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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/15979-h.zip b/15979-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..36b9200 --- /dev/null +++ b/15979-h.zip diff --git a/15979-h/15979-h.htm b/15979-h/15979-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c615dae --- /dev/null +++ b/15979-h/15979-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,8261 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <title> + The Project Gutenberg eBook of Miss Caprice, by AUTHOR. + </title> + <style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .linenum {position: absolute; top: auto; left: 4%;} /* poetry number */ + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .pagenum {position: absolute; left: 92%; font-size: smaller; text-align: right;} /* page numbers */ + .sidenote {width: 20%; padding-bottom: .5em; padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em; margin-left: 1em; + float: right; clear: right; margin-top: 1em; + font-size: smaller; background: #eeeeee; border: dashed 1px;} + + .bb {border-bottom: solid 2px;} + .bl {border-left: solid 2px;} + .bt {border-top: solid 2px;} + .br {border-right: solid 2px;} + .bbox {border: solid 2px;} + + .center {text-align: center;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + + .figcenter {margin: auto; text-align: center;} + + .figleft {float: left; clear: left; margin-left: 0; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: + 1em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .figright {float: right; clear: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; + margin-top: 1em; margin-right: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span {display: block; margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 2em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 4em;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ + </style> + </head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Miss Caprice, by St. George Rathborne + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Miss Caprice + +Author: St. George Rathborne + +Release Date: June 3, 2005 [EBook #15979] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MISS CAPRICE *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + + + + +<h1>MISS CAPRICE</h1> + +<h2>By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE</h2> + +<p>Author of "Dr. Jack," "Dr. Jacks Wife," "Captain Tom," "Baron Sam," +"Miss Pauline of New York," etc.</p> + +<h3>1893</h3> + + +<!-- Autogenerated TOC. Modify or delete as required. --> +<p> + <a href="#CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I.--"COWARD!"</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II.--A DEADLY ENCOUNTER.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III.--SAVED BY FIRE.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV.--A WORLD-WIDE SEARCH.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V.--THE PROFESSOR ACTS.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI.--PAULINE POTTER'S HOUR COMES.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII.--THE BEAUTIFUL TIGRESS.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII.--HER DEBT CANCELED.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX.--BRAVO, PHILANDER!</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X.--SPRUNG ALEAK!</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI.--AN UNWELCOME PASSENGER.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII.--TO THE HOUSE OF BEN TALEB.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII.--A NIGHT IN ALGIERS.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV.--THE COMING OF MISS CAPRICE.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV.--THE WRECKED STAGE.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI.--A FRENCH WARRIOR.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII.--ON TO THE METIDJA MINE</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII.--THE MODERN LEONIDAS.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX.--WAR—HORRID WAR!</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX.--THE COMING OF THE FRENCH ZOUAVES.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXI">CHAPTER XXI.--SHE CALLS HIM JOHN NOW.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXII">CHAPTER XXII.--THE WEAVER—FATE!</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIII">CHAPTER XXIII.--FOUND—IN THE HOUSE OF THE MOOR.</a><br /> + <a href="#CHAPTER_XXIV">CHAPTER XXIV.--CONCLUSION.</a><br /> + </p> +<!-- End Autogenerated TOC. --> + + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_I" id="CHAPTER_I"></a>CHAPTER I.</h2> + +<h3>"COWARD!"</h3> + + +<p>A little party of tourists might be seen one lovely day in January, on +the hill back of the city of Valetta, on that gem of Mediterranean +islands, Great Britain's Malta.</p> + +<p>The air is as clear as a bell, and the scene is certainly one to charm +the senses, with the blue Mediterranean, dotted with sails, a hazy line +far, far away that may be the coast of Africa, the double harbor below, +one known as Quarantine, where general trade is done, the other, Great +Harbor, being devoted to government vessels.</p> + +<p>Quaint indeed is the appearance of the Maltese city that rests mostly +upon the side of the hill under the fortifications, a second Quebec as +it were.</p> + +<p>The streets are, some of them, very steep, the houses, built of +limestone, generally three stories in height, with a flat roof that +answers the same purpose as the Spanish or Mexican <i>azotea</i>.</p> + +<p>Valetta has three city gates, one the Porta Reale, through which our +little tourist group came to reach their present position, leads to the +country; the Porta Marsamuscetto to the general harbor where lie craft +of all nations, while the government harbor is reached by means of the +Marina gate.</p> + +<p>Thus they hold to many of the ways of Moorish and Mohammedan countries.</p> + +<p>The fortifications of limestone are massive—England has a second +Gibraltar here.</p> + +<p>In general, the Maltese speak a language not unlike the Arabic, though +English and Italian are used in trade.</p> + +<p>They are a swarthy, robust, fearless people, strong in their loves and +hates, and the vendetta has been known to exist here just as fiercely as +in its native home of Corsica.</p> + +<p>Many dress in the costume of the Franks, but the native garb is still +worn by the lower classes, and is a picturesque sight, such as we see +upon the stage.</p> + +<p>It consists of a long bag made of wool, and dyed various colors, making +a cap such as is worn by the sailors in stage scenes like the "Pirates +of Penzance."</p> + +<p>The top part of this is used for a purse, or forms a receptacle for any +small articles the wearer desires to carry.</p> + +<p>A short, loose pantaloon, to the knee, which leaves the lower leg bare, +is confined at the waist by a girdle or sash of colored cotton or silk. +Then there is worn a cotton shirt, with a short, loose vest, or +waistcoat, as they were formerly known, covering the same; the latter +often ornamented with rows of silver buttons, quarter-dollars, or +English shillings.</p> + +<p>As to the ladies of Malta, their costume is very odd, and reminds one +somewhat of Spain. In part, it consists of a black silk petticoat, bound +round the waist, over a body of some other kind of silk or print which +is called the <i>half onuella</i>. The upper part, the <i>onuella</i>, of the same +material, is drawn into neat gathers for the length of a foot about the +center of one of the outer seams. In the seam of one of the remaining +divisions is inclosed a piece of whalebone, which is drawn over the +head, and forms a perfect arch, leaving the head and neck bare.</p> + +<p>As may be expected, it requires much practice to wear such a dress +gracefully. Many of the best ladies of Valetta now get their fashions +direct from Paris—so the world moves.</p> + +<p>The little party of tourists have ascended the hill for the purpose of +obtaining the glorious view referred to, and at the same time whiling +away a few hours of time, for their stay at the Island of Malta has not +been of their choosing, a peculiar accident causing the steamer on which +they were taking passage to put in here for some necessary repairs.</p> + +<p>The tourists are five in number, and a very brief description will +give the reader an idea as to their identity, leaving individual +peculiarities to be developed as our story progresses.</p> + +<p>Probably the one that would attract the attention of a stranger first +would be the young lady with the peach-bloom complexion and sunny blue +eyes, whose figure is so stylish, and whose rather haughty manner +bespeaks proud English blood.</p> + +<p>There is another female, whom the young lady calls Aunt Gwen, and as a +specimen of a man-female she certainly takes the premium, being tall, +angular, yet muscular, and with a face that is rather Napoleonic in its +cast. A born diplomat, and never so happy as when engaged in a broil or +a scene of some sort, they have given this Yankee aunt of Lady Ruth the +name of Gwendolin Makepeace. And as she has an appendage somewhere, +known as a husband, her final appellation is Sharpe, which somehow suits +her best of all.</p> + +<p>Aunt Gwen is a character to be watched, and bound to bob up serenely, +with the most amazing assurance, at unexpected times.</p> + +<p>Then there is Sharpe, her worse half, a small gentleman over whom she +towers, and of whom she is secretly fond in her way, though she +tyrannizes him dreadfully.</p> + +<p>Near him may be seen a young American, whom they have somehow dubbed +"Doctor Chicago," because he is a medical student hailing from that +wonderful city, by name John Alexander Craig. Among his friends he is +simply Aleck. His manner is buoyant, and he looks like an overgrown boy, +but his record thus far proves his brain to contain that which will some +day cause him to forge ahead.</p> + +<p>No one knows why Craig is abroad. That he has some mission besides a +tour for health and sight-seeing, several little things have proved.</p> + +<p>There is another member of the group, a gentleman of sturdy build, with +a handsome face, whose ruddy tint suggests the English officer, even +without the flowing whiskers.</p> + +<p>Colonel Lionel Blunt has seen much service in India and around Cape +Colony. He gained an enviable reputation for deeds of valor, and is +disposed to look upon our friend from Chicago as an amiable boy, though +after seeing how they rush things out in that Western metropolis he may +have occasional qualms of fear lest this young doctor finally reach the +goal for which both are aiming. That goal, any one can see, is the +favor of the bright English girl whom fate has thrown in their way. +Perhaps it is not all fate, since Colonel Lionel has recently crossed +the States coming from India, and seems to pursue Lady Ruth with +singular pertinacity.</p> + +<p>Others are present, one a Maltese gentleman, the proprietor of a select +club-house, where the garrison officers fence and engage in gymnastics, +but Signor Giovani is not of our party.</p> + +<p>There are also several commissionaires or guides, at five francs a day, +for one cannot move at Malta without being attended, and it is wise to +engage one cicerone to keep the rest of his tribe at bay.</p> + +<p>Thus, on the hill above the singular Maltese city of Valetta, our story +opens.</p> + +<p>Aunt Gwen is sweeping a field-glass around, and emphasizing her +admiration of the picturesque scene with various phrases that would +immediately give her away as a Western Yankee.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth, with an admirer on each side, looks a trifle tired, or, it +may be, bored.</p> + +<p>She may be planning some innocent little scheme, such as girls are wont +to indulge in when they have a superfluity of beaus, in order to extract +some amusement from the situation, even if it come under the head of +"cruelty to animals."</p> + +<p>Philander Sharpe, with his hands under the tails of his long coat, and +his glasses pushed up on his forehead, is a study for a painter.</p> + +<p>He was once a professor in a Western college, and with his smooth face, +hair reached up from his high forehead, standing collar, and general +dignified air, is no mean-looking figure, though dwarfed into +insignificance by the side of his spouse, the wonderful Aunt Gwen.</p> + +<p>The conversation runs upon what lies there before them, and an animated +discussion arises as to the possibility of a foreign enemy ever being +able to successfully assault this second Gibraltar of the Mediterranean.</p> + +<p>Of course, the young American is enthusiastic, and has unbounded faith +in the new White Squadron to accomplish anything, while, on the other +hand, the British officer, like most of his class, believes that John +Bull is invincible on land or wave. Of course, the young man from +Chicago disputes the point, and energetically contends that no nation +is superior to the Republic, or that any flag can be more desperately +defended than "Old Glory."</p> + +<p>And right in the midst of the heated discussion Lady Ruth smiles, as +though she has suddenly hit upon an idea at last—an idea that offers a +solution to the problem that has been perplexing her of late, concerning +the courage of these rival admirers.</p> + +<p>She turns to the American, and smiles sweetly.</p> + +<p>"Doctor, you speak of your countrymen being brave; will you prove it?" +is what she says.</p> + +<p>The young man turns a trifle red.</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon. In speaking of Americans I did not intend to sound +my own praises. Personally, I never claimed more than the average amount +of boldness, though I don't know that I was ever called a coward."</p> + +<p>His manner is modest, but the young girl with English ideas chooses to +look upon his words with suspicion.</p> + +<p>"Doctor Chicago must not take water. I have surely understood him to be +a regular fire-eater—that all Chicago has rung with his escapades," +says the colonel of Royal Engineers, sneeringly.</p> + +<p>"Nonsense! But, Lady Ruth, you spoke of my proving something—what can +I do for you?"</p> + +<p>"Look!"</p> + +<p>She extends a shapely arm. Her finger points to a white flower growing +out upon the face of the precipice beside them.</p> + +<p>"Do you see that flower?" she asks.</p> + +<p>"I do," he replies, calmly.</p> + +<p>"I would like to possess it."</p> + +<p>The young man looks down. A fall means instant death, and it would be +impossible for even an experienced Alpine traveler to pass along the +face of the rock in safety.</p> + +<p>"I see no means of reaching the flower, or I assure you I would gladly +secure it for you."</p> + +<p>"Ah! but a bold man would climb out there."</p> + +<p>"Pardon—he would be a fool—his life would pay the penalty for a pretty +girl's whim. Unfortunately, perhaps, my life is too precious to some one +other than myself, to admit of the sacrifice. I am willing to do much +for Lady Ruth, but I decline to be made a fool of."</p> + +<p>"Well spoken," begins the professor.</p> + +<p>"Philander!" exclaims his spouse, and the little man draws in his head +very much after the style of a tortoise.</p> + +<p>"Coward!"</p> + +<p>The English girl is sorry as soon as the low word leaves her lips. No +one hears it but the young doctor, for the attention of all the others +is at that time directed elsewhere.</p> + +<p>This time the object of her scorn does not flush, but turns very white, +as he looks her steadily in the eyes.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry you have such a poor opinion of me, Lady Ruth. I make no +apologies, save the one that my life is too valuable—to others, to +myself—to throw it away at the mere caprice of a girl."</p> + +<p>"There is a gentleman who finds a way to accomplish what he wants. Take +a lesson from him, Doctor Chicago," she says.</p> + +<p>Colonel Lionel has noticed a long pole near by, in the end of which is a +cleft. This he has secured, and, by crawling as far as is safe along the +face of the rock, he is enabled to just reach the flower.</p> + +<p>After a number of ineffectual lunges he succeeds in clutching the +coveted article in the cleft of the pole, and draws it toward him.</p> + +<p>A moment later he presents the flower to Lady Ruth, with a smile and a +bow.</p> + +<p>"No English lady ever expressed a wish that a British officer did not +feel bound in honor to grant," he says.</p> + +<p>The girl thanks him, and then says:</p> + +<p>"After all, the flower was prettier at a distance than when in my hands."</p> + +<p>Colonel Lionel hardly knows whether he has made such a huge advance over +his rival after all.</p> + +<p>The afternoon sun is waning.</p> + +<p>"We must go down," declares Aunt Gwen.</p> + +<p>"One more look around and I am ready," says Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>Already she is sorry for her cruel words. Like the best of women, she +can wound at one moment and be contrite the next. She finds an +opportunity a minute later, when the colonel lingers to get the shawl +she—perhaps purposely—left behind, to say in a low tone:</p> + +<p>"I was cruel—forgive me—forget that foolish word," and while what she +utters gives him a pleasurable feeling, and brings the color into his +set face, he only smiles, as he answers:</p> + +<p>"Willingly, Lady Ruth. I did not believe you could mean it."</p> + +<p>Then, as the colonel bustles up, the subject is tabooed, and the party +of tourists proceed down the steep street leading to the Hotel Imperial.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_II" id="CHAPTER_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h2> + +<h3>A DEADLY ENCOUNTER.</h3> + + +<p>The scene, so peaceful, so picturesque, is rudely broken in upon by a +clamor so strange and awful that the blood is chilled in the listeners' +veins. Cries are heard down the steep street; cries that indicate alarm, +even terror; cries that proceed from children, women, ay, and strong +men, too.</p> + +<p>Our party comes to a halt midway between the brow of the hill and the +base. On either side tall houses, the declivity ending only at the +water. It is a bustling street at all hours, with loungers, business +men, women going to and returning from market, and children playing as +children do the world over, in the dirt.</p> + +<p>"What can it mean?" says Lady Ruth, as she looks breathlessly down the +street.</p> + +<p>No one in their party can explain the cause of the excitement. They see +people running madly this way and that, as if panic-stricken.</p> + +<p>"By Jove! it must be a fire!" suggests the colonel, twirling his +whiskers.</p> + +<p>"Nonsense! we should see the smoke," declares sensible Aunt Gwen.</p> + +<p>"You are right; it is something more than a fire. Those people are +almost crazed. I've seen such a sight in Chicago, when a wild Texan +steer got loose and tossed things right and left," asserts the medical +student.</p> + +<p>"That's what's the matter. See! they point at something as they run! +Look out for the bull!" cries Philander.</p> + +<p>Thus, in watching for a bulky frame to appear, they fail to notice the +actual cause of the disturbance.</p> + +<p>The street is almost deserted, save where people begin to reappear +below, as though the danger were past, to reappear and shout afresh as +they wave their arms.</p> + +<p>Some one is shouting close to them now. They turn their heads and behold +the crowd of commissionaires dashing headlong for the shelter of +adjacent houses, and acting like crazy men.</p> + +<p>It is Signor Giovani who shouts, first in Arabic, then in Italian, and +finally in English. They hear him now, and no wonder the blood runs cold +in their veins—it is a cry to alarm the boldest warrior on earth.</p> + +<p>"Mad dog! Run, signors!—save the ladies! To the houses, or you are +lost!"</p> + +<p>That is what the old fencing-master of Malta shouts while he retreats. +It causes them to turn their heads, and what do they see? Advancing up +the middle of the inclined street, turning aside for neither king nor +peasant, comes a great gaunt beast, his square head wagging from side to +side, his eyes blood-shot, and the foam dropping from his open jaws.</p> + +<p>Heavens! What a spectacle to rivet one with horror to the spot. +Fortunately there are some people of action present.</p> + +<p>Aunt Gwen clutches her <i>infant</i> by the shoulder, and drags him along in +the direction of the nearest house.</p> + +<p>"Run, Philander, or you're a goner! It's worse than snake poison, the +bite of a mad dog is. Haven't I seen a bitten man so furious that it +required six to hold him down? Faster, professor! on your life!"</p> + +<p>With that iron grip on his shoulder poor Philander's feet barely touch +the ground as he is whirled through space, and the dog, mad or not, that +overtakes Aunt Gwen and her infant must be a rapid traveler, indeed. +Thus they reach a house, and in another minute reappear upon a balcony, +to witness a scene they will never forget.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth, though naturally quivering with excitement, has plenty of +cavaliers to hurry her to a place of safety. Besides, after that one +first shock, she shows more grit than might have been expected of her.</p> + +<p>She allows herself to be hurried along. A strong hand grasps each arm; +and if every one in the path of the mad brute were as well attended, +there would be little cause for anxiety or alarm.</p> + +<p>Now they have reached a house, and safety is assured, for the hospitable +door stands open to welcome them.</p> + +<p>Already a number have preceded them, for they seem to be the last in the +vicinity.</p> + +<p>Just as they arrive, the colonel, who appears intensely excited, is +saying, hoarsely:</p> + +<p>"Enter quickly, I beg, Lady Ruth."</p> + +<p>She turns her head in curiosity for one last look, impelled by an +unknown power—turns, and is at once petrified by what she sees.</p> + +<p>They notice the look of horror on her lovely face, and instinctively +guessing, also cast a glance in the direction where last the savage +brute was seen.</p> + +<p>He has continued to advance in the interim, and is now quite close, +though not moving out of the straight line in the center of the +street—a repulsive looking object truly, and enough to horrify the +bravest.</p> + +<p>Colonel Lionel gives a gasp. He is trembling all over, for it chances +that this brave soldier, who has led forlorn hopes in the Zulu war, and +performed prodigies of valor on Egyptian battle-fields, has a peculiar +dread of dogs, inherited from one of his parents.</p> + +<p>It is not the animal that has fixed Lady Ruth's attention. Just in front +and directly in the line of the dog's advance is a small native child +that has been playing in the street.</p> + +<p>He cannot be over three years of age, and with his curly black head and +half-naked body presents a picture of robust health.</p> + +<p>Apparently engrossed in his play, he sees and hears nothing of the clamor +around until, chancing to look up, he sees the dog, and fearlessly +extends his chubby arms toward it.</p> + +<p>The picture is one never to be forgotten.</p> + +<p>It thrills every one who looks on.</p> + +<p>No one seems to have a gun or weapon of any kind. A peculiar paralysis +affects them, a feeling of dumb horror.</p> + +<p>A shriek sounds; from a window is seen the form of a native woman, who +wrings her hands in terrible anguish.</p> + +<p>The child's mother! God pity her! to be an eye-witness of her darling's +fate!</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth turns to the colonel, to the man who so recently proudly +declared that no English woman ever asked a favor that a British officer +would not grant, no matter what the risk.</p> + +<p>"Save the darling!" her pallid lips utter.</p> + +<p>He trembles all over, groans, takes a couple of tottering steps +forward, and then leans against the wall for support.</p> + +<p>"I cannot," he gasps.</p> + +<p>Other Britons there are who would be equal to the emergency. Mortal man +has never done aught in this world that Englishmen dare not imitate, and +indeed they generally lead. It is unfortunate for England that an +antipathy for dogs runs in the Blunt family.</p> + +<p>This time Lady Ruth does not say "coward," but her face expresses the +fine contempt she feels. With that mother's shrieks in her ears, what +can she think of a man who will hesitate to save a sweet child, even +at the risk of meeting the most terrible death known to the world?</p> + +<p>She turns to face the man who a short time before positively refused to +risk his life because Miss Caprice desired it.</p> + +<p>What can she hope from him?</p> + +<p>As she thus turns she discovers that John Craig is no longer there, +though three seconds before his hand was on her arm.</p> + +<p>A shout comes from the street, where, when last she looked, not a living +thing could be seen but the advancing mad dog and the kneeling child. A +shout that proceeds from a strong pair of lungs, and is intended to turn +the attention of the brute toward the person emitting it. A shout that +causes hope to thrill in many hearts, to inspire a confidence that the +innocent may be saved.</p> + +<p>The young doctor from Chicago is seen bounding to meet the maddened +brute, now so terribly close to the child.</p> + +<p>None knows better than John Craig what the result of a bite may be. +He has seen more than one hydrophobia patient meet death in the most +dreadful manner known to the profession.</p> + +<p>Yet he faces this fate now, the man who was thought too cowardly to +crawl out along that bleak rock and secure a white flower for a girl's +whim.</p> + +<p>He goes not because it will be a great thing to do, or on account of the +admiration which success will bring him. That mother's shriek of agony +rings in his ears, and if he even knew that he was going to his death, +yet would he still assume the risk.</p> + +<p>It was on account of a mother—his own—he refused to risk his life +before, and the same sacred affection inspires his action now, for he +could never look into her dear eyes again, except in a shame-faced way, +if he allowed this child to meet death while he stood an inactive +spectator of the tragedy.</p> + +<p>As he advances, John draws his right arm from his coat-sleeve. It is not +the act of thoughtlessness, but has been done with a motive.</p> + +<p>When the coat is free, with a quick motion he whirls it around, so that +it rolls about his left arm.</p> + +<p>Those who see the act comprehend his purpose, and realize that he means +to force the brute to seize him there.</p> + +<p>All this has occurred in a very brief time. Perhaps a quarter of a +minute has elapsed since Lady Ruth turned to Colonel Lionel, and +besought his aid.</p> + +<p>John Craig has at least accomplished one purpose. Just as the mad dog is +about to snap at the child, the young medical student snatches the boy +away, and throws him to the rear. The child rolls over and over, and +then, sitting up, begins to cry, more from surprise at the rough +treatment than because he is hurt.</p> + +<p>There is no time for John to turn and fly, and pick up the child on the +way.</p> + +<p>The dog is upon him.</p> + +<p>John has only a chance to drop on his knee, and thrust his left arm +forward.</p> + +<p>Those who are watching, and they are many, hold their breath in dread +suspense.</p> + +<p>"Heaven preserve him!" says Lady Ruth, wringing her clasped hands in an +agony of fear.</p> + +<p>They see the youth, he is hardly more, offer his bound arm to the beast, +and those glittering fangs at once close upon it.</p> + +<p>Then, quick as a flash, having filled the dog's jaws, John Craig throws +himself forward, his whole effort being to crush the animal to the +ground by his weight.</p> + +<p>It is the work of a strategist. A veteran hunter when met by a fierce +panther could not do better than this.</p> + +<p>As John has expected, the dog, taken by surprise, does not offer the +resistance that his powerful strength would warrant, but is at once +borne backward, nor can he release his hold from the cloth-bound arm +which his teeth have seized upon.</p> + +<p>A struggle under such circumstances must be a terrible thing, and the +shorter it can be made the better.</p> + +<p>They see the man throw himself upon the brute; they know his other hand +has sought the animal's throat, as the only means of ending his +existence.</p> + +<p>Prayers for his safety arise from many a heart, as the people watch the +dreadful conflict from windows, and balconies, and other places where +they have sought refuge.</p> + +<p>The struggle is of brief duration.</p> + +<p>John has the advantage in the contest, and the desire in his soul to +prevent this mad beast from injuring others lends him a strength beyond +what is naturally his portion.</p> + +<p>With a grip of iron he clutches the brute's throat, and in a few moments +the dog stiffens in death.</p> + +<p>The young medical student arises, but the ferocious brute lies there +harmless in the roadway. The smallest child in Valetta may play on the +street now and fear no evil, thanks to the love one American bears for +his mother.</p> + +<p>Now that the danger is past, people flock out.</p> + +<p>With the rest our tourists hasten toward the young hero. A form flies +past them with wild eyes and disheveled hair; a form that pounces upon +the little chap still crying in fright, and presses him convulsively to +her breast.</p> + +<p>That is the mother of the child.</p> + +<p>They rush to the spot, some to congratulate the youth who slew the dog, +others to gaze upon the horrible spectacle the animal presents as he +lies there devoid of life.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth comes with the rest, and upon her fair face and in her sunny +eyes can be seen a warmth of keenest admiration, such as poor Blunt +failed to receive when he leaned far over the dizzy precipice to secure +the flower Miss Caprice desired.</p> + +<p>"Oh, doctor, how noble of you! I shall never forgive myself for the +foolish blunder I made. See! these people look upon you as a hero, for +you risked your life for a child of Malta. I am proud to be known as +your friend."</p> + +<p>Her looks as well as her words are enough to send any man into the +seventh heaven of delight.</p> + +<p>John Craig is very white; a set look is upon his face, but he smiles a +little.</p> + +<p>"I am glad the little fellow was not touched."</p> + +<p>"And you?" she gasps, a sudden fear arising.</p> + +<p>He slowly unwinds the coat which was thrust into the mad dog's mouth, +and then rolls up his shirt-sleeve, to disclose to her horrified eyes +the blue imprint of two fangs in the muscular part of his forearm.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_III" id="CHAPTER_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h2> + +<h3>SAVED BY FIRE.</h3> + + +<p>She looks up into his eyes; there is a set expression to be seen there, +but his face is no whiter than before, although it must be a terrible +shock to any man to see the imprint of a mad dog's teeth in the flesh of +his arm.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it has happened, the worst that could come about! What will you do, +doctor?"</p> + +<p>He is a man of medicine, and he knows full well what such a wound means.</p> + +<p>"There is only one thing to be done. Excuse me for a minute or two, Lady +Ruth."</p> + +<p>He springs away from her side, and, turning with surprise, she sees him +dart into the smithy of a worker in iron, just down the road a bit.</p> + +<p>"Let us follow him!" says Philander.</p> + +<p>"Poor, poor boy!" remarks Aunt Gwen.</p> + +<p>"Oh, aunt! do you believe he will go mad?" gasps the younger lady, in a +trembling voice.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid; I've known of cases that happened like this. One thing's +in his favor."</p> + +<p>"And that?"</p> + +<p>"He wasn't bit in the face, or on the hand."</p> + +<p>"How does that matter?" demands Sharpe.</p> + +<p>She gives him a look of scorn.</p> + +<p>Then, ignoring her spouse, she says, as if continuing her speech to Lady +Ruth:</p> + +<p>"The dog's teeth went through several thicknesses of woolen cloth before +entering the skin. The fabric very probably absorbed the poison. A +rattlesnake's fangs are a different thing; they cut through the cloth +and the poison is then injected from the hollow teeth or fangs."</p> + +<p>"Oh!"</p> + +<p>They have reached the smithy, and, standing in the door-way, witness a +singular scene.</p> + +<p>The smith is a brawny native Maltese, with a form a Hercules might envy. +He has just taken from the fire a slender rod of iron, one end of which +is hissing hot, even red.</p> + +<p>With this he advances upon John Craig, who has laid his arm, bared +almost to the shoulder, upon a high window ledge.</p> + +<p>Then the iron just touches the flesh, and a little gust of white smoke +puffs up.</p> + +<p>"Jove! the boy has grit," mutters Colonel Lionel, unable to restrain his +admiration, even for a rival in love.</p> + +<p>As if overcome with the sensation of inflicting such pain, the blacksmith +shudders and draws back.</p> + +<p>"Again, it is not near enough," cries John Craig.</p> + +<p>The blacksmith shakes his head.</p> + +<p>"I cannot," he says, in English.</p> + +<p>"My life may depend on it, man. This is no time for hesitation. Give me +the iron!"</p> + +<p>His words are spoken with authority, and the brawny smith surrenders the +rod of glowing iron.</p> + +<p>Without an instant's hesitation, only compressing his lips firmly +together, the Chicagoan presses the red-hot iron upon his arm.</p> + +<p>Then he tosses the hissing thing aside, and begins to draw his shirt +over the raw red scar an inch square, which the merciless brand has +seared upon his white arm.</p> + +<p>Seeing the blanched face of Lady Ruth, and the anxious countenances of +the others near-by, the doctor, who has recovered from the shock, smiles +in a reassuring way.</p> + +<p>"I am sorry you saw this; I didn't intend you should. Let us go to the +hotel!" he says, slipping a coin in the hand of the honest smith, who +seems loth to accept it.</p> + +<p>Then the party continue down in the direction of the hotel, where they +stop while the steamer undergoes repairs.</p> + +<p>"Colonel Blunt, will you do me the favor to come to my room? I want to +put a small bandage with iodoform on the burn," he says aside, but Lady +Ruth hears it.</p> + +<p>"Colonel Blunt, indeed! What sort of trained nurse do you suppose he +would make? I have had experience—you may smile if you like. Tell the +colonel where to find your box of liniments and bandages, and bring it +to me."</p> + +<p>"But, my dear Lady—"</p> + +<p>"Not a word, doctor. I shall esteem it an honor; and what I lack in +scientific knowledge my aunt can supply."</p> + +<p>This clinches the matter, and John can offer no further argument against +her wish; so Blunt, the Royal Engineer officer, is sent after the +doctor's case, which errand he performs willingly enough, for although +he knows this affair has brightened up the chances of his rival, still, +as an Englishman, he has a deep, inborn admiration for bravery, no +matter whether shown in a Zulu warrior, armed with war club and assagai, +or in a Yankee youth who throws himself between a dusky child of Malta +and a mad dog, to receive the monster's attack.</p> + +<p>So he hastens up stairs to the room which John Alexander Craig +temporarily occupies, opens the door, and speedily returns with the +little traveling case in which the young physician keeps many important +medicines, an assortment of ready liniment and lint, with the wonderful +remedial agents known to modern surgery.</p> + +<p>To John's surprise, after he has opened the case and started to arrange +the small bandage, it is gently taken from his hands.</p> + +<p>"Allow me," says the pretty "doll," as he has at times been forced to +mentally term Lady Ruth, after she has played with his admiration.</p> + +<p>"But, do you know—"</p> + +<p>"I never told you my uncle was a surgeon, Sir Archibald Gazzam—"</p> + +<p>"What! that great man your uncle!" cries the student, with the deep +respect a young M.D. has for a famous practitioner.</p> + +<p>"Yes; and more than once I have assisted him in some simple case at the +house. He gave me credit for a fair amount of nerve."</p> + +<p>"Fair amount! Jove! for a girl you have a wonderful quantity. Why, I +believe you'd have faced that brute yourself, if I hadn't gone," he +says, enthusiastically, the others being momentarily at the window to +witness a procession pass the hotel, with the dead dog on a litter.</p> + +<p>"No, no, I could not do that; but, Doctor Chicago, was that what sent +you out to meet that awful beast?"</p> + +<p>Her head is bent over her work, so that the intense blush remains +unseen, but it fades away at his cool reply.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; quite another thing! I told you I never considered myself a +coward, and when I saw that dear little child apparently doomed to a +terrible death, I could see the eyes of one I revere looking at me, and +though death were sure I could not refrain."</p> + +<p>He says this quietly and earnestly, yet without an apparent desire to +arouse any feelings of chagrin on her side.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth bites her lips, but her hands are steady, and the touch is +exceedingly gentle as she binds up the ugly red mark which he has +inflicted on himself with what she is disposed to term Spartan-like +courage.</p> + +<p>"There; it is done, doctor."</p> + +<p>"And neatly done, too," says Aunt Gwen, with a nod and a look of pride.</p> + +<p>"I thank you sincerely, Lady Ruth."</p> + +<p>"Ah! you are a thousand times welcome. There is not a woman in Valetta +who would not feel it an honor to bind up the wound of the hero who +saved that Maltese child," says this young lady, frankly.</p> + +<p>More shouts without.</p> + +<p>This time the men of Valetta are clamoring for the American to show +himself. They do not know much of America, but they recognize true grit +wherever they meet it.</p> + +<p>Of course, a rush is made for the balcony, but John remains behind.</p> + +<p>He is feeling somewhat weak after the exciting events of the afternoon.</p> + +<p>And, as he sits there, smiling to hear the clamor without—for he is +human, this young Chicago M.D.—some one touches his arm.</p> + +<p>"Lady Ruth, I thought you went out with the rest," he stammers, with a +guilty blush, for it chances that at the very moment he is thinking of +her, and what a soft, electric touch she has, so soothing, so very +delightful.</p> + +<p>"I did not go; I was watching you."</p> + +<p>"An interesting study, surely."</p> + +<p>"It was to me. I desired to know whether you secretly feared the results +of your wound."</p> + +<p>"And I did not dream you were so concerned about me. Considering the +matter calmly, I am disposed to believe there is now no danger—that the +hot iron radically destroyed the last chance of infection."</p> + +<p>"I am very glad to hear you say so."</p> + +<p>"You care a little, then?"</p> + +<p>How quickly she is on her guard.</p> + +<p>"Because I would not see a brave boy needlessly sacrificed."</p> + +<p>"You look on me as a boy. I am twenty-three."</p> + +<p>"My own age, sir. That gives me the right to feel myself your senior."</p> + +<p>"How so?"</p> + +<p>"You know a woman is older at twenty-three than a man. Then you do not +wear a beard."</p> + +<p>"I shall cultivate one from this hour. Why, a year ago I looked like a +pard, but was influenced to change."</p> + +<p>Again that quick flash of intelligence.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Doctor Chicago has left a lady love in the city on the lake."</p> + +<p>"What makes you say that?"</p> + +<p>"Several remarks you have made; the one just now, and then in reference +to the spur that sent you to face that dog. Ah! my friend, it must have +been a strong motive to influence you like that."</p> + +<p>He overlooks the peculiar patronizing air, such as a young woman +sometimes assumes toward a boy her junior.</p> + +<p>"Lady Ruth, the person you refer to, the thought of whom sent me to save +that child, bears what is to me the holiest name on earth—mother."</p> + +<p>She draws a quick breath.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me. I was rude."</p> + +<p>"Not at all. My words admitted of just such a meaning as you placed upon +them."</p> + +<p>"You left her in Chicago, of course."</p> + +<p>John looks at her steadily.</p> + +<p>"Lady Ruth, it may sound strange to you after what I have said, but my +memories of my mother are all confined to the far past, to a period when +I was a mere child; but they are none the less previous on that account."</p> + +<p>She looks puzzled, as well she may.</p> + +<p>"Do you mean she is—dead?"</p> + +<p>"Heaven forbid, but I have not seen her in all these years. That is one +reason I am abroad, Lady Ruth. I have a sacred mission to perform—to +find my mother—to seek the solution of a mystery which has embittered +my life. Perhaps some time, if we know each other a little better, I may +confide a strange and sad story to you."</p> + +<p>"Just as you please, doctor," she replies, with deep feeling in her +voice, and at this moment the others bustle in.</p> + +<p>"You must show yourself on the balcony. The dear people clamor for a +sight of you, and I am really afraid they'll tear the house down soon if +you don't appear before them," says Aunt Gwen, with unusual vigor.</p> + +<p>"Yes, they unquestionably desire to publicly show their appreciation of +your services, and I for one feel proud to be an American this day."</p> + +<p>"Philander!"</p> + +<p>"Excuse me, my dear. John, my boy, allow me to lead you out."</p> + +<p>"One minute, please," says Lady Ruth, who has made a comfortable sling +of a long white silk kerchief, which she wore around her neck.</p> + +<p>This she insists on securing over John's shoulder.</p> + +<p>"That arm must be painful. I know it from my long experience as the +reliable assistant of my surgeon uncle. You will be glad to have this."</p> + +<p>"But—for such a mere scratch—people will laugh at me," he protests, +feebly, though it may be noticed that he makes no effort to deliver +himself from the silk sling which she is now tying.</p> + +<p>"People laugh at you! A mere scratch! Confound it, boy, there isn't a +man living who would go through with what you have to-day for a cool, +hundred thousand. I know one man a million would not tempt," cries the +professor.</p> + +<p>"I suppose I must submit," and accompanied by Philander, with the two +women bringing up the rear, he passes out upon the balcony, where the +colonel of Royal Engineers has remained, to be a curious spectator of +the scene.</p> + +<p>At sight of the hero of the street drama, those in the square before the +hotel shout and cheer. They are mostly natives, but men and women feel +very strongly drawn toward this young, smooth-faced American who risked +his life to save a child, and that child a Maltese boy.</p> + +<p>John bows, and presses his uninjured hand upon his heart, bows again, +and retires.</p> + +<p>Slowly the crowd disperses.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth completely ignores the colonel, but that veteran is not +crushed by any means. He watches the capricious maiden with a quizzical +light in his eye, which shows that he has not yet lost confidence in the +kindness of fate, or his own charms as a beau.</p> + +<p>Lionel Blunt's success in life has come from the fact that he has ever +been ready to watch his chance and take advantage of every possible +opportunity.</p> + +<p>So night settles over Malta, over the dreamy, blue Mediterranean, over +the singular city of Valetta, where this little company of tourists have +been temporarily marooned, and where Doctor Chicago, aided by fate, has +been enabled to make his first charge upon the heart of the proud +English girl, Lady Ruth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IV" id="CHAPTER_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h2> + +<h3>A WORLD-WIDE SEARCH.</h3> + + +<p>It is a night of nights, destined to mark, as with a white stone, the +progress of at least two life currents that have until recently flown +contentedly on, each in its own individual channel.</p> + +<p>Valetta, being a city of the Italian school, makes much ado over the +coming of Lent. The people, as if to prepare for six weeks of fasting, +indulge in all manner of feasting.</p> + +<p>Even the Mohammedans, who are present in no small numbers, join the +festivities, for they, too, have a period of fasting, according to the +example set by the prophet, and commanded in the Koran.</p> + +<p>Hence Valetta is very gay when night comes on; fancy Chinese lanterns +hang in the streets, music is heard on every hand, and laughing, +good-natured crowds jostle elbows in a way that would horrify a high +caste Hindoo.</p> + +<p>Valetta has long been known as the headquarters of the famous Order of +Malta. The representative commanderies of different nations have their +inns, each called an <i>auberge</i>, on the principal streets, while the +palace of the Grand Master is three hundred feet on each side, facing +four streets, with a large square in front known as the Piazza St. +Giorgio.</p> + +<p>A small tower on the top known as the <i>Torretta</i> is used as a station +from which men-of-war are signaled.</p> + +<p>Everywhere can be seen the insignia of this ancient order, the white +Maltese cross on a blood-red field, arousing thoughts of men in armor, +the crusades, and much that is stirring and romantic in the history of +the centuries that are gone.</p> + +<p>A student of history would find much to entrance him in this peculiar +hill-side city on the British Island of Malta.</p> + +<p>Supper is served at the hotel just as night comes on, and John Craig, +M.D., has managed to eat in an unconcerned way, talking with his +friends, and trying to appear unconscious of the fact that two score of +curious eyes are upon him, the incident of the afternoon having spread +like wild-fire among the rest of the delayed steamer's passengers who +stop at the same hotel.</p> + +<p>This is the first time the young master of medicine has found himself +the center of observation, and he comes through the ordeal very fairly, +as Lady Ruth informs him laughingly, when they <i>by chance</i> leave the +dining-room together.</p> + +<p>Another ordeal awaits John. In the parlor he finds the mother of the boy +whose life he saved. She cannot talk much English and John is hardly at +home in Arabic, or the mixed language used by the Maltese.</p> + +<p>When two persons are very much in earnest they manage to get on, and the +poor woman calls down the blessings of Heaven on his head ere she leaves.</p> + +<p>"I wish all this were over," he laughs, rejoining the English girl.</p> + +<p>"Make the most of it, doctor," says the colonel, sauntering up with +a choice weed between his teeth; "such occasions come rarely and had +better be appreciated. Take the advice of an old campaigner, and make +hay while the sun shines."</p> + +<p>"Oh! I mean to, colonel," replies John, and there is a hidden meaning +in his words that causes the officer to look at him steadily and mutter:</p> + +<p>"Hang the boy! I really believe he expects to enter the lists against +me, Colonel Lionel Blunt, who carries a Victoria Cross and knew what +a love affair was before he was born. Well, the end is not yet, and he +laughs loudest who laughs last."</p> + +<p>All of which is very true, and proves that the colonel of Royal Engineers +does not mean to let the opportunity pass.</p> + +<p>A few minutes later John and Lady Ruth stand on the piazza of the hotel. +The scene is well worth looking at, with its many lights, bright colors, +and constantly changing crowds.</p> + +<p>She expresses surprise, and seeks an explanation which fortunately the +young doctor is able to give, thanks to certain information he picked up +in scanning his guide book.</p> + +<p>"In time of peace prepare for war. They seek by a double allowance of +gayety to make up for the amount to be lost during Lent," he says.</p> + +<p>"Is Mr. Craig here?" asks a voice, and all look at the speaker, who is +a quiet appearing man, perhaps a native of England.</p> + +<p>"That is my name, sir."</p> + +<p>"John Alexander Craig?"</p> + +<p>"The same."</p> + +<p>"Of Chicago?"</p> + +<p>"Well, what can I do for you?"</p> + +<p>The other has been looking at him steadily.</p> + +<p>"I desire to speak a few words with you, Doctor John Craig."</p> + +<p>"Go on."</p> + +<p>"I beg your pardon—it must be in private."</p> + +<p>"In that case my friends will excuse me for a few minutes."</p> + +<p>"Oh! yes," replies Lady Ruth, looking at the bearer of the message again.</p> + +<p>"Certainly," says Blunt, promptly dropping into the chair John vacates +at her ladyship's side, and his celerity to take advantage of the +circumstance arouses a little suspicion in her mind that after all it +may be a ruse to get him away, with the Briton's gold backing it.</p> + +<p>She pays little attention to what the colonel is talking about; twice +she turns her head and looks to where John and the stranger talk, while +to herself she says:</p> + +<p>"Strange why I am interested in him and his fortunes. What is this +singular story concerning his mother, which some time he means to tell +me—when we become better friends? And now comes this man to hold a +secret consultation with him! Where have I seen him before, where heard +his voice? I cannot remember just now, but there is something familiar +about him. The doctor appears to be excited—there, he lays his well +hand on the other's arm and speaks quickly. Pshaw! it's none of my +business," and she resolutely turns her face toward the bright scene +on the street, only to glance back again a dozen seconds later.</p> + +<p>The doctor comes up; singularly enough Lady Ruth has just bethought +herself of her fan, and the military figure of the stalwart Briton is +seen passing through the door-way upon a wild-goose chase for the much +maligned article of ladies' warfare, which has played its part in many +a bit of diplomacy, and which he will never find, as it is at that moment +resting in the folds of milady's dress, cleverly hidden from view.</p> + +<p>"I trust you have had no bad news, doctor?" says the English girl, with +a touch of sympathy in her voice.</p> + +<p>"On the contrary, Lady Ruth, I have heard something that is of intense +moment to me," he replies, showing emotion.</p> + +<p>"About—your mother?" she asks, quickly.</p> + +<p>"It is so. Lady Ruth, you have heard me speak enough of my past to +realize that it has been a lonely life. My father loves me after his own +fashion, and I—respect him deeply; but all my life I have longed for +the love of a mother, until it has reached an intensity you can hardly +comprehend. Now I have received certain news that gives me a wild hope."</p> + +<p>"I, too, lost my mother when young, and that circumstance enables me to +feel for you."</p> + +<p>Her tender eyes thrill him as he never yet has been touched; the bond of +sympathy is akin to love; he has never had a confidant, and human nature +yearns to unbosom itself.</p> + +<p>"I promised to tell you the story, Lady Ruth. If I were sure we would +not be interrupted, I would be inclined to speak now, for I am about +starting upon a mission, the result of which Heaven alone can foresee."</p> + +<p>His earnestness impresses her ladyship; trust a bright girl for bridging +over a trifling difficulty such as this.</p> + +<p>"There is a little private parlor attached and generally empty," she +suggests, artlessly.</p> + +<p>"Just the ticket," he boldly exclaims.</p> + +<p>In a few minutes they are seated alone in this bijou parlor; its +decorations are quaint, even barbaric in their splendor, and a lover +of the <i>bizarre</i> would happen upon such a scene with the keenest of +pleasure.</p> + +<p>"Here are some drawings we can be looking over," she suggests, and he +nods eagerly, inwardly blessing her ready sagacity.</p> + +<p>Thus they look harmless enough.</p> + +<p>"Now I will play the lady confessor. What is it all about? Have you +fallen into debt like a bad boy, and don't dare write the <i>pater</i>?"</p> + +<p>He looks at her and laughs.</p> + +<p>"You see the comical side of everything, Lady Ruth. This I fear bids +fair to be a tragedy."</p> + +<p>"A tragedy! Dear me, didn't we have quite enough of that this afternoon? +What can it be? Surely, you and the colonel—" and she colors furiously +upon realizing how near she has come to betraying her thoughts.</p> + +<p>"The colonel and I have had no words, as yet, Lady Ruth. This affair +is something that concerns my past. Let me briefly tell you a few facts +that are of especial interest to me, and may claim your attention.</p> + +<p>"I told you I had not seen my mother since I was a child, yet she is not +dead. An unfortunate affair happened, and she was exiled from home. +Heaven knows I have ever believed her innocent.</p> + +<p>"On several occasions, unbeknown to my stern father, I have received a +line without a signature, a line that called down Heaven's blessings on +my head, a line that caused me to cry like a baby.</p> + +<p>"Thus year by year my resolve became stronger; I would find my mother, +I would seek the solution of the dreadful mystery that hangs over the +Craig home.</p> + +<p>"My studies were done; I graduated at the head of the medical class and +spent a year under the most eminent professors at Heidelberg. When they +gave me my diploma, they wrote my father that I ought to have a year of +travel to improve my health before entering upon the life work to which +I am devoted.</p> + +<p>"Of course my desire was granted, and I began the search. I have been six +months at it without success; it is like pursuing an <i>ignis fatuus</i>. A +clew would take me to Russia, whence I would fly to Persia, then to +Turkey, and next to London. In Paris I felt sure of success, but the +lady I was tracking turned out to be a grandmother, and there was a +lively scene in her house when I sprung my game.</p> + +<p>"Talk of 'Japhet in search of his father!' why, he wasn't in it at all +compared with me. At last came another clew; among the letters forwarded +in a bunch from home was a line in the same precious hand. See, here it +is."</p> + +<p>He takes out from a note-book a slip of paper; the writing is elegant +and feminine.</p> + +<p>She reads:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>"January 12th. Just twenty years to-day. Oh! Heaven! teach me to kiss +the rod."</p></div> + +<p>No signature, only a mark like a tear-drop.</p> + +<p>"Now you realize my position; you can, in a measure, understand the +peculiar mingling of love, reverence, and pity with which I think of +this mother, and how the thought of her enters into every act of mine."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, I do indeed," sympathetically.</p> + +<p>"I have sworn to find her—to let her know there is one who loves the +poor exile. Let my father rage if he will, my heart burns to meet her. +I will proceed. This letter was postmarked Malta, here at Valetta."</p> + +<p>"But you did not mention—"</p> + +<p>"I knew the steamer would stop a few hours at least, and thought that +might be enough in which to learn the truth. Strange things have +happened since we landed. I have learned several facts which astound me.</p> + +<p>"You saw a man come in and draw me aside? That man controls the +destinies of these people of Valetta, even as a chief of police would in +our cities. When first I landed I sought the presence of Luther Keene—"</p> + +<p>"There—your mention of his name revives my recollection like a flash. +Now I know just when and where I met that man," she says.</p> + +<p>"He promised to assist me, for a consideration, of course, and was +especially delighted at the chance to prove that even out here in Malta +there might be a second Vidocq.</p> + +<p>"In his first report he told me the party I sought had been in Valetta +only recently, but he believed she was now gone.</p> + +<p>"The man told me just now where Blanche Austin staid during her +residence here, at a house on the Strada Mezzodi, and I shall go as soon +as I leave you, to make inquiries there. If you are interested in my +story, you might, perhaps, care to hear what news I may pick up on my +visit to this house, which has so recently covered my mother."</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I am more than interested in your story, and anxious to learn +how you succeed. Would you know your mother if you should meet her +to-day?" she asks, mentally wondering why he has taken her into his +confidence.</p> + +<p>"I believe so. A son's loving eyes would do much toward solving the +problem."</p> + +<p>"But your memory of her must be exceedingly hazy, to say the least."</p> + +<p>"That is true; but I have another clew. Once, when a boy, I was rummaging +through some old papers in an antique secretary which I found in the +attic, when I ran across an ivory miniature that had been overlooked.</p> + +<p>"Upon it was painted a girl's face; my heart told me who it was, and +underneath I found the words 'Blanche Austin at eighteen.'</p> + +<p>"I have treasured that ever since; it has been my most valued possession. +Would you like to see it, Lady Ruth?"</p> + +<p>"Must assuredly," she replies, warmly, eagerly.</p> + +<p>He places it in her hands.</p> + +<p>"It was plain when I found it; with my spending money for a whole year +I had that gold locket made which holds it now. Ever since it has been +very close to my heart."</p> + +<p>"Such devotion is wonderful. I sincerely hope it will meet its reward."</p> + +<p>Then she looks at the miniature, which time has not in the least harmed, +looks at it—and utters a little ejaculation.</p> + +<p>"She was beautiful indeed, Doctor Chicago—most charming. A face to +haunt one. I can see a trace of sadness in it, even at this early age, +as though her coming troubles cast a shadow before. You will be +surprised when I tell you I have met her."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_V" id="CHAPTER_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h2> + +<h3>THE PROFESSOR ACTS.</h3> + + +<p>The medical student looks at her eagerly.</p> + +<p>"When—where?" he asks, huskily.</p> + +<p>Any one who has met the woman about whom cluster all the tender +associations and thoughts of his lonely years of childhood, must assume +new importance in his eyes.</p> + +<p>"It was a year or so ago. At the time I was in Paris with my uncle, Sir +Hugh, then alive."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes, she was there about that time, as I have since learned."</p> + +<p>"I was out driving alone; it was just at dusk when we were returning +from the boulevards, and a wheel came off the vehicle.</p> + +<p>"Though a little alarmed, I kept my senses, and bade the driver tie his +horse and then seek another vehicle for me.</p> + +<p>"The neighborhood chanced to be a rather unsavory one. I could hear +boisterous men singing, and on finding myself alone I grew alarmed. From +windows frowzy heads were thrust out and rude women mocked at me. I +feared insult, injury. I was ready to fly for my life when a hand +touched my arm, and a gentle voice said:</p> + +<p>"'Come with me, miss, I will protect you.'"</p> + +<p>John trembles with emotion.</p> + +<p>"Then you have heard her speak! Oh, what bliss that would be for me—my +mother, my poor mother who has suffered so long."</p> + +<p>"When I looked in her face I knew I could trust her. Besides, her garb +reassured me."</p> + +<p>"Her garb?" wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"Yes. She was dressed as a Sister of Charity or some other order in +Paris. Willingly I followed her to an adjoining house. She begged me to +sit down and await the vehicle. I was grateful and asked her questions +about the great work being done by such organizations in the gay city of +Paris.</p> + +<p>"I was interested in her and asked her name. She told me she was known +as Sister Magdalen. Then the carriage came and I left her."</p> + +<p>"One question, Lady Ruth—how did she impress you?"</p> + +<p>"Frankly, as one who had passed through the furnace of affliction; her +face was sad, yet oh, so inexpressibly sweet. It haunted me. I have +looked at every sister I met wherever I traveled, in the hope of meeting +her, but it has been useless."</p> + +<p>It can be readily believed that this arouses the deepest interest in the +young student of medicine. The desire to find his mother has been the +one aim of his life; it has carried him over many a dark crisis, and has +become stronger with the passage of years.</p> + +<p>Now he is getting daily, hourly, nearer the object of his solicitude, +and his anticipation so long and fondly cherished, bids fair to be a +realization.</p> + +<p>"How I envy you, Lady Ruth. You have seen her, pressed her hand. It makes +you seem less a stranger to me to think that my mother was able to do you +a service."</p> + +<p>"I am positive it was she. Wait—perhaps I can prove it. I noticed she +had a medallion secured around her neck with a guard, and once I was +enabled to see the face upon it. It was that of a man."</p> + +<p>"Oh! describe it if you can."</p> + +<p>"The gentleman, I should judge, was about twenty-three. He wore a +mustache and small side whiskers. I judged he was English. His hair was +light and inclined to be curly."</p> + +<p>John Craig smiles.</p> + +<p>"Ah! the last doubt has been swept away."</p> + +<p>"You recognize this picture, then?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; your description answers for my father when he was a young man. I +have not the slightest doubt that it was the one I seek who rendered you +this service. And she a Sister of Charity! I don't understand."</p> + +<p>"Your story has interested me deeply, doctor. You have my most sincere +wishes for success; and if I can in any way assist you, don't hesitate +to call upon me."</p> + +<p>"I believe you mean every word of it, and from my heart I thank you. I +must leave you now, to seek the house in the Strada Mezzodi—the house +that may reveal much or little."</p> + +<p>At this moment the others enter; fortune has been kind to allow the +conversation to reach its legitimate end, and John, with a pleasant word +for Aunt Gwen and her husband, and only a peculiar look for the Briton, +hurries out.</p> + +<p>In five minutes more he comes down stairs, ready for the street. To his +surprise he is stopped near the door by some one he knows—Philander +Sharpe, wearing a ridiculous helmet hat, as becomes a traveler.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, but I'm in a hurry," he says, as the other plucks his +sleeve.</p> + +<p>"Oh! yes; but I'm going with you, Chicago," pipes the little professor, +shutting one eye and nodding in a very knowing manner.</p> + +<p>"But I'm not off to paint the town red," says John, believing the other +thinks it is his intention to see the sights of Malta's capital by +night—"I have an engagement."</p> + +<p>"In the Strada Mezzodi; eh?"</p> + +<p>"Thunder; how did you guess it?" ejaculates the man of medicine, +astonished beyond measure.</p> + +<p>"I am not a guesser. I know what I know, and a dused sight more than +some people think, especially my beloved wife, Gwendolin."</p> + +<p>"What do you know—come to the point?"</p> + +<p>"First, all about your past, and the trouble in the Craig family."</p> + +<p>"Confusion! and you never told me you had ever heard of me before? This +explains the manner in which you seemed to study me at times on the +steamer," reproachfully.</p> + +<p>"Just so. I had reasons for my silence; <i>she</i> was one of them," jerking +his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the parlor above, whence +the voice of the amiable Gwendolin Makepeace floats to their ears.</p> + +<p>"In haste, then, let me tell you a secret, John. I was not always what +you see me, a docile, hen-pecked man. Twenty-five years ago Philander +Sharpe, young, good-looking, conceited, and rich, had the world before +him."</p> + +<p>"Cut it short, I beg, professor," groans John, impatient to be off.</p> + +<p>"I fell in love; my affection was returned; we were engaged; a friend in +whose honor I fully believed stole her heart away from me, but all these +years I have never forgotten—never. John Craig, the girl I loved and +who was to have been my wife was—your mother."</p> + +<p>The little man folds his arms and throws his head back in a peculiar way +he has. How strangely full of dignity these undersized people can be at +times.</p> + +<p>"Is it possible, and you never breathed a word of all this to me before?"</p> + +<p>"Ah! my dear boy, the time was not ripe. I said nothing but sawed wood."</p> + +<p>"Why do you speak now?"</p> + +<p>"I have an idea that you are about to make a step in the dark, and after +duly considering the matter, came to the conclusion that it was time to +speak—time to let you know my sympathies were with you, time to take a +hand in this game myself."</p> + +<p>John hardly knows what to do or say, he is so amazed at such a strange +happening.</p> + +<p>"But, professor, I am only going now to see if I can learn anything +about my mother at the house where she staid six weeks ago, when a line +was sent to me."</p> + +<p>The little man wags his head wisely.</p> + +<p>"That information was given to you by one whom you believed to be Signor +Stucco, otherwise Luther Keene, the person having charge of the police +of Valetta?"</p> + +<p>"Yes," replies John, wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"At that hour the signer was in his own room, engaged in other business, +and oblivious of the fact whether one John Alexander Craig, M.D., was in +the land of the living or not."</p> + +<p>All of which excites the curiosity of the young man not a little.</p> + +<p>"Since you know so much, professor, perhaps you can tell me who it is +plays with me, the object he has, and whether my mother was ever in +that house on the Strada Mezzodi."</p> + +<p>"I can answer in part. I believe she was there. These enemies of yours, +dear boy, have baited a trap. You are about to walk into it."</p> + +<p>"A trap, professor! why should they seek to harm me?"</p> + +<p>"They have reasons. I can't mention them all, but perhaps some event in +your past may give you a clew. Have you ever heard of a person, by name +Pauline Potter?"</p> + +<p>The young man starts.</p> + +<p>"Ah! I see you have," pursues Philander, dryly.</p> + +<p>"I confess it; she was a pretty actress, but my boyish passion for her +died out when I discovered her perfidy."</p> + +<p>"Very true; but she has never forgiven you. What harm did you do her, +boy?"</p> + +<p>"The harm was on her side. When I found what deception she had put upon +me I simply denounced her in the presence of several who were at supper +with her, a new admirer among them. Perhaps she hates me for that, but +it seems queer that Pauline Potter, whom I knew in Chicago, should bob +up in Malta. Almost like a modern play."</p> + +<p>"Well, she's here. I've seen her."</p> + +<p>"Professor, pardon me for saying it, but you've allowed yourself to be +maligned. I believed you were a nonentity, but I find you possessed of +a remarkable mind. You are a second Richelieu."</p> + +<p>"You flatter me. John, grant my favor; allow me to accompany you on this +errand. I will then have a chance to explain how I managed to learn all +these things."</p> + +<p>"I see no reason to refuse."</p> + +<p>"Good! Come, let's move off," with a quick glance over his shoulder.</p> + +<p>"Oh," laughs the student, "<i>she's</i> up stairs yet," and his words are +corroborated, for a burst of almost masculine laughter comes floating +down from the next floor, causing Philander to shrug his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"She'll imagine I'm off seeing the sights. I went to see the modern +Mabille in Paris and have never heard the last of it. Stand by me in +case of war, my boy."</p> + +<p>"That I will, professor."</p> + +<p>They have left the hotel, and John's face tells of the puzzle which he +is trying to solve—the strange connection between Pauline Potter, the +actress who won his boyish admiration only to deceive him, and she whom +he seeks with reverent love in his heart, his mother, the Sister +Magdalen of Lady Ruth's Paris adventure.</p> + +<p>And the professor guesses the truth.</p> + +<p>"I may be able to assist you, John, though you shall be the judge. Will +you listen to my yarn?"</p> + +<p>"With pleasure."</p> + +<p>They walk on, arm in arm; the doctor has lighted a cigar, and seems to +take much comfort in the mechanical puffs of smoke which he sends out +into the darkness—not that there is anything of the inky pall about +this, throwing a silvery path way along the mysterious waters of the +romantic sea, and besides, the lanterns that flash on trees and from +house fronts serve to render the scene far from gloomy, though a modern +city dweller, used to electric lights, might notice the change.</p> + +<p>"Before we enter into a discussion, my dear boy, let me explain how I +came to know these facts connected with the presence of Pauline Potter +in Valetta, and the duplicity of the man representing the head of the +police, Signor Stucco.</p> + +<p>"After returning from our eventful walk to the hill-top back of the +town, I had business in another section, business connected with my trip +along the Mediterranean, and which has been kept a secret from my spouse.</p> + +<p>"When on my way back to the hotel, just at dusk, I crossed and passed +down a street, thinking to shorten my route, but in a way became +confused, and made up my mind I would inquire of the first person +I came to.</p> + +<p>"That, my boy, was the hand of fate leading me on, as you will speedily +learn.</p> + +<p>"In all these years that have flown I have at times heard of you. I knew +the skeleton that lay hidden in your family closet, and believing your +mother innocent, made no sign, for she was supposed to be dead.</p> + +<p>"Let me go back a step, and begging your pardon for the fact, confess +that I heard your interesting interview with Lady Ruth."</p> + +<p>"Professor!" in reproach.</p> + +<p>"My dear boy, it was all an accident. I had thrown myself upon the +lounge in the corner of the little parlor, for an after-dinner nap, when +you came in and failed to notice me, owing to the arm-chair I had drawn +in front of me to shut out the light.</p> + +<p>"At first I thought you would simply look at the picture and then go +away, but when I heard you telling her your sad story and the new hopes +you entertained, I felt that I had a right to listen then. Thus you +understand how I know these facts.</p> + +<p>"This takes me back to where I was lost in the streets of Valetta and +forced to inquire my way. As luck would have it I saw a man before me, +but ere I reached him he was joined by a woman.</p> + +<p>"I stood still; in the dusk I heard him say something that gave me a +thrill, and as near as I can remember those words were:</p> + +<p>"'For love of you, Pauline Potter, I have assumed this disguise and +become for the present Signor Stucco, the master of Valetta's police. +Now give me orders; tell me how I am to win your favor; how bring to the +Strada Mezzodi—' I heard no more, as his voice fell, but presently my +ears, sharpened to an intensity, caught a name—it was—'Doctor +Chicago.'"</p> + +<p>"You interest me, professor; please proceed."</p> + +<p>"Ah! that is all. I lost track of them and managed to work my way to the +hotel in time for dinner. When that man called you out, I recognized the +dim figure I had seen talking with the soft-voiced woman at dusk. It +takes time for me to figure things out, and I must be beyond the range +of her voice. That was one reason I lay down in the little parlor. When +I heard you announce your intention of visiting the Strada Mezzodi I +made up my mind to act quickly. That is why I tapped you on the arm, why +I am now tramping at your side. Now let us probe deeper.</p> + +<p>"Mark the first point; this Pauline is a shrewd creature, and doubtless +possessed of more than an ordinary Corsican nature to hate so bitterly."</p> + +<p>"Ah! you know her mother was a Corsican?"</p> + +<p>"I believe I have heard it told in New York, and it is easy to realize +the fact now. Pauline is a good hater—her father was Scotch I presume.</p> + +<p>"What I want to point out is this—she has been investigating your +record—the skeleton in your closet, or rather your family, is no secret +with her."</p> + +<p>"I understand that, sir. It is no accident, her presence in the same +house my mother occupied."</p> + +<p>"Well, as to that, you're not sure. That fellow who brought the news was +paid to represent the head of the Valetta police, for they knew you had +invoked official aid, and just as like as not he gave you an address +that your mother never heard of."</p> + +<p>"Well, here we are!" suddenly.</p> + +<p>"Eh? This is the Strada Mezzodi?"</p> + +<p>"Any objections to it?" laughing.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no! one place is as good as another to me, in this Maltese city, +where you seem to be climbing to paradise or descending into hades all +the time. Only I'm glad I came."</p> + +<p>"Why, professor?"</p> + +<p>"Well," with a look down the street, "I'm afraid you'll need the +services of a friend before long—that you are about to experience a +sensation you won't soon forget," replies Philander, coolly.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VI" id="CHAPTER_VI"></a>CHAPTER VI.</h2> + +<h3>PAULINE POTTER'S HOUR COMES.</h3> + + +<p>"It is possible!" declares John; "and under such circumstances I shall +indeed be glad to have a friend in need. At the same time it seems as +strange to me to think Pauline Potter can be here—that the Chicago +actress whom I once adored and with a youth's ardor swore to make my +wife, can be here and bothering her head about one John Craig, M.D."</p> + +<p>"It will soon be known. You have a good description of this house which +the man supposed to be Luther Keene brought?" asks Philander, showing +unexpected business qualities; indeed, he is proving more of a wonder +to the young Chicagoan every hour.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and can find it easily enough by the red lamp in front," he +replies.</p> + +<p>"I see such a light along the strado."</p> + +<p>"That is, in all probability, our destination."</p> + +<p>They advance, and in another minute are at the door of the domicile +marked so conspicuously with a red light.</p> + +<p>John allows himself a brief period of ecstasy as he remembers that his +mother crossed this threshold only recently, and in his eyes this +renders it holy.</p> + +<p>Then he recovers his common sense, and is once more the wide-awake, +vigilant John Craig who met the advance of the mad dog so coolly upon +the hill road of Valetta.</p> + +<p>"There's a knocker," says the professor.</p> + +<p>"I'll try it," John replies, and as he swings the weight a ponderous +sound ensues, a hollow clamor that is loud enough to arouse the whole +street, John thinks.</p> + +<p>"Great guns!" mutters Philander, "it's a great piece of luck there's no +grave-yard near."</p> + +<p>"How's that?" demands his companion.</p> + +<p>"Well, that clang would arouse the dead," is the amazing reply.</p> + +<p>Further conversation is cut short by the sound of footsteps within—a +bolt is withdrawn, proving that the inmates of the house on the Strada +Mezzodi do not have the Maltese sense of honor that makes the presence +of locks and bars unnecessary.</p> + +<p>Then the door is opened.</p> + +<p>The red lantern gives a light that shows them the interior of this +Valetta house, and in the brilliant illumination stands a man, a native +Maltese servant.</p> + +<p>John has arranged his plan of action in such an event. He hopes the man +who opens the door may talk English.</p> + +<p>"Good evening," he says, courteously.</p> + +<p>The man returns the salutation gravely.</p> + +<p>"I would see the gentleman of the house on business of importance."</p> + +<p>"Are you Doctor Craig?"</p> + +<p>"That is my name."</p> + +<p>"John Alexander Craig?"</p> + +<p>"The same."</p> + +<p>"Of Chicago?"</p> + +<p>"You hit it, my friend of Malta."</p> + +<p>"Ah! you are expected—enter," is the surprising reply, and the +professor calls his attention to it by a sly dig in the ribs.</p> + +<p>They start to enter, when the faithful servitor of the house bars the +way of the professor.</p> + +<p>"Pardon; I said Doctor Craig."</p> + +<p>"Well?" demands Philander, bristling up.</p> + +<p>"You can wait for him outside. I will give you a chair, a cigar."</p> + +<p>The professor laughs in good humor.</p> + +<p>"Bless you, I'm Doctor Craig's shadow; he can't go anywhere but with me. +Fetch two chairs. We will interview your master outside."</p> + +<p>The citizen of Malta appears perplexed. John comes to the rescue.</p> + +<p>"It will be all right; this gentleman is my companion, my interpreter. +It is necessary that he accompany me. Enter, professor."</p> + +<p>His assurance carries the day; the man backs down and allows Philander +a passage.</p> + +<p>Their first point is gained.</p> + +<p>The servant having closed and barred the door and asked them to follow, +goes on ahead. The professor takes advantage of the opportunity +presented, and plucks John's sleeve, and as that worthy bends down, +he whispers:</p> + +<p>"Have you noticed it?"</p> + +<p>"What?" asks the young doctor.</p> + +<p>"His style of address, my boy; same words exactly that were used at the +hotel by the man who brought you the news."</p> + +<p>"Jove! you are right, professor. I imagine that must be the formal style +in this country."</p> + +<p>Philander chuckles.</p> + +<p>"You'll have to guess closer to the mark than that, my boy, when you +want to strike the truth."</p> + +<p>"What can you mean, sir?"</p> + +<p>"Bless you, it's the same man. Notice his walk; doesn't he hold himself +just so?"</p> + +<p>"Professor, you're wide awake. I admit all you say. There is a wonderful +resemblance. Yes, I believe it is the same man. Really, this affair +grows more and more interesting. Talk about your comedies, they're not +in it."</p> + +<p>Further conversation is cut off by the fact of their guide ushering them +into a room that is lighted with an antique lamp.</p> + +<p>"Wait here," he says, and disappears.</p> + +<p>John Craig manages to retain his self-possession, though it gives him +a thrill to think that he may be looking upon a scene which was only +recently graced by the presence of the being whom he seeks far and +wide—his mother.</p> + +<p>Now some one comes; they hear the rustle of skirts, and know it is no +man who advances.</p> + +<p>"Steady, boy," warns Philander, knowing the sensation produced in John's +quivering, expectant heart; "steady it is now, and keep your wits +bright."</p> + +<p>"Steady it is," replies John, who knows it is only right he should brace +up.</p> + +<p>Then the party advancing enters the apartment, and looking up the two +men behold one who is garbed in a peculiar habit, the insignia of an +order; a heavy black gown, corded at the waist, with a white flowing +collar, and a strange bonnet both black and white, the size of which +is astonishing.</p> + +<p>Her face they do not see, as a gauze vail hides it from mortal view.</p> + +<p>In this city of orders, where the nations of the world seem to vie with +each other in creating strange commanderies, it is nothing to meet with +such a garb.</p> + +<p>John Craig is a gentleman; he rises from his chair and bows; ditto +Philander, who keeps a little in his rear, as becomes a sensible, +well-behaved "shadow."</p> + +<p>The dress of the woman gives John an idea she is at the head of some +charitable organization which has set rules for dress and duty, although +his knowledge of such matters is not most profound.</p> + +<p>"Madame, pardon this intrusion," he says, at the same time wondering +whether she is English, French, or a native of Malta.</p> + +<p>Her reply comes in a low voice, and tells him she is as familiar with +the English language as himself, no matter what her nationality.