THE NABOB OF SINGAPORE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue III, 18 January 1896, Page 72

THE NABOB OF SINGAPORE.

BY

ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE.

Author of * Baron Sam,' • Monsieur Bob,' * Captain Tom.’ «Miss Pauline of New York,’ Etc. CHAPTER XIV. A PAGE TURNED DOWN. A few days glide by. The work progresses rapidly—still it takes a certain amount of time to accomplish such a vast amount of business, and at the end of the third day they are not yet ready, though the Iris agam Boats upon the bosom of Singapore Harbour. Major Max has taken up his quarters on board, so that he can personally superintend the various preparations. As the recognised leader of the expedition, much depends upon his judgment. He personally hires the crew, and as there is a premium ottered to the right sort of men, he has a chance of securing a full complement of sturdy Jack Tars before sailing time comes. Most of them are English sailors, and the spice of danger in the engagement serves as an added inducement to such brave lads. The soldier has almost entirely abandoned the field in favour of Nat, and it is certainly the Nabob’s own fault if he does not improve these golden hours. The divine spark is glowing io his heart, and at last he is deeply and madly in love ; so he tells Max very often. It is not verj pleasant news to Major Max, of course, but he has experienced many ft range things during the course of his eventful life, and can smile calmly while listening to the handsome young Nabob going into rhapsodies over his lady love. When Max makes no remark, he flies into a little rage, and demands imperiously whether the major has any objection to the match —if he does not think Eulalie good enough for him. This so tickles the soldier that he bursts into a roar of laughter, and in a cynical voice says : • I have been in doubt about it, but have hopes she u ill, after a while, attain the high pinnacle that the wife or sweetheart of a royal Nabob should reach. Seriously speaking, you conceited young Apollo, I think Eulalie ten times too good for you in your natural state. If I were sure this sudden reformation would not soon peter out, and the last stage be worse than the first, I might feel justified in believing all would be well.’ Then he gives Nat such a lecture as the gay young dog never received before — shows him his faults and Eulalie’s virtues and finally winds up by saying : • If you are lucky enough to win her, it will be a hundred times more than you deserve. See that you are always gentle and true with her. e may not find her father, but, please God, I am bound to look after her happiness, for the love I bore Tom Thorpe.’ Nat Mayne looked fixedly at the other a minute, as though a sudden idea were forcing itself through his brain. Men upon whom fortune ever smiles are not accustomed to prolong reflection, and it comes hard upon them when circumstances throw them upon their own resources. • H’m !’ he says, but there is a world of significance in the expression. Major Max holds his ground—he is a soldier by profession and not us d to flight in the face of danger ; but he has turned very white. They are alone in the cabin of the ship, and it is evening. The carpenters and painters have gone home, the captain is ashore, and the men mostly on deck, fraternising in the dog watch. • Uncle Max, I am astounded.’ says Mayne. • what, pray ?’ ‘ You have revealed your secret.’ • My secret?' calmly. ‘ You love Eulalie Thorpe yourself.’ Some men would have perjured themselves indignantly denying the truth of this accusation, but Major Max says nothing — he knows it is so ; he can no longer conceal the fact from himself, and even Nat’s eyes have discovered it. The Nabob wait®, but hears no denial. He even allows himself to show anger, just as though he has the right to monopolise the love making of the world He has stood the lecture of the major meekly, and grinned whi e his pet sins were being paraded before his eyes ; it is his turn now to chide —yes, to taunt. • I am amazed to think a man of your age would allow himself to be enchanted by a pair of dark eyes belonging to a girl only a few years beyond the short dress period. Why, bless your poor heart, she isn’t near

