THE NABOB OF SINGAPORE.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue VI, 8 February 1896, Page 165

THE NABOB OF SINGAPORE.

Br

ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE.

Author of • Baron Sam,' • Monsieur Bob,* ‘Captain Tom,’ ‘Mira Pauline of Nev York,’ Etc.

CHAPTER XXVIII. •fsom the fbying-pan into the fire.’ The voice of the English captain shouts an order, and ae if by magic, the ehip and her immediate surroundings are illuminated in some strange manner, as though it were possible to turn the power of the searchlight upon the space beneath. This is the signal for the silence to be broken ; the rattle of musketry is heard* and immediately the awful yells of the assaulting host sound like the roar of a young Niagara. A terrible scene ensues.

The allies tight with fanatical zeal. Perbaps they are imbued with the same strange notion that causes the Mussulman to show such desperate bravery in conflict —that the soul of him who dies in battle will be transported to the realms of bliss without delay, such as comes to the ordinary believer after death.

No matter how the fiery hail decimates their numbers, they continue to advance); flung from the deck of the vessel, they immediately clamber up the side again. Major Max is amazed—he has seen brave men rush upon a fort and capture it, when death seemed to face them, but never before in all his experience has he witnessed such a strange contempt for the grim monster.

They will never give up until one side oi the other is exterminated, is the thought that flies through hie brain. It can be readily believed that the soldier is in the midst of the tight—wherever the warfare is the hottest there Major Max can be found, his clarion like voice urging the sailors to renewed exertions, and by his example spreading dismay among the immediate foe.

Eulalie hears, it below in the cabin, and so long as it reaches her ears she knows all is well. Should it suddenly cease, her fears would mount to a p int that would make it impossible for her to remain below.

As the vessel sets rather low in the water an opportunity is afforded Ihe assailants to clamber up the sides like monkeys. Little need have they of rope ladders ; in their boats they carry numerous poles, each with a hook at the end ; this latter is caught above.and thus a means of ascent is afforded entirely independent of those on board the ship. It would be exciting enough were this but a mock engagement, and the assrilants only endeavour to capture the ship in sport; but when every yellow rascal is imbued with all the deadly venom of Satan — when their only desire is to cut and shoot and destroy the legitimate owners of the vessel —then the situation assumes a terribly tragic phase. How will it end ?

That is a question more than one of the ship’s gallant defenders puts to himself as he battles for very life itself. Major Max comes in contact with the skipper during one of his rushes from one part of the deck to the other ; when the rascals thin out in one quarter he haunts another spot where they can be found again, and in this way comes upon Webb, who, one-armed as he now is, has been right in the thick of the fray, using sword and pistol like a hero, his face blackened with powder, his hat gone and his whole appearance denoting the man of action. * What next, captain ?’ gasps the soldier.

‘Heaven knows! They gain ground I Uuless we introduce new tactics, they will wear us out by sheer force of numbers,' replies Webb. •Then why not resort to the hot-water cure again ?’

• I would only too gladly, but they have been too shreVd for us.’ • What do you mean ’’ •While we fought one of the imps has crept over to the force pump and cut the hose in half a dozen places. It is useless just now.’ ‘Jove ! Then we must resort to the fireballs.’

*lt is our last hope. I’ve hesitated to use them for fear that the ship might take tire; but the case is desperate—see how they press our men. I must give the signal soon."

• I wouldn’t wait a minute longer. Better lose the ship than fall into the r bands. We have boats that are ready for owering. Call out the hand-grenade force

if you value your life, Webb.’ The major turns to hasten toward a point where it seems as though his powerful arm might be needed to hurl the desperate enemy back. Just as he pas*ee the companion-way, his ears—keen for any such sound —catch a scream, a woman's note of alarm. He is instantly struck with the conviction that danger, pressing danger, must menace Eulalie.

Turning to one side, he plunges down the stairs that lead to the cabin. Jost beyond the foot a human figure passes him, howling like a wounded cur, and holding one arm with the other hand.