</p> + +<p>"It is no intrusion, Doctor Craig. I have been expecting you."</p> + +<p>"Indeed; you surprise me, madame, since I sent no word of my coming."</p> + +<p>"Ah! a little bird sent me the news."</p> + +<p>"Do you know why I enter your abode without an invitation, madame?"</p> + +<p>"You seek news, Doctor Craig."</p> + +<p>"That is true."</p> + +<p>"News of one who has long been lost; news concerning a member of our +holy order; the dear sister who has consecrated her life to charity, and +who, under my fostering care, has long since redeemed her past—Sister +Magdalen."</p> + +<p>The words almost unnerve John; he has a feeling that perhaps Heaven +means to be kind and allow him the bliss he craves.</p> + +<p>"Ah! madame, you know my secret. It is true. I would find her, would +hear from her own lips the story of the past. I believe you can help +me. She has occupied this house."</p> + +<p>"That very chair upon which you are seated sustained her fainting form +one afternoon when she came in. I thought she was dying. In her hand she +carried a paper, an American daily. I glanced at it to see if I could +learn the truth, and saw it there as plain as day. She had read a notice +of a fire in Chicago where a young man named John Craig, said to be a +medical student, perished."</p> + +<p>"Did she see that account? It was cruel. The next day's paper refuted +the lie, and explained how he escaped," says John, warmly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I saw it. She would give us no rest until we procured a later copy +of the same paper, and there she read the truth. Sister Magdalen was all +smiles from that hour; she said that Heaven had indeed answered her +prayer."</p> + +<p>"Tell me, is she here now?" holding his breath with suspense.</p> + +<p>"Oh! no, she went away several weeks ago. We shall not see her again +unless she chances to be one of three lay delegates now on their way +here from a sister sanctuary."</p> + +<p>"Then you can give me hope; let me know where I may find her?"</p> + +<p>"If I see my duty in that way, Doctor Craig," is the astonishing reply +he receives.</p> + +<p>He conceives the idea what this may mean.</p> + +<p>"Madame, I am ready to do what I can for the good of your order if you +will bring about this long anticipated meeting."</p> + +<p>"Your word shall be your bond. We need five hundred dollars to endow +another bed in the hospital at Rome."</p> + +<p>"It shall be yours; I swear it."</p> + +<p>"Hush, impious man! Your word is enough. On my part I promise that ere +an hour goes by you shall be in a fair way to look upon the face of one +who loves you more dearly than if you had never been lost to her."</p> + +<p>John hears and believes; he is not suspicious enough to put a double +meaning upon the words.</p> + +<p>"An hour—so soon? What am I to do in order to gain this consummation of +my hopes?" he asks, in deep surprise.</p> + +<p>"Nothing, only be content to remain here as my guests."</p> + +<p>John looks at Philander and the latter nods, for it all seems clear and +above board.</p> + +<p>"We agree, madame," says the young doctor.</p> + +<p>The Mother Superior, as they take her to be, bows her head solemnly.</p> + +<p>"It is well," she says, and touches a bell.</p> + +<p>Almost immediately the native servant appears, to whom she speaks in low +tones, while John wonders when so great a revolution in the affairs of +orders like this occurred whereby they are enabled to have men-servants.</p> + +<p>Hardly has the native vanished than another sister appears, carrying a +small tray upon which are seen a crystal bottle full of grape juice, +three odd glasses and a plate of plain flat cakes.</p> + +<p>"Doctor Craig, our order refuses the use of wines; this is the pure +juice of the grape, expressed at our own vineyard on this island. It is +as harmless as water, but refreshing. It is our simple habit to invite +our guests to join us in this way; we believe in the Arab rule of +breaking bread; those with whom we take salt are ever more our friends. +You will not, cannot refuse."</p> + +<p>How should they?</p> + +<p>John looks at the professor, and in turn the latter looks at John.</p> + +<p>"Madame, you have given me cause for happiness; we will join you in your +simple lunch," returns the young man.</p> + +<p>"You are wounded," noticing his arm in its sling.</p> + +<p>"Not seriously."</p> + +<p>"By chance I saw your adventure this day. I am proud to have the hero of +that noble deed for my guest."</p> + +<p>"Pardon; please do not mention it."</p> + +<p>He accepts a glass of the grape juice and an anise-seed cake, for this +plant is grown in Malta for export.</p> + +<p>The liquid is cold and very refreshing. John has a dozen questions on +the tip of his tongue, all of which relate to Sister Magdalen, but he +does not put them, for his thoughts become somewhat incoherent, and it +is so comfortable sitting there.</p> + +<p>When the Mother Superior raises her vail to sip from the amber glass of +unfermented wine John Craig, M.D., has sense enough to notice two +things; the hand that holds the glass is plump and fair, and the lips +under the vail form a Cupid's bow such as age can never know.</p> + +<p>This arouses a wild curiosity in his mind; he wonders what this woman, +who wears such a strange habit, can be like, and watches her with +something of eagerness.</p> + +<p>Surely the room is growing very close; a window opened would be a good +thing he believes, and yet somehow lacks the energy to open it, turns +his head, and sees the professor lying back in his chair <i>fast asleep</i>.</p> + +<p>This gives him a faint shock, but his nerves are deadened; nothing would +surprise him very much now, unless an earthquake occurred.</p> + +<p>"Rest your head, Doctor Craig; the back of the chair is very +comfortable," he hears a soft voice say.</p> + +<p>Warm breath fans his face. The Mother Superior has thrown aside that +ugly bonnet; it is a young, face, a fair face, surrounded by golden +curls, that looks down upon him, as with a stage laugh the woman rests +one hand on the head of the drugged medical student from Chicago, to +exclaim:</p> + +<p>"At last! he belongs to Pauline Potter!"</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VII" id="CHAPTER_VII"></a>CHAPTER VII.</h2> + +<h3>THE BEAUTIFUL TIGRESS.</h3> + + +<p>John Craig dreams. He fancies himself bathing with demon apes in the +wilds of Africa, having read an explorer's account of such a scene very +recently.</p> + +<p>They press him hard, and he can see no hope of escaping with his life.</p> + +<p>In the midst of his mental torture he opens his eyes, and the +disagreeable features of the case are suddenly swept away.</p> + +<p>Where can he be? Soft music throbs upon the scented air, he hears the +gentle plash of a fountain in a court near by; a mellow light, anything +but garish, shows him the most luxurious surroundings, silks and +velvets, brightness in color and gorgeousness in taste, everywhere.</p> + +<p>This amazes him; almost takes his breath away; it is so different from +his dream, which left him in a desperate hole.</p> + +<p>His mind seems dull of comprehension, which must be the effect of the +drug, so that for a brief time he is unable to understand the situation, +or grasp his condition.</p> + +<p>Then it dawns upon him, the mission that took him away from the hotel; +and having reached that point, he is wrestling with what must have +followed when something touches his face, something that is cool and +pleasant—the soft, white hand of a woman.</p> + +<p>Then Doctor Chicago's eyes flash open again, and he looks up startled; +he has just recollected Lady Ruth's story, and a wild hope rushes into +existence, a hope that could not be put into words, but which takes the +form of an idea that she whom the English girl met as Sister Magdalen, +his mother, is near.</p> + +<p>He looks up; his eyes fall upon a face that boasts of extreme beauty, a +face of wondrous black eyes and cheeks aflame, a face that, set in sable +coils of hair, would drive an artist wild with the desire to transfer +its charms to canvas.</p> + +<p>And John Craig, strange man, frowns.</p> + +<p>Evidently there is something in his composition that prevents him from +accepting what the prodigal gods have thrown in his path.</p> + +<p>"You?" he says, bluntly, and with disdain.</p> + +<p>The woman with the black eyes smiles sweetly as she continues to +soothingly touch his forehead, which throbs and burns as though he +endures the keenest pain.</p> + +<p>"Did you imagine it could be any other, my dear John? You deserted me, +but I believe you failed to know your own mind. At any rate I have +determined not to desert you."</p> + +<p>"Pauline, you do not—it is impossible for you to care for me after what +has happened."</p> + +<p>"Impossible! Why should it be? I can't help myself. I have seen others +profess to love me, have played with them as a queen might with her +subjects who prostrated themselves before her. Yet, John Craig, I never +loved but once. You have stirred my heart to its depths. I am not able +to analyze these feelings. I only know what I know."</p> + +<p>She does not feel the modesty of a young girl; much acting before the +public has made her brazen, this midnight beauty with the glowing eyes +black as sloes, the pouting lips, the figure of a Hebe.</p> + +<p>John Craig may have seen adventures before in his life, and probably has +been in many a fix, being fond of spending his vacations in rambling +over the wilderness away up in the Michigan peninsula, with a gun on his +shoulder; but plainly he has now met the crisis of his whole career.</p> + +<p>"Pauline, I am a frank fellow, as you know. It is not in me to dissemble. +I am going to speak plainly with you," he says, rising to a sitting +posture, and looking the actress full in the eyes.</p> + +<p>She moves uneasily, and her cheeks, which were erstwhile tinted with +scarlet, grow pallid. Then she sets her teeth and with a smile continues:</p> + +<p>"That is right, I hate a deceiver worse than anything else on earth. It +was your honest way, John Craig, that first drew me toward you. Yes, +speak your mind."</p> + +<p>Evidently she is in part prepared for the worst, though she has hoped +that the old witchery might be thrown about the young doctor.</p> + +<p>"When you treated me in that merciless way, long ago, the regard I felt +for you died out of my heart—your spell was broken."</p> + +<p>"Ah! John, you have thought so, perhaps, just as I did, but I learned +that these affections of ours are deeper than we suspect. I believed I +had dropped you forever, but time has taught me what a terrible wrench +it must be that would tear the image of John Craig from my heart."</p> + +<p>"I am sorry to hear you say so, Pauline, for on my part I have been +effectually cured. I even look back and regard our love-making as a +foolish, boyish fancy in which neither of us knew our own minds. Why +can't you do the same?" he says, calmly.</p> + +<p>"I am not built that way—my nature is of the tropical order, for my +mother was born in Corsica, you know. Some of these fair English girls +may be fickle, but Pauline Potter is the same as when she knew you in +Chicago. But, John Craig, this same love can change to hate; it is but +a step between the two, and no magician's wand is needed to make the +transformation."</p> + +<p>Already a change has swept over her face; it does not look so lovely +now, for the arched black brows meet in a frown, while from the midnight +eyes the fires of aroused passions begin to scintillate.</p> + +<p>Craig knows that when he stirs up the pool he arouses the worst elements +in her nature. Still he will not disguise his feelings and assume an +ardor he is far from feeling.</p> + +<p>Mentally he contrasts this girl with the English maid, and Pauline +suffers by the comparison.</p> + +<p>Perhaps a trifle of the scorn he feels shows upon his face. Pauline can +no longer call him her slave, and it may be this that arouses the new +feeling in her heart, for a woman will never bear the sneers of one whom +she has madly loved.</p> + +<p>"This is worse than foolish, Pauline. You seem to know at least a +portion of my mission abroad, and hence must be aware that I am in no +humor for love-making—that my whole soul is bound up in my search."</p> + +<p>"Well, I can help you, John," she says, quietly, holding her feelings in +check until she has ventured upon this last resort.</p> + +<p>"You can? Then I beg of you, Pauline, to give me assistance. To find my +mother is the one thought of my existence, and any one who can shorten +my quest must have my deepest gratitude."</p> + +<p>Pauline frowns again.</p> + +<p>"I hate that word; it has no place with me, John Craig. Friendship I +despise—it is either love or hate with me. Let me tell you what I am in +a position to do—find your mother for you, bring you face to face, or, +on the other hand, render it impossible for you to ever set eyes upon +her."</p> + +<p>Her manner proves it to be no idle boast, but the young man will not +descend to deceit, even when he might accomplish so much.</p> + +<p>"Will you bring about this meeting?" he asks.</p> + +<p>"On one condition, John."</p> + +<p>"Well"—hesitatingly—"name it."</p> + +<p>"That you marry me," is the prompt reply, and even Pauline, actress by +nature and vocation as she is, turns a trifle rosy under his gaze, +though not abashed.</p> + +<p>"That is a sudden ultimatum. Kindly tell me when you would like this +little affair to come off?" he asks, lightly.</p> + +<p>"Now—before I take you to the one you have long sought."</p> + +<p>"Pardon me; I can hardly collect my wits. You see I had not dreamed of +marrying for years. It is very, very sudden."</p> + +<p>"Oh! I'll give you time to reflect upon it, John. I wouldn't hurry up +such grave business."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe I need much time. Don't you think it is a rather strange +thing to demand payment before you deliver the goods?"</p> + +<p>"If you gave me your word, John, I would wait until I had carried out my +word."</p> + +<p>"You think you could trust me?"</p> + +<p>"I am willing to accept the chances."</p> + +<p>"Indeed!"</p> + +<p>"Will you make the promise?"</p> + +<p>"Not I."</p> + +<p>"Then you were simply gaining time," with a clenching of the small hands +and a gathering of the black brows.</p> + +<p>"I wanted to uncover your batteries; to learn what you knew; to +understand your designs. Now that you give me no alternative, I am +compelled to hurt your feelings by declaring myself able to find the one +I seek without the aid of Pauline Potter."</p> + +<p>As he speaks the last word he rises to his feet, once more feeling like +himself.</p> + +<p>"What would you do now, John Craig?"</p> + +<p>"Leave this building, since I was lured here under false pretenses. What +have you done with my companion?"</p> + +<p>"The funny little man? Oh, he left here long ago when he learned you had +fallen among old friends," she replies, carelessly.</p> + +<p>John remembers something now; it is the sight of Philander Sharpe lying +back in his chair drugged, and therefore he does not credit what the +actress says.</p> + +<p>"Will you show me the way out?" he asks.</p> + +<p>"I will do more."</p> + +<p>She claps her hands together in the oriental way of summoning a servant.</p> + +<p>Instantly the curtains move; three men enter the apartment, and John +realizes that Pauline Potter is about to show her teeth.</p> + +<p>He draws his figure up, for while not a pugnacious man, he knows how to +defend himself. As to his bravery who can question it after his action +of the afternoon?</p> + +<p>"Does it take three to show me to the door? With your permission I will +depart."</p> + +<p>"Not yet Doctor Chicago—not yet."</p> + +<p>"Ha! you would attempt violence. Well, I'm ready to meet these fellows, +thanks to the forethought that caused me to arm myself before starting +on this quixotic errand to-night."</p> + +<p>The young Chicagoan throws a hand back, meaning to draw the little +pocket revolver which has more than once served him well, but, to his +dismay, it is gone.</p> + +<p>He sees a derisive smile upon the features of Pauline, and knows she has +taken it while he lay there unconscious on the couch.</p> + +<p>"I was afraid you might do yourself damage, John. If you are wise you +will submit tamely," she says, and clapping her hands again sets the +three men upon him.</p> + +<p>Craig is no Hercules in build, and besides, his left arm is in rather +a poor condition for warfare, being exceedingly sore.</p> + +<p>Still he is not the one to submit tamely so long as a single chance +remains, and for the space of a minute there is a lively scene in the +oriental apartment, in which divans are overturned, men swinging +desperately around, and even Pauline Potter, accustomed to stage battles +only, is constrained to utter a few little shrieks of alarm.</p> + +<p>Then it is over.</p> + +<p>Doctor Chicago, breathing hard and looking his dogged defiance, stands +there in the hands of his captors.</p> + +<p>"Do you change your mind, John Craig?" asks the woman, fastening her +burning gaze upon his face.</p> + +<p>"I have too much Scotch blood in me for that. On the contrary, I am +more than ever determined to pursue my mission without any outside +assistance," he answers.</p> + +<p>"Take him away!" she cries, and the look that crosses her face can only +be likened to the black clouds preceding the hurricane.</p> + +<p>John struggles no longer, for he realizes that he is safer out of her +sight than in it.</p> + +<p>They take him through a door-way and the last he hears from the +beautiful tigress is her taunting cry of:</p> + +<p>"We will break this proud spirit of yours, John Craig—what you scorn +now you will beg for after awhile, when it is too late!"</p> + +<p>He wonders whether this is a prophecy.</p> + +<p>The men hurry him along a narrow hall, for many of these Maltese houses +are built in a queer way, nor do they treat him with consideration, but +rather the contrary.</p> + +<p>When he ventures to protest, the man who opened the door orders silence +and enforces it with a cowardly blow from his fist.</p> + +<p>John looks him straight in the eye and says:</p> + +<p>"You coward! I will remember that," at which the man turns his head away +and swears under his breath.</p> + +<p>Presently they halt in front of a door, which the leader unlocks. At a +word from him the young American is pushed inside.</p> + +<p>John, receiving such an impetus, staggers and throws out his hands for +support, but failing to find anything of this kind, pitches over, just +as the door slams shut.</p> + +<p>He recovers himself and sits up, a trifle bruised, but not otherwise +injured through his rough treatment.</p> + +<p>This is a nice predicament, to be shut up in a house of Valetta, while, +perhaps, Philander Sharpe returns to the hotel with a story of his +succumbing to the wiles of a beautiful enchantress.</p> + +<p>The steamer will sail without him, and the duse must be to pay +generally.</p> + +<p>John begins, like a man, to wonder if he can do anything for himself; +that spirit so distinctive, so Chicago like, will not allow him to sit +down and repine.</p> + +<p>Surrounded by gloom, how will he find out the nature of his prison?</p> + +<p>He endeavors to penetrate the darkness—a trace of light finds an +entrance under the door and relieves the somber blank. It does more, for +all at once John's eyes discover something that rivets his attention.</p> + +<p>There are two of them—eyes that gleam in the darkness like those of a +great cat.</p> + +<p>A thrill sweeps over the doctor; can it be possible they have shut him +in here with some great fierce animal that will tear him limb from limb? +Is this Pauline Potter's dramatic revenge?</p> + +<p>Who can blame him for a sudden quaking in the region of his heart—such +a fate is too terrible to calmly contemplate; but this qualm is only +momentary, and then Doctor Chicago is himself again, brave and +self-reliant.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_VIII" id="CHAPTER_VIII"></a>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> + +<h3>HER DEBT CANCELED.</h3> + + +<p>He begins to reason, to strain his mind in search of all the things he +ever heard with relation to a meeting between unarmed men and wild +beasts.</p> + +<p>The power of the human eye has been held up as an example, and surely +here is a chance to try it—the stake, his life.</p> + +<p>By this time he becomes cognizant of a certain fact that renders him +uneasy; the yellow orbs do not seem as far away as before, and it is +evident that they approach gradually nearer.</p> + +<p>He can even imagine the great body of the animal, perhaps a tiger from +African shores, creeping on its belly, inch by inch shortening the +distance between itself and its prey.</p> + +<p>John cannot retreat—already he is in a corner, with the wall behind, so +that all he can do is to await developments.</p> + +<p>Nearer still, until scarcely five feet separate him from the glowing +orbs, he can even hear the animal's stentorian breathing.</p> + +<p>John prepares for a terrible struggle; he holds his hands out so as to +clutch the great beast by the throat as he advances, and his muscles are +strained in order to sustain the shock.</p> + +<p>Just when he expects to hear the roar of a hunger-stricken beast, he is +astonished beyond measure at what occurs.</p> + +<p>"Scat! you rascal!" exclaims a voice, and there is heard a great +threshing sound, as though some one endeavors to intimidate by the +swinging of arms as well as by sound.</p> + +<p>"What! is that you, Professor Sharpe?" demands the doctor, amazed, +delighted, not because he has a companion in misfortune, but on account +of the dissipation of his fears respecting an assault.</p> + +<p>In another minute the two are embracing; there is nothing like danger to +bring men together and make them brothers.</p> + +<p>There is strength in union, and both of them feel better since the +meeting.</p> + +<p>Of course their thoughts are wholly bent on escape, and the talk is of +this. Sharpe has not been so thoroughly searched as his companion, and +soon produces a few matches, with which they proceed to examine their +dungeon.</p> + +<p>It is a gloomy prospect.</p> + +<p>The walls are heavy and of stone; there is no opening beyond a mere slit +in the corner through which comes wafts of the sweet air without.</p> + +<p>As to the door, it would withstand the assault of giants.</p> + +<p>Hopeless indeed does it all appear, and yet little do we poor mortals +know what the next minute may bring forth.</p> + +<p>While they are seated there, seeking to cheer up each other, it is +John's keen ears that detect the presence of some one at the door.</p> + +<p>This is not a new event that may be pregnant with hope—on the contrary, +it is possibly the next downward step in the line of Pauline Potter's +revenge.</p> + +<p>When the key turns in the lock, both men are on their feet ready to meet +whatever may be in store for them.</p> + +<p>The door swings open.</p> + +<p>Instead of a man, they see a woman of Malta. Upon her arm hangs a +lantern. She shades her eyes from its glare and looks upon the prisoners.</p> + +<p>To say Doctor Chicago is surprised would be putting it feebly; he is +amazed at the sight of a woman jailer.</p> + +<p>Now she fastens her eyes on his face, he can almost feel her gaze. She +advances a step or two.</p> + +<p>"Chicago?" she says, inquiringly.</p> + +<p>John hardly knows what she means.</p> + +<p>"Answer her," says Sharpe, quickly; "she wants to know if you are from +Chicago."</p> + +<p>"Yes," returns Craig, nodding.</p> + +<p>"Name?"</p> + +<p>"John Craig, M.D."</p> + +<p>"It is good. Come."</p> + +<p>He is thrilled with a new hope. Can this mean escape? or does the clever +Pauline play a new game with them?</p> + +<p>"Shall we go, Sharpe?" he asks, in a whisper.</p> + +<p>"Go—well, I reckon we'd be fools to let such a chance as this slip," +returns the little man, instantly.</p> + +<p>So they proceed to follow their strange guide, out of the dungeon door +and along the narrow passage after her.</p> + +<p>Again John suspects, and bends his head close to that of his comrade.</p> + +<p>"Professor."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm wide awake. What is it you want?" returns the other.</p> + +<p>"Do you really mean to trust her?"</p> + +<p>"She seems friendly enough. We're out of that abominable place—bah! I'd +as soon be shut up in the Calcutta Black Hole as there."</p> + +<p>"But, Pauline—"</p> + +<p>"Well, what of her?"</p> + +<p>"She is a wonderfully shrewd girl, and this may only be one of her +tricks."</p> + +<p>"I don't believe it; she had us safe enough before. Besides, John, my +dear boy, I seem to have discovered something that has not yet made +itself apparent to you."</p> + +<p>"Then tell me."</p> + +<p>"You noticed how she stared at you and asked your name; why, it didn't +matter if a dozen Philander Sharpe were near by."</p> + +<p>"Yes, but get down to facts."</p> + +<p>"She is repaying her debt."</p> + +<p>"To me—she owes me nothing, man."</p> + +<p>"You mistake. As you walk, doctor, don't you feel your left arm twinge +some?"</p> + +<p>"Hang it, yes; but what's that got to do with this Maltese woman with +the lantern?"</p> + +<p>"Softly—speak in whispers if you don't want to arouse the house. See, +she turns and raises her forefinger warningly. Do you mean to say you +don't remember her, John?"</p> + +<p>"Her face is familiar, but—"</p> + +<p>He hesitates, and faces the professor.</p> + +<p>"I see, you've got it. You saved her child from the death fangs of the +mad dog, and a kind Heaven has placed her in a position to return the +favor, which she would do if the most terrible fate hung over her head."</p> + +<p>"It seems incredible," mutters the doctor.</p> + +<p>Nevertheless it is true; the one chance in ten thousand sometimes comes +to pass.</p> + +<p>Already has his afternoon's adventure borne fruit in more ways than one; +first it restored him to his former place in the esteem of Lady Ruth, +which his refusal to do her foolish errand had lost him, and now it +works greater wonders, snatching him from the baleful power of the +actress who, unable to rule, would ruin.</p> + +<p>Truly he has no reason to regret that heart affection, that love for +humanity which sent him out to snatch the dusky child of Malta from the +fangs of the beast.</p> + +<p>Now they have reached a door that is heavily barred, proving that their +course has been different from the one by means of which they gained the +dungeon.</p> + +<p>The woman lays down her lantern and takes away the bars. Then she places +her hand on John's arm.</p> + +<p>"You saved my child, Chicago; I save you."</p> + +<p>She smiles, this dusky daughter of Malta, as if greatly pleased at being +able to frame her thoughts in English—smiles and nods at the young +doctor.</p> + +<p>"But you—she may punish you," he says, and she understands, shaking her +head.</p> + +<p>"She no dare; I am of Malta; also, I shall see her, this proud mistress, +no more," which doubtless means that she intends taking French leave as +soon as the Americans have gone.</p> + +<p>John takes her hand and presses it to his lips; a dusky hand it is, but +no cavalier of old ever kissed the slender member of a lady love with +more reverence than he shows.</p> + +<p>"Go, it is danger to stay," she says, with something of a look of alarm +on her face, as from the interior of the dwelling comes some sort of +clamor which may after all only turn out to be the barking of a dog +confined in the court where the fountain plays, but which at any rate +arouses her fears.</p> + +<p>They are only too glad to do so; after being confined in that murky +dungeon the outside air seems peculiarly sweet.</p> + +<p>It must be very late, and in this quarter, at least, the noises of the +earlier night have passed away.</p> + +<p>The only sounds that come plainly to their ears are the booming of the +heavy tide on the rocks, and the sweep of the night wind through the +cypress trees.</p> + +<p>When they turn again after making an effort to locate themselves, the +door in the wall is closed, and the Maltese woman is gone.</p> + +<p>There is no cause for them to linger, and they move away.</p> + +<p>John Craig has nothing to say. The disappointment has been keen, and he +does not yet see a ray of light ahead.</p> + +<p>Hope had such a grasp upon his soul, when he started from the hotel, +that the fall has been more disastrous.</p> + +<p>Not so Philander Sharpe.</p> + +<p>An evil fortune has kept him pretty quiet for quite a little while now, +and he begins to make up for it in part, chirping away at a merry rate +as they push their way along the street.</p> + +<p>At first Doctor Chicago pays little heed to what he says, but presently +certain words catch his ear and tell him that the professor is not +merely speaking for oratorical effect or to hear himself talk.</p> + +<p>"What's that you say, sir?" he asks.</p> + +<p>Cheerfully Philander goes back to repeat.</p> + +<p>"I was saying that I experienced queer sensations when I came to. They +had carried you away to some more luxurious apartment, but I was left +where I went to sleep—anything was good enough for Philander Sharpe.</p> + +<p>"At first I was dazed; the soft murmur of the fountain came near putting +me to sleep again with its droning voice. Then I suddenly remembered +something—a charming face with the flashing eye of a fiend.</p> + +<p>"That aroused me to a comprehension of the position, and I no longer +cared to sleep. Action was necessary. I knew they cared little about +Philander Sharpe, as it was you the trap had been set for—hence I was +perhaps in a position to accomplish something.</p> + +<p>"I left my chair and prowled around. They had disarmed me, and my first +natural desire was to find some sort of weapon with which I could do +service in case of necessity.</p> + +<p>"In thus searching I came across a peculiar knife, perhaps used as a +paper-cutter, but of a serviceable kind, which I pocketed.</p> + +<p>"More than this, I discovered something that I thought would prove of +importance to you, and this I hid upon my person, very wisely, too, for +a short time later I was suddenly set upon by three miserable rogues, +who crept upon me unawares, and in spite of my frantic and Spartan-like +resistance, they bore me away along a dim passage, to finally chuck me +into the vile den where you came later and alarmed me so dreadfully, as +I fully believed it must be some tiger cat they had been pleased to shut +in with me."</p> + +<p>The little professor rattles off these long sentences without the least +difficulty—words flow from his lips as readily as the floods roll over +Niagara.</p> + +<p>When John sees a chance to break in he hastily asks what it is the +professor has discovered that interests him.</p> + +<p>Whereupon Philander begins to feel in his various pockets, and pull out +what has been stored there. At last he utters an exclamation of +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>"Eureka! here it is. Found it lying on a desk. Was attracted by the +singular writing."</p> + +<p>"Singular writing! that makes me believe it must have come from my +mother."</p> + +<p>"It is signed Sister Magdalen."</p> + +<p>"Then that proves it; you remember what Lady Ruth said about meeting a +Sister in Paris who resembled the miniature I have of my mother. It was +a kind fate that brought this to you, professor."</p> + +<p>"Well, you see, I always had a faculty for prying around—might have +been a famous explorer of Egyptian tombs if I hadn't been taken in and +done for by Gwen Makepeace."</p> + +<p>"Was there anything particularly interesting in this letter?" asks John.</p> + +<p>"I considered it so—you will see for yourself," is the reply.</p> + +<p>All is darkness around them. John is possessed of patience to a +reasonable extent, but he would like to see what this paper contains.</p> + +<p>"Professor, you seem to have about everything; can you drum up a cigar +and a match?"</p> + +<p>"Both, luckily."</p> + +<p>"Ah! thanks," accepting them eagerly.</p> + +<p>"It may be dangerous to light up here," says Philander, cautiously, but +the other is deaf to any advice of this sort.</p> + +<p>There is a rustling of paper, then the match is struck, and Doctor +Chicago is discovered bending low in order to keep it from the wind. His +cigar is speedily lighted, and his eyes turned upon the paper which +Philander has given him—Philander, who hovers over him now in eager +distress, anxious to hear John's opinion, and yet fearful lest the rash +act may bring danger upon them.</p> + +<p>John's lips part to utter an exclamation of mingled amazement and +delight, when from a point close to their shoulders an outcry proceeds; +the burning match has betrayed them.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_IX" id="CHAPTER_IX"></a>CHAPTER IX.</h2> + +<h3>BRAVO, PHILANDER!</h3> + + +<p>It is impossible for them to understand just at the moment what has +occurred.</p> + +<p>They are in a part of the Maltese city that Europeans might well +hesitate to visit at the hour of midnight, however much they would +frequent it in daylight.</p> + +<p>The natives of Valetta have not all become reconciled to British rule, +and although no open outbreak occurs, more than once has it been placed +in evidence that there is a deep feeling of resentful distrust in +certain quarters, which only awaits an opportunity to show its ugly +teeth.</p> + +<p>Knowing this fact, it is general principles more than anything else that +causes Philander to have concern.</p> + +<p>When those loud cries break forth close at hand, he knows his fears were +not without foundation.</p> + +<p>John Craig is also suddenly brought to a realization of the fact that he +has hardly been prudent in his action.</p> + +<p>He stows the paper away with a single movement of his hand. It is +precious to him, and must be kept for future study.</p> + +<p>Then he is ready to face those who, by their presence and outcries, +announce themselves as the foes of foreigners.</p> + +<p>There are many secret societies on the famous island besides the Knights +of Malta, and it is not at all improbable that an organization exists +which has for its main object the eventual uprising of the Maltese and +their freedom from the British yoke.</p> + +<p>This would naturally be kept a secret, and not proclaimed from the flat +roofs of Valetta, or the platform of St. Lazarus.</p> + +<p>Philander has shown remarkable traits upon this night of nights, traits +which Doctor Chicago never suspected he possessed. He now proves that, +in addition to these other commendable qualities, he has wonderful +presence of mind, and that no sudden emergency can stupefy his senses.</p> + +<p>Just as soon as the outcry is heard, he draws the small, cimeter-shaped +paper-knife, which he claimed would make a serviceable weapon.</p> + +<p>At the same time he cries out:</p> + +<p>"We're in for it, John, my boy! Don't be too proud to run. Legs, do your +duty!"</p> + +<p>With which remark Philander starts his lower extremities into action, +turning his head to make sure that his companion has not hesitated to +follow.</p> + +<p>If the professor is a small man, he has the faculty for getting over +ground at quite an astonishing rate of speed. His short legs fairly +twinkle as they measure off the yards; and, given a fair show, he would +lead any ordinary runner a race.</p> + +<p>The darkness, the uneven street, and his unfamiliarity with his +surroundings, are all against him now, so that he cannot do himself +justice.</p> + +<p>Suddenly he misses his companion. John was close beside him ten seconds +before—John, who is a sprinter from athletic education, and who could +have distanced the professor with only half an effort had he wished, but +who moderated his speed to conform with that of his less favored friend.</p> + +<p>The shouts have continued all this while, proving that the citizens of +Valetta have steadfastly pursued them with some dark purpose in view.</p> + +<p>Just as soon as Philander Sharpe makes this discovery, his action is one +that proves him a hero.</p> + +<p>He stops in his tracks, and no longer keeps up his flight.</p> + +<p>"Turn the other way, boys! At 'em like thunder! As Sheridan said at +Cedar Creek: 'We'll lick 'em out of their boots,'" is the astonishing +cry he sends forth, as he begins to travel over the back trail.</p> + +<p>This speedily brings him upon the scene of action. Several dark figures +have come to a halt around a prostrate object. They are the men of +Valetta, who have organized this secret vendetta against all foreigners.</p> + +<p>It is easy to understand why they thus halt. John Craig is the +recumbent, struggling figure on the roadway; John Craig, who has +possibly been lassoed by some expert among the pursuers, and who kicks +with the vim and energy of a free American citizen.</p> + +<p>This Philander understands instantly, and also comprehending that he +must do something very speedily, throws himself into the midst of the +dusky Maltese thugs.</p> + +<p>The advent of a wild-cat could not produce more astonishment and +consternation than this sudden coming of the energetic little man.</p> + +<p>He accompanies his assault with the most energetic movements of both +arms and legs, and his shrill voice keeps time to the music.</p> + +<p>As he holds the cimeter-knife in one hand, his movements are not without +certain painful accompaniments. The men fall back in dismay. A momentary +panic is upon them. Philander is shrewd enough to know this will not +last, and he does not attempt to pursue them.</p> + +<p>Upon finding that for the time being the scene is left to him, and that +he is the master of the situation, the professor bends down to free his +companion from the noose that binds his arms.</p> + +<p>Already has John managed to gain a sitting posture, as the fellow at the +other end of the rope forgets to pull steadily upon it in his alarm at +the new phase of affairs.</p> + +<p>Before he can collect his wits, and once more stretch the line, +Philander's keen blade of Damascus steel is pressed against the rope, +and as it comes taut it instantly separates.</p> + +<p>This is enough for John, who has now gained his feet, and throws aside +the entangling loop.</p> + +<p>His tumble has had a queer effect on the young doctor; usually cool and +cautious, he has been transformed into a Hotspur; there is a sudden +desire for revenge.</p> + +<p>In his hand he holds a cudgel, which he snatched from the street as he +arose. It is the spoke of a wheel belonging to some light vehicle, and +which no doubt one of the assailants carried.</p> + +<p>With this flourishing about his head, Doctor Chicago leaps in among the +Maltese and belabors them right and left.</p> + +<p>As Philander, seeing what is going on, and knowing his assistance would +be appreciated, springs to his side, the dusky sons of Malta break and +run.</p> + +<p>They realize, perhaps, that they have waked up the wrong customers, and +immediate flight is the only thing that will save them from the result +of their impetuosity.</p> + +<p>The two Americans make a pretense of pursuing them, but truth to tell +their course really lies in an altogether different direction, and, as +if by mutual consent, they suddenly turn right about face.</p> + +<p>Taking advantage of the enemy's discomfiture, they are enabled to make +good their escape, and presently reach the vicinity of the hotel, rather +out of breath, and looking somewhat the worse for their strange +adventures.</p> + +<p>Professor Sharpe has been glowing with pride and satisfaction up to the +moment they reach the caravansary, then all of a sudden he seems to +collapse.</p> + +<p>A sound comes from a window above; a clear, sibilant sound; a human +voice uttering one word, but investing it with a volume of reproach +beyond description.</p> + +<p>That word:</p> + +<p>"Philander!"</p> + +<p>The doughty little professor, who has proved himself as brave as a lion +in the face of actual and overwhelming danger, now shows positive signs +of flunking. He clutches the arm of his fellow-adventurer, and whispers:</p> + +<p>"John Craig, remember your solemn promise."</p> + +<p>"Never fear; I'll stand by you, professor."</p> + +<p>"Philander Sharpe!"</p> + +<p>This time the inflection is more positive and acrid. It is no longer a +tone of plaint and entreaty, but touches the Caudle lecture style. Of +course, he can no longer ignore the presence of his better half.</p> + +<p>"It's I, Gwendolin," he says, meekly.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it is! You've condescended to take some notice of me at last. Well, +I'm glad to see you. Come up stairs at once, and confess that you've +treated me abominably, you bad man."</p> + +<p>"For Heaven's sake let's get in before a crowd gathers," groans the +professor, with a glance of horror up in the direction of the +white-capped head protruding from, the second-story window.</p> + +<p>Craig is amused, but takes pity on his companion, so they enter the +hotel together.</p> + +<p>"Will you tell her all?" he asks.</p> + +<p>"She'll never rest content now until she discovers it," says Philander, +sadly.</p> + +<p>"Then make a clean breast. I give you permission to speak of my affairs, +only—"</p> + +<p>"What?"</p> + +<p>"Somehow I'd rather not have Lady Ruth know about Pauline Potter, and +the foolish whim that causes her to pursue me."</p> + +<p>At this Philander chuckles, being able to see through a millstone with a +hole in it.</p> + +<p>"I'll warn Gwendolin, then. She entertains a warm feeling for you, +John—always has since making your acquaintance; and after the event of +to-day, or rather yesterday, since it is past the witching hour of +midnight, she is ready to do anything for you."</p> + +<p>"Well, good-night, professor," with a warm shake of the hand, for what +they have passed through in common to-night will make these two the best +of friends.</p> + +<p>When John Craig finds himself alone, he does not at once retire to +his small room. Sleep is one of the last things he thinks of just at +present, his mind has been so wrought up by the events of the night.</p> + +<p>The hotel remains open. It is not customary, for there are no late +trains to come in at Valetta, and the people keep early hours, as a +usual thing, but this is an exceptional time of the year, preceding +Lent, and there may be some other reason besides that causes an +all-night open house.</p> + +<p>Doctor Chicago finds a chair, and seats himself, first of all to reflect +upon the singular train of events that has marked a red cross in his +career since the last sunrise.</p> + +<p>His stricken arm pains him, but he has not the slightest fear as to the +ultimate outcome of that episode; the self-inflicted scorching with the +hot iron effectually ended that.</p> + +<p>At last he draws out the piece of paper which Philander secured in the +room that marked their downfall, the paper that bears the signature of +Sister Magdalen.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth's reminiscence has thus proved of great value to him.</p> + +<p>He takes out one of the notes which came periodically to him—it is the +one that bore the postmark of Valetta, Malta. Holding the two side by +side, he eagerly compares them.</p> + +<p>"Yes, the same hand penned both—I would swear to that."</p> + +<p>Long he muses, sitting there. The papers have been put away, his cigar +falls unheeded to the floor, and his thoughts fly far away.</p> + +<p>Finally he arises, with a sigh, and seeks his room, to rest very poorly, +between the pain of his arm and the worry of his mind.</p> + +<p>Another day dawns upon Valetta.</p> + +<p>As yet the tourists, who sojourn at the city of Malta by the sea, have +received no intimation that the disabled steamer is in a condition to +proceed.</p> + +<p>This means another day on the island, for which few are really sorry, as +Valetta is not an unpleasant place in winter.</p> + +<p>Our friends gather around the breakfast-table, and conversation is +brisk. More than once Lady Ruth watches the face of John Craig. She is +anxious to hear what success he met with on the preceding night, and +will doubtless find an opportunity for a quiet little chat after the +meal.</p> + +<p>On his part, Craig is uneasy, feeling that he owes her a recital of +facts, and yet loth to tell her anything about Pauline Potter, for he +is ashamed of his boyish infatuation with regard to the Chicago actress.</p> + +<p>So he dallies over his breakfast, hoping that something will turn up to +lead their thoughts in another channel, and at least give them a longer +respite. Perhaps a message will come from the steamer announcing an +immediate sailing.</p> + +<p>He is eager to be off. Whatever was in the note Philander picked up in +the house of the Strada Mezzodi, it has given John a feverish anxiety to +reach some other port.</p> + +<p>Ah! here is the good captain of the Hyperion himself, a jolly sea-dog +whom every passenger clings to in time of storm and trouble, and who +buoys up trembling souls, fearful of the worst, with his hearty, +good-natured manner.</p> + +<p>He announces aloud for the benefit of his passengers that a notice just +posted in the office of the hotel gives the time of the vessel's sailing +at seven in the evening, and all passengers are requested to be on board +before that hour, if possible.</p> + +<p>This means another day on shore. It means that John Craig cannot longer +elude the recital of his night's adventures to Lady Ruth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_X" id="CHAPTER_X"></a>CHAPTER X.</h2> + +<h3>SPRUNG ALEAK!</h3> + + +<p>Lady Ruth captures him very soon after breakfast by means of a clever +little piece of diplomacy. John is really amused at the manner in which +she manages this affair, and allows himself to be carried off to enjoy a +bird's-eye view of the harbor which she has discovered at the end of the +piazza, and which he must pass an opinion upon.</p> + +<p>The others do not follow, Philander and Aunt Gwen, because they know +what is going on, and Sir Lionel, on account of a bore of a British +nobleman who has fastened upon him, and talks an incessant streak.</p> + +<p>Miss Caprice, as Aunt Gwen has christened Lady Ruth, suddenly develops a +new phase in the conversation.</p> + +<p>"Do you know what time it was when you came in last night?" she says, +shaking a finger at him, whereat John laughingly declares his ignorance, +having failed to take note of it.</p> + +<p>"Just a quarter of two."</p> + +<p>"Is it possible? Really, I—"</p> + +<p>"Now, it would be only justice to myself to tell how I happened to +know. Awaking from sleep with a slight headache, I arose to get my +smelling-salts, and noted the time.</p> + +<p>"Just then I heard Aunt Gwen's angelic voice calling down. My first fear +was that Uncle Philander had gone off on some sort of racket, and was +returning in no condition for a gentleman, for which suspicion I humbly +beg his pardon, for he's just as lovely as a man ever could be."</p> + +<p>"A fine little fellow, I'll declare, and he stood by me like a hero," +declares John, with great earnestness.</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm a woman, you know, and curious. I poked my head out of the +window, and saw that you were with the professor. Of course, I knew he +was all right, then."</p> + +<p>The charming <i>naivette</i> with which she makes this engaging remark almost +takes John's breath away. He feels a mad desire to take her in his arms, +and to call her "you blessed darling," or some other similarly foolish +pet name.</p> + +<p>Fortunately he contents himself with putting his feelings into a burning +look, the ardor of which causes the cheeks of the young ma'mselle to +grow as red as fire, and she looking the other way at the time.</p> + +<p>"I promised to tell you what success I had in my search," he begins, +knowing the confession to be inevitable.</p> + +<p>Now she looks at him eagerly, expectantly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, and I have tried to read the result in your face, but fear that it +has not been flattering."</p> + +<p>So he tells her all, dealing lightly with the matter of Miss Pauline, +though she is such an important factor in the game that she cannot be +ignored.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth looks him directly in the eyes with her own steel blue orbs, +so honest, so strong, that John has always delighted to meet their gaze, +nor does he avoid it now.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I have no business to ask, Doctor Craig, but this Pauline +Potter—what is she to you, what was she to you that she goes to all +this trouble? Have you a secret of hers which she desires to gain?"</p> + +<p>"I desire to retain your good opinion, Lady Ruth, and consequently am +anxious that you should know all. I shall not spare myself one iota."</p> + +<p>So he explains how the fascinating actress caught his boyish fancy some +two years previous, and how devoted he had been to her until he learned +of her duplicity.</p> + +<p>Then followed his denunciation in the presence of several admirers, +after which he had not seen her again until the night before.</p> + +<p>All of which is told in a frank way, and listened to with earnestness.</p> + +<p>At the conclusion of his narrative, John looks again into Lady Ruth's +face to see whether she condemns him or not, and is gratified to +discover a smile there.</p> + +<p>"I think you are little to blame, Doctor Chicago. Like all young men, +you were dazzled by the bright star that flashed before your eyes; but +your illusion lasted only a brief time, for which you may be thankful. +As to this woman's endeavor to regain your regard, it shows what a +brazen creature she is."</p> + +<p>The fine contempt she feels is written on her face, and John is glad he +made a full confession of the whole matter.</p> + +<p>"I hope I will never see her again," he says, in a penitent way.</p> + +<p>"So do I," she echoes, and then turns a trifle red, hastily adding: "for +your sake, doctor. Now, tell me what you hope to do about finding your +mother."</p> + +<p>Thus, with the diplomacy of a general, upon finding herself growing +uncomfortable she instantly changes the situation, and brings a new +question to the fore.</p> + +<p>John does not notice this. He is too well pleased with the fact that she +overlooks his indiscretion, and still grants him her valued friendship.</p> + +<p>He goes on to explain his plans.</p> + +<p>They are not elaborate. The paper which Philander Sharpe discovered +gives him a new clew, and this he means to push to the utmost.</p> + +<p>He anticipates success, but is gradually learning to tone down his +enthusiasm, realizing that difficulties beset his way.</p> + +<p>Thus all has been told, and he has not lost rating with the proud +English girl, for whose good opinion he is coming to be solicitous.</p> + +<p>Presently Aunt Gwen is heard calling her niece, and they think it time +to join the rest, as the plans of the day are being discussed.</p> + +<p>There are still many things to be seen on the Island of Malta by the +curious. A few even start for the city of Civita Vecchia in the center +of the island, but our friends decide against such an expedition, as +there is a chance of delay, and the captain may refuse to hold his +vessel an hour longer than is absolutely necessary.</p> + +<p>Again they start out, and in seeing various curious things the day is +gradually passed.</p> + +<p>John is glad that no sign is discovered that would indicate the presence +of Pauline Potter near them.</p> + +<p>He has feared lest the vindictive actress might take it into her head +to suddenly appear, and publicly denounce him as her recreant lover, and +thinking thus, is especially glad that he told Lady Ruth the whole story.</p> + +<p>So the day ends.</p> + +<p>It has been a remarkably pleasant one to all of them, and John has +certainly enjoyed it to the utmost. When I say all, there should be an +exception, for Sir Lionel is in anything but an angelic frame of mind.</p> + +<p>He has been wont to look upon the young American's chances with regard +to winning Lady Ruth as exceedingly slim, when such a hero as himself +enters the field.</p> + +<p>That is an Englishman's egotism sure enough. To him Doctor Chicago seems +only a boy, and he looks upon John's daring to enter the lists against +him as a specimen of Yankee assurance.</p> + +<p>This day teaches Sir Lionel that nothing can account for the vagaries of +a girl's mind. She even shows a decided preference for the society of +the American, allows him to carry her parasol, to assist her up the +steps when they visit the signal tower, and on several occasions they +manage to slip off by themselves, and can be seen eagerly comparing +notes and exchanging opinions respecting the magnificent views that are +to be suddenly discovered at various points.</p> + +<p>The British soldier is too old a campaigner not to know what all this +signifies, though the bull-dog elements in his composition will not let +him dream of giving up as yet.</p> + +<p>"It's all owing to that beastly little affair of yesterday. The boy made +a big jump in her estimation, when he saved that child. It was a brave +act. I don't want to say a word to the contrary, and the lad has grit, +more than I ever dreamed of; but I want Lady Ruth, by Jove, more than I +ever wanted anything in all my life, and as I've said before, when a +British soldier fails to succeed one way, he will another."</p> + +<p>Thinking thus, Sir Lionel cudgels his brains during the day, in order to +invent some <i>coup de grace</i> by means of which he may cleverly regain his +lost prestige.</p> + +<p>When a man allows his passions to get the better of his judgment +and sense of fair play, he is really but a single step from being a +scoundrel, and although Sir Lionel would have vehemently scouted the +suspicion of his doing anything to sully his fair name, he nevertheless, +in his desperation at being worsted in a love affair by a mere boy, goes +about some things that are hardly fair.</p> + +<p>It has been decided that the little party shall go aboard after supper, +by the light of the young moon, which will be nearly overhead.</p> + +<p>Two boats have been engaged to wait for them at the quay.</p> + +<p>It is at this time Sir Lionel hopes to make his point, and to accomplish +it he does not hesitate to descend to a low plane, and even imperil +human life.</p> + +<p>When they reach the quay a breeze is blowing, but not strong enough to +cause any uneasiness.</p> + +<p>The party place their luggage in one boat.</p> + +<p>Then comes a pretty piece of by-play that really reflects credit upon +the engineering skill of the soldier, for it is his hand that pulls the +strings.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth steps into one boat. One of the men having stopped John to ask +him something, the colonel is given a chance to occupy the same boat, +and, when Doctor Chicago arrives, he is told by the boatman that this +craft having two passengers, and being smaller than the other, can carry +no more.</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel as they push off sings out to him, pleasantly:</p> + +<p>"A Roland for an Oliver, Chicago."</p> + +<p>John smothers his chagrin and enters the other, boat with Aunt Gwen and +the professor. After all, it is only for a brief time, and surely he can +afford to give Sir Lionel that pleasure.</p> + +<p>Thus they set out.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth appears to be in good spirits, for they can hear her voice in +song, blending with the bass of the baronet, floating over the waves, +which are really rougher than any of them had anticipated.</p> + +<p>The lights of the steamer can be seen, and they head for her.</p> + +<p>Suddenly the song ceases to float across the water. It comes so suddenly +to a stop that John Craig sits up in the other boat and clutches the arm +of the professor.</p> + +<p>"Listen! I thought I heard a slight scream."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense!" exclaims Aunt Gwen.</p> + +<p>"That British prig—"</p> + +<p>"Sir Lionel is a gentleman. He would not sully his reputation by a word +or deed."</p> + +<p>"There—again."</p> + +<p>"That time I heard it, too. Boatman, bend to your oars, and pull. There +is something wrong with the other boat," cries the professor.</p> + +<p>Then across the bounding waters comes a hail, in the lion-like voice of +the Briton. A hail that stirs the blood in their veins until it runs +like molten lava—a hail that tells of danger.</p> + +<p>"Ho! there, this way, quick! We're sinking! sprung aleak!"</p> + +<p>Such is the cry that comes to them.</p> + +<p>All are at once alarmed. The boatman is pulling well, but, to John's +excited fancy, it seems as though they hardly move.</p> + +<p>He springs up, and takes one of the oars.</p> + +<p>"Professor, mind the helm!" he cries.</p> + +<p>"Ay, ay!" sings out that worthy, adapting himself immediately to the +situation.</p> + +<p>The young American is hardly an athlete, although he belongs to one of +Chicago's best boat clubs.</p> + +<p>He has an incentive now which causes him to strain every muscle, and +under the united strength of two men the boat dances over the billows in +the quarter whence the cry of help was heard.</p> + +<p>It nevertheless takes them nearly five minutes to reach the scene, and +this is the longest five minutes John ever knew.</p> + +<p>Only the voice of the boatman is heard, still calling, and by this they +know that the climax has already come.</p> + +<p>A dreadful fear almost palsies John's heart as they reach the scene.</p> + +<p>The boatman is discovered, clinging to the oars, and showing some +evidence of alarm. Perhaps he has had more than he bargained for.</p> + +<p>John helps him in.</p> + +<p>"Where are the others?" he cries, hoarsely.</p> + +<p>"I am afraid, lost."</p> + +<p>"Just Heaven! What has happened?"</p> + +<p>"Boat sprung leak—go down fast. Soldier say he save lady, but struck +his head on boat and lose senses. I saw them no more."</p> + +<p>It is horrible!</p> + +<p>"Did the boat sink?" asks John, huskily.</p> + +<p>"I do not know."</p> + +<p>"Would it sink under such circumstances?" he asks their own boatman, +who also has the appearance of being rattled. When they entered into a +little trickery with Sir Lionel, they had no idea it would turn out so +tragically, and the possible serious consequences now staring them in +the face make them uneasy.</p> + +<p>"No; it could not," returns that worthy.</p> + +<p>"Then, if floating still, we must find it. Our only chance lies there."</p> + +<p>Fortunately John is, in a measure, self-possessed. He at least shows +himself equal to the emergency.</p> + +<p>They pull in the direction where it is most likely they will find what +they seek.</p> + +<p>John twists his neck as he rows, and endeavors to scan the sea around +them. Again and again he calls out, hoping in the fullness of his heart +that some answering cry may come back.</p> + +<p>What leaden seconds those are—never can they forget them.</p> + +<p>"I see something!" says Aunt Gwen, who is crouching in the bow, +regardless of the spray that now and then spatters her.</p> + +<p>"Where away?" demands John, eagerly.</p> + +<p>"Straight ahead."</p> + +<p>They pull with fierce energy.</p> + +<p>"Can you make it out?"</p> + +<p>"It's the swamped boat," replies Aunt Gwen, who has remarkable eyes for +one of her age.</p> + +<p>John shouts again.</p> + +<p>"Boat ahoy!"</p> + +<p>This time an answer comes back, but not in the roar of the British lion.</p> + +<p>"Here—come quickly—I am nearly worn-out!"</p> + +<p>John's heart gives a great bound.</p> + +<p>"Thank Heaven! It is Lady Ruth!" he says.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XI" id="CHAPTER_XI"></a>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3>AN UNWELCOME PASSENGER.</h3> + + +<p>John can hold back no longer, but gives his oar to the boatman, and +seeks the bow in place of Aunt Gwen, who allows him the privilege.</p> + +<p>They are now almost upon the floating swamped boat.</p> + +<p>"Careful now. Don't run into the wreck. I see her," and with the last +words, John, who has kicked off his shoes in almost a second of time, +throws coat and vest down in the boat and leaps overboard.</p> + +<p>His hands seize upon the gunwale of the nearly submerged boat, over +which each wave breaks. He pulls himself along, and thus reaches Lady +Ruth whom he finds holding on to one of the tiller ropes which has +formed a loop, through which her arm is passed.</p> + +<p>"Thank Heaven! You are safe! Here comes the boat! You must let me help +you in, Lady Ruth!" he says, dodging a wave and ready to clutch her if +she lets go.</p> + +<p>"I am not alone. You must take him in first," she gasps.</p> + +<p>Then John for the first time becomes aware that she is supporting Sir +Lionel, whose arm has also been passed through the rounded tiller rope.</p> + +<p>He seems to hang a dead weight.</p> + +<p>Amazed at the action of the brave English girl, John at once takes hold +of the soldier. The boat by this time comes up.</p> + +<p>In getting him aboard a spill is narrowly averted, and now a new +trouble arises. The boat will hold no more, and is dangerously loaded +even now.</p> + +<p>What can be done? Lady Ruth must be taken aboard. Her strength is +almost gone, and John, in deadly fear lest one of the hungry waves +should tear her away before their very eyes, passes an arm around her +waist.</p> + +<p>He takes in the situation.</p> + +<p>"Here, you!" to the already wet boatman, "tumble overboard, quick now. +We can hold on behind, I reckon."</p> + +<p>The man hesitates, and this is a bad time for deliberation.</p> + +<p>Professor Sharpe suddenly seizes upon him, and in almost the twinkling +of an eye has the fellow overboard, more through a quick movement than +any show of strength.</p> + +<p>"There's a boat from the steamer coming this way. Hail it, Philander!" +exclaims Aunt Gwen, and this gives them new life.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth is now taken into the boat with some degree of caution.</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel shows no sign of life, and both ladies are extremely +solicitous about him, so the professor bends down to make a cursory +examination.</p> + +<p>"He'll be all right when the water is pumped out of him," he announces.</p> + +<p>The boat from the steamer comes up, led to the spot by Philander's +shrill whoops, and the men in the water are rescued.</p> + +<p>In ten minutes they reach the side of the steamer and go aboard. A +terrible disaster has been narrowly averted, and John cannot but feel +amazed at the wonderful grit shown by this girl, who saved the baronet +from a watery grave.</p> + +<p>It proves his estimation of her qualities at the time she assisted to +bind up his arm was not out of the way.</p> + +<p>As the two boatmen are about to go down into their craft again, the one +who has not been in the water beckons John, who has not yet sought his +cabin-room to change his soaked clothes.</p> + +<p>"Will the gentleman recover?" he asks.</p> + +<p>"You mean Sir Lionel? Oh, yes! He is already back in his senses. +Strangely enough the first question he asked upon learning that Lady +Ruth was saved, concerned your companion, and when he learned that the +boatman had also survived, he said: 'The devil!'"</p> + +<p>At this the man chuckles.</p> + +<p>"I understand—perhaps you can. I like you, sir, while his ways make me +mad. He thinks we Maltese dogs. I say no more—only look out for him. It +easy to sink when plank in boat loosened."</p> + +<p>Without another word the fellow slides down the rope to his boat, and +pushes off with his soaked companion.</p> + +<p>When John turns and heads for his state-room, he has something to think +about, and the consciousness that there has been some foul play about +this accident makes him decidedly uneasy.</p> + +<p>Now they are off, the passengers who in the morning started on a +pilgrimage to Civita Vecchia having returned in good time.</p> + +<p>When Doctor Chicago once more comes on deck, clad in warm, dry clothes, +the lights of Valetta are astern, and the steamer is putting miles +between them.</p> + +<p>He paces up and down, reflecting upon the startling event of the evening.</p> + +<p>What can the significant words of the boatman mean, if not what he +suspects.</p> + +<p>John would not wrong any one, and he believes it policy to keep this +to himself. At the same time he realizes that the game is taking on a +desperate phase, when a gentleman of Sir Lionel's caliber descends to +such treachery, in order to make himself a favorite with the fair +English maid.</p> + +<p>Of course, it was his intention to save Lady Ruth and appear the hero. +He trusted in his well-known ability as an expert swimmer to accomplish +this, and never once thought fate would step in and deal him such a blow.</p> + +<p>As near as can be learned from what the wet boatman said when picked +up, just when the craft was sinking Sir Lionel must have stumbled and +fallen, striking his head upon the gunwale, which rendered him +unconscious.</p> + +<p>John walks up and down, smoking and pondering, and, when his thoughts go +toward Lady Ruth, he smiles as if they are pleasant.</p> + +<p>Twice he goes to seek the stewardess to make inquiries concerning the +young woman, and is gratified to hear that the ship's Scotch surgeon has +given her a glass of warm toddy to keep her from taking cold as a result +of her exposure, and that having retired she is now in a perfectly +natural sleep.</p> + +<p>Pleased with this, he lights another cigar and resumes his walk, to meet +Sir Lionel, who has quite recovered from his ducking, and is disposed to +treat the whole matter something like a joke.</p> + +<p>John engages him in conversation for a purpose, and learns what he can +about the peculiar affair; but the soldier professes to know nothing +beyond the fact that the boatman suddenly cried that the craft was +sinking, whereupon he called out for assistance from the other boat, +and then, as the emergency seemed very close, he sprang up to save Lady +Ruth, when his foot caught in the thwart and he pitched heavily forward.</p> + +<p>He was not wholly unconscious, and with some one's help, he knew not +whom at the time, he managed to crook his arm through the rope belonging +to the tiller. After which he knew no more until he came to on board the +steamer and found the surgeon pouring whisky down his throat.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps your boatman was crazy. I'm sure our fellow must have been out +of his mind, judging from his actions when leaving the steamer. Why, he +even warned me to keep an eye on you, sir."</p> + +<p>At this the Englishman removes his cigar from between his teeth, looks +hard at the doctor, says "by Jove!" several times, and then laughs +heartily.</p> + +<p>"That is very funny. Indeed, I can't remember anything that strikes +me as more peculiar. Any one can watch me—my actions are, I hope, +above-board. It is true I am disappointed in not having been able to +have saved Lady Ruth, but so long as some one took her from the water, +what does it matter? The boatmen are mad, because they lost a craft. +Jove! I'd like to teach them a lesson for taking out passengers in a +cranky, rotten boat. Do you know, I believe my foot went clean through +the bottom when I jumped up."</p> + +<p>This, spoken in a frank, ingenuous way, quite disarms John.</p> + +<p>He does not like to think evil of his fellow human beings, at any rate.</p> + +<p>The wind is increasing meanwhile, and clouds hide the young moon.</p> + +<p>"I believe we will have a storm," is the last remark Sir Lionel makes, +as he staggers across the rising deck and makes a plunge down into the +cabin, for although a duck in the water, the Briton is no yachtsman, and +possibly already feels the terrible grip of the coming <i>mal de mer</i>.</p> + +<p>His words are soon verified, however, for the waves and wind continue to +rise until the steamer is mightily buffeted. Still John remains on deck. +There is a fascination for him in the scene that words cannot express. +When he has had enough he will find his state-room and sleep, for surely +he needs it after being awake a good deal of the preceding night at +Valetta.</p> + +<p>Darker grow the heavens. Thunder rolls, and the electric current cuts +the air, illuminating the wild scene with a picturesque touch that is +almost ghastly in its yellow white.</p> + +<p>The steamer is well built, and in good condition to withstand the +tempest, roar as it may. John tires of the weird spectacle at last, +and he, too, makes a plunge for the cabin, reaching it just in time to +escape a monster wave that makes the vessel stagger, and sweeps along +the deck from stem to stern.</p> + +<p>Below he finds considerable confusion, such as is always seen on board a +steamer during a storm. Timid men looking as white as ghosts, frightened +women wringing their hands and screaming with each plunge of the ship, +as if they expect it to be the last.</p> + +<p>A few foreign passengers are aboard, and they do not seem free from the +contagion, though inclined to be more stoical than the Europeans.</p> + +<p>As the steamer plunges, some of the passengers are huddled in a corner. +Loud praying can be heard, and those who are least accustomed to such +things on ordinary occasions are most vehement now.</p> + +<p>A Mohammedan is kneeling on his rug, with his face turned in the +direction of Mecca, as near as he can judge, and going through with +the strange rigmarole of bows and muttered phrases that constitute his +religion.</p> + +<p>This scene is not a very pleasant one, but there are features about it +which are worth being noticed, and John stands to gaze before seeking +his room.</p> + +<p>He has heard from the captain that the boat is perfectly safe, unless +the storm should grow much heavier, and with this assurance intends to +seek his berth and sleep, if such a thing be possible.</p> + +<p>He moves toward his state-room. Just then a billow strikes the steamer +almost amidships, and she rolls. This, not being expected, causes John +to slide across the cabin floor, to the accompaniment of a chorus of +cries from the frightened people, who are huddled in a corner by this +new move on the part of the vessel.</p> + +<p>He brings up alongside a state-room door, which is in the act of being +opened, even as he bangs up against it.</p> + +<p>Consequently John has the greatest difficulty in maintaining his +balance, and in order to keep from sliding through the door grasps the +sides.</p> + +<p>Some one has opened it. A face is exposed close to his own, a face that, +although not terror-stricken, bears the evidence of sudden alarm, as +though the new pitch of the vessel and renewed shrieks from within have +aroused fear—a face that John Craig recognizes with amazement.</p> + +<p>"Tell me, are we sinking?" she exclaims.</p> + +<p>Then she looks again.</p> + +<p>"Ah! Doctor Chicago!"</p> + +<p>"You here, Pauline Potter?"</p> + +<p>The presence of the actress on board the steamer gives him a sudden +thrill.</p> + +<p>It is no mere accident that brings her, but a part of a deep-laid plan, +which perhaps not only concerns him, but one in whom he has taken the +deepest interest—Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>That is why he cries out, and his words have more than an ordinary +amount of astonishment in them.</p> + +<p>"Yes, I am leaving Malta. I have no reason to remain there longer. But +tell me the worst, John Craig; are we doomed to go down?"</p> + +<p>The vessel does not toss so wildly now, and the wails of the alarmed +passengers grow less in volume.</p> + +<p>"I hope not. The captain assured me there was no danger whatever, and +told me to get some sleep, if I could. I am on my way to my berth now. +Be of good cheer, the morning will see us safe enough, I believe."</p> + +<p>Then he leaves her, and the state-room door closes.</p> + +<p>This encounter makes John think of the other ladies. Are Aunt Gwen and +Lady Ruth among those whose clamor arises from the cabin with each lurch +of the ship?</p> + +<p>As the thought flashes upon his mind, some one clutches his arm, and, +turning, he beholds the little professor. There is a wild look in +Philander's eyes, and his teeth rattle like castanets. Really the +situation is terrible enough to appall any one.</p> + +<p>"When do we go down, John?" he asks.</p> + +<p>"Good Heaven! I trust not at all," and he cheers the other with what the +captain has told him.</p> + +<p>"I wish you could tell the ladies that."</p> + +<p>"Where are they?" asks John.</p> + +<p>"Come with me!"</p> + +<p>In a few seconds the doctor sees the ladies, who have a state-room +together. They are fully dressed, and look woe-begone. At each lunge of +the vessel they gasp, and, when a particularly big one occurs, fall into +each other's arms.</p> + +<p>Both are brave enough, and yet the situation is such that a strange +feeling creeps over the stoutest heart.</p> + +<p>When John appears, and tells them what the captain has said, it +reassures them considerably, and they feel better.</p> + +<p>Presently he leaves them, and seeks his berth, where he actually goes +to sleep. Tired nature will assert her power, even under the most +discouraging conditions.</p> + +<p>During the night the storm abates.</p> + +<p>John Craig is awake early, and can tell that all is well from the easy +motion of the steamer, for her plunges are few and of small moment. A +silence broods over the scene; the tired passengers have gone to sleep; +all John can hear as he lies there is the dull throb of the engines and +the swish of water against the side of the vessel.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XII" id="CHAPTER_XII"></a>CHAPTER XII.</h2> + +<h3>TO THE HOUSE OF BEN TALEB.</h3> + + +<p>Algiers!</p> + +<p>The sunset gun is just booming over the African hills as the steamer +drops anchor off the wonderful city where the French have gained a +foothold and seem determined to stay.</p> + +<p>John Craig is in a fever to go ashore. He has had news that from Malta +his mother went to Algiers on a mission, and his one object in life is +to follow her until the time comes when he can see face to face the +woman to whom he owes his being, toward whom his heart goes out, and +whom he believes to have been dreadfully wronged.</p> + +<p>Most of the passengers are going farther, but as the steamer will remain +in the harbor until morning, there is no need of any going ashore.</p> + +<p>John, however, cannot wait.</p> + +<p>He engages a boatman—there are many who at once come out to the steamer +for various purposes—tells his friends where they may find him, and +with his luggage is away, just before darkness sets in, for it comes +very soon after sunset in this country.</p> + +<p>Upon landing, John secures a guide, and makes for the central square +known as the <i>Place du Gouvernement</i>, where he knows of a good hotel, +recommended by the captain.</p> + +<p>The air is fragrant with the odor of flowers.</p> + +<p>In his walk he meets strange people, Arabs, Moors, Kabyles from the +desert, long-bearded Jews, Greeks, negroes, Italians, and, of course, +French soldiers.</p> + +<p><i>Al Jezira</i>, as the natives call their capital, is undoubtedly the most +interesting city for a traveler's eyes, exceeding even Constantinople +and Cairo.</p> + +<p>Part of the city is modern, the rest just as it might have been a +century ago, when the Algerian pirates made a reign of terror sweep over +the Mediterranean.</p> + +<p>Omnibuses are seen, and even street-cars run to Birkadeen, a suburb. The +houses on the terraces of Mustapha Superieur are peopled with the nicest +of French and English families, who spend the winter in this charming +place.</p> + +<p>Still, if one enters the native quarter, ascending the narrow streets +where no vehicle can ever come, where the tall, white houses, with their +slits for windows, almost meet above, shutting out the cheery sunlight, +where one meets the Moor, the Arab, the gipsy, the negro porter, the +native woman with her face concealed almost wholly from view, it would +be easy to believe the city to be entirely foreign and shut off from +European intercourse.</p> + +<p>Within a stone's throw how different the scene—the wide streets, the +fine houses, the people of Paris and London mixing with the picturesque +costumes of the natives, the bazaars, music in the air coming from the +Kasbah, once the stronghold of the merciless Janizaries, now the +barracks for French zouaves, the bric-a-brac merchant with his +extraordinary wares spread out, while he calmly smokes a cigarette and +plays upon the mandolin.</p> + +<p>No wonder the pilgrim in Algiers is charmed, and lingers long beyond his +time.</p> + +<p>John has glimpses of these things on his way to the hotel, and although +his mind is hardly in a condition to take much notice of such matters, +they nevertheless impress him to a certain degree.</p> + +<p>Dull, indeed, must be the man who cannot grasp the wonderful beauty of +such a scene. At another time John would have been charmed.</p> + +<p>He reaches the hotel, and at once engages a room. Supper is ready, and +he sits down to a meal one can hardly procure outside of Paris itself, +and served in French style.</p> + +<p>If any one were watching John, his nervousness would be perceptible.</p> + +<p>From the table he seeks the office of the hotel.</p> + +<p>"What can I do for monsieur?" asks the polite attendant, seeing him +standing there expectantly.</p> + +<p>"I desire to procure a guide."</p> + +<p>"To-morrow?"</p> + +<p>"Now—at once."</p> + +<p>The clerk looks at him curiously. He cannot understand what such +impetuosity means.</p> + +<p>He realizes that he is dealing with one who is different from the usual +run of travelers.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur does not, perhaps, know the danger involved in the night; +foreigners do not often invade the old town after dark."</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, my business is very important. Can you procure me a reliable +guide, one who speaks English?"</p> + +<p>"It can be done. First, I would recommend that you seal up your watch +and valuables in this envelope."</p> + +<p>"A good idea. You will keep them in your safe," suiting the action to +the word.</p> + +<p>"Now; monsieur will write his name."</p> + +<p>"Done."</p> + +<p>"Also the address."</p> + +<p>"Eh? I don't quite understand."</p> + +<p>"To which he would have them sent."</p> + +<p>"Sent?"</p> + +<p>"In case we see monsieur no more."</p> + +<p>"Ah! Now I catch on," with a smile, as he adds the words: "Chicago, +Ill., U.S.A."</p> + +<p>"Chicago, I have heard of it; quite a place," remarks the clerk.</p> + +<p>"Rather," dryly. "The cicerone, please."</p> + +<p>Then the clerk beckons to a man who has been lounging not far away.</p> + +<p>John sweeps his eyes over him.</p> + +<p>He sees an Arab gipsy, a swarthy fellow of stalwart build, dressed in +the attractive costume of his race. John reads human nature fairly well, +and he believes he sees a man who can be depended on.</p> + +<p>"This, monsieur, is Mustapha Cadi. You can depend upon him always," and +the clerk goes to his regular work.</p> + +<p>The Arab makes the ordinary salutation, crossing his hands over his +breast, and bowing.</p> + +<p>These people are very ceremonious, never entering a room or being seated +before a guest.</p> + +<p>"You speak English?" asks John.</p> + +<p>"Oh, yes!" smiling.</p> + +<p>"I want to engage you in my service for some days, Mustapha Cadi."</p> + +<p>"I have just come with a party from the wine caves of Chateau Hydra and +the cemetery on Bouzareah. I am now free, and in monsieur's service."</p> + +<p>"Good! Your terms?"</p> + +<p>"Two duros a day."</p> + +<p>"I will make it four."</p> + +<p>"Great is Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. I shall not complain."</p> + +<p>"There is a condition."</p> + +<p>"Name it."</p> + +<p>"I am very anxious to see some one whom I have reason to believe is in +this city."