half your age, sir, and could well look up to you la her father.' Major Max preserves hie temper. * Ah, my dear boy, the divine spark of love does not think of age. It has always been so. You will at thirty five or forty be just as apt to go into rhapsodies over a charming ballet-dancer of sixteen. Some people think men get more foolish in love matters the older they grow ; but I can sav, without any conceit, that 1 have never caused a woman to shed a tear. You accuse me of loving Eulalie. Well, what of it ? She is a charming girl—she comes nearer my ideal of a true woman than any one I have yet met- Yes. I love the girl with all my heart and soul. If I were fortunate enough to win her, I would be the happiest man on earth.* He says this solemnly, but Mayne shows intense exciteme.it. • Confound it all,’ he says, * will you step in between and ruin the one true love episode of my life? She belongs to me. Why, I met her fourteen months ago in Paris. 1 told you all about it that night. The fact of our coming together again proves the existence of a fate binding our hearts together. Everything combines to make her mine, enthusiastically, as he snatches out her picture and kisses it again and again. The major frowns at this. * I presume the fact of your having flirted with her at a Parisian hospital a year ago, and accidently meeting her again out here, does give you a preemption c’aim ; but what should I say, I a ho have thought of her sweet face for three long years ? See! here it is in the locket on my watch chain. Twice have these arms strained her to my heart and snatched her from the eager gra-p of a cruel death. Would it not be natural for me to say Heaven meant her for me; and, were I twenty years younger, and as homely as a scare crow, a dozen Nabobs, were they combinations of Adonis and Lothair, could not force me to yield one iota of my claim.’ ‘Twice, you say? echoes Nat, aghast at the tiger he has aroused. ‘ Ay, twice ; for Eulalie Thorpe was no other than the girl I bore down the moun* tain side of Mont Blanc, the girl whose pictured face has haunted me ever since.’ • Then am I undone. I could hold my own against one rescue, for in regard to that you promised secrecy ; but two—never. Heaven help me, I’ve lost just when I thought I had won.’ The Nabob is a sorry-looking individual in his despair—such a contrast to the highstepping dandy usually seen upon the streets, the observed of all, the admiration of women, the envy of men. He is simply crushed. • Wait !’ says Major Max, slowly, and the distracted Nat, ceasing to run his fingers through his yellow hair, raises his blue eyes to the face of his companion. He suddenly remembers something. • Your promise !’ is what he mutters, breathlessly. ‘ Yes, my promise. It was given off hand and under a blind misunderstanding. I never dreamed when I said I would advance your interests before my own, that Eulalie was the child of the Alps.’ ‘Still, you did promise.’ ‘ And I shall keep it. ’ • Heaven bless you, Uncle Max.’ ‘Under one condition. You shall have the first chance to win her. I will stand aside, agreeing to do nothing to sway her mind one way or the other. You shall have, I say, a certain time, weeks if you will, or months. If at the end of that time you have won her heart, and she consents to be your wife. I shall go on in my way just as though nothing had ever happened. If. on the other hand, you fail, then it must be you who shall step aside and let me try my fate. Is this just, Nat Mayne ?* The other has turned red and white alternately. He knows he is dealing with a man of honour—Major Max has done for him more than any other person on earth would. At the same time, he understands that Max Lee is dead in earnest—that he has not been aroused like this since the time he was in love with Nat’s mother, and was outgeneraled because of a treacherous handsome friend and a woman’s fickle heart. He must c inch matters—put the soldier in a hole, so to speak, and tie his hands. All this is considered—it only takes a short time to mentally view the incidents of the past. * I don’t know why I should hesitate to tell you—l have improved each shining hour. It has been quick work. I’ll admit, but many a fort is captured by assault as well as by a long siege. Well, I have won.’ Major Max starts violently. * Do you mean that you have already asked her to be your wife ? * She’s going to redeem me. Oh ! I’ll make a paragon of a husband yet, if there can be such an anomaly on earth. I never dreamed I should ever come to it. Why. fortune has been so prodigal with her favours that hitherto I have been reckoned a heart smasher, and I say it without mean-