In this vanishing figure, that bounds up the companion-way as though made of rubber. Major Max recognises a nirate from his dress and yellow skin. Hi- fir-»t impulse is to impale him on his sword, and then he concludes that the poor devil has already received punishment enough. They may be others who need his attention more.

So he speeds on. The cabin door is open and as he dashes through he sees a picture that will not soon be forgotten. Tom Thorpe, who has just fully come to his senses again, is sitting up. supporting himself with one arm ; his attention seems to be divided between Eulalie and a round window of the cabin. The young girl has a smoking weapon in her hand—she has said she was a soldier’s daughter, and right valiantly does she prove it now. In the window is a man—the same can be said of the other two openings, each of which is occupied. When she covers one of these rascals he goes through a wonderful pantomime, as if endeavouring to prove that he is stuck fast, and would retreat if he could; vet no sooner is the weapon moved along to the next lodger than this hypocrite pushes himself farther in, wriggling like a snake. The appearance of Major Max, sword in hand, on the scene, puts an entirely new phase on the matter. He springs at the last of the ugly trio and makes a savage lunge at him, but the Malay lets go hie hold and plunges into the water, evidently entertaining a heaity respect for the man with the shining steel. The second follow tries to do likewise, and Max Lee assists his descent. Then he turns, as a cry from Thorite reaches his ear. Eulalie, at sight of the major, has dropped back in her chair, woman-like, overcome with the thought that she has actually shot a man, so that she is not in a condition to intercept the Malay with a bullet.

When Max Lee turns he sees the fellow bearing down upon him with something of the fury of a young tornado. In his hand he carries a Malay creese, and its edge is so crooked and keen that it would be a serious matter for one to come in contact with it.

There is hardly time for the major to get out of the way. As he turns to do so, his foot slips on something—he falls. Eulalie give a scream as though he were already a victim to that murderous creese ; she has a weapon in her hand, yet does not remember that fact. Her father is grouping for the revolver, but even if he does get hold of it —well, seconds at such a time are exceedingly valuable.

It chances, however, that Major Max, even at forty seven, has not lost the remarkable powers that marked his career as a soldier. He knows his life depends upon his skill in meeting that assault, a though he is down. One hand supports his weight on the floor of the cabin—thank Heaven the hand that grasps his sword is free, and as his wrist describes a quick curve the steel blade flashes out to meet the onrushing Malay, who almost blind in his eagerness to seize this chance to decapitate a fallen foe, spits himself upon the major’s sword even as the boil receives thebiadeot the matador in the Spanish plaza de Los toros. The shock upsets the soldier, but he turns completely over and springs erect, while the wretched Malay, with the point of the fatal blade protruding from between his shoulders rolls about in agony. It is a horrible scene, but this is war, and Eulalie would come. As for Huggins, that young woman has at the start locked herself in her state room and bundles her head in the bed clothes, where she sobs and shrieks in muffled accents.

The major, in consideration for the feelings of the young girl, clutches the punctured Malay and drags him out of the cabin. When he looks in and seer that Thorpe is on guard he feels that all will be well, so he once more rushes on deck, knowing every arm is ne ded there. Indeed. the situation has become quite desperate- In several places the assailants have gained a foothold, and cannot be dislodged unless the tactics suggested by Captain Webb are put into operation.

Just as the soldier reaches the stage of action he hears a crash and sees a fl »sh from the farther end of the vessel. Captain Webb's orders are being carried out, and, at the risk of setting the vessel on fire. Heroic treatment is necessary when affairs have reached such a crisis as this. It seems for a few minutes as if the infernal regions had broken loose ; there is an amazing combination of sounds combined with vivid flashes of red fire, as

the men who have climbed into the rigging vend a .bower of bomba among the stubborn piratea. At least it demoralises the Malay, and their Mongolian backers—they have been able to stand up before every effort of the ship’s defenders until now,but thia new and novel enemy amazes them, and cause, a panic. They believe these are demons of the air that fly through space to annihilate them. It is astonishing to see how these men who have shown such a determination in climbing aboard the ship, now desert their intended prize and plunge into the btiny sea. This looks well, but Major Max sees with consternation that these fire-balls, never intended for home consumption, have started a blaze at almost every spot where they burst. The ship is doomed, unless, working with herculean power, after the enemy has been dislodged, and with the favour of Providence, they succeed in stifling the numerous conflagrations.