</p> + +<p>"Of course."</p> + +<p>"You must take me to him to-night."</p> + +<p>Mustapha Cadi looks a little anxious.</p> + +<p>"Does this illustrious person live in new or old Al Jezira?"</p> + +<p>"I cannot say, it is for you to tell."</p> + +<p>"His name?"</p> + +<p>"Ben Taleb."</p> + +<p>The Arab shrugs his shoulders, a French trick that follows their +conquests, and is so very suggestive.</p> + +<p>"The Moorish doctor; he lives in the heart of the old town."</p> + +<p>"But many Europeans visit him, he has a reputation abroad."</p> + +<p>"They never dare go at night."</p> + +<p>"I am willing to take the risk."</p> + +<p>Mustapha Cadi looks at the young man admiringly—curiously, for he +cannot imagine what would cause such haste. He sees a specimen of +healthy manhood, so that it can hardly be for medical advice he takes +such chances to see the old Moor.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur, I consent."</p> + +<p>"It is well."</p> + +<p>"I, too, have conditions."</p> + +<p>"Ah! that may alter the case," suspiciously.</p> + +<p>"My reputation is dear to me."</p> + +<p>"Naturally."</p> + +<p>"It is my means of earning much money. Listen to me. I have taken +Franks everywhere through this country, to Oran and even the far-away +lead mines of Jebel Wanashrees; yes, once even to the city of Fez, in +Morocco; yet never has anything serious happened to those in my charge. +We have been attacked by robbers in the desert, but we dispersed them +with gun and yataghan. Here in Al Jezira, many times, beggars for +backsheesh have become impudent, and tried to enforce their demands, +but I have taken them before the cadi, and had them punished with the +bastinado. Ah! they know Mustapha Cadi, the guide, and give him a wide +berth <i>by daylight</i>. But, monsieur, what might happen in the streets of +the old town should a Frank go there at night, I am afraid to say."</p> + +<p>"Still, you promised."</p> + +<p>"Ay, and will keep my word, if the monsieur agrees to the condition."</p> + +<p>"Let me hear it!"</p> + +<p>"I will procure a burnoose, you shall put the robe on, and be an Arab +for to-night."</p> + +<p>John draws a breath of relief, he smiles.</p> + +<p>"Willingly, Mustapha. Let us lose no time, I beg of you!"</p> + +<p>"Then, monsieur, come!"</p> + +<p>As he passes the clerk that worthy bends forward to say:</p> + +<p>"Does monsieur know these people who have come from the steamer?"</p> + +<p>John sees a list of names under his own.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Professor Sharpe and wife.<br /> +Lady Ruth Stanhope.<br /> +Colonel Lionel Blunt.<br /> +Miss Pauline Potter.</p></div> + +<p>There they are, all present, and he hears the voice of Aunt Gwen in the +dining-room, even at the moment of his reading her name, gently chiding +a waiter for not serving the professor more promptly, always in a hurry, +but generally good-natured withal.</p> + +<p>"They are friends of mine," he says, and then follows his Arab guide.</p> + +<p>Once on the street John observes what is passing around him, and the +scene on the grand square is certainly lively enough, with the garrison +band discoursing sweet music, the numerous lights from <i>cafe</i> and +<i>magasius de nouveautes</i>, and crowds moving about.</p> + +<p>Presently they come to a bazaar, where every article known to oriental +ingenuity, from Zanzibar carpets, embroideries of Tunis, Damascus +cutlery, and odd jewelry to modern novelties can be found.</p> + +<p>Here they enter.</p> + +<p>The guide selects what he needs, and John pays for it, wondering what +sort of clumsiness he will display in the wearing of an Arab costume.</p> + +<p>Until they reach the border of the old town upon the hill-side, there is +little need of his donning the ridiculous affair.</p> + +<p>He casts many inquisitive glances upon his guide and other Arabs whom +they meet to see how they wear the burnoose.</p> + +<p>"I reckon John Craig won't disgrace Chicago, if he isn't to the manner +born," he concludes.</p> + +<p>"Now, monsieur will allow me," says his tall guide, leading him into a +dark corner.</p> + +<p>There is some little difficulty experienced, but in the end John turns +Arab.</p> + +<p>"Say not one word—if saluted, I will reply," is the last caution he +receives.</p> + +<p>Then they move on.</p> + +<p>Now their road ascends.</p> + +<p>They are in Al Jezira, the old Arab town.</p> + +<p>The passage is so narrow that at times John could easily touch the walls +of the spectral houses on either side by extending his arms.</p> + +<p>Every little while there is a short step. Now and then an arch from +which hangs a queer lantern, burning dimly. Over a door, here and there, +a light marks the residence of some Moor or Arab of note. But for these +the passage-way would be totally dark, even on the brightest moonlight +night.</p> + +<p>They meet bearded and turbaned Arabs, who stalk majestically along, +proud as Lucifer, even without a piastre in their purses—even women +vailed as usual, wearing anklets, and with their nails stained with +henna.</p> + +<p>The men salute, and Mustapha replies, while the disguised young American +merely bows his head, which he has hidden after the manner of one who +mourns.</p> + +<p>Thus they advance.</p> + +<p>Presently they turn sharply to the left, and enter a dark passage.</p> + +<p>"We will wait here a few minutes."</p> + +<p>"But why?" asks the impatient doctor.</p> + +<p>"You saw the group above descending, monsieur?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"I recognized them as rival couriers. If they saw me they would glance +sharply at my companion. Perhaps for much duros they have some time +taken a Frank through Al Jezira at night. That would not count. If they +believed I did the same thing they would spread the news abroad, and I +am afraid we would have trouble. Better a little delay than that," and +he draws a finger across John's throat to signify the terrible stroke of +a vengeful yataghan.</p> + +<p>"I think you are right," replies John.</p> + +<p>They hear the group go by, laughing and joking, and the passage is again +clear.</p> + +<p>"Again, forward, monsieur," whispers the faithful courier, and leaving +their hiding-place they push on.</p> + +<p>They are in the heart of the old town, and a most singular sensation +comes over John as he looks all around to see the white walls, the +solemn figures moving about, and hears sounds that never before greeted +his ears.</p> + +<p>It is as if he were in another world.</p> + +<p>While he thus ponders and speculates, his companion comes to a sudden +halt. They are at the door of a house a little more conspicuous than its +fellows, and Mustapha hastily gives the rapper a resonant clang.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIII" id="CHAPTER_XIII"></a>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> + +<h3>A NIGHT IN ALGIERS.</h3> + + +<p>His manner gives the man from Chicago to understand that he has cause +for sudden anxiety.</p> + +<p>"What is it, Mustapha?" he whispers.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur did not notice. Two Arabs, one a <i>muezzin</i>, or priest, just +passed us. They brushed against you. Perhaps they disturbed the +burnoose; at any rate, their heads go together; they appear excited; +they stop below; see, you can yourself notice; two more join them; they +point this way. Ah! there is trouble, monsieur. Nay, do not draw a +weapon; it comes not now, but later. I hear footsteps within, the bolt +is withdrawn, the door opens."</p> + +<p>What Mustapha says is true; the heavy door, still secured by a stout +chain, opens half a foot, and by the dim light a Moorish lad is seen.</p> + +<p>To him the guide addresses himself. Whatever he says in the Moorish +tongue, it must be direct to the point, for immediately the door is +opened wide enough to admit them, after which it is shut and the heavy +bolt shoots into its socket.</p> + +<p>John follows his conductor. For the time being he loses sight of +Mustapha, and must depend upon his own abilities. Trust a young man +from Chicago to be equal to any occasion, no matter how extraordinary.</p> + +<p>In another minute he is ushered into a large room, which is decorated in +an oriental way that John has never seen equaled.</p> + +<p>Rich colors blend, soft light falls upon the many articles of a +connoisseur's collection, and, taken in all, the scene is dazzling.</p> + +<p>He gives it one glance.</p> + +<p>Then his attention is riveted upon the figures before him. A couple +of servants wait upon the owner of the house, Ben Taleb, the Moorish +doctor. He is a venerable man, with white hair and a long snowy +beard—his costume is simply black; but beside him sits his daughter, +and she presents a spectacle John never saw equaled.</p> + +<p>Silks of the loveliest hues, velvets that are beyond description, +diamonds that flash and dazzle, strings of milky pearls that cause one's +eyes to water. John sees the beautiful dreamy face, and thinks, as he +compares it with the rosy-cheeked, laughing eyed English girl's, that +these Moors make veritable dolls of their daughters.</p> + +<p>Fortunately that Chicago assurance, which has carried him through many +singular scenes, does not desert him now.</p> + +<p>He has never yet beheld what beauty the miserable yashmak and foutah of +the vailed Moorish lady concealed, and is naturally taken aback by the +disclosure, but, recovering himself, he advances toward those who seem +to await some action on his part.</p> + +<p>The miserable burnoose he has discarded in the hall, so that, hat in +hand, John now appears under his own colors.</p> + +<p>Bowing low, much after the salaam of a native, in deference to beauty's +presence, he addresses the Moorish doctor.</p> + +<p>An observant traveler, Craig has a way of assimilating what he sees, and +hence speaks in something of the figurative and flowery style so common +among the dark-skinned people of all oriental countries, for an Arabian +robber will be as polite as a French dandy, and apologize for being +compelled to cut your throat.</p> + +<p>Having, therefore, asked pardon for an intrusion at such an hour, he +proceeds to business.</p> + +<p>The old doctor has up to this time said not a word, only bowed; but now +he speaks:</p> + +<p>"Where do you come from?" he asks.</p> + +<p>"America—Chicago," with the full belief that the <i>taleb</i> must have +heard of the bustling city upon Lake Michigan.</p> + +<p>And he is right, too, for the old Moor frowns.</p> + +<p>"Chicago is accursed. I hate it, because it shelters an enemy to one I +revere, one who saved my only child from death, when she lay with the +fever at Alexandria. Your name, monsieur, and then your ailment, for I +take it your case is urgent to bring you here under such risk."</p> + +<p>"My name I have never been ashamed of. It is John Alexander Craig. My +disease is one of the heart, and I believe—"</p> + +<p>The appearance of the old Moor is such that John comes to a sudden +stop—Ben Taleb's eyes are dilated—he stares at the young man in a +fierce way, and his whole body appears to swell with rising emotions.</p> + +<p>"Stop!" he thunders, and claps his hands in an excited way.</p> + +<p>John, remembering his former experience, draws himself up in readiness +for defense, nor is he surprised to see several slaves enter the room at +the bidding of their master.</p> + +<p>"This is the height of infamy, you who bear that hated name dare invade +the home of Ben Taleb! I read your secret; you are not sick."</p> + +<p>"No, no; I—"</p> + +<p>"You come with another motive; you seek one who has long been lost, one +who has suffered for years, unjustly, because of a Craig. May Allah's +curses blight your footsteps."</p> + +<p>"You mistake—"</p> + +<p>"May Mohammed, his prophet, make your life a blank. May your days end in +torment, and your nights be sleepless."</p> + +<p>"When you are done, most illustrious <i>taleb</i>, allow me to speak. Even a +dog should not be condemned unheard."</p> + +<p>"Father, he is right; you are just, you are good; you condemn no man +unheard. Let him speak; good may even come out of Chicago," says the +lovely houri at the side of the Moor, and John thanks her with his eyes, +mentally concluding that, after all, Moorish females, if nonentities on +the street, have certain rights under their own roofs.</p> + +<p>At this the great doctor frowns, but cannot withstand the angelic, +appealing glance which his daughter bestows upon him.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps it is so. What have you to say, you who bear that hated name? +Since through the kindness of my child you are given the opportunity to +speak, embrace it."</p> + +<p>The situation is a peculiar one, and John feels that he must make the +most of it.</p> + +<p>"Illustrious Moor, listen then while I relate the reason for my +presence, why for months I have searched country after country for one +who ever seemed to be just beyond my reach, like a will-o'-the-wisp +dancing over the swampy ground.</p> + +<p>"The person I seek is known as Sister Magdalen. It is with no unworthy +motive I would find her, Ben Taleb, for she is my mother."</p> + +<p>At this the sheik and his daughter exchange significant glances. +Perhaps something of incredulity may be discovered in their expression. +Evidently they have heard but little of the story before, and only +know that the troubles of the woman they revere came through a Craig.</p> + +<p>John, having become stirred up, proceeds to tell them more of the past, +and, while not caring to show emotion in the eyes of strangers, explains +his feelings in the matter with a dignity that does him full justice.</p> + +<p>While not thoroughly convinced, for he suspects there may be some +artifice in this visit, the venerable Moor is inclined to look more +favorably upon John.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps you may not be so bad as I believed, but do not hope to receive +news from me," is his slowly spoken remark.</p> + +<p>John's heart sinks, he fears that after all his long search he is now to +be frustrated by the stubborn will of an old man.</p> + +<p>He even becomes eloquent in his appeal, and, while he fails to bring +Ben Taleb to terms, he charms the sheik's daughter, whose lovely eyes +glisten as she hears.</p> + +<p>At last he wrings one promise from the Moor, to the effect that he will +communicate with the lady in question, and stating the whole case, allow +her to decide.</p> + +<p>This is certainly fair enough, and Ben Taleb presumes to be a man who +desires to do that which is right. Hence he agrees, but will not let +John know whether news can be sent to him at the hotel on the morrow, +or a week later. He must learn to practice the divine art of patience, +and bide his time.</p> + +<p>This, while a keen disappointment with regard to what he had expected +and hoped for, is the best that can be done under the circumstances.</p> + +<p>John is something of a philosopher.</p> + +<p>When he has done his best, he is willing to trust the rest to fortune.</p> + +<p>So he assumes a cheerfulness he is far from feeling, and assures Ben +Taleb he will always be indebted to him for his kindness. After this he +begs for a piece of paper, and the sheik sends one of his slaves for it. +John writes a line upon it, a line that comes from his heart:</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>MY MOTHER: I have searched half of the world over for you.<br /> +JOHN ALEXANDER CRAIG.</p></div> + +<p>If she ever reads that, the meeting will not long be delayed, he +believes.</p> + +<p>A short time is spent in the company of the sheik and his daughter, and +as the young American admits that he is a doctor, the Moor shows new +interest, asking various questions concerning some of the great events +in the world of surgery that prove him to be a man far beyond his class, +and one who keeps abreast of the times.</p> + +<p>Finally, as the hour grows apace, John thinks it time for him to be +going.</p> + +<p>Where is his courier, the faithful Mustapha Cadi, all this while?</p> + +<p>As he mentions him, the sheik claps his hands and the guide appears. He +enters into a brief conversation with Ben Taleb in the Moorish tongue.</p> + +<p>John rightly guesses that the guide is relating the facts concerning +their reaching the house, and that he fears they may be attacked, if +they leave by the same way they entered.</p> + +<p>The old Moor smiles, and after answering, turns to the young man from +Chicago.</p> + +<p>"There is another way of leaving this place, and one of my slaves will +show you. They shall not harm one who comes to see Ben Taleb, if it can +be prevented."</p> + +<p>Then comes the ceremonious leave-taking, and John manages to get through +this with credit. He has undoubtedly made a deep impression on the +Moorish beauty, who, catching the crumbs falling from her father's table +of knowledge, has aspirations above being the wife of a Moor, who may +also have a harem.</p> + +<p>At last they start off, with the slave in the lead, and after passing +through several rooms, which John views with interest, arrive at a wall.</p> + +<p>Acting under the advice of his guide, John has assumed the burnoose +again, for Mustapha carried it on his arm when he appeared.</p> + +<p>"We will pass through this door, and reach another street. Are you +ready, monsieur?"</p> + +<p>John replies in the affirmative. The light is hidden under a basket, and +then a sound is heard as of a door slowly opening.</p> + +<p>"Pass through," whispers the guide.</p> + +<p>Thus they reach the outside, and the wall resumes its innocent +appearance. If they are fortunate, they will avoid the trouble that +lay in wait at the door of the old Moor.</p> + +<p>John no longer trembles in anticipation of what is to come. He has been +disappointed, and yet bears his burden well.</p> + +<p>His guide is yet cautious, believing that one is not safe until out of +the woods. It is possible word may have been sent around among the +strolling Moors and Arabs of the old town, that a Frank is wandering +about in a burnoose under the care of Mustapha Cadi, and hence +discovery, with its attendant desperate conflict, still to come.</p> + +<p>By degrees they approach the boundary line, and will soon be safe.</p> + +<p>John is obliged to admire the diplomatic way in which the Arab conducts +the retreat it would be creditable to a military strategist. They dodge +and hide, now advancing, anon secreting themselves in dark corners.</p> + +<p>At last—success!</p> + +<p>Into the brilliant light of the new Algiers they pass; the danger is +behind, safety assured.</p> + +<p>Then Craig turns to the Arab, and tells him in plain language what he +thinks of such remarkable work, and Mustapha humbly answers that he is +glad the monsieur is satisfied.</p> + +<p>Secretly, he exults in the eulogy; for even an Arab is able to +appreciate praise.</p> + +<p>Thus they bring up at the hotel.</p> + +<p>John looks at the hour, and finds it ten. He sees the clerk nodding, +and, as he repossesses himself of his valuables, accepts the other's +congratulations with respect to having gone through such an experience, +and lived to tell the tale.</p> + +<p>Where are the others?</p> + +<p>They do not seem to be about.</p> + +<p>The music has ceased on the square, which is less crowded than before, +although many people still saunter about, fakirs cry aloud their goods, +and the scene is one which has certain fascinations for the traveler's +eye, a warmth of color not to be found in American cities.</p> + +<p>Here venders of fruit drinks serve their wares in an attractive way, +with queer jars and fancy glasses that lend quite an inducement to +purchase.</p> + +<p>Upon making inquiries of the clerk, he finds that his four +fellow-tourists have sauntered out some time since, and as yet +failed to return; so John also steps outside.</p> + +<p>In a moment Mustapha is at his side, and what he whispers is not +pleasant news:</p> + +<p>"Monsieur must be careful. The news has gone abroad that he it was who +invaded Al Jezira on this night. Some one has spread the report that he +is a spy, that his mission is to discover the details of the plot that +is always going on among my people, for the rescue of Algiers from +French hands. Hence he is watched; they may even proceed to violence. +What little I have learned tells me this. Be awake; be always ready for +defense, and seek not the dark corners where an assassin might lie. +Bismillah!"</p> + +<p>This is pleasant, indeed.</p> + +<p>John has something of the feeling that comes upon the man who awaits the +verdict of the jury.</p> + +<p>At the same time he is resolved to take the advice given, and be on his +guard.</p> + +<p>As he saunters around, he fails to see those whom he seeks, though soon +becoming conscious of the fact that he is watched and followed.</p> + +<p>This does not add to his pleasure.</p> + +<p>From the hints Mustapha has dropped, he begins to realize that there is +some sort of a league in Al Jezira, looking toward an uprising and the +coming of a patriot leader, who will take charge of the rebellion.</p> + +<p>He has gained the ill-will of these conspirators by this night visit to +the old town, and how unfortunate this may be for him, the future may +prove.</p> + +<p>It is while he wanders about the square, keeping in the light, and +always on his guard, that John receives something of a shock.</p> + +<p>He sees a figure ahead, a figure garbed as a sister. She moves slowly +on, her face is vailed, and a mad impulse comes upon him to toss aside +that vail, to discover whether this can be Sister Magdalen, the one for +whom he searches, or another.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIV" id="CHAPTER_XIV"></a>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> + +<h3>THE COMING OF MISS CAPRICE.</h3> + + +<p>This sudden impulse on the part of the young Chicago doctor may be the +means of getting him into trouble, for no people are more quick to +resent an insult, either fancied or real, to females upon the street, +than those of Algeria, Egypt, or Turkey.</p> + +<p>Woman is not an equal there, but a highly prized possession, and must +never appear upon the street with her face unvailed, so that any man +caught tearing the foutah of a lady from her face would be severely +dealt with.</p> + +<p>John, of course, is only desirous of seeing whether this may be his +mother, but the public will hardly take this fact into consideration.</p> + +<p>Upon so suddenly conceiving this bold plan of action, John Craig hastens +his footsteps, and there is need of hurry, if he hopes to overtake the +figure in black before she leaves the square, for, as if conscious that +she is pursued, she has also quickened her pace.</p> + +<p>He overhauls her just on the outskirts of the Place du Gouvernement, and +as he brushes past quickly raises his hand to snatch aside the flowing +vail.</p> + +<p>Again his heart almost stands still, and the sacred word "mother" +trembles on his lips, as he bends forward to get a quick glance of the +face that must be disclosed by the shifting of the vail.</p> + +<p>His quick movement is not without its result. The vail is drawn aside, +and John Craig receives a staggering blow as he gazes upon the +shriveled countenance of an old woman.</p> + +<p>It is impossible that this can be his mother—perish the thought!—and +yet the garb is one seldom seen on the streets of Algiers.</p> + +<p>His almost palsied hand drops the vail. Lucky for him will it be if no +jealous Moor's eyes have seen the action.</p> + +<p>The Sister does not cry out, and call upon those who are present to +avenge the insult—even had she been a Moorish lady, the demand for +punishment would not come from her, but from those of the sterner sex +near-by.</p> + +<p>Instead, she stands there as if waiting for him to speak—stands there +like a statue in black.</p> + +<p>John at once apologizes for his rudeness—he is already sorry for what +he has done.</p> + +<p>"Madame, pardon. I believed you were one very dear to me, one who wears +the insignia of your order, one for whom I have searched far and near, +half the world over—my mother."</p> + +<p>"It was a bold act, young sir, but far be it from me to denounce you. +Tell me, how would you know this mother?" she asks, in a thick voice.</p> + +<p>"She is known as Sister Magdalen—perhaps you know her—she may even be +staying at the same convent as yourself," eagerly.</p> + +<p>"I know one Sister Magdalen, a sweet, quiet woman, lately from Malta, +whither she went to consult the head of our order."</p> + +<p>Her words arouse John.</p> + +<p>"It is she. If you would only take me to her, I would at once be rid of +all these doubts and fears."</p> + +<p>"Would you come?"</p> + +<p>John has forgotten the warning of Mustapha, forgotten all former +experiences. There is a crowd gathering around them, and this is one of +the things he was to guard against, still he pays little attention to +this fact, his mind is so bent upon accomplishing his object.</p> + +<p>"Eagerly. Once this night I have risked much to find my mother, and I am +ready to do more."</p> + +<p>"Then follow me. Better still, walk at my side, for I see ugly faces +around. You have made enemies, but I will stand between. My garb is +sacred, and they will respect it."</p> + +<p>"I am ready, lead on."</p> + +<p>What is this that plucks at his sleeve? He half-turns impatiently, and +looks into a face he ought to know full well, but which he now sees with +something of annoyance.</p> + +<p>"Ah! professor, is it you? Sorry—in something of a hurry—"</p> + +<p>"Hold on; some one wants to see you."</p> + +<p>"Have to do later."</p> + +<p>"Don't say so, John. Important, I tell you."</p> + +<p>"So is this. Good-by."</p> + +<p>The professor is not so easily shaken off, but tightens his hold. John +will have to dislodge him by muscular force.</p> + +<p>"Are you coming?" asks the Sister.</p> + +<p>"Yes, when I have broken loose from the hands of this madman."</p> + +<p>He turns upon the professor.</p> + +<p>"John, be careful. Cool off; you are excited."</p> + +<p>"I'm of an age to take care of myself. When I need a guardian, I'll call +on you. Once more I say, release your grasp."</p> + +<p>He actually looks ugly for the moment, and Philander does let go, but +it is only because, as an advance courier, he has accomplished his +mission, and not on account of any fear.</p> + +<p>As Doctor Chicago turns to follow the Sister, he draws in a long breath, +for he finds himself face to face with Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>She has hurried up behind Philander, and near-by can be seen the British +soldier and Aunt Gwen, also pushing forward as rapidly as the assembling +crowd will allow.</p> + +<p>"Doctor Craig."</p> + +<p>Her presence recalls John to his senses.</p> + +<p>"I am going to see my mother, Lady Ruth," he says, as if apologizing for +his rudeness.</p> + +<p>"With whom?"</p> + +<p>"This Sister."</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth surveys the other from her vail to the hem of her dress.</p> + +<p>"I would advise you not to do so, doctor."</p> + +<p>"Why do you say that?" he asks, astonished.</p> + +<p>"Because you will regret it, because you are being made the victim of +another plot."</p> + +<p>"Lady Ruth, do I hear aright? Do you fully realize what it is you say?"</p> + +<p>"I am conscious of the gravity of the charge, but that does not prevent +me from asserting it. I repeat what I said before, that you are again +the victim of a plot. As to this Sister here, can it be possible you do +not know her?"</p> + +<p>He shakes his head.</p> + +<p>"Have you seen her face?"</p> + +<p>"It is old and shriveled—that of a stranger."</p> + +<p>At this the Sister throws back her vail, and they see the features John +describes.</p> + +<p>"After all I am right," says John, with the air of a man who attempts to +justify himself.</p> + +<p>At that the English girl laughs scornfully.</p> + +<p>"Really, I did not think men could be so easily deceived, and one whom +I considered as shrewd as you, Doctor Chicago. See what a miserable +deception, a fraud transferred from the boards of a New York theater to +Algiers. Behold! the magic wand touches age with a gentle touch, and +what follows?"</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth is standing between the two, and within arm's length of +either.</p> + +<p>The Sister has not moved, but, as if confident of influencing John, +holds her own. She shoots daggers with her eyes at the English girl, +but looks cannot hurt.</p> + +<p>As Lady Ruth utters her last words, she makes a sudden move.</p> + +<p>With a dexterous fling of an arm she succeeds in tearing from the +Sister's face the cleverly-made thin stage mask that was contrived to +conceal the features of one who did a double act.</p> + +<p>The professor laughs.</p> + +<p>From the crowd that is still gathering various sounds arise, for no one +can even give a guess as to the nature of the peculiar trick which is +thus being enacted.</p> + +<p>As for John Craig, he holds his breath at the stupendous nature of the +disclosure, for little as he has dreamed of the fact, he sees before him +the well-known features of Pauline Potter.</p> + +<p>This queen of the stage has made even another attempt to get John, and +might have succeeded only for the opportune coming of his friends.</p> + +<p>He backs away from her.</p> + +<p>"So, it is you again, wretched girl?" he exclaims, in something of +righteous wrath.</p> + +<p>She has lost once more, but this is frolic to one of her nature, and +she laughs in his face.</p> + +<p>"Oh, it's a long road that has no turning, and my chance will yet come! +Bah! I snap my fingers at such weak friendship. Good-night, all of you, +but not good-by."</p> + +<p>Thus she disappears.</p> + +<p>Craig feels abashed.</p> + +<p>He has almost come to blows with his best friend about this female, and, +after all, she turns out to be the plotting Pauline.</p> + +<p>"I think I need a guardian," he murmurs, as if rather disgusted with +himself.</p> + +<p>"From the ugly looks some of these chaps are bending on you, I think +ditto," declares Philander, nor are his words without meaning, for the +natives scowl dreadfully.</p> + +<p>"Lady Ruth, I owe you thanks; but, while we walk to the hotel, tell me +how you came to know she was masquerading in that style."</p> + +<p>"It is easily told, sir. A mere accident put me in possession of the +facts, and, thank Heaven, I am able to build two and two together. You +were frank enough, Doctor Craig, to give me certain particulars +concerning that creature's plotting, and that confidence has now borne +fruit.</p> + +<p>"Listen, then. I was in the hotel, in my room. Some freak of fortune +placed her in the apartment opposite. Knowing what presumably brought +her to Algiers, the desire to have revenge upon you, I entertained a +feeling of almost contempt for a woman who could so forget her sex and +seek a man who loved her not. If it were I whom you jilted, Doctor +Chicago, I would freeze you with scorn."</p> + +<p>"Jove! I don't doubt it, Lady Ruth, but please Heaven you will never +have the chance," he says, in a half-serious, half-joking way.</p> + +<p>"To return to my story, then," she continues, blushing under the ardent +look that has accompanied his words, "the queer part of it lies in the +fact that a transom over my door was partly open. There was a black +paper back of the glass, which gave it the properties of a mirror.</p> + +<p>"Over her door was a similar contrivance, and as I sat there in the +darkness of my room, pondering over what has happened, my attention was +attracted by a flash of light, and, looking up, I saw the interior of +her room as plainly as though looking through the door—saw her assume +the garb of a Sister—saw her try on that horrible face-mask before a +mirror, and realized that the clever actress, Pauline Potter, was about +to again undertake some quixotic crusade in the furtherance of her plans.</p> + +<p>"Later on, Aunt Gwen came and said we had better go outside to hear +the music and see the crowd, so I came, but all the while I had been +puzzling my brain wondering what she hoped to accomplish with that +clever disguise, nor did the truth break in upon my mind until we +discovered her talking to Doctor Chicago. Then I comprehended all."</p> + +<p>"And I am again indebted to your clever woman's wit," he says, warmly.</p> + +<p>"Who can tell from what dreadful fate I saved you," she laughs; "for +this same Pauline seems determined that you shall not remain a merry +bachelor all your days."</p> + +<p>"So far as that is concerned, I quite agree with Pauline. Where we +differ is upon the subject that shall be the cause of my becoming a +Benedict. She chooses one person, and I chance to prefer another. That +is all, but it is quite enough, as you have seen, Lady Ruth, to create +a tempest in a tea-pot."</p> + +<p>"Here we are at the hotel," she hastens to say, as if fearing lest he +push the subject then and there to a more legitimate conclusion, for she +has learned that these Chicago young men generally get there when they +start; "and I am not sorry for one. Look around you, doctor!"</p> + +<p>This he does for the first time, and is startled to discover that +they have been accompanied across the square by at least half a dozen +natives, who gaze upon John much as might wolves that were kept from +attacking the sheep by the presence of faithful guards.</p> + +<p>"They don't seem to bear me any good-will, I declare; but I am bound +to prosecute my search in spite of every Arab in Algiers," is the only +remark he makes, meeting glance for glance.</p> + +<p>They have not yet succeeded in cowing the spirit in John Craig, though +the man has a poor chance who incurs the vindictive race hatred of +Mohammedan devotees in their own country.</p> + +<p>The others enter also.</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel, not a whit abashed by the failure of his grand plan for +saving the life of Lady Ruth in the harbor of Malta, still haunts her +shadow. He knows John Craig has a strong suspicion of the truth, but +having read that young man's character before now, feels quite certain +that he will not speak of the subject without positive proof, which he +cannot secure.</p> + +<p>Besides, the Briton came out of the affair with such hard luck, that +there is much sympathy for him. He lives in the hope of retrieving his +fallen fortunes.</p> + +<p>Thus the little party breaks up, to meet again on the morrow.</p> + +<p>John Craig's only hope now of success in his quest lies in the Moor, Ben +Taleb. If the spirit so moves him, he can bring him and his mother face +to face, but whether this will ever come to pass remains to be seen.</p> + +<p>John, ere retiring, catches sight of the faithful Mustapha Cadi, who +lounges near-by, and who makes a signal, as he catches his employer's +eye, that brings Craig to his side.</p> + +<p>"Where does the master sleep?" he asks.</p> + +<p>John explains the position of his room, having some curiosity to know +why the courier asks.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur should be careful about leaving his windows open; Arabs climb +well; vines very handy; yataghan make no shout. There is no disgrace in +being prepared."</p> + +<p>This is too broad to admit of any misinterpretation, and John again +makes up his mind to continual watchfulness.</p> + +<p>He retires to seek rest, to dream of a strange conglomeration of gray +eyes, and black and brown—that he is compelled to choose between the +English girl, the Chicago actress, and the Moorish beauty, while death +waits to claim him, no matter which one he selects.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XV" id="CHAPTER_XV"></a>CHAPTER XV.</h2> + +<h3>THE WRECKED STAGE.</h3> + + +<p>John Craig takes all the precautions that the courier mentions, for he +does not care to awaken in the night and find a dark-faced fanatic of a +Mohammedan in his room, sworn to accomplish his death.</p> + +<p>Perhaps his safety is in part due to this; at any rate morning comes and +finds him undisturbed.</p> + +<p>When he descends from his room he has a vague hope that some word may +have come from Ben Taleb.</p> + +<p>In this respect he is doomed to disappointment, for there is no letter. +So another day of waiting begins. The doctor is determined by nature, +and has made up his mind that he will not give up his mission until he +has accomplished that which he set out to perform, no matter if he +spends weeks in the African city at the foot of the hills known as +Sahel.</p> + +<p>The others join him by degrees.</p> + +<p>Such charming weather; a dozen trips for the day are proposed and +rejected. All conclude to wait until after breakfast, when they will be +in a condition to discuss the matter and decide just what is best to be +done.</p> + +<p>John is ready to join them and see the sights, for there is a chance +that he may in this way run across the one he seeks, if she be moving +about the city on errands of mercy, as becomes her order.</p> + +<p>Besides, he places considerable dependence upon the promise of the old +Moor.</p> + +<p>So he enters into the discussion with assumed vigor, being magnetized +now by the blue eyes of Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>They ask the advice of Mustapha Cadi, and he promises to show them many +queer sights before the sun sinks behind the hills and the boom of the +gun in the fortress announces the close of another day.</p> + +<p>Thus, all of them prepare for a day's outing, and Lady Ruth looks quite +charming in her jaunty costume, especially suited for such business.</p> + +<p>John no longer remembers the dazzling beauty of the Moorish girl who +sat at the feet of old Ben Taleb on the preceding night; it could not +compare with the vivacious intelligence of an educated girl coming from +the countries beyond the seas.</p> + +<p>First of all they mount the terraces of Mustapha Superieur and enjoy +the magnificent view of the city and harbor. Many modern yachts lie +upon the blue waters, side by side with strange vessels peculiar to the +Mediterranean, while the incoming steamer from Oran is just entering the +harbor.</p> + +<p>Upon this ridge above the city lie numerous palatial residences now +occupied by French and English families, but which were once owned by +the pirate kings of Algiers, whose names may often be found upon the +gate post, cut in letters of gold.</p> + +<p>From this eyrie they scanned the sea with their glasses, and the +appearance of a sail in the dim distance would be the signal for a mad +chase to see which piratical felucca could first overhaul the stranger.</p> + +<p>Uncle Sam had something to do with breaking up this tremendous pirates' +den, and France has since redeemed it.</p> + +<p>Thus a considerable portion of the morning is consumed in this pleasant +engagement. They take an omnibus now for the Arab village of Birkadeen, +in among the hills, where new and novel sights will be looked upon.</p> + +<p>Every female they meet arouses John's interest, and he looks sharply at +the half-hidden face. The hope he cherishes is always before him, and +when Lady Ruth notices his eager actions she understands just what it +means, and is as anxious in one way as himself.</p> + +<p>One thing annoys the American; this is the persistence with which Sir +Lionel keeps up as a member of the little company. He makes himself +agreeable all around, and as John has had no proof of the Briton's +miserable work in the harbor of Malta, he is wise enough to restrain his +feelings and hold his tongue, trusting to some future event to tear off +the mask and reveal him in his true colors.</p> + +<p>At noon they are in the village, and stop to eat their lunch at an Arab +tavern, where they fare pretty well, though John is ready to make a vow +never to again touch the native dish of Kuskusu which is set before +them.</p> + +<p>They see strange things at Birkadeen, and from there continue their +journey to other villages, Bermandries, and El-Biar, at each of which +Mustapha has something odd to show them that will ever remain a pleasant +memory in the future.</p> + +<p>It is a day John Craig will never forget for more reasons than one; a +day marked with a white stone because of the pleasure he enjoys in the +society of this bright English girl whom he has ere now learned to love, +and a day that must always remain prominent in his mind because it +precedes a night that is the most memorable in all his history.</p> + +<p>In more ways than one does Lady Ruth, while always acting as a lady, +show that she prefers his society to that of Sir Lionel, and though the +British soldier appears unruffled on the surface, he is undoubtedly +deeply piqued.</p> + +<p>So the hours wear on.</p> + +<p>The sun is low in the west, and the ever watchful Mustapha declares it +is time they started for the city. They have enjoyed a ride on the ship +of the desert, as the camel is called, admired the Arabian steeds, which +all the money of an unbeliever or Christian dog could not purchase, and +looked upon many strange scenes.</p> + +<p>Several times during the afternoon they have been temporarily separated. +The baronet appears to have a deep interest in the queer things to be +seen in the Arab village, for more than once he lingers behind to ask +questions as he explains, in the hope of purchasing some article that +has particularly caught his fancy.</p> + +<p>John never once suspects that Sir Lionel may have another motive in his +actions.</p> + +<p>When Mustapha announces that it is time they return, they look around +for the vehicle which was to take them back, but strangely enough it +does not appear.</p> + +<p>As the minutes pass Mustapha grows exceedingly impatient. He has +arranged matters to suit their convenience, and this delay is annoying. +It does not suit him to return at night.</p> + +<p>Just as patience ceases to be a virtue, and the guide has announced his +intention of finding some other means of transportation, they discover +the omnibus coming into view from beyond the thicket of cactus and aloe.</p> + +<p>It has been carrying a load of villagers from their homes to the high +hills of Bouzaveah, to the native cemetery which crowns the summit.</p> + +<p>Then they suddenly remember that it is Friday, or the Mohammedan Sunday, +on which day great throngs repair to the grave-yards and visit the tombs +of the <i>marabouts</i> or saints, gazing upon some ancient relic which the +departed wore in his life-time, and which on account of its disreputable +condition no respectable European would touch.</p> + +<p>They have the omnibus to themselves, which, of course, pleases them.</p> + +<p>John shakes his head dubiously as he enters the vehicle. He has glanced +at its condition, and declares they will be lucky indeed to reach +Algiers without a break-down.</p> + +<p>The driver has been scored by Mustapha for his tardiness, and appears to +feel the sting of the reproach, for no sooner are they seated in the old +vehicle than he uses his whip with some vim, the horses start away, and +they head for the city.</p> + +<p>When the road is smooth it is all very good, but after leaving Birkadeen +they will strike a rough section that must try the staying powers of the +wretched vehicle.</p> + +<p>As they whirl through Birkadeen in a cloud of dust, with several mangy +curs howling at the heels of the steaming horses, it is just sunset. +There is no mosque here with its minaret, from which the <i>muezzin</i> +chants his call to prayer, but the faithful do not need such a summons, +and can be seen here and there prostrating themselves on the ground with +faces toward the holy city.</p> + +<p>One grows accustomed to such spectacles when traveling in oriental +countries where Mohammed is looked upon as the great prophet of Allah, +and the novelty inspired by the first sight dies away.</p> + +<p>After leaving the Arab village they strike the rough section of the road.</p> + +<p>It would be natural to suppose that the driver has by this time gotten +over his anger at being chided by Mustapha, and might moderate his pace, +out of respect to his antiquated vehicle, if not the safety of those who +occupy it.</p> + +<p>Not so.</p> + +<p>If anything, as darkness steals over the scene, he uses his whip with +greater energy, and his voice urges on the sweating horses.</p> + +<p>Now they have it surely.</p> + +<p>The ruts in the road cause the vehicle to bounce from side to side, and +those inside are tossed about much like rubber balls.</p> + +<p>At first they are disposed to treat it as a joke, and laugh over the +ludicrous situation, but as it increases, their sufferings begin.</p> + +<p>The dust is disagreeable, the jolting actually dangerous, as they are +shot from one side of the vehicle to the other with tremendous force.</p> + +<p>Besides, John is in momentary expectation of the rickety affair breaking +down and spilling them all out on the roadway.</p> + +<p>Indeed, he is surprised that this accident has been so long delayed.</p> + +<p>He shouts to the driver to slacken the pace, but evidently the fellow +fails to hear. Then he puts his head out of the window and once more +elevates his voice, but the rattle of the plunging vehicle, together +with the noise made by the driver himself, as he shouts at his steeds +like a crazy Bedouin, combine to deaden all other sounds.</p> + +<p>At any rate there is no result.</p> + +<p>John has by this time become excited; they are mounting a little +elevation, and temporarily their pace is reduced. Once at the top and +a long slant lies beyond, down which they must go at lightning speed.</p> + +<p>It is now or never.</p> + +<p>He is bound to stop this mad race against time if he has to climb to the +top of the swaying vehicle and toss the reckless driver off.</p> + +<p>It is with this intention before him that he bids the ladies hold on +with all their power, while he seeks an interview with the fellow who +handles the ribbons.</p> + +<p>Then he seizes the window-frame, intending to get hold of something +above which will serve as a fulcrum to move his body.</p> + +<p>It is just at this interesting moment that the expected event occurs.</p> + +<p>There is a sudden, tremendous shock, as they strike some obstacle; +shrieks from the women, a swaying of the coach, which immediately falls +over on one side.</p> + +<p>A wheel has come off.</p> + +<p>They are wrecked among the hills, and a considerable distance from +Algiers, the lights of which illumine the heavens beyond.</p> + +<p>"Is anyone injured?" calls out John, with some anxiety in his voice, for +the shock has been quite serious.</p> + +<p>They are all in a confused heap in the corner that is down, and the +professor is the first to crawl out.</p> + +<p>Then comes Lady Ruth, excited, but, thank Heaven, uninjured.</p> + +<p>They help Sir Lionel out. He limps around, feeling his left leg and +groaning a little as even the bravest of men may do on occasions, and +hoping the pain he feels is nothing serious.</p> + +<p>Aunt Gwen alone remains, and there is heard no sound from her. The +usually vociferous voice seems to have been utterly hushed.</p> + +<p>"Oh! is she dead?" exclaims the young girl, with horror in her voice, as +Doctor Chicago and the professor carry Aunt Gwen out.</p> + +<p>"I trust not. I think she has only fainted. Can you lift one of the +cushions from the wreck, Lady Ruth, and we will place her upon it here."</p> + +<p>She shows immediate animation instead of going into hysterics, as many +girls would do under the circumstances, and flies to assist to the +extent of her ability.</p> + +<p>Thus Aunt Gwen is soon in a comfortable position, and the doctor starts +to bring her to, for he believes she has only swooned.</p> + +<p>This he soon accomplishes, and when she is able to declare that she is +not in pain, only badly broken up by the shock, he feels that it is time +he turned his attention to another quarter.</p> + +<p>They are in a bad fix, wrecked several miles from their destination.</p> + +<p>Darkness has now set in.</p> + +<p>John rises from his knees and takes in the situation. It is evident that +something must be done in order that they may be rescued from their +unpleasant position.</p> + +<p>Where are Mustapha and the driver? Both of them have utterly vanished in +the most mysterious manner. Who, then, will mount one of the panting +horses and ride back to Birkadeen for succor?</p> + +<p>"Let me go?" says Sir Lionel, staggering forward, and clutching an +olive tree for support.</p> + +<p>John sees his weak state.</p> + +<p>"You are not in a condition to go. Stay here and protect the ladies, for +it is a lonely place, and there may be wild animals in these woods, who +knows?" With which words the young American throws himself on the +horse's back and urges the animal along over the road they have +traveled, followed by the anxious eyes of Lady Ruth.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVI" id="CHAPTER_XVI"></a>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> + +<h3>A FRENCH WARRIOR.</h3> + + +<p>John digs his heels into the sides of the animal he bestrides, and urges +him on with every artifice known to a jockey, and considering the +darkness, the rough nature of the road, and the weariness of the beast, +he succeeds in getting over the ground at quite a respectable rate.</p> + +<p>Thus, meeting no one on the way, he finally bursts upon the village of +Birkadeen much after the manner of a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and +dashes up to the office of the stage line, which, as may be supposed, is +managed by Franks.</p> + +<p>A Frenchman has charge, and upon his vision there suddenly bursts a +dusty figure, with hair destitute of covering, and clothing awry, a +figure that has leaped from a horse bathed in sweat; a figure he +imagines has broken loose from some mad-house, yet which upon addressing +him shows a wonderful amount of coolness.</p> + +<p>"Are you the agent of the stage line?" is the first question fired at +him.</p> + +<p>"I am Monsieur Constans. I have ze charge of ze elegant equipage line +zat you speak of as one stage," returns the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>"You remember my passing through here a little while ago, bound for +Algiers?"</p> + +<p>"<i>Parbleu!</i> zat is so. I am astonish. What for are you back on ze +horseback, too. <i>Mon Dieu!</i> have ze robbers been at it again? Ten souzan +fury, and ze <i>cadi</i> promise zat we have no more trouble wif zem."</p> + +<p>At the mention of the word John experiences a sudden chill, remembering +that he has left Lady Ruth and Aunt Gwen upon the loneliest part of the +road to Algiers; but becomes somewhat reassured when it also crosses his +memory that the gallant professor and the soldier hero of Zulu battles +are there to defend them.</p> + +<p>"You are mistaken. The miserable vehicle has broken down," he says.</p> + +<p>"<i>Ciel!</i> is zat all?"</p> + +<p>"All! Confound your impudence, and isn't it enough when two ladies are +almost killed outright by the accident? All! when we've been rattled +about like dry peas in a pod, until there's hardly a square inch of me +that doesn't ache. I'll tell you, monsieur, what you are to do, and in +a dused hurry, too. Order out another stage and fly to the scene of the +wreck without delay."</p> + +<p>"Begar! if I only had a vehicle," he groans.</p> + +<p>"You shall find one of some sort inside of five minutes and go with me +to the scene to rescue my friends, and take them to safety, or you must +take the consequences," and in his excitement John glowers upon the +dapper Gaul until the latter actually trembles with trepidation.</p> + +<p>"Stop! I have zink of something. Zere is one old vehicle in ze shed, +laid by for repairs. By careful handling it would do."</p> + +<p>"Good! Get horses hitched to it; we must lose no time. To the rescue, +Monsieur Constans. Ladies have been hurt; they must be taken to the city +as speedily as possible."</p> + +<p>The Gaul is excitable by nature, and he catches some of John's surplus +enthusiasm, springs to his feet, and is out of the office door like a +shot, shouting almost unintelligible orders to the gang of dirty Arabs +who have rushed to the scene upon the advent of a Frank entering the +village like a young cyclone and riding a horse that from its harness +they recognize as belonging to the stage line.</p> + +<p>John, finding they make such poor headway, proceeds to lend his +assistance, and under his directions the job is finally completed.</p> + +<p>An old stage, even worse than the wrecked one, is brought out, and the +horse John rode harnessed to it. Then a second animal is secured, and +after some difficulty about the harness has been adjusted, they are off.</p> + +<p>There is, of course, danger that the same catastrophe will happen to +them, but the emergency is great, and John handles the reins himself.</p> + +<p>Thus through the darkness they proceed, gradually nearing the scene of +the disaster.</p> + +<p>The nearer they come the more John's fears arise, though he would find +it hard to give good reasons for them, since they rest only upon the +words that have been let fall by the dapper little French agent who sits +beside him on the box, and holds on for dear life, uttering numerous +exclamations, in his explosive way, as they pitch and toss.</p> + +<p>A tree looms up. John recognizes it as a mark which just preceded their +overthrow. Hence, the wrecked stage must lie just beyond, so he pulls in +his horse and tries to pierce the darkness that lies like a pall around.</p> + +<p>They have at his suggestion brought a lantern along, but of course this +is of little use to them as yet.</p> + +<p>"What is that cry up on the hill-side?" asks John, as he hears a +peculiar sound.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur es worry; he need be. Zat is some rascally jackal or hyena; +zey hover around ze villages and do much mischief. I have seen zem +myself carry off one sheep."</p> + +<p>This is not very pleasant intelligence, but John is now engaged in +trying to pierce the gloom, and believes he sees some object that may +prove to be the wrecked stage.</p> + +<p>He sings out with a hail:</p> + +<p>"Ah, there, professor!"</p> + +<p>Not a reply; only what seems to be an echo is flung back from the +hill-side.</p> + +<p>Then John's heart stands still with a sudden fear, as he imagines that +some terrible thing has occurred. He raises his voice and calls upon +Philander. When there comes no reply to this, he makes use of Sir +Lionel's name and bellows it forth until the valley seems to ring with +the sound. Still hopeless, for no answer bids him drop his fears.</p> + +<p>Now the fact is assured that something serious has happened.</p> + +<p>John jumps to the ground, desirous of seeing whether they have actually +reached the spot where the wrecked omnibus lies.</p> + +<p>He finds it to be true, and in another moment is standing upon the very +place where Aunt Gwen reclined at the time of his departure.</p> + +<p>There is much room for speculation. Any one of half a dozen things might +have happened, for to one who is utterly in the dark, there is no end of +possibilities.</p> + +<p>What can he do?</p> + +<p>One chance there is, that while he, Doctor Chicago, was absent, +bent upon his errand of mercy and rescue, Mustapha may have once more +appeared upon the scene, and influenced the little party to move +on in the direction of the distant city.</p> + +<p>He still places implicit confidence in the guide, and has strong hopes, +though the absence of the Arab at the time of the accident is utterly +unexplainable.</p> + +<p>By this time monsieur has descended from his perch, and joins him. In +his hand he carries the lantern, ready for use.</p> + +<p>"What have you found, <i>mon ami</i>?" asks this worthy, as he arrives on the +scene.</p> + +<p>"Here is the wrecked stage, but my friends have vanished. It puzzles me +to know what has become of them."</p> + +<p>"No doubt they have gone ahead, fearing that you could not ze new +vehicle obtain. We may soon discover ze truth."</p> + +<p>"By going forward, yes; but before we do that, perhaps I can learn +something about the direction they took."</p> + +<p>"Ah! you will apply ze wonderful science of ze prairie. I have heard of +it, begar, and I shall be one very glad to see ze experiment."</p> + +<p>He poses in an attitude of expectation, and keeps his eyes fastened upon +the other, who has already picked up the lantern and bends over, with +the intention of following the trail.</p> + +<p>This soon brings him from the ruined stage to the olive tree under which +they had laid Aunt Gwen.</p> + +<p>Arrived here he utters an exclamation.</p> + +<p>"This tells the story. Confusion, indeed."</p> + +<p>"What now, monsieur?" echoes the Frenchman.</p> + +<p>"See; the tracks are numerous."</p> + +<p>"But they would have been had these people moved about a good deal."</p> + +<p>"Look again. You will note that they are made by other feet. Many men +have been here. What you once suggested—"</p> + +<p>"<i>Mon Dieu!</i> robbers?" as if appalled.</p> + +<p>"That explanation is nearer the mark that anything else."</p> + +<p>The prospect is appalling, for these wild robbers of the desert fear +neither man nor devil, and when once they retreat to their hiding-places +in the mountains, it is next to folly to dream of following them.</p> + +<p>John Craig finds himself in a dilemma. To whom can he appeal in this, +his hour of trial? Will the authorities do anything for him in case the +American or British consul make a demand? Can they accomplish aught? +These wild Bedouins of the desert do not come under the jurisdiction of +the Dey. His orders would be laughed to scorn, and mounted on their +swift Arabian steeds they would mock any effort to chase them.</p> + +<p>So John is deeply puzzled, and knows not how to turn. If the Frenchman, +usually so bright and witty, cannot suggest something to help him out of +this dilemma, he will have to depend upon himself alone; but Monsieur +Constans shrugs his shoulders and professes to be all at sea.</p> + +<p>Dimly John begins to suspect that this may not have been such an +accident after all.</p> + +<p>He begins to suspect a plot.</p> + +<p>The driver? what of him?</p> + +<p>His actions had been strange and almost crazy from the start, and yet +John feels sure that if the case were thoroughly investigated it would +be found that he was not in the habit of thus running with his loads +over the rough part of his trip.</p> + +<p>There is something unusual in this, and something that demands +investigation. The man's actions were suspicious, to say the least, +for just as soon as the break-down occurred he had vanished from view.</p> + +<p>Evidently he was in league with some one.</p> + +<p>John is furious to think that he left the scene of the disaster.</p> + +<p>Why did he not let Sir Lionel go? The baronet seemed to be in earnest in +his offer, and under such circumstances—but what nonsense after all, to +think that he could do more, when the veteran of three wars was +evidently unable to prevail against his foes.</p> + +<p>Thus, after summing up, John is compelled to admit with a groan that he +knows absolutely nothing about the case, and is in a position to learn +little more.</p> + +<p>He is a man of action, however, and can not bear to see minutes pass +without at least an effort to utilize them.</p> + +<p>Can they follow the track?</p> + +<p>It is a possible solution of the problem, although it promises to be +hard work.</p> + +<p>Then, again, he thinks of his companion. How far may the Gaul be +trusted? He has known Frenchmen who were brave; he has a good opinion of +them as a fighting nation, and yet this individual specimen may not turn +out to be a warrior.</p> + +<p>With the hope of getting an ally, then, he turns to the subject of his +anxiety.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur Constans."</p> + +<p>"I am here."</p> + +<p>"Your words have come true. Arab robbers have, I fear, carried off my +friends."</p> + +<p>"<i>Mon Dieu!</i> it ees sad."</p> + +<p>"I am determined to rescue them."</p> + +<p>"Bravo! bravo!" clapping his hands with the excitement of the moment.</p> + +<p>"One thing worries me."</p> + +<p>"Ah! monsieur must be plain."</p> + +<p>"It concerns you."</p> + +<p>"<i>Le Diable!</i> in what way?"</p> + +<p>"How far can I depend on you?"</p> + +<p>At this the French agent draws his figure up with much pomposity. He +slaps one hand upon his inflated chest.</p> + +<p>"To ze death, monsieur!"</p> + +<p>"Good! Tell me, are you armed?"</p> + +<p>"It has been my habit, among zese Arabs, zese negroes, zese ragged +Kabyles from ze mountains. I would not trust my life wizout zis."</p> + +<p>Then he suddenly flourishes before John's eyes, delighted with the +spectacle, a genuine American bull-dog revolver, which, judging from its +appearance, is capable of doing considerable execution when held by a +determined hand, and guided with a quick eye.</p> + +<p>John instantly matches it.</p> + +<p>"Hurrah!" he exclaims, with enthusiasm, "we are well matched, Monsieur +Constans. Let it be the old story of Lafayette and Washington."</p> + +<p>"It ees glorious! Zey won ze fight. Why should not we, monsieur—"</p> + +<p>"My name is Doctor John Craig from Chicago."</p> + +<p>"I greet you zen, Monsieur Doctaire. Zis is all new business to me. Tell +me what to do, and I am zere."</p> + +<p>"Then we'll follow these tracks a little and try to learn something +about those who were here, their number, whether mounted or afoot, and +the probable direction they took."</p> + +<p>"Superb! I am one delighted to serve wiz a man of zat caliber. You +meesed ze vocation I zink, Monsieur John, instead of ze doctaire you +should be ze general."</p> + +<p>John knows it will not pay to stop and talk with Monsieur Constans. +A Frenchman is inclined to be voluble, and valuable time may be lost.</p> + +<p>So he walks on, bending low in order that the lantern light may be +utilized. Thus he follows the tracks some little distance, with the +fighting Gaul at his elbow, endeavoring to penetrate the darkness +beyond.</p> + +<p>It is a peculiar situation, one that causes him to smile. This time +he is not tracking the deer through the dense forests of Michigan. +Somewhere ahead are fierce Arab foes who have his friends in their +hands.</p> + +<p>At the same time he has a vague feeling of alarm in the region of his +heart, alarm, not for himself, but concerning the fortunes of Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>A month, yes, hardly more than two weeks before, John Craig did not know +there was such a being in existence.</p> + +<p>Even when first made acquainted with her he had believed her rather +haughty, according to his American notion of girls.</p> + +<p>Gradually he has come to know her better, has come to understand the +piquant character underlying what he was pleased to look upon as pride, +and which her aunt must have had in mind when she gave her the +significant name of Miss Caprice.</p> + +<p>Thus events have rolled on until now, in this period of suspense, when +the girl seems to be in desperate danger, he awakens to the fact that +he loves her.</p> + +<p>With Monsieur Constans at his side, John has gone perhaps a few hundred +yards when the light of the lantern suddenly falls upon a human figure +advancing; an Arab, too.</p> + +<p>John is about to assume an offensive attitude when he recognizes +Mustapha Cadi, the guide.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVII" id="CHAPTER_XVII"></a>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> + +<h3>ON TO THE METIDJA MINE</h3> + + +<p>A startled exclamation at his side causes the young doctor to remember +that he has a companion. He whirls around and just in time to avert what +might have turned out to be a catastrophe, for Monsieur Constans, seeing +the figure of an Arab coming toward them, has no other idea than that it +is an enemy.</p> + +<p>Perhaps the fiery Gaul is somewhat anxious to try his fire-arms. At any +rate, when John so suddenly wheels upon him, monsieur is in the act of +covering the advancing figure.</p> + +<p>John with a sharp cry knocks his leveled weapon up, and calls out:</p> + +<p>"It is a friend; my guide, Mustapha Cadi."</p> + +<p>"<i>Diable!</i> I am one fool," exclaims the Gaul. "I recognize ze man now, +and but for you he would be dead. I shall beg his pardon. It was one +grand meestake."</p> + +<p>Meanwhile Mustapha has come up.</p> + +<p>Doctor John Craig is filled with a new excitement now. In his eyes the +coming of this man means much. It is strange that no suspicion enters +his head in connection with Mustapha. Even while he is so certain that +the driver of the omnibus is in league with their enemies; that the +break down is only a part of the grand scheme to obtain possession of +the English girl who can pay a big ransom, he has never once connected +the Arab guide with the matter.</p> + +<p>This is all the more singular because Mustapha Cadi was on the top of +the coach at the time of the wreck, and he disappeared with the driver.</p> + +<p>It can only be accounted for by the fact that like most keen men John +Craig is in the habit of relying upon his judgment in such matters, and +there is something about the face of Mustapha that wins his confidence.</p> + +<p>Then, again, there are the events of the preceding night. The courier +stood by him like a Spartan hero; yes, he can be trusted.</p> + +<p>Thus John meets the guide warmly, and a new hope immediately springs +into existence, a hope born of confidence.</p> + +<p>"What does all this mean, Mustapha Cadi? See, I have brought the agent +of the stage line, but when we arrive at the scene of the wreck we find +it deserted. What does it mean? Have my friends fallen into the hands of +robbers?"</p> + +<p>Mustapha immediately nods his head.</p> + +<p>"It is so, monsieur."</p> + +<p>"Who are they?"</p> + +<p>"Arabs, Kabyles, Moors—all who hate the Franks, yet love money more. +They are under a desperate leader, the Tiger of the Desert."</p> + +<p>At this Monsieur Constans utters a low cry.</p> + +<p>"He means Bab Azoun, ze terrible gate-way of death."</p> + +<p>Mustapha again nods, and John resumes his cross-questioning with a +lawyer's tact.</p> + +<p>"Were our friends injured?"</p> + +<p>"Not seriously. They fight well. The soldier threatens to kill all, but +they do not allow him to do it."</p> + +<p>"Brave Blunt; he deserves a Victoria cross. But where were you, +Mustapha?"</p> + +<p>The Arab hangs his face; he looks sheepish.</p> + +<p>"I come up just when all was over. They twenty against one. It would be +foolish for me to try and fight. I believe I can do better; so I watch, +I follow, I learn much."</p> + +<p>John cannot restrain his feelings. He seizes the Arab's dusky hand and +shakes it with real Chicago ardor.</p> + +<p>"Mustapha, you're a jewel. Go on. Where did you go at the time of the +accident?"</p> + +<p>"Bismallah! I was after him, the cause of it all—him, who entered into +this conspiracy—the driver. Monsieur, he ran like a deer through the +dark. I thought to grasp him more than once, but each time he turned and +let me hug the air. But success at last."</p> + +<p>"You got him?"</p> + +<p>"He picked up a stone with his foot and stretched his length on the +ground. Here was my opportunity. I embraced it. Both were out of breath, +but I held him there, pinned to the earth. Great is Allah, and Mohammed +is his prophet."</p> + +<p>"Did you make him confess?"</p> + +<p>"I tried to persuade by silvery speech, but it did not meet with +success. Then I turned to muscular force. Monsieur, when Abdul el +Jabel saw I was in earnest, he cried out for fear, and swore by all +the prophets that if I would let him live he would confess the truth."</p> + +<p>"Good, good!" says John, pleased with the business qualities of his +guide.</p> + +<p>"<i>Begar!</i> it ees better zan one play," mutters the French agent.</p> + +<p>"So I made the miserable driver confess that he had entered into an +arrangement with one of the robbers to upset us between Birkadeen and +Al Jezira, so that they could make the capture."</p> + +<p>"The villain! he deserved hanging. I hope you executed Arab justice on +him then and there."</p> + +<p>Mustapha shakes his head.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur forgets. I had given my word. An Arab will never break that. +But I let him go after a few kicks, which, you see I have learned to +give from the Franks. He will not go back. He now becomes an open ally +of Bab Azoun, the desert tiger."</p> + +<p>"Well—"</p> + +<p>"Monsieur, one word more. He could not tell me all, but gave me to +understand that Bab Azoun was in the employ of another party, some Frank +who loves revenge."</p> + +<p>This opens up a new vista. John is visibly agitated by the news.</p> + +<p>"I believe I see light; the hand of Pauline Potter is behind it all."</p> + +<p>"Monsieur, pardon."</p> + +<p>"Well, what is it now?"</p> + +<p>"From all he said I was inclined to believe it was a man who bought Bab +Azoun."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes; but you see he may have been mistaken. Besides, Blunt fought +like a tiger. It does not matter just now. What we want to do is to +rescue them all."</p> + +<p>"That is right."</p> + +<p>"You came upon the scene just as these friends of mine were overpowered. +Tell us what next occurred?"</p> + +<p>"A move was made. I feared that it would be the end, for Bab Azoun +and his followers usually dash into the desert when they have secured +plunder, the pursuit from the French soldiers being what they fear, +since the Algerian rulers have given all over into the hands of the +Franks.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur, I was surprised to see them start off on foot. I was more +than pleased to find that they took a <i>chemin de travers</i> or what you +call a country cross road that leads to the deserted mines or caves of +Metidja. This told me they were encamped there, and I heard one man +telling another they would not leave until morning, as they had other +business in hand."</p> + +<p>At this John plucks up courage. The thought of Lady Ruth being miles +away, mounted on a fast horse and speeding toward some desert fastness +of the robbers, was one to almost paralyze his brain, for the chances of +his doing anything to help her in such a case were few and far between.</p> + +<p>"What can we do, Mustapha? We are bold and determined, still we are only +three against an army. The odds are great."</p> + +<p>"Ah! monsieur, it might be beyond our power to overcome the fighters of +Bab Azoun by force, but there are other ways."</p> + +<p>"Thank Heaven, yes."</p> + +<p>"The battle is not always to the strong, nor the race to the swift."</p> + +<p>"He speaks like ze prophet," murmurs Monsieur Constans, gazing upon the +sublime face and magnificent figure of the Arab courier with something +that partakes of the nature of awe.</p> + +<p>"True, we are three—they are forty. If we venture to attack we will +meet death. That is very good; death comes to all men, and the Koran +teaches us that the brave who die in battle, with their faces toward the +foe, are transported immediately to paradise. That is why the followers +of Mohammed never know fear in a battle. But if we die, what then +becomes of those in the hands of Bab Azoun?"</p> + +<p>"Ay, what indeed?" mournfully.</p> + +<p>"Therefore, to save them, monsieur, we must try to live."</p> + +<p>"It ees good; we will live," echoes the Gaul.</p> + +<p>"And rescue the prisoners of the desert tiger."</p> + +<p>"How far away are these deserted mines?"</p> + +<p>"About a mile."</p> + +<p>"Among the hills on this side of the plain known as Metidja?"</p> + +<p>"It is even so, illustrious Frank, on a line with that snowy peak, Djara +Djura, which towers above the Atlas Mountains."</p> + +<p>"Your plan, Mustapha—speak, for I know you have been considering it."</p> + +<p>The courier places his hand on his chest and bows. Praise delights +even the tympanum of an Arab, and flattery gains favors in the most +unexpected quarter.</p> + +<p>"<i>Ciel!</i> we are in the agony of suspense," declares the Frenchman, never +once taking his eyes off the Arab's face.</p> + +<p>"Great is Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. I am but as a grain of +sand on the sea-shore. Let the praise be his."</p> + +<p>With this preliminary, Mustapha Cadi gives his plan of action briefly.</p> + +<p>It was his intention to go to Al Jezira, to seek the French commandant +at the barracks known as the Kasbah, and give him the information +concerning Bab Azoun.</p> + +<p>It has long been the ambition of the various French generals stationed +in Algeria to kill or capture the notorious desert prince who for years +has defied their power, suddenly making a bold dash upon some point, +and, leaving smoking ruins in his wake, as mysteriously vanish.</p> + +<p>Again and again have they sought to track his band over the plains, +along the desert and into the wild recesses of the mountains, but it has +always turned out a failure. Bab Azoun, on his native heath, laughs them +to scorn, and once laid an ambuscade in which the soldiers suffered +badly.</p> + +<p>Hence, it can be set down as certain that the military governor of +Algiers will be delighted with a chance to surround the tiger of the +desert, and his band, so close to the city—that as soon as the news is +carried to him he will fit out a secret expedition against the enemy.</p> + +<p>Now that there are three of them instead of one, it is not necessary +that all should go. A single messenger is enough.</p> + +<p>Whom shall it be?</p> + +<p>Fate decrees.</p> + +<p>They look to Monsieur Constans. Mustapha is needed to serve as a guide +to the old mines, and Doctor Chicago ought to be on hand, because it is +to rescue his friends they go.</p> + +<p>Even the French agent recognizes this fact.</p> + +<p>"<i>Parbleu!</i> Monsieur Craig, it ees right I should go. Besides, I am well +acquaint wiz ze commandant. Zen let us consider ze business as settle. I +sall away to ze Kasbah, and zen in due time look for ze swoop of ze +French zouaves. <i>Begar!</i> if Emile Constans may have a hand in ze capture +of zat deevil, ze reward will allow him to visit ze adorable Paris +again. I am off. I sall let nothing stop me. <i>Allons!</i>"</p> + +<p>With a majestic wave of the hand he turns his back on them and runs.</p> + +<p>They stand and listen.</p> + +<p>Plainly can they hear him plunging on through the darkness in the +direction of the spot where the old stage was left. Once, twice he +measures his length on the ground, only to scramble to his feet, and +uttering choice Parisian invectives, continue his flight.</p> + +<p>"Now he reaches the stage," says John.</p> + +<p>Then comes the crack of a whip.</p> + +<p>"They are off. Jupiter! what a noise he makes! How the old stage rattles +and bangs. The man is raving mad to plunge over such ground at a +reckless pace like that. He will surely meet the same fate, sooner or +later, that befell the old vehicle we were in. He only thinks of the +reward; of a great holiday lasting six months, on the boulevards and in +the cafes of Paris. Sometimes there's a slip between—Great Scott! he's +over!" as there comes a grand smash and then utter silence.</p> + +<p>Mustapha appears uneasy.</p> + +<p>"Monsieur, it is their worst fault; they are too hot-blooded. Not so the +English. He is dead."</p> + +<p>"Hark!"</p> + +<p>Now they hear the clatter of a horse's hoofs; the sound heads toward +Algiers.</p> + +<p>"Has that horse a rider, Mustapha?" asks John, ready to rest his +decision upon the trained ear of the Arab.</p> + +<p>"It is even so. You hear yourself; he runs too regularly to be loose."</p> + +<p>As he speaks they catch a cry from the quarter where the horse runs, a +cry as of a rider urging his steed on.</p> + +<p>"That is enough. Monsieur Constans is on the way to the Kasbah. Now we +can turn our heads in the direction of the mines of Metidja."</p> + +<p>"It is well. Follow me, monsieur," says the courier, gravely.</p> + +<p>"We may need this," holding up the lantern.</p> + +<p>"It would be dangerous to carry it, for the eyes of Bab Azoun's men are +like owls'. Besides, monsieur, we do not need it. Another lantern will +give us all the light Allah desires."</p> + +<p>As he speaks he points toward the east, where, just peeping above +the hill-top, is a golden rim like a monster eye that is about to be +fastened upon the earth below.</p> + +<p>"The moon; that is a blessing. I accept it as an augury of success. +Mustapha, I am ready. Lead on, and may the God of battles decide for +the right."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XVIII" id="CHAPTER_XVIII"></a>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> + +<h3>THE MODERN LEONIDAS.</h3> + + +<p>Mustapha Cadi, like most Arabs, possesses many of the properties that in +times gone by distinguished our American Indians.</p> + +<p>The signs of the desert and mountains are like an open book to him, and +he is quite at home in an undertaking of this sort, a mission requiring +energy and daring, as well as caution.</p> + +<p>So, without much apparent trouble, he leads the young Chicagoan along. +Sometimes the way is difficult, indeed, impossible in John's eyes, but +the Arab knows the secret, and finds a passage where none appears to +exist.</p> + +<p>Thus they advance for nearly an hour. John imagines they have gone +farther than is the case. This is on account of the rough ground.</p> + +<p>"Now, caution. We draw near the place. They will be on the watch. +Monsieur knows what discovery means."</p> + +<p>"Yes—death. That is understood, but it does not prevent me from +desiring to advance. Still we will redouble our caution."</p> + +<p>They see lights. These appear to come from openings in the hill, +doubtless mouths of the deserted mines, which the robber band of Bab +Azoun occupy temporarily, with their accustomed boldness.</p> + +<p>Drawing still nearer, under Mustapha's clever guidance, they discover +that the main body of the robbers are encamped in the largest cavern, +and as it seems natural that they would bring their prisoners here, the +two men devote their time toward looking up that quarter.</p> + +<p>The Arab courier has played as a boy in these old mines, and knows all +about them. This knowledge may serve him well now, and John is pleased +to think he is in the hands of one so well informed.</p> + +<p>In half an hour they have managed to learn an important fact. The +prisoners are in the main cavern. All escape is cut off by the presence +of numerous guards at the mouth of the mine, and they are watched +besides.</p> + +<p>Mustapha, putting his knowledge of the place into good use, has led his +companion into a cleft where there is hardly room to crawl; but, as they +reach the end, they have a chance to gaze upon the interior where the +Arabs and Kabyles, the Moors and negroes, who battle under the free +banner of Bab Azoun, are assembled.</p> + +<p>Eagerly John looks upon the face of Lady Ruth. His heart seems in his +throat, and he no longer can deceive himself regarding his true feelings +toward this young lady.</p> + +<p>"What can we do?" he whispers to the Arab.</p> + +<p>"Nothing but wait," is the reply.</p> + +<p>John has a great fear tugging at his heart. On their way they have +discussed the situation, and Mustapha has related the habits of the Arab +desert outlaws. Should it appear that a rescue was imminent, it was +their habit to murder any prisoners.</p> + +<p>Surely this is enough to arouse John's keenest fears. What if the French +forces do come and annihilate the robber host—if the prisoners share +their doom, what has been gained?</p> + +<p>That is why he asks so anxiously if there is nothing to be done.</p> + +<p>The Arab by this time realizes why he is so anxious, and hesitates a +little before making reply.</p> + +<p>"We must watch and wait. Monsieur will see something soon. Watch the +soldier."</p> + +<p>This gives John a new idea, and he speedily discovers that Sir Lionel is +not idle. The soldier has been in too many desperate situations to be +dismayed over such a trifling thing as this.</p> + +<p>He is not bound, and hence can move about. Now he seems to be talking to +the professor, and anon with Aunt Gwen. Last of all he speaks to Lady +Ruth, who nods eagerly.