ins to boaet. Bat at laat I have met my Sedan—l have been obliged to capitulate. It’s a deuced serious business to a fellow like me.’ The soldier sticks to his point and is not to be swerved from his course. * Have you told her you love her ?’ he continues, hoarsely. * Yes,’ returns Nat, doggedly. * And asked ber to be your wife?’ * 1 did.’ * Tell me her answer.’ * She was a little coy, but I am a diplomat in love matters, and I finally made ber confess she returned the affection, and would in course of time make me happy for life.’ He stretches the truth a little, to cover the case, this young gentleman whom fortune loves to honour, and who trembles in bis elegant patent leathers, lest the plain man he has ca led ‘aged’ distance him in the race for a young girl’s heart. Hulalie has asked for time to search her heart, while she gives him some encouragement. He ‘anticipates the market.' With him the old motto, ‘alls fair in love or war,’ lias always held good. Like all men of his class, the handsome Nabob is selfish. He lias never known the exquisite pleasure of giving up hie own comfort to another, and in this matter be does not give a thought as to what is to become of Major Max, for his whole time is taken up with bother about the future condition of one Nat .Mayne. And the major believes him. He does not give way to any emotion, for he is a man who has learned to control his feelings. Quietly opening his locket charm, with the point of a penknife he takes out the small bit of card-board containing Eulalie’s face, and, walking over, tosses it through the open bull’s eye. The Nabob watches him curiously. * Far be it from me to carry around the likeness of another man’s promised w fe. That page shall be turned down. Let us talk of another subject, my dear boy,’ he says, resolutely ; and Nabob Nat secretly admires the man whose life his father wrecked, but whose nobility of soul even adversity could not diminish. * There e one good thing about the melancholy days of autumn,’ said Sneersby. ‘ What is that ?’ ‘ When a man gets a plain, ordinary cold he can’t go about calling it “ hay fever.” ’ * What is the greatest difficulty you encounter in a journey to the arctic regions? 1 asked the inquisitive man. ‘ Getting back home,* was the prompt reply of the professional explorer. ‘ Are you married ?’ said the manager to a man who was looking for a situation. ‘ No, sir.’ * Then I can’t employ you. We find that married men know better how to obey than bachelors.’ CHAPTER XV. THE QtTEKX OF THE MALACCA STRAITS. After this the major marks out a line for himself, and walks along it with soldierly precision. He continually looks upon Eulalie as lost to him. While courteous in his manner, he at the same time is formal. In a word, he endeavours to be gentle and kind while manifesting a sort of paternal interest in the girl. Perhaps she wonders at his action, but ber mind is full of the great work upon which they are about to start, and the change in hie manner is not enough in itself to excite inquiry. The Nabob waits on her assiduously. She never expresses a wish but that he is off to execute it. It would only be natural that this homage on the part of a handsome man must b» pleasing to almost any girl ; but Eulalie is a sensible young woman, and too much of this sort of thing sere her to thinking. There is always an unpleasant idea connected with devotion from an Adonis—one is often tempted to estimate how many other girls there were in the past for whom he had shown the same undying affection. It takes away from the satisfaction of the victory. After all, your sensible girl of today is a jealous creature, and would rather know she is the first and last and only love of a man’s heart, than to discover herself to be only one of a dozen to whom he has sworn eternal fealty. The preparations go on, and the Iris is rapidly reaching a point when she will be ready to vail. Nothing that will tend to their comfort or further the object of their business has been neglected, and it looks as

