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- float: left; - margin-right: 1em } - -.align-right { clear: right; - float: right; - margin-left: 1em } - -.align-center { margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto } - -div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } - -/* SECTIONS */ - -body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } - -/* compact list items containing just one p */ -li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } - -.first { margin-top: 0 !important; - text-indent: 0 !important } -.last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } - -span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } -img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } -span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } - -.no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } - -/* PAGINATION */ - -.pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } -.lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } -.toc-pageref { float: right } - -@media screen { - .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage - { margin: 10% 0; } - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } - -</style> -<title>BROWN OF MOUKDEN</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="Brown of Moukden" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="Herbert Strang" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1906" /> -<meta name="MARCREL.ill" content="William Rainey" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="44256" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2013-11-21" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="Brown of Moukden A Story of the Russo-Japanese War" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="Brown of Moukden A Story of the Russo-Japanese War" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="brown.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2013-11-22T03:51:55.143521+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44256" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="Herbert Strang" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="William Rainey" name="MARCREL.ill" /> -<meta content="2013-11-21" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20a7 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="brown-of-moukden"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">BROWN OF MOUKDEN</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>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 </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: Brown of Moukden -<br /> A Story of the Russo-Japanese War -<br /> -<br />Author: Herbert Strang -<br /> -<br />Release Date: November 21, 2013 [EBook #44256] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>BROWN OF MOUKDEN</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 70%" id="figure-91"> -<img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover art" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover art</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container frontispiece"> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-92"> -<span id="herr-schwab-under-fire"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Herr Schwab under Fire" src="images/img-front.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Herr Schwab under Fire</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">Brown of Moukden</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="x-large">A Story of the Russo-Japanese War</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="large">HERBERT STRANG</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">AUTHOR OF "KOBO: A STORY OF THE RUSSO-JAPANESE WAR" -<br />"TOM BURNABY" "BOYS OF THE LIGHT BRIGADE" ETC.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">Illustrated by William Rainey, R.I.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">G. P. Putnam's Sons -<br />New York and London -<br />The Knickerbocker Press -<br />1906</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso"> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt><span class="small">"To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last pfirst"><span class="small">—</span><em class="italics small">Tennyson's Ulysses</em><span class="small">.</span></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><em class="italics">My dear Raymond,</em></p> -<p class="pnext"><em class="italics">Last year I wove a romance about the early incidents -of the great war now happily at an end; this year I have -chosen its later incidents as the background for my hero's -adventures. But while in "Kobo" the struggle was viewed -from the Japanese stand-point, in "Brown of Moukden" -(which is in no sense a sequel) you will find yourself among -the Russians, looking at the other side of the shield. It is -not the romancer's business to be a partisan; and we British -people were at first, perhaps, a little blind to the fact that -the bravery, the endurance, the heroism, have not been all -on the one side.</em></p> -<p class="pnext"><em class="italics">As a boy preparing for the Navy, you would have liked, -I dare say, to see Jack Brown in the thick of the great naval -battle at Tsushima. But I had three reasons for giving -no space to that famous victory. First, Jack could not -possibly have seen it. Secondly, sea-fights had a very good -turn in "Kobo". Thirdly, I hope some day to give you -sea-dogs a whole book to yourselves—but that, as Mr. Kipling -somewhere says, will be another story. Meanwhile, if you -get half as much fun in reading this book as I have had -in writing it, I shall count myself very lucky indeed.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Yours sincerely,</em></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><em class="italics">HERBERT STRANG.</em></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><em class="italics">September, 1905.