THE NABOB OF SINGAPORE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue II, 11 January 1896, Page 40

THE NABOB OF SINGAPORE.

BY

ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE.

Author of • Baron Sam,' • Monsieur Bob, 4 * Captain Toed.* ‘Miss Pauline of New York,’ Etc.

CHAPTER IX. A LOST VOICE. Thaudki’s Thokpk has changed his mind about remaining on board to dinner, and sbortlv after Max Lee takes his departure there is an exodus—boats take them all ashore, a couple of carriages are in waiting, and they bring up at the side door of the Singapore Hotel. The Major is surprised to see them enter just alter be has eaten. He quells that ridiculous little flatter in the region of his heart with a stern hand. Thaddeus is plainly uneasy and on the alert. His financial schemes evidently need his attention. He bows absently to Major Max and passes into the rotunda of the hotel, where knots of men are gathered. The soldier stops to address a few words to Eulalie, to assure her that with the coming of morning he will be at work looking for a vessel chat may be chartered for such a business. She complains of a headache, and little wonder, with so many things causing her worry. So he presently leaves her, though re maining about the hotel. Alva Green is to report some time during the evening, and perhaps bring a ship captain with him, whose vessel may be chartered. It is just a little after eight when the major see? a figure he recognises making signals to him from the landing above. At first he imagines Juliet Belinda Huggins must mean her band language for some one else, and turn« his head expecting to see Pbineas there ; but when he looks up again, she becomes even more demonstrative, making out to frame a word with her lips —that word is Eulalie. Surely that is enough. In another minute he is beside the maid, who gives him a rather scornful glance, as if she cannot comprehend how some men will be so dull of comprehension. • Miss Eulalie wishes you io come to the private parlor. She has received some singular news that she wishes to consult you about at once.’ In a few moments they are at the door of the private parlor. The maid makes a majestic wave of the hand and thus invites him to enter. A? he does so. Major Max is surprised to find that Miss Thorpe is not alone. Over in one corner sits Phineas, bolt upright, with his arms folded and his head thrown back —it is his ideal attitude of ‘on guard,’ and the object upon which his eyes are fixed is another man. 4 Bless my soul !’ is the mental comment of the major, as he eyes this worthy keenly, * what have we here? another old sailor, as I live. Now what’s in the wind ? Is it a game to draw money out of Eulalie ’ Has the story gone around that she is ready to pay a good price to any miserable sea tramp who can hatch up a stirring yarn, with the lost Tom Thorpe to figure in it?’ Thus thinking, he turns to the young girl. She has been weeping for her eyes are red. That makes Major Max angry, and he darts a scowl at the ancient mariner, who sits there blinking like a strange owl, with tawny locks and bushy whiskers, fingering his canvas hat nervously, yet holding his ground. Eulalie hurriedly whispers to the major, who answers something reassuring. Then he abruptly turns to the sailor.

‘ Your name, you say, is Ben Bolt ?’ •Y’es, sir,’ replies the grizzled old salt, touching his forelock by way of a salute. * You have told Miss Thorpe a strange story. Will you repeat it briefly to me ?’

•Certain, sir. I shipped last fall on the ship Irene, bound for Hong Kong from Liverpool. We passed this Port o’ Singa pore, an’ all was well. Beyond we struck the trade winds and kept on our course for Chinese ports. * Then came a change—we could see the water turnin’ black, an* there was signs of a typhoon. I’ve been an able seaman five-an’-twenty year. Major Lee. but I never seed such a storm as swept down on the poor Irene that day. Nothin’ could live in it.

* When the end came and the good ship was wrecked, 1 hung to a hatch, and nary a man but jxx>r Ben Bolt reached shore. I reckoned I might as well a been drowned, 'cause I was picked up half dead, by •ome yaller-faced Malays as seemed to be pirates.

