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Cuddio Rhestr Erthyglau
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[All Rights Reserved.] THE FLOWER OF THE SUN. I BY .-i JULIAN ASIITON. AUTHOR OF "vThe Temptation of Adrian Norreys" Love's Reward," "A Spirit's Curse," etc., &c. CHAPTER II. I CARL SACHSEN'S GIFT. I A GIRL was leisurely strolling down a glade that ran irregularly through the woods of Squire Tranby's estate in one of the Midland counties. From time to time she stopped and looked wist- fully towards the edge of the wood as though ex- pecting some one to appear. Then she consulted uher watch, and returned it to its dainty resting- place—a tiny pocket at her side-sighing impa- tiently at the delay. The grey-whiskered, middle-aged head game- keeper of Squire Tranby's preserves was watching yher at a little distance-unobserved himself- and smiled as he noted her disappointed look. Easy to see what's up," he thought. She's --waildiig for her young man, and he's late. Any- body with half an eye, and not so much brain, could tell that; I wonder who it is. Never heard of Miss Franklin having a sweetheart, nor any one else, I fancy; not but what she's pretty enough, and good enough, too. My poor girl, Lucy, just worships her. But Miss Franklin always seemed to me to be fond of her books and chemicals, and such like, and not to think about a lover. But I hope she's got a good one. Think I must wait and see what like the chap is. And here he comes at last." The quick ear of the gamekeeper had not de- ceived him. A man was advancing up the glade, and the girl heard him, too. Turning, she waited for the approach of the new comer, near the thicket where the curious and silent spectator was hidden. The man who drew near was certainly not the kind of lover the gamekeeper expected to see. This was no good-looking young Englishman, but a thickset, grizzled "foreigner" of about forty-five or fifty; not particularly conspicuous for neatness of dress or refinement of manner. But he raised his brown hat to Miss Franklin, on coming to her, and burst (into fa torrent 'of broken English apology, with assisting gesticulation. Ach, I am late so late. I beg your pardon, dear young lady. I was detaint; you will forgif, I hope not possible to help myself. But I have xe plant, ze Kalakala; it is here, and I am rejoiced, oh, much rejoiced, to gif it you. Carl Sachsen has kept his word. Behold it," and he placed a small wooden box in her hand. Thank you a thousand times, Herr Sachsen," cried the girl with eager delight. I cannot tell you how much I am indebted to you. Had you any trouble in getting it ?" 11 Trobble ? Oh yes, some trobble. Ze natifs of North-East Senegambia are teufels, born teufels. They vould not gif us passage across a littel river, Be Matapa, and we had to fight dem. I vould not be turned back by any schellum of a Senegalese, Dot Carl Sachsen. And we had the needle gun- you know what it is, so ?" Oh yes, I have read about that wonderful new rifle and the terrible slaughter it made among the Austrians at Sadowa last year. It was dread- ful." Thirty-two thousand," remarked the Prussian, cheerfully, as he recalled the great victory of his countrymen. Zat is, killed, wounded, and mis- sing, mostly killed and wounded. Yes, it is a fine rifle. Well, we fired at zem for an hour but could not drive zem away. Den I tought, 'Sachsen, you must be a Von Moltke now, you must show Strategy, tacties.' So I sent Dietriech, my second man-what you call him ?—yes, lieutenant, with twenty men round by ze back to cross ze river higher up and attack zem in ze rear. He did it veil, and we charged zem in front while he fired on zem from flank. Zhey ran away, and we went on, and found ze Kalakala. It was grow in a wood at ze foot of a rocky hill." I am dreadfully sorry you' should have had such danger and trouble. Now please tell me what expense you have had in getting this rare plant for my collection." "Expense; oh, I do not know dat dere vos any particular expense, noting special. It vos all in de day's vork, so to say. We were there trading; we hear quite by lucky chance of the Kalakala. I had ask many natifs, zey know nothing of it. But I fancy they lie, and Dietreich say so too. They vill not tell you anysing if they can help it. So I make op my mind what to do with the next; I tell him, I know the thing grow someone in dese parts, and I want a littell of it to take home; only a little, not much. Now, you tell me no lies, but just say quick where it is, or-2 And I show him a rope, and point up to ze branch of a tree. Dat made him speak quick. In de Calamba gully,' he zay. Where is that ?' zay 1. Across the Matapa, two miles due east. Dere you find a wood at ze foot of a big, rocky hill; it grow there.' So I let him go." You got the secret out of him, at any rate," said Miss Franklin, laughing. Did I not ? But we had not heard ze last of my friend, nor he of Carl Sachsen. He tell his friends, and zey resolve to stop us. So we fight dem. I think I see my friend among the others, and take a look at him through my field glass. Ja, it vos him. So I watch and get what you call a pot shot at him, and down he go. I see his body afterwards ven we went across the ford." It is rather dreadful to hear of men being killed in this way to get me a rare plant. I am sorry I asked you to bring it back now." Tut, tut; it was not your fault. Dey were fools they should have let us go on quietly. We did not want to do any harm to dem, and dey knew it. I nefer kill or hurt ze natifs, onless zey make me fight in self defence it is