</p> + +<p>And a strange feeling comes up in John's mind as he surveys this scene. +What causes him to remember the harbor of Malta, the words of the +boatman before leaving the steamer, the tragic scene in the blue waters?</p> + +<p>It comes over him like a flash. Perhaps he did Sir Lionel an injustice +when he suspected him of criminal plotting in such a case, but the +circumstances were decidedly against the man.</p> + +<p>If he could be guilty of such a scheme, what would he not do in order to +win favor at the hands of the young English beauty?</p> + +<p>Again it flashes through John's mind; did not the driver in speaking of +the facts tell Mustapha that in his opinion it was a man who had entered +into a conspiracy with Bab Azoun?</p> + +<p>John's first thought was of Pauline Potter—that she had hoped to get +hold of him; but now he changes his mind, and locates the trouble +elsewhere, fixing it upon the veteran.</p> + +<p>Under these circumstances it may be interesting to see how the Briton +intends working his plan. John's only desire is a sincere wish that Lady +Ruth may be rescued from her predicament. He has no wish to put her to +any unnecessary trouble in order that he may play the hero. As well Sir +Lionel as any one else, so long as she is benefited.</p> + +<p>With this spirit, he can watch the development of affairs composedly, +though the suspicion that has crept into his mind causes him a little +worry.</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel is evidently getting ready to make a move for liberty. His +very actions betray it in more ways than one. John cannot but think that +he goes about it with something like a flourish of trumpets that is +hardly in keeping with the situation, for it is supposed that a dozen +pairs of eyes are upon them.</p> + +<p>First of all, he secures a weapon that is hanging upon the wall near-by. +It must be his own revolver, John believes. How lucky that the Arabs +hung it so close to his hand. No one appears to notice the action. +Really, Sir Lionel is attended by the goddess of luck.</p> + +<p>Then the professor makes a move in the same direction, crawls forward, +and lays hands on a gun that rests against the wall. This he smuggles +back with him, and again the guards are all interested in other +business, laughing, and joking.</p> + +<p>So far, good. Perhaps they can, if this marvelous good fortune follows +them, steal all the arms in the camp, and even capture the brigade. So +John concludes with a smile, as he sees what the professor has done.</p> + +<p>Anxiously, he waits to see what there will be next on the programme. +Some of the guards have left the place, others lie down to sleep.</p> + +<p>"The grand climax is coming," he thinks, as he takes note of these +things. "Blunt is getting ready to sweep the board. Well, good luck to +him."</p> + +<p>Even Mustapha has discovered that something strange is on the <i>tapis</i>.</p> + +<p>He has a singular way of expressing it.</p> + +<p>"Poor Monsieur Constans," he whispers.</p> + +<p>"What is the matter with him?" ejaculates John, in about the same tone.</p> + +<p>"It is too bad."</p> + +<p>"Mustapha, speak out."</p> + +<p>"He will come after a while."</p> + +<p>"Yes, yes."</p> + +<p>"And he will find no Bab Azoun, no band of illustrious robbers to do +battle with."</p> + +<p>John's mind instantly hits upon flight as the cause for all this.</p> + +<p>"Why do you speak so?"</p> + +<p>"This wonderful soldier, he do it all; by the mighty power of his arm he +will overcome the hosts of Bab Azoun. Great is Allah, and Mohammed is +his prophet; but I have never seen such a thing before in all my life."</p> + +<p>Then the exquisite, dry humor of the thing strikes John, and with such +force that he comes very near bursting with laughter.</p> + +<p>He has not the slightest desire to do anything that will bring about a +change in the plan. So long as Lady Ruth is rescued from her unpleasant +position, it matters little what the means are.</p> + +<p>Hence, he watches the development of matters with a keen interest. It is +not long before he is in a position to see that there is solid truth in +his suspicions. The actions of Sir Lionel confirm the fact that he has +been induced to compromise his honor in order to succeed with John as a +rival.</p> + +<p>When the divine spark touches the heart, it causes men to do strange +things.</p> + +<p>Here is one who in times past has been very jealous of his honor, and +would as soon cut off his hand as compromise himself. Yet, reduced to +sore straits by the success of a rival, he now descends the scale, and +schemes as cleverly as any rascally adventurer.</p> + +<p>The critical period draws near, and our military hero can scarce +restrain his valor. Indeed, he shows symptoms of wanting to rush out and +annihilate the whole band of Arabs and Moors, but Lady Ruth restrains +him, as though she is clever enough to see the folly of a move too +premature.</p> + +<p>It is a picturesque scene, and one that John will never forget. The +grotto alone has charming features, since the walls are white and +incrusted with some metallic substance that shines like silver.</p> + +<p>On either side can be seen giant stalactites dependant from the roof, +looking like mighty columns to support the dome.</p> + +<p>The fire and the torches illumine the scene, until it looks like one of +enchantment. The strange costumes of the nomads, with the various colors +they boast, add to the romantic nature of the exposition, and his must +be a poor soul, indeed, that fails to catch something of artistic fervor +when such a picture appears in view.</p> + +<p>There were twenty of Bab Azoun's men present an hour before, but now +only half of that number can be seen.</p> + +<p>The remainder have mysteriously disappeared. Things seem to be working +to suit the desperate plans of the veteran Zulu fighter, and he will +soon be in a condition to open the engagement.</p> + +<p>There will doubtless be a battle. John is lost in admiration of the +genius that could prepare such a scene, such a triumph. He does not +anticipate that even if the Briton is successful in his plans, he will +carry the heart of Lady Ruth by storm.</p> + +<p>"We must move," whispers Mustapha.</p> + +<p>"Why?" asks John, desiring enlightenment.</p> + +<p>"So as to be ready to take a hand in the grand affair," is the reply.</p> + +<p>Up to this moment it has not occurred to the young man from Chicago that +he may be in a position to profit by this peculiar situation.</p> + +<p>He smiles with the idea.</p> + +<p>"Mustapha, I leave all in your hands. Do with me as you please."</p> + +<p>"Then come."</p> + +<p>They quit the cleft, using great caution to prevent discovery. The +plans of the Arabian guide are soon made manifest, for he signifies his +intention of securing a sentry who paces up and down outside the old +mine.</p> + +<p>If he were a baby he could not have made less resistance. John would +have been amazed only that he has been forewarned. It is not the guard's +policy to attempt an outcry—undoubtedly he has had his orders.</p> + +<p>"Well?" says Mustapha, after the fellow has been tied up, and prevented +from making an outcry.</p> + +<p>"I believe we can capture the whole outfit at that rate. I feel equal to +twenty myself. They must have taken some drug; they have no more life +than a mummy from the pyramids."</p> + +<p>The Arab grins as though he enjoys the joke.</p> + +<p>"It is coming, prepare to see the mighty Frank's wonderful work."</p> + +<p>Even as he speaks, they hear loud shouts within the old mine—shouts +that would indicate an upheaval—shouts from Arab lips, that echo from +the Kabyle throats.</p> + +<p>They seem to indicate astonishment—fear.</p> + +<p>Above them rises the bellow of a Briton, rushing to the fray with the +eagerness of an infuriated bull.</p> + +<p>Oh, it is grand!—it is beautiful to see that one man hurl himself on +half a dozen! Fear—he knows not the meaning of the word it seems—his +opponents monopolize that.</p> + +<p>John, looking in, is delighted with the spectacle, and laughs to himself +as he sees how remarkably deadly are all Sir Lionel's shots. A man falls +every time he pulls trigger; if he rushes at a fellow, so great is the +fear his awful presence inspires that the wretched Arab sinks down and +actually expires through fright.</p> + +<p>The doctor has seen some wonderful stage fights, but the equal of this, +never. He laughs, yet finds himself almost stupefied with amazement. +Truly, the Victoria cross would well become this remarkable hero.</p> + +<p>One or two of the dead men do not seem to have had enough, or else are +dissatisfied with the manner of their taking off. At any rate, they +stagger to their feet, and have to be put to sleep again by energetic +means.</p> + +<p>Philander comes near making a mess of it all by his enthusiasm. It is a +regular picnic to the small professor.</p> + +<p>In the beginning he aimed his gun at one of the brigands. The weapon is +strange to him, being a long Arabian affair, with a peculiar stock, but +Philander has some knowledge of weapons, shuts his eyes, and pulls the +trigger.</p> + +<p>The report staggers him. When he opens his eyes, and sees the big, +ragged Kabyle at whom he aimed lying flat on his back, with arms +extended, the professor is horrified at first.</p> + +<p>Then some of the warlike spirit that distinguished his ancestors at +Lexington begins to flame up within him.</p> + +<p>He gives a shrill war-cry that would doubtless please many a Greek +scholar, and plunges headlong for the foe.</p> + +<p>The way in which he swings that Arab gun is a sight to behold; in itself +the apparition of Professor Sharpe thus advancing to the fray is enough +to strike terror to the human heart.</p> + +<p>One poor devil is in a position to receive a tremendous whack on the +back with the gun, now used as a cudgel, and there is positively no +fraud about the manner of his sprawling around.</p> + +<p>After that the professor sweeps the air in vain with his weapon. Men who +have met the terrors of the Algerian desert for years, fall down and +expire before he can hasten their exit from this vale of tears.</p> + +<p>Really, it is wonderful—he never before knew the tenets of the +Mohammedan religion made its devotees so accommodating; they seem to +court dissolution in the longing for paradise, where the prophet +promises eternal happiness for all who die in battle.</p> + +<p>It ends; even such obliging fellows as these do not need to be killed +more than a couple of times. Lady Ruth had covered her eyes with her +hands when the action began.</p> + +<p>She is the daughter of a soldier race, and as brave as the majority of +her sex; still she shudders to gaze upon the taking of human life.</p> + +<p>Perhaps, too, she anticipates the death of the valorous Briton, who has +hurled himself so impetuously into the breach, for under all ordinary +conditions his chances would seem to be small.</p> + +<p>When the dreadful racket is over, when the shouts, shrieks, and report +of fire-arms die away, Lady Ruth uncovers her eyes.</p> + +<p>She fully expects to see a slaughter-pen, with the valorous Sir Lionel +and Philander among the slain. As to the latter, there are no lack of +them, for they lie in every direction, and in every position the human +mind can conceive.</p> + +<p>And here is the hero warrior rushing up to her, a smoking revolver in +one hand. His usual coolness and <i>sang froid</i> are gone—Sir Lionel is +actually excited. It is not every day that even a veteran of the Cape +wars is given a chance to thus immortalize himself after the manner of +Samson.</p> + +<p>"My dear Lady Ruth, the way is clear. We must fly before the rest of +the rascals appear. Perhaps we may be fortunate enough to find horses +outside, then a hot dash and the city will be gained. Permit me to +assist you."</p> + +<p>The girl springs up, ready to accept the chance a kind fate has thrown +in her way, and with a startled, curious glance at the piles of slain +that incumber the cavern, follows her friends.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XIX" id="CHAPTER_XIX"></a>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> + +<h3>WAR—HORRID WAR!</h3> + + +<p>These strange events have occurred with great rapidity, and yet, of +course, they have taken some little time.</p> + +<p>It would seem as though the remainder of Bab Azoun's band, if anywhere +in the vicinity, might by this time have arrived on the spot, but they +do not show up, which fact is a fortunate one for them, though it takes +away from the luster of Sir Lionel's fame.</p> + +<p>When the four fugitives come out of the old mine into the moonlight, the +soldier looks about him quickly.</p> + +<p>"If we could only find horses," he cries.</p> + +<p>"What's this?" asks Philander.</p> + +<p>A whinny sounds close by.</p> + +<p>"This way, friends. Bless me! if this isn't the acme of good luck! Here +are horses—three, four of them, just one apiece, by Jove!"</p> + +<p>"Oh, how singular! I mean how fortunate!" exclaims Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>There are the animals, fastened to branches of the trees. Why they are +separated from the remainder of the herd is not explained.</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel never looks a gift of fortune in the face, but when his eyes +fall upon the four miserable worn-out hacks which have thus fallen to +their share, he grits his teeth, and Philander is puzzled to understand +what he just catches:</p> + +<p>"Duse take the bloody heathen! A hundred pounds and four such +scarecrows!"</p> + +<p>Perhaps he is thinking of the chances of their being overhauled by the +men of Bab Azoun, mounted on swift coursers, for there are none who ride +better than these desert warriors, and none who own such steeds.</p> + +<p>"Let us mount—seconds are precious. There, by throwing one stirrup +over, it will make a fair lady's saddle. Allow me, Lady Ruth."</p> + +<p>They are speedily mounted. Aunt Gwen seems quite at home on a horse, +which she has ridden many times in the Blue Grass regions of Kentucky. +As to Philander, the same does not apply. He acts as though in deadly +fear of being pitched over the animal's head. The fates decree that the +largest horse of all falls to his lot, a raw-boned, loose-jointed +specimen of equine growth, and the little professor looks like a monkey +perched aloft.</p> + +<p>If the beast ever had any martial ardor, it has long ago died out, and +yet to the excited fancy of the professor, he might as well be upon the +back of a prancing, rearing, snorting war-horse. When the equine wonder +shakes his long ears, Philander imagines he is about to perform some +amazing trick, and, filled with a new dread, he clasps his arms around +the poor creature's neck, and calls out:</p> + +<p>"Whoa! there's a good fellow—be quiet now! I wouldn't hurt you, boy! +Whoa! I say. Hang me if I don't believe you've got the devil in you. +Want to kill me, eh? No, you don't. Easy now, you rascal. Whoa, whoa!"</p> + +<p>Fortunately for Philander the horse follows the lead of the others, and +the professor is not left behind.</p> + +<p>All seems working well.</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel, the undaunted veteran, can afford to smile. Success is +apparently assured, for they have gone some little distance, and only +now do the clamorous sounds from their rear indicate a commotion.</p> + +<p>Pursuit may be made, but it will be useless, as they are not many miles +from the walls of Algiers, which will give them shelter.</p> + +<p>It looks like a big success, and surely after the wonderful events of +this night Lady Ruth cannot ignore the claims he presents. She must fall +into the arms of the hero who has rescued her from the Arab host.</p> + +<p>So probably he reasons.</p> + +<p>But fate hits the man of valor a cruel blow, and that just when it seems +as though he has success between his fingers.</p> + +<p>It happens naturally enough. At the time a portion of Bab Azoun's +piratical band chanced to be separated from the main body, and were +under orders to join them at the Metidja mines.</p> + +<p>Coming up the slope, they are amazed to see a little band of pilgrims +advancing, lashing their plugs of horses desperately, in the hope of +making good time.</p> + +<p>The fatal moonlight betrays the fact that this little party is made up +of the hated Franks, and hearing the tremendous commotion that has now +arisen in the direction of the cavern, it is easy to line up the case, +and conclude that the party has escaped.</p> + +<p>Hence it is that all of a sudden Sir Lionel finds himself in the midst +of half a dozen Arab riders, who bar farther progress.</p> + +<p>It is the unexpected that happens.</p> + +<p>He attempts the same system of tactics that were so successful in the +previous difficulty, but they do not pass current with these fierce men.</p> + +<p>Immediately the two Franks are set upon by the desert tigers. Two seize +Sir Lionel and drag him from his steed, he resisting desperately. What a +great pity he exhausted his resources so thoroughly in the first round. +Ten men could not overcome him then, while two manage to hold him quiet +now.</p> + +<p>Philander, emboldened by his former success, thinks he can show them a +trick or two that will count; but a blow chances to fall upon his bony +steed's haunches, starting the animal off, and the professor, throwing +valor to the four winds, proceeds to clasp his arms tightly around the +horse's neck, shouting out an entreaty for some one, in the name of +Julius Cesar, Mohammed, or Tom Jones, to stop the wicked beast before +he makes mince-meat of his master.</p> + +<p>One of the desert raiders gallops alongside, and, clutching the bridle, +turns the runaway around.</p> + +<p>By this time the commotion above has increased, and it even sounds +as though the men of Bab Azoun might be starting out in quest of the +fugitives who have given them the slip.</p> + +<p>What are these sounds closer by—the thunder of many hoofs, the wild +neighing of steeds? It is as though a squad of French cavalry might be +rushing down upon them.</p> + +<p>The leader of the small Arab force gives quick orders, and his men +immediately fall into line of battle, ready to meet the foe, if +perchance such proves to be the character of the cavalcade.</p> + +<p>Now they burst out of the aloe thicket—they come dashing straight on +toward the spot where the little company is gathered.</p> + +<p>The moonlight falls upon them. Most of the horses are seen to be +riderless, yet they are the pet steeds of the outlaws, animals upon +the backs of which they have committed depredations on the desert, +and laughed pursuit to scorn.</p> + +<p>Upon two of the foremost chargers human figures may be seen, and one +glance tells them who these worthies are.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth is the first to exclaim:</p> + +<p>"Why, it is John Craig."</p> + +<p>"He will be killed, see these fellows getting ready to fire. John, take +care!" and Aunt Gwen, in her eager desire to warn the doctor, waves her +hands in the air, one of them grasping a fluttering white kerchief.</p> + +<p>They hear the cry, they see the signal, and their eyes take in the line +of dusky warriors that awaits their coming.</p> + +<p>"Down, monsieur!" exclaims Mustapha.</p> + +<p>Not a second too soon do they drop upon the necks of their horses, +for a blinding flash comes from the men of Bab Azoun, a flash that is +accompanied by a roar, and a hail-storm of lead sweeps through the space +occupied by the forms of John Craig and his guide just a brief interval +before.</p> + +<p>"Charge!" cries Craig, rising in his seat, his face white with the +strange battle spirit, his right hand clutching a weapon.</p> + +<p>Then comes a scene of action that is totally unlike the one preceding +it, for now both sides are in deadly earnest, and the battle is a royal +one, indeed.</p> + +<p>When Craig fires he aims to diminish the number of his foes. Sometimes +a rearing horse gets the benefit of the flying lead.</p> + +<p>For the space of a minute or so the utmost confusion reigns. At first +the string of horses that the bold Craig and his guide were running away +with, becomes a feature in the scene, prancing and shrilly neighing. +Then they break and scatter in many directions.</p> + +<p>There were six Arabs originally in the party, but Philander knocked one +<i>hors de combat</i> with the tremendous whack of a gun he snatched from its +keeper.</p> + +<p>Another drops from his horse before the fire of Doctor Chicago, and +Mustapha, who handles a yataghan with marvelous dexterity, actually +cleaves a third to the chin with the keen blade.</p> + +<p>There is a brief but exceedingly lively engagement between the survivors +and the Franks; but the tide of battle is with the strangers in Algiers.</p> + +<p>Wounded and fairly beaten, the three raiders at last whirl their horses +and dash madly away. Perhaps they are wise. It sometimes takes Sir +Lionel a little while to get in motion, but that great fire-eater is +about ready to enter the engagement at the time they fly, thus showing +rare wisdom.</p> + +<p>The field is won.</p> + +<p>John hears the shouts of the pursuers close by, while sharp whistles +sound, signals which are meant for the stray horses, loose from the +kraal, which they are bound to obey.</p> + +<p>"We must make use of every second. They will be after us," he says, +hastily.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth shudders when she sees one of the Arabs endeavoring to stanch +a wound in his shoulder. There is no mimic war here, it is evident.</p> + +<p>When they start in a little squad, it is with a faint hope of making +such progress that the enemy must give up the pursuit; but almost +immediately John discovers something that gives him uneasiness.</p> + +<p>His horse staggers. It is evident that the beast has been struck with a +flying piece of lead, and is about to fall under him.</p> + +<p>The doctor says nothing, and hopes his absence may not be noticed by the +flying column, but, as it happens, when the catastrophe does occur, all +of them see it.</p> + +<p>Fortunately John clears himself just in time, and reaches the ground in +safety. Lady Ruth pulls in her horse.</p> + +<p>"You must not stop!" cries John; "urge your horses on—fly while you +have time. I hear them coming!"</p> + +<p>He tries to start Lady Ruth's nag, but she pulls on the lines.</p> + +<p>"I decline to run and leave you here, Doctor Chicago," she says, +resolutely.</p> + +<p>"But you must go," he declares.</p> + +<p>"Nonsense!" breaks in Philander. "Here's room for you, John. Jump up."</p> + +<p>The young man sees that the quickest way to get them started is to obey, +so he manages to reach the saddle in front of the professor, who clasps +his arms about him and holds on.</p> + +<p>This done, they clatter on again.</p> + +<p>It soon becomes evident that their pursuers gain upon them rapidly, +despite their best efforts. There can be but one end to the race, and +this is in plain view.</p> + +<p>John keeps his wits about him. If caught upon the open by the rushing +column of fierce desert warriors, a desperate engagement must ensue, +which will doubtless end in their complete annihilation, for it can +hardly be expected that Sir Lionel will be able to play his great game +twice on the same night.</p> + +<p>The Englishman has maintained a stolid silence all this while. Perhaps +he is out of humor at the change in the arrangements, and fears lest, +after all his hard work, the young Chicagoan may carry off the palm.</p> + +<p>Past experience has been of that order.</p> + +<p>Hence he moves without much animation. There seems to be a fatality +about the sudden appearance of Doctor Chicago on the scene.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile John Craig is not bothering his head about the small +side-issues connected with the matter, which will work out their own +final adjustment. He is more concerned regarding their escape from the +threatening doom that seems ready to ingulf them.</p> + +<p>Something must be done, that is certain, beyond all peradventure, and +John quickly grasps the situation. There is no disease that does not +have its remedy, and he finds a loop-hole of escape here.</p> + +<p>As they gallop along they come to a structure built upon the +road-side—a singular affair it was once upon a time, being made of +stone. John recognizes features that tell him this deserted place was +once a holy spot, the tomb of a <i>marabout</i>, or saint, built in a manner +to suit the taste of the departed.</p> + +<p>It has been long deserted, as too public, and the holy relics moved to +some more secluded tomb within the walls of the cemetery on the high +hill of Bouzareah.</p> + +<p>This is their chance.</p> + +<p>To continue the race means positive overhauling and doubtless death, +while by accepting the chance that fortune has thrown in their way +they may keep their enemies at bay until aid comes, for John has not +forgotten the mission of Monsieur Constans.</p> + +<p>He calls a halt, and briefly explains his plans. All of them see +that the horses they ride are not in the race when compared with the +magnificent steeds of their pursuers, and recognizing the fact that what +John suggests is probably the best thing to be done under the existing +circumstances, they quickly dismount.</p> + +<p>The horses are then started along the road in the hope that they will +lure the pursuers on while the little party pass through the opening, +and enter the quaint building, once the resting-place of a holy +Mohammedan's bones.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XX" id="CHAPTER_XX"></a>CHAPTER XX.</h2> + +<h3>THE COMING OF THE FRENCH ZOUAVES.</h3> + + +<p>Perhaps Mustapha Cadi, as a true Mohammedan, may have a certain amount +of respect for this odd tomb of a <i>marabout</i>, but, as the saint's bones +have been removed, he has no hesitation about making a fort out of the +rocky recess.</p> + +<p>When all have entered he closes the opening. The door is broken, but +there are many loose stones around that can be made to serve.</p> + +<p>There is no time just now to use them, for the rush of horses' hoofs are +heard up the road, as the men of Bab Azoun come racing along, intent +upon overhauling the fugitives.</p> + +<p>They sweep past the rocky tomb like a young cyclone; it is a spectacle +none of those who gaze upon it will ever forget. The moonlight renders +it perfectly plain, and they can even see the savage expression of each +Arab face as the riders dash by.</p> + +<p>Now they are gone, and Mustapha begins to pile up the rocks against the +door.</p> + +<p>The others see what he is about, and immediately assist him, so that +when a couple of minutes have elapsed they have made use of every +available stone, and can regard their work with considerable +satisfaction.</p> + +<p>The roof of the tomb is the worst part, and, being made of wood, it +shows signs of decay. They locate themselves as best the circumstances +will allow and await the sequel.</p> + +<p>It is too much to hope that their enemies will long be deceived by the +trick that has been played. When they overtake, or sight, the riderless +horses, they must grasp the situation, and whirling about, look for the +fugitives upon the back trail. No doubt their shrewdness will at once +tell them just where those they seek may be found.</p> + +<p>Even as they finish their labor and take their positions, those in the +tomb discover that a change has come; the shouts of the robbers are +growing, louder, showing that they no longer race away. Their tenor has +changed, too, and they sound vindictive in their anticipated triumph.</p> + +<p>"Ready! they come!" remarks the sententious guide, who takes matters in +a cool manner, showing no sign of emotion.</p> + +<p>There can be no mistaking the fact, for in another minute the angry band +is in front of the old tomb.</p> + +<p>Then begins a scene that savors of horrid war. The clamor of battle is +in the air, loud shouts ring out, men charge, shots are fired, and with +serious result.</p> + +<p>Those who defend the fort know their lives are at stake, and they +endeavor to make each shot tell. Even Sir Lionel has managed to reload +his revolver, and this time makes sure that it contains lead.</p> + +<p>The professor is bound not to be left, and as he has secured the long +gun which was fastened to the saddle of the bony steed he rode, he sends +its contents among the assailants, even as they make their rush.</p> + +<p>The result is disastrous to Philander, since it knocks him off his +perch; but, scrambling to his feet again, he looks out in time to see +that his shot has played havoc among the animals of the attacking force. +Three are down, and their riders crawl from underneath, doubtless +pretty well scared, if not seriously injured.</p> + +<p>The first assault is over—the result is disastrous to the Arabs, who +have received severe wounds among them.</p> + +<p>They will probably reason the thing over now, and proceed upon new +lines, which will possibly bring them nearer success than they have been +thus far.</p> + +<p>Our friends are not over-confident, even though they have won the first +round. They know the tenacious character of the foe against whom they +are pitted, and feel sure this is only the beginning. What the end may +be only Heaven knows.</p> + +<p>The breathing spell is occupied by them in reloading. Lady Ruth and Aunt +Gwen arise to the occasion, and beg to be allowed to do anything that +falls in their line. If there was only a spare weapon, the English girl +declares she could easily load it, but it happens they have none.</p> + +<p>Once more breaks out the noise of battle. Whatever may have been the +original plans of Bab Azoun and his men, they have long since been +forgotten. Revenge is the leading fact in their minds now, revenge for +what has been done on this night.</p> + +<p>An Arab is a good hater, especially if the object of his animosity be a +Christian dog, an unbeliever. Nothing can be too cruel to inflict upon +such a foe.</p> + +<p>Those within the tomb have aroused the worst passions of the robbers, +and can look for no mercy.</p> + +<p>The engagement is bitter, indeed, for the Arabs have separated, and +creep upon the place on all sides. They discover the weakness of the +roof, and bend their energies toward crushing this in.</p> + +<p>There is a hot scene, and more than one of the sailants feel the breath +of flying lead, together with the sudden sting that tells of a burning +wound.</p> + +<p>It would be hard to say how the affair might have terminated were the +original combatants allowed to carry it to a conclusion, for both sides +are desperate, and one of them would have to win.</p> + +<p>John has not been without hope. He believes the French zouaves from the +Kasbah must long ere this have started on their secret march toward the +old mines of Metidja, and he feels sure the noise of battle must direct +them to the spot where the fierce engagement is in progress.</p> + +<p>Men will fight like tigers when all they have in the world is at stake. +John is nerved to greater deeds of valor by the fact that Lady Ruth is +present. He shudders at the thought of her falling into the hands of +these wild desert rovers.</p> + +<p>Finding their efforts to beat in the door useless, the assailants turn +their whole attention toward the roof. Great stones are hurled upon it, +and the chances of its holding out are few indeed.</p> + +<p>When an opening is made a dark face appears at it, and the fellow +attempts to push his gun in so that he may fire. Before he can succeed, +Mustapha Cadi has leaped upward, and fastened his hand upon the man's +throat, and by the weight of his body pulls the fellow through.</p> + +<p>Philander snatches up the gun with a cry of delight. He seems to have a +weakness for these Arab weapons, on this night, at least, three having +passed through his hands. There is heard the sound of a desperate +tussle, as the faithful guide battles with his victim.</p> + +<p>Again the hole above is darkened, as a human figure attempts to push +through, but the British soldier is ready this time. He has the gun +Philander threw aside as useless, and, with all his power, he dashes +this against the human wedge that fills the opening, sending the fellow +whirling over to the ground, shrieking out Arabic imprecations, and +calling upon Allah to give the unbelieving dogs into their hands.</p> + +<p>More stones are served. They begin to drop through, and it looks serious +for those who crouch within. Certainly they cannot hold out much longer.</p> + +<p>Heaven is kind, Heaven is merciful. The silent prayers of the two women +who kneel within the old tomb are heard.</p> + +<p>Just when the clamor of battle is at its height, when the climax is +near at hand, they hear a sound that brings joy to the little band, +struggling against unequal numbers—a sound that has many times been +heard upon the great war-fields of the world—the clear notes of a +bugle.</p> + +<p>Then come fierce shouts, the cheers of charging zouaves. It is a +thrilling period to those who have been almost at the last gasp. +Louis Napoleon, struggling at Sedan, could not have heard the zouave +battle-cry with more complete satisfaction than they do now.</p> + +<p>The Arabs are caught in the very trap they have so long eluded, and it +looks like a bad job for them. As to our friends, they are no longer in +the affair, and proceed to remove the stones from the door, in order +that they may look upon the last scene of the tragic drama.</p> + +<p>When this has been done, they see a spectacle that is more pleasing to +their eyes than any recently enacted—a scene made up of struggling +Arabs and French zouaves, where the latter are five to one—where +flashing bayonets meet the cruel yataghan, and the dark deeds of many +past years are avenged by the brave soldiers of France.</p> + +<p>It is quickly over.</p> + +<p>Bab Azoun and his desperate followers expect no mercy, and the French +give none. The few Arabs who are uninjured, make a determined assault in +one quarter, and literally hew their way through, leaving half of their +number on the field.</p> + +<p>Few indeed are they who escape, but the victory is shorn of its +principal feature, when the fact is disclosed that the dread terror of +the desert, the notorious rebel, Bab Azoun, is not among the slain.</p> + +<p>He was seen to fall, and yet they cannot find his body, search as they +may.</p> + +<p>Not being mounted, the French soldiers are unable to give pursuit to +the little band that hewed a way out. Besides, they have plenty to do +attending to the wounded.</p> + +<p>Up to the now open door of the <i>marabout's</i> tomb rushes a figure that +has leaped from a horse.</p> + +<p>"<i>Mon Dieu!</i> tell me, are you safe, ze ladies also?" gasps this party.</p> + +<p>It is Monsieur Constans. He has faithfully carried out his part of the +contract, and is warmly greeted by those whom the coming of the zouaves +has saved.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth is pale—she has looked upon sights such as are not usually +seen by her sex—sights that make strong men shudder until they become +battle hardened, for war is always cruel and bloody.</p> + +<p>"Let us get to the hotel as soon as possible," she says to Aunt Gwen.</p> + +<p>"My goodness, are you going to faint?" exclaims that good soul.</p> + +<p>"Oh, no, I don't think so, but the sooner I am at the hotel the better," +replies the girl.</p> + +<p>"There comes John Craig. He has been talking with the officer in command +of the soldiers, and I guess has made some sort of arrangements for us."</p> + +<p>What Aunt Gwen says is true enough, for John leads them to captured +horses, and ere long they are moving in the direction of Algiers, +escorted by a detachment of the zouaves on foot.</p> + +<p>Their trials for the night are over, but they will never forget what +they have seen and endured. John is secretly fuming, as he ponders over +the facts. If he could only prove that Sir Lionel is the direct cause of +all this trouble, he would demand satisfaction from the Briton in some +shape. That is where the trouble lies, in proving it. What he has +learned thus far can be put down as only suspicions or hints, though +they look bad for the Briton.</p> + +<p>If Lady Ruth has observed enough to open her eyes with regard to the +veteran soldier, John will call it quits.</p> + +<p>A thought occurs to him, even as he rides toward Algiers, that causes +a grim smile to break out upon his face. It is a thought worthy of a +Richelieu—an idea brilliant with possibilities.</p> + +<p>"Here are Sir Lionel and Pauline—two despairing people who long for the +unattainable. Why should they not be mated? It is perhaps possible, and +would be a master stroke of genius on my part. Jove! I'll see what I can +do! Great pity to have all the plotting on one side of the house."</p> + +<p>From that hour John Craig devotes his whole mind to the accomplishment +of this purpose, for he sees the benefit of diplomacy.</p> + +<p>This is the great idea that is struggling in his mind as he rides along.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXI" id="CHAPTER_XXI"></a>CHAPTER XXI.</h2> + +<h3>SHE CALLS HIM JOHN NOW.</h3> + + +<p>When the news of the battle is known in Algiers, great excitement +abounds. There are many sympathizers of Bab Azoun among the native +population, and in some quarters their ugly teeth are shown; but France +has too secure a hold of Algeria not to be ready for such an emergency, +and her troops parade the streets, armed for battle.</p> + +<p>Consequently no demonstration on the part of the natives is attempted. +Among the foreigners, and in the better circles of merchants and +traders, there is great rejoicing over the victory, for it has long been +dangerous to travel in the region of the coast because of the bold +forays of this same Bab Azoun. They hope his power will now be broken, +and that perhaps the outlaw himself may be dead.</p> + +<p>In the morning our friends gather for breakfast. John alone is absent, +nor do they know what has become of him, for the clerk of the hotel +informs them that the Chicagoan was early astir.</p> + +<p>He comes in before they are done eating, but volunteers no information +concerning his wanderings, so that they of course conclude he has only +been for a walk.</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel seems rather shy. Most men upon making such a dismal failure +on two separate occasions, would probably be willing to give up the +game, but there is something of the bull-dog about Sir Lionel. He will +hold on until the end.</p> + +<p>He fears John Craig has penetrated his schemes, and this makes him +assume a dogged air. Evidently he still clings to hope of ultimate +success.</p> + +<p>As for Craig, he is undecided whether to call Sir Lionel a fool or a +knave, and is rapidly drifting to a belief that the Briton may be a +composite of both.</p> + +<p>They have much to see in Algiers. Mosques, bazaars, and the remarkable +features that cluster about this famous resort. A thousand and one +things unite to charm a traveler who strikes Algiers in the winter time, +and they usually go hence with many regrets, and memories that will +never fade.</p> + +<p>John watches his chance to speak to the girl at his side. He feels that +the time has come when he must tell her what he has in his heart—that +he loves her.</p> + +<p>If she gives him his <i>conge</i>, he will go his way and try to forget; but +he has hopes of a different answer; eye speaks to eye, and there is a +language of the heart that needs not lips to proclaim it, a secret +telegraphy that brings together those who love. The touch of a hand +thrills as no other touch can, and the sound of a voice heard +unexpectedly causes the heart to almost cease beating.</p> + +<p>At length he makes an opportunity, as only a bold and determined lover +can. They have gone in the street-cars to the terraced heights of +Mustapha Superieur, to visit a house which most tourists see—a house +with a remarkable history—and in departing, John and Lady Ruth somehow +are separated from the rest. The fault lies with him, because at the +last moment he proposed a final view of the wonderful scene spread out +below, to which Lady Ruth consented, and as the others boarded the +tram-car that would take them back to the city, John called out their +intention, and that they would join them later.</p> + +<p>There is nothing singular about this, and yet Lady Ruth's cheeks turn +rosy as she hears Aunt Gwen's laugh, and stealing a glance over her +shoulder discovers that quaint individual shaking her finger out of the +car-window.</p> + +<p>Upon a rustic seat the two rest. The grand panorama spread before them +charms the eye, and they feast upon the glorious scene. How blue the sea +appears, and the numerous sails are like splashes of white against the +deep background.</p> + +<p>There lies Algiers in all her glory, modern structures almost side by +side with Mohammedan mosques, whose domes shine like great balls of gold +and whose minarets guard the sacred edifice like sentries thrown out in +the nature of defenses.</p> + +<p>Who could gaze upon such a vision and not feel his heart stirred, must +indeed be dead to everything that appeals to the better senses.</p> + +<p>John Craig, M.D., might ordinarily be set down as an enthusiastic lover +of nature, and such a scene when he first gazed upon it aroused the +deepest emotions in his artist heart; but strange to say he pays little +heed to what is before him now. It is what occupies the rustic seat in +common with John Craig that takes his whole attention.</p> + +<p>How shall he say it. What words can he frame into an animated expression +of his feelings? It was all mapped out before, but the words have +utterly slipped his memory, as is always the case in such events.</p> + +<p>He turns to Lady Ruth. Her hand is in her lap. He boldly reaches out and +takes it. There is only a feeble resistance. Their eyes meet, "Lady +Ruth, will you give me this hand?"</p> + +<p>"You—I—what could you do with it?" she asks, turning rosy red.</p> + +<p>"Well, to begin with—this," and he presses it passionately to his lips.</p> + +<p>"Oh! Doctor Craig, what if some one should see you!" now struggling to +free her hand, which he holds firmly.</p> + +<p>He laughs recklessly, this hitherto shy young man. Once in the affair, +he cares little for prying eyes, and indeed there is small chance of +any one noticing them in this retired spot, as there are no other +sight-seers around.</p> + +<p>"I don't care who sees me. I've got to tell you what I'm sure you +already know, that I love you—I love you."</p> + +<p>He leans forward and looks in her face, which is downcast. She has +ceased to struggle now, and her hand lies fluttering in his.</p> + +<p>Such scenes as these the novelist has no business to linger over. The +emotions that are brought out at such a time should be sacred from the +public gaze.</p> + +<p>John does not wait long for his answer, as Lady Ruth is a sensible girl, +and really cares a great deal more for this young man than she has been +ready to admit even to herself.</p> + +<p>So she tells him that she is afraid she does take an uncommon interest +in his welfare, and that perhaps it would be as well for her to later on +assume such a position as will give her the right to watch over him.</p> + +<p>So it is nicely settled, and John feels supremely happy, just as all +sincere and successful wooers have done from time immemorial.</p> + +<p>After a short time John remembers that he meant to introduce a certain +subject, and putting aside his feelings of new-found joy—there will be +plenty of time for all that—he speaks of Sir Lionel.</p> + +<p>"Now that you know I am not at all jealous, I want to talk about +another. Sir Lionel Blunt."</p> + +<p>Her face lights up with a smile.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps I can guess what you would say."</p> + +<p>"It is about the affair last night."</p> + +<p>"Poor Sir Lionel is rather quiet to-day. He is not so young as he was, +and I imagine that his severe exertions last night have caused him many +twinges to-day."</p> + +<p>"Perhaps. It was the most remarkable affair I ever witnessed."</p> + +<p>"You saw it all?"</p> + +<p>"Yes. Mustapha and myself were in hiding not far away. We were astounded +at the easy way those fellows died."</p> + +<p>At this Lady Ruth gives a merry peal of laughter.</p> + +<p>"It was really ridiculous."</p> + +<p>"Did you guess it at the time?"</p> + +<p>"Well, certain things looked very strange to me. I was amazed as we were +leaving to see a man whom I was positive had twice fallen as if dead, +raise his head and look after us with a smile on his ugly face.</p> + +<p>"Whatever I thought, I was so glad to get away on any terms that I said +nothing, and when the next engagement took place I found Sir Lionel very +much in earnest.</p> + +<p>"On this account, although feeling sure that he was the cause of all the +trouble, I have been disposed to forgive him. You know the poor fellow +professes to be in love with me, though I have had some reason to +believe it is my fortune he is after as well, for my father +unfortunately left me an heiress."</p> + +<p>"Well, I'm in a position to be generous, and though I condemn his +methods, I can easily see how, in his despair he might forget his honor. +I have good reason to believe this is not the first time he has tried to +play the hero."</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth looks surprised.</p> + +<p>"How is that?" she asks.</p> + +<p>Thereupon John narrates what the boatman said to him off Malta, +concerning a broken plank in the bottom of the little craft, which of +course astonishes the young girl.</p> + +<p>She shows some indignation at the thought of his imperiling her life.</p> + +<p>"The joke of the whole thing lies in the fact that it was you who saved +the would-be hero of the occasion," remarks John, and this fact induces +both of them to laugh.</p> + +<p>On the whole they feel so happy that it is hard to bear a grudge even +against the veteran who has been baffled by fate.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth cannot forget that Sir Lionel gave many evidences of being in +love with her, and a woman is apt to forgive even a fault in a man who +professes to have sinned for her, to have even given up honor in the +hope of winning her favor.</p> + +<p>"I have arranged a little scheme whereby I hope to pay Sir Lionel back +in his own coin," says the young Chicagoan, grimly.</p> + +<p>"Why, John, I thought you said just now that you could forgive him. Now +you pretend to be quite blood-thirsty."</p> + +<p>"Oh, no; not that. I'm looking out for the poor fellow. He's gone it +alone quite long enough, and I want to see him caught."</p> + +<p>"Caught? Explain, please. Perhaps I'm a little obtuse, but really, under +the circumstances—"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I know. It's all excusable, my dear girl. In plain English I want +to see the veteran married."</p> + +<p>"Married?"</p> + +<p>"And I shall take upon myself the task of selecting the girl who will +rule him hereafter."</p> + +<p>"John, what do you mean? Surely—oh, that is nonsense. Tell me who she +is?"</p> + +<p>"Pauline Potter," calmly.</p> + +<p>"Why, that's the actress."</p> + +<p>"True."</p> + +<p>"The actress who professed to be so madly in love with one Doctor John +Craig."</p> + +<p>"And as the said Craig is already taken, she is left out in the cold. +Now you behold my little scheme. We are happy—why should not these two +people be the same?"</p> + +<p>"Why, indeed?"</p> + +<p>"Their greatest fault lies in loving not wisely but too well. This has +caused them to sin. Now, in order to prevent any future plots that may +give us trouble, I purpose to so arrange it that Sir Lionel shall have +a wife and Pauline a husband."</p> + +<p>"A clever idea."</p> + +<p>"I may want your assistance."</p> + +<p>"You can have it at any time."</p> + +<p>"We must protect ourselves, and the easiest way to do this will be to +disarm our foes."</p> + +<p>"Really, Doctor Chicago, I didn't give you credit for so much +shrewdness. Tell me if you have any plans arranged."</p> + +<p>"Well, only the skeleton of one as yet, but I'll tell you all about it +as far as I have gone."</p> + +<p>They sit upon that bench for a full hour. Time is not taken into account +when love rules the occasion.</p> + +<p>It is Lady Ruth who finally jumps up with a cry of consternation. She +has heard a clock upon a tower in new Algiers strike the hour.</p> + +<p>"What will they think of us, John?" she says.</p> + +<p>"Little I care, for I mean to announce our engagement to Aunt Gwen on +sight, and she is the only one who has any business to complain," +returns the successful wooer, firmly.</p> + +<p>"Oh! it is so sudden; perhaps we'd better wait a little while."</p> + +<p>"With your permission, not an hour. You belong to me, now—see, let me +put this solitaire diamond on your finger. It was my mother's ring. By +that token I simply desire to warn all men 'hands off.' Tell me, am I +right, Ruth?"</p> + +<p>"Yes; I can offer no objection. Do as you think best, doctor."</p> + +<p>This is a beautiful beginning. Clouds will be rare in their future if +they keep on in this way.</p> + +<p>So they once more go back to the hotel, and find Aunt Gwen on the +lookout, her kindly face wearing an anxious expression that becomes +a quizzical one when she sees John smile.</p> + +<p>"Your blessing, Aunt Gwen," he says.</p> + +<p>"My what?"</p> + +<p>"Oh! it's all settled. Ruth has promised to be my wife," continues John, +looking very happy.</p> + +<p>"The dickens she has!" and Philander pushes into view from behind the +voluminous skirts of his better half. "What business has she to accept +any one without consulting her doting—"</p> + +<p>"Philander!"</p> + +<p>"—Aunt? Don't take me seriously, my boy. Accept my congratulations, wish +you joy, and thank Heaven it isn't that pompous baronet."</p> + +<p>"Amen!" says John, warmly.</p> + +<p>"Now that you allow me a chance, Philander, I want to say just this: it +suits me to a dot. I'm delighted—enchanted. Of course you'll live in +Chicago. That's another blow against John Bull. We'll be mistress of the +seas yet. Here, let me kiss you both, my children, and take the blessing +of a woman who has not lived fifty years for nothing."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXII" id="CHAPTER_XXII"></a>CHAPTER XXII.</h2> + +<h3>THE WEAVER—FATE!</h3> + + +<p>Even in the midst of his happiness John Craig has not forgotten the one +important fact that brought him to Algiers.</p> + +<p>While he can devote himself to laying a plan for the accomplishment of a +certain object, and with the assistance of Lady Ruth arrange to surprise +Sir Lionel Blunt, he is at the same time anxiously awaiting news.</p> + +<p>Will old Ben Taleb carry out his promise? The heart of the young man +beats high with hope.</p> + +<p>Unconscious of a great surprise in store for him, John enters the hotel +with Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>"A gentleman in the parlor to see you, sir."</p> + +<p>John's face flashes; the instantaneous thought flashes into his mind +that a messenger has at length come from the Moorish doctor.</p> + +<p>He enters.</p> + +<p>His eyes are dazzled a little by the glare of the sun on white +buildings, and the room is dim. A man's figure advances toward him. +Surely that step is familiar. Good heavens, what a shock comes upon him!</p> + +<p>"Father!"</p> + +<p>"John, my boy!"</p> + +<p>He has believed this father to be at the other side of the world. He is +surprised at the warmth of the greeting he receives. Really, this is +quite unlike the proud man John has known all his life, a man who +seemed to ever surround himself with a wall of coldness.</p> + +<p>A sudden shock runs through John's frame. It is as if he has been given +the negative and positive ends of a battery. He believes that his mother +is here, in this city. Can that have anything to do with his father's +coming?</p> + +<p>A feeling of resentment springs up, then dies away as he gets a good +look at his parent's face.</p> + +<p>"Father, what has happened? Have you failed; has any disaster come upon +us?"</p> + +<p>"Why do you ask that, John?"</p> + +<p>"Your face; it is changed so. I miss something I have been accustomed to +see there."</p> + +<p>Duncan Craig smiles.</p> + +<p>"Ah! John, my boy, please Heaven, I am changed. I have been humbled in +the dust, and I believe I have emerged from the furnace, I trust, a far +better man."</p> + +<p>John is puzzled. He cannot make out what has caused this humbling on the +part of his proud paternal ancestor, nor is he able to hazard a guess as +to the effect it may have upon his fortunes.</p> + +<p>Craig, Sr., does not explain what brings him to Algiers at this +particular time, but immediately starts asking questions regarding the +scenes John has gazed upon since leaving the German college of medicine +where he received his graduation diploma.</p> + +<p>While they are yet talking, who should appear on the scene but Lady +Ruth.</p> + +<p>"You carried off my fan, John, and I wanted to mend it while I had the +chance. Oh! I beg your pardon; I did not know you were engaged. The +clerk told me you were in here, but—"</p> + +<p>John has eagerly darted forward and has hold of the fair girl's arm.</p> + +<p>"I want to introduce some one to you, some one you would see sooner or +later. Sir, this is Lady Ruth Stanhope, a young lady to whom I have lost +my heart, and my promised wife."</p> + +<p>"What!" exclaimed Craig, Sr., "bless my soul, you're only a boy, John."</p> + +<p>"Twenty-three, sir," promptly.</p> + +<p>"Yes, you're right. Time flies. You've given me quite a little shock, +but, by Jove! I'm already favorably impressed with your taste. Will you +allow me the privilege of a kiss, my dear?"</p> + +<p>"Sir!" indignantly, for in the dim light she does not see that his +mustache is snow-white, as is also his hair.</p> + +<p>Her tragic attitude rather alarms John.</p> + +<p>"Ruth, it's my father!" he cries.</p> + +<p>This alters the case.</p> + +<p>"Your father! Oh! John, has he—" She sees the warning finger her +betrothed raises up, and stops suddenly, for she has been about to say +something relative to the presence of Sister Magdalen in the city.</p> + +<p>The elder Craig raises the shade, and in the new light Lady Ruth sees a +remarkably handsome man of middle age, even distinguished in his manner.</p> + +<p>Then he is John's father, too, and that makes quite a difference. She +approaches, with hand extended.</p> + +<p>"Forgive me, sir. I did not dream John's father was within five thousand +miles of Algiers."</p> + +<p>"And if you have agreed to be my only boy's wife you must be my +daughter, too."</p> + +<p>This time he bestows a paternal salute upon her velvety cheek. Possibly +Lady Ruth is ready to believe she is entering the Craig family very +rapidly; but with a woman's idea of the eternal fitness of small things, +she feels very much pleased to know that her future father-in-law is +such a distinguished-looking gentleman.</p> + +<p>As is proper, she excuses herself, and leaves the room. Doubtless father +and son have much to talk over.</p> + +<p>When John finds himself alone with the parent for whom he has ever felt +the greatest respect without deep filial affection, he grows anxious +again.</p> + +<p>What can have brought the other across the sea at this particular time? +Is it connected with the facts he cherishes; the presence of this other +one in Algiers? and if so, what does Duncan Craig mean to do; cut him +off with a penny because he has dared allow the longing in his heart to +have its way, and has endeavored to find the mother so long lost?</p> + +<p>When he steals another look at the elder Craig's face, he cannot see +that there is anything like deep anger there, and yet John admits that +he is not a good hand at analyzing motives.</p> + +<p>He dares not mention the matter himself, and is therefore bound to wait +until his respected father speaks, if he does so at all.</p> + +<p>Craig, Sr., talks of his trip, declares he is delighted with the glimpse +he has had of Algiers, and wonders how it would pay a good doctor to +settle down there for the winter months; at which John declares it would +just suit him.</p> + +<p>Then the other drops a gentle clew to his late movements by asking John +which arm it was upon which he was recently vaccinated, which is a +puzzler to the young fellow until the name of Malta is mentioned, when +he cries:</p> + +<p>"Were you at Valetta, father?"</p> + +<p>"I reached there two days after you left. Bless me, the whole town was +still talking over a brave deed that had recently saved a child's life."</p> + +<p>"Nonsense!"</p> + +<p>"Well, it pleased me when I heard the name of the young man who saved +the child at the risk of his own life. I was proud to know I was his +father."</p> + +<p>Still no mention of the real cause that has brought him so far from +home. John is baffled.</p> + +<p>His recent happiness is dimmed a little, and he has an uneasy feeling as +though the unknown were about to happen; a weight rests upon his heart.</p> + +<p>A strange thing occurs. Sir Lionel passes the door, and immediately +Craig, Sr., is taken with a spasm of fury. He acts as if to start to +rush out, then faces his son. John sees his father's face for the first +time convulsed with fury.</p> + +<p>"Do you know that man?" he demands.</p> + +<p>"Certainly."</p> + +<p>"Is his name Blunt?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, sir."</p> + +<p>"I thought I could not be mistaken. There is something singular that +brings him here at this time. John, is this Reginald Blunt a particular +friend of yours?"</p> + +<p>"Why, no, sir, in fact, he was my rival for the hand of Ruth Stanhope. +But you call him Reginald; this is Sir Lionel Blunt, a colonel from +India and the south of Africa."</p> + +<p>"Then I made a mistake. It is his cousin. Yet I knew the face; I knew +the face."</p> + +<p>Again John wonders.</p> + +<p>"Did a Blunt ever do you a wrong, father?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, I have believed so these many years; have been ready to stake my +very life upon it; and yet, and yet. Heaven forgive me for what wicked +thoughts I have hugged to my heart."</p> + +<p>These words arouse a wild hope in the mind of John Craig. Can it be +possible his father has after all these years seen light?</p> + +<p>The idea is so wonderful that, although hope causes his heart to beat +like a trip-hammer, he remains silent. When the time comes, Craig, Sr., +will speak; he knows this of old.</p> + +<p>Later on, when John finds himself alone, he begins to think again of the +little scheme he has decided to work, for the edification of himself and +the future good of Sir Lionel Blunt—ditto Mademoiselle Pauline, the +tragedy queen.</p> + +<p>It must be well carried out to produce the intended effect, for these +are more than ordinarily sensible people and might resent the +interference of outsiders in their private affairs.</p> + +<p>Whatever happens must not appear to have been prearranged, but be purely +accidental.</p> + +<p>Perhaps success may come; it is worth an effort at any rate.</p> + +<p>John fears more than ever lest Pauline, in the bitterness of her anger, +attempt some injury toward the girl he loves and who has made the sweet +confession that he is very dear to her.</p> + +<p>This causes him much more uneasiness than anything else ever did. He can +feel afraid for the safety of Ruth where he would not dream of allowing +the sensation on his own account.</p> + +<p>Hence his anxiety to mature his plans and clear the path ahead.</p> + +<p>In the perfected work he believes he can count on the assistance of +Mustapha Cadi. The Arab guide has already proved himself so valuable +a man that John is ready to trust him with nearly anything.</p> + +<p>So he waits to hear of some message from the old Moorish doctor, and +while waiting begins to arrange in his mind the plans for a future +campaign.</p> + +<p>Pauline is still at the hotel, for he has had a glimpse of her. The +actress does not seem very much discouraged by the disasters of the +past. She smiles on meeting John, and nods in a cheery way, as though +giving him to understand that she is not done with him yet. He feels +that he can afford to meet her in the same spirit, although anxious +about his Ruth.</p> + +<p>Fortune favors him, too.</p> + +<p>The British nobleman happens to be standing near as Pauline sweeps past, +and as is her professional habit she gives him a bright look, that +somehow starts the blood to bounding in the veteran's veins.</p> + +<p>He approaches John.</p> + +<p>"Pardon me, but did you bow to that lady, my dear doctor?"</p> + +<p>John admits that he did, though careful not to show any unusual +eagerness about it.</p> + +<p>"May I ask who she is?"</p> + +<p>"Come! this is rather singular."</p> + +<p>"What is?"</p> + +<p>"Why, truth to tell, I believe the lady is already interested in you."</p> + +<p>"In me?"</p> + +<p>Sir Lionel at once puffs out a little, as though feeling consequential. +It is gratifying to his conceit to hear that this beautiful being has +actually taken notice of him.</p> + +<p>"Well, it would not be right for me to say more," continues the +diplomatic young man, and this increases the curiosity of the soldier.</p> + +<p>"Who is she, doctor?"</p> + +<p>"One of the most noted beauties on the American stage," replies John.</p> + +<p>"An actress?"</p> + +<p>"Yes, and a clever one; very popular in the States, and highly +respected. Why, she set half the young men in Chicago wild a year +or two ago."</p> + +<p>"Including yourself, doctor?" slyly.</p> + +<p>"I acknowledge the corn, Sir Lionel. Young men have no show to win her +favor."</p> + +<p>"Indeed."</p> + +<p>"She prefers a gentleman of middle age. A man who has seen life and had +varied experiences."</p> + +<p>"Wise girl."</p> + +<p>"In short, Sir Lionel, Pauline Potter is an admirer of bravery; she +adores a soldier who has won his spurs."</p> + +<p>"Ahem! Pauline is a favorite name of mine. I've read of her triumphs, +too. She was out in Melbourne two years or more ago and carried the town +by storm."</p> + +<p>"That is a fact."</p> + +<p>"Duse take it, d'ye know what I've half a mind to do?"</p> + +<p>"What's that, Sir Lionel?" asks John, with a very sober face, but +secretly chuckling at the success that is meeting him half-way. Why, +he has hardly dug his pit before the baronet comes tumbling into it.</p> + +<p>"I've a good notion to strike up a flirtation with Mademoiselle Pauline, +to relieve the tedium of the hours. Who knows what result it might +have?" thinking that perhaps such a move might arouse a feeling of +jealousy in Lady Ruth's heart, and thus disclose to herself the state +of her feelings.</p> + +<p>"Who knows, indeed? Be careful, Sir Lionel. Pauline is a bewitching +creature. She may add your heart to her list of conquests."</p> + +<p>"Well, if I entered the lists, I'd give as good as I received," +complacently stroking his luxuriant mustache.</p> + +<p>"Jove! I really believe you would. And I'm human enough, having adored +the bright star in vain, to wish that some one else might cause the +beautiful Pauline to feel some of the pangs she gave us. If the notion +strikes you, colonel, I wish you success."</p> + +<p>Then John immediately branches out upon another subject.</p> + +<p>The seed is sown. It will require a little time to germinate, and then +perhaps the result may prove satisfactory.</p> + +<p>So much for a beginning.</p> + +<p>When John finds himself alone, he sets to work trying to kindle a +counter irritant, a congenial flame that will burn in the heart of the +actress.</p> + +<p>Securing a beautiful bouquet of flowers he fastens to them a card upon +which he has written in a hand somewhat like the bold chirography of the +veteran, the words:</p> + +<p>"A compliment to beauty and histrionic renown."</p> + +<p>This he first shows to Lady Ruth.</p> + +<p>Then a servant is hired to take it to the room of Pauline Potter, and he +is to utterly refuse any information beyond the fact that a gentleman +paid him to do it.</p> + +<p>Of course this will excite the curiosity of the actress, and further +developments may soon be expected.</p> + +<p>John, in a secure corner, waits, nor does he have long to watch before +Pauline appears, going straight to the desk where lies the ponderous +tome in which have registered men of note from all over the world.</p> + +<p>She is looking for a signature that will in some degree at least +correspond with the writing of the note found among the flowers. Only a +few minutes she remains there, and then turning away, gives the watchful +John a chance to see the smile on her face.</p> + +<p>Pauline has, as she believes, discovered the identity of the unknown who +sent the flowers.</p> + +<p>The little side plot works apace, since each of them already feels an +interest in the other. The flame being kindled, the fire will grow of +its own accord.</p> + +<p>He believes he can turn his attention to other things if necessary.</p> + +<p>The remainder of the day is put in with sight-seeing. John notes one +thing. Sir Lionel leaves them after a time and saunters back to the +hotel. When this occurs, Lady Ruth and the doctor exchange significant +looks. They understand that already the seed is beginning to sprout, and +the absence of the Englishman is a positive relief to them.</p> + +<p>Duncan Craig accompanies the party. Aunt Gwen has already taken a great +fancy to the gentleman, and makes it as pleasant for him as possible.</p> + +<p>John tries to study his father in secret, but finds it a hard task.</p> + +<p>Craig, Sr., is a lawyer of repute in Chicago, a man with a large income. +He has been called a Sphinx, and well deserves the cognomen, for no man +shows less upon his face the emotions of his heart.</p> + +<p>Only in debate, and when addressing a jury that hangs breathlessly upon +his words, does he drop the mask and show what fire is in his soul.</p> + +<p>So John, as in times of old, is unable to fathom the depths of his +father's thoughts.</p> + +<p>He is wretched, not knowing whether the coming of Craig, Sr., will +influence his mission for good or evil.</p> + +<p>And still the expected message from Ben Taleb does not come.</p> + +<p>Once more evening vails day's splendor, and another night approaches, a +night that John hopes will make a change in this monotonous run of luck, +and bring him news.</p> + +<p>Imagine his astonishment and secret delight when an open carriage stops +at the door of the hotel, and as he glances at the elegant couple seated +therein discovers Sir Lionel and the Potter.</p> + +<p>It almost takes his breath away.</p> + +<p>"Well, he is a hurricane in love, I declare. If he fought in the same +way, the Victoria cross wouldn't be enough to decorate him. Jove! they +already are dead set, each with the other. That was the cleverest piece +of business I ever attempted. If success comes, I'll have to set up as a +match-maker."</p> + +<p>How gallantly Sir Lionel assists the lovely actress from the vehicle, as +if he expects that the whole town may be watching.</p> + +<p>Doubtless his actions are in part studied with a view to the effect upon +a certain person, nameless, who must assuredly be looking from her +chamber window above.</p> + +<p>In that case he is apt to go too far, and soon find himself in the +wiles of Pauline, who, accustomed to playing with men as one might the +pieces on a chess-board, would have little trouble in manipulating one +Englishman, fresh from the wilds of South Africa.</p> + +<p>So John rests on his oars and waits for the chance to come; and the +unseen hand that weaves the fabric of their lives, manipulates the +shuttle through the woof.</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIII" id="CHAPTER_XXIII"></a>CHAPTER XXIII.</h2> + +<h3>FOUND—IN THE HOUSE OF THE MOOR.</h3> + + +<p>John hears at last.</p> + +<p>A native servant brings him a note, and it can be set down as positive +that the young Chicagoan eagerly breaks the seal.</p> + +<p>It is from Ben Taleb. He writes a fair English hand, for he is a man of +much education.</p> + +<div class="blockquot"><p>Come again this night at eleven. Tell Mustapha to be at the wall where +you departed from my house, at that hour, and to rap upon the large +stone with the handle of his knife, giving the signal of Mahomet's tomb.</p> + +<p>Ben Taleb, of Morocco.</p></div> + +<p>So John's heart thrills with expectation. This looks friendly; he may be +near the end of his journey. It is still dark and uncertain ahead, for +even when he has found his mother, a reconciliation between these +separated parents seems impossible. The past has too much of bitterness +in it to be easily put aside.</p> + +<p>His first thought is of Mustapha, and he casts around for the Arab, whom +he last saw close by the door of the hotel.</p> + +<p>The dusky courier is near by, engaged in a little game with several +companion guides, for the Arab as a rule loves gaming, and will risk +everything but his horse.</p> + +<p>When Mustapha catches his eye he comes up hastily, understanding there +is something in the wind.</p> + +<p>"We are to go again into the old town."</p> + +<p>"When, monsieur?"</p> + +<p>"This night. See! Ben Taleb has sent me a message."</p> + +<p>The Arab looks at the paper stolidly; it might as well be Sanscrit to +him.</p> + +<p>"Read it, monsieur."</p> + +<p>So John complies, and his guide takes in all that is said. He nods his +head to show that he understands.</p> + +<p>"This time I, too, will change my appearance, and they will not know +that it is Mustapha Cadi who walks through the lanes of old Al Jezira +with an unbeliever at his side."</p> + +<p>"A bright thought, Mustapha. When shall we leave the hotel?"</p> + +<p>"Say half past nine, meet me here. I will have all arranged. The +<i>burnoose</i> is safe."</p> + +<p>John prepares for business.</p> + +<p>He remembers that on the previous occasion he had need of weapons—that +they came very near an encounter with the natives—and hence arms +himself.</p> + +<p>Before quitting the hotel he feels it incumbent upon himself to see Lady +Ruth, and tell her where he is going. Nothing like beginning early, you +know. She has already commenced to control his destiny.</p> + +<p>Lady Ruth has a headache, and is bathing her brow with cologne in the +privacy of her little boudoir parlor, but readily consents to see the +young man.</p> + +<p>"You'll think me a fright, John, with my hair brushed back like +this"—John stops this in a thrice as any ardent lover might, taking +advantage of the professor's absence, and the fact that Aunt Gwen has +gone back in the second room for another chair—"but once in a great +while I have a headache that will only succumb to a certain process. You +will excuse me?"</p> + +<p>"Indeed, I sympathize with you; have had the same splitting headache +myself more than a few times. I wouldn't have intruded—"</p> + +<p>"You know it's no intrusion, John," with reproach in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"Kind of you to say so, my dear, but to the point I have heard from Ben +Taleb."</p> + +<p>"Oh! your face tells me it is good news."</p> + +<p>"I am to visit him at ten."</p> + +<p>"To-night?"</p> + +<p>"Yes."</p> + +<p>"But John, the danger. You yourself told me it was no little thing to +enter old Al Jezira in the night. Those narrow lanes, with strange +figures here and there, eying one fiercely; the houses that threaten to +topple over on one's head; all these things make it a risky place to +wander in even during the daytime. After dark it must be awful."</p> + +<p>So John describes the plan of action, and interests his affianced, who +asks more questions about his former visit, not forgetting the marvelous +beauty of the Moor's daughter, for she is human.</p> + +<p>Time flies under such circumstances, and hence it is John suddenly +exclaims:</p> + +<p>"I declare, it's after nine o'clock."</p> + +<p>"And my headache is gone."</p> + +<p>At this both laugh.</p> + +<p>"You must be a wizard, John, to charm it away so completely," she +declares.</p> + +<p>"I trust I shall always be as successful in the days to come," breathes +John, and this of course causes a blush to sweep over the fair maid's +face.</p> + +<p>He hurries to his room to prepare for what is before him. Deep in his +heart arises a prayer for success. Again that feeling of anticipation +sweeps over him. Remembering former disappointments, he endeavors to +subdue his hopes and to prepare for another set back, but this does not +prevent him at times from indulging in dreams of happiness.</p> + +<p>It is just half-past nine when he reaches the door of the hotel.</p> + +<p>Mustapha Cadi is there, looking confident and bearing a small bundle. +Again, in a dark corner, John assumes an Arab covering, while his +conductor proceeds to alter his own looks so that any whom they meet may +not know who the tall Arab is.</p> + +<p>So they tread the lanes of the hill-side town. Just as on the previous +night, they meet Arabs, Moors, Kabyles, Jews and negroes. The silence is +like that of the tomb, and yet the interior of more than one house +doubtless presents a spectacle gay enough to please any lover of light +and color, of lovely women, of rippling fountains, sweet flowers that +load the air with their incense, and all the accessories a Moorish court +can devise, for these people, while keeping the exterior of their +dwellings plain, spend money lavishly upon the interior.</p> + +<p>Now they are at the wall, and Mustapha gives the signal clearly; indeed, +John fancies the hilt of the knife meets the stone with more force than +is necessary, or else his ears deceive him.</p> + +<p>The signal is heard, is answered, and in another minute they are inside +the wall.</p> + +<p>As they walk along behind their guide John whispers to the Arab:</p> + +<p>"On my word, I believe the fellow neglected to quite secure the door in +the wall," to which remark Mustapha replies in low tones:</p> + +<p>"Presumably he knows his business, monsieur; anyhow, it concerns us not +at all."</p> + +<p>Which John takes as a gentle reminder that these Arabs are very +particular not to interfere with things that belong to another.</p> + +<p>He says no more.</p> + +<p>They reach the central room, opening upon the court where plashes the +fountain.</p> + +<p>The guide stops.</p> + +<p>Upon the scented air comes the notes of a musical instrument, a mandolin, +and the chords are peculiarly sad and yet so very full of music.</p> + +<p>Then a voice breaks forth—such singing John has heard only in his +dreams—it is a voice of wondrous power, sympathetic and sweet, a voice +that would haunt a man forever.</p> + +<p>John knows no Moorish maidens can sing that song, and his heart gives a +wild throb as the conviction is suddenly forced upon him that at last, +after these weary years of waiting, after his search over half the +world, he is now listening to the voice that hushed his infantile cries, +and fell upon his ears like a benison.</p> + +<p>No wonder, then, he stands there as if made of stone—stands and drinks +in the sweet volume of sound as it floods that Moorish court, until the +last note dies away as might the carol of a bird at even-tide.</p> + +<p>Then he swallows a sob, and braces himself for the coming ordeal. +Something behind reaches his ear. He is positive he catches a deep groan +as of despair; perhaps it comes from some cage, where this Moorish +judge has an enemy in confinement.</p> + +<p>He is not given a chance to speculate upon the subject. His guide +touches his arm and points. John discovers that his presence has already +been made known to the Moor.</p> + +<p>He is expected to come forward. Under the circumstances, the young man +is in no condition for delay. That song, that heavenly voice, has gone +straight to his heart, and he longs to look upon the face of the sweet +singer.</p> + +<p>So he advances, not slowly and with any show of dignity, but in the +eager way that does credit to his heart.</p> + +<p>He sees a figure in black, seated near the old Moor, and instantly his +eyes are glued upon that face.</p> + +<p>Then his heart tells him he now looks upon the face of the mother who +has been lost to him so long.</p> + +<p>Does she know? has she received his note, or is her presence here simply +at the desire of her friend, the old Moor? She does not show any intense +excitement as he approaches, and this tends to make him believe she has +been kept in ignorance of the truth.</p> + +<p>The Mohammedan doctor and his lovely daughter watch his advance with +deep interest, for they are human, and take pleasure in a good deed +done. The Koran commends it just as thoroughly as does our Bible. At the +same time slaves are in waiting near by, armed with deadly cimeters, and +should it prove that John has deceived them, that the Sister does not +greet him with love, but fear, because he bears the name of Craig, a +signal from Ben Taleb will be the signing of his death warrant.</p> + +<p>John fastens his eyes hungrily upon the face he now sees. He stands +distant only a yard or so, and as yet has not uttered a syllable, only +waiting to see if his burning gaze, his looks of eager love and +devotion, will have a miraculous effect on his parent.</p> + +<p>As he stands thus mutely before her, she becomes aware of his presence +for the first time. She looks up at his face, the casual glance becomes +immediately a stare; her cheeks grow pale as death; it is evident that +something has aroused memories of the past, and they flood her soul.</p> + +<p>Slowly the woman arises. Her figure is slight, but there is a nobility +about it. Purity is written upon her brow, in her eyes shines the light +of faith that dares to look the whole world in the face. And before a +word is spoken John Craig knows his mother has been dreadfully wronged +in the past, suffering in silence because of some noble motive.</p> + +<p>She has gained her feet, and now advances, walking like one in a dream, +her hands outstretched. No wonder; it is like a phantasy, this seeing a +loved face of the past in the home of a Moor in Algiers. She must indeed +think it an illusion.</p> + +<p>Now her hand touches John's face. Imagine the intense thrill that sweeps +over his frame at the impact. Soul speaks to soul, heart answers heart.</p> + +<p>The woman begins to tremble. The look of frightened wonder upon her face +gives way to one of astonishment.</p> + +<p>"It is no illusion! Alive! Oh, what does this mean? Where am I? Who are +you?"</p> + +<p>Thus the broken sentences fell from her lips, as though she hardly knows +what she says.</p> + +<p>John can only think of one reply, and as he puts out his hands, his +whole heart is contained in the whispered words:</p> + +<p>"Oh, my mother!"</p> + +<p>This seems to break the spell. In another instant she has eagerly +clasped her arms around his neck.</p> + +<p>"Heaven be praised; my prayer is answered. My child has sought me out."</p> + +<p>It is the magic power of love.</p> + +<p>John's face tells his great joy. Words are denied them for some little +time, but with brimming eyes they gaze into each other's face.</p> + +<p>"Oh! mother, I have searched for you in many lands. For years I have +longed to see you, to tell you that my heart believed in you. By the +kindness of Heaven, that time has come."</p> + +<p>"And you, my own boy, you believe me innocent, worthy of your love, +though the world called me guilty?" she murmurs.</p> + +<p>"Yes, because of the great love I bear you, I would believe it against +all. Oh! my mother, how barren my life has been, without your +companionship, your love. Many, many nights I have wept bitter tears of +anguish to think of you somewhere upon the face of the earth, wandering +alone, because of circumstantial evidence."</p> + +<p>Again from the darkness beyond the court, comes that deep, terrible +groan. The old Moor turns his head as though he does not understand it; +but the tableau in front is too dramatic to be lost.