‘ They carried me to their village, and I looked for every day to be my last. The time c<me for a sacrifice; tne fire was built, but I soon found I was reserved for the next jubilee. The victim was to be a chap they had held for years, a Yankee that seemed to a-been a power among ’em, but who run away, which action, I take it, sir, caused 'em to put him to death. • Afore be met his fate we had many a talk. He put me up to lota of things that might aarve me well in case the chance came for poor Ben Bolt to skip. • I learned that his name it was Thorpe— Thomae Thorpe, of Virginia. He said he had a child named Eulalie and a brother Thaddeus. It so be fortune allowed me to get away from the Malays, I was to try and find one o’ these parties, to communicate his sad fate. Poor Tom ! I've dropped many a sad tear to your respectful memory,’ and this odd old chap, honest mariner of the Chinese seas, digs a dirty knuckle into one eye as if to add force to his lament—then looks up quickly, as be hastily adds : ‘lt seems to be on this ’ere poor chap’s mind that his darter, bis beloved Eulalie, bein’ possessed of means, might take a notion to search for her long-lost dad and it ’u'd give him much comfort in bis last hours to know like as that she wouldn’t be tittin' out hexpensive hexpeditions to find him, as had gone on his long last cruise.’ •Ah ! indeed,’ says the major, who is suddenly granted a wonderful idea which he however, dares not mention ; ‘ bow strangely fortunate your meeting just in time to prevent such a waste of good American coin. Well, you escaped.* ‘ How d you know that ?’ •It would be hard for you to be here unless you did, don’t you see ?’ ‘ Ha, ha I that's a fact, sir. Yes. a tew days arter poor Thorpe’s death, I found my chance and risk my life to escape. At one time I believed I’d go under, but good luck followed, and I got aboard a friendly junk, finally reaching Hong Kong, where I shipped for this part.’ ‘How did you happen to know Miss Thorpe was here?’ • That’s a singular part of it. I knowed her face.' • Oh. you did !’ ‘Thar’s a wonderful resemblance atween her and her poor pa.’ ‘So they say.’ ‘And whe.i I seed her to-day, I was struck by it. I made inquiries, and that’s why I’m here, to carry out the promise I made poor Thorpe.’ ‘ Your story is a singular one, and yet you know it might be a case of mistaken identity. Now, for instance, was this Thorpe you saw a small man, or very tall ?’ The old sailor looks uneasy—-he coughs and turns his hat around faster than before. • H’m —ye see, I’m not sarcin. My memory’s getting to be rather unreliable.’ ‘ But surely you would remember—think.’ ‘ Pears to me he might be a man of medium—yes, call it medium height; but,’ as Major Max smiles, ‘as he was a sett in’ down each time I seen him. it might be possible be was either big or little. At this the soldier’s patience loses its bounds, and he turns upon the sailor savagely. •You expect something from Miss Thorpe on account of bringing her this news, of course ?* • Well, I kinder thought, seein' as how I might save her much worriment, and a few dollars in not fittin’ a hexpedition to rescue her poor dad, that she mightn’t feel ongrateful.’ • She doesn’t—she believes you to be an honest man doing hie duty—she would load you with favours and fill your pockets with silve**; but, unfortunately for you, I recognise you. You come not from Hong Kong, but from Liverpool. You were on the same steamer as myself—the Empress of India, I had quite a chat with you there, and you told me the true story of Ben Bolt. Whoever employed you to carry out this scheme got hold of the wrong man. Those whiskers would betray you anywhere. Now, noc a word in defence, you wretch, or I shall be strongly tempted to forget myself, and kick you out of this private parlour. Do you know you have laid yourself open to a charge of swindling and blackmail ? These British i»eople are very severe on that. Take yourself out of here, bogus Ben Bolt—hie away to the party who employed you to do this miserable work, and report no progress. If you are ever seen around these quarters again, you’ll feel something worse than the rope’s end.’ The shaggy sailer says not a word ; he is in a tremour for fear the major may change his mind and have him hauled up. So. still fingering his canvas hat, he elides to the door.makes an awkwaid little nod, intended for a bow, to Eulalie. takes a last look at the sturdy frame of the Virginian, and. as Major Max steps hastily towards him, vanishes from view. As for Eulalie. she is looking at Major Max in a puzzled way, while to herself she is thinking : • Where have I heard that lion-like roar before ?’

Then a liuht flaahee before her, and she remembers how, when struggling for her life and just about sinking for eke last time in the treacherous waters of Singapore Harbour, she saw a form cleaving thedu.ky waters like an arrow coming to her rescue, and once again there sounds in her ears the rear of the lion's voice : * Where is she—the woman—you coward’’ All this comes botore her mental vision. No wonder she is puzzled, for was it not the dashing Nabob who had saved her? Could it be possible that Major Max, pushing up with the boat, sent this shout across the waters f Major Max turns around. -Just as I supposed from the start, he is a fraud of the tiret water, Mirs Eulalie. You look alarmed—there is no need of worry. Forget that this occurred * But what could his object have been ?’ * Let us bel eve a shrewd game to open your purse,’ says Major Max, but in secret he knows full well there is something back of it—the persie'ence with which the sailor dwells upon the fact that now she need not fit up a relief exhibition awakens a strong suspicion in his breast. * If 1 could prove that this was hie work,’ he mutters, * 1 would be tempted to wash my hands of the young dog.* But for once he makes a mistake. CHAPTER X. •THE DfTCHMAX DIED wnBOCT SIGSIXG.’ No matter what Eulalie may think, or even suspect, she keeps it to herself. She has conceived a strong liking for this same Major Max. Of course, it is much the same feeling she would exptrience towards her father, or any amiable person of the same age. * Have you a cold, major,’ she asks, demurely, yet with some solicitation in her voice. *I ’ Not at all. May I asa why you inquire ’’ * Your voice sounded so very hoarse—it almost frightened me when you thundered so at him.’ He laughs, and does not see the pitfail she has covered it over so artfully. ‘I beg your pardon, Miss Eulalie. Whenever I am excited, I forget myself, and roar like a bull in the ring at Seville or Madrid. Years ago it was the same, and io the army the boys used to nickname me Lion Max, on account of my beautiful roar,’ and be laughs as though it is a good joke. ‘And well named, major, I declare. Do tell me—l am very curious, you see—were you terribly excited the other night when my wretched Manuel upset me io Singapore Harbour ’’

The laugh stops shorts—over the face of the soldier flashes a sudden look of alarm, for he realises that Eulalie has asked a dangerous question.

‘l—that is—why, to be sure I was,’ he blurts out, unable to meet her eyes, and muttering to himself: ‘Confound Nat Mayne, to get me into such a pickle as this I’ * Y'ou shouted out —my bearing was very acute, for you see everything is magnified when one is drowning, and I was then—you shouted at the boatman, * Where is she —the woman — you coward ’’ Am I not right. Major Max ?* He does not deny it—poor fellow ; it looks as though he will soon be between two fires. * I believe I aid shout something like that.’ * It couldn’t have been Mr Mayne, for bis voice is a tenor-he sings divinely ; and, besides, ar the time his mouth must have been half tilled with salt water.’ ‘Of course—why, certainly. My voice is very powerful, and no doubt it sounded very close to you. As you say, when one is drowning, the perceptive faculties are very acute ’ * Pardon me for being inquisitive, but is Mr Mayne a very brave man!’ It strikes Major Max as rather a queer question, and he imagines the illustrious great mogul of Singapore has been vaunting his own prowess. * Well, I believe he has always been able to look out for himself. He is an athlete, you know.’ The msjor is glad to be able to tell something good of the boy, and with considerable gusto, he narrates the recent adventure Nabob Nat had, the cause of the affair, and how his strong right arm cleared a path to victory. * As a rule, I detest such occurrences—they seem too much like street brawls,’ she