not good for trade. But now you have ze Kalakala, and I am very glad. I do not want to be paid for it. I like to please a lady." But you must let me recompense you for the danger and trouble you have encountered in grati- fying my wish. Do let me do that, I shall be un- happy if you don't." Vell. if you like to gif me a ten pound note I will gif it to my man Dietreich, he deserves it. I take nothing for myself but your thanks. Ah thank you," as she handed him two notes. And now, good-bye. Yes one word more. You will be re- member ze Kalakala is poison, strong poison zat natif say. I do not know if zat is true or not, but it may be. It smell strong. You will be careful with it will you not ?" Miss Franklin laughed and shook her head. You don't think I mean to kill anyone with it, surely, Herr Sachsen. I may use some of it for chemical experiment, nothing more. It is such a very rare and little-known herb that few persons get the chance of working with it, and that is why I am so very grateful to you for bringing me such a nice sample. Good-bye. If I want to write to you, a letter to your London agent will always find you, I suppose ?" Always in time," said the Prussian, signifi- cantly. Ven I am trading in West Africa, it might not reach me for many weeks. But if 1 am alive it will reach me—some day." "And I wonder," thought Sachsen, watching the girl as she tripped away with her prize, what she means to do with that African plant. I would give something to know. Those hounds of savages use it as medicine, I hear; but very cautiously and highly diluted. I believe it is hell broth. But it's none of my business." A queer start this," ruminated the keeper, as he slowly left the thicket where he watched with interest the interview just ended. "This was no courting affair. He brought her something from those furrin' parts that she seemed to want des- perate bad. I saw her eyes flash as he gave it her. Cally—what did he call it ? Cally some- thing. Well, it ain't my business, and I must go and feed them young pheasants. But I'd like to know what it is, and what she's going to do with it." John Flinton's curiosity was never gratified. But he would have been surprised if he had been told that within a year his daughter Lucy and one other person whom he loved and reverenced were to become closely acquainted with the power of that mysterious African plant, the Kalakala, from Senegambia. CHAPTER III. WEDNESDAY AT TRANBY-PARK. TKANBY-PARK was one of the most beautiful in Loamshire. After passing the lodge gates, you found yourself in a noble avenue of trees of every kind, which stretched away right up to the house, a distance of nearly two miles. For the first quarter of a mile, the leaf-shaded carriage road was tolerably straight, affording a charming per- spective. Afterwards it wound and turned in a very erratic fashion, but this only added to the beauty of the scene. Neither did it keep the level, but sometimes rose in a gentle ascent, and else- where siink into a little valley. But always shut in by oaks, elms, beeches white and copper, firs, and here and there a plane. A wide brook intersected the road at three points, over which rustic bridges had been thrown, and advantage had been taken of this stream to construct an artificial lake of some size. A fragment of a ruined abbey, Cistercian, still remained in the grounds, near the drive, and this was the only point at which the trees had been cut down, to give a view of the mouldering, ivy-clasped gateway and remnant of wall which had survived the attacks of time and storm. Soon after passing this, the trees became fewer and more scattered, and the house, with its wonder fully kept gardens and conservatories, came into view. Wednesday was always show day at Tranby Park when the public were freely admitted to the grounds, not to the house, however; the squire could not reconcile himself to such a concession as that. They may come into the park and gardens as much as they like, on Wednesday," he said. And to do them justice, I must say they always behave quite as well as could be expected. They keep off the grass borders and I'm told there hasn't been a flower pulled in the garden for the last seven years. But an Englishman's house is his castle: he has a right to keep that to himself; and I can't have all and sundry pouring over the rooms and staircases, gaping at my picture, and oh, mying' at the plate and old china. So that ends the matter." It was Wednesday at Tranby Park; but there were fewer visitors than usual. A keen east wind was blowing, and the sky was overcast and dull. Only about a dozen people had passed through the lodge gates. Two of these were in the largest of the conservatories, admiring the rare blooms which were just then at their best. "Just look at this camellia, Meta," said an elderly lady to her companion. I hardly know which to admire most, its perfect shape or the colour, deep orange. Did you ever see anything finer?" It is very beautiful, aunt; but give me this orchid for choice, a Vanda, with those wonderful splashes of mauve on the cream ground. I should be disposed to think this the finest plant in the house." "You're right there, miss," put in one of the gardeners, who was trimming a shrub close by. Squire thinks more of that orchid than all the rest." He takes an interest in his flowers, then ?" Interest ? I should think so Miss, and knows as much about them as Mr. Fitzsimmons himself -that's the head gardener. And- Why he's coming in now." Who ? the head gardener ?" No, the Squire," replied the man, lowering his voice. "It's