How the fire seems to seize hold, just as if it were in league with the yellow demons of the shore. They have all deserted the ship now, and are fleeing panic stricken, some in boats, others in 'he wnt> r. By this time they must believe the fates are surely against them, since they are met in front and rear with fire.

And now the gallant tar., weary with their recent tremendous effort-., must fight the flames. The pump is wel '-nigh useless, because of the cut hose, -and buckets avail little against the dreadful monster’s insidious advance. Above the now savage roar of the Rimes is heard the captain’s voice—despair comes not to such as he while life lasts.

• Lower the boats 1 The ship is doomed ! Lower the boats, my hearties 1 We have won and we have lost.’ CHAPTER XXIX. THE TWO JtTNKS.

When Major Max hears the terrible news he thinks of but one person—this is Eulalie.

He springs toward the cabin to assist her. On the way he meets Alva Green ; the mate is buttoning his coat, and slaps his pocket. * The gold may go to the bottom of tha lagoon, major, but I've the jewels hete. If

I am saved they are to keep the wolf from the door. It is a duty I owe my babies,* be says, apologetically. • And you are right, Alva Green, to think of them in this hour,* declares the soldier. Just at the cabin door he meets Eulalie and her father coming out. They are not alone. Miss Huggins bears a small package, and Phineas a larger one. Besides, there is another with Eulalie, and Major Max has to look twice in the dim light before he recognises the erst while jaunty Nabob of Singapore. Nat has fought well—he shows it. Not that he has been wounded, but his clothing is torn and disarranged, and his face blackened with gunpowder. During the melee the major had lost sight of the other, and really did not know whether he was dead or alive, but now he sees him, gallantly assisting Miss Thorpe. * Oh, major, is it true that our brave little ship is doomed, and we must take to the boats ?’ is her exclamation.

‘I am sorry to sy, yes. We have beaten the rascals oil. but the fire is our master. And wo have no time to lose. There is much powder aboard, and when the flames reach it, good-by.* Miss Huggins givesan hysterical scream, and the majot’s words hurry them all forward. When they reach the deck the scene is startling. Already the flames shoot up like great red tongues, licking the rigging. Fortunately, the Are is as yet confined forward, but it is making rapid progress.

The men are anxious to enter the boats, which have been secured amidships, but the captain, knowing what lies before them, will not allow it until extra water and arms and provisions have been placed in each. By this time our friends have reached the deck. Thaddeus meets them. Possibly, he is the coolest man on board, and smokes a cigar while he watches the progress of the flame*.

‘Oh, uncle, think of your beautiful paintings being burned up,* cries Eulalie, somewhat hysterically. ‘Jove ! I was wise to insure them, and it will give you something to do selecting new ones, my dear niece. Tom, old fellow, are you feeling better ’’ ‘ Yes, yes ; but this is a terrible catastrophe.* ‘ It might have been wor«e,’ is the dry eply. • The boats ! to the boats !’ comes the cry. Captain Webb ha«« excellent command of his men. He holds a revolver in his disengaged and unwounded hand, and they understand that he will shoot down the first sailor who dares disobey. There are boats enough for all—this has been looked after in good season ; and in a few minutes even the wounded sailors have been carefvliy removed as circumstances will admit

The captain is the last to leave the ship. He casts a look around, and then, without a word, drops into the nearest boat. Those who are in contact with him notice that he gulps down a lump that appeared to stick in his throat. He loves the little ship, and her doom cuts him tc the heart. It is not on any pecuniary account, for Thaddeus has seen to it that there will be no lose. Marine underwriters had been found who for a heavy premium were willing to insure the Iris.

• Let fall—give way !’ is heard in the captain's voice, and four boats leave the burning vessel. When they are a little distance oft the expected explosions occur—a shower of sparks fly upward — far a moment the scene is as bright as during a vivid flash of lightning—then follows darkness.