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">Contents</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> I</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#ivan-ivanovitch-brown">IVAN IVANOVITCH BROWN</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> II</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#mr-wang-and-a-constable">MR. WANG AND A CONSTABLE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> III</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#deported">DEPORTED</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> IV</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-great-siberian-railway">THE GREAT SIBERIAN RAILWAY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> V</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-deal-in-flour">A DEAL IN FLOUR</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> VI</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#in-full-cry">IN FULL CRY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> VII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-daughter-of-poland">A DAUGHTER OF POLAND</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> VIII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-custom-of-cathay">A CUSTOM OF CATHAY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> IX</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#ah-lum">AH LUM</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> X</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-hired-man">THE HIRED MAN</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XI</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#war-look-see">WAR-LOOK-SEE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-retreat-from-liao-yang">THE RETREAT FROM LIAO-YANG</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XIII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#mr-brown-s-house">MR. BROWN'S HOUSE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XIV</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-night-with-sowinski">A NIGHT WITH SOWINSKI</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XV</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#cossack-and-chunchuse">COSSACK AND CHUNCHUSE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XVI</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#fire-panic">FIRE PANIC</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XVII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-war-game">THE WAR GAME</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XVIII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-fight-in-the-hills">A FIGHT IN THE HILLS</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XIX</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#captain-kargopol-finds-the-chunchuses">CAPTAIN KARGOPOL FINDS THE CHUNCHUSES</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XX</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#id1">THE BATTLE OF MOUKDEN</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXI</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#ah-lum-at-bay">AH LUM AT BAY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#capturing-a-locomotive">CAPTURING A LOCOMOTIVE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXIII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#from-mao-shan-to-imien-po">FROM MAO-SHAN TO IMIEN-PO</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXIV</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#lieutenant-potugin-in-pursuit">LIEUTENANT POTUGIN IN PURSUIT</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXV</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-pressure-gauge">THE PRESSURE-GAUGE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXVI</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-double-quest">A DOUBLE QUEST</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXVII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#sakhalin">SAKHALIN</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXVIII</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-empty-hut">THE EMPTY HUT</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXIX</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-heart-of-the-hill">THE HEART OF THE HILL</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXX</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#crowded-moments">CROWDED MOMENTS</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Chapter</em><span> XXXI</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#entente-cordiale">ENTENTE CORDIALE</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#glossary">*Glossary*</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold large">List of Illustrations</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Plate</em><span> I</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#herr-schwab-under-fire">HERR SCHWAB UNDER FIRE</a><span> . . . . . . . . . </span><em class="italics">Frontispiece</em></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Plate</em><span> II</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#a-search-party">A SEARCH PARTY</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Plate</em><span> III</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#jack-saves-ah-fu">JACK SAVES AH FU</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Plate</em><span> IV</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#sowinski-s-visitor">SOWINSKI'S VISITOR</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Plate</em><span> V</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#at-full-tilt">AT FULL TILT</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><em class="italics">Plate</em><span> VI</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#recall-your-last-word">"RECALL YOUR LAST WORD!"</a></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold medium">Maps and Plans</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#manchuria-and-part-of-siberia">Manchuria and part of Siberia</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-battle-of-liao-yang">The Battle of Liao-yang.</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-battle-of-moukden">The Battle of Moukden.