very seldom he comes into the gardens on a Wednesday." The glass door opened, and an elderly gentleman entered. Squire Tranby was a thorough specimen of the English country gentleman. Though just turned sixty, he looked hale and vigilant, his grey eyes were clear and penetrating, and he walked as up- right as a Guardsman. Coming towards the group, he cast a glance at the two ladies, and raised his hat with innate courtesy. Ah, showing our treasures to a friend Mrs. Elliott pIt My niece, Mr. Tranby; Miss Franklin." The squire bowed slightly, but his glance rested for some seconds on the girl's calm, pure face. I am sorry you have such an unfortunate day for inspecting the gardens. It is your first visit, I Bunnose ?" Yes," said Meta, quietly; "but such exquisite flowers as these scarcely need even gaslight to add to their beauty." Mr. Tranby looked pleased. "We try to raise a few good things here, cer- tainly. Not without some little success, either. My gardeners have been rather successful in taking prizes for orchids and roses." You hardly do justice to Mr. Fitzsimmons and his staff, squire, by saying rather successful,' re- marked Mrs. Elliott. Mr. Tranby carries off first prizes and medals for many miles round, Meta, whenever he exhibits these two classes of flowers. When the season for roses arrives, I am sure you will say you never saw such magnificent speci- mens." That is some weeks ahead. Your niece wil prolong her stay until then ?" Meta has come to live with me. She only arrived a fortnight ago." Then, noticing the look of interest on the squire's face, and knowing that he was too courteous to put questions which might seem to border upon inquisitiveness, Mrs. Elliott added, My niece is an orphan. I am very glad she is making my home her own. My life has been rather a lonely one for some years." Well, we live in a beautiful part of the country, that must be admitted; but we cannot always find complete happiness in scenery. The village is quiet, certainly, and there is not much society. We must see that Miss Franklin does not find it dull." I don't think there is any fear of that," said Meta, smiling. Occupation, with a little recrea- tion at times, is my sovereign remedy for ennui." Good," returned the Squire, approvingly. Well, by way of making a beginning in the direc- tion of recreation, Mrs. Elliott, let me have the pleasure of showing your niece and yourself the few things worth seeing in the Hall. The weather is so uncompromisingly wretched that the gardens and hothouses are really hardly worth seeing. Let them wait till they can do themselves more credit in sunshine. Will you see the Hall ?" You are most kind, Squire. We shall like it very much." And Mrs. Elliott found a chance of whispering, as Mr. Tranby turned to give some order to the gardener, This is wonderful, Meta. The Squire admits people to his gardens, but never to the house. We are lucky to have such a favour ex- tended to us. I've never seen it." "I shall take you a roundabout way, to avoid exposing you to the rain more than is necessary remarked the Squire, as he led the way. The conservatories all open into each other, and the last one—the cactus and fern house-is only a little distance from the entrance." Miss Franklin was astonished at the extent of glass through which they passed. House after house was traversed, the houses of flowers, fruits, and rare plants. At last she saw the stately man- sion appearing, the glass walls of the conservatory which ended the long series, and a few yards more brought them to the door. A broad flight of steps led up to a semi-circular portico, supported by four stone columns. Passing through the wide doors, Meta found herself in a somewhat novel scene. Instead of a large, level apartment, as she had imagined the entrance hall would be, another broad flight of twelve steps, thickly carpeted, led up to a landing about twelve feet square. Then another similar flight of eight steps led to large glass doors. Passing through this the real entrance hall was reached at last. The effect of this architectural arrangement was peculiarly striking and imposing. Meta's quick glance embraced all the details as they ascended the staircase, and she exchanged a look of admira- tion with her aunt. The entrance hall was of great size and height. The walls were loaded with ancient weapons and armour, and a few pictures, evidently by no modern painter. But the squire led them through without pausing, and conducted them to the great drawing-room, where, requesting them to be seated, he touched the bell, and ordered the footman to bring afternoon tea." Is Professor Koelle in ?" he added. "Yes, sir; in the library" Of course, in the library. Tell him to come, if he would like a cup of tea. And I don't think," laughed the squire, as the man disappeared, "that Koelle will refuse he is a veritable Dr. Johnson for tea, and, I should feel inclined to say, his superior for learning. Of what, and where is he Professor ?" Mked Mrs. Elliott. "Arabic and Oriental languages, at the Univer- sity of Emsden, Bavaria. But although that is his 'faculty' he has been an enormous reader, and his learning is really remarkable, even for a German professor, and they are 'generally walking encyclopaedias. Yet with it all, a more modest, gentle man never breathed. I respect and admire Koelle." Meta gave a slight start at the word "Arabic" which did not escape the keen eyes of the squire. He looked at her for a moment, and then asked: Are you interested in Arabic, Miss Franklin ?" Yes, a little," she answered, blushing slightly. But I