though the major has carried out matters with hie usual thoroughness. Meantime, unknown to our friends, other complications are arising which may cause them trouble. Lord Aleck and the Jew have endeavoured to argue the matter —to make Thaddeus unbend and let him in ae they agreed ; but the American U not that kind of a man. They were ready to ruin him in order to save themselves, and it is not in bis nature to give up a million or ao in order to gratify two such unscrupulous plungers. When they find him inexorable, they turn their minds in another direction and begin to plan revenge. Thaddeus has so arranged his business that he can see his way clear, and hence decides to accompany the pilgrims on their voyage. Perhaps, after all, he has love in his heart for his winsome niece, and can think of her happiness until »ome other gigantic scheme intrudes itself upon his mind for consideration. Such an enterprise cannot be kept a secret, and ail Singapore is interested in the voyage of the Iris. Everywhere Eulalie is an object of interest—people stare at her in the street—at the hotel, until it becomes perfectly embarrassing. Whether this comes from the fact that her intended undertaking is known, or because she is the niece and heiress of the American prince of finance who so recently scooped in a million or two, is never understood. They come to what probably will betheir last night at Singapore. Major Max has received assurances from the captain and Alva Green that the ship will be readv to sail by the following afternoon. As there is no telling when they may enjoy solid land again, our friends do not go aboard • they will spend this, their last night at Singapore, ashore. Major Max is satisfied. A score of little things have been done that will add to Eulalie’s comfort aboard the ship, and the English captain declares no sailing vessel ever left Singapore looking half so fine. They expect to spend their last night in the strange city of Singapore at the great wooden caravansary a few blocks from the new harbour known as Tangong Pagar, where steamers draw in to load with coal, and some of them to discharge and receive freight. In most foreign parte of the far East, the transportation steamers anchor in the stream or harbour, and only assume charge of their passengers while they are on the ship. They must come aboard and leave in their own way, and at their own expense. Hence, an arriving steamer is at once beset by a regiment of Chinese, Malayeee, and other native boatmen, clamouring for patronage, and, in point of noise, together with a stiflness of price that can only be supported by strict organisation, they equal any band of piratical hackmen New York or Niagara ever knew. Ordinarily a Spanish dollar is necessary to enable one to get ashore with a small amount of luggage. The hotel does not equal a Parisian caravansary, but the rooms are large and comfortable, and the service very fair. Chinese are everywhere ; in’ Singapore they seem to almost monopolise business. At the table they wait on you, cook your meals, serve you as guides around the city ; you enter a bank and find all the officials Chinamen ; in trade you bargain with them. It is astonishing, and shows what we have really escaped in at last awakening to the evil of Chinese immigration. No nation can compete with the Celestials ; let them get a foothold and they are bound eventually to monopolise things. The singu’ar vehicle in general use amuses our friends. This equipage, as in India, is known as a garri, and is drawn bv one diminative horse. Sometimes the driver has a seat, and again he is compelled to trot alongside bis strange steed. Probably it is Phineas who has the best time at Singapore; when Belinda has an hour off, the two can be seen wandering about the city in search of strange sights, find plenty of them. Anon they take a ride in a garri, and put on as much style as though they were members of some royal family. The music on the Esplanade, in front of the museum, has been a pleasant feature of their stay in the so called ‘city of lions.* Of all the Europeans in Singapore the Briti-h predominate, though the Germans are not far behind ; and after them come the Italians. French, and a few scattering others. Of Americans there are virtually

none, and yet a Yankee has just carried the whole place by storm. It can be easily understood that with such a cosmopolitan population, there is an undercurrent of vice and crime rampant. Thaddeus has shown a remarkable bit of business ability. Hut he is not a beloved character in Singapore. Those who have not protitted by the stupendous deal are angry at him, while the men who sold at a large premium want to kick themselves for not demanding more. It would be hard to find a friend of the American in the whole place. If the defeated schemers want to institute some sort of revenge upon the American they will be able to discover plenty of available assistants for the business. Thaddeus has placed his affairs in the hands of the best legal firm in the city, so he cannot be injured financially. The deal has gone through, and for a time he is king of the coffee trade ; all the world must pay him tribute. Hence, if injured at all, it must be with regaid to his body or hie mind. Men who are unscrupulous do not hesitate to descend to dishonourable practices. Lord Aleck Pemberton is doubly sore, since he has not only been a loser by the clever work of Thaddeus Thorpe, but at the same time has suffered severely at the hands of the Nabob of Singapore, who is of the party. He sees a chance to kill two birds with one stone, and through the agency of— Eulalie. Thus, thia last night at Singapore may after all turn out to be one of excitement. The major has been roaming the streets as the afternoon wears away. There are several favourite nooks of his, which he has haunted. One of these is the mosque where the .Mohammedans worship. AU sorts of religions are tolerated at Singapore. for the nations of the earth meet here, naturally fall into sects, and worship as they are accustomed to at home. The Buddhists, Brahmans, Mohammedans, followers of Zoroaster, Confucius, and the various sects of the islands, all mingle in business, but worship according to their custom. So Major Max has experienced some pleasure in looking up these strange facts, whenever he can spare time from the business of getting the ship ready for her expedition.