All that, remains of the gallant ship is a half sunken wreck that still smoulders in places. Captain Webb sobs like a child. • Boys, forgive me,’ he says, upon recovering his self possession, ‘but I have sailed in that ship five years ; my wife died aboard her. I feel as though I had lost an old friend. Perhaps my nerves are a little unstrung—they must be, or I’d never have played the baby act.’ Baby act ! Those men who have seen Captain Webb in the midst of the fray, fighting as though possessed of the courage and strength of half a dozen, do not need to be told that there is not a drop of cowardly blood in his veins. Besides, a number of them grieve over the loss of the gallant barque almost as seriously as he does.

The boats are ordered to keep together. They are out upon the ocean now having left the lagoon behind. By the stars they guide their course, and during the remainder of the night take turns at the oars.

If the pirates have followed they are not able to find them during the hours of darkness.

Major Max and Thaddeus are in one boat; the Nabob, Eulalie, and her father in another ; while Phineas and his adorable Belinda sit in the sternsheets of a third, whispering words of encouragement, for this danger has opened their eyes to the fact that each is indispensable to the other. Morning comes. Thus far all it well; a breeze has risen.

but the sturdy boats dance merrily over the waves. Two of them have sails, and as the wind is favourable these are raised and the other boats taken in tow. Captain Webb has his nautical inetru.

menta with him. His hope is to reach the island which proved their haven during thia ferritic typhoon. Here they can stay, and fly a signal of distress from the peak. Vessels are apt to pass at almost any time,

steomers plying between Hong Kong and Singapore or Calcutta

At noon they make a discovery. Captain Webb hands the glasa to Major Max. * Take a glance ahead—that is our destination,* he says. In a low tone he adds : * Later on sweep around the horizon, especially a>tern. Say nothing.' A minute later Major Max takes down the glass.

* Well ?’ questions W ebb. * It is the island—l have been watching it with the naked eye.’ ‘And astern ?’ guardedly. ‘Two Chinese junks are rapidly overhaul* ing us.’ * What do you believe ?’ ‘That they are our enemies—without doubt. What can we do about it ?’

• Nothing, only sail the best we know how, and if the worst comes, show our teeth. You see the wisdom of my carrying that little brass gun in the odd boat. It was meant tor such work as this.’

Major Max again grows serious. He had begun to hope the worst was over—that upon the island they could remain in comfort until Providence sent a steamer that way to their relief.

Now danger threatens—two junks are rapidly bearing down upon them, laden with vengeance-sworn pirates burning to avenge the destruction of their vi lage. It is not long before some of those in one of the boats discover what is astern. Consternation ensues ; not that the men are terror-stricken, but the change from fancied security to alarm is very sudden. Every effort is made to hasten their progress, but the junks, with their great sails of matting, rapidly overhaul them. Captain Webb stands up; he looks ahead at the island, and then astern—measures the several distances with his eve, and shouts :

‘On my life, I believe we’ll pass the opening before they can overtake us. Keep up heart, lads. We whipped them twice, and we can do it again. He enters the boat that carries the brass gun, so as to su;>erintend that part of the business upon which most of their hopes depend. Webb is an experienced gunner, and graduated upon one of Her Majesty's warships. His was the hand that sent the first iron globe screaming into the forts of the rebel, Arabi Pasha, at Alexandria. Minutes pass—they are fraught with intense anxiety to those in the four boats. This island seems destined to stand as a rock of refuge for all in danger, but at the same time there is always a race for life before safety is assured. On the last occasion it was a hurricane that waited to ingulf them—now the danger comes in the shape of merciless pirates. The jiwe of the little harbour are near at hand, but the junks sail fast. Captain Webb, seizing his opportunity, plants a ball in the hull of the leading junk just above the water line, and as she ploughs through the sea she sucks in great quantities of water. Then he has the gun again charged, and throws a second shot when he gets her masts in range.

There is great confusion on board, for the stick, weakened at a critical part, comes down with a vast amount of matting sail.

and throwing a number of men overboard.