</p> + +<p>"I began to believe I should have to quit this world of woes without +seeing you, for though I do not wish to disturb your happiness, my poor +boy, you must see from my looks that I am fading like a flower in the +fall; that the monster, consumption, is sapping my life. Still, I may +live some years to enjoy your love; be of good cheer. How strange to see +you a man grown, you whom I left almost a babe. And, John, you so +closely resemble, as I knew him then, your father, my poor deceived +Duncan, whom Heaven knows I have never ceased to remember with love; who +wronged me terribly, but the circumstances were fearfully against me. +Heaven has purified my heart by suffering."</p> + +<p>"I can stand this no longer!" cries a voice, and a man rushes into view, +advancing until he stands before them. "My eyes have been opened to the +truth. In bitter tears I repent the sorrowful past. Blanche, behold your +husband, unworthy to kiss the hem of your garment."</p> + + + +<hr style="width: 65%;" /> +<h2><a name="CHAPTER_XXIV" id="CHAPTER_XXIV"></a>CHAPTER XXIV.</h2> + +<h3>CONCLUSION.</h3> + + +<p>John has been so amazed at the sight of this newcomer that he can not +move a hand or foot. He immediately recognizes his father, of course, +but the fact of Duncan Craig being present in this place is what +temporarily paralyzes him.</p> + +<p>The coming of the other creates a decided sensation; it can be easily +understood. Upon the unfortunate wife and mother the effect is most +marked.</p> + +<p>Many years have passed since last she saw this man, her husband. +Circumstances caused her to incur his apparently righteous anger, to +be sent out into the world as one unworthy to bear his name.</p> + +<p>All this she has borne meekly, doing good wherever Heaven chose to send +her. The terrible infliction has tried her soul, and she has been +purified as by fire.</p> + +<p>After this life suffering she now finds this husband at her feet. His +proud spirit is broken, and he seeks forgiveness.</p> + +<p>She has long since learned to put away the ordinary small feelings that +actuate so many of her sex; but being still human, she cannot but feel +gratified at the vindication that has come.</p> + +<p>John holds his breath and awaits the outcome of this strange event. He +remembers the sudden rage of the old Moor on the previous occasion, when +he told him he was a Craig, and fully expects to hear something from the +same source again.</p> + +<p>Nor is he mistaken.</p> + +<p>Ben Taleb has been listening intently, and not a word of what has +passed escapes his ear. He catches the confession of the man who humbles +himself, and his eyes blaze.</p> + +<p>Almost immediately he claps his hands, and half a dozen armed retainers +make their appearance, springing from some unknown quarter.</p> + +<p>"You have dared enter my house. You, a Craig, who brought years of +suffering upon the woman we revere. It is well. Allah has sent you here. +Mohammed is satisfied to leave you to our hands. I will be merciful, as +the hyena is merciful. Instead of having you torn to pieces I will order +you shot. You will learn that a Moor knows how to avenge the wrongs of +one for whom he entertains feelings of gratitude."</p> + +<p>His words are cutting and cruel, and John, expecting every second to see +the slaves make their savage assault upon his father, holds himself in +readiness to jump forward and assist him.</p> + +<p>The situation is indeed critical.</p> + +<p>It looks as though a very trifling matter would precipitate a riot, in +which deadly weapons must be used.</p> + +<p>Duncan Craig has made a terrible mistake in his past. He has been known +as a cold, proud man, though much of this has been assumed in order to +deceive himself. Yet no one ever called him a coward.</p> + +<p>He knows that bodily danger menaces him, and as a soldier his spirit is +at once in arms.</p> + +<p>Springing to his feet, he faces the old Moor.</p> + +<p>His arms are folded. Upon his face can be seen a defiant light.</p> + +<p>"I have entered your house, Ben Taleb, unarmed, bent upon a mission of +love. To humble myself. You may have the power to crush me. I have done +what I believed to be right just as soon as the light of truth entered +my soul. The consequences may be disastrous, but I am ready to meet +them."</p> + +<p>The old Moor is struck by his manner, but, still moved by the passion +that swept over him at mention of that name, he does not allow his anger +to abate a particle.</p> + +<p>"Because of the past you shall suffer. You have ruined the life of this +woman, whose only fault was in loving you, a base, heartless dog. Say +your prayers, wretched man, for you have but a few minutes to live."</p> + +<p>He faces his judge calmly. An American can meet death with even the +stoicism so characteristic of the Moslem race.</p> + +<p>The terrible sentence has awakened one who has seemed to be in a stupor. +Sister Magdalen arouses herself. The old feelings within her heart are +not dead; they have only been slumbering all this while.</p> + +<p>She steps between Duncan Craig and the Moor, her face shining with a new +light. She raises her hand as if to ward off the impending blow, and her +voice is sweet and gentle.</p> + +<p>"Ali Ben Taleb, great is thy house and the blessings of Allah hang over +it. I understand the motive that prompts you to thus undertake to avenge +what you think are my wrongs. But you must halt. I demand a hearing."</p> + +<p>"Speak on; my ears are open to your voice. You saved my child from the +pestilence that stalketh at noon day, and the heart of Ben Taleb has +been full of gratitude ever since," replies the dignified native doctor.</p> + +<p>"First, then, hear that, though I thought I should die when I no longer +had a home in my husband's house, my eyes were speedily opened, and I +saw that Heaven was using me as an instrument to bring about good. So I +learned to be patient. Confident of my innocence, I could calmly await +the time when the truth would be made known. That hour, Ali Ben Taleb, +has come.</p> + +<p>"The second point, which I particularly desire to impress upon your +mind, is this: You are pleased to say that I was instrumental in +snatching your beloved child from the jaws of death. Be it so. Consider, +then, what would have been the result had this misfortune never happened +to me, if I had always remained in my husband's home."</p> + +<p>"Great is Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet, but I fear I should have +lost my child," declares the Moor.</p> + +<p>"You see the ways of Allah are past finding out. I have long since +learned to trust myself to the guidance of a power stronger than human +arms.</p> + +<p>"You talk of avenging my wrongs, but time has already done that. The +result you see here in the actions of my husband. If I forgive him +freely and fully, what right have you or any other person to hate him +and declare vengeance? Does your Koran teach that; did Mohammed +propagate such doctrines?"</p> + +<p>The old Moor hangs his head.</p> + +<p>"It is not for Ben Taleb to go against the will of the one who saved his +child. Take, then, his miserable life, oh, remarkable woman; and as for +me, I have learned a lesson."</p> + +<p>Again he claps his hands, and the armed retainers disappear. Peace once +more smiles upon the scene.</p> + +<p>Sister Magdalen turns to her husband, and they converse in low tones, +yet with an earnestness that leaves no room for doubt of their sincerity.</p> + +<p>Presently John sees his father motion, and he joins them.</p> + +<p>"My boy, your mother has forgiven me. Heaven knows I do not merit such +action, but she is an earthly angel. And I want to ask you if you can +also forgive me, because through my actions you have all these years +been deprived of a mother's love?"</p> + +<p>His contrite manner, his dejected attitude—these things would go far +toward influencing John even were his heart hardened toward the +unfortunate author of all this misery, which it is not.</p> + +<p>"Ah! father, with such an example before me how could I entertain hard +feelings? The past is gone. Why should we live in it. Better that we +look forward toward the future and endeavor to find happiness. You know +Heaven works in a mysterious way, and much good has come to the world at +large through our suffering."</p> + +<p>"Then you do forgive, my boy?"</p> + +<p>"There is nothing to forgive, sir. Let us strive to forget the past and +hope that years of happiness may be before us."</p> + +<p>"Ah! John, you have her spirit," sighs his father, as he wrings his +boy's hand.</p> + +<p>Sister Magdalen smiles sweetly and sadly, for she knows full well that +their time together in this world will be short. She does not wish to +cast a damper on their present joy, however, and hence says nothing.</p> + +<p>The Moor has been greatly impressed by all this. He learns a lesson in +life, for, as a rule, the female element in oriental circles has very +little to do with the events that occur from day to day, and never +engage in any of the discussions upon the leading questions of the hour.</p> + +<p>Later on the little party leave the house of Ali Ben Taleb. Their +passage through the streets is accomplished in safety, for the Moor sees +to it that all are well disguised.</p> + +<p>John never learns the truth about the coming of his father. He has +reason to believe that Mustapha Cadi must have entered into some +arrangement of the older Craig, after hearing his story, although the +stolid face of the Arab never betrays his secret.</p> + +<p>When Lady Ruth learns that the end has come, and John's quest is at an +end, she rejoices with him.</p> + +<p>Another day in Algiers.</p> + +<p>Then a steamer will be due, upon which they can take passage for France, +and later on reach America.</p> + +<p>Duncan Craig is very subdued, and intensely devoted to his recovered +wife. They have long conversations alone, and all that has passed in the +years of their separation is told. Craig opens his heart and reveals his +inmost feelings. He tells how he suffered in spirit while showing a +proud face to the world, and finally how he came to learn the truth.</p> + +<p>John becomes interested in the courtship of Sir Lionel, who, finding his +ardent affection returned, pursues his game with such intensity of +purpose that he wins.</p> + +<p>Seeing them come out of a church that afternoon, Doctor Chicago is +influenced to enter, and to his particular gratification learns that a +ceremony has just been performed that effectually removes both of them +from his track.</p> + +<p>When he tells this to Lady Ruth that lively young lady is greatly +pleased, and laughs again and again. Thus all obstacles crumble before +the path of true love. Their skies are sunny and bright with hope.</p> + +<p>Duncan Craig's wife has not become united with an order in bonds that +are indissoluble. She changes her garb, but her heart has become so +wedded to the work that the probabilities are she will finish her life +in the sweet service of charity; and Craig, filled with penitence and +newly awakened love, will be only too glad to follow her everywhere, +seconding by his money, her efforts.</p> + +<p>John means to fling his shingle to the breeze, and start upon the road +of life as a full-fledged doctor. His German education will push him +forward, for their system is more thorough than the American, and few +there are who come out at twenty-three.</p> + +<p>He will be separated from Miss Caprice a few months, but she is coming +over to see the World's Fair, and remain. Thus Chicago gains though +England loses.</p> + +<p>With their departure from Algiers on the steamer, we may as well bid +them adieu. On board they meet Sir Lionel and his wife, of whom he is at +present very proud, but they keep by themselves, for each has a secret +that is not for the other to know.</p> + + +<p>THE END.</p> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Miss Caprice, by St. George Rathborne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MISS CAPRICE *** + +***** This file should be named 15979-h.htm or 15979-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/9/7/15979/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Miss Caprice + +Author: St. George Rathborne + +Release Date: June 3, 2005 [EBook #15979] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MISS CAPRICE *** + + + + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + + + + + + + + + MISS CAPRICE + + By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE + +Author of "Dr. Jack," "Dr. Jacks Wife," "Captain Tom," "Baron Sam," +"Miss Pauline of New York," etc. + + 1893 + + + + +CHAPTER I. + +"COWARD!" + + +A little party of tourists might be seen one lovely day in January, on +the hill back of the city of Valetta, on that gem of Mediterranean +islands, Great Britain's Malta. + +The air is as clear as a bell, and the scene is certainly one to charm +the senses, with the blue Mediterranean, dotted with sails, a hazy line +far, far away that may be the coast of Africa, the double harbor below, +one known as Quarantine, where general trade is done, the other, Great +Harbor, being devoted to government vessels. + +Quaint indeed is the appearance of the Maltese city that rests mostly +upon the side of the hill under the fortifications, a second Quebec as +it were. + +The streets are, some of them, very steep, the houses, built of +limestone, generally three stories in height, with a flat roof that +answers the same purpose as the Spanish or Mexican _azotea_. + +Valetta has three city gates, one the Porta Reale, through which our +little tourist group came to reach their present position, leads to the +country; the Porta Marsamuscetto to the general harbor where lie craft +of all nations, while the government harbor is reached by means of the +Marina gate. + +Thus they hold to many of the ways of Moorish and Mohammedan countries. + +The fortifications of limestone are massive--England has a second +Gibraltar here. + +In general, the Maltese speak a language not unlike the Arabic, though +English and Italian are used in trade. + +They are a swarthy, robust, fearless people, strong in their loves and +hates, and the vendetta has been known to exist here just as fiercely as +in its native home of Corsica. + +Many dress in the costume of the Franks, but the native garb is still +worn by the lower classes, and is a picturesque sight, such as we see +upon the stage. + +It consists of a long bag made of wool, and dyed various colors, making +a cap such as is worn by the sailors in stage scenes like the "Pirates +of Penzance." + +The top part of this is used for a purse, or forms a receptacle for any +small articles the wearer desires to carry. + +A short, loose pantaloon, to the knee, which leaves the lower leg bare, +is confined at the waist by a girdle or sash of colored cotton or silk. +Then there is worn a cotton shirt, with a short, loose vest, or +waistcoat, as they were formerly known, covering the same; the latter +often ornamented with rows of silver buttons, quarter-dollars, or +English shillings. + +As to the ladies of Malta, their costume is very odd, and reminds one +somewhat of Spain. In part, it consists of a black silk petticoat, bound +round the waist, over a body of some other kind of silk or print which +is called the _half onuella_. The upper part, the _onuella_, of the same +material, is drawn into neat gathers for the length of a foot about the +center of one of the outer seams. In the seam of one of the remaining +divisions is inclosed a piece of whalebone, which is drawn over the +head, and forms a perfect arch, leaving the head and neck bare. + +As may be expected, it requires much practice to wear such a dress +gracefully. Many of the best ladies of Valetta now get their fashions +direct from Paris--so the world moves. + +The little party of tourists have ascended the hill for the purpose of +obtaining the glorious view referred to, and at the same time whiling +away a few hours of time, for their stay at the Island of Malta has not +been of their choosing, a peculiar accident causing the steamer on which +they were taking passage to put in here for some necessary repairs. + +The tourists are five in number, and a very brief description will +give the reader an idea as to their identity, leaving individual +peculiarities to be developed as our story progresses. + +Probably the one that would attract the attention of a stranger first +would be the young lady with the peach-bloom complexion and sunny blue +eyes, whose figure is so stylish, and whose rather haughty manner +bespeaks proud English blood. + +There is another female, whom the young lady calls Aunt Gwen, and as a +specimen of a man-female she certainly takes the premium, being tall, +angular, yet muscular, and with a face that is rather Napoleonic in its +cast. A born diplomat, and never so happy as when engaged in a broil or +a scene of some sort, they have given this Yankee aunt of Lady Ruth the +name of Gwendolin Makepeace. And as she has an appendage somewhere, +known as a husband, her final appellation is Sharpe, which somehow suits +her best of all. + +Aunt Gwen is a character to be watched, and bound to bob up serenely, +with the most amazing assurance, at unexpected times. + +Then there is Sharpe, her worse half, a small gentleman over whom she +towers, and of whom she is secretly fond in her way, though she +tyrannizes him dreadfully. + +Near him may be seen a young American, whom they have somehow dubbed +"Doctor Chicago," because he is a medical student hailing from that +wonderful city, by name John Alexander Craig. Among his friends he is +simply Aleck. His manner is buoyant, and he looks like an overgrown boy, +but his record thus far proves his brain to contain that which will some +day cause him to forge ahead. + +No one knows why Craig is abroad. That he has some mission besides a +tour for health and sight-seeing, several little things have proved. + +There is another member of the group, a gentleman of sturdy build, with +a handsome face, whose ruddy tint suggests the English officer, even +without the flowing whiskers. + +Colonel Lionel Blunt has seen much service in India and around Cape +Colony. He gained an enviable reputation for deeds of valor, and is +disposed to look upon our friend from Chicago as an amiable boy, though +after seeing how they rush things out in that Western metropolis he may +have occasional qualms of fear lest this young doctor finally reach the +goal for which both are aiming. That goal, any one can see, is the +favor of the bright English girl whom fate has thrown in their way. +Perhaps it is not all fate, since Colonel Lionel has recently crossed +the States coming from India, and seems to pursue Lady Ruth with +singular pertinacity. + +Others are present, one a Maltese gentleman, the proprietor of a select +club-house, where the garrison officers fence and engage in gymnastics, +but Signor Giovani is not of our party. + +There are also several commissionaires or guides, at five francs a day, +for one cannot move at Malta without being attended, and it is wise to +engage one cicerone to keep the rest of his tribe at bay. + +Thus, on the hill above the singular Maltese city of Valetta, our story +opens. + +Aunt Gwen is sweeping a field-glass around, and emphasizing her +admiration of the picturesque scene with various phrases that would +immediately give her away as a Western Yankee. + +Lady Ruth, with an admirer on each side, looks a trifle tired, or, it +may be, bored. + +She may be planning some innocent little scheme, such as girls are wont +to indulge in when they have a superfluity of beaus, in order to extract +some amusement from the situation, even if it come under the head of +"cruelty to animals." + +Philander Sharpe, with his hands under the tails of his long coat, and +his glasses pushed up on his forehead, is a study for a painter. + +He was once a professor in a Western college, and with his smooth face, +hair reached up from his high forehead, standing collar, and general +dignified air, is no mean-looking figure, though dwarfed into +insignificance by the side of his spouse, the wonderful Aunt Gwen. + +The conversation runs upon what lies there before them, and an animated +discussion arises as to the possibility of a foreign enemy ever being +able to successfully assault this second Gibraltar of the Mediterranean. + +Of course, the young American is enthusiastic, and has unbounded faith +in the new White Squadron to accomplish anything, while, on the other +hand, the British officer, like most of his class, believes that John +Bull is invincible on land or wave. Of course, the young man from +Chicago disputes the point, and energetically contends that no nation +is superior to the Republic, or that any flag can be more desperately +defended than "Old Glory." + +And right in the midst of the heated discussion Lady Ruth smiles, as +though she has suddenly hit upon an idea at last--an idea that offers a +solution to the problem that has been perplexing her of late, concerning +the courage of these rival admirers. + +She turns to the American, and smiles sweetly. + +"Doctor, you speak of your countrymen being brave; will you prove it?" +is what she says. + +The young man turns a trifle red. + +"I beg your pardon. In speaking of Americans I did not intend to sound +my own praises. Personally, I never claimed more than the average amount +of boldness, though I don't know that I was ever called a coward." + +His manner is modest, but the young girl with English ideas chooses to +look upon his words with suspicion. + +"Doctor Chicago must not take water. I have surely understood him to be +a regular fire-eater--that all Chicago has rung with his escapades," +says the colonel of Royal Engineers, sneeringly. + +"Nonsense! But, Lady Ruth, you spoke of my proving something--what can +I do for you?" + +"Look!" + +She extends a shapely arm. Her finger points to a white flower growing +out upon the face of the precipice beside them. + +"Do you see that flower?" she asks. + +"I do," he replies, calmly. + +"I would like to possess it." + +The young man looks down. A fall means instant death, and it would be +impossible for even an experienced Alpine traveler to pass along the +face of the rock in safety. + +"I see no means of reaching the flower, or I assure you I would gladly +secure it for you." + +"Ah! but a bold man would climb out there." + +"Pardon--he would be a fool--his life would pay the penalty for a pretty +girl's whim. Unfortunately, perhaps, my life is too precious to some one +other than myself, to admit of the sacrifice. I am willing to do much +for Lady Ruth, but I decline to be made a fool of." + +"Well spoken," begins the professor. + +"Philander!" exclaims his spouse, and the little man draws in his head +very much after the style of a tortoise. + +"Coward!" + +The English girl is sorry as soon as the low word leaves her lips. No +one hears it but the young doctor, for the attention of all the others +is at that time directed elsewhere. + +This time the object of her scorn does not flush, but turns very white, +as he looks her steadily in the eyes. + +"I am sorry you have such a poor opinion of me, Lady Ruth. I make no +apologies, save the one that my life is too valuable--to others, to +myself--to throw it away at the mere caprice of a girl." + +"There is a gentleman who finds a way to accomplish what he wants. Take +a lesson from him, Doctor Chicago," she says. + +Colonel Lionel has noticed a long pole near by, in the end of which is a +cleft. This he has secured, and, by crawling as far as is safe along the +face of the rock, he is enabled to just reach the flower. + +After a number of ineffectual lunges he succeeds in clutching the +coveted article in the cleft of the pole, and draws it toward him. + +A moment later he presents the flower to Lady Ruth, with a smile and a +bow. + +"No English lady ever expressed a wish that a British officer did not +feel bound in honor to grant," he says. + +The girl thanks him, and then says: + +"After all, the flower was prettier at a distance than when in my hands." + +Colonel Lionel hardly knows whether he has made such a huge advance over +his rival after all. + +The afternoon sun is waning. + +"We must go down," declares Aunt Gwen. + +"One more look around and I am ready," says Lady Ruth. + +Already she is sorry for her cruel words. Like the best of women, she +can wound at one moment and be contrite the next. She finds an +opportunity a minute later, when the colonel lingers to get the shawl +she--perhaps purposely--left behind, to say in a low tone: + +"I was cruel--forgive me--forget that foolish word," and while what she +utters gives him a pleasurable feeling, and brings the color into his +set face, he only smiles, as he answers: + +"Willingly, Lady Ruth. I did not believe you could mean it." + +Then, as the colonel bustles up, the subject is tabooed, and the party +of tourists proceed down the steep street leading to the Hotel Imperial. + + + + +CHAPTER II. + +A DEADLY ENCOUNTER. + + +The scene, so peaceful, so picturesque, is rudely broken in upon by a +clamor so strange and awful that the blood is chilled in the listeners' +veins. Cries are heard down the steep street; cries that indicate alarm, +even terror; cries that proceed from children, women, ay, and strong +men, too. + +Our party comes to a halt midway between the brow of the hill and the +base. On either side tall houses, the declivity ending only at the +water. It is a bustling street at all hours, with loungers, business +men, women going to and returning from market, and children playing as +children do the world over, in the dirt. + +"What can it mean?" says Lady Ruth, as she looks breathlessly down the +street. + +No one in their party can explain the cause of the excitement. They see +people running madly this way and that, as if panic-stricken. + +"By Jove! it must be a fire!" suggests the colonel, twirling his +whiskers. + +"Nonsense! we should see the smoke," declares sensible Aunt Gwen. + +"You are right; it is something more than a fire. Those people are +almost crazed. I've seen such a sight in Chicago, when a wild Texan +steer got loose and tossed things right and left," asserts the medical +student. + +"That's what's the matter. See! they point at something as they run! +Look out for the bull!" cries Philander. + +Thus, in watching for a bulky frame to appear, they fail to notice the +actual cause of the disturbance. + +The street is almost deserted, save where people begin to reappear +below, as though the danger were past, to reappear and shout afresh as +they wave their arms. + +Some one is shouting close to them now. They turn their heads and behold +the crowd of commissionaires dashing headlong for the shelter of +adjacent houses, and acting like crazy men. + +It is Signor Giovani who shouts, first in Arabic, then in Italian, and +finally in English. They hear him now, and no wonder the blood runs cold +in their veins--it is a cry to alarm the boldest warrior on earth. + +"Mad dog! Run, signors!--save the ladies! To the houses, or you are +lost!" + +That is what the old fencing-master of Malta shouts while he retreats. +It causes them to turn their heads, and what do they see? Advancing up +the middle of the inclined street, turning aside for neither king nor +peasant, comes a great gaunt beast, his square head wagging from side to +side, his eyes blood-shot, and the foam dropping from his open jaws. + +Heavens! What a spectacle to rivet one with horror to the spot. +Fortunately there are some people of action present. + +Aunt Gwen clutches her _infant_ by the shoulder, and drags him along in +the direction of the nearest house. + +"Run, Philander, or you're a goner! It's worse than snake poison, the +bite of a mad dog is. Haven't I seen a bitten man so furious that it +required six to hold him down? Faster, professor! on your life!" + +With that iron grip on his shoulder poor Philander's feet barely touch +the ground as he is whirled through space, and the dog, mad or not, that +overtakes Aunt Gwen and her infant must be a rapid traveler, indeed. +Thus they reach a house, and in another minute reappear upon a balcony, +to witness a scene they will never forget. + +Lady Ruth, though naturally quivering with excitement, has plenty of +cavaliers to hurry her to a place of safety. Besides, after that one +first shock, she shows more grit than might have been expected of her. + +She allows herself to be hurried along. A strong hand grasps each arm; +and if every one in the path of the mad brute were as well attended, +there would be little cause for anxiety or alarm. + +Now they have reached a house, and safety is assured, for the hospitable +door stands open to welcome them. + +Already a number have preceded them, for they seem to be the last in the +vicinity. + +Just as they arrive, the colonel, who appears intensely excited, is +saying, hoarsely: + +"Enter quickly, I beg, Lady Ruth." + +She turns her head in curiosity for one last look, impelled by an +unknown power--turns, and is at once petrified by what she sees. + +They notice the look of horror on her lovely face, and instinctively +guessing, also cast a glance in the direction where last the savage +brute was seen. + +He has continued to advance in the interim, and is now quite close, +though not moving out of the straight line in the center of the +street--a repulsive looking object truly, and enough to horrify the +bravest. + +Colonel Lionel gives a gasp. He is trembling all over, for it chances +that this brave soldier, who has led forlorn hopes in the Zulu war, and +performed prodigies of valor on Egyptian battle-fields, has a peculiar +dread of dogs, inherited from one of his parents. + +It is not the animal that has fixed Lady Ruth's attention. Just in front +and directly in the line of the dog's advance is a small native child +that has been playing in the street. + +He cannot be over three years of age, and with his curly black head and +half-naked body presents a picture of robust health. + +Apparently engrossed in his play, he sees and hears nothing of the clamor +around until, chancing to look up, he sees the dog, and fearlessly +extends his chubby arms toward it. + +The picture is one never to be forgotten. + +It thrills every one who looks on. + +No one seems to have a gun or weapon of any kind. A peculiar paralysis +affects them, a feeling of dumb horror. + +A shriek sounds; from a window is seen the form of a native woman, who +wrings her hands in terrible anguish. + +The child's mother! God pity her! to be an eye-witness of her darling's +fate! + +Lady Ruth turns to the colonel, to the man who so recently proudly +declared that no English woman ever asked a favor that a British officer +would not grant, no matter what the risk. + +"Save the darling!" her pallid lips utter. + +He trembles all over, groans, takes a couple of tottering steps +forward, and then leans against the wall for support. + +"I cannot," he gasps. + +Other Britons there are who would be equal to the emergency. Mortal man +has never done aught in this world that Englishmen dare not imitate, and +indeed they generally lead. It is unfortunate for England that an +antipathy for dogs runs in the Blunt family. + +This time Lady Ruth does not say "coward," but her face expresses the +fine contempt she feels. With that mother's shrieks in her ears, what +can she think of a man who will hesitate to save a sweet child, even +at the risk of meeting the most terrible death known to the world? + +She turns to face the man who a short time before positively refused to +risk his life because Miss Caprice desired it. + +What can she hope from him? + +As she thus turns she discovers that John Craig is no longer there, +though three seconds before his hand was on her arm. + +A shout comes from the street, where, when last she looked, not a living +thing could be seen but the advancing mad dog and the kneeling child. A +shout that proceeds from a strong pair of lungs, and is intended to turn +the attention of the brute toward the person emitting it. A shout that +causes hope to thrill in many hearts, to inspire a confidence that the +innocent may be saved. + +The young doctor from Chicago is seen bounding to meet the maddened +brute, now so terribly close to the child. + +None knows better than John Craig what the result of a bite may be. +He has seen more than one hydrophobia patient meet death in the most +dreadful manner known to the profession. + +Yet he faces this fate now, the man who was thought too cowardly to +crawl out along that bleak rock and secure a white flower for a girl's +whim. + +He goes not because it will be a great thing to do, or on account of the +admiration which success will bring him. That mother's shriek of agony +rings in his ears, and if he even knew that he was going to his death, +yet would he still assume the risk. + +It was on account of a mother--his own--he refused to risk his life +before, and the same sacred affection inspires his action now, for he +could never look into her dear eyes again, except in a shame-faced way, +if he allowed this child to meet death while he stood an inactive +spectator of the tragedy. + +As he advances, John draws his right arm from his coat-sleeve. It is not +the act of thoughtlessness, but has been done with a motive. + +When the coat is free, with a quick motion he whirls it around, so that +it rolls about his left arm. + +Those who see the act comprehend his purpose, and realize that he means +to force the brute to seize him there. + +All this has occurred in a very brief time. Perhaps a quarter of a +minute has elapsed since Lady Ruth turned to Colonel Lionel, and +besought his aid. + +John Craig has at least accomplished one purpose. Just as the mad dog is +about to snap at the child, the young medical student snatches the boy +away, and throws him to the rear. The child rolls over and over, and +then, sitting up, begins to cry, more from surprise at the rough +treatment than because he is hurt. + +There is no time for John to turn and fly, and pick up the child on the +way. + +The dog is upon him. + +John has only a chance to drop on his knee, and thrust his left arm +forward. + +Those who are watching, and they are many, hold their breath in dread +suspense. + +"Heaven preserve him!" says Lady Ruth, wringing her clasped hands in an +agony of fear. + +They see the youth, he is hardly more, offer his bound arm to the beast, +and those glittering fangs at once close upon it. + +Then, quick as a flash, having filled the dog's jaws, John Craig throws +himself forward, his whole effort being to crush the animal to the +ground by his weight. + +It is the work of a strategist. A veteran hunter when met by a fierce +panther could not do better than this. + +As John has expected, the dog, taken by surprise, does not offer the +resistance that his powerful strength would warrant, but is at once +borne backward, nor can he release his hold from the cloth-bound arm +which his teeth have seized upon. + +A struggle under such circumstances must be a terrible thing, and the +shorter it can be made the better. + +They see the man throw himself upon the brute; they know his other hand +has sought the animal's throat, as the only means of ending his +existence. + +Prayers for his safety arise from many a heart, as the people watch the +dreadful conflict from windows, and balconies, and other places where +they have sought refuge. + +The struggle is of brief duration. + +John has the advantage in the contest, and the desire in his soul to +prevent this mad beast from injuring others lends him a strength beyond +what is naturally his portion. + +With a grip of iron he clutches the brute's throat, and in a few moments +the dog stiffens in death. + +The young medical student arises, but the ferocious brute lies there +harmless in the roadway. The smallest child in Valetta may play on the +street now and fear no evil, thanks to the love one American bears for +his mother. + +Now that the danger is past, people flock out. + +With the rest our tourists hasten toward the young hero. A form flies +past them with wild eyes and disheveled hair; a form that pounces upon +the little chap still crying in fright, and presses him convulsively to +her breast. + +That is the mother of the child. + +They rush to the spot, some to congratulate the youth who slew the dog, +others to gaze upon the horrible spectacle the animal presents as he +lies there devoid of life. + +Lady Ruth comes with the rest, and upon her fair face and in her sunny +eyes can be seen a warmth of keenest admiration, such as poor Blunt +failed to receive when he leaned far over the dizzy precipice to secure +the flower Miss Caprice desired. + +"Oh, doctor, how noble of you! I shall never forgive myself for the +foolish blunder I made. See! these people look upon you as a hero, for +you risked your life for a child of Malta. I am proud to be known as +your friend." + +Her looks as well as her words are enough to send any man into the +seventh heaven of delight. + +John Craig is very white; a set look is upon his face, but he smiles a +little. + +"I am glad the little fellow was not touched." + +"And you?" she gasps, a sudden fear arising. + +He slowly unwinds the coat which was thrust into the mad dog's mouth, +and then rolls up his shirt-sleeve, to disclose to her horrified eyes +the blue imprint of two fangs in the muscular part of his forearm. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + +SAVED BY FIRE. + + +She looks up into his eyes; there is a set expression to be seen there, +but his face is no whiter than before, although it must be a terrible +shock to any man to see the imprint of a mad dog's teeth in the flesh of +his arm. + +"Oh, it has happened, the worst that could come about! What will you do, +doctor?" + +He is a man of medicine, and he knows full well what such a wound means. + +"There is only one thing to be done. Excuse me for a minute or two, Lady +Ruth." + +He springs away from her side, and, turning with surprise, she sees him +dart into the smithy of a worker in iron, just down the road a bit. + +"Let us follow him!" says Philander. + +"Poor, poor boy!" remarks Aunt Gwen. + +"Oh, aunt! do you believe he will go mad?" gasps the younger lady, in a +trembling voice. + +"I am afraid; I've known of cases that happened like this. One thing's +in his favor." + +"And that?" + +"He wasn't bit in the face, or on the hand." + +"How does that matter?" demands Sharpe. + +She gives him a look of scorn. + +Then, ignoring her spouse, she says, as if continuing her speech to Lady +Ruth: + +"The dog's teeth went through several thicknesses of woolen cloth before +entering the skin. The fabric very probably absorbed the poison. A +rattlesnake's fangs are a different thing; they cut through the cloth +and the poison is then injected from the hollow teeth or fangs." + +"Oh!" + +They have reached the smithy, and, standing in the door-way, witness a +singular scene. + +The smith is a brawny native Maltese, with a form a Hercules might envy. +He has just taken from the fire a slender rod of iron, one end of which +is hissing hot, even red. + +With this he advances upon John Craig, who has laid his arm, bared +almost to the shoulder, upon a high window ledge. + +Then the iron just touches the flesh, and a little gust of white smoke +puffs up. + +"Jove! the boy has grit," mutters Colonel Lionel, unable to restrain his +admiration, even for a rival in love. + +As if overcome with the sensation of inflicting such pain, the blacksmith +shudders and draws back. + +"Again, it is not near enough," cries John Craig. + +The blacksmith shakes his head. + +"I cannot," he says, in English. + +"My life may depend on it, man. This is no time for hesitation. Give me +the iron!" + +His words are spoken with authority, and the brawny smith surrenders the +rod of glowing iron. + +Without an instant's hesitation, only compressing his lips firmly +together, the Chicagoan presses the red-hot iron upon his arm. + +Then he tosses the hissing thing aside, and begins to draw his shirt +over the raw red scar an inch square, which the merciless brand has +seared upon his white arm. + +Seeing the blanched face of Lady Ruth, and the anxious countenances of +the others near-by, the doctor, who has recovered from the shock, smiles +in a reassuring way. + +"I am sorry you saw this; I didn't intend you should. Let us go to the +hotel!" he says, slipping a coin in the hand of the honest smith, who +seems loth to accept it. + +Then the party continue down in the direction of the hotel, where they +stop while the steamer undergoes repairs. + +"Colonel Blunt, will you do me the favor to come to my room? I want to +put a small bandage with iodoform on the burn," he says aside, but Lady +Ruth hears it. + +"Colonel Blunt, indeed! What sort of trained nurse do you suppose he +would make? I have had experience--you may smile if you like. Tell the +colonel where to find your box of liniments and bandages, and bring it +to me." + +"But, my dear Lady--" + +"Not a word, doctor. I shall esteem it an honor; and what I lack in +scientific knowledge my aunt can supply." + +This clinches the matter, and John can offer no further argument against +her wish; so Blunt, the Royal Engineer officer, is sent after the +doctor's case, which errand he performs willingly enough, for although +he knows this affair has brightened up the chances of his rival, still, +as an Englishman, he has a deep, inborn admiration for bravery, no +matter whether shown in a Zulu warrior, armed with war club and assagai, +or in a Yankee youth who throws himself between a dusky child of Malta +and a mad dog, to receive the monster's attack. + +So he hastens up stairs to the room which John Alexander Craig +temporarily occupies, opens the door, and speedily returns with the +little traveling case in which the young physician keeps many important +medicines, an assortment of ready liniment and lint, with the wonderful +remedial agents known to modern surgery. + +To John's surprise, after he has opened the case and started to arrange +the small bandage, it is gently taken from his hands. + +"Allow me," says the pretty "doll," as he has at times been forced to +mentally term Lady Ruth, after she has played with his admiration. + +"But, do you know--" + +"I never told you my uncle was a surgeon, Sir Archibald Gazzam--" + +"What! that great man your uncle!" cries the student, with the deep +respect a young M.D. has for a famous practitioner. + +"Yes; and more than once I have assisted him in some simple case at the +house. He gave me credit for a fair amount of nerve." + +"Fair amount! Jove! for a girl you have a wonderful quantity. Why, I +believe you'd have faced that brute yourself, if I hadn't gone," he +says, enthusiastically, the others being momentarily at the window to +witness a procession pass the hotel, with the dead dog on a litter. + +"No, no, I could not do that; but, Doctor Chicago, was that what sent +you out to meet that awful beast?" + +Her head is bent over her work, so that the intense blush remains +unseen, but it fades away at his cool reply. + +"Oh, no; quite another thing! I told you I never considered myself a +coward, and when I saw that dear little child apparently doomed to a +terrible death, I could see the eyes of one I revere looking at me, and +though death were sure I could not refrain." + +He says this quietly and earnestly, yet without an apparent desire to +arouse any feelings of chagrin on her side. + +Lady Ruth bites her lips, but her hands are steady, and the touch is +exceedingly gentle as she binds up the ugly red mark which he has +inflicted on himself with what she is disposed to term Spartan-like +courage. + +"There; it is done, doctor." + +"And neatly done, too," says Aunt Gwen, with a nod and a look of pride. + +"I thank you sincerely, Lady Ruth." + +"Ah! you are a thousand times welcome. There is not a woman in Valetta +who would not feel it an honor to bind up the wound of the hero who +saved that Maltese child," says this young lady, frankly. + +More shouts without. + +This time the men of Valetta are clamoring for the American to show +himself. They do not know much of America, but they recognize true grit +wherever they meet it. + +Of course, a rush is made for the balcony, but John remains behind. + +He is feeling somewhat weak after the exciting events of the afternoon. + +And, as he sits there, smiling to hear the clamor without--for he is +human, this young Chicago M.D.--some one touches his arm. + +"Lady Ruth, I thought you went out with the rest," he stammers, with a +guilty blush, for it chances that at the very moment he is thinking of +her, and what a soft, electric touch she has, so soothing, so very +delightful. + +"I did not go; I was watching you." + +"An interesting study, surely." + +"It was to me. I desired to know whether you secretly feared the results +of your wound." + +"And I did not dream you were so concerned about me. Considering the +matter calmly, I am disposed to believe there is now no danger--that the +hot iron radically destroyed the last chance of infection." + +"I am very glad to hear you say so." + +"You care a little, then?" + +How quickly she is on her guard. + +"Because I would not see a brave boy needlessly sacrificed." + +"You look on me as a boy. I am twenty-three." + +"My own age, sir. That gives me the right to feel myself your senior." + +"How so?" + +"You know a woman is older at twenty-three than a man. Then you do not +wear a beard." + +"I shall cultivate one from this hour. Why, a year ago I looked like a +pard, but was influenced to change." + +Again that quick flash of intelligence. + +"Ah! Doctor Chicago has left a lady love in the city on the lake." + +"What makes you say that?" + +"Several remarks you have made; the one just now, and then in reference +to the spur that sent you to face that dog. Ah! my friend, it must have +been a strong motive to influence you like that." + +He overlooks the peculiar patronizing air, such as a young woman +sometimes assumes toward a boy her junior. + +"Lady Ruth, the person you refer to, the thought of whom sent me to save +that child, bears what is to me the holiest name on earth--mother." + +She draws a quick breath. + +"Forgive me. I was rude." + +"Not at all. My words admitted of just such a meaning as you placed upon +them." + +"You left her in Chicago, of course." + +John looks at her steadily. + +"Lady Ruth, it may sound strange to you after what I have said, but my +memories of my mother are all confined to the far past, to a period when +I was a mere child; but they are none the less previous on that account." + +She looks puzzled, as well she may. + +"Do you mean she is--dead?" + +"Heaven forbid, but I have not seen her in all these years. That is one +reason I am abroad, Lady Ruth. I have a sacred mission to perform--to +find my mother--to seek the solution of a mystery which has embittered +my life. Perhaps some time, if we know each other a little better, I may +confide a strange and sad story to you." + +"Just as you please, doctor," she replies, with deep feeling in her +voice, and at this moment the others bustle in. + +"You must show yourself on the balcony. The dear people clamor for a +sight of you, and I am really afraid they'll tear the house down soon if +you don't appear before them," says Aunt Gwen, with unusual vigor. + +"Yes, they unquestionably desire to publicly show their appreciation of +your services, and I for one feel proud to be an American this day." + +"Philander!" + +"Excuse me, my dear. John, my boy, allow me to lead you out." + +"One minute, please," says Lady Ruth, who has made a comfortable sling +of a long white silk kerchief, which she wore around her neck. + +This she insists on securing over John's shoulder. + +"That arm must be painful. I know it from my long experience as the +reliable assistant of my surgeon uncle. You will be glad to have this." + +"But--for such a mere scratch--people will laugh at me," he protests, +feebly, though it may be noticed that he makes no effort to deliver +himself from the silk sling which she is now tying. + +"People laugh at you! A mere scratch! Confound it, boy, there isn't a +man living who would go through with what you have to-day for a cool, +hundred thousand. I know one man a million would not tempt," cries the +professor. + +"I suppose I must submit," and accompanied by Philander, with the two +women bringing up the rear, he passes out upon the balcony, where the +colonel of Royal Engineers has remained, to be a curious spectator of +the scene. + +At sight of the hero of the street drama, those in the square before the +hotel shout and cheer. They are mostly natives, but men and women feel +very strongly drawn toward this young, smooth-faced American who risked +his life to save a child, and that child a Maltese boy. + +John bows, and presses his uninjured hand upon his heart, bows again, +and retires. + +Slowly the crowd disperses. + +Lady Ruth completely ignores the colonel, but that veteran is not +crushed by any means. He watches the capricious maiden with a quizzical +light in his eye, which shows that he has not yet lost confidence in the +kindness of fate, or his own charms as a beau. + +Lionel Blunt's success in life has come from the fact that he has ever +been ready to watch his chance and take advantage of every possible +opportunity. + +So night settles over Malta, over the dreamy, blue Mediterranean, over +the singular city of Valetta, where this little company of tourists have +been temporarily marooned, and where Doctor Chicago, aided by fate, has +been enabled to make his first charge upon the heart of the proud +English girl, Lady Ruth. + + + + +CHAPTER IV. + +A WORLD-WIDE SEARCH. + + +It is a night of nights, destined to mark, as with a white stone, the +progress of at least two life currents that have until recently flown +contentedly on, each in its own individual channel. + +Valetta, being a city of the Italian school, makes much ado over the +coming of Lent. The people, as if to prepare for six weeks of fasting, +indulge in all manner of feasting. + +Even the Mohammedans, who are present in no small numbers, join the +festivities, for they, too, have a period of fasting, according to the +example set by the prophet, and commanded in the Koran. + +Hence Valetta is very gay when night comes on; fancy Chinese lanterns +hang in the streets, music is heard on every hand, and laughing, +good-natured crowds jostle elbows in a way that would horrify a high +caste Hindoo. + +Valetta has long been known as the headquarters of the famous Order of +Malta. The representative commanderies of different nations have their +inns, each called an _auberge_, on the principal streets, while the +palace of the Grand Master is three hundred feet on each side, facing +four streets, with a large square in front known as the Piazza St. +Giorgio. + +A small tower on the top known as the _Torretta_ is used as a station +from which men-of-war are signaled. + +Everywhere can be seen the insignia of this ancient order, the white +Maltese cross on a blood-red field, arousing thoughts of men in armor, +the crusades, and much that is stirring and romantic in the history of +the centuries that are gone. + +A student of history would find much to entrance him in this peculiar +hill-side city on the British Island of Malta. + +Supper is served at the hotel just as night comes on, and John Craig, +M.D., has managed to eat in an unconcerned way, talking with his +friends, and trying to appear unconscious of the fact that two score of +curious eyes are upon him, the incident of the afternoon having spread +like wild-fire among the rest of the delayed steamer's passengers who +stop at the same hotel. + +This is the first time the young master of medicine has found himself +the center of observation, and he comes through the ordeal very fairly, +as Lady Ruth informs him laughingly, when they _by chance_ leave the +dining-room together. + +Another ordeal awaits John. In the parlor he finds the mother of the boy +whose life he saved. She cannot talk much English and John is hardly at +home in Arabic, or the mixed language used by the Maltese. + +When two persons are very much in earnest they manage to get on, and the +poor woman calls down the blessings of Heaven on his head ere she leaves. + +"I wish all this were over," he laughs, rejoining the English girl. + +"Make the most of it, doctor," says the colonel, sauntering up with +a choice weed between his teeth; "such occasions come rarely and had +better be appreciated. Take the advice of an old campaigner, and make +hay while the sun shines." + +"Oh! I mean to, colonel," replies John, and there is a hidden meaning +in his words that causes the officer to look at him steadily and mutter: + +"Hang the boy! I really believe he expects to enter the lists against +me, Colonel Lionel Blunt, who carries a Victoria Cross and knew what +a love affair was before he was born. Well, the end is not yet, and he +laughs loudest who laughs last." + +All of which is very true, and proves that the colonel of Royal Engineers +does not mean to let the opportunity pass. + +A few minutes later John and Lady Ruth stand on the piazza of the hotel. +The scene is well worth looking at, with its many lights, bright colors, +and constantly changing crowds. + +She expresses surprise, and seeks an explanation which fortunately the +young doctor is able to give, thanks to certain information he picked up +in scanning his guide book. + +"In time of peace prepare for war. They seek by a double allowance of +gayety to make up for the amount to be lost during Lent," he says. + +"Is Mr. Craig here?" asks a voice, and all look at the speaker, who is +a quiet appearing man, perhaps a native of England. + +"That is my name, sir." + +"John Alexander Craig?" + +"The same." + +"Of Chicago?" + +"Well, what can I do for you?" + +The other has been looking at him steadily. + +"I desire to speak a few words with you, Doctor John Craig." + +"Go on." + +"I beg your pardon--it must be in private." + +"In that case my friends will excuse me for a few minutes." + +"Oh! yes," replies Lady Ruth, looking at the bearer of the message again. + +"Certainly," says Blunt, promptly dropping into the chair John vacates +at her ladyship's side, and his celerity to take advantage of the +circumstance arouses a little suspicion in her mind that after all it +may be a ruse to get him away, with the Briton's gold backing it. + +She pays little attention to what the colonel is talking about; twice +she turns her head and looks to where John and the stranger talk, while +to herself she says: + +"Strange why I am interested in him and his fortunes. What is this +singular story concerning his mother, which some time he means to tell +me--when we become better friends? And now comes this man to hold a +secret consultation with him! Where have I seen him before, where heard +his voice? I cannot remember just now, but there is something familiar +about him. The doctor appears to be excited--there, he lays his well +hand on the other's arm and speaks quickly. Pshaw! it's none of my +business," and she resolutely turns her face toward the bright scene +on the street, only to glance back again a dozen seconds later. + +The doctor comes up; singularly enough Lady Ruth has just bethought +herself of her fan, and the military figure of the stalwart Briton is +seen passing through the door-way upon a wild-goose chase for the much +maligned article of ladies' warfare, which has played its part in many +a bit of diplomacy, and which he will never find, as it is at that moment +resting in the folds of milady's dress, cleverly hidden from view. + +"I trust you have had no bad news, doctor?" says the English girl, with +a touch of sympathy in her voice. + +"On the contrary, Lady Ruth, I have heard something that is of intense +moment to me," he replies, showing emotion. + +"About--your mother?" she asks, quickly. + +"It is so. Lady Ruth, you have heard me speak enough of my past to +realize that it has been a lonely life. My father loves me after his own +fashion, and I--respect him deeply; but all my life I have longed for +the love of a mother, until it has reached an intensity you can hardly +comprehend. Now I have received certain news that gives me a wild hope." + +"I, too, lost my mother when young, and that circumstance enables me to +feel for you." + +Her tender eyes thrill him as he never yet has been touched; the bond of +sympathy is akin to love; he has never had a confidant, and human nature +yearns to unbosom itself. + +"I promised to tell you the story, Lady Ruth. If I were sure we would +not be interrupted, I would be inclined to speak now, for I am about +starting upon a mission, the result of which Heaven alone can foresee." + +His earnestness impresses her ladyship; trust a bright girl for bridging +over a trifling difficulty such as this. + +"There is a little private parlor attached and generally empty," she +suggests, artlessly. + +"Just the ticket," he boldly exclaims. + +In a few minutes they are seated alone in this bijou parlor; its +decorations are quaint, even barbaric in their splendor, and a lover +of the _bizarre_ would happen upon such a scene with the keenest of +pleasure. + +"Here are some drawings we can be looking over," she suggests, and he +nods eagerly, inwardly blessing her ready sagacity. + +Thus they look harmless enough. + +"Now I will play the lady confessor. What is it all about? Have you +fallen into debt like a bad boy, and don't dare write the _pater_?" + +He looks at her and laughs. + +"You see the comical side of everything, Lady Ruth. This I fear bids +fair to be a tragedy." + +"A tragedy! Dear me, didn't we have quite enough of that this afternoon? +What can it be? Surely, you and the colonel--" and she colors furiously +upon realizing how near she has come to betraying her thoughts. + +"The colonel and I have had no words, as yet, Lady Ruth. This affair +is something that concerns my past. Let me briefly tell you a few facts +that are of especial interest to me, and may claim your attention. + +"I told you I had not seen my mother since I was a child, yet she is not +dead. An unfortunate affair happened, and she was exiled from home. +Heaven knows I have ever believed her innocent. + +"On several occasions, unbeknown to my stern father, I have received a +line without a signature, a line that called down Heaven's blessings on +my head, a line that caused me to cry like a baby. + +"Thus year by year my resolve became stronger; I would find my mother, +I would seek the solution of the dreadful mystery that hangs over the +Craig home. + +"My studies were done; I graduated at the head of the medical class and +spent a year under the most eminent professors at Heidelberg. When they +gave me my diploma, they wrote my father that I ought to have a year of +travel to improve my health before entering upon the life work to which +I am devoted. + +"Of course my desire was granted, and I began the search. I have been six +months at it without success; it is like pursuing an _ignis fatuus_. A +clew would take me to Russia, whence I would fly to Persia, then to +Turkey, and next to London. In Paris I felt sure of success, but the +lady I was tracking turned out to be a grandmother, and there was a +lively scene in her house when I sprung my game. + +"Talk of 'Japhet in search of his father!' why, he wasn't in it at all +compared with me. At last came another clew; among the letters forwarded +in a bunch from home was a line in the same precious hand. See, here it +is." + +He takes out from a note-book a slip of paper; the writing is elegant +and feminine. + +She reads: + +"January 12th. Just twenty years to-day. Oh! Heaven! teach me to kiss +the rod." + +No signature, only a mark like a tear-drop. + +"Now you realize my position; you can, in a measure, understand the +peculiar mingling of love, reverence, and pity with which I think of +this mother, and how the thought of her enters into every act of mine." + +"Yes, yes, I do indeed," sympathetically. + +"I have sworn to find her--to let her know there is one who loves the +poor exile. Let my father rage if he will, my heart burns to meet her. +I will proceed. This letter was postmarked Malta, here at Valetta." + +"But you did not mention--" + +"I knew the steamer would stop a few hours at least, and thought that +might be enough in which to learn the truth. Strange things have +happened since we landed. I have learned several facts which astound me. + +"You saw a man come in and draw me aside? That man controls the +destinies of these people of Valetta, even as a chief of police would in +our cities. When first I landed I sought the presence of Luther Keene--" + +"There--your mention of his name revives my recollection like a flash. +Now I know just when and where I met that man," she says. + +"He promised to assist me, for a consideration, of course, and was +especially delighted at the chance to prove that even out here in Malta +there might be a second Vidocq. + +"In his first report he told me the party I sought had been in Valetta +only recently, but he believed she was now gone. + +"The man told me just now where Blanche Austin staid during her +residence here, at a house on the Strada Mezzodi, and I shall go as soon +as I leave you, to make inquiries there. If you are interested in my +story, you might, perhaps, care to hear what news I may pick up on my +visit to this house, which has so recently covered my mother." + +"Indeed, I am more than interested in your story, and anxious to learn +how you succeed. Would you know your mother if you should meet her +to-day?" she asks, mentally wondering why he has taken her into his +confidence. + +"I believe so. A son's loving eyes would do much toward solving the +problem." + +"But your memory of her must be exceedingly hazy, to say the least." + +"That is true; but I have another clew. Once, when a boy, I was rummaging +through some old papers in an antique secretary which I found in the +attic, when I ran across an ivory miniature that had been overlooked. + +"Upon it was painted a girl's face; my heart told me who it was, and +underneath I found the words 'Blanche Austin at eighteen.' + +"I have treasured that ever since; it has been my most valued possession. +Would you like to see it, Lady Ruth?" + +"Must assuredly," she replies, warmly, eagerly. + +He places it in her hands. + +"It was plain when I found it; with my spending money for a whole year +I had that gold locket made which holds it now. Ever since it has been +very close to my heart." + +"Such devotion is wonderful. I sincerely hope it will meet its reward." + +Then she looks at the miniature, which time has not in the least harmed, +looks at it--and utters a little ejaculation. + +"She was beautiful indeed, Doctor Chicago--most charming. A face to +haunt one. I can see a trace of sadness in it, even at this early age, +as though her coming troubles cast a shadow before. You will be +surprised when I tell you I have met her." + + + + +CHAPTER V. + +THE PROFESSOR ACTS. + + +The medical student looks at her eagerly. + +"When--where?" he asks, huskily. + +Any one who has met the woman about whom cluster all the tender +associations and thoughts of his lonely years of childhood, must assume +new importance in his eyes. + +"It was a year or so ago. At the time I was in Paris with my uncle, Sir +Hugh, then alive." + +"Yes, yes, she was there about that time, as I have since learned." + +"I was out driving alone; it was just at dusk when we were returning +from the boulevards, and a wheel came off the vehicle. + +"Though a little alarmed, I kept my senses, and bade the driver tie his +horse and then seek another vehicle for me. + +"The neighborhood chanced to be a rather unsavory one. I could hear +boisterous men singing, and on finding myself alone I grew alarmed. From +windows frowzy heads were thrust out and rude women mocked at me. I +feared insult, injury. I was ready to fly for my life when a hand +touched my arm, and a gentle voice said: + +"'Come with me, miss, I will protect you.'" + +John trembles with emotion. + +"Then you have heard her speak! Oh, what bliss that would be for me--my +mother, my poor mother who has suffered so long." + +"When I looked in her face I knew I could trust her. Besides, her garb +reassured me." + +"Her garb?" wonderingly. + +"Yes. She was dressed as a Sister of Charity or some other order in +Paris. Willingly I followed her to an adjoining house. She begged me to +sit down and await the vehicle. I was grateful and asked her questions +about the great work being done by such organizations in the gay city of +Paris. + +"I was interested in her and asked her name. She told me she was known +as Sister Magdalen. Then the carriage came and I left her." + +"One question, Lady Ruth--how did she impress you?" + +"Frankly, as one who had passed through the furnace of affliction; her +face was sad, yet oh, so inexpressibly sweet. It haunted me. I have +looked at every sister I met wherever I traveled, in the hope of meeting +her, but it has been useless." + +It can be readily believed that this arouses the deepest interest in the +young student of medicine. The desire to find his mother has been the +one aim of his life; it has carried him over many a dark crisis, and has +become stronger with the passage of years. + +Now he is getting daily, hourly, nearer the object of his solicitude, +and his anticipation so long and fondly cherished, bids fair to be a +realization. + +"How I envy you, Lady Ruth. You have seen her, pressed her hand. It makes +you seem less a stranger to me to think that my mother was able to do you +a service." + +"I am positive it was she. Wait--perhaps I can prove it. I noticed she +had a medallion secured around her neck with a guard, and once I was +enabled to see the face upon it. It was that of a man." + +"Oh! describe it if you can." + +"The gentleman, I should judge, was about twenty-three. He wore a +mustache and small side whiskers. I judged he was English. His hair was +light and inclined to be curly." + +John Craig smiles. + +"Ah! the last doubt has been swept away." + +"You recognize this picture, then?" + +"Yes; your description answers for my father when he was a young man. I +have not the slightest doubt that it was the one I seek who rendered you +this service. And she a Sister of Charity! I don't understand." + +"Your story has interested me deeply, doctor. You have my most sincere +wishes for success; and if I can in any way assist you, don't hesitate +to call upon me." + +"I believe you mean every word of it, and from my heart I thank you. I +must leave you now, to seek the house in the Strada Mezzodi--the house +that may reveal much or little." + +At this moment the others enter; fortune has been kind to allow the +conversation to reach its legitimate end, and John, with a pleasant word +for Aunt Gwen and her husband, and only a peculiar look for the Briton, +hurries out. + +In five minutes more he comes down stairs, ready for the street. To his +surprise he is stopped near the door by some one he knows--Philander +Sharpe, wearing a ridiculous helmet hat, as becomes a traveler. + +"Pardon me, but I'm in a hurry," he says, as the other plucks his +sleeve. + +"Oh! yes; but I'm going with you, Chicago," pipes the little professor, +shutting one eye and nodding in a very knowing manner. + +"But I'm not off to paint the town red," says John, believing the other +thinks it is his intention to see the sights of Malta's capital by +night--"I have an engagement." + +"In the Strada Mezzodi; eh?" + +"Thunder; how did you guess it?" ejaculates the man of medicine, +astonished beyond measure. + +"I am not a guesser. I know what I know, and a dused sight more than +some people think, especially my beloved wife, Gwendolin." + +"What do you know--come to the point?" + +"First, all about your past, and the trouble in the Craig family." + +"Confusion! and you never told me you had ever heard of me before? This +explains the manner in which you seemed to study me at times on the +steamer," reproachfully. + +"Just so. I had reasons for my silence; _she_ was one of them," jerking +his thumb over his shoulder in the direction of the parlor above, whence +the voice of the amiable Gwendolin Makepeace floats to their ears. + +"In haste, then, let me tell you a secret, John. I was not always what +you see me, a docile, hen-pecked man. Twenty-five years ago Philander +Sharpe, young, good-looking, conceited, and rich, had the world before +him." + +"Cut it short, I beg, professor," groans John, impatient to be off. + +"I fell in love; my affection was returned; we were engaged; a friend in +whose honor I fully believed stole her heart away from me, but all these +years I have never forgotten--never. John Craig, the girl I loved and +who was to have been my wife was--your mother." + +The little man folds his arms and throws his head back in a peculiar way +he has. How strangely full of dignity these undersized people can be at +times. + +"Is it possible, and you never breathed a word of all this to me before?" + +"Ah! my dear boy, the time was not ripe. I said nothing but sawed wood." + +"Why do you speak now?" + +"I have an idea that you are about to make a step in the dark, and after +duly considering the matter, came to the conclusion that it was time to +speak--time to let you know my sympathies were with you, time to take a +hand in this game myself." + +John hardly knows what to do or say, he is so amazed at such a strange +happening. + +"But, professor, I am only going now to see if I can learn anything +about my mother at the house where she staid six weeks ago, when a line +was sent to me." + +The little man wags his head wisely. + +"That information was given to you by one whom you believed to be Signor +Stucco, otherwise Luther Keene, the person having charge of the police +of Valetta?" + +"Yes," replies John, wonderingly. + +"At that hour the signer was in his own room, engaged in other business, +and oblivious of the fact whether one John Alexander Craig, M.D., was in +the land of the living or not." + +All of which excites the curiosity of the young man not a little. + +"Since you know so much, professor, perhaps you can tell me who it is +plays with me, the object he has, and whether my mother was ever in +that house on the Strada Mezzodi." + +"I can answer in part. I believe she was there. These enemies of yours, +dear boy, have baited a trap. You are about to walk into it." + +"A trap, professor! why should they seek to harm me?" + +"They have reasons. I can't mention them all, but perhaps some event in +your past may give you a clew. Have you ever heard of a person, by name +Pauline Potter?" + +The young man starts. + +"Ah! I see you have," pursues Philander, dryly. + +"I confess it; she was a pretty actress, but my boyish passion for her +died out when I discovered her perfidy." + +"Very true; but she has never forgiven you. What harm did you do her, +boy?" + +"The harm was on her side. When I found what deception she had put upon +me I simply denounced her in the presence of several who were at supper +with her, a new admirer among them. Perhaps she hates me for that, but +it seems queer that Pauline Potter, whom I knew in Chicago, should bob +up in Malta. Almost like a modern play." + +"Well, she's here. I've seen her." + +"Professor, pardon me for saying it, but you've allowed yourself to be +maligned. I believed you were a nonentity, but I find you possessed of +a remarkable mind. You are a second Richelieu." + +"You flatter me. John, grant my favor; allow me to accompany you on this +errand. I will then have a chance to explain how I managed to learn all +these things." + +"I see no reason to refuse." + +"Good! Come, let's move off," with a quick glance over his shoulder. + +"Oh," laughs the student, "_she's_ up stairs yet," and his words are +corroborated, for a burst of almost masculine laughter comes floating +down from the next floor, causing Philander to shrug his shoulders. + +"She'll imagine I'm off seeing the sights. I went to see the modern +Mabille in Paris and have never heard the last of it. Stand by me in +case of war, my boy." + +"That I will, professor." + +They have left the hotel, and John's face tells of the puzzle which he +is trying to solve--the strange connection between Pauline Potter, the +actress who won his boyish admiration only to deceive him, and she whom +he seeks with reverent love in his heart, his mother, the Sister +Magdalen of Lady Ruth's Paris adventure. + +And the professor guesses the truth. + +"I may be able to assist you, John, though you shall be the judge. Will +you listen to my yarn?" + +"With pleasure." + +They walk on, arm in arm; the doctor has lighted a cigar, and seems to +take much comfort in the mechanical puffs of smoke which he sends out +into the darkness--not that there is anything of the inky pall about +this, throwing a silvery path way along the mysterious waters of the +romantic sea, and besides, the lanterns that flash on trees and from +house fronts serve to render the scene far from gloomy, though a modern +city dweller, used to electric lights, might notice the change. + +"Before we enter into a discussion, my dear boy, let me explain how I +came to know these facts connected with the presence of Pauline Potter +in Valetta, and the duplicity of the man representing the head of the +police, Signor Stucco. + +"After returning from our eventful walk to the hill-top back of the +town, I had business in another section, business connected with my trip +along the Mediterranean, and which has been kept a secret from my spouse. + +"When on my way back to the hotel, just at dusk, I crossed and passed +down a street, thinking to shorten my route, but in a way became +confused, and made up my mind I would inquire of the first person +I came to. + +"That, my boy, was the hand of fate leading me on, as you will speedily +learn. + +"In all these years that have flown I have at times heard of you. I knew +the skeleton that lay hidden in your family closet, and believing your +mother innocent, made no sign, for she was supposed to be dead. + +"Let me go back a step, and begging your pardon for the fact, confess +that I heard your interesting interview with Lady Ruth." + +"Professor!" in reproach. + +"My dear boy, it was all an accident. I had thrown myself upon the +lounge in the corner of the little parlor, for an after-dinner nap, when +you came in and failed to notice me, owing to the arm-chair I had drawn +in front of me to shut out the light. + +"At first I thought you would simply look at the picture and then go +away, but when I heard you telling her your sad story and the new hopes +you entertained, I felt that I had a right to listen then. Thus you +understand how I know these facts. + +"This takes me back to where I was lost in the streets of Valetta and +forced to inquire my way. As luck would have it I saw a man before me, +but ere I reached him he was joined by a woman. + +"I stood still; in the dusk I heard him say something that gave me a +thrill, and as near as I can remember those words were: + +"'For love of you, Pauline Potter, I have assumed this disguise and +become for the present Signor Stucco, the master of Valetta's police. +Now give me orders; tell me how I am to win your favor; how bring to the +Strada Mezzodi--' I heard no more, as his voice fell, but presently my +ears, sharpened to an intensity, caught a name--it was--'Doctor +Chicago.'" + +"You interest me, professor; please proceed." + +"Ah! that is all. I lost track of them and managed to work my way to the +hotel in time for dinner. When that man called you out, I recognized the +dim figure I had seen talking with the soft-voiced woman at dusk. It +takes time for me to figure things out, and I must be beyond the range +of her voice. That was one reason I lay down in the little parlor. When +I heard you announce your intention of visiting the Strada Mezzodi I +made up my mind to act quickly. That is why I tapped you on the arm, why +I am now tramping at your side. Now let us probe deeper. + +"Mark the first point; this Pauline is a shrewd creature, and doubtless +possessed of more than an ordinary Corsican nature to hate so bitterly." + +"Ah! you know her mother was a Corsican?" + +"I believe I have heard it told in New York, and it is easy to realize +the fact now. Pauline is a good hater--her father was Scotch I presume. + +"What I want to point out is this--she has been investigating your +record--the skeleton in your closet, or rather your family, is no secret +with her." + +"I understand that, sir. It is no accident, her presence in the same +house my mother occupied." + +"Well, as to that, you're not sure. That fellow who brought the news was +paid to represent the head of the Valetta police, for they knew you had +invoked official aid, and just as like as not he gave you an address +that your mother never heard of." + +"Well, here we are!" suddenly. + +"Eh? This is the Strada Mezzodi?" + +"Any objections to it?" laughing. + +"Oh, no! one place is as good as another to me, in this Maltese city, +where you seem to be climbing to paradise or descending into hades all +the time. Only I'm glad I came." + +"Why, professor?" + +"Well," with a look down the street, "I'm afraid you'll need the +services of a friend before long--that you are about to experience a +sensation you won't soon forget," replies Philander, coolly. + + + + +CHAPTER VI. + +PAULINE POTTER'S HOUR COMES. + + +"It is possible!" declares John; "and under such circumstances I shall +indeed be glad to have a friend in need. At the same time it seems as +strange to me to think Pauline Potter can be here--that the Chicago +actress whom I once adored and with a youth's ardor swore to make my +wife, can be here and bothering her head about one John Craig, M.D." + +"It will soon be known. You have a good description of this house which +the man supposed to be Luther Keene brought?" asks Philander, showing +unexpected business qualities; indeed, he is proving more of a wonder +to the young Chicagoan every hour. + +"Yes, and can find it easily enough by the red lamp in front," he +replies. + +"I see such a light along the strado." + +"That is, in all probability, our destination." + +They advance, and in another minute are at the door of the domicile +marked so conspicuously with a red light. + +John allows himself a brief period of ecstasy as he remembers that his +mother crossed this threshold only recently, and in his eyes this +renders it holy. + +Then he recovers his common sense, and is once more the wide-awake, +vigilant John Craig who met the advance of the mad dog so coolly upon +the hill road of Valetta. + +"There's a knocker," says the professor. + +"I'll try it," John replies, and as he swings the weight a ponderous +sound ensues, a hollow clamor that is loud enough to arouse the whole +street, John thinks. + +"Great guns!" mutters Philander, "it's a great piece of luck there's no +grave-yard near." + +"How's that?" demands his companion. + +"Well, that clang would arouse the dead," is the amazing reply. + +Further conversation is cut short by the sound of footsteps within--a +bolt is withdrawn, proving that the inmates of the house on the Strada +Mezzodi do not have the Maltese sense of honor that makes the presence +of locks and bars unnecessary. + +Then the door is opened. + +The red lantern gives a light that shows them the interior of this +Valetta house, and in the brilliant illumination stands a man, a native +Maltese servant. + +John has arranged his plan of action in such an event. He hopes the man +who opens the door may talk English. + +"Good evening," he says, courteously. + +The man returns the salutation gravely. + +"I would see the gentleman of the house on business of importance." + +"Are you Doctor Craig?" + +"That is my name." + +"John Alexander Craig?" + +"The same." + +"Of Chicago?" + +"You hit it, my friend of Malta." + +"Ah! you are expected--enter," is the surprising reply, and the +professor calls his attention to it by a sly dig in the ribs. + +They start to enter, when the faithful servitor of the house bars the +way of the professor. + +"Pardon; I said Doctor Craig." + +"Well?" demands Philander, bristling up. + +"You can wait for him outside. I will give you a chair, a cigar." + +The professor laughs in good humor. + +"Bless you, I'm Doctor Craig's shadow; he can't