It is just sunset. The voice of the priest is heard from the little platform of the stately minaret, chanting the fadau or cell to prayer, and the faithful may be seen in the mosque or on the street, it matters not whith, bending their bodies to the earth, and facing nearly west, for in that quarter lies the sacred city of Mecca. There is at least a solemnity in their worship, no levity being allowed, though Mohammedans drop this piety just as soon as they leave their mosque. Major Max has always been attracted by such scenes ; he has an eye for colours, and the Orientals love to display the most gorgeous tints in their rugs and dress. He turns away from this scene ; it is time he made lor the hotel. Singapore will soon be in the embrace of night, and it is not the safest place in the world to be wandering in after darkness has set her seal upon the strange city that guards the entrance to the Malacca Straits. CHAPTER XVI. THF CHASE OF THE PALKE GAREL So the soldier quickens his steps, as he has to pass through a number of streets before reaching the broad verandah of the hotel. The evening is pleasant, as a cooling bieeze springs up at sunset, and gives promise of continuing most of the night. While he stalks along the major keep- his eyes about him, and notes many things of interest, which a less observant man would never have seen. A palke garri passes him — the lithe driver is beating his horse in the endeavour to make the little beast go faster, running alongside. It is a common sight, and yet Major Max cannot but smile at the spectacle, as he wonders what a sensation it would cause upon Broadway. W ho called him ! Surely he heard some one in an indistinct voice say, * Oh, major !' He looks all around ; no one seems to be paying the slightest attention to him. The garri is rattling down the street ; he see a white hand thrust out from it; perhaps hie eyes deceive him, but it seems to beckon. He rube his eyes, as if to make sure he is n«t dreaming. When he looks again there is no hand in sight; the garri

is disappearing in the shadows of evening, and Major Max laughs at himself. There are madcaps in Singapore who might not object to having a little amusement at the expense of a foreigner; Spanish senoritas eager for a flirtation, Italian maids with eyes full of mischief. Pshaw ! some one who knew- his name called out on the spur of the moment. What a fool to let his old heart give such a bound. Every girl in Singapore is not Miss Thorpe ; and, besides, she is the Nabob’s Eulalie. So he walks on, straight to the square, where much of the city's business is done. The hotel at last. Major Max heaves a sigh of relief—he has had a busy day—it has been quite warm — he is weary, and anticipates a good dinner. When a man nears fifty the comforts of life are always apt to be appreciated. For once the soldier loses his dinner. As he steps upon the piazza he sees some one flying toward him, recognises the phenomenal habit of tripping at a certain time, braces himself, and awaits the crisis. Sure enough. Belinda, with a little hysterical scream, seems to catch her foot upon some obstacle just before reaching him, and in another instant the soldier gallantly has hie arms full of crinoline. * Well done !’ he says, deliberately, as he deposits his burden on the verandah. * Ob, Major Max !’ she gasps. ‘Another lost letter!' he asks, smiling, as he looks about for the cuffed coolie. * No, no ! Something worse, infinitely wor-e. I’m afraid it’s my sweet mistress that's lost this time !’ she wails, hysterically, snatching out a dainty web of a kerchief, and wiping her eyes vigorously. Major Max straightens up. His levity leaves him ; he becomes once more rhe soldier—alert, stern, with an eye to duty. 'What do you mean ?’ he demands, seizing her wiist. * Oh, Major Max, you hurt me I’ * Excuse me ; but explain. What has happened to your mistress ? Is she sick — has rhe been poisoned—did the boat up-et again His fierceness alarms the girl; she hardly knows how to answer. •There comes dear Phineas—ask h m.’ * We are afraid there’s something gone wrung with Miss Eu alie,' he exclaimed. * Her uncle is like a madman, and ar for the