Our friend* send up a cheer. The first blow is in their favour, for the other junk loses her headway in the attempt to avoid striking her convoy. Thue Captain Webb's little flotilla has a chance to pa** between the rocks and gain the harbour. Once in quiet water, they feel that they can bold their own agaiuet the enemy. The disabled junk is transferring her crew to small boats. Evidently they do not yet intend giving up the fight. Captain Webb sees that in order to win the day, aggressive action must be taken. While the boats containing the women make for the shore, in order to get the non combatants to a place of safety, the other two remain at the opening of the rocks, to resist the coming of their foe*. A number of the men clamber up the rocks, armed with their guns, and open fire on the boats of the pirates. They mean to keep it warm for the assailants. Nor is Webb behind with his little braes cannon. He works it with great skill and deadly execution, and with each roar the men on the rocks cheer lustily, as they see the great destruction he accomplishes. This reception is too warm for the blood of the rascals, and they soon get sick of it; the boats return to the junk, and a panic ensues.

Up comes the anchor, and the junk sails away towing the disabled craft, which has been in a measure patched up so that the water no longer finds an ingress. Webb sends a parting shot after them, and his men shout with enthusiasm when the remaining mast of the disabled junk comes down with a crash, leaving her a complete wreck. An hour or two of light remains. Captain Webb superintends the landing, and a camp is made. Major Max notices the care with which he picks this out. * What do you look for ? he asks, aside. * They may sneak back here in the dark and land at some other point. I have sent a man to the lookout on the hill for security,’ replies Webb. After darkness comes the lookout. ‘Just as I feared, major; they have not gone far. We may see them again before morning, and must make preparations. It means life or death to us.’ * And who wouldn’t fight under such con-

ditione?' return, the soldier, whose eye. are tautened upo 1 the Nabob bending over Eulalie with a devotion that wine a .mile of thank, from the young girl, though .he begin, to show the wear and ;ear of the ■st two weeks.

CHAPTER XXX

HOW FATE—AND MISS EULALIE—MANAGED IT. The night haa half passed, and there has been no alarm, though there is not a minute of all that time that the guards have neglected to keep strict watch. At last it comes—there is heard a shot and almost immediately the alarm is given. Every man has slept on his arms, and springe erect, ready to do his country honour.

Again the passions of men meet in deadly encounter —again is heard the awful roar of battle.

The pirates are on the water's edge, and the boats are covered. A light seen just beyond the opening between the rocks tells where the one sound junk is at anchor. When the conflict has raged some little time tbe pirates draw back. They seem to have had enough of this kind of warfare, and doubtless intend lying on their oars until morning.

This gives Major Max a brilliant idea, which he mentions to Webb, the captain being also struck with its boldness. • Try it, my dear fellow ; if the chance comes to us we might succeed. It is worth an attempt.’ So Major Max, selecting a couple of men, and muffling their oars, goes away in the smallest boat.

In half an hour the craft gently pokes her nose up on the strand. The major seeks Webb, who has been making the tounds. * Well, is it a go V asks the captain, eagerly.

*1 believe not more than half a dozen of the rascals are left on board. Heaven holds out the chance—it would be folly for ue to refuse it.’

* Major, you are right. We will get ready to withdraw. The fires on the outposts must be kept up, but not so well as to betray us on the water.

It is a perilous undertaking, but men in

their situation have to take chance*. The boat* are toon in leadinee*. and by degrees manned. Eveiy sailor knows what i* ex* |>ect(d of him, and ia ready to do or die. In silence they leave the shore. The darknetti* hide* their movement*, and like huge bugs they cieep over the surface of the water, heading for the opening, yet keeping in the shadow of the rock*. Not a wound ia heard from sea or shore—a silence hang* oxer al l , a silence that may be but a mawk on the part ot their enemies even as it is with their own move* mentfl.

They reach the gateway that leads to the email lagoon.

Captain Webb touches the soldier’s arm. • Look beyond. See ! the junk is now faintly outlined against the heavens/ he whispers. •It is the coming of dawn. We are none too soon.'