go anywhere but with me. +Fetch two chairs. We will interview your master outside." + +The citizen of Malta appears perplexed. John comes to the rescue. + +"It will be all right; this gentleman is my companion, my interpreter. +It is necessary that he accompany me. Enter, professor." + +His assurance carries the day; the man backs down and allows Philander +a passage. + +Their first point is gained. + +The servant having closed and barred the door and asked them to follow, +goes on ahead. The professor takes advantage of the opportunity +presented, and plucks John's sleeve, and as that worthy bends down, +he whispers: + +"Have you noticed it?" + +"What?" asks the young doctor. + +"His style of address, my boy; same words exactly that were used at the +hotel by the man who brought you the news." + +"Jove! you are right, professor. I imagine that must be the formal style +in this country." + +Philander chuckles. + +"You'll have to guess closer to the mark than that, my boy, when you +want to strike the truth." + +"What can you mean, sir?" + +"Bless you, it's the same man. Notice his walk; doesn't he hold himself +just so?" + +"Professor, you're wide awake. I admit all you say. There is a wonderful +resemblance. Yes, I believe it is the same man. Really, this affair +grows more and more interesting. Talk about your comedies, they're not +in it." + +Further conversation is cut off by the fact of their guide ushering them +into a room that is lighted with an antique lamp. + +"Wait here," he says, and disappears. + +John Craig manages to retain his self-possession, though it gives him +a thrill to think that he may be looking upon a scene which was only +recently graced by the presence of the being whom he seeks far and +wide--his mother. + +Now some one comes; they hear the rustle of skirts, and know it is no +man who advances. + +"Steady, boy," warns Philander, knowing the sensation produced in John's +quivering, expectant heart; "steady it is now, and keep your wits +bright." + +"Steady it is," replies John, who knows it is only right he should brace +up. + +Then the party advancing enters the apartment, and looking up the two +men behold one who is garbed in a peculiar habit, the insignia of an +order; a heavy black gown, corded at the waist, with a white flowing +collar, and a strange bonnet both black and white, the size of which +is astonishing. + +Her face they do not see, as a gauze vail hides it from mortal view. + +In this city of orders, where the nations of the world seem to vie with +each other in creating strange commanderies, it is nothing to meet with +such a garb. + +John Craig is a gentleman; he rises from his chair and bows; ditto +Philander, who keeps a little in his rear, as becomes a sensible, +well-behaved "shadow." + +The dress of the woman gives John an idea she is at the head of some +charitable organization which has set rules for dress and duty, although +his knowledge of such matters is not most profound. + +"Madame, pardon this intrusion," he says, at the same time wondering +whether she is English, French, or a native of Malta. + +Her reply comes in a low voice, and tells him she is as familiar with +the English language as himself, no matter what her nationality. + +"It is no intrusion, Doctor Craig. I have been expecting you." + +"Indeed; you surprise me, madame, since I sent no word of my coming." + +"Ah! a little bird sent me the news." + +"Do you know why I enter your abode without an invitation, madame?" + +"You seek news, Doctor Craig." + +"That is true." + +"News of one who has long been lost; news concerning a member of our +holy order; the dear sister who has consecrated her life to charity, and +who, under my fostering care, has long since redeemed her past--Sister +Magdalen." + +The words almost unnerve John; he has a feeling that perhaps Heaven +means to be kind and allow him the bliss he craves. + +"Ah! madame, you know my secret. It is true. I would find her, would +hear from her own lips the story of the past. I believe you can help +me. She has occupied this house." + +"That very chair upon which you are seated sustained her fainting form +one afternoon when she came in. I thought she was dying. In her hand she +carried a paper, an American daily. I glanced at it to see if I could +learn the truth, and saw it there as plain as day. She had read a notice +of a fire in Chicago where a young man named John Craig, said to be a +medical student, perished." + +"Did she see that account? It was cruel. The next day's paper refuted +the lie, and explained how he escaped," says John, warmly. + +"Yes, I saw it. She would give us no rest until we procured a later copy +of the same paper, and there she read the truth. Sister Magdalen was all +smiles from that hour; she said that Heaven had indeed answered her +prayer." + +"Tell me, is she here now?" holding his breath with suspense. + +"Oh! no, she went away several weeks ago. We shall not see her again +unless she chances to be one of three lay delegates now on their way +here from a sister sanctuary." + +"Then you can give me hope; let me know where I may find her?" + +"If I see my duty in that way, Doctor Craig," is the astonishing reply +he receives. + +He conceives the idea what this may mean. + +"Madame, I am ready to do what I can for the good of your order if you +will bring about this long anticipated meeting." + +"Your word shall be your bond. We need five hundred dollars to endow +another bed in the hospital at Rome." + +"It shall be yours; I swear it." + +"Hush, impious man! Your word is enough. On my part I promise that ere +an hour goes by you shall be in a fair way to look upon the face of one +who loves you more dearly than if you had never been lost to her." + +John hears and believes; he is not suspicious enough to put a double +meaning upon the words. + +"An hour--so soon? What am I to do in order to gain this consummation of +my hopes?" he asks, in deep surprise. + +"Nothing, only be content to remain here as my guests." + +John looks at Philander and the latter nods, for it all seems clear and +above board. + +"We agree, madame," says the young doctor. + +The Mother Superior, as they take her to be, bows her head solemnly. + +"It is well," she says, and touches a bell. + +Almost immediately the native servant appears, to whom she speaks in low +tones, while John wonders when so great a revolution in the affairs of +orders like this occurred whereby they are enabled to have men-servants. + +Hardly has the native vanished than another sister appears, carrying a +small tray upon which are seen a crystal bottle full of grape juice, +three odd glasses and a plate of plain flat cakes. + +"Doctor Craig, our order refuses the use of wines; this is the pure +juice of the grape, expressed at our own vineyard on this island. It is +as harmless as water, but refreshing. It is our simple habit to invite +our guests to join us in this way; we believe in the Arab rule of +breaking bread; those with whom we take salt are ever more our friends. +You will not, cannot refuse." + +How should they? + +John looks at the professor, and in turn the latter looks at John. + +"Madame, you have given me cause for happiness; we will join you in your +simple lunch," returns the young man. + +"You are wounded," noticing his arm in its sling. + +"Not seriously." + +"By chance I saw your adventure this day. I am proud to have the hero of +that noble deed for my guest." + +"Pardon; please do not mention it." + +He accepts a glass of the grape juice and an anise-seed cake, for this +plant is grown in Malta for export. + +The liquid is cold and very refreshing. John has a dozen questions on +the tip of his tongue, all of which relate to Sister Magdalen, but he +does not put them, for his thoughts become somewhat incoherent, and it +is so comfortable sitting there. + +When the Mother Superior raises her vail to sip from the amber glass of +unfermented wine John Craig, M.D., has sense enough to notice two +things; the hand that holds the glass is plump and fair, and the lips +under the vail form a Cupid's bow such as age can never know. + +This arouses a wild curiosity in his mind; he wonders what this woman, +who wears such a strange habit, can be like, and watches her with +something of eagerness. + +Surely the room is growing very close; a window opened would be a good +thing he believes, and yet somehow lacks the energy to open it, turns +his head, and sees the professor lying back in his chair _fast asleep_. + +This gives him a faint shock, but his nerves are deadened; nothing would +surprise him very much now, unless an earthquake occurred. + +"Rest your head, Doctor Craig; the back of the chair is very +comfortable," he hears a soft voice say. + +Warm breath fans his face. The Mother Superior has thrown aside that +ugly bonnet; it is a young, face, a fair face, surrounded by golden +curls, that looks down upon him, as with a stage laugh the woman rests +one hand on the head of the drugged medical student from Chicago, to +exclaim: + +"At last! he belongs to Pauline Potter!" + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + +THE BEAUTIFUL TIGRESS. + + +John Craig dreams. He fancies himself bathing with demon apes in the +wilds of Africa, having read an explorer's account of such a scene very +recently. + +They press him hard, and he can see no hope of escaping with his life. + +In the midst of his mental torture he opens his eyes, and the +disagreeable features of the case are suddenly swept away. + +Where can he be? Soft music throbs upon the scented air, he hears the +gentle plash of a fountain in a court near by; a mellow light, anything +but garish, shows him the most luxurious surroundings, silks and +velvets, brightness in color and gorgeousness in taste, everywhere. + +This amazes him; almost takes his breath away; it is so different from +his dream, which left him in a desperate hole. + +His mind seems dull of comprehension, which must be the effect of the +drug, so that for a brief time he is unable to understand the situation, +or grasp his condition. + +Then it dawns upon him, the mission that took him away from the hotel; +and having reached that point, he is wrestling with what must have +followed when something touches his face, something that is cool and +pleasant--the soft, white hand of a woman. + +Then Doctor Chicago's eyes flash open again, and he looks up startled; +he has just recollected Lady Ruth's story, and a wild hope rushes into +existence, a hope that could not be put into words, but which takes the +form of an idea that she whom the English girl met as Sister Magdalen, +his mother, is near. + +He looks up; his eyes fall upon a face that boasts of extreme beauty, a +face of wondrous black eyes and cheeks aflame, a face that, set in sable +coils of hair, would drive an artist wild with the desire to transfer +its charms to canvas. + +And John Craig, strange man, frowns. + +Evidently there is something in his composition that prevents him from +accepting what the prodigal gods have thrown in his path. + +"You?" he says, bluntly, and with disdain. + +The woman with the black eyes smiles sweetly as she continues to +soothingly touch his forehead, which throbs and burns as though he +endures the keenest pain. + +"Did you imagine it could be any other, my dear John? You deserted me, +but I believe you failed to know your own mind. At any rate I have +determined not to desert you." + +"Pauline, you do not--it is impossible for you to care for me after what +has happened." + +"Impossible! Why should it be? I can't help myself. I have seen others +profess to love me, have played with them as a queen might with her +subjects who prostrated themselves before her. Yet, John Craig, I never +loved but once. You have stirred my heart to its depths. I am not able +to analyze these feelings. I only know what I know." + +She does not feel the modesty of a young girl; much acting before the +public has made her brazen, this midnight beauty with the glowing eyes +black as sloes, the pouting lips, the figure of a Hebe. + +John Craig may have seen adventures before in his life, and probably has +been in many a fix, being fond of spending his vacations in rambling +over the wilderness away up in the Michigan peninsula, with a gun on his +shoulder; but plainly he has now met the crisis of his whole career. + +"Pauline, I am a frank fellow, as you know. It is not in me to dissemble. +I am going to speak plainly with you," he says, rising to a sitting +posture, and looking the actress full in the eyes. + +She moves uneasily, and her cheeks, which were erstwhile tinted with +scarlet, grow pallid. Then she sets her teeth and with a smile continues: + +"That is right, I hate a deceiver worse than anything else on earth. It +was your honest way, John Craig, that first drew me toward you. Yes, +speak your mind." + +Evidently she is in part prepared for the worst, though she has hoped +that the old witchery might be thrown about the young doctor. + +"When you treated me in that merciless way, long ago, the regard I felt +for you died out of my heart--your spell was broken." + +"Ah! John, you have thought so, perhaps, just as I did, but I learned +that these affections of ours are deeper than we suspect. I believed I +had dropped you forever, but time has taught me what a terrible wrench +it must be that would tear the image of John Craig from my heart." + +"I am sorry to hear you say so, Pauline, for on my part I have been +effectually cured. I even look back and regard our love-making as a +foolish, boyish fancy in which neither of us knew our own minds. Why +can't you do the same?" he says, calmly. + +"I am not built that way--my nature is of the tropical order, for my +mother was born in Corsica, you know. Some of these fair English girls +may be fickle, but Pauline Potter is the same as when she knew you in +Chicago. But, John Craig, this same love can change to hate; it is but +a step between the two, and no magician's wand is needed to make the +transformation." + +Already a change has swept over her face; it does not look so lovely +now, for the arched black brows meet in a frown, while from the midnight +eyes the fires of aroused passions begin to scintillate. + +Craig knows that when he stirs up the pool he arouses the worst elements +in her nature. Still he will not disguise his feelings and assume an +ardor he is far from feeling. + +Mentally he contrasts this girl with the English maid, and Pauline +suffers by the comparison. + +Perhaps a trifle of the scorn he feels shows upon his face. Pauline can +no longer call him her slave, and it may be this that arouses the new +feeling in her heart, for a woman will never bear the sneers of one whom +she has madly loved. + +"This is worse than foolish, Pauline. You seem to know at least a +portion of my mission abroad, and hence must be aware that I am in no +humor for love-making--that my whole soul is bound up in my search." + +"Well, I can help you, John," she says, quietly, holding her feelings in +check until she has ventured upon this last resort. + +"You can? Then I beg of you, Pauline, to give me assistance. To find my +mother is the one thought of my existence, and any one who can shorten +my quest must have my deepest gratitude." + +Pauline frowns again. + +"I hate that word; it has no place with me, John Craig. Friendship I +despise--it is either love or hate with me. Let me tell you what I am in +a position to do--find your mother for you, bring you face to face, or, +on the other hand, render it impossible for you to ever set eyes upon +her." + +Her manner proves it to be no idle boast, but the young man will not +descend to deceit, even when he might accomplish so much. + +"Will you bring about this meeting?" he asks. + +"On one condition, John." + +"Well"--hesitatingly--"name it." + +"That you marry me," is the prompt reply, and even Pauline, actress by +nature and vocation as she is, turns a trifle rosy under his gaze, +though not abashed. + +"That is a sudden ultimatum. Kindly tell me when you would like this +little affair to come off?" he asks, lightly. + +"Now--before I take you to the one you have long sought." + +"Pardon me; I can hardly collect my wits. You see I had not dreamed of +marrying for years. It is very, very sudden." + +"Oh! I'll give you time to reflect upon it, John. I wouldn't hurry up +such grave business." + +"I don't believe I need much time. Don't you think it is a rather strange +thing to demand payment before you deliver the goods?" + +"If you gave me your word, John, I would wait until I had carried out my +word." + +"You think you could trust me?" + +"I am willing to accept the chances." + +"Indeed!" + +"Will you make the promise?" + +"Not I." + +"Then you were simply gaining time," with a clenching of the small hands +and a gathering of the black brows. + +"I wanted to uncover your batteries; to learn what you knew; to +understand your designs. Now that you give me no alternative, I am +compelled to hurt your feelings by declaring myself able to find the one +I seek without the aid of Pauline Potter." + +As he speaks the last word he rises to his feet, once more feeling like +himself. + +"What would you do now, John Craig?" + +"Leave this building, since I was lured here under false pretenses. What +have you done with my companion?" + +"The funny little man? Oh, he left here long ago when he learned you had +fallen among old friends," she replies, carelessly. + +John remembers something now; it is the sight of Philander Sharpe lying +back in his chair drugged, and therefore he does not credit what the +actress says. + +"Will you show me the way out?" he asks. + +"I will do more." + +She claps her hands together in the oriental way of summoning a servant. + +Instantly the curtains move; three men enter the apartment, and John +realizes that Pauline Potter is about to show her teeth. + +He draws his figure up, for while not a pugnacious man, he knows how to +defend himself. As to his bravery who can question it after his action +of the afternoon? + +"Does it take three to show me to the door? With your permission I will +depart." + +"Not yet Doctor Chicago--not yet." + +"Ha! you would attempt violence. Well, I'm ready to meet these fellows, +thanks to the forethought that caused me to arm myself before starting +on this quixotic errand to-night." + +The young Chicagoan throws a hand back, meaning to draw the little +pocket revolver which has more than once served him well, but, to his +dismay, it is gone. + +He sees a derisive smile upon the features of Pauline, and knows she has +taken it while he lay there unconscious on the couch. + +"I was afraid you might do yourself damage, John. If you are wise you +will submit tamely," she says, and clapping her hands again sets the +three men upon him. + +Craig is no Hercules in build, and besides, his left arm is in rather +a poor condition for warfare, being exceedingly sore. + +Still he is not the one to submit tamely so long as a single chance +remains, and for the space of a minute there is a lively scene in the +oriental apartment, in which divans are overturned, men swinging +desperately around, and even Pauline Potter, accustomed to stage battles +only, is constrained to utter a few little shrieks of alarm. + +Then it is over. + +Doctor Chicago, breathing hard and looking his dogged defiance, stands +there in the hands of his captors. + +"Do you change your mind, John Craig?" asks the woman, fastening her +burning gaze upon his face. + +"I have too much Scotch blood in me for that. On the contrary, I am +more than ever determined to pursue my mission without any outside +assistance," he answers. + +"Take him away!" she cries, and the look that crosses her face can only +be likened to the black clouds preceding the hurricane. + +John struggles no longer, for he realizes that he is safer out of her +sight than in it. + +They take him through a door-way and the last he hears from the +beautiful tigress is her taunting cry of: + +"We will break this proud spirit of yours, John Craig--what you scorn +now you will beg for after awhile, when it is too late!" + +He wonders whether this is a prophecy. + +The men hurry him along a narrow hall, for many of these Maltese houses +are built in a queer way, nor do they treat him with consideration, but +rather the contrary. + +When he ventures to protest, the man who opened the door orders silence +and enforces it with a cowardly blow from his fist. + +John looks him straight in the eye and says: + +"You coward! I will remember that," at which the man turns his head away +and swears under his breath. + +Presently they halt in front of a door, which the leader unlocks. At a +word from him the young American is pushed inside. + +John, receiving such an impetus, staggers and throws out his hands for +support, but failing to find anything of this kind, pitches over, just +as the door slams shut. + +He recovers himself and sits up, a trifle bruised, but not otherwise +injured through his rough treatment. + +This is a nice predicament, to be shut up in a house of Valetta, while, +perhaps, Philander Sharpe returns to the hotel with a story of his +succumbing to the wiles of a beautiful enchantress. + +The steamer will sail without him, and the duse must be to pay +generally. + +John begins, like a man, to wonder if he can do anything for himself; +that spirit so distinctive, so Chicago like, will not allow him to sit +down and repine. + +Surrounded by gloom, how will he find out the nature of his prison? + +He endeavors to penetrate the darkness--a trace of light finds an +entrance under the door and relieves the somber blank. It does more, for +all at once John's eyes discover something that rivets his attention. + +There are two of them--eyes that gleam in the darkness like those of a +great cat. + +A thrill sweeps over the doctor; can it be possible they have shut him +in here with some great fierce animal that will tear him limb from limb? +Is this Pauline Potter's dramatic revenge? + +Who can blame him for a sudden quaking in the region of his heart--such +a fate is too terrible to calmly contemplate; but this qualm is only +momentary, and then Doctor Chicago is himself again, brave and +self-reliant. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + +HER DEBT CANCELED. + + +He begins to reason, to strain his mind in search of all the things he +ever heard with relation to a meeting between unarmed men and wild +beasts. + +The power of the human eye has been held up as an example, and surely +here is a chance to try it--the stake, his life. + +By this time he becomes cognizant of a certain fact that renders him +uneasy; the yellow orbs do not seem as far away as before, and it is +evident that they approach gradually nearer. + +He can even imagine the great body of the animal, perhaps a tiger from +African shores, creeping on its belly, inch by inch shortening the +distance between itself and its prey. + +John cannot retreat--already he is in a corner, with the wall behind, so +that all he can do is to await developments. + +Nearer still, until scarcely five feet separate him from the glowing +orbs, he can even hear the animal's stentorian breathing. + +John prepares for a terrible struggle; he holds his hands out so as to +clutch the great beast by the throat as he advances, and his muscles are +strained in order to sustain the shock. + +Just when he expects to hear the roar of a hunger-stricken beast, he is +astonished beyond measure at what occurs. + +"Scat! you rascal!" exclaims a voice, and there is heard a great +threshing sound, as though some one endeavors to intimidate by the +swinging of arms as well as by sound. + +"What! is that you, Professor Sharpe?" demands the doctor, amazed, +delighted, not because he has a companion in misfortune, but on account +of the dissipation of his fears respecting an assault. + +In another minute the two are embracing; there is nothing like danger to +bring men together and make them brothers. + +There is strength in union, and both of them feel better since the +meeting. + +Of course their thoughts are wholly bent on escape, and the talk is of +this. Sharpe has not been so thoroughly searched as his companion, and +soon produces a few matches, with which they proceed to examine their +dungeon. + +It is a gloomy prospect. + +The walls are heavy and of stone; there is no opening beyond a mere slit +in the corner through which comes wafts of the sweet air without. + +As to the door, it would withstand the assault of giants. + +Hopeless indeed does it all appear, and yet little do we poor mortals +know what the next minute may bring forth. + +While they are seated there, seeking to cheer up each other, it is +John's keen ears that detect the presence of some one at the door. + +This is not a new event that may be pregnant with hope--on the contrary, +it is possibly the next downward step in the line of Pauline Potter's +revenge. + +When the key turns in the lock, both men are on their feet ready to meet +whatever may be in store for them. + +The door swings open. + +Instead of a man, they see a woman of Malta. Upon her arm hangs a +lantern. She shades her eyes from its glare and looks upon the prisoners. + +To say Doctor Chicago is surprised would be putting it feebly; he is +amazed at the sight of a woman jailer. + +Now she fastens her eyes on his face, he can almost feel her gaze. She +advances a step or two. + +"Chicago?" she says, inquiringly. + +John hardly knows what she means. + +"Answer her," says Sharpe, quickly; "she wants to know if you are from +Chicago." + +"Yes," returns Craig, nodding. + +"Name?" + +"John Craig, M.D." + +"It is good. Come." + +He is thrilled with a new hope. Can this mean escape? or does the clever +Pauline play a new game with them? + +"Shall we go, Sharpe?" he asks, in a whisper. + +"Go--well, I reckon we'd be fools to let such a chance as this slip," +returns the little man, instantly. + +So they proceed to follow their strange guide, out of the dungeon door +and along the narrow passage after her. + +Again John suspects, and bends his head close to that of his comrade. + +"Professor." + +"Well, I'm wide awake. What is it you want?" returns the other. + +"Do you really mean to trust her?" + +"She seems friendly enough. We're out of that abominable place--bah! I'd +as soon be shut up in the Calcutta Black Hole as there." + +"But, Pauline--" + +"Well, what of her?" + +"She is a wonderfully shrewd girl, and this may only be one of her +tricks." + +"I don't believe it; she had us safe enough before. Besides, John, my +dear boy, I seem to have discovered something that has not yet made +itself apparent to you." + +"Then tell me." + +"You noticed how she stared at you and asked your name; why, it didn't +matter if a dozen Philander Sharpe were near by." + +"Yes, but get down to facts." + +"She is repaying her debt." + +"To me--she owes me nothing, man." + +"You mistake. As you walk, doctor, don't you feel your left arm twinge +some?" + +"Hang it, yes; but what's that got to do with this Maltese woman with +the lantern?" + +"Softly--speak in whispers if you don't want to arouse the house. See, +she turns and raises her forefinger warningly. Do you mean to say you +don't remember her, John?" + +"Her face is familiar, but--" + +He hesitates, and faces the professor. + +"I see, you've got it. You saved her child from the death fangs of the +mad dog, and a kind Heaven has placed her in a position to return the +favor, which she would do if the most terrible fate hung over her head." + +"It seems incredible," mutters the doctor. + +Nevertheless it is true; the one chance in ten thousand sometimes comes +to pass. + +Already has his afternoon's adventure borne fruit in more ways than one; +first it restored him to his former place in the esteem of Lady Ruth, +which his refusal to do her foolish errand had lost him, and now it +works greater wonders, snatching him from the baleful power of the +actress who, unable to rule, would ruin. + +Truly he has no reason to regret that heart affection, that love for +humanity which sent him out to snatch the dusky child of Malta from the +fangs of the beast. + +Now they have reached a door that is heavily barred, proving that their +course has been different from the one by means of which they gained the +dungeon. + +The woman lays down her lantern and takes away the bars. Then she places +her hand on John's arm. + +"You saved my child, Chicago; I save you." + +She smiles, this dusky daughter of Malta, as if greatly pleased at being +able to frame her thoughts in English--smiles and nods at the young +doctor. + +"But you--she may punish you," he says, and she understands, shaking her +head. + +"She no dare; I am of Malta; also, I shall see her, this proud mistress, +no more," which doubtless means that she intends taking French leave as +soon as the Americans have gone. + +John takes her hand and presses it to his lips; a dusky hand it is, but +no cavalier of old ever kissed the slender member of a lady love with +more reverence than he shows. + +"Go, it is danger to stay," she says, with something of a look of alarm +on her face, as from the interior of the dwelling comes some sort of +clamor which may after all only turn out to be the barking of a dog +confined in the court where the fountain plays, but which at any rate +arouses her fears. + +They are only too glad to do so; after being confined in that murky +dungeon the outside air seems peculiarly sweet. + +It must be very late, and in this quarter, at least, the noises of the +earlier night have passed away. + +The only sounds that come plainly to their ears are the booming of the +heavy tide on the rocks, and the sweep of the night wind through the +cypress trees. + +When they turn again after making an effort to locate themselves, the +door in the wall is closed, and the Maltese woman is gone. + +There is no cause for them to linger, and they move away. + +John Craig has nothing to say. The disappointment has been keen, and he +does not yet see a ray of light ahead. + +Hope had such a grasp upon his soul, when he started from the hotel, +that the fall has been more disastrous. + +Not so Philander Sharpe. + +An evil fortune has kept him pretty quiet for quite a little while now, +and he begins to make up for it in part, chirping away at a merry rate +as they push their way along the street. + +At first Doctor Chicago pays little heed to what he says, but presently +certain words catch his ear and tell him that the professor is not +merely speaking for oratorical effect or to hear himself talk. + +"What's that you say, sir?" he asks. + +Cheerfully Philander goes back to repeat. + +"I was saying that I experienced queer sensations when I came to. They +had carried you away to some more luxurious apartment, but I was left +where I went to sleep--anything was good enough for Philander Sharpe. + +"At first I was dazed; the soft murmur of the fountain came near putting +me to sleep again with its droning voice. Then I suddenly remembered +something--a charming face with the flashing eye of a fiend. + +"That aroused me to a comprehension of the position, and I no longer +cared to sleep. Action was necessary. I knew they cared little about +Philander Sharpe, as it was you the trap had been set for--hence I was +perhaps in a position to accomplish something. + +"I left my chair and prowled around. They had disarmed me, and my first +natural desire was to find some sort of weapon with which I could do +service in case of necessity. + +"In thus searching I came across a peculiar knife, perhaps used as a +paper-cutter, but of a serviceable kind, which I pocketed. + +"More than this, I discovered something that I thought would prove of +importance to you, and this I hid upon my person, very wisely, too, for +a short time later I was suddenly set upon by three miserable rogues, +who crept upon me unawares, and in spite of my frantic and Spartan-like +resistance, they bore me away along a dim passage, to finally chuck me +into the vile den where you came later and alarmed me so dreadfully, as +I fully believed it must be some tiger cat they had been pleased to shut +in with me." + +The little professor rattles off these long sentences without the least +difficulty--words flow from his lips as readily as the floods roll over +Niagara. + +When John sees a chance to break in he hastily asks what it is the +professor has discovered that interests him. + +Whereupon Philander begins to feel in his various pockets, and pull out +what has been stored there. At last he utters an exclamation of +satisfaction. + +"Eureka! here it is. Found it lying on a desk. Was attracted by the +singular writing." + +"Singular writing! that makes me believe it must have come from my +mother." + +"It is signed Sister Magdalen." + +"Then that proves it; you remember what Lady Ruth said about meeting a +Sister in Paris who resembled the miniature I have of my mother. It was +a kind fate that brought this to you, professor." + +"Well, you see, I always had a faculty for prying around--might have +been a famous explorer of Egyptian tombs if I hadn't been taken in and +done for by Gwen Makepeace." + +"Was there anything particularly interesting in this letter?" asks John. + +"I considered it so--you will see for yourself," is the reply. + +All is darkness around them. John is possessed of patience to a +reasonable extent, but he would like to see what this paper contains. + +"Professor, you seem to have about everything; can you drum up a cigar +and a match?" + +"Both, luckily." + +"Ah! thanks," accepting them eagerly. + +"It may be dangerous to light up here," says Philander, cautiously, but +the other is deaf to any advice of this sort. + +There is a rustling of paper, then the match is struck, and Doctor +Chicago is discovered bending low in order to keep it from the wind. His +cigar is speedily lighted, and his eyes turned upon the paper which +Philander has given him--Philander, who hovers over him now in eager +distress, anxious to hear John's opinion, and yet fearful lest the rash +act may bring danger upon them. + +John's lips part to utter an exclamation of mingled amazement and +delight, when from a point close to their shoulders an outcry proceeds; +the burning match has betrayed them. + + + + +CHAPTER IX. + +BRAVO, PHILANDER! + + +It is impossible for them to understand just at the moment what has +occurred. + +They are in a part of the Maltese city that Europeans might well +hesitate to visit at the hour of midnight, however much they would +frequent it in daylight. + +The natives of Valetta have not all become reconciled to British rule, +and although no open outbreak occurs, more than once has it been placed +in evidence that there is a deep feeling of resentful distrust in +certain quarters, which only awaits an opportunity to show its ugly +teeth. + +Knowing this fact, it is general principles more than anything else that +causes Philander to have concern. + +When those loud cries break forth close at hand, he knows his fears were +not without foundation. + +John Craig is also suddenly brought to a realization of the fact that he +has hardly been prudent in his action. + +He stows the paper away with a single movement of his hand. It is +precious to him, and must be kept for future study. + +Then he is ready to face those who, by their presence and outcries, +announce themselves as the foes of foreigners. + +There are many secret societies on the famous island besides the Knights +of Malta, and it is not at all improbable that an organization exists +which has for its main object the eventual uprising of the Maltese and +their freedom from the British yoke. + +This would naturally be kept a secret, and not proclaimed from the flat +roofs of Valetta, or the platform of St. Lazarus. + +Philander has shown remarkable traits upon this night of nights, traits +which Doctor Chicago never suspected he possessed. He now proves that, +in addition to these other commendable qualities, he has wonderful +presence of mind, and that no sudden emergency can stupefy his senses. + +Just as soon as the outcry is heard, he draws the small, cimeter-shaped +paper-knife, which he claimed would make a serviceable weapon. + +At the same time he cries out: + +"We're in for it, John, my boy! Don't be too proud to run. Legs, do your +duty!" + +With which remark Philander starts his lower extremities into action, +turning his head to make sure that his companion has not hesitated to +follow. + +If the professor is a small man, he has the faculty for getting over +ground at quite an astonishing rate of speed. His short legs fairly +twinkle as they measure off the yards; and, given a fair show, he would +lead any ordinary runner a race. + +The darkness, the uneven street, and his unfamiliarity with his +surroundings, are all against him now, so that he cannot do himself +justice. + +Suddenly he misses his companion. John was close beside him ten seconds +before--John, who is a sprinter from athletic education, and who could +have distanced the professor with only half an effort had he wished, but +who moderated his speed to conform with that of his less favored friend. + +The shouts have continued all this while, proving that the citizens of +Valetta have steadfastly pursued them with some dark purpose in view. + +Just as soon as Philander Sharpe makes this discovery, his action is one +that proves him a hero. + +He stops in his tracks, and no longer keeps up his flight. + +"Turn the other way, boys! At 'em like thunder! As Sheridan said at +Cedar Creek: 'We'll lick 'em out of their boots,'" is the astonishing +cry he sends forth, as he begins to travel over the back trail. + +This speedily brings him upon the scene of action. Several dark figures +have come to a halt around a prostrate object. They are the men of +Valetta, who have organized this secret vendetta against all foreigners. + +It is easy to understand why they thus halt. John Craig is the +recumbent, struggling figure on the roadway; John Craig, who has +possibly been lassoed by some expert among the pursuers, and who kicks +with the vim and energy of a free American citizen. + +This Philander understands instantly, and also comprehending that he +must do something very speedily, throws himself into the midst of the +dusky Maltese thugs. + +The advent of a wild-cat could not produce more astonishment and +consternation than this sudden coming of the energetic little man. + +He accompanies his assault with the most energetic movements of both +arms and legs, and his shrill voice keeps time to the music. + +As he holds the cimeter-knife in one hand, his movements are not without +certain painful accompaniments. The men fall back in dismay. A momentary +panic is upon them. Philander is shrewd enough to know this will not +last, and he does not attempt to pursue them. + +Upon finding that for the time being the scene is left to him, and that +he is the master of the situation, the professor bends down to free his +companion from the noose that binds his arms. + +Already has John managed to gain a sitting posture, as the fellow at the +other end of the rope forgets to pull steadily upon it in his alarm at +the new phase of affairs. + +Before he can collect his wits, and once more stretch the line, +Philander's keen blade of Damascus steel is pressed against the rope, +and as it comes taut it instantly separates. + +This is enough for John, who has now gained his feet, and throws aside +the entangling loop. + +His tumble has had a queer effect on the young doctor; usually cool and +cautious, he has been transformed into a Hotspur; there is a sudden +desire for revenge. + +In his hand he holds a cudgel, which he snatched from the street as he +arose. It is the spoke of a wheel belonging to some light vehicle, and +which no doubt one of the assailants carried. + +With this flourishing about his head, Doctor Chicago leaps in among the +Maltese and belabors them right and left. + +As Philander, seeing what is going on, and knowing his assistance would +be appreciated, springs to his side, the dusky sons of Malta break and +run. + +They realize, perhaps, that they have waked up the wrong customers, and +immediate flight is the only thing that will save them from the result +of their impetuosity. + +The two Americans make a pretense of pursuing them, but truth to tell +their course really lies in an altogether different direction, and, as +if by mutual consent, they suddenly turn right about face. + +Taking advantage of the enemy's discomfiture, they are enabled to make +good their escape, and presently reach the vicinity of the hotel, rather +out of breath, and looking somewhat the worse for their strange +adventures. + +Professor Sharpe has been glowing with pride and satisfaction up to the +moment they reach the caravansary, then all of a sudden he seems to +collapse. + +A sound comes from a window above; a clear, sibilant sound; a human +voice uttering one word, but investing it with a volume of reproach +beyond description. + +That word: + +"Philander!" + +The doughty little professor, who has proved himself as brave as a lion +in the face of actual and overwhelming danger, now shows positive signs +of flunking. He clutches the arm of his fellow-adventurer, and whispers: + +"John Craig, remember your solemn promise." + +"Never fear; I'll stand by you, professor." + +"Philander Sharpe!" + +This time the inflection is more positive and acrid. It is no longer a +tone of plaint and entreaty, but touches the Caudle lecture style. Of +course, he can no longer ignore the presence of his better half. + +"It's I, Gwendolin," he says, meekly. + +"Oh, it is! You've condescended to take some notice of me at last. Well, +I'm glad to see you. Come up stairs at once, and confess that you've +treated me abominably, you bad man." + +"For Heaven's sake let's get in before a crowd gathers," groans the +professor, with a glance of horror up in the direction of the +white-capped head protruding from, the second-story window. + +Craig is amused, but takes pity on his companion, so they enter the +hotel together. + +"Will you tell her all?" he asks. + +"She'll never rest content now until she discovers it," says Philander, +sadly. + +"Then make a clean breast. I give you permission to speak of my affairs, +only--" + +"What?" + +"Somehow I'd rather not have Lady Ruth know about Pauline Potter, and +the foolish whim that causes her to pursue me." + +At this Philander chuckles, being able to see through a millstone with a +hole in it. + +"I'll warn Gwendolin, then. She entertains a warm feeling for you, +John--always has since making your acquaintance; and after the event of +to-day, or rather yesterday, since it is past the witching hour of +midnight, she is ready to do anything for you." + +"Well, good-night, professor," with a warm shake of the hand, for what +they have passed through in common to-night will make these two the best +of friends. + +When John Craig finds himself alone, he does not at once retire to +his small room. Sleep is one of the last things he thinks of just at +present, his mind has been so wrought up by the events of the night. + +The hotel remains open. It is not customary, for there are no late +trains to come in at Valetta, and the people keep early hours, as a +usual thing, but this is an exceptional time of the year, preceding +Lent, and there may be some other reason besides that causes an +all-night open house. + +Doctor Chicago finds a chair, and seats himself, first of all to reflect +upon the singular train of events that has marked a red cross in his +career since the last sunrise. + +His stricken arm pains him, but he has not the slightest fear as to the +ultimate outcome of that episode; the self-inflicted scorching with the +hot iron effectually ended that. + +At last he draws out the piece of paper which Philander secured in the +room that marked their downfall, the paper that bears the signature of +Sister Magdalen. + +Lady Ruth's reminiscence has thus proved of great value to him. + +He takes out one of the notes which came periodically to him--it is the +one that bore the postmark of Valetta, Malta. Holding the two side by +side, he eagerly compares them. + +"Yes, the same hand penned both--I would swear to that." + +Long he muses, sitting there. The papers have been put away, his cigar +falls unheeded to the floor, and his thoughts fly far away. + +Finally he arises, with a sigh, and seeks his room, to rest very poorly, +between the pain of his arm and the worry of his mind. + +Another day dawns upon Valetta. + +As yet the tourists, who sojourn at the city of Malta by the sea, have +received no intimation that the disabled steamer is in a condition to +proceed. + +This means another day on the island, for which few are really sorry, as +Valetta is not an unpleasant place in winter. + +Our friends gather around the breakfast-table, and conversation is +brisk. More than once Lady Ruth watches the face of John Craig. She is +anxious to hear what success he met with on the preceding night, and +will doubtless find an opportunity for a quiet little chat after the +meal. + +On his part, Craig is uneasy, feeling that he owes her a recital of +facts, and yet loth to tell her anything about Pauline Potter, for he +is ashamed of his boyish infatuation with regard to the Chicago actress. + +So he dallies over his breakfast, hoping that something will turn up to +lead their thoughts in another channel, and at least give them a longer +respite. Perhaps a message will come from the steamer announcing an +immediate sailing. + +He is eager to be off. Whatever was in the note Philander picked up in +the house of the Strada Mezzodi, it has given John a feverish anxiety to +reach some other port. + +Ah! here is the good captain of the Hyperion himself, a jolly sea-dog +whom every passenger clings to in time of storm and trouble, and who +buoys up trembling souls, fearful of the worst, with his hearty, +good-natured manner. + +He announces aloud for the benefit of his passengers that a notice just +posted in the office of the hotel gives the time of the vessel's sailing +at seven in the evening, and all passengers are requested to be on board +before that hour, if possible. + +This means another day on shore. It means that John Craig cannot longer +elude the recital of his night's adventures to Lady Ruth. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + +SPRUNG ALEAK! + + +Lady Ruth captures him very soon after breakfast by means of a clever +little piece of diplomacy. John is really amused at the manner in which +she manages this affair, and allows himself to be carried off to enjoy a +bird's-eye view of the harbor which she has discovered at the end of the +piazza, and which he must pass an opinion upon. + +The others do not follow, Philander and Aunt Gwen, because they know +what is going on, and Sir Lionel, on account of a bore of a British +nobleman who has fastened upon him, and talks an incessant streak. + +Miss Caprice, as Aunt Gwen has christened Lady Ruth, suddenly develops a +new phase in the conversation. + +"Do you know what time it was when you came in last night?" she says, +shaking a finger at him, whereat John laughingly declares his ignorance, +having failed to take note of it. + +"Just a quarter of two." + +"Is it possible? Really, I--" + +"Now, it would be only justice to myself to tell how I happened to +know. Awaking from sleep with a slight headache, I arose to get my +smelling-salts, and noted the time. + +"Just then I heard Aunt Gwen's angelic voice calling down. My first fear +was that Uncle Philander had gone off on some sort of racket, and was +returning in no condition for a gentleman, for which suspicion I humbly +beg his pardon, for he's just as lovely as a man ever could be." + +"A fine little fellow, I'll declare, and he stood by me like a hero," +declares John, with great earnestness. + +"Well, I'm a woman, you know, and curious. I poked my head out of the +window, and saw that you were with the professor. Of course, I knew he +was all right, then." + +The charming _naivette_ with which she makes this engaging remark almost +takes John's breath away. He feels a mad desire to take her in his arms, +and to call her "you blessed darling," or some other similarly foolish +pet name. + +Fortunately he contents himself with putting his feelings into a burning +look, the ardor of which causes the cheeks of the young ma'mselle to +grow as red as fire, and she looking the other way at the time. + +"I promised to tell you what success I had in my search," he begins, +knowing the confession to be inevitable. + +Now she looks at him eagerly, expectantly. + +"Yes, and I have tried to read the result in your face, but fear that it +has not been flattering." + +So he tells her all, dealing lightly with the matter of Miss Pauline, +though she is such an important factor in the game that she cannot be +ignored. + +Lady Ruth looks him directly in the eyes with her own steel blue orbs, +so honest, so strong, that John has always delighted to meet their gaze, +nor does he avoid it now. + +"Perhaps I have no business to ask, Doctor Craig, but this Pauline +Potter--what is she to you, what was she to you that she goes to all +this trouble? Have you a secret of hers which she desires to gain?" + +"I desire to retain your good opinion, Lady Ruth, and consequently am +anxious that you should know all. I shall not spare myself one iota." + +So he explains how the fascinating actress caught his boyish fancy some +two years previous, and how devoted he had been to her until he learned +of her duplicity. + +Then followed his denunciation in the presence of several admirers, +after which he had not seen her again until the night before. + +All of which is told in a frank way, and listened to with earnestness. + +At the conclusion of his narrative, John looks again into Lady Ruth's +face to see whether she condemns him or not, and is gratified to +discover a smile there. + +"I think you are little to blame, Doctor Chicago. Like all young men, +you were dazzled by the bright star that flashed before your eyes; but +your illusion lasted only a brief time, for which you may be thankful. +As to this woman's endeavor to regain your regard, it shows what a +brazen creature she is." + +The fine contempt she feels is written on her face, and John is glad he +made a full confession of the whole matter. + +"I hope I will never see her again," he says, in a penitent way. + +"So do I," she echoes, and then turns a trifle red, hastily adding: "for +your sake, doctor. Now, tell me what you hope to do about finding your +mother." + +Thus, with the diplomacy of a general, upon finding herself growing +uncomfortable she instantly changes the situation, and brings a new +question to the fore. + +John does not notice this. He is too well pleased with the fact that she +overlooks his indiscretion, and still grants him her valued friendship. + +He goes on to explain his plans. + +They are not elaborate. The paper which Philander Sharpe discovered +gives him a new clew, and this he means to push to the utmost. + +He anticipates success, but is gradually learning to tone down his +enthusiasm, realizing that difficulties beset his way. + +Thus all has been told, and he has not lost rating with the proud +English girl, for whose good opinion he is coming to be solicitous. + +Presently Aunt Gwen is heard calling her niece, and they think it time +to join the rest, as the plans of the day are being discussed. + +There are still many things to be seen on the Island of Malta by the +curious. A few even start for the city of Civita Vecchia in the center +of the island, but our friends decide against such an expedition, as +there is a chance of delay, and the captain may refuse to hold his +vessel an hour longer than is absolutely necessary. + +Again they start out, and in seeing various curious things the day is +gradually passed. + +John is glad that no sign is discovered that would indicate the presence +of Pauline Potter near them. + +He has feared lest the vindictive actress might take it into her head +to suddenly appear, and publicly denounce him as her recreant lover, and +thinking thus, is especially glad that he told Lady Ruth the whole story. + +So the day ends. + +It has been a remarkably pleasant one to all of them, and John has +certainly enjoyed it to the utmost. When I say all, there should be an +exception, for Sir Lionel is in anything but an angelic frame of mind. + +He has been wont to look upon the young American's chances with regard +to winning Lady Ruth as exceedingly slim, when such a hero as himself +enters the field. + +That is an Englishman's egotism sure enough. To him Doctor Chicago seems +only a boy, and he looks upon John's daring to enter the lists against +him as a specimen of Yankee assurance. + +This day teaches Sir Lionel that nothing can account for the vagaries of +a girl's mind. She even shows a decided preference for the society of +the American, allows him to carry her parasol, to assist her up the +steps when they visit the signal tower, and on several occasions they +manage to slip off by themselves, and can be seen eagerly comparing +notes and exchanging opinions respecting the magnificent views that are +to be suddenly discovered at various points. + +The British soldier is too old a campaigner not to know what all this +signifies, though the bull-dog elements in his composition will not let +him dream of giving up as yet. + +"It's all owing to that beastly little affair of yesterday. The boy made +a big jump in her estimation, when he saved that child. It was a brave +act. I don't want to say a word to the contrary, and the lad has grit, +more than I ever dreamed of; but I want Lady Ruth, by Jove, more than I +ever wanted anything in all my life, and as I've said before, when a +British soldier fails to succeed one way, he will another." + +Thinking thus, Sir Lionel cudgels his brains during the day, in order to +invent some _coup de grace_ by means of which he may cleverly regain his +lost prestige. + +When a man allows his passions to get the better of his judgment +and sense of fair play, he is really but a single step from being a +scoundrel, and although Sir Lionel would have vehemently scouted the +suspicion of his doing anything to sully his fair name, he nevertheless, +in his desperation at being worsted in a love affair by a mere boy, goes +about some things that are hardly fair. + +It has been decided that the little party shall go aboard after supper, +by the light of the young moon, which will be nearly overhead. + +Two boats have been engaged to wait for them at the quay. + +It is at this time Sir Lionel hopes to make his point, and to accomplish +it he does not hesitate to descend to a low plane, and even imperil +human life. + +When they reach the quay a breeze is blowing, but not strong enough to +cause any uneasiness. + +The party place their luggage in one boat. + +Then comes a pretty piece of by-play that really reflects credit upon +the engineering skill of the soldier, for it is his hand that pulls the +strings. + +Lady Ruth steps into one boat. One of the men having stopped John to ask +him something, the colonel is given a chance to occupy the same boat, +and, when Doctor Chicago arrives, he is told by the boatman that this +craft having two passengers, and being smaller than the other, can carry +no more. + +Sir Lionel as they push off sings out to him, pleasantly: + +"A Roland for an Oliver, Chicago." + +John smothers his chagrin and enters the other, boat with Aunt Gwen and +the professor. After all, it is only for a brief time, and surely he can +afford to give Sir Lionel that pleasure. + +Thus they set out. + +Lady Ruth appears to be in good spirits, for they can hear her voice in +song, blending with the bass of the baronet, floating over the waves, +which are really rougher than any of them had anticipated. + +The lights of the steamer can be seen, and they head for her. + +Suddenly the song ceases to float across the water. It comes so suddenly +to a stop that John Craig sits up in the other boat and clutches the arm +of the professor. + +"Listen! I thought I heard a slight scream." + +"Nonsense!" exclaims Aunt Gwen. + +"That British prig--" + +"Sir Lionel is a gentleman. He would not sully his reputation by a word +or deed." + +"There--again." + +"That time I heard it, too. Boatman, bend to your oars, and pull. There +is something wrong with the other boat," cries the professor. + +Then across the bounding waters comes a hail, in the lion-like voice of +the Briton. A hail that stirs the blood in their veins until it runs +like molten lava--a hail that tells of danger. + +"Ho! there, this way, quick! We're sinking! sprung aleak!" + +Such is the cry that comes to them. + +All are at once alarmed. The boatman is pulling well, but, to John's +excited fancy, it seems as though they hardly move. + +He springs up, and takes one of the oars. + +"Professor, mind the helm!" he cries. + +"Ay, ay!" sings out that worthy, adapting himself immediately to the +situation. + +The young American is hardly an athlete, although he belongs to one of +Chicago's best boat clubs. + +He has an incentive now which causes him to strain every muscle, and +under the united strength of two men the boat dances over the billows in +the quarter whence the cry of help was heard. + +It nevertheless takes them nearly five minutes to reach the scene, and +this is the longest five minutes John ever knew. + +Only the voice of the boatman is heard, still calling, and by this they +know that the climax has already come. + +A dreadful fear almost palsies John's heart as they reach the scene. + +The boatman is discovered, clinging to the oars, and showing some +evidence of alarm. Perhaps he has had more than he bargained for. + +John helps him in. + +"Where are the others?" he cries, hoarsely. + +"I am afraid, lost." + +"Just Heaven! What has happened?" + +"Boat sprung leak--go down fast. Soldier say he save lady, but struck +his head on boat and lose senses. I saw them no more." + +It is horrible! + +"Did the boat sink?" asks John, huskily. + +"I do not know." + +"Would it sink under such circumstances?" he asks their own boatman, +who also has the appearance of being rattled. When they entered into a +little trickery with Sir Lionel, they had no idea it would turn out so +tragically, and the possible serious consequences now staring them in +the face make them uneasy. + +"No; it could not," returns that worthy. + +"Then, if floating still, we must find it. Our only chance lies there." + +Fortunately John is, in a measure, self-possessed. He at least shows +himself equal to the emergency. + +They pull in the direction where it is most likely they will find what +they seek. + +John twists his neck as he rows, and endeavors to scan the sea around +them. Again and again he calls out, hoping in the fullness of his heart +that some answering cry may come back. + +What leaden seconds those are--never can they forget them. + +"I see something!" says Aunt Gwen, who is crouching in the bow, +regardless of the spray that now and then spatters her. + +"Where away?" demands John, eagerly. + +"Straight ahead." + +They pull with fierce energy. + +"Can you make it out?" + +"It's the swamped boat," replies Aunt Gwen, who has remarkable eyes for +one of her age. + +John shouts again. + +"Boat ahoy!" + +This time an answer comes back, but not in the roar of the British lion. + +"Here--come quickly--I am nearly worn-out!" + +John's heart gives a great bound. + +"Thank Heaven! It is Lady Ruth!" he says. + + + + +CHAPTER XI. + +AN UNWELCOME PASSENGER. + + +John can hold back no longer, but gives his oar to the boatman, and +seeks the bow in place of Aunt Gwen, who allows him the privilege. + +They are now almost upon the floating swamped boat. + +"Careful now. Don't run into the wreck. I see her," and with the last +words, John, who has kicked off his shoes in almost a second of time, +throws coat and vest down in the boat and leaps overboard. + +His hands seize upon the gunwale of the nearly submerged boat, over +which each wave breaks. He pulls himself along, and thus reaches Lady +Ruth whom he finds holding on to one of the tiller ropes which has +formed a loop, through which her arm is passed. + +"Thank Heaven! You are safe! Here comes the boat! You must let me help +you in, Lady Ruth!" he says, dodging a wave and ready to clutch her if +she lets go. + +"I am not alone. You must take him in first," she gasps. + +Then John for the first time becomes aware that she is supporting Sir +Lionel, whose arm has also been passed through the rounded tiller rope. + +He seems to hang a dead weight. + +Amazed at the action of the brave English girl, John at once takes hold +of the soldier. The boat by this time comes up. + +In getting him aboard a spill is narrowly averted, and now a new +trouble arises. The boat will hold no more, and is dangerously loaded +even now. + +What can be done? Lady Ruth must be taken aboard. Her strength is +almost gone, and John, in deadly fear lest one of the hungry waves +should tear her away before their very eyes, passes an arm around her +waist. + +He takes in the situation. + +"Here, you!" to the already wet boatman, "tumble overboard, quick now. +We can hold on behind, I reckon." + +The man hesitates, and this is a bad time for deliberation. + +Professor Sharpe suddenly seizes upon him, and in almost the twinkling +of an eye has the fellow overboard, more through a quick movement than +any show of strength. + +"There's a boat from the steamer coming this way. Hail it, Philander!" +exclaims Aunt Gwen, and this gives them new life. + +Lady Ruth is now taken into the boat with some degree of caution. + +Sir Lionel shows no sign of life, and both ladies are extremely +solicitous about him, so the professor bends down to make a cursory +examination. + +"He'll be all right when the water is pumped out of him," he announces. + +The boat from the steamer comes up, led to the spot by Philander's +shrill whoops, and the men in the water are rescued. + +In ten minutes they reach the side of the steamer and go aboard. A +terrible disaster has been narrowly averted, and John cannot but feel +amazed at the wonderful grit shown by this girl, who saved the baronet +from a watery grave. + +It proves his estimation of her qualities at the time she assisted to +bind up his arm was not out of the way. + +As the two boatmen are about to go down into their craft again, the one +who has not been in the water beckons John, who has not yet sought his +cabin-room to change his soaked clothes. + +"Will the gentleman recover?" he asks. + +"You mean Sir Lionel? Oh, yes! He is already back in his senses. +Strangely enough the first question he asked upon learning that Lady +Ruth was saved, concerned your companion, and when he learned that the +boatman had also survived, he said: 'The devil!'" + +At this the man chuckles. + +"I understand--perhaps you can. I like you, sir, while his ways make me +mad. He thinks we Maltese dogs. I say no more--only look out for him. It +easy to sink when plank in boat loosened." + +Without another word the fellow slides down the rope to his boat, and +pushes off with his soaked companion. + +When John turns and heads for his state-room, he has something to think +about, and the consciousness that there has been some foul play about +this accident makes him decidedly uneasy. + +Now they are off, the passengers who in the morning started on a +pilgrimage to Civita Vecchia having returned in good time. + +When Doctor Chicago once more comes on deck, clad in warm, dry clothes, +the lights of Valetta are astern, and the steamer is putting miles +between them. + +He paces up and down, reflecting upon the startling event of the evening. + +What can the significant words of the boatman mean, if not what he +suspects. + +John would not wrong any one, and he believes it policy to keep this +to himself. At the same time he realizes that the game is taking on a +desperate phase, when a gentleman of Sir Lionel's caliber descends to +such treachery, in order to make himself a favorite with the fair +English maid. + +Of course, it was his intention to save Lady Ruth and appear the hero. +He trusted in his well-known ability as an expert swimmer to accomplish +this, and never once thought fate would step in and deal him such a blow. + +As near as can be learned from what the wet boatman said when picked +up, just when the craft was sinking Sir Lionel must have stumbled and +fallen, striking his head upon the gunwale, which rendered him +unconscious. + +John walks up and down, smoking and pondering, and, when his thoughts go +toward Lady Ruth, he smiles as if they are pleasant. + +Twice he goes to seek the stewardess to make inquiries concerning the +young woman, and is gratified to hear that the ship's Scotch surgeon has +given her a glass of warm toddy to keep her from taking cold as a result +of her exposure, and that having retired she is now in a perfectly +natural sleep. + +Pleased with this, he lights another cigar and resumes his walk, to meet +Sir Lionel, who has quite recovered from his ducking, and is disposed to +treat the whole matter something like a joke. + +John engages him in conversation for a purpose, and learns what he can +about the peculiar affair; but the soldier professes to know nothing +beyond the fact that the boatman suddenly cried that the craft was +sinking, whereupon he called out for assistance from the other boat, +and then, as the emergency seemed very close, he sprang up to save Lady +Ruth, when his foot caught in the thwart and he pitched heavily forward. + +He was not wholly unconscious, and with some one's help, he knew not +whom at the time, he managed to crook his arm through the rope belonging +to the tiller. After which he knew no more until he came to on board the +steamer and found the surgeon pouring whisky down his throat. + +"Perhaps your boatman was crazy. I'm sure our fellow must have been out +of his mind, judging from his actions when leaving the steamer. Why, he +even warned me to keep an eye on you, sir." + +At this the Englishman removes his cigar from between his teeth, looks +hard at the doctor, says "by Jove!" several times, and then laughs +heartily. + +"That is very funny. Indeed, I can't remember anything that strikes +me as more peculiar. Any one can watch me--my actions are, I hope, +above-board. It is true I am disappointed in not having been able to +have saved Lady Ruth, but so long as some one took her from the water, +what does it matter? The boatmen are mad, because they lost a craft. +Jove! I'd like to teach them a lesson for taking out passengers in a +cranky, rotten boat. Do you know, I believe my foot went clean through +the bottom when I jumped up." + +This, spoken in a frank, ingenuous way, quite disarms John. + +He does not like to think evil of his fellow human beings, at any rate. + +The wind is increasing meanwhile, and clouds hide the young moon. + +"I believe we will have a storm," is the last remark Sir Lionel makes, +as he staggers across the rising deck and makes a plunge down into the +cabin, for although a duck in the water, the Briton is no yachtsman, and +possibly already feels the terrible grip of the coming _mal de mer_. + +His words are soon verified, however, for the waves and wind continue to +rise until the steamer is mightily buffeted. Still John remains on deck. +There is a fascination for him in the scene that words cannot express. +When he has had enough he will find his state-room and sleep, for surely +he needs it after being awake a good deal of the preceding night at +Valetta. + +Darker grow the heavens. Thunder rolls, and the electric current cuts +the air, illuminating the wild scene with a picturesque touch that is +almost ghastly in its yellow white. + +The steamer is well built, and in good condition to withstand the +tempest, roar as it may. John tires of the weird spectacle at last, +and he, too, makes a plunge for the cabin, reaching it just in time to +escape a monster wave that makes the vessel stagger, and sweeps along +the deck from stem to stern. + +Below he finds considerable confusion, such as is always seen on board a +steamer during a storm. Timid men looking as white as ghosts, frightened +women wringing their hands and screaming with each plunge of the ship, +as if they expect it to be the last. + +A few foreign passengers are aboard, and they do not seem free from the +contagion, though inclined to be more stoical than the Europeans. + +As the steamer plunges, some of the passengers are huddled in a corner. +Loud praying can be heard, and those who are least accustomed to such +things on ordinary occasions are most vehement now. + +A Mohammedan is kneeling on his rug, with his face turned in the +direction of Mecca, as near as he can judge, and going through with +the strange rigmarole of bows and muttered phrases that constitute his +religion. + +This scene is not a very pleasant one, but there are features about it +which are worth being noticed, and John stands to gaze before seeking +his room. + +He has heard from the captain that the boat is perfectly safe, unless +the storm should grow much heavier, and with this assurance intends to +seek his berth and sleep, if such a thing be possible. + +He moves toward his state-room. Just then a billow strikes the steamer +almost amidships, and she rolls. This, not being expected, causes John +to slide across the cabin floor, to the accompaniment of a chorus of +cries from the frightened people, who are huddled in a corner by this +new move on the part of the vessel. + +He brings up alongside a state-room door, which is in the act of being +opened, even as he bangs up against it. + +Consequently John has the greatest difficulty in maintaining his +balance, and in order to keep from sliding through the door grasps the +sides. + +Some one has opened it. A face is exposed close to his own, a face that, +although not terror-stricken, bears the evidence of sudden alarm, as +though the new pitch of the vessel and renewed shrieks from within have +aroused fear--a face that John Craig recognizes with amazement. + +"Tell me, are we sinking?" she exclaims. + +Then she looks again. + +"Ah! Doctor Chicago!" + +"You here, Pauline Potter?" + +The presence of the actress on board the steamer gives him a sudden +thrill. + +It is no mere accident that brings her, but a part of a deep-laid plan, +which perhaps not only concerns him, but one in whom he has taken the +deepest interest--Lady Ruth. + +That is why he cries out, and his words have more than an ordinary +amount of astonishment in them. + +"Yes, I am leaving Malta. I have no reason to remain there longer. But +tell me the worst, John Craig; are we doomed to go down?" + +The vessel does not toss so wildly now, and the wails of the alarmed +passengers grow less in volume. + +"I hope not. The captain assured me there was no danger whatever, and +told me to get some sleep, if I could. I am on my way to my berth now. +Be of good cheer, the morning will see us safe enough, I believe." + +Then he leaves her, and the state-room door closes. + +This encounter makes John think of the other ladies. Are Aunt Gwen and +Lady Ruth among those whose clamor arises from the cabin with each lurch +of the ship? + +As the thought flashes upon his mind, some one clutches his arm, and, +turning, he beholds the little professor. There is a wild look in +Philander's eyes, and his teeth rattle like castanets. Really the +situation is terrible enough to appall any one. + +"When do we go down, John?" he asks. + +"Good Heaven! I trust not at all," and he cheers the other with what the +captain has told him. + +"I wish you could tell the ladies that." + +"Where are they?" asks John. + +"Come with me!" + +In a few seconds the doctor sees the ladies, who have a state-room +together. They are fully dressed, and look woe-begone. At each lunge of +the vessel they gasp, and, when a particularly big one occurs, fall into +each other's arms. + +Both are brave enough, and yet the situation is such that a strange +feeling creeps over the stoutest heart. + +When John appears, and tells them what the captain has said, it +reassures them considerably, and they feel better. + +Presently he leaves them, and seeks his berth, where he actually goes +to sleep. Tired nature will assert her power, even under the most +discouraging conditions. + +During the night the storm abates. + +John Craig is awake early, and can tell that all is well from the easy +motion of the steamer, for her plunges are few and of small moment. A +silence broods over the scene; the tired passengers have gone to sleep; +all John can hear as he lies there is the dull throb of the engines and +the swish of water against the side of the vessel. + + + + +CHAPTER XII. + +TO THE HOUSE OF BEN TALEB. + + +Algiers! + +The sunset gun is just booming over the African hills as the steamer +drops anchor off the wonderful city where the French have gained a +foothold and seem determined to stay. + +John Craig is in a fever to go ashore. He has had news that from Malta +his mother went to Algiers on a mission, and his one object in life is +to follow her until the time comes when he can see face to face the +woman to whom he owes his being, toward whom his heart goes out, and +whom he believes to have been dreadfully wronged. + +Most of the passengers are going farther, but as the steamer will remain +in the harbor until morning, there is no need of any going ashore. + +John, however, cannot wait. + +He engages a boatman--there are many who at once come out to the steamer +for various purposes--tells his friends where they may find him, and +with his luggage is away, just before darkness sets in, for it comes +very soon after sunset in this country. + +Upon landing, John secures a guide, and makes for the central square +known as the _Place du Gouvernement_, where he knows of a good hotel, +recommended by the captain. + +The air is fragrant with the odor of flowers. + +In his walk he meets strange people, Arabs, Moors, Kabyles from the +desert, long-bearded Jews, Greeks, negroes, Italians, and, of course, +French soldiers. + +_Al Jezira_, as the natives call their capital, is undoubtedly the most +interesting city for a traveler's eyes, exceeding even Constantinople +and Cairo. + +Part of the city is modern, the rest just as it might have been a +century ago, when the Algerian pirates made a reign of terror sweep over +the Mediterranean. + +Omnibuses are seen, and even street-cars run to Birkadeen, a suburb. The +houses on the terraces of Mustapha Superieur are peopled with the nicest +of French and English families, who spend the winter in this charming +place. + +Still, if one enters the native quarter, ascending the narrow streets +where no vehicle can ever come, where the tall, white houses, with their +slits for windows, almost meet above, shutting out the cheery sunlight, +where one meets the Moor, the Arab, the gipsy, the negro porter, the +native woman with her face concealed almost wholly from view, it would +be easy to believe the city to be entirely foreign and shut off from +European intercourse. + +Within a stone's throw how different the scene--the wide streets, the +fine houses, the people of Paris and London mixing with the picturesque +costumes of the natives, the bazaars, music in the air coming from the +Kasbah, once the stronghold of the merciless Janizaries, now the +barracks for French zouaves, the bric-a-brac merchant with his +extraordinary wares spread out, while he calmly smokes a cigarette and +plays upon the mandolin. + +No wonder the pilgrim in Algiers is charmed, and lingers long beyond his +time. + +John has glimpses of these things on his way to the hotel, and although +his mind is hardly in a condition to take much notice of such matters, +they nevertheless impress him to a certain degree. + +Dull, indeed, must be the man who cannot grasp the wonderful beauty of +such a scene. At another time John would have been charmed. + +He reaches the hotel, and at once engages a room. Supper is ready, and +he sits down to a meal one can hardly procure outside of Paris itself, +and served in French style. + +If any one were watching John, his nervousness would be perceptible. + +From the table he seeks the office of the hotel. + +"What can I do for monsieur?" asks the polite attendant, seeing him +standing there expectantly. + +"I desire to procure a guide." + +"To-morrow?" + +"Now--at once." + +The clerk looks at him curiously. He cannot understand what such +impetuosity means. + +He realizes that he is dealing with one who is different from the usual +run of travelers. + +"Monsieur does not, perhaps, know the danger involved in the night; +foreigners do not often invade the old town after dark." + +"Pardon me, my business is very important. Can you procure me a reliable +guide, one who speaks English?" + +"It can be done. First, I would recommend that you seal up your watch +and valuables in this envelope." + +"A good idea. You will keep them in your safe," suiting the action to +the word. + +"Now; monsieur will write his name." + +"Done." + +"Also the address." + +"Eh? I don't quite understand." + +"To which he would have them sent." + +"Sent?" + +"In case we see monsieur no more." + +"Ah! Now I catch on," with a smile, as he adds the words: "Chicago, +Ill., U.S.A." + +"Chicago, I have heard of it; quite a place," remarks the clerk. + +"Rather," dryly. "The cicerone, please." + +Then the clerk beckons to a man who has been lounging not far away. + +John sweeps his eyes over him. + +He sees an Arab gipsy, a swarthy fellow of stalwart build, dressed in +the attractive costume of his race. John reads human nature fairly well, +and he believes he sees a man who can be depended on. + +"This, monsieur, is Mustapha Cadi. You can depend upon him always," and +the clerk goes to his regular work. + +The Arab makes the ordinary salutation, crossing his hands over his +breast, and bowing. + +These people are very ceremonious, never entering a room or being seated +before a guest. + +"You speak English?" asks John. + +"Oh, yes!" smiling. + +"I want to engage you in my service for some days, Mustapha Cadi." + +"I have just come with a party from the wine caves of Chateau Hydra and +the cemetery on Bouzareah. I am now free, and in monsieur's service." + +"Good! Your terms?" + +"Two duros a day." + +"I will make it four." + +"Great is Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. I shall not complain." + +"There is a condition." + +"Name it." + +"I am very anxious to see some one whom I have reason to believe is in +this city." + +"Of course." + +"You must take me to him to-night." + +Mustapha Cadi looks a little anxious. + +"Does this illustrious person live in new or old Al Jezira?" + +"I cannot say, it is for you to tell." + +"His name?" + +"Ben Taleb." + +The Arab shrugs his shoulders, a French trick that follows their +conquests, and is so very suggestive. + +"The Moorish doctor; he lives in the heart of the old town." + +"But many Europeans visit him, he has a reputation abroad." + +"They never dare go at night." + +"I am willing to take the risk." + +Mustapha Cadi looks at the young man admiringly--curiously, for he +cannot imagine what would cause such haste. He sees a specimen of +healthy manhood, so that it can hardly be for medical advice he takes +such chances to see the old Moor. + +"Monsieur, I consent." + +"It is well." + +"I, too, have conditions." + +"Ah! that may alter the case," suspiciously. + +"My reputation is dear to me." + +"Naturally." + +"It is my means of earning much money. Listen to me. I have taken +Franks everywhere through this country, to Oran and even the far-away +lead mines of Jebel Wanashrees; yes, once even to the city of Fez, in +Morocco; yet never has anything serious happened to those in my charge. +We have been attacked by robbers in the desert, but we dispersed them +with gun and yataghan. Here in Al Jezira, many times, beggars for +backsheesh have become impudent, and tried to enforce their demands, +but I have taken them before the cadi, and had them punished with the +bastinado. Ah! they know Mustapha Cadi, the guide, and give him a wide +berth _by daylight_. But, monsieur, what might happen in the streets of +the old town should a Frank go there at night, I am afraid to say." + +"Still, you promised." + +"Ay, and will keep my word, if the monsieur agrees to the condition." + +"Let me hear it!" + +"I will procure a burnoose, you shall put the robe on, and be an Arab +for