nabob. I’m afraid unless he’s restrained, he’ll clean out the whole hotel.’ * Fools, fools ! What good wou d that do!’ Tell me plainly what has happened to Eulalie.' Puineas realises that he faces a master. * I'm glad one man keeps his senses. Thank Heaven, there’s some hope then. In a word, major, the young lady has disappeared ’ * What !’ ■ Sho’s been kidnapped.* The man who hears this astounding intelligence shuts his teeth hard ; the muscles of hie jaws can be seen to ewe 1. * Tell me the particulars, as briefly as you can, for every second may count.' That is the man of action who speaks. Somehow his manner inspires the secretary. * Listen, then. She had forgotten some little thing she might want o:> this ride—ahem—delightful journey to the pirate dens of the Siamese coast. It would not do to wait for morning. She called to Juliet—my Huggins here—to follow end join her at the fountain. This Juliet did, as far as her part was concerned. She reached the fountain—it was almost evening—Eulalie was not there. She waited, not knowing where to go. The doves were feeding before seeking their roosts—the water was gurgling beside her. Several girls and women came and filled their jars; they talked and laughed, but Miss Eulalie was t>ot visible. •Juliet is brave, but even -he became anxious, for there were many rough fellows on the streets of Singapore just at dark. Then she heard a woman cry out ; she saw some parties about a carriage, one of those indescribable things they call a garri. Her name was called— she had a glimpse of a white face —it was that of her mistress. She did not comprehend, yet she ran forward, faithful Juliet, and called aloud for the men to desist. ‘The garri dashed down the street, the horse going at a gallop. Ic is no unusual right in Singapore. Juliet ran and shouted, jieople blocked her way. and she was gradua'ly being left behind. Presently rhe tripped and fell into the arms of a handsome gentleman who chanced to be going the other way.’ * Ah !’ smiles the major. * It was an accident,’ murmurs Huggins, turning furiously red.

• That gentleman, Mustering along and awinging his cane.’continue* the dramatic secretary, * waa no other than Phineas Shadracb Tuttle—myself. I endeavoured to get her to tell me what her agitation meant, but all she could do was to point and cry, '* The garri ! the garri!” As there were a dozen in eight, I could not comprehend what the meant. • At length she revived, and in jerks, as she regained her breath, she told me the whole etory. It was too late to follow ; we hastened to the hotel to find her uncle and the Nabob, who acted like wild men when they heard of the outrage,’ • Where are they now’’ • Mr Thorpe is in the hotel, raging around and threatening to clean out the whole of Singapore unless his niece is found. As for Mr Mayne, I believe he ran off to discover the police, and buy the whole force, body and sou!.’ ‘Just like Nat, for all the world. How long ago did this outrage happen f Phineas looks at the girl. • It was just half-past five,’ she replies. • What makes you so sure?’ ‘ I remember J had just heard a bell sound the half hcur when the noise and the crying of “ Huggins I - ’ drew my attention.’ ’ That would be just twenty minutes ago. Yes, you are right, I believe. Now, try and remember—did you notice the horse?' •I saw it.’ • Was it a white animal ?' •Oh, Major Lee, what a good guesser you are. Sore enough, it was a white horse.’ The major is grinding hie teeth in rage, while to himse'f he mutters : • My ears—my heart did not deceive me. That was her voice I heard calling “ Ob. major I”—it was little hand waving to me, be-eeching help—from that accursed garri that went rattling down the street in the gloaming. Fool ! fool that I was not to spring after it. They would have fared bad yat my hands, the wretches. But I am not impotent. I have saved Eulalie twice ; please God, I will try and save her again— for another.’ There is not a nerve or muscle in bis whole body that is not alert, ready for action. Looking up as some one comes running along, he sees Mayne. The Nabob is actually excited —he has thrown aside his usually placid demeanour and bis face is flushed. ‘ Good Heaven 1 have you heard the news. Uncle Max ? Don’t be alarmed—l’ve aroused the police force. In an hour’ or two I feel confident we will have the whole of them here ready to begin work. Some thing desperate had to be done, and I’ve promised ’em five hundred dollars a man if they run the rascals down. 1 One or two boors—that may be too late. We must to work ourselves. Fortunately, I have a clue. If you are not already armed make haste and get a weapon.’ • I have a revolver—l’m with you.’ • Then you and Phineas follow me. We'll see if they can abduct a lady with impunity in thia heathen country.’ They hurry away from the square, the soldier aiming for the Mohammedan quarter, where stands the mosque in which the followers of the prophet worship, Mayne and Phineas following. It was-here he saw the garri drawn by a white horse, and from this point he may pick up the chase—here he saw the hand that appealed to him in vain, and heard her dear voice call aloud his name. He groans at the remembrance, but otherwise shows no emotion. How different from the dashing Nabob at his side, who carries on at a rate that is distracting, bemoaning the fate that has snatched his latest love away, until the major, tortured beyond endurance, turns upon him and sternly asks him to keep silent. CHAPTER XVIIACAIS MAJiWIS BOAT. They reach the scene, and come to a halt upon the very spot where he stood when the mysterious vehicle passed and was gradually swallowed up in the gloaming. Max points out the quarter where be last saw the garri. It is really below them—nearer the water. This gives him an idea. He can only conceive of one positive reason for the kidnapping of Miss Thorpe—whether it has been done at the instigation of Lord Aleck, or some party unknown, the object is revenge. A large ransom will be demanded for her safe return. ‘ 1 hey descends I —they were heading for the harbour,' is his immediate conclusion. The street leads directly to the quay, and although night has set io, they do not find this place deserted by any means. Many lanterns and a few electric lights serve to give those who labour a chance to see It is like a hive of bees—swarthy porters carry burdens on their backs ; vessels are loading and being unloaded, and most of the night the same bustle may be found at this point in Singapore. This is the place where they will have to make inquiries, and the soldier begins at ones by accosting a party who seems to be keeping tally of a cargo earning ashore io