</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><a class="reference internal" href="#the-siberian-railway-from-mao-shan-to-han-ta-ho-tzu">The Siberian Railway from Mao-shan to Han-ta-ho-tzü</a></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="ivan-ivanovitch-brown"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER I</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Ivan Ivanovitch Brown</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Scenes in Moukden—Beyond the Walls—Lieutenant Borisoff—The -Cangue—Anton Sowinski—Criminal Procedure—Mr. Brown -Senior—Schlagintwert's Representative—The Automatic Principle</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The midsummer sun had spent its force, and as it -reddened towards its setting Moukden began to breathe -again. The gildings on palace, temple, and pagoda -shone with a ruddy glow, but the eye was no longer -dazzled; garish in full sunlight, the city was now merely -brilliant, the reds and greens, blues and yellows, of its -house-fronts toned to a rich and charming beauty. The -shops—almost every house is a shop—were open, displaying -here poultry, dried fish, and articles of common use; -there piles of Oriental merchandise: silks and embroideries, -parasols and screens, ornaments of silver and copper, -priceless porcelain and lacquered ware. Monsters with -vermilioned faces grinned from the poles—hung with -branches and surmounted by peacocks with spread tail—that -bore the signs and legends of the merchants and -shopkeepers before whose doors they were erected: all -different, yet all alike in gorgeousness of colouring and -fantasy of design.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Two main thoroughfares traverse Moukden at right -angles. Along these flowed in each direction a full tide -of people, gathering up cross currents at every side street -and alley. It was a picturesque throng, the light costumes -showing in brilliant relief against the darker colours of -the houses and the brown dust of the roadway. There -were folk of many nations: Manchus, Mongols, Tartars, -Greeks and Montenegrins, soldiers Chinese and Russian, -here and there a European war-correspondent escaping -from the boredom of his inn. Pedestrians and horsemen -jostled vehicles of all descriptions. Workmen staggered -along under enormous loads; labourers of both sexes -trudged homewards from the fields, their implements on -their shoulders. A drove of fat pigs in charge of a -blue-coated swineherd scampered and squealed beneath the -wheels of a Russian transport wagon. Here was a -rickshaw drawn with shrill cries by its human steeds; there -a rough springless two-wheeled mule-cart, painted in -yellow ochre, hauled by three mules tandem, and jolting -over the ruts with its load of passengers, some on the -backs of the mules, some on the shafts, some packed -beneath the low tilt of blue cotton. Not far behind, a -trolley, pushed by perspiring coolies and carrying seven -men standing in unstable equilibrium, had halted to make -way for a magnificent blue sedan chair, wadded with fur -and silk, borne by four stalwart servants. Through the -trellised window of the chair the curious might catch a -glimpse of a bespectacled mandarin, his mushroom hat -decked with the button indicative of his rank. With -shouts and blows a detachment of Chinese soldiers, -red-jacketed infantry, carrying halberts, javelins, and sickles -swathed to poles, forced a passage for his excellency -through the crowd.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The heavy air quivered with noise: the mingled cries of -street merchants and children, the clatter of hoofs, the -din of gongs at the doors of the theatres, weird strains -of song accompanied by the twanging of inharmonious -guitars, and, dominating all, the insistent strident squeak -of a huge wheelbarrow, trundled by a grave old Chinaman, -unconscious of the pain his greaseless wheels inflicted -on untutored sensibilities. A Russian lady passing in a -droshky grimaced and put her fingers to her ears, and a -wayfarer near her smiled and addressed a word to the -torturer, who looked at him aslant out of his little eyes -and went on his way placid and unabashed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pedestrian who had spoken was one by himself in -all that vast throng. That he was European was shown -by his garments; a western observer, however little -travelled, would have known him at a glance as an English -lad. His garb was light, fitting a slim, tall figure; a -broad-brimmed cotton hat was slanted over his nose to -keep the glowing rays from his eyes; he walked with the -springy tread and free swinging gait never acquired by an -Oriental. He wormed his way through the jostling crowd, -passed through the bastioned gate of the lofty inner -ramparts, crossed the suburbs, where the gardens were in -gorgeous bloom, and, leaving the external wall of mud -behind him, came into the brown, rough, dusty road, -lined on both sides with booths, leading to the railway-station. -Rich fields of maize and beans and millet covered -the vast plain beyond, and upon the sky-line lay a range -of wooded hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By and by the walker came to the new street that had -sprung up beside the railway-station since the Russian -occupation: a settlement tenanted by traders—Greek, -Caucasian, and Hebrew—dealing in every product of the two -civilizations, eastern and western, here so incongruously -in contact. Nothing that could be sold or bartered came -amiss to these polyglot traders; they kept everything from -champagne to saké (the rice beer of Japan), from boots to -smoked fish. Hurrying through this oven of odours, he -passed the line of ugly brick cottages run up for the -Russian officials, and arrived at the station. It was quiet at -the moment; there was a pause in the stream of traffic -which had for some time been steadily flowing southward. -Save for the railway servants, the riflemen who guard the -line, and a few officers desperately bored in their effort to -kill time, the platform was deserted. The Russian -lieutenant on duty accosted the new-comer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Ivan Ivanovitch, what can we do for you to-day?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The same old thing," replied the lad slowly in Russian. -"Can you send a wire to Vladivostok for my father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very sorry; it is impossible to-day as it was yesterday. -None but military messages are going through."