ought perhaps hardly to say that I am even interested in it, I am quite a beginner." Come along, Koelle," cried Mr. Tranby, as the Professor entered. Here is a congenial spirit for you. Fancy our quiet little village graced by the presence of a charming young lady student of Arabic." Mrs. Elliott looked surprised. The last man in the world to pay compliments, I should have thought," she said to herself. The Professor smiled slightly at the squire's vivacious remark, and after the formal introduc- tions were over took a seat beside Miss Franklin. A tall, spare, grey-haired man, with a slight stoop, evidently contracted by much bending over books and papers, he wore a gold rimmed pince- nez, and had a habit of playing with it in his right hand, dangling it by the string from his left hand, when specially interested in the conversation. But the prominent feature in the doctor's character was that which the squire had indicated—gentle kindness and a transparent sincerity which im- pressed you strongly. No donnishness, veiled conceit, or patronage about this profoundly wise man; all his learning seemed only to have made him the more tolerant and charitable. You study Arabic so ?" were his first words to Meta, as he took a cup of tea from the tray handed by the footman. Yes, a little. I am very interested in it." What teaching have you had ?" I am only self-taught, Professor; so you must please look on me as a very humble student of that beautiful language." Right; you are very right, Fraulein. Ah, it is indeed a beautiful language. But you must have made some progress with it to be able to appreciate its beauty. What books have you ?" His manner was so paternal, and so eminently kind, that Meta did not feel she was being ex- amined by a perfect stranger. She already liked this new acquaintance. I have Professor Palmer's I Arabic Grammar," and Freytag's Latin-Arabic Dictionary and the Koran, said Meta. That is all my Arabic literature so far; at least nearly all," she added quickly. "You could not do better than you have done. But tell me, if you do not mind, why you corrected yourself just now, and said nearly all ?' I noticed that." Well, if I must speak plainly I will; though I did not mean to betray myself. The only Arabic literature I have, besides the printed books, is a very old manuscript." What 1" cried Dr. Koelle, almost dropping his cup in his excitement, and only saving the dainty little piece of china by a frantic clutch just in time. Ah, Tranby, do you hear that ? What wonder is this ? Down here in Loamshire, in this quiet re- treat, to come across such a treasure ? And a gracious maiden who knows its value, and sets herself to learn the language that she may read it; is it not so, Mees Franklin ? Yes, I see it in your laughing eyes, Himmel; but this is strange." You will frighten us, Miss Franklin," said the squire gaily. A student of Oriental Languages, and the possessor of an old manuscript in an un- i decipherable tongue; we shall all be afraid of this rara avis who has made her nest among us, ignorant rustics as we are." "Please don't s&y so," stammered Meta, looking very confused. Indeed you are all making me out to be something very different to what I am; I'm not at all learned. I am very far from even being a good Arabic scholar, and I only began to study that language because I am very interested in this curious old parchment roll of mine. Really that is all." It is quite enough to tell a tale of courage, perseverance, and intelligence, which I admire," said Professor Koelle, sitting down by Meta again. "My child," he went on very earnestly, "you will let me inspect this manuscript; you will gratify an old man, I am sure. It may be some document hitherto unknown to scholars, and of great worth." Certainly, you shall see it, Professor, In fact, now that my secret is out, I shall be very glad if you will help me in one or two passages which have been too much for my limited knowledge of the language. The characters are so much harder to read than those in the modern printed books." Ja, Ja, hast recht, child, I have known a good Greek scholar helpless over an old uncial. He said he had never seen such letters; and were they Greek or Sanskrit ? Ha, ha! By the way, have you done any Sanskrit ?" Oh, not; the Arabian is the only Oriental lan- guage I have attempted." Syro-Oriental," the Professor corrected gently: the Arabic, like the Himyaritic and the Ethiopic-and perhaps the Coptic-are a branch of the Semitic family of tongues. Sanscrit is one of the Aryan group. But they all help each other in studying them. Comparative philogy is a grand science. But we must not expect too much from you at first; more will come in good time. Now about your manuscript-have you translated it ?" All but a few words, here and there. I think they must be some special technical terms at any rate, I can't find them in Freytag. There is one word in particular, Kalikalla, which often occurs. Yes, that does not sound very like the language in which Mahomet wrote. Well, we will go into this; it is most delightful, charming. I little thought to find such a treasure here. May I see you to-morrow ?" Mela looked at her aunt inquiringly. We shall be very pleased to see you to-morrow, Professor come as soon after breakfast as you like, and stay to lunch I daresay the manuscripts will require a good deal of time. We live at Brook- field, the house just outside the village, on the Kellington road." I know it," said Dr. Koelle, "I passed it yesterday. I will come at ten o'clock, if that is not too soon." (To be continued.)