to-night." + +John draws a breath of relief, he smiles. + +"Willingly, Mustapha. Let us lose no time, I beg of you!" + +"Then, monsieur, come!" + +As he passes the clerk that worthy bends forward to say: + +"Does monsieur know these people who have come from the steamer?" + +John sees a list of names under his own. + +Professor Sharpe and wife. +Lady Ruth Stanhope. +Colonel Lionel Blunt. +Miss Pauline Potter. + +There they are, all present, and he hears the voice of Aunt Gwen in the +dining-room, even at the moment of his reading her name, gently chiding +a waiter for not serving the professor more promptly, always in a hurry, +but generally good-natured withal. + +"They are friends of mine," he says, and then follows his Arab guide. + +Once on the street John observes what is passing around him, and the +scene on the grand square is certainly lively enough, with the garrison +band discoursing sweet music, the numerous lights from _cafe_ and +_magasius de nouveautes_, and crowds moving about. + +Presently they come to a bazaar, where every article known to oriental +ingenuity, from Zanzibar carpets, embroideries of Tunis, Damascus +cutlery, and odd jewelry to modern novelties can be found. + +Here they enter. + +The guide selects what he needs, and John pays for it, wondering what +sort of clumsiness he will display in the wearing of an Arab costume. + +Until they reach the border of the old town upon the hill-side, there is +little need of his donning the ridiculous affair. + +He casts many inquisitive glances upon his guide and other Arabs whom +they meet to see how they wear the burnoose. + +"I reckon John Craig won't disgrace Chicago, if he isn't to the manner +born," he concludes. + +"Now, monsieur will allow me," says his tall guide, leading him into a +dark corner. + +There is some little difficulty experienced, but in the end John turns +Arab. + +"Say not one word--if saluted, I will reply," is the last caution he +receives. + +Then they move on. + +Now their road ascends. + +They are in Al Jezira, the old Arab town. + +The passage is so narrow that at times John could easily touch the walls +of the spectral houses on either side by extending his arms. + +Every little while there is a short step. Now and then an arch from +which hangs a queer lantern, burning dimly. Over a door, here and there, +a light marks the residence of some Moor or Arab of note. But for these +the passage-way would be totally dark, even on the brightest moonlight +night. + +They meet bearded and turbaned Arabs, who stalk majestically along, +proud as Lucifer, even without a piastre in their purses--even women +vailed as usual, wearing anklets, and with their nails stained with +henna. + +The men salute, and Mustapha replies, while the disguised young American +merely bows his head, which he has hidden after the manner of one who +mourns. + +Thus they advance. + +Presently they turn sharply to the left, and enter a dark passage. + +"We will wait here a few minutes." + +"But why?" asks the impatient doctor. + +"You saw the group above descending, monsieur?" + +"Yes." + +"I recognized them as rival couriers. If they saw me they would glance +sharply at my companion. Perhaps for much duros they have some time +taken a Frank through Al Jezira at night. That would not count. If they +believed I did the same thing they would spread the news abroad, and I +am afraid we would have trouble. Better a little delay than that," and +he draws a finger across John's throat to signify the terrible stroke of +a vengeful yataghan. + +"I think you are right," replies John. + +They hear the group go by, laughing and joking, and the passage is again +clear. + +"Again, forward, monsieur," whispers the faithful courier, and leaving +their hiding-place they push on. + +They are in the heart of the old town, and a most singular sensation +comes over John as he looks all around to see the white walls, the +solemn figures moving about, and hears sounds that never before greeted +his ears. + +It is as if he were in another world. + +While he thus ponders and speculates, his companion comes to a sudden +halt. They are at the door of a house a little more conspicuous than its +fellows, and Mustapha hastily gives the rapper a resonant clang. + + + + +CHAPTER XIII. + +A NIGHT IN ALGIERS. + + +His manner gives the man from Chicago to understand that he has cause +for sudden anxiety. + +"What is it, Mustapha?" he whispers. + +"Monsieur did not notice. Two Arabs, one a _muezzin_, or priest, just +passed us. They brushed against you. Perhaps they disturbed the +burnoose; at any rate, their heads go together; they appear excited; +they stop below; see, you can yourself notice; two more join them; they +point this way. Ah! there is trouble, monsieur. Nay, do not draw a +weapon; it comes not now, but later. I hear footsteps within, the bolt +is withdrawn, the door opens." + +What Mustapha says is true; the heavy door, still secured by a stout +chain, opens half a foot, and by the dim light a Moorish lad is seen. + +To him the guide addresses himself. Whatever he says in the Moorish +tongue, it must be direct to the point, for immediately the door is +opened wide enough to admit them, after which it is shut and the heavy +bolt shoots into its socket. + +John follows his conductor. For the time being he loses sight of +Mustapha, and must depend upon his own abilities. Trust a young man +from Chicago to be equal to any occasion, no matter how extraordinary. + +In another minute he is ushered into a large room, which is decorated in +an oriental way that John has never seen equaled. + +Rich colors blend, soft light falls upon the many articles of a +connoisseur's collection, and, taken in all, the scene is dazzling. + +He gives it one glance. + +Then his attention is riveted upon the figures before him. A couple +of servants wait upon the owner of the house, Ben Taleb, the Moorish +doctor. He is a venerable man, with white hair and a long snowy +beard--his costume is simply black; but beside him sits his daughter, +and she presents a spectacle John never saw equaled. + +Silks of the loveliest hues, velvets that are beyond description, +diamonds that flash and dazzle, strings of milky pearls that cause one's +eyes to water. John sees the beautiful dreamy face, and thinks, as he +compares it with the rosy-cheeked, laughing eyed English girl's, that +these Moors make veritable dolls of their daughters. + +Fortunately that Chicago assurance, which has carried him through many +singular scenes, does not desert him now. + +He has never yet beheld what beauty the miserable yashmak and foutah of +the vailed Moorish lady concealed, and is naturally taken aback by the +disclosure, but, recovering himself, he advances toward those who seem +to await some action on his part. + +The miserable burnoose he has discarded in the hall, so that, hat in +hand, John now appears under his own colors. + +Bowing low, much after the salaam of a native, in deference to beauty's +presence, he addresses the Moorish doctor. + +An observant traveler, Craig has a way of assimilating what he sees, and +hence speaks in something of the figurative and flowery style so common +among the dark-skinned people of all oriental countries, for an Arabian +robber will be as polite as a French dandy, and apologize for being +compelled to cut your throat. + +Having, therefore, asked pardon for an intrusion at such an hour, he +proceeds to business. + +The old doctor has up to this time said not a word, only bowed; but now +he speaks: + +"Where do you come from?" he asks. + +"America--Chicago," with the full belief that the _taleb_ must have +heard of the bustling city upon Lake Michigan. + +And he is right, too, for the old Moor frowns. + +"Chicago is accursed. I hate it, because it shelters an enemy to one I +revere, one who saved my only child from death, when she lay with the +fever at Alexandria. Your name, monsieur, and then your ailment, for I +take it your case is urgent to bring you here under such risk." + +"My name I have never been ashamed of. It is John Alexander Craig. My +disease is one of the heart, and I believe--" + +The appearance of the old Moor is such that John comes to a sudden +stop--Ben Taleb's eyes are dilated--he stares at the young man in a +fierce way, and his whole body appears to swell with rising emotions. + +"Stop!" he thunders, and claps his hands in an excited way. + +John, remembering his former experience, draws himself up in readiness +for defense, nor is he surprised to see several slaves enter the room at +the bidding of their master. + +"This is the height of infamy, you who bear that hated name dare invade +the home of Ben Taleb! I read your secret; you are not sick." + +"No, no; I--" + +"You come with another motive; you seek one who has long been lost, one +who has suffered for years, unjustly, because of a Craig. May Allah's +curses blight your footsteps." + +"You mistake--" + +"May Mohammed, his prophet, make your life a blank. May your days end in +torment, and your nights be sleepless." + +"When you are done, most illustrious _taleb_, allow me to speak. Even a +dog should not be condemned unheard." + +"Father, he is right; you are just, you are good; you condemn no man +unheard. Let him speak; good may even come out of Chicago," says the +lovely houri at the side of the Moor, and John thanks her with his eyes, +mentally concluding that, after all, Moorish females, if nonentities on +the street, have certain rights under their own roofs. + +At this the great doctor frowns, but cannot withstand the angelic, +appealing glance which his daughter bestows upon him. + +"Perhaps it is so. What have you to say, you who bear that hated name? +Since through the kindness of my child you are given the opportunity to +speak, embrace it." + +The situation is a peculiar one, and John feels that he must make the +most of it. + +"Illustrious Moor, listen then while I relate the reason for my +presence, why for months I have searched country after country for one +who ever seemed to be just beyond my reach, like a will-o'-the-wisp +dancing over the swampy ground. + +"The person I seek is known as Sister Magdalen. It is with no unworthy +motive I would find her, Ben Taleb, for she is my mother." + +At this the sheik and his daughter exchange significant glances. +Perhaps something of incredulity may be discovered in their expression. +Evidently they have heard but little of the story before, and only +know that the troubles of the woman they revere came through a Craig. + +John, having become stirred up, proceeds to tell them more of the past, +and, while not caring to show emotion in the eyes of strangers, explains +his feelings in the matter with a dignity that does him full justice. + +While not thoroughly convinced, for he suspects there may be some +artifice in this visit, the venerable Moor is inclined to look more +favorably upon John. + +"Perhaps you may not be so bad as I believed, but do not hope to receive +news from me," is his slowly spoken remark. + +John's heart sinks, he fears that after all his long search he is now to +be frustrated by the stubborn will of an old man. + +He even becomes eloquent in his appeal, and, while he fails to bring +Ben Taleb to terms, he charms the sheik's daughter, whose lovely eyes +glisten as she hears. + +At last he wrings one promise from the Moor, to the effect that he will +communicate with the lady in question, and stating the whole case, allow +her to decide. + +This is certainly fair enough, and Ben Taleb presumes to be a man who +desires to do that which is right. Hence he agrees, but will not let +John know whether news can be sent to him at the hotel on the morrow, +or a week later. He must learn to practice the divine art of patience, +and bide his time. + +This, while a keen disappointment with regard to what he had expected +and hoped for, is the best that can be done under the circumstances. + +John is something of a philosopher. + +When he has done his best, he is willing to trust the rest to fortune. + +So he assumes a cheerfulness he is far from feeling, and assures Ben +Taleb he will always be indebted to him for his kindness. After this he +begs for a piece of paper, and the sheik sends one of his slaves for it. +John writes a line upon it, a line that comes from his heart: + +"MY MOTHER: I have searched half of the world over for you. +JOHN ALEXANDER CRAIG." + +If she ever reads that, the meeting will not long be delayed, he +believes. + +A short time is spent in the company of the sheik and his daughter, and +as the young American admits that he is a doctor, the Moor shows new +interest, asking various questions concerning some of the great events +in the world of surgery that prove him to be a man far beyond his class, +and one who keeps abreast of the times. + +Finally, as the hour grows apace, John thinks it time for him to be +going. + +Where is his courier, the faithful Mustapha Cadi, all this while? + +As he mentions him, the sheik claps his hands and the guide appears. He +enters into a brief conversation with Ben Taleb in the Moorish tongue. + +John rightly guesses that the guide is relating the facts concerning +their reaching the house, and that he fears they may be attacked, if +they leave by the same way they entered. + +The old Moor smiles, and after answering, turns to the young man from +Chicago. + +"There is another way of leaving this place, and one of my slaves will +show you. They shall not harm one who comes to see Ben Taleb, if it can +be prevented." + +Then comes the ceremonious leave-taking, and John manages to get through +this with credit. He has undoubtedly made a deep impression on the +Moorish beauty, who, catching the crumbs falling from her father's table +of knowledge, has aspirations above being the wife of a Moor, who may +also have a harem. + +At last they start off, with the slave in the lead, and after passing +through several rooms, which John views with interest, arrive at a wall. + +Acting under the advice of his guide, John has assumed the burnoose +again, for Mustapha carried it on his arm when he appeared. + +"We will pass through this door, and reach another street. Are you +ready, monsieur?" + +John replies in the affirmative. The light is hidden under a basket, and +then a sound is heard as of a door slowly opening. + +"Pass through," whispers the guide. + +Thus they reach the outside, and the wall resumes its innocent +appearance. If they are fortunate, they will avoid the trouble that +lay in wait at the door of the old Moor. + +John no longer trembles in anticipation of what is to come. He has been +disappointed, and yet bears his burden well. + +His guide is yet cautious, believing that one is not safe until out of +the woods. It is possible word may have been sent around among the +strolling Moors and Arabs of the old town, that a Frank is wandering +about in a burnoose under the care of Mustapha Cadi, and hence +discovery, with its attendant desperate conflict, still to come. + +By degrees they approach the boundary line, and will soon be safe. + +John is obliged to admire the diplomatic way in which the Arab conducts +the retreat it would be creditable to a military strategist. They dodge +and hide, now advancing, anon secreting themselves in dark corners. + +At last--success! + +Into the brilliant light of the new Algiers they pass; the danger is +behind, safety assured. + +Then Craig turns to the Arab, and tells him in plain language what he +thinks of such remarkable work, and Mustapha humbly answers that he is +glad the monsieur is satisfied. + +Secretly, he exults in the eulogy; for even an Arab is able to +appreciate praise. + +Thus they bring up at the hotel. + +John looks at the hour, and finds it ten. He sees the clerk nodding, +and, as he repossesses himself of his valuables, accepts the other's +congratulations with respect to having gone through such an experience, +and lived to tell the tale. + +Where are the others? + +They do not seem to be about. + +The music has ceased on the square, which is less crowded than before, +although many people still saunter about, fakirs cry aloud their goods, +and the scene is one which has certain fascinations for the traveler's +eye, a warmth of color not to be found in American cities. + +Here venders of fruit drinks serve their wares in an attractive way, +with queer jars and fancy glasses that lend quite an inducement to +purchase. + +Upon making inquiries of the clerk, he finds that his four +fellow-tourists have sauntered out some time since, and as yet +failed to return; so John also steps outside. + +In a moment Mustapha is at his side, and what he whispers is not +pleasant news: + +"Monsieur must be careful. The news has gone abroad that he it was who +invaded Al Jezira on this night. Some one has spread the report that he +is a spy, that his mission is to discover the details of the plot that +is always going on among my people, for the rescue of Algiers from +French hands. Hence he is watched; they may even proceed to violence. +What little I have learned tells me this. Be awake; be always ready for +defense, and seek not the dark corners where an assassin might lie. +Bismillah!" + +This is pleasant, indeed. + +John has something of the feeling that comes upon the man who awaits the +verdict of the jury. + +At the same time he is resolved to take the advice given, and be on his +guard. + +As he saunters around, he fails to see those whom he seeks, though soon +becoming conscious of the fact that he is watched and followed. + +This does not add to his pleasure. + +From the hints Mustapha has dropped, he begins to realize that there is +some sort of a league in Al Jezira, looking toward an uprising and the +coming of a patriot leader, who will take charge of the rebellion. + +He has gained the ill-will of these conspirators by this night visit to +the old town, and how unfortunate this may be for him, the future may +prove. + +It is while he wanders about the square, keeping in the light, and +always on his guard, that John receives something of a shock. + +He sees a figure ahead, a figure garbed as a sister. She moves slowly +on, her face is vailed, and a mad impulse comes upon him to toss aside +that vail, to discover whether this can be Sister Magdalen, the one for +whom he searches, or another. + + + + +CHAPTER XIV. + +THE COMING OF MISS CAPRICE. + + +This sudden impulse on the part of the young Chicago doctor may be the +means of getting him into trouble, for no people are more quick to +resent an insult, either fancied or real, to females upon the street, +than those of Algeria, Egypt, or Turkey. + +Woman is not an equal there, but a highly prized possession, and must +never appear upon the street with her face unvailed, so that any man +caught tearing the foutah of a lady from her face would be severely +dealt with. + +John, of course, is only desirous of seeing whether this may be his +mother, but the public will hardly take this fact into consideration. + +Upon so suddenly conceiving this bold plan of action, John Craig hastens +his footsteps, and there is need of hurry, if he hopes to overtake the +figure in black before she leaves the square, for, as if conscious that +she is pursued, she has also quickened her pace. + +He overhauls her just on the outskirts of the Place du Gouvernement, and +as he brushes past quickly raises his hand to snatch aside the flowing +vail. + +Again his heart almost stands still, and the sacred word "mother" +trembles on his lips, as he bends forward to get a quick glance of the +face that must be disclosed by the shifting of the vail. + +His quick movement is not without its result. The vail is drawn aside, +and John Craig receives a staggering blow as he gazes upon the +shriveled countenance of an old woman. + +It is impossible that this can be his mother--perish the thought!--and +yet the garb is one seldom seen on the streets of Algiers. + +His almost palsied hand drops the vail. Lucky for him will it be if no +jealous Moor's eyes have seen the action. + +The Sister does not cry out, and call upon those who are present to +avenge the insult--even had she been a Moorish lady, the demand for +punishment would not come from her, but from those of the sterner sex +near-by. + +Instead, she stands there as if waiting for him to speak--stands there +like a statue in black. + +John at once apologizes for his rudeness--he is already sorry for what +he has done. + +"Madame, pardon. I believed you were one very dear to me, one who wears +the insignia of your order, one for whom I have searched far and near, +half the world over--my mother." + +"It was a bold act, young sir, but far be it from me to denounce you. +Tell me, how would you know this mother?" she asks, in a thick voice. + +"She is known as Sister Magdalen--perhaps you know her--she may even be +staying at the same convent as yourself," eagerly. + +"I know one Sister Magdalen, a sweet, quiet woman, lately from Malta, +whither she went to consult the head of our order." + +Her words arouse John. + +"It is she. If you would only take me to her, I would at once be rid of +all these doubts and fears." + +"Would you come?" + +John has forgotten the warning of Mustapha, forgotten all former +experiences. There is a crowd gathering around them, and this is one of +the things he was to guard against, still he pays little attention to +this fact, his mind is so bent upon accomplishing his object. + +"Eagerly. Once this night I have risked much to find my mother, and I am +ready to do more." + +"Then follow me. Better still, walk at my side, for I see ugly faces +around. You have made enemies, but I will stand between. My garb is +sacred, and they will respect it." + +"I am ready, lead on." + +What is this that plucks at his sleeve? He half-turns impatiently, and +looks into a face he ought to know full well, but which he now sees with +something of annoyance. + +"Ah! professor, is it you? Sorry--in something of a hurry--" + +"Hold on; some one wants to see you." + +"Have to do later." + +"Don't say so, John. Important, I tell you." + +"So is this. Good-by." + +The professor is not so easily shaken off, but tightens his hold. John +will have to dislodge him by muscular force. + +"Are you coming?" asks the Sister. + +"Yes, when I have broken loose from the hands of this madman." + +He turns upon the professor. + +"John, be careful. Cool off; you are excited." + +"I'm of an age to take care of myself. When I need a guardian, I'll call +on you. Once more I say, release your grasp." + +He actually looks ugly for the moment, and Philander does let go, but +it is only because, as an advance courier, he has accomplished his +mission, and not on account of any fear. + +As Doctor Chicago turns to follow the Sister, he draws in a long breath, +for he finds himself face to face with Lady Ruth. + +She has hurried up behind Philander, and near-by can be seen the British +soldier and Aunt Gwen, also pushing forward as rapidly as the assembling +crowd will allow. + +"Doctor Craig." + +Her presence recalls John to his senses. + +"I am going to see my mother, Lady Ruth," he says, as if apologizing for +his rudeness. + +"With whom?" + +"This Sister." + +Lady Ruth surveys the other from her vail to the hem of her dress. + +"I would advise you not to do so, doctor." + +"Why do you say that?" he asks, astonished. + +"Because you will regret it, because you are being made the victim of +another plot." + +"Lady Ruth, do I hear aright? Do you fully realize what it is you say?" + +"I am conscious of the gravity of the charge, but that does not prevent +me from asserting it. I repeat what I said before, that you are again +the victim of a plot. As to this Sister here, can it be possible you do +not know her?" + +He shakes his head. + +"Have you seen her face?" + +"It is old and shriveled--that of a stranger." + +At this the Sister throws back her vail, and they see the features John +describes. + +"After all I am right," says John, with the air of a man who attempts to +justify himself. + +At that the English girl laughs scornfully. + +"Really, I did not think men could be so easily deceived, and one whom +I considered as shrewd as you, Doctor Chicago. See what a miserable +deception, a fraud transferred from the boards of a New York theater to +Algiers. Behold! the magic wand touches age with a gentle touch, and +what follows?" + +Lady Ruth is standing between the two, and within arm's length of +either. + +The Sister has not moved, but, as if confident of influencing John, +holds her own. She shoots daggers with her eyes at the English girl, +but looks cannot hurt. + +As Lady Ruth utters her last words, she makes a sudden move. + +With a dexterous fling of an arm she succeeds in tearing from the +Sister's face the cleverly-made thin stage mask that was contrived to +conceal the features of one who did a double act. + +The professor laughs. + +From the crowd that is still gathering various sounds arise, for no one +can even give a guess as to the nature of the peculiar trick which is +thus being enacted. + +As for John Craig, he holds his breath at the stupendous nature of the +disclosure, for little as he has dreamed of the fact, he sees before him +the well-known features of Pauline Potter. + +This queen of the stage has made even another attempt to get John, and +might have succeeded only for the opportune coming of his friends. + +He backs away from her. + +"So, it is you again, wretched girl?" he exclaims, in something of +righteous wrath. + +She has lost once more, but this is frolic to one of her nature, and +she laughs in his face. + +"Oh, it's a long road that has no turning, and my chance will yet come! +Bah! I snap my fingers at such weak friendship. Good-night, all of you, +but not good-by." + +Thus she disappears. + +Craig feels abashed. + +He has almost come to blows with his best friend about this female, and, +after all, she turns out to be the plotting Pauline. + +"I think I need a guardian," he murmurs, as if rather disgusted with +himself. + +"From the ugly looks some of these chaps are bending on you, I think +ditto," declares Philander, nor are his words without meaning, for the +natives scowl dreadfully. + +"Lady Ruth, I owe you thanks; but, while we walk to the hotel, tell me +how you came to know she was masquerading in that style." + +"It is easily told, sir. A mere accident put me in possession of the +facts, and, thank Heaven, I am able to build two and two together. You +were frank enough, Doctor Craig, to give me certain particulars +concerning that creature's plotting, and that confidence has now borne +fruit. + +"Listen, then. I was in the hotel, in my room. Some freak of fortune +placed her in the apartment opposite. Knowing what presumably brought +her to Algiers, the desire to have revenge upon you, I entertained a +feeling of almost contempt for a woman who could so forget her sex and +seek a man who loved her not. If it were I whom you jilted, Doctor +Chicago, I would freeze you with scorn." + +"Jove! I don't doubt it, Lady Ruth, but please Heaven you will never +have the chance," he says, in a half-serious, half-joking way. + +"To return to my story, then," she continues, blushing under the ardent +look that has accompanied his words, "the queer part of it lies in the +fact that a transom over my door was partly open. There was a black +paper back of the glass, which gave it the properties of a mirror. + +"Over her door was a similar contrivance, and as I sat there in the +darkness of my room, pondering over what has happened, my attention was +attracted by a flash of light, and, looking up, I saw the interior of +her room as plainly as though looking through the door--saw her assume +the garb of a Sister--saw her try on that horrible face-mask before a +mirror, and realized that the clever actress, Pauline Potter, was about +to again undertake some quixotic crusade in the furtherance of her plans. + +"Later on, Aunt Gwen came and said we had better go outside to hear +the music and see the crowd, so I came, but all the while I had been +puzzling my brain wondering what she hoped to accomplish with that +clever disguise, nor did the truth break in upon my mind until we +discovered her talking to Doctor Chicago. Then I comprehended all." + +"And I am again indebted to your clever woman's wit," he says, warmly. + +"Who can tell from what dreadful fate I saved you," she laughs; "for +this same Pauline seems determined that you shall not remain a merry +bachelor all your days." + +"So far as that is concerned, I quite agree with Pauline. Where we +differ is upon the subject that shall be the cause of my becoming a +Benedict. She chooses one person, and I chance to prefer another. That +is all, but it is quite enough, as you have seen, Lady Ruth, to create +a tempest in a tea-pot." + +"Here we are at the hotel," she hastens to say, as if fearing lest he +push the subject then and there to a more legitimate conclusion, for she +has learned that these Chicago young men generally get there when they +start; "and I am not sorry for one. Look around you, doctor!" + +This he does for the first time, and is startled to discover that +they have been accompanied across the square by at least half a dozen +natives, who gaze upon John much as might wolves that were kept from +attacking the sheep by the presence of faithful guards. + +"They don't seem to bear me any good-will, I declare; but I am bound +to prosecute my search in spite of every Arab in Algiers," is the only +remark he makes, meeting glance for glance. + +They have not yet succeeded in cowing the spirit in John Craig, though +the man has a poor chance who incurs the vindictive race hatred of +Mohammedan devotees in their own country. + +The others enter also. + +Sir Lionel, not a whit abashed by the failure of his grand plan for +saving the life of Lady Ruth in the harbor of Malta, still haunts her +shadow. He knows John Craig has a strong suspicion of the truth, but +having read that young man's character before now, feels quite certain +that he will not speak of the subject without positive proof, which he +cannot secure. + +Besides, the Briton came out of the affair with such hard luck, that +there is much sympathy for him. He lives in the hope of retrieving his +fallen fortunes. + +Thus the little party breaks up, to meet again on the morrow. + +John Craig's only hope now of success in his quest lies in the Moor, Ben +Taleb. If the spirit so moves him, he can bring him and his mother face +to face, but whether this will ever come to pass remains to be seen. + +John, ere retiring, catches sight of the faithful Mustapha Cadi, who +lounges near-by, and who makes a signal, as he catches his employer's +eye, that brings Craig to his side. + +"Where does the master sleep?" he asks. + +John explains the position of his room, having some curiosity to know +why the courier asks. + +"Monsieur should be careful about leaving his windows open; Arabs climb +well; vines very handy; yataghan make no shout. There is no disgrace in +being prepared." + +This is too broad to admit of any misinterpretation, and John again +makes up his mind to continual watchfulness. + +He retires to seek rest, to dream of a strange conglomeration of gray +eyes, and black and brown--that he is compelled to choose between the +English girl, the Chicago actress, and the Moorish beauty, while death +waits to claim him, no matter which one he selects. + + + + +CHAPTER XV. + +THE WRECKED STAGE. + + +John Craig takes all the precautions that the courier mentions, for he +does not care to awaken in the night and find a dark-faced fanatic of a +Mohammedan in his room, sworn to accomplish his death. + +Perhaps his safety is in part due to this; at any rate morning comes and +finds him undisturbed. + +When he descends from his room he has a vague hope that some word may +have come from Ben Taleb. + +In this respect he is doomed to disappointment, for there is no letter. +So another day of waiting begins. The doctor is determined by nature, +and has made up his mind that he will not give up his mission until he +has accomplished that which he set out to perform, no matter if he +spends weeks in the African city at the foot of the hills known as +Sahel. + +The others join him by degrees. + +Such charming weather; a dozen trips for the day are proposed and +rejected. All conclude to wait until after breakfast, when they will be +in a condition to discuss the matter and decide just what is best to be +done. + +John is ready to join them and see the sights, for there is a chance +that he may in this way run across the one he seeks, if she be moving +about the city on errands of mercy, as becomes her order. + +Besides, he places considerable dependence upon the promise of the old +Moor. + +So he enters into the discussion with assumed vigor, being magnetized +now by the blue eyes of Lady Ruth. + +They ask the advice of Mustapha Cadi, and he promises to show them many +queer sights before the sun sinks behind the hills and the boom of the +gun in the fortress announces the close of another day. + +Thus, all of them prepare for a day's outing, and Lady Ruth looks quite +charming in her jaunty costume, especially suited for such business. + +John no longer remembers the dazzling beauty of the Moorish girl who +sat at the feet of old Ben Taleb on the preceding night; it could not +compare with the vivacious intelligence of an educated girl coming from +the countries beyond the seas. + +First of all they mount the terraces of Mustapha Superieur and enjoy +the magnificent view of the city and harbor. Many modern yachts lie +upon the blue waters, side by side with strange vessels peculiar to the +Mediterranean, while the incoming steamer from Oran is just entering the +harbor. + +Upon this ridge above the city lie numerous palatial residences now +occupied by French and English families, but which were once owned by +the pirate kings of Algiers, whose names may often be found upon the +gate post, cut in letters of gold. + +From this eyrie they scanned the sea with their glasses, and the +appearance of a sail in the dim distance would be the signal for a mad +chase to see which piratical felucca could first overhaul the stranger. + +Uncle Sam had something to do with breaking up this tremendous pirates' +den, and France has since redeemed it. + +Thus a considerable portion of the morning is consumed in this pleasant +engagement. They take an omnibus now for the Arab village of Birkadeen, +in among the hills, where new and novel sights will be looked upon. + +Every female they meet arouses John's interest, and he looks sharply at +the half-hidden face. The hope he cherishes is always before him, and +when Lady Ruth notices his eager actions she understands just what it +means, and is as anxious in one way as himself. + +One thing annoys the American; this is the persistence with which Sir +Lionel keeps up as a member of the little company. He makes himself +agreeable all around, and as John has had no proof of the Briton's +miserable work in the harbor of Malta, he is wise enough to restrain his +feelings and hold his tongue, trusting to some future event to tear off +the mask and reveal him in his true colors. + +At noon they are in the village, and stop to eat their lunch at an Arab +tavern, where they fare pretty well, though John is ready to make a vow +never to again touch the native dish of Kuskusu which is set before +them. + +They see strange things at Birkadeen, and from there continue their +journey to other villages, Bermandries, and El-Biar, at each of which +Mustapha has something odd to show them that will ever remain a pleasant +memory in the future. + +It is a day John Craig will never forget for more reasons than one; a +day marked with a white stone because of the pleasure he enjoys in the +society of this bright English girl whom he has ere now learned to love, +and a day that must always remain prominent in his mind because it +precedes a night that is the most memorable in all his history. + +In more ways than one does Lady Ruth, while always acting as a lady, +show that she prefers his society to that of Sir Lionel, and though the +British soldier appears unruffled on the surface, he is undoubtedly +deeply piqued. + +So the hours wear on. + +The sun is low in the west, and the ever watchful Mustapha declares it +is time they started for the city. They have enjoyed a ride on the ship +of the desert, as the camel is called, admired the Arabian steeds, which +all the money of an unbeliever or Christian dog could not purchase, and +looked upon many strange scenes. + +Several times during the afternoon they have been temporarily separated. +The baronet appears to have a deep interest in the queer things to be +seen in the Arab village, for more than once he lingers behind to ask +questions as he explains, in the hope of purchasing some article that +has particularly caught his fancy. + +John never once suspects that Sir Lionel may have another motive in his +actions. + +When Mustapha announces that it is time they return, they look around +for the vehicle which was to take them back, but strangely enough it +does not appear. + +As the minutes pass Mustapha grows exceedingly impatient. He has +arranged matters to suit their convenience, and this delay is annoying. +It does not suit him to return at night. + +Just as patience ceases to be a virtue, and the guide has announced his +intention of finding some other means of transportation, they discover +the omnibus coming into view from beyond the thicket of cactus and aloe. + +It has been carrying a load of villagers from their homes to the high +hills of Bouzaveah, to the native cemetery which crowns the summit. + +Then they suddenly remember that it is Friday, or the Mohammedan Sunday, +on which day great throngs repair to the grave-yards and visit the tombs +of the _marabouts_ or saints, gazing upon some ancient relic which the +departed wore in his life-time, and which on account of its disreputable +condition no respectable European would touch. + +They have the omnibus to themselves, which, of course, pleases them. + +John shakes his head dubiously as he enters the vehicle. He has glanced +at its condition, and declares they will be lucky indeed to reach +Algiers without a break-down. + +The driver has been scored by Mustapha for his tardiness, and appears to +feel the sting of the reproach, for no sooner are they seated in the old +vehicle than he uses his whip with some vim, the horses start away, and +they head for the city. + +When the road is smooth it is all very good, but after leaving Birkadeen +they will strike a rough section that must try the staying powers of the +wretched vehicle. + +As they whirl through Birkadeen in a cloud of dust, with several mangy +curs howling at the heels of the steaming horses, it is just sunset. +There is no mosque here with its minaret, from which the _muezzin_ +chants his call to prayer, but the faithful do not need such a summons, +and can be seen here and there prostrating themselves on the ground with +faces toward the holy city. + +One grows accustomed to such spectacles when traveling in oriental +countries where Mohammed is looked upon as the great prophet of Allah, +and the novelty inspired by the first sight dies away. + +After leaving the Arab village they strike the rough section of the road. + +It would be natural to suppose that the driver has by this time gotten +over his anger at being chided by Mustapha, and might moderate his pace, +out of respect to his antiquated vehicle, if not the safety of those who +occupy it. + +Not so. + +If anything, as darkness steals over the scene, he uses his whip with +greater energy, and his voice urges on the sweating horses. + +Now they have it surely. + +The ruts in the road cause the vehicle to bounce from side to side, and +those inside are tossed about much like rubber balls. + +At first they are disposed to treat it as a joke, and laugh over the +ludicrous situation, but as it increases, their sufferings begin. + +The dust is disagreeable, the jolting actually dangerous, as they are +shot from one side of the vehicle to the other with tremendous force. + +Besides, John is in momentary expectation of the rickety affair breaking +down and spilling them all out on the roadway. + +Indeed, he is surprised that this accident has been so long delayed. + +He shouts to the driver to slacken the pace, but evidently the fellow +fails to hear. Then he puts his head out of the window and once more +elevates his voice, but the rattle of the plunging vehicle, together +with the noise made by the driver himself, as he shouts at his steeds +like a crazy Bedouin, combine to deaden all other sounds. + +At any rate there is no result. + +John has by this time become excited; they are mounting a little +elevation, and temporarily their pace is reduced. Once at the top and +a long slant lies beyond, down which they must go at lightning speed. + +It is now or never. + +He is bound to stop this mad race against time if he has to climb to the +top of the swaying vehicle and toss the reckless driver off. + +It is with this intention before him that he bids the ladies hold on +with all their power, while he seeks an interview with the fellow who +handles the ribbons. + +Then he seizes the window-frame, intending to get hold of something +above which will serve as a fulcrum to move his body. + +It is just at this interesting moment that the expected event occurs. + +There is a sudden, tremendous shock, as they strike some obstacle; +shrieks from the women, a swaying of the coach, which immediately falls +over on one side. + +A wheel has come off. + +They are wrecked among the hills, and a considerable distance from +Algiers, the lights of which illumine the heavens beyond. + +"Is anyone injured?" calls out John, with some anxiety in his voice, for +the shock has been quite serious. + +They are all in a confused heap in the corner that is down, and the +professor is the first to crawl out. + +Then comes Lady Ruth, excited, but, thank Heaven, uninjured. + +They help Sir Lionel out. He limps around, feeling his left leg and +groaning a little as even the bravest of men may do on occasions, and +hoping the pain he feels is nothing serious. + +Aunt Gwen alone remains, and there is heard no sound from her. The +usually vociferous voice seems to have been utterly hushed. + +"Oh! is she dead?" exclaims the young girl, with horror in her voice, as +Doctor Chicago and the professor carry Aunt Gwen out. + +"I trust not. I think she has only fainted. Can you lift one of the +cushions from the wreck, Lady Ruth, and we will place her upon it here." + +She shows immediate animation instead of going into hysterics, as many +girls would do under the circumstances, and flies to assist to the +extent of her ability. + +Thus Aunt Gwen is soon in a comfortable position, and the doctor starts +to bring her to, for he believes she has only swooned. + +This he soon accomplishes, and when she is able to declare that she is +not in pain, only badly broken up by the shock, he feels that it is time +he turned his attention to another quarter. + +They are in a bad fix, wrecked several miles from their destination. + +Darkness has now set in. + +John rises from his knees and takes in the situation. It is evident that +something must be done in order that they may be rescued from their +unpleasant position. + +Where are Mustapha and the driver? Both of them have utterly vanished in +the most mysterious manner. Who, then, will mount one of the panting +horses and ride back to Birkadeen for succor? + +"Let me go?" says Sir Lionel, staggering forward, and clutching an +olive tree for support. + +John sees his weak state. + +"You are not in a condition to go. Stay here and protect the ladies, for +it is a lonely place, and there may be wild animals in these woods, who +knows?" With which words the young American throws himself on the +horse's back and urges the animal along over the road they have +traveled, followed by the anxious eyes of Lady Ruth. + + + + +CHAPTER XVI. + +A FRENCH WARRIOR. + + +John digs his heels into the sides of the animal he bestrides, and urges +him on with every artifice known to a jockey, and considering the +darkness, the rough nature of the road, and the weariness of the beast, +he succeeds in getting over the ground at quite a respectable rate. + +Thus, meeting no one on the way, he finally bursts upon the village of +Birkadeen much after the manner of a thunderbolt from a clear sky, and +dashes up to the office of the stage line, which, as may be supposed, is +managed by Franks. + +A Frenchman has charge, and upon his vision there suddenly bursts a +dusty figure, with hair destitute of covering, and clothing awry, a +figure that has leaped from a horse bathed in sweat; a figure he +imagines has broken loose from some mad-house, yet which upon addressing +him shows a wonderful amount of coolness. + +"Are you the agent of the stage line?" is the first question fired at +him. + +"I am Monsieur Constans. I have ze charge of ze elegant equipage line +zat you speak of as one stage," returns the Frenchman. + +"You remember my passing through here a little while ago, bound for +Algiers?" + +"_Parbleu!_ zat is so. I am astonish. What for are you back on ze +horseback, too. _Mon Dieu!_ have ze robbers been at it again? Ten souzan +fury, and ze _cadi_ promise zat we have no more trouble wif zem." + +At the mention of the word John experiences a sudden chill, remembering +that he has left Lady Ruth and Aunt Gwen upon the loneliest part of the +road to Algiers; but becomes somewhat reassured when it also crosses his +memory that the gallant professor and the soldier hero of Zulu battles +are there to defend them. + +"You are mistaken. The miserable vehicle has broken down," he says. + +"_Ciel!_ is zat all?" + +"All! Confound your impudence, and isn't it enough when two ladies are +almost killed outright by the accident? All! when we've been rattled +about like dry peas in a pod, until there's hardly a square inch of me +that doesn't ache. I'll tell you, monsieur, what you are to do, and in +a dused hurry, too. Order out another stage and fly to the scene of the +wreck without delay." + +"Begar! if I only had a vehicle," he groans. + +"You shall find one of some sort inside of five minutes and go with me +to the scene to rescue my friends, and take them to safety, or you must +take the consequences," and in his excitement John glowers upon the +dapper Gaul until the latter actually trembles with trepidation. + +"Stop! I have zink of something. Zere is one old vehicle in ze shed, +laid by for repairs. By careful handling it would do." + +"Good! Get horses hitched to it; we must lose no time. To the rescue, +Monsieur Constans. Ladies have been hurt; they must be taken to the city +as speedily as possible." + +The Gaul is excitable by nature, and he catches some of John's surplus +enthusiasm, springs to his feet, and is out of the office door like a +shot, shouting almost unintelligible orders to the gang of dirty Arabs +who have rushed to the scene upon the advent of a Frank entering the +village like a young cyclone and riding a horse that from its harness +they recognize as belonging to the stage line. + +John, finding they make such poor headway, proceeds to lend his +assistance, and under his directions the job is finally completed. + +An old stage, even worse than the wrecked one, is brought out, and the +horse John rode harnessed to it. Then a second animal is secured, and +after some difficulty about the harness has been adjusted, they are off. + +There is, of course, danger that the same catastrophe will happen to +them, but the emergency is great, and John handles the reins himself. + +Thus through the darkness they proceed, gradually nearing the scene of +the disaster. + +The nearer they come the more John's fears arise, though he would find +it hard to give good reasons for them, since they rest only upon the +words that have been let fall by the dapper little French agent who sits +beside him on the box, and holds on for dear life, uttering numerous +exclamations, in his explosive way, as they pitch and toss. + +A tree looms up. John recognizes it as a mark which just preceded their +overthrow. Hence, the wrecked stage must lie just beyond, so he pulls in +his horse and tries to pierce the darkness that lies like a pall around. + +They have at his suggestion brought a lantern along, but of course this +is of little use to them as yet. + +"What is that cry up on the hill-side?" asks John, as he hears a +peculiar sound. + +"Monsieur es worry; he need be. Zat is some rascally jackal or hyena; +zey hover around ze villages and do much mischief. I have seen zem +myself carry off one sheep." + +This is not very pleasant intelligence, but John is now engaged in +trying to pierce the gloom, and believes he sees some object that may +prove to be the wrecked stage. + +He sings out with a hail: + +"Ah, there, professor!" + +Not a reply; only what seems to be an echo is flung back from the +hill-side. + +Then John's heart stands still with a sudden fear, as he imagines that +some terrible thing has occurred. He raises his voice and calls upon +Philander. When there comes no reply to this, he makes use of Sir +Lionel's name and bellows it forth until the valley seems to ring with +the sound. Still hopeless, for no answer bids him drop his fears. + +Now the fact is assured that something serious has happened. + +John jumps to the ground, desirous of seeing whether they have actually +reached the spot where the wrecked omnibus lies. + +He finds it to be true, and in another moment is standing upon the very +place where Aunt Gwen reclined at the time of his departure. + +There is much room for speculation. Any one of half a dozen things might +have happened, for to one who is utterly in the dark, there is no end of +possibilities. + +What can he do? + +One chance there is, that while he, Doctor Chicago, was absent, +bent upon his errand of mercy and rescue, Mustapha may have once more +appeared upon the scene, and influenced the little party to move +on in the direction of the distant city. + +He still places implicit confidence in the guide, and has strong hopes, +though the absence of the Arab at the time of the accident is utterly +unexplainable. + +By this time monsieur has descended from his perch, and joins him. In +his hand he carries the lantern, ready for use. + +"What have you found, _mon ami_?" asks this worthy, as he arrives on the +scene. + +"Here is the wrecked stage, but my friends have vanished. It puzzles me +to know what has become of them." + +"No doubt they have gone ahead, fearing that you could not ze new +vehicle obtain. We may soon discover ze truth." + +"By going forward, yes; but before we do that, perhaps I can learn +something about the direction they took." + +"Ah! you will apply ze wonderful science of ze prairie. I have heard of +it, begar, and I shall be one very glad to see ze experiment." + +He poses in an attitude of expectation, and keeps his eyes fastened upon +the other, who has already picked up the lantern and bends over, with +the intention of following the trail. + +This soon brings him from the ruined stage to the olive tree under which +they had laid Aunt Gwen. + +Arrived here he utters an exclamation. + +"This tells the story. Confusion, indeed." + +"What now, monsieur?" echoes the Frenchman. + +"See; the tracks are numerous." + +"But they would have been had these people moved about a good deal." + +"Look again. You will note that they are made by other feet. Many men +have been here. What you once suggested--" + +"_Mon Dieu!_ robbers?" as if appalled. + +"That explanation is nearer the mark that anything else." + +The prospect is appalling, for these wild robbers of the desert fear +neither man nor devil, and when once they retreat to their hiding-places +in the mountains, it is next to folly to dream of following them. + +John Craig finds himself in a dilemma. To whom can he appeal in this, +his hour of trial? Will the authorities do anything for him in case the +American or British consul make a demand? Can they accomplish aught? +These wild Bedouins of the desert do not come under the jurisdiction of +the Dey. His orders would be laughed to scorn, and mounted on their +swift Arabian steeds they would mock any effort to chase them. + +So John is deeply puzzled, and knows not how to turn. If the Frenchman, +usually so bright and witty, cannot suggest something to help him out of +this dilemma, he will have to depend upon himself alone; but Monsieur +Constans shrugs his shoulders and professes to be all at sea. + +Dimly John begins to suspect that this may not have been such an +accident after all. + +He begins to suspect a plot. + +The driver? what of him? + +His actions had been strange and almost crazy from the start, and yet +John feels sure that if the case were thoroughly investigated it would +be found that he was not in the habit of thus running with his loads +over the rough part of his trip. + +There is something unusual in this, and something that demands +investigation. The man's actions were suspicious, to say the least, +for just as soon as the break-down occurred he had vanished from view. + +Evidently he was in league with some one. + +John is furious to think that he left the scene of the disaster. + +Why did he not let Sir Lionel go? The baronet seemed to be in earnest in +his offer, and under such circumstances--but what nonsense after all, to +think that he could do more, when the veteran of three wars was +evidently unable to prevail against his foes. + +Thus, after summing up, John is compelled to admit with a groan that he +knows absolutely nothing about the case, and is in a position to learn +little more. + +He is a man of action, however, and can not bear to see minutes pass +without at least an effort to utilize them. + +Can they follow the track? + +It is a possible solution of the problem, although it promises to be +hard work. + +Then, again, he thinks of his companion. How far may the Gaul be +trusted? He has known Frenchmen who were brave; he has a good opinion of +them as a fighting nation, and yet this individual specimen may not turn +out to be a warrior. + +With the hope of getting an ally, then, he turns to the subject of his +anxiety. + +"Monsieur Constans." + +"I am here." + +"Your words have come true. Arab robbers have, I fear, carried off my +friends." + +"_Mon Dieu!_ it ees sad." + +"I am determined to rescue them." + +"Bravo! bravo!" clapping his hands with the excitement of the moment. + +"One thing worries me." + +"Ah! monsieur must be plain." + +"It concerns you." + +"_Le Diable!_ in what way?" + +"How far can I depend on you?" + +At this the French agent draws his figure up with much pomposity. He +slaps one hand upon his inflated chest. + +"To ze death, monsieur!" + +"Good! Tell me, are you armed?" + +"It has been my habit, among zese Arabs, zese negroes, zese ragged +Kabyles from ze mountains. I would not trust my life wizout zis." + +Then he suddenly flourishes before John's eyes, delighted with the +spectacle, a genuine American bull-dog revolver, which, judging from its +appearance, is capable of doing considerable execution when held by a +determined hand, and guided with a quick eye. + +John instantly matches it. + +"Hurrah!" he exclaims, with enthusiasm, "we are well matched, Monsieur +Constans. Let it be the old story of Lafayette and Washington." + +"It ees glorious! Zey won ze fight. Why should not we, monsieur--" + +"My name is Doctor John Craig from Chicago." + +"I greet you zen, Monsieur Doctaire. Zis is all new business to me. Tell +me what to do, and I am zere." + +"Then we'll follow these tracks a little and try to learn something +about those who were here, their number, whether mounted or afoot, and +the probable direction they took." + +"Superb! I am one delighted to serve wiz a man of zat caliber. You +meesed ze vocation I zink, Monsieur John, instead of ze doctaire you +should be ze general." + +John knows it will not pay to stop and talk with Monsieur Constans. +A Frenchman is inclined to be voluble, and valuable time may be lost. + +So he walks on, bending low in order that the lantern light may be +utilized. Thus he follows the tracks some little distance, with the +fighting Gaul at his elbow, endeavoring to penetrate the darkness +beyond. + +It is a peculiar situation, one that causes him to smile. This time +he is not tracking the deer through the dense forests of Michigan. +Somewhere ahead are fierce Arab foes who have his friends in their +hands. + +At the same time he has a vague feeling of alarm in the region of his +heart, alarm, not for himself, but concerning the fortunes of Lady Ruth. + +A month, yes, hardly more than two weeks before, John Craig did not know +there was such a being in existence. + +Even when first made acquainted with her he had believed her rather +haughty, according to his American notion of girls. + +Gradually he has come to know her better, has come to understand the +piquant character underlying what he was pleased to look upon as pride, +and which her aunt must have had in mind when she gave her the +significant name of Miss Caprice. + +Thus events have rolled on until now, in this period of suspense, when +the girl seems to be in desperate danger, he awakens to the fact that +he loves her. + +With Monsieur Constans at his side, John has gone perhaps a few hundred +yards when the light of the lantern suddenly falls upon a human figure +advancing; an Arab, too. + +John is about to assume an offensive attitude when he recognizes +Mustapha Cadi, the guide. + + + + +CHAPTER XVII. + +ON TO THE METIDJA MINE + + +A startled exclamation at his side causes the young doctor to remember +that he has a companion. He whirls around and just in time to avert what +might have turned out to be a catastrophe, for Monsieur Constans, seeing +the figure of an Arab coming toward them, has no other idea than that it +is an enemy. + +Perhaps the fiery Gaul is somewhat anxious to try his fire-arms. At any +rate, when John so suddenly wheels upon him, monsieur is in the act of +covering the advancing figure. + +John with a sharp cry knocks his leveled weapon up, and calls out: + +"It is a friend; my guide, Mustapha Cadi." + +"_Diable!_ I am one fool," exclaims the Gaul. "I recognize ze man now, +and but for you he would be dead. I shall beg his pardon. It was one +grand meestake." + +Meanwhile Mustapha has come up. + +Doctor John Craig is filled with a new excitement now. In his eyes the +coming of this man means much. It is strange that no suspicion enters +his head in connection with Mustapha. Even while he is so certain that +the driver of the omnibus is in league with their enemies; that the +break down is only a part of the grand scheme to obtain possession of +the English girl who can pay a big ransom, he has never once connected +the Arab guide with the matter. + +This is all the more singular because Mustapha Cadi was on the top of +the coach at the time of the wreck, and he disappeared with the driver. + +It can only be accounted for by the fact that like most keen men John +Craig is in the habit of relying upon his judgment in such matters, and +there is something about the face of Mustapha that wins his confidence. + +Then, again, there are the events of the preceding night. The courier +stood by him like a Spartan hero; yes, he can be trusted. + +Thus John meets the guide warmly, and a new hope immediately springs +into existence, a hope born of confidence. + +"What does all this mean, Mustapha Cadi? See, I have brought the agent +of the stage line, but when we arrive at the scene of the wreck we find +it deserted. What does it mean? Have my friends fallen into the hands of +robbers?" + +Mustapha immediately nods his head. + +"It is so, monsieur." + +"Who are they?" + +"Arabs, Kabyles, Moors--all who hate the Franks, yet love money more. +They are under a desperate leader, the Tiger of the Desert." + +At this Monsieur Constans utters a low cry. + +"He means Bab Azoun, ze terrible gate-way of death." + +Mustapha again nods, and John resumes his cross-questioning with a +lawyer's tact. + +"Were our friends injured?" + +"Not seriously. They fight well. The soldier threatens to kill all, but +they do not allow him to do it." + +"Brave Blunt; he deserves a Victoria cross. But where were you, +Mustapha?" + +The Arab hangs his face; he looks sheepish. + +"I come up just when all was over. They twenty against one. It would be +foolish for me to try and fight. I believe I can do better; so I watch, +I follow, I learn much." + +John cannot restrain his feelings. He seizes the Arab's dusky hand and +shakes it with real Chicago ardor. + +"Mustapha, you're a jewel. Go on. Where did you go at the time of the +accident?" + +"Bismallah! I was after him, the cause of it all--him, who entered into +this conspiracy--the driver. Monsieur, he ran like a deer through the +dark. I thought to grasp him more than once, but each time he turned and +let me hug the air. But success at last." + +"You got him?" + +"He picked up a stone with his foot and stretched his length on the +ground. Here was my opportunity. I embraced it. Both were out of breath, +but I held him there, pinned to the earth. Great is Allah, and Mohammed +is his prophet." + +"Did you make him confess?" + +"I tried to persuade by silvery speech, but it did not meet with +success. Then I turned to muscular force. Monsieur, when Abdul el +Jabel saw I was in earnest, he cried out for fear, and swore by all +the prophets that if I would let him live he would confess the truth." + +"Good, good!" says John, pleased with the business qualities of his +guide. + +"_Begar!_ it ees better zan one play," mutters the French agent. + +"So I made the miserable driver confess that he had entered into an +arrangement with one of the robbers to upset us between Birkadeen and +Al Jezira, so that they could make the capture." + +"The villain! he deserved hanging. I hope you executed Arab justice on +him then and there." + +Mustapha shakes his head. + +"Monsieur forgets. I had given my word. An Arab will never break that. +But I let him go after a few kicks, which, you see I have learned to +give from the Franks. He will not go back. He now becomes an open ally +of Bab Azoun, the desert tiger." + +"Well--" + +"Monsieur, one word more. He could not tell me all, but gave me to +understand that Bab Azoun was in the employ of another party, some Frank +who loves revenge." + +This opens up a new vista. John is visibly agitated by the news. + +"I believe I see light; the hand of Pauline Potter is behind it all." + +"Monsieur, pardon." + +"Well, what is it now?" + +"From all he said I was inclined to believe it was a man who bought Bab +Azoun." + +"Yes, yes; but you see he may have been mistaken. Besides, Blunt fought +like a tiger. It does not matter just now. What we want to do is to +rescue them all." + +"That is right." + +"You came upon the scene just as these friends of mine were overpowered. +Tell us what next occurred?" + +"A move was made. I feared that it would be the end, for Bab Azoun +and his followers usually dash into the desert when they have secured +plunder, the pursuit from the French soldiers being what they fear, +since the Algerian rulers have given all over into the hands of the +Franks. + +"Monsieur, I was surprised to see them start off on foot. I was more +than pleased to find that they took a _chemin de travers_ or what you +call a country cross road that leads to the deserted mines or caves of +Metidja. This told me they were encamped there, and I heard one man +telling another they would not leave until morning, as they had other +business in hand." + +At this John plucks up courage. The thought of Lady Ruth being miles +away, mounted on a fast horse and speeding toward some desert fastness +of the robbers, was one to almost paralyze his brain, for the chances of +his doing anything to help her in such a case were few and far between. + +"What can we do, Mustapha? We are bold and determined, still we are only +three against an army. The odds are great." + +"Ah! monsieur, it might be beyond our power to overcome the fighters of +Bab Azoun by force, but there are other ways." + +"Thank Heaven, yes." + +"The battle is not always to the strong, nor the race to the swift." + +"He speaks like ze prophet," murmurs Monsieur Constans, gazing upon the +sublime face and magnificent figure of the Arab courier with something +that partakes of the nature of awe. + +"True, we are three--they are forty. If we venture to attack we will +meet death. That is very good; death comes to all men, and the Koran +teaches us that the brave who die in battle, with their faces toward the +foe, are transported immediately to paradise. That is why the followers +of Mohammed never know fear in a battle. But if we die, what then +becomes of those in the hands of Bab Azoun?" + +"Ay, what indeed?" mournfully. + +"Therefore, to save them, monsieur, we must try to live." + +"It ees good; we will live," echoes the Gaul. + +"And rescue the prisoners of the desert tiger." + +"How far away are these deserted mines?" + +"About a mile." + +"Among the hills on this side of the plain known as Metidja?" + +"It is even so, illustrious Frank, on a line with that snowy peak, Djara +Djura, which towers above the Atlas Mountains." + +"Your plan, Mustapha--speak, for I know you have been considering it." + +The courier places his hand on his chest and bows. Praise delights +even the tympanum of an Arab, and flattery gains favors in the most +unexpected quarter. + +"_Ciel!_ we are in the agony of suspense," declares the Frenchman, never +once taking his eyes off the Arab's face. + +"Great is Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet. I am but as a grain of +sand on the sea-shore. Let the praise be his." + +With this preliminary, Mustapha Cadi gives his plan of action briefly. + +It was his intention to go to Al Jezira, to seek the French commandant +at the barracks known as the Kasbah, and give him the information +concerning Bab Azoun. + +It has long been the ambition of the various French generals stationed +in Algeria to kill or capture the notorious desert prince who for years +has defied their power, suddenly making a bold dash upon some point, +and, leaving smoking ruins in his wake, as mysteriously vanish. + +Again and again have they sought to track his band over the plains, +along the desert and into the wild recesses of the mountains, but it has +always turned out a failure. Bab Azoun, on his native heath, laughs them +to scorn, and once laid an ambuscade in which the soldiers suffered +badly. + +Hence, it can be set down as certain that the military governor of +Algiers will be delighted with a chance to surround the tiger of the +desert, and his band, so close to the city--that as soon as the news is +carried to him he will fit out a secret expedition against the enemy. + +Now that there are three of them instead of one, it is not necessary +that all should go. A single messenger is enough. + +Whom shall it be? + +Fate decrees. + +They look to Monsieur Constans. Mustapha is needed to serve as a guide +to the old mines, and Doctor Chicago ought to be on hand, because it is +to rescue his friends they go. + +Even the French agent recognizes this fact. + +"_Parbleu!_ Monsieur Craig, it ees right I should go. Besides, I am well +acquaint wiz ze commandant. Zen let us consider ze business as settle. I +sall away to ze Kasbah, and zen in due time look for ze swoop of ze +French zouaves. _Begar!_ if Emile Constans may have a hand in ze capture +of zat deevil, ze reward will allow him to visit ze adorable Paris +again. I am off. I sall let nothing stop me. _Allons!_" + +With a majestic wave of the hand he turns his back on them and runs. + +They stand and listen. + +Plainly can they hear him plunging on through the darkness in the +direction of the spot where the old stage was left. Once, twice he +measures his length on the ground, only to scramble to his feet, and +uttering choice Parisian invectives, continue his flight. + +"Now he reaches the stage," says John. + +Then comes the crack of a whip. + +"They are off. Jupiter! what a noise he makes! How the old stage rattles +and bangs. The man is raving mad to plunge over such ground at a +reckless pace like that. He will surely meet the same fate, sooner or +later, that befell the old vehicle we were in. He only thinks of the +reward; of a great holiday lasting six months, on the boulevards and in +the cafes of Paris. Sometimes there's a slip between--Great Scott! he's +over!" as there comes a grand smash and then utter silence. + +Mustapha appears uneasy. + +"Monsieur, it is their worst fault; they are too hot-blooded. Not so the +English. He is dead." + +"Hark!" + +Now they hear the clatter of a horse's hoofs; the sound heads toward +Algiers. + +"Has that horse a rider, Mustapha?" asks John, ready to rest his +decision upon the trained ear of the Arab. + +"It is even so. You hear yourself; he runs too regularly to be loose." + +As he speaks they catch a cry from the quarter where the horse runs, a +cry as of a rider urging his steed on. + +"That is enough. Monsieur Constans is on the way to the Kasbah. Now we +can turn our heads in the direction of the mines of Metidja." + +"It is well. Follow me, monsieur," says the courier, gravely. + +"We may need this," holding up the lantern. + +"It would be dangerous to carry it, for the eyes of Bab Azoun's men are +like owls'. Besides, monsieur, we do not need it. Another lantern will +give us all the light Allah desires." + +As he speaks he points toward the east, where, just peeping above +the hill-top, is a golden rim like a monster eye that is about to be +fastened upon the earth below. + +"The moon; that is a blessing. I accept it as an augury of success. +Mustapha, I am ready. Lead on, and may the God of battles decide for +the right." + + + + +CHAPTER XVIII. + +THE MODERN LEONIDAS. + + +Mustapha Cadi, like most Arabs, possesses many of the properties that in +times gone by distinguished our American Indians. + +The signs of the desert and mountains are like an open book to him, and +he is quite at home in an undertaking of this sort, a mission requiring +energy and daring, as well as caution. + +So, without much apparent trouble, he leads the young Chicagoan along. +Sometimes the way is difficult, indeed, impossible in John's eyes, but +the Arab knows the secret, and finds a passage where none appears to +exist. + +Thus they advance for nearly an hour. John imagines they have gone +farther than is the case. This is on account of the rough ground. + +"Now, caution. We draw near the place. They will be on the watch. +Monsieur knows what discovery means." + +"Yes--death. That is understood, but it does not prevent me from +desiring to advance. Still we will redouble our caution." + +They see lights. These appear to come from openings in the hill, +doubtless mouths of the deserted mines, which the robber band of Bab +Azoun occupy temporarily, with their accustomed boldness. + +Drawing still nearer, under Mustapha's clever guidance, they discover +that the main body of the robbers are encamped in the largest cavern, +and as it seems natural that they would bring their prisoners here, the +two men devote their time toward looking up that quarter. + +The Arab courier has played as a boy in these old mines, and knows all +about them. This knowledge may serve him well now, and John is pleased +to think he is in the hands of one so well informed. + +In half an hour they have managed to learn an important fact. The +prisoners are in the main cavern. All escape is cut off by the presence +of numerous guards at the mouth of the mine, and they are watched +besides. + +Mustapha, putting his knowledge of the place into good use, has led his +companion into a cleft where there is hardly room to crawl; but, as they +reach the end, they have a chance to gaze upon the interior where the +Arabs and Kabyles, the Moors and negroes, who battle under the free +banner of Bab Azoun, are assembled. + +Eagerly John looks upon the face of Lady Ruth. His heart seems in his +throat, and he no longer can deceive himself regarding his true feelings +toward this young lady. + +"What can we do?" he whispers to the Arab. + +"Nothing but wait," is the reply. + +John has a great fear tugging at his heart. On their way they have +discussed the situation, and Mustapha has related the habits of the Arab +desert outlaws. Should it appear that a rescue was imminent, it was +their habit to murder any prisoners. + +Surely this is enough to arouse John's keenest fears. What if the French +forces do come and annihilate the robber host--if the prisoners share +their doom, what has been gained? + +That is why he asks so anxiously if there is nothing to be done. + +The Arab by this time realizes why he is so anxious, and hesitates a +little before making reply. + +"We must watch and wait. Monsieur will see something soon. Watch the +soldier." + +This gives John a new idea, and he speedily discovers that Sir Lionel is +not idle. The soldier has been in too many desperate situations to be +dismayed over such a trifling thing as this. + +He is not bound, and hence can move about. Now he seems to be talking to +the professor, and anon with Aunt Gwen. Last of all he speaks to Lady +Ruth, who nods eagerly. + +And a strange feeling comes up in John's mind as he surveys this scene. +What causes him to remember the harbor of Malta, the words of the +boatman before leaving the steamer, the tragic scene in the blue waters? + +It comes over him like a flash. Perhaps he did Sir Lionel an injustice +when he suspected him of criminal plotting in such a case, but the +circumstances were decidedly against the man. + +If he could be guilty of such a scheme, what would he not do in order to +win favor at the hands of the young English beauty? + +Again it flashes through John's mind; did not the driver in speaking of +the facts tell Mustapha that in his opinion it was a man who had entered +into a conspiracy with Bab Azoun? + +John's first thought was of Pauline Potter--that she had hoped to get +hold of him; but now he changes his mind, and locates the trouble +elsewhere, fixing it upon the veteran. + +Under these circumstances it may be interesting to see how the Briton +intends working his plan. John's only desire is a sincere wish that Lady +Ruth may be rescued from her predicament. He has no wish to put her to +any unnecessary trouble in order that he may play the hero. As well Sir +Lionel as any one else, so long as she is benefited. + +With this spirit, he can watch the development of affairs composedly, +though the suspicion that has crept into his mind causes him a little +worry. + +Sir Lionel is evidently getting ready to make a move for liberty. His +very actions betray it in more ways than one. John cannot but think that +he goes about it with something like a flourish of trumpets that is +hardly in keeping with the situation, for it is supposed that a dozen +pairs of eyes are upon them. + +First of all, he secures a weapon that is hanging upon the wall near-by. +It must be his own revolver, John believes. How lucky that the Arabs +hung it so close to his hand. No one appears to notice the action. +Really, Sir Lionel is attended by the goddess of luck. + +Then the professor makes a move in the same direction, crawls forward, +and lays hands on a gun that rests against the wall. This he smuggles +back with him, and again the guards are all interested in other +business, laughing, and joking. + +So far, good. Perhaps they can, if this marvelous good fortune follows +them, steal all the arms in the camp, and even capture the brigade. So +John concludes with a smile, as he sees what the professor has done. + +Anxiously, he waits to see what there will be next on the programme. +Some of the guards have left the place, others lie down to sleep. + +"The grand climax is coming," he thinks, as he takes note of these +things. "Blunt is getting ready to sweep the board. Well, good luck to +him." + +Even Mustapha has discovered that something strange is on the _tapis_. + +He has a singular way of expressing it. + +"Poor Monsieur Constans," he whispers. + +"What is the matter with him?" ejaculates John, in about the same tone. + +"It is too bad." + +"Mustapha, speak out." + +"He will come after a while." + +"Yes, yes." + +"And he will find no Bab Azoun, no band of illustrious robbers to do +battle with." + +John's mind instantly hits upon flight as the cause for all this. + +"Why do you speak so?" + +"This wonderful soldier, he do it all; by the mighty power of his arm he +will overcome the hosts of Bab Azoun. Great is Allah, and Mohammed is +his prophet; but I have never seen such a thing before in all my life." + +Then the exquisite, dry humor of the thing strikes John, and with such +force that he comes very near bursting with laughter. + +He has not the slightest desire to do anything that will bring about a +change in the plan. So long as Lady Ruth is rescued from her unpleasant +position, it matters little what the means are. + +Hence, he watches the development of matters with a keen interest. It is +not long before he is in a position to see that there is solid truth in +his suspicions. The actions of Sir Lionel confirm the fact that he has +been induced to compromise his honor in order to succeed with John as a +rival. + +When the divine spark touches the heart, it causes men to do strange +things. + +Here is one who in times past has been very jealous of his honor, and +would as soon cut off his hand as compromise himself. Yet, reduced to +sore straits by the success of a rival, he now descends the scale, and +schemes as cleverly as any rascally adventurer. + +The critical period draws near, and our military hero can scarce +restrain his valor. Indeed, he shows symptoms of wanting to rush out and +annihilate the whole band of Arabs and Moors, but Lady Ruth restrains +him, as though she is clever enough to see the folly of a move too +premature. + +It is a picturesque scene, and one that John will never forget. The +grotto alone has charming features, since the walls are white and +incrusted with some metallic substance that shines like silver. + +On either side can be seen giant stalactites dependant from the roof, +looking like mighty columns to support the dome. + +The fire and the torches illumine the scene, until it looks like one of +enchantment. The strange costumes of the nomads, with the various colors +they boast, add to the romantic nature of the exposition, and his must +be a poor soul, indeed, that fails to catch something of artistic fervor +when such a picture appears in view. + +There were twenty of Bab Azoun's men present an hour before, but now +only half of that number can be seen. + +The remainder have mysteriously disappeared. Things seem to be working +to suit the desperate plans of the veteran Zulu fighter, and he will +soon be in a condition to open the engagement. + +There will doubtless be a battle. John is lost in admiration of the +genius that could prepare such a scene, such a triumph. He does not +anticipate that even if the Briton is successful in his plans, he will +carry the heart of Lady Ruth by storm. + +"We must move," whispers Mustapha. + +"Why?" asks John, desiring enlightenment. + +"So as to be ready to take a hand in the grand affair," is the reply. + +Up to this moment it has not occurred to the young man from Chicago that +he may be in a position to profit by this peculiar situation. + +He smiles with the idea. + +"Mustapha, I leave all in your hands. Do with me as you please." + +"Then come." + +They quit the cleft, using great caution to prevent discovery. The +plans of the Arabian guide are soon made manifest, for he signifies his +intention of securing a sentry who paces up and down outside the old +mine. + +If he were a baby he could not have made less resistance. John would +have been amazed only that he has been forewarned. It is not the guard's +policy to attempt an outcry--undoubtedly he has had his orders. + +"Well?" says Mustapha, after the fellow has been tied up, and prevented +from making an outcry. + +"I believe we can capture the whole outfit at that rate. I feel equal to +twenty myself. They must have taken some drug; they have no more life +than a mummy from the pyramids." + +The Arab grins as though he enjoys the joke. + +"It is coming, prepare to see the mighty Frank's wonderful work." + +Even as he speaks, they hear loud shouts within the old mine--shouts +that would indicate an upheaval--shouts from Arab lips, that echo from +the Kabyle throats. + +They seem to indicate astonishment--fear. + +Above them rises the bellow of a Briton, rushing to the fray with the +eagerness of an infuriated bull. + +Oh, it is grand!