remarks, and then adds : ‘ But in this instance, it does seem as (hough Mr Mayne could not have escaped a conflict. I wager I’ll give the Lord A'eck my opinion of him plainly, if ever we meet again. I'm glad to know Nat—l mean Mr Mayne—is so brave, though I should not have questioned it alter bis deed of the other night.* • What an impudent friend our bold Ben Bolt was,’ she resumes, after a pause/ • Yes, his story was made up to gain money. What he fails to get at this end you may be sure he secures at the other. But the simple fact of my ba\ ing noticed him on board the Empress of India, on the way to Singaj>ore. put a damper on his success. He was a rank failure. Depend on it. Miss Eulalie, we cjd follow Alva Green’s lead.* ‘ How much we owe to your judgment, major. V\ hen we find poor dear papa, as I am almost firmly convinced we shall, how he will bless you for so faithfully watching over his only child—without you I hardly know what I could have done, uncle is so sceptical ; you see.’ ‘ Oh, others would do the same—Nat Mayne, for instance—and stand by you.* • Perhaps so, but I have imagined he was not particularly impressed with my plans, and even sought to discourage me.' ‘ Which shows how unwise Nat can be. I must open his eyes to the truth, and I am sure you will find him devoted,’ he hastens to say. ‘ No doubt,’ dryly, though her eyes twinkle with humour, * he has always been that, I imagine—quite a lady’s man I have found him a very fascinating gentle, mas, 1 confess. As he says, in a joke, there is only one Nabob of Singapore.’ ‘ Nat has many admirable qualities. He has in a measure been spoiled, and needs some one to manage him, some one for whom he cared very much, and who would arouse the better side of his character, and make him think of others before himself.* At this she laughs heartily. ‘You look at me,’she says, ‘as though you would invite me to begin his education. No, I thank you. Major Max. I have more important matters to attend to ; this sacred mission must engage most of my attention, and I am afraid the Lothario of Singapore would fare badly at my hands. If’—now speaking seriously—'circumstances should ever conspire to cause me to assume the otfice of instructress and mentor to that elegant young Virginian, depend upon it. I would not fail in my duty.’ • 1 believe it. Miss Eulalie,’ he says, smiling, • and it would be a glorious thing for any man to be tutored by one so bright, so charming. There, it isn’t often.l come to compliments, but you understand I mean what I say.’ • You are not really his uncle ?’ ‘Ah! he has been telling you. Well, there is nothing that 1 am ashamed of in the matter. When a very young man, I loved a girl who became engaged to me. While I was at the front, a rival who pos sessed what I lacked—good looks and a fortune—stole her from me. I endeavoured to take my own conge philosophically, though I confess I was dreadfully cut up about it.’ • And you never married ?’ • I never did,’ smiling sadly. ‘ It was a shame —that she should treat an honourable man who trusted her, so.’ •She was Nat's mother — and she is dead/ ‘ Major, forgive me.’ ‘ I was at her side when she passed away. Long since I had forgiven her. She had been a widow many years, and as fortune had smiled on me, I might have sought, perhaps won her ; but the old love bad died out of my heart, killed by her desertion.’ ‘ You have a poor opinion of womankind ; perhaps you are bitter against them—a woman hater,’ she says, watching him closely. ‘ Heaven forbid, my dear girl—some day you will know better than that -1 mean when you have a chance to understand me. I have remained single simply because I have—well, never found the woman 1 wanted, ox who wanted me.’ ‘ That’s too bad, for I am sure you would have made a good husband, major/ Would have. Yes, he thinks, some fifteen or twenty years ago : but now it is too late, or if given a chance, be must be relegated to some widow or old maid. ‘ Perhaps, so ; and then, again, I might have made a jealous old tyrant. I must rest content in my firm belief that a higher power shapes my destiny. I try to do my part, and leave rhe re-»t to fate. But, my dear Miss Eulalie, with your permission, we will change the subject to o&e less per-

ion*l and upon which I may feel more at ease. Let us talk over our contemplated rescue expedition. It is to be a vast undertaking. and will require careful management in order to insure success.’ Eulalie blushes beautifully at his -votda ; perhaps she has been too bold in thus addressing him, but he seems so like an old friend—why, ever since a chi d she has heard poor papa talk of Major Max, and has conceived not only a great liking, but the deepest respect for the bearer of that name ; all of which goes to bridge over the chasm usually suppoeed to exist between people recently made acquainted. They quickly become interested in the new subject, and Max Lee can delve into this with the greatest freedom. Her headache, of which she had comolained in the earlier part of the evening, has totally vanished, and Eulalte is never brighter or more witty than when she suggests ideas, or answers his questions with ready repartee. And unannounced, there bursts upon them the storm that has been so long im pending. Eulalie’s maid, Belinda Huggins, opens the door and rushes io, her face the whitest, her eyes the largest, and both hands raised to indicate alarm.

* Law, Miss Eulalie, you'd better go down and get your uncle up stairs. He’s raging around like a bull in a china-shop, hunting for that ugly little Jew. The whole hotel is wild—l never saw such a sight. And MrThaddeus look as if he had come out of Bedlam, he does.’ Both Major Max and the young girl spring to their feet, and Eulalie utters a cry. * It has happened—just what I feared.* * What can it mean !’ declares the m >jor. * Uncle’s brain has given way under the terrible strain. I told him this awful coflee business would upset him, but he was determined to risk everything in it. Now he’s gone crazy, the poor man. I must go down and get him to come to the peace and quiet of these rooms. What will I do without a protector ?’ she eays, despairingly. Major Max is a gallant man ; he has it on the tip of his tongue to offer his services as a protector, when be forbears, suddenly remembering that he has promised solemnly that she shall be Nat Mayne's, if he can win her.

