

numerous that men have to put up with barrack room intended for about half the num their weary way north was "What Hol Sheber, makeshift beds and other impromptu Bumps, and it was varied from time to time provision being temporarily arranged. with a verse or two of a very old favourite, nearly forgotten, Oh! Mr. Potter." The soldiers is remarkable. One man offered him

patriotic spirit displayed by some old marching was always perceptibly liveller when self at the War Office, who was discharged in-No, I am never carried away to quite such songs were going strong Daring the attack 1883. Many have written regretting that the an extent as that; constant repetition of a deed on Colenso, according to letters home from age limit was not extended to fifty, in which would prevent my doing so. Moreover, I play various Tommies with the forces, the Dublin case they would have gladly rejoined. They very steadily and with great care. My acting Fusiliers broke into the famous Let fem all pload with the enthusiasm of Seneca that ty come and this was kept up for a long time. le a much better age than forty-five, and main

cne night is similar in every respect and down The Connaught, Rangers ased it too, and the tain with some degree of justice that a man of before I can reproduce the same effects pers to the minutest detail to what it was the night Somersets while waiting under fro, beguiled | fifty in quite able to perform garrison duty formance after performance,"

Goods not cleared by the 18M instant, at Noon, will be subject to rent.

No Fire Insurance will be effected by us in any case whatever.

obtained from the Godown Company within Godowns, and a certificate of the damage All damaged packages must be left in the

ten days after the vessel's arrival here, after which no claims will be recognised,

Optional Goods will be landed here unless 4 P., TO-DAY. instructions are given to the contrary before

JARDINE, MATHESON & Co.,

Agents. Hongkong, 11th April, 1900.

[482b

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES. "GLEN" LINE OF STEAMERS. FROM MIDDLESBRO, LONDON AND STRAITS.

THE Steamship

“GLENSHIEL,"

having arrived from the above Ports, Consignees of Cargo by her, are hereby informed that their Godowns of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf Goods are being landed at their risk into the and Godown Co., Ld, at Kowloon, where each consignment will be sorted out mark by mark, and delivery can be obtained as soon as the Goods are landed.

Optional cargo will be carried on unless instructions are given to the contrary before 4 P.M., TO-DAY.

Goods not cleared by the 18th instant, will be subject to rent.

No Fire Insurance has been effected.

ANPING MARU," Captain J. Sato, will be despatched for the above ports, on WEDNESDAY, the 18th

Fur Freight or Passage, apply.to

THE MITSUI BUSSAN KAISHA,

Agents.. Hongkong, 11th April, 1900.

[446b NAVIGAZIONE GENERALE ITALIANA. (Florio and Rubattino United Companies.) STEAM FOR SINGAPORE, PENANG AND BOMBAY, Having connexion with Company's Mail Steamers to ADEN, SUEZ, PORT SAID, MESSINA, NAPLES, LEGHORN and GENOA,

ALSO

VENICE and TRIESTE, all MEDITER- RANEAN, ADRIATIC, LEVANTINE, and SOUTH AMERICAN PORTS up to CALLAO.

Taking Cargo at through Rates to PERSIAN GULF and BAGDAD, also BARCE- LONA, VALENZA, ALICANTE, `AL- MERIA and MALAGA.

THE Steamship

"BORMIDA," Captain Sartorio, will be despatched as above. on WEDNESDAY, the 18th instant, at Noon. At BOMBAY, the Steamer is discharging in VICTORIA DOCK.

For further Particulars regarding Freight. and Passage, apply to

CARLOWITZ & Co., Agents. Hongkong, 11th April, 1900.

Bob AUSTRIAN LLOYD'S STEAM NAVIGA• TION COMPANY. STEAM TO YOKOHAMA AND KOBE THE Company's Steamship

Captain G. Verona, will leave for the above

" SILESIA,"

places, on THURSDAY, the 19th instant, P.M.

For Freight or Passage, apply to

SANDER, WIELER & Co., Agents. Hongkong, 12th April, 1900.

(484b AUSTRIAN LLOYD'S STEAM NAVIGA- TION COMPANY, STEAM FOR SINGAPORE, PENANG, COLOMBO, DOMBAY, KARACH, SUEZ, PORT SAID, FIUME AND TRIESTE. (Taking Cargo at through Rates to PERSIAN GULF, BLACK SEA, LEVANT and ADRIATIC PORTS.) THE Company's Steamship

MARIA VALERIE,

Captain A. Fellner, will be despatched as above on TUESDAY, the 24th instant, FM- arrival at Bombay into an accelerated liner

Silk and Valuables are transhipped. on For information as to Passage and Freight, apply to

SANDER, WIELER & Co,

Agents, Hongkong, rath April, 1900,

(48gb THE CHINA AND MANILA STEAM- SHIP COMPANY, LIMITED.

FOR ILOILO AND CEBU,

the Godowns, and a certificate of the damage of steamer's arrival, after which no claims will All ship damaged packages must be left in obtained from the Godown Co. within ten days THE Company's Steamship be recognised,

MCGREGOR BROS. & GOW. Hongkong, 12th April, 1900,

[483b

NOTICE TO CONSIGNEES. THE P. & O. S. N. Co.'s Steamship THE F

"JAPAN,"

FROM ANTWERP, LONDON,PORT SAID, SUEZ AND STRAITS. Consignees of Cargo by the above-named vessel are hereby informed that their Goods are Hongkong, and Kowloon Wharf and Godown being landed and placed at their risk in the Company's Godowns at Kowloon where each and delivery can be obtained as soon as the consignment will be sorted out Mark by Mark Goods are fanded.

instructions are given to the contrary before Optional Goods will be landed here unless 2 PM, TO-DAY."

Goods not cleared by the 18th instant, at 4 PM, will be subject to rent.

No Fire Insurance will be effected by me in any

case whatever,

All damaged Packages must be left in the tained from the Godown Company within ten Godowns and a certificate of the damage ob days after the Vessel's arrival here, after which no Claims will be recognised.

HA RITCHIE,

Superintendent Hongkong, 12th April, 1900,

"ESMERALDA,"

Captain A. Ramsay, will be despatched for the above Ports, on FRIDAY, the 27th instant.

This steamer has Superior Accommodation for Passengers and is fitted with the Electric Light.

A Doctor is carried. For Freight or Passage, apply to

SHEWAN, TOMES & Co, General Managers. Hongkong, ath April, 1900,

· [468b OCEAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY, FOR LONDON VIA SUEZ CANAL.

THE Company's Steamship

"MACHAON,” TUESDAY, the 1st May. Captain Hannah, will be despatched on

For Freight, apply to

BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE,

Agents, Hongkong, 29th March, 1900.

UCEAN STEAMSHIP COMPANY, FOR LONDON via Suez Canal.

HE Company's Steamship.

Captain Pulford, will be despatched as above "ALCINOUS,"

on TUESDAY, the 15th May.

For Freight, apply to

BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE

Hongkong, 9th April, 1900

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