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PHILIP, Prince zu Eulenburg, the Kaiser's troubadour, as he is called, is one of the most charming men in Europe. He has keen wit, sharp eyes, and a silvery tongue. Not only is he a statesman and diplomatist of the first rank, but he is a musician and a poet. Wherever he goes he makes for himself friends by the sheer force of his tactful courtesy, his sympathy, his considera- tion for the susceptibilities of others. The result is his career has been a series of successes, and he has risen to the highest post in the diplomatic service with unparalleled rapidity. That he would be Chancellor at present, in Count Biilow's place, there is little doubt had the Kaiser last year had a free hand in the matter. SIR REGINALD CATHCART has been entertain- ing the Duke of Abercorn and General Henry Stracey in the island of South Uist. The Duke of Connaught will probably pay a strictly private visit to Sir Reginald and Lady Catlieart at Cluny Castle, for which they have now left, next month, for a few days' partridge and pheasant shooting. Cluny is a fine place in Strathdon, near Mony- musk. The castle is a stately house, which was built in 1836-37 on the site of an ancient strong- hold of the Gordon family. There is first-rate low-ground shooting on the estate-
OUR SHORT STORY.I
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OUR SHORT STORY. I JESSIE'S MADONNA. I He'll never marry you, darling," said Peter Melton. Pretty Jennie, his granddaughter, looked up with wistful, startled eyes. Why not, grandfather ? I think—I'm almost sure-that he likes me." Jennie Melton had neither mother nor sister, and had fallen into the habit of making all her con- fidences to her grandfather, the wooden-legged old soldjer. Old Peter took his pipe out of his mouth, and watched the blue smoke as it floated up into the air. "My girl," said he, "I think he likes you, but he is in debt, and terribly tied down with that old mortgage his father left him to pay off. There is Gussie Miggles, quite pretty, with a clear hundred pounds of her own which her uncle left her. A man can't afford to push fortune aside when it's held up to his nose." If I thought so, grandfather-" My dear," said Peter, not without a kindly pity in his voice, you don't know the world as well as I do." Jennie silently rose from her seat, and taking a blue-rimmed china bowl in her hand, went out to pull up some radishes for tea, and to be alone to think. If Richard Larremore can be so mercenary as that," she thought, the big drops starting to her eyes, then there is no truth and honesty left in all the world!" Jennie!" Through the green wall of dark bushes the gleam of a pair of honest dark brown eyes gazed frankly upon her, and the next moment Richard Larremore was at her side. I was coming this way, on an errand from the village," said he, and so I thought I'd just look in. But, Jennie, you are crying What for ?" "I—1 don't know!" faltered Jennie. But you must tell me! your tears fall like drops of fire on my heart, for I love you I" 0 Richard!" I have loved you this long time, dear," he went on, tenderly pressing her hand in his strong grasp, only I dared not ask you to share my uncertain future. But some day, when I have paid off my debts and have a home to offer you, will you come and be its queen ?" And Jennie, half crying, half laughing, promised that she would. But," said she, with a demure sparkle in her pretty brown eyes, "Gussie Miggles has a hundred pounds all of her own, and I haven't as many pence." "I love you," said Richard, and I don't love Gussie Miggles! There's where it is, my little woman. And although I can't deny that a hundred pounds would be very acceptable to me just now, still, I don't intend to sell myself for money." Half an hour later, old Peter Melton was electri- fled to feel Jennie's arms around his neck, her soft cheek laid against his stubby beard, and to hear her whispering,— Grandfather, he does love me He has told me so-and he has asked me to be his wife." The next morning was one of those brilliant sum- mer days when the leaves scarcely stir in the sun- shine, and the purple hills in the distance seemed outlined like crayon sketches against the pure blue of the horizon. Old Peter was sunning himself on a wooden bench in front of the house, when a little party of gay horsemen stopped before him. Can we have a glass of milk and something to eat here ?" demanded the forerunner of the party, as he sprang from his sleek steed. Peter looked gravely up at them before he spoke- It isn't an inn, to be sure, but my granddaughter, Jennie, will be pleased to give you a glass of milk and some of her homemade cake, if that will satisfy you." He stumped on in advance of them to tell J en- nie, who, flushed and pretty, brought into the little front parlour her jug of milk and plate of cake at once. But one of the guests, an elderly gentleman, with a surprised look on his face, walked straight past the table to the chimney piece, where a dark can- vas hung, enclosed in a home-made frame of cones and acorns. What's this ?" said he. Eh ? What's this ?" And he gaxed at it intently. That picture ?" said Peter Melton, rather de- precatingly. Oh, that belongs to my grand- daughter. It isn't much to look at, I know, but she thinks it's better than the blank wall. It's laid up in the garret these many years, and she brought it down last spring-cleaning time. Grandpa,' says she, 'it will just cover that faded place on the par- lour wall. Where did you get it ?" There was an old foreign gentleman died here who boarded with my father when I was quite a small lad—died of consumption-and he set a deal of store by it. It was his wife, maybe, or his mother or sister—that there woman with the child I in her arms. He had no relations as ever any one heard of. Father buried him, poor creeter, and there was the end of it. But he lay and stared at < that there picture to the last, a muttering his j foreign lingo. Most likely it was some relation of his'n." Not exactly," said the gentleman, with a curious smile hovering around the corners of his lips. It's a Madonna-one of Blouto Compo's. Quite genuine. Do you say it belongs to this young lady?" Yes, sir," said Jennie, colouring. What will you take for it ?" Take for it ? Take for that ugly bit of dingy, old looking canvas that they had almost trudged house room to ? Jennie could hardly believe her ears. I—I don't know, sir," she stammered. I don't know what it's worth. Would two pounds-" Two pounds!" cried out the astonished gentle- man. I'll give you a hundred!" Jennie put her hands resolutely behind her back. Sir, that would be cheating you! It is not worth so much money." The gentleman smiled grimly. Child," said he, what do you know of art ? Is it for you to decide what a Blouto Compo is worth ? A bottle of ink please!" he said, to old Peter, as he pulled out a letter case from his in- side coat pocket, and taking a cheque therefrom, filled it up, signed it, and handed it to Jennie. He knocked the frame off at once, and rolled up the black and age-stained canvas as if he had gained a prize indeed, while Jennie, staring at her cheque for one hundred pounds, could hardly believe that the whole thing was not a dream. But, grandfather, is this money all mine, to do what I like with. Of course it is, child!" Then I'll give it to Richard to pay off the mort- gage with, and we can be married at once." The old man looked fondly at his grand- daughter. A woman all over," said he. "Well, my girl, do with it just as will make you happiest." Richard Larremore refused to accept the money at first, and then he said he would take it as a loan. And you into the bargain, my precious dar- ling!" said he with a smile that was half choked bv a sob.