‘I will go down with you,’ he says, quietly, and to himself he mutters: ‘I trust old Thaddeus has not involved her fortune in bis gigantic enterprise, for I am determined to carry out this expedition she has suggested, even if 1 have to expend my own little pile in it.’ ' Count me in, major," says a figure, rising from the other end of the long private parlour; it is Phineas, who has been on guard all the while—Phineas, who has sat there like a sphinx all the while, unnoticed. Max Lee feels a little confusion, but this is no time to show it. By Eulalie’s side he marches out of the room and down the broad stairs, whi e in the rear comes bold Phineas, endeavouring to calm the excited Belinda, a task that requires sundry squeezes and similar reassuring actions.

As soon as they come in sight of the gathered mass in the rotunda and lobby below, they can easily see that some unusual excitement sways the merchants of Singapore.

Major Max deciares it makes him think of the Chicago‘on change’—men are in knots, apparently discussing some very important subject—a buzz of intense excitement pervades the atmosphere. Where is Thaddeus Thorpe, the man who has staked his all in the gigantic scheme to corner coffee, the manipulator of enterprises, who found America too small to embrace his ideas, and must needs take the world for a field ?

Ah ! here he is just below, surrounded by quite a circle of merchants, speculators, and others. Up to this hour they have looked upon the American with awe and reverence, for he represented millions untold, and be was about to push through the boldest scheme ever heard of in Singapore, whereby the combination he represented was to clear an immense fortune.' The wave of the wizard’s wand has changed all this—from success he drops in a slump to dismal failure. There is no more pitiful sight than the erstwhile proud millionaire, with grand ideas and a contempt for the small things of life, suddenly, magically, as it were, reduced from opulence to poverty, with his castles in Spain tumbling in ruins about his unlucky ears.

There are none so poor as to do him reverence now ; many openly laugh, for the schemers have bought much stock and coffee at a price far above the market value, in order to get the bulk in their hands, and even if the affair falls through it will be a good thing for the merchants of Singapore.

As for Thaddeus, his coolness of manner baa vanished,'and he shows intense excitement ; bis hair is awry, looking as though it had not seen a comb for a week ; and as he turns from group to group, answering the questions that pour in upon him, he

has a habit ot running his fingers through the mass, each time increasing his tragic looks. Major Max makes his way through the crowd, and, with Eulalia close behind, manages to reach the operator. He lays a hand on his arm. * Mr Thorpe, here is Eulalie. She thinks you had better get a little quiet upstairs. What has happened ?’ is his salutation. The other turns upon him, smiling grimly. * Happened —my dear major—happened ’ Only a little trick of fortune. We rested our case on a single strand, and now the Jew sends me a message that all is lost—that the bubble has burst, for that Dutchman has died without signing.’ ARGONAUTS OF THE SOUTH SEA. CHAPTER XL THE GAME THADDECS BROUGHT FROM CHICAGO. As Thaddeus Thor|>e for the first time

openly confesses the truth there are ex proesions ot wonder around him ; the news passes from mouth to mouth. Up to this time it has only been a strong rumour, accentuated by the distracted appearance of the great manipulator of coffee, but now he has himself confirmed it. Major Max is deeply puzzled. He has caught a |«culiar twinkle in the shrewd grey eyes of Thaddeus. It dashes across his mind that there is something un natural in this business. A man so cool as he has always been heretofore, should not show such excitement unless his whole nervous system has given way, and he cannot see that this is the case with Thorpe. Can ha be playing a game? Eulalie, loaking around, sees that her uncle has not a friend pre-ent besides Major Max. Faces either scowl upon him or are marked with exultation over his downfall. * Come with me. uncle,’ she says. He looks down upon her, and gently strokes her hair—even in this hour of in-

tense excitement it seems he has some regard for his brother's child. • Don’t worry over me. my dear —IM pul through ye'. They will soon be here, and we ll arrange matters. It's a great blow, enough to sw amp any one of us of course, it true ; but when divided among three, we’ll stagger out from under. It isn’t the first time, my dear. I’ve had my head swim from too much coffee. The e they come cow — we'll soon get on our feet if we pull together.’ He conceals his nervousness to some extent. There is no use trying to get him away now, and Major Max has only time to turn and utter some reassuring words in the ear of the young girl. When he surveys the two men who advance in their direction, he feels his heart sink like lead. A crowd follows—a crowd curious to know what will happen, for events of such magnitude have certainly been rare occurrences in Singapore. There are Lord Aleck and Ben el Mosbid just in front of them, both wearing long faces, and looking as though they have lost their last friend. • What is this, gentlemen, you send me You guaranteed to get the Dutchman’s signature, and now you tell me you have failed.' They shrug their shoulders in concert, these shrewd men who have started in to do up the Yankee investor. Ob, they nave their little game aown to a fine point. ‘lt is an outrage, a shame, that ze doctaire could not give him strength enough to speak, to hold ze pen. Hegar, he die in my arms, and ze great game is lost.’ ‘ Terrible !’ groans milord, putting on a glum face that would make a monkey weep. ’ Every dollar invested is gone I It means a loss of at least three millions.’ The bystanders look at one another ; Singapore and Java will be much better off than ever before, if this is true. • Which equally divided, means a million apiece. Let us cheer up, gentlemen. That will not break any one of us. We played a bold hand—the fates were against us. Perhaps we may yet win,’ says Thaddeus, with an assumption of cheerfulness, ar though relieved at hearing the worst, anti this gains him a few friends among those who look on, because men admire grit: •It is impossible—with the Dutchman gone, our last chance for controlling the output is gone. We must throw up the bat,’ says Lord Aleck. ‘ I am disposed not to yield so readily, but to fight it out on this line if it takes all summer,’ declares Thaddeus, with bull dog pertinacity that would have welt become the Englishman ; but he does not show a sign of it. ‘ Mon dieu I zen you will have one verygood chance to continue ze fight, my tear friend. We have had enough —we pocket our losses—we withdraw and leave ze field to you.’ say the remarkable Jew. Major Max holds his breath ; he remembers that he warned Thaddeus of this ; the hour has come, the two conspirators are about to get from untier by means of some clever manipulation, so that their losses will be comparatively email, and allow the brunt of the disaster to fall upon Thaddeus. The American looks eagerly at his partners. • When we have settled our accounts, I will see what can be done.* The Jew looks to his stalwart companion. • I regret to tell you, Thorpe, that through a mistake—a foolish mistake—this business falls more heavily on you than you imagine.* •W bat do you mean, demands Thaddeus, quietly. • You remember you bought the bulk of options — what was it in all ?—something like twenty six hundred thousand.