• Forward, and may the Cod of battles watch over our cause.’

The four bouts move along with muffled oars. As thej draw nearer the anchored junk the sailors listen eagerly, but no sign of discovery comes. From the shore they have so recently left there suddenly arises a chorus of demoniac yells—it is as if a mad house had opened its doors and allowed the inmates to escape. They know* what it means—the allies on shore have fallen upon the camp with all their might, intending to smite the daring Caucasian bin and thigh. Unfortunately for the success of their cause, they have de* layed just twenty minutes too long. There are signs of a movement on board the junk—perhaps those who have remained on the vessel discover keen chagrin and disappointment in the shouts of their com* paniuns ashore.

Further concealment is now useless—the sailors bend to their oars and the boats shoot through the water as though imbued with life. Outcries sound upon the junk — one or two guns are fired, but on either side darts a boat—ready hands seize upon dangling ropes, and up go the daring British tars. Not a cheer is heard, not a voice is raised—they reserve all this until victory is assured. The few men on board retreat in dismay. Most of them are wounded at any rate, and hardly fit for warfare. Some leap overboard—others cringe for mercy at the feet

of their conquerors, who urge them over the wide with kicks and cutis.

Ai soon as the sailors board the junk, some ot them leap for the matting sails and begin to haul them up. Others reach the anchor and exhaust their strength in tbe effort to get it in.

Daylight comes on very fast. Those on shoie will by this time have

reaH-ed the nature of the clever trick played on them, and may even be rushing headlong fur their boats with the intention of commencing pursuit.

All dejtends now upon the breeze ; it is very gentle, but seems to be increasing with the coming of the <*un. When all has been done that mortal hands can accomplish. Captain Webb sets to work getting his boats on board. One of them holds the precious cannon, which is speedily placed in position at the stern. They are moving through the water and leaving a foamy wake bubbling behind when the boats of the astonished enemy heave in sight. Captain Webb immediately fires at them, and the ball ricocheting along the dancing waves, knocks the bow of a canoe oft, t he craft instantly sinking so that its occupants are com|»elled to swim to the rocks and squat there, watching the completion of the aftair without being able to have a hand in it.

Rendered desperate by the loss of thei r junk, the pirates row like madmen, but the breeze is in favour of the fugitives, the matting sai's swell out under its influence, and. as Captain Webb declares exultantly, the canoes do not gain an inch. He forbears firing again since none of them have the least de ■'ire to take human life when it can be avo ded, and surely the coast buccaneers have been punished severely enough already. The breeze freshens as the eastern sky shows the red glow that heralds the sun’s rising, and the junk sails gayly away from her former owners. Some of the sailors have found pieces of yellow bunting with dragoons upon it, and these are hauled aloft a« if to mock the raging despair of those in the boats left far behind.

Never junk c irrie I such happy passengers—never sky looked so blue as on this day. Miles are left behind, and they have forgotten all about the Malay-Chinese terrors of the coast, in thinking of what happiness lies before.

Gentle monsoons waft them on their journey. They make good time, for these junk* can sail much better that their queer appearance would indicate to anyone accustomed to the fine lines of a yacht. Heaven is kind to them after the severe ordeal though which they have passed, and one afternoon the captured junk sails into Singapore Harbour and drops her anchor. They are none too soon, for a storm is brewing, and the waves running quite high.

The little cannon booms out a welcome salute as the sails come down, those queer matting contrivances which only the Chinese seamen sport. Many gather on shore, wondering who these Caucasians upon a junk may be. Boat-* start out hoping tor a job. Our friends are ad anxious to go ashore. All appear happy — alt but Major Max, who paces up and down, smoking his cigar and looking very sober.

Thaddeus and his brother have gone, and the boat carrying Phineas and Miss Huggins is n°aring the shore. One more remains— it is for Eulalie and the Nabob, her e*cort, the latter of whom has just dodged below for a shawl she forgot. Thus fate manages that Eulalie comes up to the major, who tries hard to look cheerful, but dismally fails. ‘You are going ashore, major?’ she asks.