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AMERICA CUP. I CLOSE FINISH TO THE FIRST RACE. I The contest for the America Cup was resumed on September 28, when Shamrock and Columbia met in order to decide the race of 15 miles to windward, and return, which had to be left un- finished for time-excess reason two days earlier. It took the two boats over four hours and a hatf to cover the distance. At the conclusion of the thrash to windward (says the special corre- spondent of the London Times in New York) Shamrock led by 41 seconds, but down wind Columbia, in a falling breeze, drew up on the challenger, and passed the finishing line 35 seconds ahead of her rival. With her time allowance of 43 seconds and the two additional seconds which Shamrock had to allow her through crossing the starting line that time ahead, Columbia thus won by one minute and 20 seconds, after {an excit- ing struggle in which the final issue was in doubt up to the last few hundred yards. It was the closest contest teere has ever been. The course was east by south straight out to sea. A moderate breeze was blowing at the start, with a long easy swell rolling in from the eastward. The seas were somewhat broken at first, but they soon smoothed down. The preparatory gun was fired at 10.45, the warning gun at 10.55, and the starting gun at 11. The yachts came down to the line with their biggest jackyarders aloft, breaking out jibtopsails just before the start. When the warning gun was fired Columbia was bearing down on Shamrock, but the latter pulled ont from uuder her lee. In the next few minutes Captain Sycamore gained the weather berth and, holding it, crossed the line close hauled on the starboard tack, with Sham- rock's bowspirit just showing ahead of Columbia. Captain Barr immediately tried luffing out, and pinched his boat hard to try and drag out from his leeward position. Shamrock through these tactics was evidently backwinded by the leeward boat, and two minutes after the start went about. Columbia followed a few seconds later, and both boats sailed on the port tack for over 10 minutes. The breeze had hardened a little and was coming true, without favouring slants for either boat. Both boats were sailed pretty full and were travelling fast, Columbia moving through the water with less fuss than Shamrock. Captain Barr, however, was evidently not satisfied, and threw about on the starboard tack at 11.14. Sham- rock did not at once follow suit, but held on for another 50 seconds before breaking tack. She also then went to northward, and was now holding a good position. With the seas running abeam instead of coming head on, the challenger was sailing at her best and still holding the weather gauge of the defender. This was shown by what followed. Shamrock had been pointing higher than Columbia, though the latter was footing it faster on a more leeward course. At 11.23 Columbia went about to port, and Shamrock holding on her course the yachts rapidly approached each other. This was just the opportunity for accurately ascertaining which had gained the advantage in the thrash to windward so far. The excitement was intense, Americans hoping that Captain Barr was in a position to repeat his performance in the first abortive sail, when he weather-bowed Sham- rock soon after the start. This time he found it impossible. Shamrock had eaten up to windward too far for him, and he was forced to throw back to starboard with increased respect for the windward- going qualities of the challenger. The breeze was now coming with a little more weight in it, which seemed to suit Shamrock better, as she was at last getting down to her sailing lines. She could have done better with a little more, however, as her lee rail was rarely awash.. The difference in the two boats in this respect was very notice- able. Notwithstanding hea lofty sail plan and larger spread of canvas, Shamrock did not heel so readily as Columbia, the latter often sailing with her lee rail just buried, whilst the challenger showed a least a clear foot of freeboard. The starboard leg was a long one, Shamrock being kept as close up in the wind's eye as would suit her, whilst Columbia was ramped along fuller, with alternate pinching up and paying off. Columbia at last, at 11.53, again threw round to port in a second attempt to rob her rival of the weather berth. Captain Sycamore saw what was coming and prepared to meet the challenge. Shamrock was no longer pinched, but was given a greater pull, and went tearing through the seas at express speed until the gap between the boats was narrowed down to less than a hundred yards. The challenger was then shoved up to windward, and Captain Barr, by putting down Columbia's helm and throwing back to starboard, proclaimed to the thousands of excited onlookers that what lie had aslied of Columbia was beyond her powers and that the British boat still held pride of place. This second failure cost the defender some loss of time and ground, but it brought her up into closer proximity to the challenger. Shamrock now bore down a little on Columbia, and when the latter straightened out again on the starboard stretch so close were the big cutters that Shamrock's jackyarder threw a shadow on Columbia's main- sail. It was first silhouetted close to the leech of the mainsail and kept creeping forward to the luff, until Captain Barr, disliking such close quarters, eased off. The wind was now coming at about nine miles an hour, Shamrock, if anything, seeming to foot it a little better than her oppo- nent. Columbia again edged up towards her opponent, and once more she was shadowgraphing to the accompanying fleet the story of her plight. Slowly but surely the tell-tale patch crept forward until it reached the mast, and the hearts of the British beat high. Just before noon Shamrock