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I just came up on the chance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When are you leaving? We shall miss you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks! In a few days, I hope. Father has just -about settled up everything. In fact, that consignment of -flour is the only thing left to trouble about now. I hope -it will get through safely, but the Japanese appear to be -scouting the seas pretty thoroughly. As soon as we hear -from our agent at Vladivostok we shall be off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come and have a glass of tea in the buffet. It may -be the last time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack Brown—known to his Russian friends as Ivan -Ivanovitch, "John the son of John"—accepted the invitation. -After a chat and a glass of tea from the large steaming -samovar, always a conspicuous object in a Russian -buffet, he left the station as the dusk was falling and a -haze spread over the ground, covering up the many -unlovely evidences of the Russian occupation. For variety's -sake he changed his course and took a path to the left -that skirted the native graveyard, intending to enter the -city by one of the northern gates. A line of heavy native -carts, with their long teams of mules and ponies, was -slowly wending northwards; women, their hair decorated -with flowers, were taking their children for an airing -before the sun set and the gates were closed; a beggar -stood by the roadside cleverly imitating a bird's cry by -blowing through a curled-up leaf. Jack came to the great -mandarin road and turned towards the city; such evening -scenes were now a matter of course to him. But he was -still at some distance from the outer wall when he came -upon a sight which, common as it was in Moukden, he -never beheld without pity and indignation. A big -muscular Chinaman of some thirty to forty years was seated -on the ground, his neck locked in the square wooden -collar known as the cangue, an oriental variant of the old -English pillory. So devised that the head and the upper -part of the body are held rigid, the cangue as an -instrument of punishment is worthy of Chinese ingenuity. The -victim, as Jack knew, must have sat throughout the long -sweltering day tortured by innumerable insects which his -fixed hands were powerless to beat off. At nightfall a -constable would come and release him, conveying him to -the gaol attached to a yamen within the city, where he -would be locked up until the morning. Then the cangue -would be replaced and the criminal taken back to the same -spot on the wayside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack hurried his step as he approached, eager to leave -the unpleasant sight behind him. But on drawing nearer -he was surprised to find that he knew the man,—surprised, -because he was one of the last who could have been -expected to fall into such a plight. The recognition was -mutual; and as Jack came up, the parched lips of the -victim uttered a woeful exclamation of greeting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How came you here, Mr. Wang?" asked Jack in Chinese.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crime was indicated on the upper board of the -cangue, but Jack, though he had more than a smattering -of colloquial Chinese, knew almost nothing of the written -language. The poor wretch could hardly articulate; but -with difficulty he at length managed, in the short -high-pitched monosyllables of his native tongue, to explain. -He had been accused of fraud; the charge was totally -without foundation; but at the trial before the magistrates -witness after witness had appeared against him: it is easy -to suborn evidence in a Chinese court: and he had been -condemned to the cangue, a first step in the system of -torture by which a prisoner, innocent or guilty, is forced -to confess.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To one who knew the Chinese as Jack did, there was -nothing surprising in this explanation, except the fact that -Wang Shih was the victim. He was a respectable man, -the son of an old farmer some fifteen miles east of -Moukden, and practically the owner of the farm, his father -being past work. Hard-working and honest, he was the -last man to be suspected of trickery or base dealing. -Mr. Brown had done much business with him, and only recently -had had a proof of his good faith. The Chinaman had -contracted to supply him with a large quantity of fodder. -A few days before the date of delivery he had been visited -by a business rival of Mr. Brown's, a Pole, who had come -to Moukden some four or five years before, and from -small beginnings had worked up a considerable business. -Almost from the first he had come into competition with -Mr. Brown. The methods of the two men were diametrically -opposed,—the Pole relying on bribery, the corruption -of the official class with which he had to deal; the Englishman -sternly resolute to lend himself to no transaction in -Manchuria of which he would be ashamed at home. Anton -Sowinski, as the Pole was called, offered Wang Shih the -strongest inducements to break his contract with -Mr. Brown; but finding his native honesty proof against -temptation, he had lost his temper, abused him, and -finally struck him with his whip. The Chinaman was a -peaceable fellow; but beneath his stolidity slumbered the -fierce temper of his race. Under the Pole's provocation -and assault his self-restraint gave way. He seized Sowinski -with the grip of a giant, rapped his head soundly against -the fence, and then threw him bodily into the road. The -contract with Mr. Brown had been duly fulfilled; and it -was, to say the least, unlikely that a man who had thus -kept faith to his own disadvantage should have descended -to vulgar fraud.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who was your accuser?" asked Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Loo Sen."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's a neighbour of yours, isn't he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, and has long borne us ill-will. But it was not -he really. As I left the yamen where I was tried, a -friend whispered me that Loo Sen was in the pay of -Sowinski."