boat loads. The man is French—a dapper little fellow, and possibly the supercargo of tome steamer running to Havre. • Monsieur, have you noticed the arrival here of a vehicle, drawn by a white horse, with the driver running alongside—a garri that contained one or more men and a young lady. The Frenchman laughs, and looks at Major Max curiously. ‘ Ah ! you are the aged lover from whom she was escaping. lam full of pity for you, monsieur, but you should know better.’ • Better than what? 1 ‘To marry a young girl against her will. I have one great notion to wipe up ze dock wif you !’ exclaims the Gaul, a man about half the size of the soldier he addresses ; but that never enters the wild calculations of a Frenchman. • They have given you a yarn to allay suspicion. She is being etalen for a ransom, this young girl. We are her friends—this, the Nabob of Singapore, whom you must know, is her lover. These who took her are wretches who will demand a ransom. Tell me, did you see her face?’ • Parileau ! did I: It haunts me still. I shall dream of it forever—so lofely—so beautiful.’ •If she was with her lover, she should have been happy—tell me. was she so ?’ ‘ I fear me not, monsieur. She appear ver’ much frightened. He explain zat it was because enemies follow. She start to speak ; she cry ‘‘No, no—teli ze major !” but zey stop her. It occur tame later how ze devil I know ze major !’ • She referred to me. You are— ’ •Jacques St. Cyr,’ drawing himself up. ‘ Monsieur St. Cyr, in the name of the girl you love the best, or the mother whose memory you revere, assist us in this our effort to rescue one who is very dear to us.’ ‘ Ab, she is my life, the light of my existence, the star of all my hopes,’ murmurs Nat, with a band upon his heart. • Messieurs, I believe you. lam at your service Command me.’ ‘ How many were with her?* • Two men.’ • Did you know them ?’ • I did not.’ ‘ Were they French ?* •No, sare—English,’ indignantly. • Would you know them again ?’ ■ Only by zere voices—zey keep bats down over ze eyes. But if I near ze speech I should be able to swear by ’em.’ •It is enough. Tell me now, my dear monsieur, which way did they go?* • Who keeps his boat there !* •Ze vehicle drive away to ze town—but zey were not in it, All of ’em go down ze steps yonder to a boat.’ *1 seem to recognise the locality,’ declares Nat, rubbing his eyes and looking around. • Manuel,* replies the Frenchman. *Ah * a Spaniard—l know him. What a strange fatality that he should be the one. • Let’s go and see if he has returned. They do not find him. The wooden stairs lead down to a float, but no boat is there. This is a bitter disappointment — they dare not go away, lest he may return and take the alarm if he hears they are looking for him. All they can do is to wait. As the minutes slowly pass on an awful fear comes over the major that Eulalie may have been taken to some ship that has immediately gotten under way and departed. • There comes a boat.’ says the Nabob, and they see a dark object creeping along. It lands at the platform, and Major Max is down alongside almost instantly. • Is this boat for hire ?* he says, quietly. ‘Oh, yes, senor,' eagerly. • It is Manuel I* • Par Doit! who are you f a little troubled. ‘ I will engage your boat to take myeel:

and friend* out to the name vessel you have ju-t left.* • Mercy senor! Noe I know yon. Piaioe <be Virgin yon have come! Tell me, wee ibe lady all moified np, abe who fell out of my boat “ • h urao no other. Come. Nat—Phineee. Are yon ready to roe. Manuel r ■Si, oenor. If I bad only known before.* Major Max does not trust him beyond reach of hie arm - be believe* the man to be a tiicky customer. ■ What kind of a vessel did they go to?* • Why. the same one, eenor.’ • The steam yacht T •It is so. I am not able to understand what it all means, but I am ready to serve you.’ • All I ask is that you take us to the yacht, and make no noise.’ •Si, senor—you shall see that Manuel can do what you wish ’ They are ail in the boat now, and be begins to use the oars in a way thar prove* him an adept : the blades split the water, they rise and fall with never a sound. Major Max leans over so that he can speak in a low voice to his companions. •This telie me it is the work of that Englishman. He doubtless means to hold her for an immense ransom. 1 fear only one thine —that they will get up steam and leave the harbour before we can prevent them. That would be disastrous.’ • I’ll blow them up wi>h dynamite first, says the Nabob, fiercely, just as though he carries a bomb or two in his pocket. • Manuel J* • Well, senor * • What were they doing when you left the steam yacht?* •Getting up steam.’ comes the prompt answer. A chorus of groans is beard.

• phineas, do you know how long it usually takes to get up steam ? You have travelled on the yacht some months, I believe.’ • Under ordinary conditions, just half an hour.’ ■ Then we have a good chance, thank Heaven ! Both of you be ready for business. Tnere is no time to depend on the authorities—before we could move in that direction our enemies would be twenty miles away. I wish we had with us a few of the good fellows from the Iris, but tbar’s out of the question. There are three stout pairs of arms ready to do battle in the interest of Eulalie Thorpe. She can be saved—she mu«t be saved.’ • She will be saved,’ echoes Mayne. ‘ Bravo ! With such determined knights in the field success is certain,' exclaims Phineas. who has leanings toward the stage. Then they lapse into silence—each man is thinking of what may be before them. It is a serious business, this boarding a vessel with arms in their hands, and yet not one of them flinches. Even upon the water there is a certain amount of noise and confusion—sailors can be heard talking on board the various ships at anchor—men are singing during the deg watch, and boats move to and fro. The boatman knows where he is going, and his manner of rowing proves that something was indeed wrong with him on the evening he upset his boat and almost drowned bis fare. All the while Major Max is saying in his heart, “ May Heaven enable us to arrive before the engineer has steam up.’ Their suspense cannot last long. Manuel ceases rowing. • Senors, 1 believe we are rather close now,’ he say, slowly, glancing. Then he suddenly exclaims : • So ho. my hearty ! — there you are ’ Senors, we are yet in time. See that light ’ there is an officer lighting bis cigar ; but was a close shave.* They all see what he draws attention to- • Head that way, Manuel, and be care, ful.’ So they creep up—the outlines of the steam yacht loom between them and the heavens. The moon will soon be rising, but fortune is kind to allow them a chance before this occurs. Wilt they be discovered ? Each man crouches low. Manuel has his orders—if hailed by those on board, he is to dash alongside and give them an opportunity to board the yacht. It is a desperate chance, but they are bound to get there, peaceably if it be possible, by force of arms if necessary.

(To 6* Continued.}