flung roand to port, Columbia following half a minute later. On this tack Columbia was pushed up into the wind for all she was worth, whilst Captain Sycamore pur- sued opposite tactics, and, sailing the challenger fuller, forereached her rival at first. After about 20 minutes of this Captain Sycamore pinched his boat more, with the result that Columbia began to creep up on her. At 12.31 Columbia threw round to starboard, Shamrock not following suit for another two minutes, when she also went about. No sooner had the challenger filled away on the starboard tack than Captain Barr put Columbia about, being anxious to find out what she had really done in the last 40 minutes of pegging to windward. The answer quickly came, and for the third time the American yacht was forced to throw under her rival's lee. Both now were on the starboard tack, with Columbia sailing wide to leeward of Shamrock. They seemed to maintain their relative positions unchanged, and at 12h. 52min. 40sec. Captain Sycamore threw his boat round to the southward to lay the weather mark. Twenty seconds later Captain Barr made his final board, and the yachts held up as close as they could and footed it to the mark, which they weathered-Shamrock, Ih. 25min. 12sec.; Columbia, Ih. 25min. 53sec. Shamrock's victory in the windwnrd work was greeted with loud cheers from the spectators and siren and whistle blowing from the steamers. Now occurred one of the most interesting phases of the contest, and it is a moot point (says the able correspondent of the Times) whether the race was not lost by Shamrock at this juncture. Sheets were eased off and spinnaker booms were dropped to port on both boats, but neither broke out their ) big running sails. Captain Sycamore, instead of at once squaring away and keeping on his course, luffed out after gybing round to prevent Columbia from getting on his weather. Columbia was luffed as well, and the yachts reached along almost at a right angle off their course. When Captain Barr eventually bore away, Columbia was nearly abeam of Shamrock, although to leeward, and Shamrock's lead was almost wiped out. Captain Sycamore knowing what a flier Columbia is down wind, cannot be blamed for luffing, but, as events turned out, with the wind softening nearly all the time, it is a question whether, if Shamrock had been squared away immediately after rounding the mark, she would not have been able to maintain the lead she had established, and perhaps to add a few more seconds. This. however, is one of the chances of the game. Columbia gradually drew up on Shamrock, and at 1.50 was on level terms. Both were sailing under the same canvas, spinnakers and r bowsprit spinnakers being hoisted to catch every draft of air stirring. The wind began to come I very light, and though at no time during the run were the vessels actually becalmed, occasionally there was hardly enough breeze to fill the big run- I moment seemed likely. The skilful handling of the Erin, however, enabled her to receive the blow on thp. port quarter. Two plates above the water-line were badly bent and one of the deck beams buckled, but no further mischief was done. The boats of the Erin were promptly manned, but for- tunately they were not required. The accident caused consternation for a short time on board the Erin and among the people on board the surround- ing steamers who witnessed the collision. cing sails. At three Columbia was about one length to the good. The breeze soon after hardened a little, and Shamrock drew up. but Columbia managed to creep away again, and finished the winner as stated, the finishing times being: Columbia, 3h. 31min. 23sec.; Shamrock, 3h. 31min. 53sec. The race proved that Shamrock when not bothered by head seas can hold her own in wind- ward work with Columbia, bnt down wind, in light airs, cannot drift so quickly as the American. AN EXCITING INCIDENT. An exciting incident occurred immediately after rounding. The Erin. with Sir Thomas Lipton and 100 guests on board, was run into by the revenue cutter Gresham. The conscquences might have been very serious had the Gresham struck her amidships as at one ANOTHER FAILURE. The race for the America Cup arranged for the 1st inst. was abortive. The wind was "fluky" throughout the contest, and did not blow at any time more than six miles. Shamrock had the better of the race until it was called off, and had there been a good breeze she would almost certainly have won. The morning brought no promise of fair winds. The sky was cloudless and there was a breeze of between siz and eight knots, but it was so un- steady that there were many predictions of another disappointing race. At half-past eight the Cunard liner Servia in passing down the bay on her way to Liverpool signalled Good luck to the Erin, and Sir Thomas Lipton shouted his thanks through a megaphone. The two yachts were towed out of the Horseshoe before nine o'clock, each putting up mainsails, jibs, and foresails. The Irish cutter wore a new main- sail. It was of lighter texture than the one under which she sailed last week and would serve her better in light airs. The wind was from the east, but inclined to be shifty. The course was triangular, having 10 miles to each leg. The first leg was laid due east, the second south-south-west by half-west, and ) the third north-north-west by half-west. This made the start a dead beat. Then, after the first mark boat had been passed, came a broad reach and. the journey home was a close fetch. While the yachts were manoeuvring for position it seemed impossible that they could finish, for there was hardly enough wind to keep them moving. At eleven o'clock, when the starting gun was fired, Columbia had the better position, and she crossed the line at llh. Omin. lOsec., Shamrock following at llh. Omin. 22sec. This, howe, gave