They were given to the lawyer, Barnes, to arrange. Unfortunately, he was ao overcome by the immensity of hie fee that he imbibed too much champagne, and neglected the job, which was never done.' • Well, you are morally bound to shoulder one-third of the burden,' save Thaddeus. The Jew smiles. ‘Such a moral obligation cannot bind my conscience, my dear Thorpe, when it is a question of millions. Itwas diamond cut diamond—we know you longed for a chance to go it alone—zis will not swamp you even if ze grand obligation cannot be met. We both wish you success—and withdraw.’ Thus they expose their hand. The Ameri can appears to be beaten, but somehow he does not seem to know it. • Hold on, gentlemen, it’s a poor rule that won t work both ways. What if the deal had carried—’ ‘ Ah ! zen we should have trusted to ze magnanimity of your heart to share with us. What our losses are outside of zat block, we cheerfully shoulder, but we draw ze line at zat.’ • I call upon the gentlemen present to hear that,' says Thaddeus, looking around, and a number nod their heads affirmatively. ‘Oh 1 a thousand witnesses may hear us declare that we repudiate that agreement, and I believe that is not a scrap of writing that will bind us to take two-thirds of that stock, says the Briton, coolly. • I offer them to you for the last time-’ ‘Useless! We wash our hands of them entirely, my dear sir.’ • You all hear that, my friends .’ • Yes, yes,’ answers Major Max, keenly alive to what is coming, and still ready to pin his faith upon the shrewdness of the American. • We hear !' declares a voice from the crowd, and the Nabob of Singapore [rushes forward, just in time to witness the crisis. ‘ Three times they have tefused to carry out our solemn agreement. When disaster falls they intend to let me stand the brunt of it. It is very kind of them, indeed ; but, gentlemen, allow me to say I accept.’ ‘ A thousand thanks, Thorpe,’ and milord bows with mock politeness. ‘ Not only accept, but am obliged to you for withdrawing when our gigantic enterprise is on the eve of success,’ smiling blandly.

‘ Success !' echoes Lord Aleck, turning red. * Begat-, he is losing bees mind,’ mutters the Jew, while the listeners gather round, holding their breath with intense expectancy. ‘ I anticipated some such smart move as this when I found the lawyer diunk, and the work lying untouched on his desk. It was your business to have it completed. So J scented a rat. I have played to checkmate you, my friends —my dear friends.' ‘Checkmate? But the lutchman ees dead •’ * Possibly so, but he signed away all he had for cash before his arm was paralyzed.' Ben el Meshid and the Englishman start back in dire dismay. * Imposseeble !' gasps the Jew, for the first time in his life beaten at his own game. * You shall hear —the man who bought him is present — you know him. Mr Mayne, will you substantiate what I say? 1 *Ze Nabob of Singapore?’ mutters the Israelite, who at last scents a scheme that he cannot beat—a Waterloo that threatens disaster.

Lord Aleck scowls as he sees the dandified athlete against whom he pitted his muscular powers in vain, and who used him up so badly that his left optic is still in mournipg as a consequence.

* What Mr Thorpe asserts is true. I purchased the entire holdings of August Groeten Kemper, and the trans er was legally witnessed. At the time, I didn’t quite understand the true inwardness of the deal, but I can see now. We are the people. Gentleman, a thousand thanks for doubling my fortune. I shall ever be grateful.'

Many present are not financially interested, and others have already made money out of the big affair, so they are in a condition to appreciate the situation. Most men applaud a bold countermove, and the wonderful tact of the American promoter of schemes in checkmating his treacherous partners has aroused them to a pitch when they must give vent to their feelings, and hence it is not surprising that more than one voice is heard exclaiming : •Good for Uncle Sam! — the Yankee against the world every time !’