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! that throws a light on it. Sowinski is having his -revenge. It is a bad business, Mr. Wang."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack knew the ways of Moukden magistrates too well -to hope that the conviction and sentence could be quashed. -On the contrary, if the cangue proved ineffectual in -extorting a confession, there were various grades of torture that -could be applied in turn. But prisoners often escaped; -their friends, it is true, afterwards suffered. Wang Shih -was so big and strong that he might easily have -overpowered his gaoler some night when the cangue was -removed; it was, perhaps, only consideration for his family -that had restrained him. Jack questioned him on this -point.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. That is the reason. The constable—wah! I -could kill him easily; but what then? I could not remain -in Moukden; I am too well known. And my father would -not be safe. They would behead him, and rob my family -of all they possess."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I understand. I wish I could do something for -you; but I see no way. My father might have done something -at one time—possibly through the Russians, although -they are unwilling to mix themselves up in Chinese quarrels; -but in any case his influence is gone since the war began."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You can do one thing for me, sir, if you will; that is, -send a message to my father. Tell him to gather all his -things together and leave the district. I will never confess -to a crime which I did not commit, and there will be time -for him, before I am beheaded, to get away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will do that. I would do anything I could to help -you, but——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here comes the constable, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack looked along the road and saw, slouching up, a -typical specimen of the Chinese constable. In China the -constable is universally and deservedly detested. -Sheltered by the mandarins of the yamen, he preys upon the -rich and oppresses the poor. The prisoner in his keeping -is starved, beaten, tortured until he yields his last copper -cash; if he escapes, the constable pounces upon his -unhappy relatives, and their fate is the same. This man -scowled fiercely upon Jack, and the latter, seeing that no -good could come of remaining longer, spoke a final word -of sympathy to Wang Shih, and went on amid the -thinning stream of people to the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Jack," said his father, as the lad entered the -neat one-story house which served both as dwelling and -office; "any news?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None, Father. The wires are still monopolized."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a nuisance. You'll have to pack off to Vladivostok -yourself, I'm afraid. Ten chances to one, Captain -Fraser will not get through safely; still, one can never -tell. I heard a rumour to-day that the Russian fleet has -made a raid from Vladivostok; and if it keeps the Japanese -employed, Fraser may make a safe run. You've been a -long time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. I had a chat with Lieutenant Borisoff; but I -was detained on the way back. What do you think? -Sowinski has got Loo Sen to bring a charge against -Wang Shih, and the poor fellow is in the cangue."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Whew! That's bad. It means decapitation in the end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose you can do nothing for him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, I fear. I'm sorry for the poor chap, especially -as I'm afraid it's partly through his holding to his -bargain with me. But I've no influence now, and even if -I had, it would be useless to interfere in a purely Chinese -matter. We could never prove that Sowinski had a hand -in it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Brown reflected for some moments, Jack studying -his features.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," he said at last, "there's absolutely nothing we -can do. This only proves that I am right in winding -things up and cutting sticks. That fellow Sowinski is a -blackguard; if I stayed here he'd find some means of doing -me an injury next."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Father, the Chinese are good friends of ours, and -you've never been on bad terms with the Russians."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not till lately, it is true. But this war has brought a -new set of men here, and you know perfectly well that I've -offended some of them; General Bekovitch, for one, has -a grudge against me. They don't understand a man who -won't bribe or be bribed; I really think they believe there -must be something fishy about him! However, we'll be -off as soon as you get back from Vladivostok, and leave -the field to Sowinski. I wish the Russians joy of him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"When shall I go to Vladivostok?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The day after to-morrow; that gives Orloff another -chance. And I've several little things still to settle up. -By the way, here's a queer letter I got just now; it was -brought by a Chinese runner from Newchang."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He handed the letter to Jack, who read:</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Respected Sir,—The undersigned does himself the honour to -introduce himself to your esteemed notice, as per instructions -received per American Cable Company from my principals, -Messrs. Schlagintwert Co. of Düsseldorf, namely, 'Apply -assistance Brown of Moukden'. I presume from aforesaid cable my -Co. may already have had relations with your esteemed Firma. -My arrival in Moukden may be expected within a few days of -receipt. Believe me, with high esteem and compliments,</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>"Your obedient servant,</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><span>"HlLDEBRAND SCHWAB.