‘ I hardly think so—l shall have my ellects sent to the steamer in the morning and go when she doe«.’

* Go—go where, pray ?’ ‘Anywhere—that is, my plans are not arranged,’ he says, hastily. • And leave poor papa so soon?’

•He has a good nurse now in his daughter. Perhaps at some future day I shall look him up—when it is ail over,’ huskily. • When what is a 1 over?’ she asks, looking puzzled, yet with a sly twinkle in her eye, the witch, which poor Major Max does not see.

He is about to get out of it the best way he can, when something occurs that snatches his fate out of his hands. There are times when our fortunes are moulded by influences which we cannot control. The Nabob heaves in sight.

• I will come ashore and bid you good-by at the hotel,’ he says, hastily, and turns aside.

Before he has gone ten paces he suddenly turns.

Surely some one screamed—he looks buck to where he left Eulalie. Good Heaven ’ she is no longer there I He can see Nat Mayne leaning over the side of the junk. Can it be possible that the young girl, in stepping back, has gone overboard ?

Major Max is at the side in a second ; it is just across from where the boatman waits. es, there is an object in the water — he see the curly head of Eulalie - she appears to have one aim thrown across a fl >atmg piece of spar which Providence has drifted past.

Max Lee’s first impulse is to make a leap over the aide. Twice before he has saved this girl—he swore that if Heaven ever gave

him the chance to do it again he would defy any one to take her from him. He has already kicked his boots oft—his coat is about to follow when he hears her cry — she stretches out one band imploringly :

•Nat, or, Mr Mayne, Rave me—jump overboard —will you see me drown before your eyes?’ The Nabob is like one distracted ; he tears his hair and throws off his coat ; he makes as if about to drop over the side ; but as the water touches his foot he draws up again shuddering. ‘I can’t, Eulalie, ! Some one— A boat here! Ten thousand dollars to the man who saves her • Curses on my stupid head !* he cries in agony. * Save me, dear Nat !* she cal’s again. *My God, Eulalie, I cannot swim!* he shouts. Then, regardless of consequences, the distracted Nabob snatches up »i life preserver and throws himself over into the deep, where he splu»tersand struggles, and is in momentary danger of strangling ; but it was the best h*» could do. Major Max re«nlvns to wait no longer. A leap and he in—half a dozen strong strokes and Eulalie feels his arm about her. * Allow me then to help you until the boat comes,’ he say*, and is puzzled to hear the girl say, with bitterness : ‘Just as I suspected.’ Nat Mayne knows that fortune has ruined his case—the look the dripping beauty gives him as she passes by on the way to her state room, the keen emphasis with which she thanks him for risking his life in the endeavour to save her, tells him the end ha« come.

Completely crushed and looking indeed forlorn, he turns to the major, who cannot but feel sorry for the boy. • Uncle Max, I have received my congr. There is no mincing matters. The one dream of my life is shattered. Kismet ! it is fate. I can disguise the truth no longer. She loves you —she didn’t know her own heart. But it is all plain now. Forgive me. I’ll make my peace with her, and—go and learn how to swim, it I drown for it.’ Major Max squeezes his hand, almost crushes it.

• What the father stole the son restores. Refuse not what the gods offer,’ continues the Nabob, magnanimously. So it happens that it is Major Max who later on sees Miss Thorpe ashore. He is like a boy in his happiness, for he sees in her eyes the tender lovelight she tries to disguise. Later on he finds a chance to plead his cause, not eloquently but successfully.

* And I may be a soldier’s wife after all,’ she laughs.

•Ah ! did you overhear that remark of mine, my dear girl? Yes, Heaven has been very good, and I trust you may never regret it. he replies.

Thi« all happened but a short time ago—we pay tribute still to the ‘coffee king.’ Major Max has not yet been wedded. There is one question he means to ask some day. He has seen that Eulalie is a typical Virginian girl, daring in her way, and he has a startling suspicion that ha r assed by doubts, the minx may even have purposely stepped overboard from the junk in order to solve the momentous question as to which of her two lovers saved her from the waters of Singapore harbour.

[the end.]