Plainly there are a few Americans in Singapore. As for the man who has been with the Count de Lesseps at Suez and Panama, besides io various other gigantic enterprises, he stands there the picture of despair ; the cynical laugh baa faded from his calculating face, and in its place appears an agonising expression. Tbit was a pet scheme of his, and at least a cool million waited to fall into his pocket, if success came; but he prepared too thoroughly for retreat and over jumped the mark. * My tear Tborpe. you have been a blight manipulator—l felt sure we could trust to you. I am proud to call you my partner,’ he says. * But the paitnership has been dissolved. I call upon these gentlemen to witness the fact that of your own free will you broke and left me, as you believed, floundering up to my neck in the mire.’ ‘That is so,’ declares one. * Quite right,’ says another. ‘ A Roland for an Oliver,’ from a third. The fickle crowd that erstwhile frowned upon and sneered at Thaddeus Thorpe is now ready to side with him. Success always has friends, but the poor dog, Adversity, receives only kicks. They admire the bold stratagem by which Thorpe has caught his fellow schemers in their own trap, and nre ready to applaud him now. * But that was only a joke, you know. Lord Aleck and myself were bound to stand our share of ze 10-*s. You cannot mean to drop us out f Listen to him whine, this crawling viper, this merciless Parisian banker, whnse gold is his god. He never stopped at the sacrifice of thousands of lives upon the great canals, in order to fill bis purse, and yet with a million at stake he can get down on his knees and beg. •You dropped yourselves out—l had nothing to do with it. All I have done has been to protect myself. Gentlemen. I wish you good evening. Mr Mayne, accompany me to my rooms, and we will figure ont what share of the deal is yours. Oh, major, come with us ; and you, my child, what are you doing down in this wolf’s den ?’ as if just noticing the presence of Eulalie, hatless and apparently deeply excited. ‘ Why, uncle, I came down to get you—l thought you had lost everything and was in

danger of letting your wits go too,' responds the young girl, as she walk* beside him. Lord Aleck and the Jew push their way to the bar-room of the hotel ; they have received the grandest drubbing of their lives, and need artificial strength in order to keep up. As yet, they are partially stunned, and hardly realise the whole extent of the disaster. The little party gathers in the private parlour, and Thaddeus, proud of his recent victory, is easily persuaded to tell the story of how he suspected bis partners nf crooked work, and the trap ho laid to ensnare them, into which they tumbled pell-mell, like a couple of amateur.-*, instead of the accomplished financiers they were supposed to be. His listeners applaud,:, nd Thaddeus grows merry ; he orders champagne, cigars, the best the house affords. Has he not won the most stupendous fortune ever staked upon a single card, and euchred two wonderful schemers at their own game ? CHAPTER XII. THE *ACE IS THE MAJOR’S LOCKET. * How is it, major, you do not seem to like champagne?' asks Mies Thorpe, when the soldier joins her, leaving the Nabob and Thaddeus deep in figures. * Ah, Mies Eulalie, I drank when a young man, but just after the war an exjiereince came under my observation that forever cured me. I had a dear friend—let me call him Bob. Everyone loved him; he was very close to your father and myeslf, and I would have almost given my li?e for him. ‘lt was the old story—why weary you with the details. The apjietite made him a slave ; he lost money, health and friends. Reform he could not; I knew him to make a dozen efforts, desperate ones. At last, even the lady he was to marry gave him up. This utterly disheartened him. In a tit of delirium tremens he blew his brains out. I helped to bury him. poor boy, and over bis grave swore a deathless war against the accursed enemy that slew him. 1 have never faltered—right and left I strike him, wherever 1 find him. No quarter—uncon ditional surrender.'

She looks at him in admiration. ‘I have never bten interested in the temperance cause before, but a few stories

like that would make me a convert. I believe, major.’ •Then I shall endeavour to relate them from time to time. I have seen oceans of misery spring from this one cause. In most respects, I am really a Bohemian—l smoke, paint a little, am fond of travel and strange sights—l have seen much of the world, am fond of hunting and fishing, and can make myself a jolly companion, only I draw the line at the bottle—l hate it!’

* You have climbed mountains, of course — all travellers do that. I have met several who could boast of having ascended to peaks never before trodden by the foot of man.’ He laughs. *1 don't know that I can boast of that, but at times I have followed Whymper and Tyndall. With the latter, I reached the Weisshorn of the Alps. *Do you wear ordinary clothes when attempting such perilous ascents, or is it necessary to equip one’s self against the weather !’

He does not suspect that her question is anything more than a desire for information.

* 1 never could come down to the light marching methods of Professor Tyndall, who ascended the terrible Monte Rosa in shirt sleeves, without even a guide, and with a ham sandwich and a little pot of tea. I usually carried an ex'ra coat of heavy material, and mitts. On several occasions I believe this precaution saved my life.’

You must let me see that wonderful coat some time, major.’ * Bless her innocent heart,’ thinks he ; * little does she sus(>ect that this same shaggy coat once served to keep her from freezing. I’d like to tell her, butthat promise to Nat bar. the way.’ ‘What was that- sigh for, major?' she asks.

* I beg pardon—perhaps I am a little sleepy. You know when men get to my age they are not able to stand as much as young chaps—like Nat, for instance.

* IVhy doe? he persist in always thru? ling hie age forward ? I don’t think he looks old, and ae to a comparison with Mr Mayne, well, I have my opinion about that.' Aloud she says : * If you wish to retire, don't let me keep you here, major.’ Ealalie can be sarcastic, like mo?t of her sex, when she think? she has occasion.

‘Thank?—with your permission I will. I doubt not the youngster is in an entertaining mood to-night, and I would not intrude.’ He bows, and is about to leave her, when ehe says, hastily : *1 have given you no occasion to think that I prefer Mr Mayne’s society to yours. Major Lee. I esteem you for the past ; you were my father’s friend—you have promised to be mine.’

•Yes, yes—always, and to the end.’ ‘Besides, Major Max, I have my suspicions that I am indebted to you for something else —that I even owe my life to your bravery.’ • How — why — where ?’ he stammers, turning white. * Two million marks ! Eureka cries Mayne. ‘Goon counting,’ calls out the exultant Thaddeus, and neither of them has eyes tor anything but the figures that are mounting up to a sum that is simply prodigious. Major Max is alarmed, for hie first thought is that he has been found out with regard to the little affair in Singapore Harbour. Her words quickly undeceive him. •You confessed being on Mont Blanc three years ago—you knew certain facts that no one had mentioned at the time. That, aroused my suspicions. I have been thinking. and at last have arrived at the conclusion, that it was you who carried ine down that frozen mountain side.' He bangs his head, abashed, ‘Oh, Major Max, why did you not let me know ? Was las a girl so frightful an object that you did not care to remember me again ?'