</span></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">"Postscriptum</em><span>.—Also representative of the </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte -Vaterland u. Colonien</em><span>."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Tear it up, Jack. No doubt we shall be away when he -comes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who are Schlagintwert, Father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You remember those automatic couplings we tried on -the Harbin section three or four years ago——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The ones that took two men to fasten and four to -release?" said Jack, laughing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly. Well, they were Schlagintwert's."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment the clang of a gong, followed by the -thud of a drum, sounded through the streets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're closing the gates," said Jack. "I think I'll -go to bed, Father; I'm pretty tired."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-night, then! I shan't be long after you. I've -a little more writing to do. Send Hi Lo in with some -lemonade."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="mr-wang-and-a-constable"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER II</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Mr. Wang and a Constable</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">The Flowing Tide—Backsheesh—At the Window—Hu Hang—Quis -Custodiet?—Mr. Wang's Grip</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Mr. Brown, like many another active and enterprising -Englishman, had left home as a young man and done -business in many parts of the globe. He was a struggling -merchant in Shanghai when Jack, his elder son, was -born. Nine years later he seized a promising opening in -Vladivostok, and removed thither with his family, now -increased by another boy and a girl. When Jack was -eleven he was sent to school in England, being shortly -afterwards followed home by his mother, sister, and -brother. Then, at the age of fifteen, he was recalled by -his father, who wished for his assistance in a new business -he was starting in Moukden. Jack was nothing loth; he -had a great admiration for his father, and an adventurous -spirit of his own. He had done fairly well at school; -never a "swot", still less a "smug", he had carried off -a prize or two for modern languages, and counted a prize -bat and a silver cup among his trophies. Everybody liked -him; he always "played the game".</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Brown had at first prospered exceedingly in -Moukden. His business had been originally that of a produce -broker; but when the Russians extended their railway and -began to develop Port Arthur, he added branch after -branch, and soon had many irons in the fire. He -supplied the Russian authorities with innumerable things, -from corn to building stones; he had large contracts with -them in connection with their great engineering feat, the -construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway, and in this -part of his business Jack had taken a special interest, -picking up thus a considerable knowledge of railway -plant, locomotives, and other details. Being a man of -absolute integrity, respected and trusted by the natives, -Mr. Brown before long won the confidence of the officials -with whom he came in contact. But he was a shrewd -student of affairs as well as a man of business. He had -foreseen the outbreak of war, and viewed with amazement -the careless assurance of the Russian attitude towards -the "yellow monkeys", deemed so insignificant. Making -many friends among the Russians, he saw much to admire -in them: their kindliness and abounding hospitality, their -perseverance in face of obstacles, their vital faith in their -country's destiny. With the Japanese his personal relations -had not been so intimate; but he had watched their -progress from afar with the keenness of a clear-eyed observer, -and he knew that when the trial came, the Russians would -find the little men of Nippon no mean foes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Events proved the accuracy of his forecast. The -Russian fleet was bottled up, the Yalu crossed, Port Arthur -was already beleaguered, and Stackelberg's attempt to -relieve it had failed. Mr. Brown talked with some of the -wounded who had been sent back from the Yalu to -Moukden, and were now in hospital in a Buddhist -monastery near the outer wall. They were not downcast: they -spoke of being outnumbered and unprepared; when -General Kuropatkin's army was complete the tide would -turn, and then—— But he got them to talk of their -actual experiences in battle. Some of them had been -within arm's-length of their enemies in a bayonet charge; -and what he learnt of the eager joy, the buoyant audacity, -displayed by the Japanese, strengthened his belief that, -given equal generalship, equal numbers, equal equipment, -such a spirit could scarcely be matched, and was bound to -lead them to victory.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Prudent but not alarmist, Mr. Brown considered how -the war would affect him. The Japanese were pressing -northward; should Port Arthur fall, the besieging army -would be able to strengthen Marshal Oyama's forces in -the field. If the Russians were compelled to withdraw -from Manchuria, Mr. Brown could hardly hope to save -his business, and it behoved him to set his house in order. -Another consideration weighed with him. The -development of the railway and the imminence of war had -brought new men on the scene. The Russian officers -whom he knew so well were withdrawn, and replaced by -men of another stamp—men who were not all so -clean-handed as their predecessors. He soon became aware -that he was expected to grease their palms, and his -uncompromising resistance to corruption in every shape and -form made him disliked. Several contracts were given -over his head; he found that in many cases the new-comer, -Sowinski, of whose antecedents nothing was known, was -favoured at his expense; and it was clear that these -circumstances, together with the general Russian distrust of -England and all things English, boded ill for his business. -He was turned fifty years of age, and had amassed a -comfortable fortune. It appeared the part of discretion to -wind up his affairs before it was too late, and return to -England, where a man of his wealth and energy might -find occupation for his maturer years. When he had once -made up his mind, Mr. Brown wasted no time. He -proceeded to put his design into effect, and now expected in -a few days to leave Moukden for home.