--it is beautiful to see that one man hurl himself on +half a dozen! Fear--he knows not the meaning of the word it seems--his +opponents monopolize that. + +John, looking in, is delighted with the spectacle, and laughs to himself +as he sees how remarkably deadly are all Sir Lionel's shots. A man falls +every time he pulls trigger; if he rushes at a fellow, so great is the +fear his awful presence inspires that the wretched Arab sinks down and +actually expires through fright. + +The doctor has seen some wonderful stage fights, but the equal of this, +never. He laughs, yet finds himself almost stupefied with amazement. +Truly, the Victoria cross would well become this remarkable hero. + +One or two of the dead men do not seem to have had enough, or else are +dissatisfied with the manner of their taking off. At any rate, they +stagger to their feet, and have to be put to sleep again by energetic +means. + +Philander comes near making a mess of it all by his enthusiasm. It is a +regular picnic to the small professor. + +In the beginning he aimed his gun at one of the brigands. The weapon is +strange to him, being a long Arabian affair, with a peculiar stock, but +Philander has some knowledge of weapons, shuts his eyes, and pulls the +trigger. + +The report staggers him. When he opens his eyes, and sees the big, +ragged Kabyle at whom he aimed lying flat on his back, with arms +extended, the professor is horrified at first. + +Then some of the warlike spirit that distinguished his ancestors at +Lexington begins to flame up within him. + +He gives a shrill war-cry that would doubtless please many a Greek +scholar, and plunges headlong for the foe. + +The way in which he swings that Arab gun is a sight to behold; in itself +the apparition of Professor Sharpe thus advancing to the fray is enough +to strike terror to the human heart. + +One poor devil is in a position to receive a tremendous whack on the +back with the gun, now used as a cudgel, and there is positively no +fraud about the manner of his sprawling around. + +After that the professor sweeps the air in vain with his weapon. Men who +have met the terrors of the Algerian desert for years, fall down and +expire before he can hasten their exit from this vale of tears. + +Really, it is wonderful--he never before knew the tenets of the +Mohammedan religion made its devotees so accommodating; they seem to +court dissolution in the longing for paradise, where the prophet +promises eternal happiness for all who die in battle. + +It ends; even such obliging fellows as these do not need to be killed +more than a couple of times. Lady Ruth had covered her eyes with her +hands when the action began. + +She is the daughter of a soldier race, and as brave as the majority of +her sex; still she shudders to gaze upon the taking of human life. + +Perhaps, too, she anticipates the death of the valorous Briton, who has +hurled himself so impetuously into the breach, for under all ordinary +conditions his chances would seem to be small. + +When the dreadful racket is over, when the shouts, shrieks, and report +of fire-arms die away, Lady Ruth uncovers her eyes. + +She fully expects to see a slaughter-pen, with the valorous Sir Lionel +and Philander among the slain. As to the latter, there are no lack of +them, for they lie in every direction, and in every position the human +mind can conceive. + +And here is the hero warrior rushing up to her, a smoking revolver in +one hand. His usual coolness and _sang froid_ are gone--Sir Lionel is +actually excited. It is not every day that even a veteran of the Cape +wars is given a chance to thus immortalize himself after the manner of +Samson. + +"My dear Lady Ruth, the way is clear. We must fly before the rest of +the rascals appear. Perhaps we may be fortunate enough to find horses +outside, then a hot dash and the city will be gained. Permit me to +assist you." + +The girl springs up, ready to accept the chance a kind fate has thrown +in her way, and with a startled, curious glance at the piles of slain +that incumber the cavern, follows her friends. + + + + +CHAPTER XIX. + +WAR--HORRID WAR! + + +These strange events have occurred with great rapidity, and yet, of +course, they have taken some little time. + +It would seem as though the remainder of Bab Azoun's band, if anywhere +in the vicinity, might by this time have arrived on the spot, but they +do not show up, which fact is a fortunate one for them, though it takes +away from the luster of Sir Lionel's fame. + +When the four fugitives come out of the old mine into the moonlight, the +soldier looks about him quickly. + +"If we could only find horses," he cries. + +"What's this?" asks Philander. + +A whinny sounds close by. + +"This way, friends. Bless me! if this isn't the acme of good luck! Here +are horses--three, four of them, just one apiece, by Jove!" + +"Oh, how singular! I mean how fortunate!" exclaims Lady Ruth. + +There are the animals, fastened to branches of the trees. Why they are +separated from the remainder of the herd is not explained. + +Sir Lionel never looks a gift of fortune in the face, but when his eyes +fall upon the four miserable worn-out hacks which have thus fallen to +their share, he grits his teeth, and Philander is puzzled to understand +what he just catches: + +"Duse take the bloody heathen! A hundred pounds and four such +scarecrows!" + +Perhaps he is thinking of the chances of their being overhauled by the +men of Bab Azoun, mounted on swift coursers, for there are none who ride +better than these desert warriors, and none who own such steeds. + +"Let us mount--seconds are precious. There, by throwing one stirrup +over, it will make a fair lady's saddle. Allow me, Lady Ruth." + +They are speedily mounted. Aunt Gwen seems quite at home on a horse, +which she has ridden many times in the Blue Grass regions of Kentucky. +As to Philander, the same does not apply. He acts as though in deadly +fear of being pitched over the animal's head. The fates decree that the +largest horse of all falls to his lot, a raw-boned, loose-jointed +specimen of equine growth, and the little professor looks like a monkey +perched aloft. + +If the beast ever had any martial ardor, it has long ago died out, and +yet to the excited fancy of the professor, he might as well be upon the +back of a prancing, rearing, snorting war-horse. When the equine wonder +shakes his long ears, Philander imagines he is about to perform some +amazing trick, and, filled with a new dread, he clasps his arms around +the poor creature's neck, and calls out: + +"Whoa! there's a good fellow--be quiet now! I wouldn't hurt you, boy! +Whoa! I say. Hang me if I don't believe you've got the devil in you. +Want to kill me, eh? No, you don't. Easy now, you rascal. Whoa, whoa!" + +Fortunately for Philander the horse follows the lead of the others, and +the professor is not left behind. + +All seems working well. + +Sir Lionel, the undaunted veteran, can afford to smile. Success is +apparently assured, for they have gone some little distance, and only +now do the clamorous sounds from their rear indicate a commotion. + +Pursuit may be made, but it will be useless, as they are not many miles +from the walls of Algiers, which will give them shelter. + +It looks like a big success, and surely after the wonderful events of +this night Lady Ruth cannot ignore the claims he presents. She must fall +into the arms of the hero who has rescued her from the Arab host. + +So probably he reasons. + +But fate hits the man of valor a cruel blow, and that just when it seems +as though he has success between his fingers. + +It happens naturally enough. At the time a portion of Bab Azoun's +piratical band chanced to be separated from the main body, and were +under orders to join them at the Metidja mines. + +Coming up the slope, they are amazed to see a little band of pilgrims +advancing, lashing their plugs of horses desperately, in the hope of +making good time. + +The fatal moonlight betrays the fact that this little party is made up +of the hated Franks, and hearing the tremendous commotion that has now +arisen in the direction of the cavern, it is easy to line up the case, +and conclude that the party has escaped. + +Hence it is that all of a sudden Sir Lionel finds himself in the midst +of half a dozen Arab riders, who bar farther progress. + +It is the unexpected that happens. + +He attempts the same system of tactics that were so successful in the +previous difficulty, but they do not pass current with these fierce men. + +Immediately the two Franks are set upon by the desert tigers. Two seize +Sir Lionel and drag him from his steed, he resisting desperately. What a +great pity he exhausted his resources so thoroughly in the first round. +Ten men could not overcome him then, while two manage to hold him quiet +now. + +Philander, emboldened by his former success, thinks he can show them a +trick or two that will count; but a blow chances to fall upon his bony +steed's haunches, starting the animal off, and the professor, throwing +valor to the four winds, proceeds to clasp his arms tightly around the +horse's neck, shouting out an entreaty for some one, in the name of +Julius Cesar, Mohammed, or Tom Jones, to stop the wicked beast before +he makes mince-meat of his master. + +One of the desert raiders gallops alongside, and, clutching the bridle, +turns the runaway around. + +By this time the commotion above has increased, and it even sounds +as though the men of Bab Azoun might be starting out in quest of the +fugitives who have given them the slip. + +What are these sounds closer by--the thunder of many hoofs, the wild +neighing of steeds? It is as though a squad of French cavalry might be +rushing down upon them. + +The leader of the small Arab force gives quick orders, and his men +immediately fall into line of battle, ready to meet the foe, if +perchance such proves to be the character of the cavalcade. + +Now they burst out of the aloe thicket--they come dashing straight on +toward the spot where the little company is gathered. + +The moonlight falls upon them. Most of the horses are seen to be +riderless, yet they are the pet steeds of the outlaws, animals upon +the backs of which they have committed depredations on the desert, +and laughed pursuit to scorn. + +Upon two of the foremost chargers human figures may be seen, and one +glance tells them who these worthies are. + +Lady Ruth is the first to exclaim: + +"Why, it is John Craig." + +"He will be killed, see these fellows getting ready to fire. John, take +care!" and Aunt Gwen, in her eager desire to warn the doctor, waves her +hands in the air, one of them grasping a fluttering white kerchief. + +They hear the cry, they see the signal, and their eyes take in the line +of dusky warriors that awaits their coming. + +"Down, monsieur!" exclaims Mustapha. + +Not a second too soon do they drop upon the necks of their horses, +for a blinding flash comes from the men of Bab Azoun, a flash that is +accompanied by a roar, and a hail-storm of lead sweeps through the space +occupied by the forms of John Craig and his guide just a brief interval +before. + +"Charge!" cries Craig, rising in his seat, his face white with the +strange battle spirit, his right hand clutching a weapon. + +Then comes a scene of action that is totally unlike the one preceding +it, for now both sides are in deadly earnest, and the battle is a royal +one, indeed. + +When Craig fires he aims to diminish the number of his foes. Sometimes +a rearing horse gets the benefit of the flying lead. + +For the space of a minute or so the utmost confusion reigns. At first +the string of horses that the bold Craig and his guide were running away +with, becomes a feature in the scene, prancing and shrilly neighing. +Then they break and scatter in many directions. + +There were six Arabs originally in the party, but Philander knocked one +_hors de combat_ with the tremendous whack of a gun he snatched from its +keeper. + +Another drops from his horse before the fire of Doctor Chicago, and +Mustapha, who handles a yataghan with marvelous dexterity, actually +cleaves a third to the chin with the keen blade. + +There is a brief but exceedingly lively engagement between the survivors +and the Franks; but the tide of battle is with the strangers in Algiers. + +Wounded and fairly beaten, the three raiders at last whirl their horses +and dash madly away. Perhaps they are wise. It sometimes takes Sir +Lionel a little while to get in motion, but that great fire-eater is +about ready to enter the engagement at the time they fly, thus showing +rare wisdom. + +The field is won. + +John hears the shouts of the pursuers close by, while sharp whistles +sound, signals which are meant for the stray horses, loose from the +kraal, which they are bound to obey. + +"We must make use of every second. They will be after us," he says, +hastily. + +Lady Ruth shudders when she sees one of the Arabs endeavoring to stanch +a wound in his shoulder. There is no mimic war here, it is evident. + +When they start in a little squad, it is with a faint hope of making +such progress that the enemy must give up the pursuit; but almost +immediately John discovers something that gives him uneasiness. + +His horse staggers. It is evident that the beast has been struck with a +flying piece of lead, and is about to fall under him. + +The doctor says nothing, and hopes his absence may not be noticed by the +flying column, but, as it happens, when the catastrophe does occur, all +of them see it. + +Fortunately John clears himself just in time, and reaches the ground in +safety. Lady Ruth pulls in her horse. + +"You must not stop!" cries John; "urge your horses on--fly while you +have time. I hear them coming!" + +He tries to start Lady Ruth's nag, but she pulls on the lines. + +"I decline to run and leave you here, Doctor Chicago," she says, +resolutely. + +"But you must go," he declares. + +"Nonsense!" breaks in Philander. "Here's room for you, John. Jump up." + +The young man sees that the quickest way to get them started is to obey, +so he manages to reach the saddle in front of the professor, who clasps +his arms about him and holds on. + +This done, they clatter on again. + +It soon becomes evident that their pursuers gain upon them rapidly, +despite their best efforts. There can be but one end to the race, and +this is in plain view. + +John keeps his wits about him. If caught upon the open by the rushing +column of fierce desert warriors, a desperate engagement must ensue, +which will doubtless end in their complete annihilation, for it can +hardly be expected that Sir Lionel will be able to play his great game +twice on the same night. + +The Englishman has maintained a stolid silence all this while. Perhaps +he is out of humor at the change in the arrangements, and fears lest, +after all his hard work, the young Chicagoan may carry off the palm. + +Past experience has been of that order. + +Hence he moves without much animation. There seems to be a fatality +about the sudden appearance of Doctor Chicago on the scene. + +Meanwhile John Craig is not bothering his head about the small +side-issues connected with the matter, which will work out their own +final adjustment. He is more concerned regarding their escape from the +threatening doom that seems ready to ingulf them. + +Something must be done, that is certain, beyond all peradventure, and +John quickly grasps the situation. There is no disease that does not +have its remedy, and he finds a loop-hole of escape here. + +As they gallop along they come to a structure built upon the +road-side--a singular affair it was once upon a time, being made of +stone. John recognizes features that tell him this deserted place was +once a holy spot, the tomb of a _marabout_, or saint, built in a manner +to suit the taste of the departed. + +It has been long deserted, as too public, and the holy relics moved to +some more secluded tomb within the walls of the cemetery on the high +hill of Bouzareah. + +This is their chance. + +To continue the race means positive overhauling and doubtless death, +while by accepting the chance that fortune has thrown in their way +they may keep their enemies at bay until aid comes, for John has not +forgotten the mission of Monsieur Constans. + +He calls a halt, and briefly explains his plans. All of them see +that the horses they ride are not in the race when compared with the +magnificent steeds of their pursuers, and recognizing the fact that what +John suggests is probably the best thing to be done under the existing +circumstances, they quickly dismount. + +The horses are then started along the road in the hope that they will +lure the pursuers on while the little party pass through the opening, +and enter the quaint building, once the resting-place of a holy +Mohammedan's bones. + + + + +CHAPTER XX. + +THE COMING OF THE FRENCH ZOUAVES. + + +Perhaps Mustapha Cadi, as a true Mohammedan, may have a certain amount +of respect for this odd tomb of a _marabout_, but, as the saint's bones +have been removed, he has no hesitation about making a fort out of the +rocky recess. + +When all have entered he closes the opening. The door is broken, but +there are many loose stones around that can be made to serve. + +There is no time just now to use them, for the rush of horses' hoofs are +heard up the road, as the men of Bab Azoun come racing along, intent +upon overhauling the fugitives. + +They sweep past the rocky tomb like a young cyclone; it is a spectacle +none of those who gaze upon it will ever forget. The moonlight renders +it perfectly plain, and they can even see the savage expression of each +Arab face as the riders dash by. + +Now they are gone, and Mustapha begins to pile up the rocks against the +door. + +The others see what he is about, and immediately assist him, so that +when a couple of minutes have elapsed they have made use of every +available stone, and can regard their work with considerable +satisfaction. + +The roof of the tomb is the worst part, and, being made of wood, it +shows signs of decay. They locate themselves as best the circumstances +will allow and await the sequel. + +It is too much to hope that their enemies will long be deceived by the +trick that has been played. When they overtake, or sight, the riderless +horses, they must grasp the situation, and whirling about, look for the +fugitives upon the back trail. No doubt their shrewdness will at once +tell them just where those they seek may be found. + +Even as they finish their labor and take their positions, those in the +tomb discover that a change has come; the shouts of the robbers are +growing, louder, showing that they no longer race away. Their tenor has +changed, too, and they sound vindictive in their anticipated triumph. + +"Ready! they come!" remarks the sententious guide, who takes matters in +a cool manner, showing no sign of emotion. + +There can be no mistaking the fact, for in another minute the angry band +is in front of the old tomb. + +Then begins a scene that savors of horrid war. The clamor of battle is +in the air, loud shouts ring out, men charge, shots are fired, and with +serious result. + +Those who defend the fort know their lives are at stake, and they +endeavor to make each shot tell. Even Sir Lionel has managed to reload +his revolver, and this time makes sure that it contains lead. + +The professor is bound not to be left, and as he has secured the long +gun which was fastened to the saddle of the bony steed he rode, he sends +its contents among the assailants, even as they make their rush. + +The result is disastrous to Philander, since it knocks him off his +perch; but, scrambling to his feet again, he looks out in time to see +that his shot has played havoc among the animals of the attacking force. +Three are down, and their riders crawl from underneath, doubtless +pretty well scared, if not seriously injured. + +The first assault is over--the result is disastrous to the Arabs, who +have received severe wounds among them. + +They will probably reason the thing over now, and proceed upon new +lines, which will possibly bring them nearer success than they have been +thus far. + +Our friends are not over-confident, even though they have won the first +round. They know the tenacious character of the foe against whom they +are pitted, and feel sure this is only the beginning. What the end may +be only Heaven knows. + +The breathing spell is occupied by them in reloading. Lady Ruth and Aunt +Gwen arise to the occasion, and beg to be allowed to do anything that +falls in their line. If there was only a spare weapon, the English girl +declares she could easily load it, but it happens they have none. + +Once more breaks out the noise of battle. Whatever may have been the +original plans of Bab Azoun and his men, they have long since been +forgotten. Revenge is the leading fact in their minds now, revenge for +what has been done on this night. + +An Arab is a good hater, especially if the object of his animosity be a +Christian dog, an unbeliever. Nothing can be too cruel to inflict upon +such a foe. + +Those within the tomb have aroused the worst passions of the robbers, +and can look for no mercy. + +The engagement is bitter, indeed, for the Arabs have separated, and +creep upon the place on all sides. They discover the weakness of the +roof, and bend their energies toward crushing this in. + +There is a hot scene, and more than one of the sailants feel the breath +of flying lead, together with the sudden sting that tells of a burning +wound. + +It would be hard to say how the affair might have terminated were the +original combatants allowed to carry it to a conclusion, for both sides +are desperate, and one of them would have to win. + +John has not been without hope. He believes the French zouaves from the +Kasbah must long ere this have started on their secret march toward the +old mines of Metidja, and he feels sure the noise of battle must direct +them to the spot where the fierce engagement is in progress. + +Men will fight like tigers when all they have in the world is at stake. +John is nerved to greater deeds of valor by the fact that Lady Ruth is +present. He shudders at the thought of her falling into the hands of +these wild desert rovers. + +Finding their efforts to beat in the door useless, the assailants turn +their whole attention toward the roof. Great stones are hurled upon it, +and the chances of its holding out are few indeed. + +When an opening is made a dark face appears at it, and the fellow +attempts to push his gun in so that he may fire. Before he can succeed, +Mustapha Cadi has leaped upward, and fastened his hand upon the man's +throat, and by the weight of his body pulls the fellow through. + +Philander snatches up the gun with a cry of delight. He seems to have a +weakness for these Arab weapons, on this night, at least, three having +passed through his hands. There is heard the sound of a desperate +tussle, as the faithful guide battles with his victim. + +Again the hole above is darkened, as a human figure attempts to push +through, but the British soldier is ready this time. He has the gun +Philander threw aside as useless, and, with all his power, he dashes +this against the human wedge that fills the opening, sending the fellow +whirling over to the ground, shrieking out Arabic imprecations, and +calling upon Allah to give the unbelieving dogs into their hands. + +More stones are served. They begin to drop through, and it looks serious +for those who crouch within. Certainly they cannot hold out much longer. + +Heaven is kind, Heaven is merciful. The silent prayers of the two women +who kneel within the old tomb are heard. + +Just when the clamor of battle is at its height, when the climax is +near at hand, they hear a sound that brings joy to the little band, +struggling against unequal numbers--a sound that has many times been +heard upon the great war-fields of the world--the clear notes of a +bugle. + +Then come fierce shouts, the cheers of charging zouaves. It is a +thrilling period to those who have been almost at the last gasp. +Louis Napoleon, struggling at Sedan, could not have heard the zouave +battle-cry with more complete satisfaction than they do now. + +The Arabs are caught in the very trap they have so long eluded, and it +looks like a bad job for them. As to our friends, they are no longer in +the affair, and proceed to remove the stones from the door, in order +that they may look upon the last scene of the tragic drama. + +When this has been done, they see a spectacle that is more pleasing to +their eyes than any recently enacted--a scene made up of struggling +Arabs and French zouaves, where the latter are five to one--where +flashing bayonets meet the cruel yataghan, and the dark deeds of many +past years are avenged by the brave soldiers of France. + +It is quickly over. + +Bab Azoun and his desperate followers expect no mercy, and the French +give none. The few Arabs who are uninjured, make a determined assault in +one quarter, and literally hew their way through, leaving half of their +number on the field. + +Few indeed are they who escape, but the victory is shorn of its +principal feature, when the fact is disclosed that the dread terror of +the desert, the notorious rebel, Bab Azoun, is not among the slain. + +He was seen to fall, and yet they cannot find his body, search as they +may. + +Not being mounted, the French soldiers are unable to give pursuit to +the little band that hewed a way out. Besides, they have plenty to do +attending to the wounded. + +Up to the now open door of the _marabout's_ tomb rushes a figure that +has leaped from a horse. + +"_Mon Dieu!_ tell me, are you safe, ze ladies also?" gasps this party. + +It is Monsieur Constans. He has faithfully carried out his part of the +contract, and is warmly greeted by those whom the coming of the zouaves +has saved. + +Lady Ruth is pale--she has looked upon sights such as are not usually +seen by her sex--sights that make strong men shudder until they become +battle hardened, for war is always cruel and bloody. + +"Let us get to the hotel as soon as possible," she says to Aunt Gwen. + +"My goodness, are you going to faint?" exclaims that good soul. + +"Oh, no, I don't think so, but the sooner I am at the hotel the better," +replies the girl. + +"There comes John Craig. He has been talking with the officer in command +of the soldiers, and I guess has made some sort of arrangements for us." + +What Aunt Gwen says is true enough, for John leads them to captured +horses, and ere long they are moving in the direction of Algiers, +escorted by a detachment of the zouaves on foot. + +Their trials for the night are over, but they will never forget what +they have seen and endured. John is secretly fuming, as he ponders over +the facts. If he could only prove that Sir Lionel is the direct cause of +all this trouble, he would demand satisfaction from the Briton in some +shape. That is where the trouble lies, in proving it. What he has +learned thus far can be put down as only suspicions or hints, though +they look bad for the Briton. + +If Lady Ruth has observed enough to open her eyes with regard to the +veteran soldier, John will call it quits. + +A thought occurs to him, even as he rides toward Algiers, that causes +a grim smile to break out upon his face. It is a thought worthy of a +Richelieu--an idea brilliant with possibilities. + +"Here are Sir Lionel and Pauline--two despairing people who long for the +unattainable. Why should they not be mated? It is perhaps possible, and +would be a master stroke of genius on my part. Jove! I'll see what I can +do! Great pity to have all the plotting on one side of the house." + +From that hour John Craig devotes his whole mind to the accomplishment +of this purpose, for he sees the benefit of diplomacy. + +This is the great idea that is struggling in his mind as he rides along. + + + + +CHAPTER XXI. + +SHE CALLS HIM JOHN NOW. + + +When the news of the battle is known in Algiers, great excitement +abounds. There are many sympathizers of Bab Azoun among the native +population, and in some quarters their ugly teeth are shown; but France +has too secure a hold of Algeria not to be ready for such an emergency, +and her troops parade the streets, armed for battle. + +Consequently no demonstration on the part of the natives is attempted. +Among the foreigners, and in the better circles of merchants and +traders, there is great rejoicing over the victory, for it has long been +dangerous to travel in the region of the coast because of the bold +forays of this same Bab Azoun. They hope his power will now be broken, +and that perhaps the outlaw himself may be dead. + +In the morning our friends gather for breakfast. John alone is absent, +nor do they know what has become of him, for the clerk of the hotel +informs them that the Chicagoan was early astir. + +He comes in before they are done eating, but volunteers no information +concerning his wanderings, so that they of course conclude he has only +been for a walk. + +Sir Lionel seems rather shy. Most men upon making such a dismal failure +on two separate occasions, would probably be willing to give up the +game, but there is something of the bull-dog about Sir Lionel. He will +hold on until the end. + +He fears John Craig has penetrated his schemes, and this makes him +assume a dogged air. Evidently he still clings to hope of ultimate +success. + +As for Craig, he is undecided whether to call Sir Lionel a fool or a +knave, and is rapidly drifting to a belief that the Briton may be a +composite of both. + +They have much to see in Algiers. Mosques, bazaars, and the remarkable +features that cluster about this famous resort. A thousand and one +things unite to charm a traveler who strikes Algiers in the winter time, +and they usually go hence with many regrets, and memories that will +never fade. + +John watches his chance to speak to the girl at his side. He feels that +the time has come when he must tell her what he has in his heart--that +he loves her. + +If she gives him his _conge_, he will go his way and try to forget; but +he has hopes of a different answer; eye speaks to eye, and there is a +language of the heart that needs not lips to proclaim it, a secret +telegraphy that brings together those who love. The touch of a hand +thrills as no other touch can, and the sound of a voice heard +unexpectedly causes the heart to almost cease beating. + +At length he makes an opportunity, as only a bold and determined lover +can. They have gone in the street-cars to the terraced heights of +Mustapha Superieur, to visit a house which most tourists see--a house +with a remarkable history--and in departing, John and Lady Ruth somehow +are separated from the rest. The fault lies with him, because at the +last moment he proposed a final view of the wonderful scene spread out +below, to which Lady Ruth consented, and as the others boarded the +tram-car that would take them back to the city, John called out their +intention, and that they would join them later. + +There is nothing singular about this, and yet Lady Ruth's cheeks turn +rosy as she hears Aunt Gwen's laugh, and stealing a glance over her +shoulder discovers that quaint individual shaking her finger out of the +car-window. + +Upon a rustic seat the two rest. The grand panorama spread before them +charms the eye, and they feast upon the glorious scene. How blue the sea +appears, and the numerous sails are like splashes of white against the +deep background. + +There lies Algiers in all her glory, modern structures almost side by +side with Mohammedan mosques, whose domes shine like great balls of gold +and whose minarets guard the sacred edifice like sentries thrown out in +the nature of defenses. + +Who could gaze upon such a vision and not feel his heart stirred, must +indeed be dead to everything that appeals to the better senses. + +John Craig, M.D., might ordinarily be set down as an enthusiastic lover +of nature, and such a scene when he first gazed upon it aroused the +deepest emotions in his artist heart; but strange to say he pays little +heed to what is before him now. It is what occupies the rustic seat in +common with John Craig that takes his whole attention. + +How shall he say it. What words can he frame into an animated expression +of his feelings? It was all mapped out before, but the words have +utterly slipped his memory, as is always the case in such events. + +He turns to Lady Ruth. Her hand is in her lap. He boldly reaches out and +takes it. There is only a feeble resistance. Their eyes meet, "Lady +Ruth, will you give me this hand?" + +"You--I--what could you do with it?" she asks, turning rosy red. + +"Well, to begin with--this," and he presses it passionately to his lips. + +"Oh! Doctor Craig, what if some one should see you!" now struggling to +free her hand, which he holds firmly. + +He laughs recklessly, this hitherto shy young man. Once in the affair, +he cares little for prying eyes, and indeed there is small chance of +any one noticing them in this retired spot, as there are no other +sight-seers around. + +"I don't care who sees me. I've got to tell you what I'm sure you +already know, that I love you--I love you." + +He leans forward and looks in her face, which is downcast. She has +ceased to struggle now, and her hand lies fluttering in his. + +Such scenes as these the novelist has no business to linger over. The +emotions that are brought out at such a time should be sacred from the +public gaze. + +John does not wait long for his answer, as Lady Ruth is a sensible girl, +and really cares a great deal more for this young man than she has been +ready to admit even to herself. + +So she tells him that she is afraid she does take an uncommon interest +in his welfare, and that perhaps it would be as well for her to later on +assume such a position as will give her the right to watch over him. + +So it is nicely settled, and John feels supremely happy, just as all +sincere and successful wooers have done from time immemorial. + +After a short time John remembers that he meant to introduce a certain +subject, and putting aside his feelings of new-found joy--there will be +plenty of time for all that--he speaks of Sir Lionel. + +"Now that you know I am not at all jealous, I want to talk about +another. Sir Lionel Blunt." + +Her face lights up with a smile. + +"Perhaps I can guess what you would say." + +"It is about the affair last night." + +"Poor Sir Lionel is rather quiet to-day. He is not so young as he was, +and I imagine that his severe exertions last night have caused him many +twinges to-day." + +"Perhaps. It was the most remarkable affair I ever witnessed." + +"You saw it all?" + +"Yes. Mustapha and myself were in hiding not far away. We were astounded +at the easy way those fellows died." + +At this Lady Ruth gives a merry peal of laughter. + +"It was really ridiculous." + +"Did you guess it at the time?" + +"Well, certain things looked very strange to me. I was amazed as we were +leaving to see a man whom I was positive had twice fallen as if dead, +raise his head and look after us with a smile on his ugly face. + +"Whatever I thought, I was so glad to get away on any terms that I said +nothing, and when the next engagement took place I found Sir Lionel very +much in earnest. + +"On this account, although feeling sure that he was the cause of all the +trouble, I have been disposed to forgive him. You know the poor fellow +professes to be in love with me, though I have had some reason to +believe it is my fortune he is after as well, for my father +unfortunately left me an heiress." + +"Well, I'm in a position to be generous, and though I condemn his +methods, I can easily see how, in his despair he might forget his honor. +I have good reason to believe this is not the first time he has tried to +play the hero." + +Lady Ruth looks surprised. + +"How is that?" she asks. + +Thereupon John narrates what the boatman said to him off Malta, +concerning a broken plank in the bottom of the little craft, which of +course astonishes the young girl. + +She shows some indignation at the thought of his imperiling her life. + +"The joke of the whole thing lies in the fact that it was you who saved +the would-be hero of the occasion," remarks John, and this fact induces +both of them to laugh. + +On the whole they feel so happy that it is hard to bear a grudge even +against the veteran who has been baffled by fate. + +Lady Ruth cannot forget that Sir Lionel gave many evidences of being in +love with her, and a woman is apt to forgive even a fault in a man who +professes to have sinned for her, to have even given up honor in the +hope of winning her favor. + +"I have arranged a little scheme whereby I hope to pay Sir Lionel back +in his own coin," says the young Chicagoan, grimly. + +"Why, John, I thought you said just now that you could forgive him. Now +you pretend to be quite blood-thirsty." + +"Oh, no; not that. I'm looking out for the poor fellow. He's gone it +alone quite long enough, and I want to see him caught." + +"Caught? Explain, please. Perhaps I'm a little obtuse, but really, under +the circumstances--" + +"Yes, I know. It's all excusable, my dear girl. In plain English I want +to see the veteran married." + +"Married?" + +"And I shall take upon myself the task of selecting the girl who will +rule him hereafter." + +"John, what do you mean? Surely--oh, that is nonsense. Tell me who she +is?" + +"Pauline Potter," calmly. + +"Why, that's the actress." + +"True." + +"The actress who professed to be so madly in love with one Doctor John +Craig." + +"And as the said Craig is already taken, she is left out in the cold. +Now you behold my little scheme. We are happy--why should not these two +people be the same?" + +"Why, indeed?" + +"Their greatest fault lies in loving not wisely but too well. This has +caused them to sin. Now, in order to prevent any future plots that may +give us trouble, I purpose to so arrange it that Sir Lionel shall have +a wife and Pauline a husband." + +"A clever idea." + +"I may want your assistance." + +"You can have it at any time." + +"We must protect ourselves, and the easiest way to do this will be to +disarm our foes." + +"Really, Doctor Chicago, I didn't give you credit for so much +shrewdness. Tell me if you have any plans arranged." + +"Well, only the skeleton of one as yet, but I'll tell you all about it +as far as I have gone." + +They sit upon that bench for a full hour. Time is not taken into account +when love rules the occasion. + +It is Lady Ruth who finally jumps up with a cry of consternation. She +has heard a clock upon a tower in new Algiers strike the hour. + +"What will they think of us, John?" she says. + +"Little I care, for I mean to announce our engagement to Aunt Gwen on +sight, and she is the only one who has any business to complain," +returns the successful wooer, firmly. + +"Oh! it is so sudden; perhaps we'd better wait a little while." + +"With your permission, not an hour. You belong to me, now--see, let me +put this solitaire diamond on your finger. It was my mother's ring. By +that token I simply desire to warn all men 'hands off.' Tell me, am I +right, Ruth?" + +"Yes; I can offer no objection. Do as you think best, doctor." + +This is a beautiful beginning. Clouds will be rare in their future if +they keep on in this way. + +So they once more go back to the hotel, and find Aunt Gwen on the +lookout, her kindly face wearing an anxious expression that becomes +a quizzical one when she sees John smile. + +"Your blessing, Aunt Gwen," he says. + +"My what?" + +"Oh! it's all settled. Ruth has promised to be my wife," continues John, +looking very happy. + +"The dickens she has!" and Philander pushes into view from behind the +voluminous skirts of his better half. "What business has she to accept +any one without consulting her doting--" + +"Philander!" + +"--Aunt? Don't take me seriously, my boy. Accept my congratulations, wish +you joy, and thank Heaven it isn't that pompous baronet." + +"Amen!" says John, warmly. + +"Now that you allow me a chance, Philander, I want to say just this: it +suits me to a dot. I'm delighted--enchanted. Of course you'll live in +Chicago. That's another blow against John Bull. We'll be mistress of the +seas yet. Here, let me kiss you both, my children, and take the blessing +of a woman who has not lived fifty years for nothing." + + + + +CHAPTER XXII. + +THE WEAVER--FATE! + + +Even in the midst of his happiness John Craig has not forgotten the one +important fact that brought him to Algiers. + +While he can devote himself to laying a plan for the accomplishment of a +certain object, and with the assistance of Lady Ruth arrange to surprise +Sir Lionel Blunt, he is at the same time anxiously awaiting news. + +Will old Ben Taleb carry out his promise? The heart of the young man +beats high with hope. + +Unconscious of a great surprise in store for him, John enters the hotel +with Lady Ruth. + +"A gentleman in the parlor to see you, sir." + +John's face flashes; the instantaneous thought flashes into his mind +that a messenger has at length come from the Moorish doctor. + +He enters. + +His eyes are dazzled a little by the glare of the sun on white +buildings, and the room is dim. A man's figure advances toward him. +Surely that step is familiar. Good heavens, what a shock comes upon him! + +"Father!" + +"John, my boy!" + +He has believed this father to be at the other side of the world. He is +surprised at the warmth of the greeting he receives. Really, this is +quite unlike the proud man John has known all his life, a man who +seemed to ever surround himself with a wall of coldness. + +A sudden shock runs through John's frame. It is as if he has been given +the negative and positive ends of a battery. He believes that his mother +is here, in this city. Can that have anything to do with his father's +coming? + +A feeling of resentment springs up, then dies away as he gets a good +look at his parent's face. + +"Father, what has happened? Have you failed; has any disaster come upon +us?" + +"Why do you ask that, John?" + +"Your face; it is changed so. I miss something I have been accustomed to +see there." + +Duncan Craig smiles. + +"Ah! John, my boy, please Heaven, I am changed. I have been humbled in +the dust, and I believe I have emerged from the furnace, I trust, a far +better man." + +John is puzzled. He cannot make out what has caused this humbling on the +part of his proud paternal ancestor, nor is he able to hazard a guess as +to the effect it may have upon his fortunes. + +Craig, Sr., does not explain what brings him to Algiers at this +particular time, but immediately starts asking questions regarding the +scenes John has gazed upon since leaving the German college of medicine +where he received his graduation diploma. + +While they are yet talking, who should appear on the scene but Lady +Ruth. + +"You carried off my fan, John, and I wanted to mend it while I had the +chance. Oh! I beg your pardon; I did not know you were engaged. The +clerk told me you were in here, but--" + +John has eagerly darted forward and has hold of the fair girl's arm. + +"I want to introduce some one to you, some one you would see sooner or +later. Sir, this is Lady Ruth Stanhope, a young lady to whom I have lost +my heart, and my promised wife." + +"What!" exclaimed Craig, Sr., "bless my soul, you're only a boy, John." + +"Twenty-three, sir," promptly. + +"Yes, you're right. Time flies. You've given me quite a little shock, +but, by Jove! I'm already favorably impressed with your taste. Will you +allow me the privilege of a kiss, my dear?" + +"Sir!" indignantly, for in the dim light she does not see that his +mustache is snow-white, as is also his hair. + +Her tragic attitude rather alarms John. + +"Ruth, it's my father!" he cries. + +This alters the case. + +"Your father! Oh! John, has he--" She sees the warning finger her +betrothed raises up, and stops suddenly, for she has been about to say +something relative to the presence of Sister Magdalen in the city. + +The elder Craig raises the shade, and in the new light Lady Ruth sees a +remarkably handsome man of middle age, even distinguished in his manner. + +Then he is John's father, too, and that makes quite a difference. She +approaches, with hand extended. + +"Forgive me, sir. I did not dream John's father was within five thousand +miles of Algiers." + +"And if you have agreed to be my only boy's wife you must be my +daughter, too." + +This time he bestows a paternal salute upon her velvety cheek. Possibly +Lady Ruth is ready to believe she is entering the Craig family very +rapidly; but with a woman's idea of the eternal fitness of small things, +she feels very much pleased to know that her future father-in-law is +such a distinguished-looking gentleman. + +As is proper, she excuses herself, and leaves the room. Doubtless father +and son have much to talk over. + +When John finds himself alone with the parent for whom he has ever felt +the greatest respect without deep filial affection, he grows anxious +again. + +What can have brought the other across the sea at this particular time? +Is it connected with the facts he cherishes; the presence of this other +one in Algiers? and if so, what does Duncan Craig mean to do; cut him +off with a penny because he has dared allow the longing in his heart to +have its way, and has endeavored to find the mother so long lost? + +When he steals another look at the elder Craig's face, he cannot see +that there is anything like deep anger there, and yet John admits that +he is not a good hand at analyzing motives. + +He dares not mention the matter himself, and is therefore bound to wait +until his respected father speaks, if he does so at all. + +Craig, Sr., talks of his trip, declares he is delighted with the glimpse +he has had of Algiers, and wonders how it would pay a good doctor to +settle down there for the winter months; at which John declares it would +just suit him. + +Then the other drops a gentle clew to his late movements by asking John +which arm it was upon which he was recently vaccinated, which is a +puzzler to the young fellow until the name of Malta is mentioned, when +he cries: + +"Were you at Valetta, father?" + +"I reached there two days after you left. Bless me, the whole town was +still talking over a brave deed that had recently saved a child's life." + +"Nonsense!" + +"Well, it pleased me when I heard the name of the young man who saved +the child at the risk of his own life. I was proud to know I was his +father." + +Still no mention of the real cause that has brought him so far from +home. John is baffled. + +His recent happiness is dimmed a little, and he has an uneasy feeling as +though the unknown were about to happen; a weight rests upon his heart. + +A strange thing occurs. Sir Lionel passes the door, and immediately +Craig, Sr., is taken with a spasm of fury. He acts as if to start to +rush out, then faces his son. John sees his father's face for the first +time convulsed with fury. + +"Do you know that man?" he demands. + +"Certainly." + +"Is his name Blunt?" + +"Yes, sir." + +"I thought I could not be mistaken. There is something singular that +brings him here at this time. John, is this Reginald Blunt a particular +friend of yours?" + +"Why, no, sir, in fact, he was my rival for the hand of Ruth Stanhope. +But you call him Reginald; this is Sir Lionel Blunt, a colonel from +India and the south of Africa." + +"Then I made a mistake. It is his cousin. Yet I knew the face; I knew +the face." + +Again John wonders. + +"Did a Blunt ever do you a wrong, father?" + +"Yes, I have believed so these many years; have been ready to stake my +very life upon it; and yet, and yet. Heaven forgive me for what wicked +thoughts I have hugged to my heart." + +These words arouse a wild hope in the mind of John Craig. Can it be +possible his father has after all these years seen light? + +The idea is so wonderful that, although hope causes his heart to beat +like a trip-hammer, he remains silent. When the time comes, Craig, Sr., +will speak; he knows this of old. + +Later on, when John finds himself alone, he begins to think again of the +little scheme he has decided to work, for the edification of himself and +the future good of Sir Lionel Blunt--ditto Mademoiselle Pauline, the +tragedy queen. + +It must be well carried out to produce the intended effect, for these +are more than ordinarily sensible people and might resent the +interference of outsiders in their private affairs. + +Whatever happens must not appear to have been prearranged, but be purely +accidental. + +Perhaps success may come; it is worth an effort at any rate. + +John fears more than ever lest Pauline, in the bitterness of her anger, +attempt some injury toward the girl he loves and who has made the sweet +confession that he is very dear to her. + +This causes him much more uneasiness than anything else ever did. He can +feel afraid for the safety of Ruth where he would not dream of allowing +the sensation on his own account. + +Hence his anxiety to mature his plans and clear the path ahead. + +In the perfected work he believes he can count on the assistance of +Mustapha Cadi. The Arab guide has already proved himself so valuable +a man that John is ready to trust him with nearly anything. + +So he waits to hear of some message from the old Moorish doctor, and +while waiting begins to arrange in his mind the plans for a future +campaign. + +Pauline is still at the hotel, for he has had a glimpse of her. The +actress does not seem very much discouraged by the disasters of the +past. She smiles on meeting John, and nods in a cheery way, as though +giving him to understand that she is not done with him yet. He feels +that he can afford to meet her in the same spirit, although anxious +about his Ruth. + +Fortune favors him, too. + +The British nobleman happens to be standing near as Pauline sweeps past, +and as is her professional habit she gives him a bright look, that +somehow starts the blood to bounding in the veteran's veins. + +He approaches John. + +"Pardon me, but did you bow to that lady, my dear doctor?" + +John admits that he did, though careful not to show any unusual +eagerness about it. + +"May I ask who she is?" + +"Come! this is rather singular." + +"What is?" + +"Why, truth to tell, I believe the lady is already interested in you." + +"In me?" + +Sir Lionel at once puffs out a little, as though feeling consequential. +It is gratifying to his conceit to hear that this beautiful being has +actually taken notice of him. + +"Well, it would not be right for me to say more," continues the +diplomatic young man, and this increases the curiosity of the soldier. + +"Who is she, doctor?" + +"One of the most noted beauties on the American stage," replies John. + +"An actress?" + +"Yes, and a clever one; very popular in the States, and highly +respected. Why, she set half the young men in Chicago wild a year +or two ago." + +"Including yourself, doctor?" slyly. + +"I acknowledge the corn, Sir Lionel. Young men have no show to win her +favor." + +"Indeed." + +"She prefers a gentleman of middle age. A man who has seen life and had +varied experiences." + +"Wise girl." + +"In short, Sir Lionel, Pauline Potter is an admirer of bravery; she +adores a soldier who has won his spurs." + +"Ahem! Pauline is a favorite name of mine. I've read of her triumphs, +too. She was out in Melbourne two years or more ago and carried the town +by storm." + +"That is a fact." + +"Duse take it, d'ye know what I've half a mind to do?" + +"What's that, Sir Lionel?" asks John, with a very sober face, but +secretly chuckling at the success that is meeting him half-way. Why, +he has hardly dug his pit before the baronet comes tumbling into it. + +"I've a good notion to strike up a flirtation with Mademoiselle Pauline, +to relieve the tedium of the hours. Who knows what result it might +have?" thinking that perhaps such a move might arouse a feeling of +jealousy in Lady Ruth's heart, and thus disclose to herself the state +of her feelings. + +"Who knows, indeed? Be careful, Sir Lionel. Pauline is a bewitching +creature. She may add your heart to her list of conquests." + +"Well, if I entered the lists, I'd give as good as I received," +complacently stroking his luxuriant mustache. + +"Jove! I really believe you would. And I'm human enough, having adored +the bright star in vain, to wish that some one else might cause the +beautiful Pauline to feel some of the pangs she gave us. If the notion +strikes you, colonel, I wish you success." + +Then John immediately branches out upon another subject. + +The seed is sown. It will require a little time to germinate, and then +perhaps the result may prove satisfactory. + +So much for a beginning. + +When John finds himself alone, he sets to work trying to kindle a +counter irritant, a congenial flame that will burn in the heart of the +actress. + +Securing a beautiful bouquet of flowers he fastens to them a card upon +which he has written in a hand somewhat like the bold chirography of the +veteran, the words: + +"A compliment to beauty and histrionic renown." + +This he first shows to Lady Ruth. + +Then a servant is hired to take it to the room of Pauline Potter, and he +is to utterly refuse any information beyond the fact that a gentleman +paid him to do it. + +Of course this will excite the curiosity of the actress, and further +developments may soon be expected. + +John, in a secure corner, waits, nor does he have long to watch before +Pauline appears, going straight to the desk where lies the ponderous +tome in which have registered men of note from all over the world. + +She is looking for a signature that will in some degree at least +correspond with the writing of the note found among the flowers. Only a +few minutes she remains there, and then turning away, gives the watchful +John a chance to see the smile on her face. + +Pauline has, as she believes, discovered the identity of the unknown who +sent the flowers. + +The little side plot works apace, since each of them already feels an +interest in the other. The flame being kindled, the fire will grow of +its own accord. + +He believes he can turn his attention to other things if necessary. + +The remainder of the day is put in with sight-seeing. John notes one +thing. Sir Lionel leaves them after a time and saunters back to the +hotel. When this occurs, Lady Ruth and the doctor exchange significant +looks. They understand that already the seed is beginning to sprout, and +the absence of the Englishman is a positive relief to them. + +Duncan Craig accompanies the party. Aunt Gwen has already taken a great +fancy to the gentleman, and makes it as pleasant for him as possible. + +John tries to study his father in secret, but finds it a hard task. + +Craig, Sr., is a lawyer of repute in Chicago, a man with a large income. +He has been called a Sphinx, and well deserves the cognomen, for no man +shows less upon his face the emotions of his heart. + +Only in debate, and when addressing a jury that hangs breathlessly upon +his words, does he drop the mask and show what fire is in his soul. + +So John, as in times of old, is unable to fathom the depths of his +father's thoughts. + +He is wretched, not knowing whether the coming of Craig, Sr., will +influence his mission for good or evil. + +And still the expected message from Ben Taleb does not come. + +Once more evening vails day's splendor, and another night approaches, a +night that John hopes will make a change in this monotonous run of luck, +and bring him news. + +Imagine his astonishment and secret delight when an open carriage stops +at the door of the hotel, and as he glances at the elegant couple seated +therein discovers Sir Lionel and the Potter. + +It almost takes his breath away. + +"Well, he is a hurricane in love, I declare. If he fought in the same +way, the Victoria cross wouldn't be enough to decorate him. Jove! they +already are dead set, each with the other. That was the cleverest piece +of business I ever attempted. If success comes, I'll have to set up as a +match-maker." + +How gallantly Sir Lionel assists the lovely actress from the vehicle, as +if he expects that the whole town may be watching. + +Doubtless his actions are in part studied with a view to the effect upon +a certain person, nameless, who must assuredly be looking from her +chamber window above. + +In that case he is apt to go too far, and soon find himself in the +wiles of Pauline, who, accustomed to playing with men as one might the +pieces on a chess-board, would have little trouble in manipulating one +Englishman, fresh from the wilds of South Africa. + +So John rests on his oars and waits for the chance to come; and the +unseen hand that weaves the fabric of their lives, manipulates the +shuttle through the woof. + + + + +CHAPTER XXIII. + +FOUND--IN THE HOUSE OF THE MOOR. + + +John hears at last. + +A native servant brings him a note, and it can be set down as positive +that the young Chicagoan eagerly breaks the seal. + +It is from Ben Taleb. He writes a fair English hand, for he is a man of +much education. + +"Come again this night at eleven. Tell Mustapha to be at the wall where +you departed from my house, at that hour, and to rap upon the large +stone with the handle of his knife, giving the signal of Mahomet's tomb. + +"Ben Taleb, of Morocco." + +So John's heart thrills with expectation. This looks friendly; he may be +near the end of his journey. It is still dark and uncertain ahead, for +even when he has found his mother, a reconciliation between these +separated parents seems impossible. The past has too much of bitterness +in it to be easily put aside. + +His first thought is of Mustapha, and he casts around for the Arab, whom +he last saw close by the door of the hotel. + +The dusky courier is near by, engaged in a little game with several +companion guides, for the Arab as a rule loves gaming, and will risk +everything but his horse. + +When Mustapha catches his eye he comes up hastily, understanding there +is something in the wind. + +"We are to go again into the old town." + +"When, monsieur?" + +"This night. See! Ben Taleb has sent me a message." + +The Arab looks at the paper stolidly; it might as well be Sanscrit to +him. + +"Read it, monsieur." + +So John complies, and his guide takes in all that is said. He nods his +head to show that he understands. + +"This time I, too, will change my appearance, and they will not know +that it is Mustapha Cadi who walks through the lanes of old Al Jezira +with an unbeliever at his side." + +"A bright thought, Mustapha. When shall we leave the hotel?" + +"Say half past nine, meet me here. I will have all arranged. The +_burnoose_ is safe." + +John prepares for business. + +He remembers that on the previous occasion he had need of weapons--that +they came very near an encounter with the natives--and hence arms +himself. + +Before quitting the hotel he feels it incumbent upon himself to see Lady +Ruth, and tell her where he is going. Nothing like beginning early, you +know. She has already commenced to control his destiny. + +Lady Ruth has a headache, and is bathing her brow with cologne in the +privacy of her little boudoir parlor, but readily consents to see the +young man. + +"You'll think me a fright, John, with my hair brushed back like +this"--John stops this in a thrice as any ardent lover might, taking +advantage of the professor's absence, and the fact that Aunt Gwen has +gone back in the second room for another chair--"but once in a great +while I have a headache that will only succumb to a certain process. You +will excuse me?" + +"Indeed, I sympathize with you; have had the same splitting headache +myself more than a few times. I wouldn't have intruded--" + +"You know it's no intrusion, John," with reproach in her eyes. + +"Kind of you to say so, my dear, but to the point I have heard from Ben +Taleb." + +"Oh! your face tells me it is good news." + +"I am to visit him at ten." + +"To-night?" + +"Yes." + +"But John, the danger. You yourself told me it was no little thing to +enter old Al Jezira in the night. Those narrow lanes, with strange +figures here and there, eying one fiercely; the houses that threaten to +topple over on one's head; all these things make it a risky place to +wander in even during the daytime. After dark it must be awful." + +So John describes the plan of action, and interests his affianced, who +asks more questions about his former visit, not forgetting the marvelous +beauty of the Moor's daughter, for she is human. + +Time flies under such circumstances, and hence it is John suddenly +exclaims: + +"I declare, it's after nine o'clock." + +"And my headache is gone." + +At this both laugh. + +"You must be a wizard, John, to charm it away so completely," she +declares. + +"I trust I shall always be as successful in the days to come," breathes +John, and this of course causes a blush to sweep over the fair maid's +face. + +He hurries to his room to prepare for what is before him. Deep in his +heart arises a prayer for success. Again that feeling of anticipation +sweeps over him. Remembering former disappointments, he endeavors to +subdue his hopes and to prepare for another set back, but this does not +prevent him at times from indulging in dreams of happiness. + +It is just half-past nine when he reaches the door of the hotel. + +Mustapha Cadi is there, looking confident and bearing a small bundle. +Again, in a dark corner, John assumes an Arab covering, while his +conductor proceeds to alter his own looks so that any whom they meet may +not know who the tall Arab is. + +So they tread the lanes of the hill-side town. Just as on the previous +night, they meet Arabs, Moors, Kabyles, Jews and negroes. The silence is +like that of the tomb, and yet the interior of more than one house +doubtless presents a spectacle gay enough to please any lover of light +and color, of lovely women, of rippling fountains, sweet flowers that +load the air with their incense, and all the accessories a Moorish court +can devise, for these people, while keeping the exterior of their +dwellings plain, spend money lavishly upon the interior. + +Now they are at the wall, and Mustapha gives the signal clearly; indeed, +John fancies the hilt of the knife meets the stone with more force than +is necessary, or else his ears deceive him. + +The signal is heard, is answered, and in another minute they are inside +the wall. + +As they walk along behind their guide John whispers to the Arab: + +"On my word, I believe the fellow neglected to quite secure the door in +the wall," to which remark Mustapha replies in low tones: + +"Presumably he knows his business, monsieur; anyhow, it concerns us not +at all." + +Which John takes as a gentle reminder that these Arabs are very +particular not to interfere with things that belong to another. + +He says no more. + +They reach the central room, opening upon the court where plashes the +fountain. + +The guide stops. + +Upon the scented air comes the notes of a musical instrument, a mandolin, +and the chords are peculiarly sad and yet so very full of music. + +Then a voice breaks forth--such singing John has heard only in his +dreams--it is a voice of wondrous power, sympathetic and sweet, a voice +that would haunt a man forever. + +John knows no Moorish maidens can sing that song, and his heart gives a +wild throb as the conviction is suddenly forced upon him that at last, +after these weary years of waiting, after his search over half the +world, he is now listening to the voice that hushed his infantile cries, +and fell upon his ears like a benison. + +No wonder, then, he stands there as if made of stone--stands and drinks +in the sweet volume of sound as it floods that Moorish court, until the +last note dies away as might the carol of a bird at even-tide. + +Then he swallows a sob, and braces himself for the coming ordeal. +Something behind reaches his ear. He is positive he catches a deep groan +as of despair; perhaps it comes from some cage, where this Moorish +judge has an enemy in confinement. + +He is not given a chance to speculate upon the subject. His guide +touches his arm and points. John discovers that his presence has already +been made known to the Moor. + +He is expected to come forward. Under the circumstances, the young man +is in no condition for delay. That song, that heavenly voice, has gone +straight to his heart, and he longs to look upon the face of the sweet +singer. + +So he advances, not slowly and with any show of dignity, but in the +eager way that does credit to his heart. + +He sees a figure in black, seated near the old Moor, and instantly his +eyes are glued upon that face. + +Then his heart tells him he now looks upon the face of the mother who +has been lost to him so long. + +Does she know? has she received his note, or is her presence here simply +at the desire of her friend, the old Moor? She does not show any intense +excitement as he approaches, and this tends to make him believe she has +been kept in ignorance of the truth. + +The Mohammedan doctor and his lovely daughter watch his advance with +deep interest, for they are human, and take pleasure in a good deed +done. The Koran commends it just as thoroughly as does our Bible. At the +same time slaves are in waiting near by, armed with deadly cimeters, and +should it prove that John has deceived them, that the Sister does not +greet him with love, but fear, because he bears the name of Craig, a +signal from Ben Taleb will be the signing of his death warrant. + +John fastens his eyes hungrily upon the face he now sees. He stands +distant only a yard or so, and as yet has not uttered a syllable, only +waiting to see if his burning gaze, his looks of eager love and +devotion, will have a miraculous effect on his parent. + +As he stands thus mutely before her, she becomes aware of his presence +for the first time. She looks up at his face, the casual glance becomes +immediately a stare; her cheeks grow pale as death; it is evident that +something has aroused memories of the past, and they flood her soul. + +Slowly the woman arises. Her figure is slight, but there is a nobility +about it. Purity is written upon her brow, in her eyes shines the light +of faith that dares to look the whole world in the face. And before a +word is spoken John Craig knows his mother has been dreadfully wronged +in the past, suffering in silence because of some noble motive. + +She has gained her feet, and now advances, walking like one in a dream, +her hands outstretched. No wonder; it is like a phantasy, this seeing a +loved face of the past in the home of a Moor in Algiers. She must indeed +think it an illusion. + +Now her hand touches John's face. Imagine the intense thrill that sweeps +over his frame at the impact. Soul speaks to soul, heart answers heart. + +The woman begins to tremble. The look of frightened wonder upon her face +gives way to one of astonishment. + +"It is no illusion! Alive! Oh, what does this mean? Where am I? Who are +you?" + +Thus the broken sentences fell from her lips, as though she hardly knows +what she says. + +John can only think of one reply, and as he puts out his hands, his +whole heart is contained in the whispered words: + +"Oh, my mother!" + +This seems to break the spell. In another instant she has eagerly +clasped her arms around his neck. + +"Heaven be praised; my prayer is answered. My child has sought me out." + +It is the magic power of love. + +John's face tells his great joy. Words are denied them for some little +time, but with brimming eyes they gaze into each other's face. + +"Oh! mother, I have searched for you in many lands. For years I have +longed to see you, to tell you that my heart believed in you. By the +kindness of Heaven, that time has come." + +"And you, my own boy, you believe me innocent, worthy of your love, +though the world called me guilty?" she murmurs. + +"Yes, because of the great love I bear you, I would believe it against +all. Oh! my mother, how barren my life has been, without your +companionship, your love. Many, many nights I have wept bitter tears of +anguish to think of you somewhere upon the face of the earth, wandering +alone, because of circumstantial evidence." + +Again from the darkness beyond the court, comes that deep, terrible +groan. The old Moor turns his head as though he does not understand it; +but the tableau in front is too dramatic to be lost. + +"I began to believe I should have to quit this world of woes without +seeing you, for though I do not wish to disturb your happiness, my poor +boy, you must see from my looks that I am fading like a flower in the +fall; that the monster, consumption, is sapping my life. Still, I may +live some years to enjoy your love; be of good cheer. How strange to see +you a man grown, you whom I left almost a babe. And, John, you so +closely resemble, as I knew him then, your father, my poor deceived +Duncan, whom Heaven knows I have never ceased to remember with love; who +wronged me terribly, but the circumstances were fearfully against me. +Heaven has purified my heart by suffering." + +"I can stand this no longer!" cries a voice, and a man rushes into view, +advancing until he stands before them. "My eyes have been opened to the +truth. In bitter tears I repent the sorrowful past. Blanche, behold your +husband, unworthy to kiss the hem of your garment." + + + + +CHAPTER XXIV. + +CONCLUSION. + + +John has been so amazed at the sight of this newcomer that he can not +move a hand or foot. He immediately recognizes his father, of course, +but the fact of Duncan Craig being present in this place is what +temporarily paralyzes him. + +The coming of the other creates a decided sensation; it can be easily +understood. Upon the unfortunate wife and mother the effect is most +marked. + +Many years have passed since last she saw this man, her husband. +Circumstances caused her to incur his apparently righteous anger, to +be sent out into the world as one unworthy to bear his name. + +All this she has borne meekly, doing good wherever Heaven chose to send +her. The terrible infliction has tried her soul, and she has been +purified as by fire. + +After this life suffering she now finds this husband at her feet. His +proud spirit is broken, and he seeks forgiveness. + +She has long since learned to put away the ordinary small feelings that +actuate so many of her sex; but being still human, she cannot but feel +gratified at the vindication that has come. + +John holds his breath and awaits the outcome of this strange event. He +remembers the sudden rage of the old Moor on the previous occasion, when +he told him he was a Craig, and fully expects to hear something from the +same source again. + +Nor is he mistaken. + +Ben Taleb has been listening intently, and not a word of what has +passed escapes his ear. He catches the confession of the man who humbles +himself, and his eyes blaze. + +Almost immediately he claps his hands, and half a dozen armed retainers +make their appearance, springing from some unknown quarter. + +"You have dared enter my house. You, a Craig, who brought years of +suffering upon the woman we revere. It is well. Allah has sent you here. +Mohammed is satisfied to leave you to our hands. I will be merciful, as +the hyena is merciful. Instead of having you torn to pieces I will order +you shot. You will learn that a Moor knows how to avenge the wrongs of +one for whom he entertains feelings of gratitude." + +His words are cutting and cruel, and John, expecting every second to see +the slaves make their savage assault upon his father, holds himself in +readiness to jump forward and assist him. + +The situation is indeed critical. + +It looks as though a very trifling matter would precipitate a riot, in +which deadly weapons must be used. + +Duncan Craig has made a terrible mistake in his past. He has been known +as a cold, proud man, though much of this has been assumed in order to +deceive himself. Yet no one ever called him a coward. + +He knows that bodily danger menaces him, and as a soldier his spirit is +at once in arms. + +Springing to his feet, he faces the old Moor. + +His arms are folded. Upon his face can be seen a defiant light. + +"I have entered your house, Ben Taleb, unarmed, bent upon a mission of +love. To humble myself. You may have the power to crush me. I have done +what I believed to be right just as soon as the light of truth entered +my soul. The consequences may be disastrous, but I am ready to meet +them." + +The old Moor is struck by his manner, but, still moved by the passion +that swept over him at mention of that name, he does not allow his anger +to abate a particle. + +"Because of the past you shall suffer. You have ruined the life of this +woman, whose only fault was in loving you, a base, heartless dog. Say +your prayers, wretched man, for you have but a few minutes to live." + +He faces his judge calmly. An American can meet death with even the +stoicism so characteristic of the Moslem race. + +The terrible sentence has awakened one who has seemed to be in a stupor. +Sister Magdalen arouses herself. The old feelings within her heart are +not dead; they have only been slumbering all this while. + +She steps between Duncan Craig and the Moor, her face shining with a new +light. She raises her hand as if to ward off the impending blow, and her +voice is sweet and gentle. + +"Ali Ben Taleb, great is thy house and the blessings of Allah hang over +it. I understand the motive that prompts you to thus undertake to avenge +what you think are my wrongs. But you must halt. I demand a hearing." + +"Speak on; my ears are open to your voice. You saved my child from the +pestilence that stalketh at noon day, and the heart of Ben Taleb has +been full of gratitude ever since," replies the dignified native doctor. + +"First, then, hear that, though I thought I should die when I no longer +had a home in my husband's house, my eyes were speedily opened, and I +saw that Heaven was using me as an instrument to bring about good. So I +learned to be patient. Confident of my innocence, I could calmly await +the time when the truth would be made known. That hour, Ali Ben Taleb, +has come. + +"The second point, which I particularly desire to impress upon your +mind, is this: You are pleased to say that I was instrumental in +snatching your beloved child from the jaws of death. Be it so. Consider, +then, what would have been the result had this misfortune never happened +to me, if I had always remained in my husband's home." + +"Great is Allah, and Mohammed is his prophet, but I fear I should have +lost my child," declares the Moor. + +"You see the ways of Allah are past finding out. I have long since +learned to trust myself to the guidance of a power stronger than human +arms. + +"You talk of avenging my wrongs, but time has already done that. The +result you see here in the actions of my husband. If I forgive him +freely and fully, what right have you or any other person to hate him +and declare vengeance? Does your Koran teach that; did Mohammed +propagate such doctrines?" + +The old Moor hangs his head. + +"It is not for Ben Taleb to go against the will of the one who saved his +child. Take, then, his miserable life, oh, remarkable woman; and as for +me, I have learned a lesson." + +Again he claps his hands, and the armed retainers disappear. Peace once +more smiles upon the scene. + +Sister Magdalen turns to her husband, and they converse in low tones, +yet with an earnestness that leaves no room for doubt of their sincerity. + +Presently John sees his father motion, and he joins them. + +"My boy, your mother has forgiven me. Heaven knows I do not merit such +action, but she is an earthly angel. And I want to ask you if you can +also forgive me, because through my actions you have all these years +been deprived of a mother's love?" + +His contrite manner, his dejected attitude--these things would go far +toward influencing John even were his heart hardened toward the +unfortunate author of all this misery, which it is not. + +"Ah! father, with such an example before me how could I entertain hard +feelings? The past is gone. Why should we live in it. Better that we +look forward toward the future and endeavor to find happiness. You know +Heaven works in a mysterious way, and much good has come to the world at +large through our suffering." + +"Then you do forgive, my boy?" + +"There is nothing to forgive, sir. Let us strive to forget the past and +hope that years of happiness may be before us." + +"Ah! John, you have her spirit," sighs his father, as he wrings his +boy's hand. + +Sister Magdalen smiles sweetly and sadly, for she knows full well that +their time together in this world will be short. She does not wish to +cast a damper on their present joy, however, and hence says nothing. + +The Moor has been greatly impressed by all this. He learns a lesson in +life, for, as a rule, the female element in oriental circles has very +little to do with the events that occur from day to day, and never +engage in any of the discussions upon the leading questions of the hour. + +Later on the little party leave the house of Ali Ben Taleb. Their +passage through the streets is accomplished in safety, for the Moor sees +to it that all are well disguised. + +John never learns the truth about the coming of his father. He has +reason to believe that Mustapha Cadi must have entered into some +arrangement of the older Craig, after hearing his story, although the +stolid face of the Arab never betrays his secret. + +When Lady Ruth learns that the end has come, and John's quest is at an +end, she rejoices with him. + +Another day in Algiers. + +Then a steamer will be due, upon which they can take passage for France, +and later on reach America. + +Duncan Craig is very subdued, and intensely devoted to his recovered +wife. They have long conversations alone, and all that has passed in the +years of their separation is told. Craig opens his heart and reveals his +inmost feelings. He tells how he suffered in spirit while showing a +proud face to the world, and finally how he came to learn the truth. + +John becomes interested in the courtship of Sir Lionel, who, finding his +ardent affection returned, pursues his game with such intensity of +purpose that he wins. + +Seeing them come out of a church that afternoon, Doctor Chicago is +influenced to enter, and to his particular gratification learns that a +ceremony has just been performed that effectually removes both of them +from his track. + +When he tells this to Lady Ruth that lively young lady is greatly +pleased, and laughs again and again. Thus all obstacles crumble before +the path of true love. Their skies are sunny and bright with hope. + +Duncan Craig's wife has not become united with an order in bonds that +are indissoluble. She changes her garb, but her heart has become so +wedded to the work that the probabilities are she will finish her life +in the sweet service of charity; and Craig, filled with penitence and +newly awakened love, will be only too glad to follow her everywhere, +seconding by his money, her efforts. + +John means to fling his shingle to the breeze, and start upon the road +of life as a full-fledged doctor. His German education will push him +forward, for their system is more thorough than the American, and few +there are who come out at twenty-three. + +He will be separated from Miss Caprice a few months, but she is coming +over to see the World's Fair, and remain. Thus Chicago gains though +England loses. + +With their departure from Algiers on the steamer, we may as well bid +them adieu. On board they meet Sir Lionel and his wife, of whom he is at +present very proud, but they keep by themselves, for each has a secret +that is not for the other to know. + + +THE END. + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Miss Caprice, by St. George Rathborne + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MISS CAPRICE *** + +***** This file should be named 15979.txt or 15979.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/9/7/15979/ + +Produced by Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe, Mary Meehan, and +the Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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