He groans—how her words cut ! He is put upon hie defence, and, unable to wtand the reproach conveyed in her voice, without a word he opens the locket of hie watchchain and discloses the face contained therein—her face. Then she emi lee—she no longer can believe that he has disliked her, when, during all these years, he has carried this remembrance of their singular meeting. 'Forgive me. Major Max. Now I know you can explain your hasty departure on that occasion. I am curious—it is only natural. 1 wanted to thank you eo much.' • I have not verbally confessed/ he says slowly, whereat ehe laughs and pointe to the locket dangling at his watch chain. * The fact of your possessing that is evidence enough. Then. I am sure, I have another clue.’ She deliberately opens her dainty pocketbook and takes out a large, peculiarly made button. Major Max scans it. 'That looks familiar, sure enough,’ be says. ‘ You will find one missing from that identical shaggy coat or pe-jacket which you carry along on such occasions for emergencies —that is, if you still possess it. I found it on the floor the next day, and madame said it must have fallen from the coat you wrapped around me, the precious coat to which 1 owed my life. Ah, major, it is queer that you should have carried the girl of your old comrade, Tom Thorpe, out of the jaws of death that day.* He hears the Nabob laughing cheerily, and somehow a guilty spasm shoots through his heart. He has pledged himself to aid and abet the suit of Nat Mayne, and yet is would appear from the way in which thing, are now going that he is pushing his own ca>e. It makes him shut his teeth together how can he give her to that gay young dogs who has had good luck all his life until the ; like a spoiled child—who even now rejoices in the doubling of his fortune through an investment blindly made?’ And yet how can be break his promise ? He is in duty bound to remember Nat—to let him have the first chance. Then, if he fails to win this g’orious girl, perhaps — Heaven alone knows the thrill of hope that word gives Major Max, for it contains great possibilities for him. 'Some o'her time I may explain to you why I left so suddenly. It was a purely business matter. Just now I want you to assure me that I had nothing to do with this disclosure — that you found me out yourself.’ • Why, major, what a strange thing. One would think you had solemnly pledged yourself never to reveal your identity to me—never to let me know it was you who saved me on that memorable occasion.’ What can he say ? The situation is embrassing. ‘ Miss Eulalie, that is just what I have done—against my will, and under a misunderstanding : but. once said, I had to stick to my word. I can confess no more at present. To morrow we may report progress in securing a vessel. I will say good night.’ The others are estimating the sum total of their gains, and are deeply interested ; so no one sees Major Max gallantly raise Eulalie'a hand, touch it to his moustached lips, and then hurry from the room, leaving her lost in perplexity. He means to do the right thing, but human nature is so weak, so easily swayed by the emotions that sweep across the soul. The girl cannot understand him. She does not dream that his promise has been made to one Nat Mayn •. True she can discover in the testy words uttered by Major Max that he is inclined to be jealous of the dashing Nabob. This is one point that gives her light, for no man or woman can show jealousy unle a s they care considerably for the object of it. Then, again, the fact of his keeping her lost picture in his locket speaks volumes. The daj F has closed with a grand victory for the Nabob, and yet it is exceedingly problematical whether, after al), he has made as much progress as the man who has promised to stand aside and let him win a wife’. CHAPTER XHI. ' I WOULD RHE WERE TO BE A ROLDIER S WIFE, TOO ?’ The soldier again passes downstairs and finds the crowd in no way lessened. Ex. citement is at fever heat. This wonderful dealing in the staple product ol Java is something with which these merchants have had little experience. Distant coffeedealers have at times cornered the beans and held the price up in their re«|>ective localities, but this has only been for a short limo, as large quantities would soon be ship;»ed to such a high market. Now for a whole season the world must pay tribute to the shrewd business ability of the parties who got up this deal. Major Max is looking for a man in the crowd, nnd presently he tinde him. It is Alva Green. The new mate of the Talisman has some < ne in tow—a seafaring man, beyond a

doubt, for he introduces him as < aptain Webb of the ship Iris. They withdraw to a corner, where in peace a consultation can be had, and then money is made te play an important part in the game. Major Max depends considerably upon the knowledge of Alva Green, though he is far from being a greenhorn in nautical matters, having once sailed before the mast, and always been an amateur yachtsman. A price is set for the use of the ship and crew Major Max agrees in writing to furnish supp ies and arms and many other things This done, the agreement is comp eted. It will take some days to carry out their arrangements ; but money works wonders when properly applied, and right here in Singapore can be procured everything they need. When this business is completed. Major Max thinks he deserves some rest. The merchants still linger and talk over the situation ; here is a rich Chinaman, there an Englishman, and alongside a Dutch grower of spices. The main business of this country is to supply the world with coffee, tea. and the various apices that are in daily consumption, and the plantations of Java, Sumatra and kindred favoured spots are devoted almost exclu sively to these things, though tropica! fruits are also raised. On the following day preparations begin’

and are pushed forward with the vim that haa alwave characterised the soldier. To hie rurpriae he finds an able and enthnsiaettc assistant in Mayne. Sorely a change has come over the latter. Perhaps he has heard from Eulalie—been Riven to understand that the man who wins her smiles must enter heart and soq! into the sacred enterprise that tills her life at pre* sent.

Major Max has (ally intended taking the young fellow to task about the miserable trick he beliexes Nat was guilty of in send* ing that fraud of a grizzled tailor to Eulalie* in order to gain hie point and prevent her starting out upon what be believed was a quixotic search.