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was past midnight before he had finished sorting his -papers. That done, he smoked a final cigarette at the -door, then shot the bolt, turned out the lamp, and went -to bed in the room next to Jack's.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had found it somewhat difficult to get to sleep. -He could not put Wang Shih's plight from his thoughts. -He had seen something of Chinese methods; there came -before his mind the vision of a poor wretch he had once -met on his way to execution, emaciated to a skeleton, one -of his legs blackened and withered, almost fleshless, and -wanting its foot, which had dropped off as the result of -his being chained by the ankle to a ring in his prison -wall. Such evidence of inhumanity was horrible; it made -him shudder to think of Wang Shih, so good a fellow, so -fine a specimen of manhood, suffering and dying thus. -And he admired the Chinaman's fortitude, his loyalty to -his family, his refusal to avail himself of means of escape -lest his people should suffer. Could not something even -yet be done for him? Jack did not wish to complicate -matters; but, after all, they were on the eve of departure, -and he knew his father well enough to be sure that he -would not refuse to lend a helping hand if required. But -puzzle as he might, he could see no way of saving both -Wang Shih and his family, and the problem was still -unsolved when he at length fell into a troubled sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly he awoke. The night was very close, and at -the first moment he thought his waking was due to the -heat. But then he heard a slight scratching at his left. -He raised himself on his elbow to listen; he had never -seen or heard mice in the house. The scratching -continued; it was very close at hand. Surely at that time of -night it could not be anyone scratching at the paper -window? He got out of bed; it was too dark to see -anything; he put his ear against the thin paper. The -noise was certainly caused by the moving of a finger-nail.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is there?" he asked softly in Chinese.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wang Shih, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Wang! You've escaped, then. All right! I'll -come to the door."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the way he went into his father's room, and touched -him on the elbow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hey! Who's that? What's the matter, Jack?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wang Shih is outside, Father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By Jove! What does he want?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know. He has evidently escaped."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Send him about his business. I can't be mixed up in -this sort of thing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You might see him, Father. He wouldn't have come -unless he saw some way of getting off without harming -anyone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, well! Light the lamp, and let him in. I'll slip -on my dressing-gown and follow you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack went to the door, opened it, and was confronted, -not by one big form, as he expected, but by two.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is with you, Mr. Wang?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Hu."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is Mr. Hu? Come inside both of you, and let -me lock the door."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two Chinamen entered, blinking in the light of the -little oil lamp Jack had lit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Mr. Wang, explain. Who is Mr. Hu?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is Hu Hang, the constable, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The constable!" exclaimed Jack, now recognizing the -low brow and shifty eyes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I had to bring him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's this, what's this?" said Mr. Brown, coming -from his bedroom. "What you two piecee man makee -this-side?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Like almost all English merchants, he had found Chinese -too much for him, and in his intercourse with the natives -made use of pidgin English, the lingua franca of the -Chinese coast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a world of humility and apology in Wang -Shih's kowtow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My lun wailo," he said. "My no wantchee catchee -killum. Muchee bobbely yamen-side. Allo piecee -fightey-man bimeby look-see Wang Shih; no can wailo outside -that-time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His exceptional size was certainly against him. It was -clear that without some disguise the man could not hope -to escape from the city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that's all very well," said Mr. Brown reflectively. -Then turning suddenly to the second man: "But what -this piecee man makee this-side?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He Hu Hang; muchee bad policeyman, galaw!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Policeyman! Yes, but what-for policeyman he come -this-side too?