the supporters of the challenger no uneasi- ness, for it reduced Shamrock's handicap by 12 seconds. Columbia had the windward berth, and it was impossible for Captain Sycamore to get his boat from the defender's lee. The wind was not more than four miles, and it precluded any skilful manoeuvring. The yachts simply drifted along, first one catch- ing a favourable puff of wind and then the other. The yachts started on the starboard tack, but 15 minutes later they changed to port; then, after another 15 minutes, they went back to starboard. Almost immediately, however, the boats went about again, and they remained on the port board for half an hour. By noon Columbia had slightly increased her lead, but not more than two and a half miles had been covered. For the next hour neither contes- tant gained on the other, and by one o'clock they were little more than half way to the first mark boat. Shamrock then picked up. Aided by some lucky puffs she began to overhaul the defender, and at half-past one she was on even terms with her. Fo' three-quarters of an hour first one boat was ahea4 and then the other took the lead, everything de- pending on which yacht was more favoured by the wind. At a quarter-past two Sycamore seized an oppor- tunity and urged his yacht across Columbia's- bow in legitimate fashion, to the annoyance of Columbia's crew. From this point Shamrock dominated the con- test. She seemed to gain new life by her retalia- tion for the way in which Columbia had crossed in front of her on Thursday, and, despite the failing wind, the challenger moved through the water at a faster rate than either had travelled since the start. The boats were now approaching the first mark, and Shamrock rounded into the broad reach of the second leg at 2h. 41min. 36sec., Columbia fol- lowing at 2h. 44min. 44sec. In going along the reach Shamrock footed it faster than the defender, and demonstrated excel- lent qualities. The challenger increased her lead to over four minutes, but then the wind shifted and favoured Columbia, which began to move faster. Before the boats had gone much further, however, they were seen to ease of their sheets, and this was taken to mean that the race was "off," with halt the course uncovered. Shortly afterwards the official sign from the committee boat was seen declaring "no race." Shamrock was over half a mile ahead when the race was declared off.
THE THEFT OF LORD ANGLESEY'S…
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THE THEFT OF LORD ANGLESEY'S JEWELS. At the Marlborough-street Police-court in London on the 1st inst. Julian Gault, 23, late valet to Lord Anglesey, was again brought up charged with the theft of a large quantity of jewelry belonging to his master. Lord Anglesey gave evidence, and said he estimated the value of the jewelry stolen at between C30,000 and E40,000 After some further evidence had been tendered. the prisoner was again remanded.
PERSIAN GULF QUESTION.
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PERSIAN GULF QUESTION. Renter's Agency is informed that the rumour contained in the Bombay Gazette that Great Britain would shortly proclaim a protectorate over Koweit has no foundation. There has recently been a good deal of inter-tribal disturbance in this part of the. Persian Gulf, and the Amir of Nejd has been preparing to attack the Sheikh of Koweit. The presence of the British war vessels and the Turkish force in the vicinity is explained by an agreement between the British Government and the Porte to prevent any collision between the native chiefs above-mentioned. No other compli- cations are to be apprehended, and the affair no longer wears a serious aspect.
MR. McKINLEY'S TOMB.
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MR. McKINLEY'S TOMB. MR. McKINLEY'S TOMB. REMARKABLE INCIDENT. It is stated that Private Deprend, the sentinel guarding the vault at Canton, Ohio, containing the body of the late President McKinley, fired at a man who was prowling in the vicinity on Sunday night. The shot was diverted by another man, who came from the opposite direction, and who struck Deprend with a knife, cutting his clothing. A struggle ensued, and Deprend fell and was slightly injured. Both men escaped. Their motives are unknown. It is believed that they were escaped prisoners from Canton gaol. The commander of the troops at the cemetery is represented to have made the following statement with reference to the incident at the late Mr. McKinley's tomb After a careful ex- amination to-day, I think it probable that the sentinel deceived himself. I do not think that an attack such as he described actually occurred. When daylight came we could find no evidence of a struggle."
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THE Marquis of Laiisdowne was desirous oi coming to London from Ireland to attend the memorial service for the late President of the United States in Westminster Abbey, but he has not yet entirely recovered from the attack of sciatica from which he was suffering when he left London, and was therefore compelled to postpone the journey.
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CLIENT By what right are you keeping that 6000dol. damages you recovered for me ?" Lawyer: Didn't you tell me in the first place that all you wanted was satisfaction." HERE'S a little truth, sublime, Full of wisdom deep No man's ever beaten time By stealing it from sleep. DUMLEIGH: "It was an awful trial for me to make that speech to-night." Middway: "Don't mention it, old boy; just think what the rest of us Buffered. Do you see that poor, dear girl over there ? Her cup of misery is full. Her love affair has ended most unhappily." You exaggerate," said a friend. Her cup of misery is not really full, unless she can't go around telling all about how it happened."