When he sees the change of heart that has come upon.the Nabob, he concludes to hold his peace—not that he believes Nat cares a rap whether the young girl ever rinds her missing parent or nor. but for some purpose of his own it suits the Nabob’s mood to appear very devoted to the cause.

He is a creature of whim*, thia same Nat, and, if he takes a notion, can do an astonishing amount of work. It is a great pity he does not take whims oftener. If he had been a poor man he might have accomplished something that would do him credit, but a hand-ome young chap with plenty of means has sma*i chance to develop any latent genius that may lurk in his brain.

When evening draws her veil over the strange city of the equator, Major Max feels that he has made great progress.

The ship has been relieved of all cargo, and is already being placed upon the ways in order that she may be overhauled, though in splendid condition, her copper sheathing being almost new.

Inside, painters and carpenters are as busy as a hive of bee*. How liberal inducements in the money line will make men jump ! The work progresses at a rate that is little short of magical.

Major Max had done something elee. There will arise a necessity for landing or exploring certain creeks. The modern naphtha launch is peculiarly fitted for this, and, finding one for sale, he has purchased it.

He calls upon Eulalie after dinner, and makes his report in rather a ceremonious manner. Perhaps this is caused by his finding the Nabob comfortably installed when he arrives, singing duets with the Virginia girl, and their voices blend exceedingly well, although to the major the combination is not the sweetest harmony he has evtr heard.

When he ha* finished his report, he pleads an engagement. Eulalie frowns. * I expected you would spend the evening with us. Major Max,’ she says, with the air of a little princess : and under this new order of things he awakens to the fact that this other matter can just as well keep until the morning.

Eulalie does not go back to the piano, and Mayne, after waiting until patience cea*es to be a virtue, joins them, saying with a short laugh :

• Pardon me if I intrude, but I fancy you are talking about the projected Chinese invasion, and as I am interested deeply so now — perhaps I may be allowed to join you.’

* How has he done to day, major,’ she asks, with a smile. • Amazingly well. I never knew it was in him. Why, figuratively speaking, he has taken his coat off and worked like a Trojan/ Nat looks very proud. ‘ What did I tell you? your wishes could make me do more wonderful things than that,’ he whispers, but of course the soldier hears.

•Ah, Mr Mayne, I have some hopes of you yet. Who knows to what height you might c imb with a proper incentive/ she replies, aloud. • I have all the incentive I need,' he replies.

Eulalie colours; she does not seem to like such bold hints ; flattery gives her no pleasure. So she pays co attention to what Nat says, but asks further questions concerning the work that is to be done, how long it wilt take, and the many things it is necessary she should know in order to keep track of adairs.

Then Thaddeus comes in. He had been infoimed of the projected mission. At firs® he flatly refused to have anything to do with such a ridiculous matter, but ha? by degree* come around. So successful has been bi? raid upon the realm of coflee that he ha? gradually fallen into a good natured condition, and as a consequence look? at many things in a different light. He even becomes interested in the work Major Max has done, but doe? not commit himself lossy he will accompany them.

• My !e-i?e of the Ta!i*man will be cut in a week, and her owner is expected here. He ha? panned a crui-e with some friends, so I can't hire her any longer. I declare after all I've a good notion ’ * Do come, unde—think of the pleasure if we find dear papa.’

* And the exquisite delights awaiting as if we fail into the bands cf those laecally pirates.’ says the manipulator of schemes, shrugging his shoulders. ‘Thetis something we mean to prepare against. If sturdy men, modern arms, and all the appliances of defence known to Yankee ingenuity cannot win the day. then I'm mistaken,' declares the enthusiastic Nabob. He looks at Eulalie and receives a smile of approbation, which causes Major Lee to mutter to himself gloomily ; * He's on the right track now. Everything must clear the way for the royal Nabob’s train.*

•The object of rhe expedition is all very well, though I confess to little faith in its success ; and I don’t doubt you will be ready to do some pretty lively work if fortune brings about a meeting with the pirates What I do seriously object to is the presence cf a lady on board.* • I am determined to go—nothing could keep me baek : so, uncle, desist. I beg of you,’ cries Eulalie, almost hysterically? •Think of the danger—the ship maybe attacked and at least much fighting will be done —sights encountered to make your heart sick—blood will be shed, wound* given ; yes, even death may come.’ It is all useless.

She draws her figure up like a soldier on parade, het little hands are clinched, and upon her face appears a look of resolution sparkling from her bright eyes that makes Major Max hold his breath with admiration.

’ Ah, L’ncie Thad, you forget that lam the daughter of a soldier—to save my father I would risk all this a dozen times over. I shall go, even if death itself faces me.’ • Yes, she is a brave soldier’s daughter,’ says Major Max, and then, in a low tone, he adds: * I would to Heaven she were to be a soldier’s wife, too.’ Later on in the evening he and Thaddeus engage in a game of chess while the young folks resume the duets. In the midst of the game Thaddeus rubs his chin and chuckles.

* You think tny mind is on that coffee deal, major; but for once yon arc wrong. I’m smiling just now at—Ben Bolt,’ he says. * Ben Bolt 1 Good Heaven 1 do yon know that rascally old sea dog with the fringe of yellow beard* lam surprised. I thought —can it be possible. Thaddeus Thorpe—’

‘ That I hired him—it is true. Don’t look so indignant, my dear major. I knew Eulalie—knew that no remon-trance on my part would turn her from this expedition that I deem quixotic, and I resolved to resort to strategy, even if I gave her a sad shock. I’m sorry now I did it, since it turned out so unlucky. Promise me to keep the secret, my dear major.’ Thia Max does, of course. Secretly he is pleased to know the Nabob is at least not guilty of this miserable piece of business, and he can even face the inevitable with something more of satisfaction, since Mayne’s better qualities are coming to the front. iTo be Continued.}