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hu Hang he my policeyman. He watchee my. My -hittee Hu Hang velly muchee plenty hard, hai-yah! Hu -Hang plenty silly top-side; my tinkee lun wailo chop-chop. -'Stoppee, stoppee!' say Hu Hang; 'what-for you makee -leavee my this-side?' Ch'hoy! My tinkee Hu Hang -belongey muchee leason. Hu Hang lun wailo all-same."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Brown still looked puzzled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't you see, Father," broke in Jack, "Mr. Wang -couldn't leave the poor wretch to bear the brunt of his -escape. They would have cut his head off as sure as a gun."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much loss to his fellow-citizens, by the look of -him," said Mr. Brown, glancing critically at the scowling, -sullen countenance of the truant constable. "Still, it was -uncommonly decent of Mr. Wang. We must really do -what we can to get him away. What you tinkee makee, -Mr. Wang?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man turned to Jack and addressed him in Chinese -with much movement of the hands and frequent glances -at Hu Hang.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He says that after I left him," explained Jack, "he -heard that the yamen runners were already ill-treating his -people. That means, of course, that they'll be stripped of -all they have. His only chance was to get away and join -the Chunchuses. If he can only join Ah Lum, no -mandarin will be rash enough to interfere with them. Even -the Viceroy of Moukden is afraid of the brigands. -Mr. Wang's only difficulty is to get out of the city."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A rather serious one. No doubt by this time they're -keeping a pretty sharp look-out for him, and"—glancing -at the man's huge bulk and muscular development—"he's -not the kind of man to pass in a crowd."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman, though unable to follow Mr. Brown's -English, had gathered the gist of what he said. He -spoke again to Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If only we can lend him a cart, he says, and a new -tunic and pantaloons, he hasn't much doubt of being able -to get through. We can surely manage that, Father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it's risky; but I can't see the man come to grief -if it can be helped."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>That Wang Shih understood this was clear, for his face -beamed, and he kowtowed with every mark of gratitude.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what about the constable?" said Mr. Brown to -Jack. "Suppose he cuts up rough?" Turning to Wang -Shih, he said: "Supposey policeyman makee bobbely; -what you do that-time?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Wang grinned. He took the constable by the -scruff of the neck and held him half-throttled at -arm's-length.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ch'hoy! My keepee Mr. Hu allo-time long-side: -he plenty muchee 'flaid, savvy my belongey plenty stlong, -galaw!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He gave the gasping wretch a final shake. Mr. Brown -was satisfied. The demonstration was complete.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="deported"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER III</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Deported</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Mesalliance—An Outing—Bonbons—"Mr. Blown"—A Northern -Frontier—Bandit and Patriot—Hi Lo—Arrested—Monsieur -Brin offers Condolences—Old Scores—General Bekovitch—Short -Notice—The General loses Patience</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Ah! I disturb you, Mr. Brown. I always disturb -somebody. I disturb myself! Therefore I go; another time, -another time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bit of it, Monsieur. Sit down; I shall be -through with these papers in five minutes. What will -you drink? We have a fair selection."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lemonade, my dear Mr. Brown, nothing but lemonade. -It is the cool drink."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hi Lo, wailo fetchee lemonade for Monsieur."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allo lightee, sah," said a little fellow of some thirteen -years, bright-eyed, rosy-cheeked, a smiling Chinese boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monsieur Anatole Brin, correspondent of the </span><em class="italics">Soleil</em><span>, sat -down in a cane chair and wiped his perspiring bald pate -with a yellow silk handkerchief. Mr. Brown continued -to sort his papers. It was not possible for Monsieur Brin -to sit speechless.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! Mr. Brown, you have things to do. You do not -suffer, as we others, from nostalgia—the home-sickness, -you understand? I sigh for Paris, for the boulevards, the -cafés, the Opera, for anything, anything, but this -Moukden. It is five weeks that I am here; I have my paper, -my pencils, my authorization; I have presented to the -Viceroy my letter of credit, my photograph, as it is -ordained. I have the red band on my arm; you see -it: the letters B.K., correspondent of war; also Chinese -arabesques, one says they mean 'Him who spies out the -military things!' and here I am still in Moukden. I -spy out no military things; I broil myself with sun, choke -myself with dust; it is not possible to go to the south, -where the war is made; no, it is permitted to do anything -but what I am sent for; I become meagre with disappointment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cheer up! Yours is a hard lot, no doubt. The modern -general has no liking for you correspondents. But you -will get your chance, no doubt, in time. The Japanese -are coming north. There has been a fight at Wa-fang-ho, -I hear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What!" cried the Frenchman, starting up. "A battle -and I not there! I hear of no battle. Colonel Pestitch hear -of none. I ask him just now. Does he tell me lie—prevaricate?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He probably knows nothing about it. I knew it -through a Chinaman yesterday. The natives outdo the -telegraph, Monsieur, especially the telegraph with a censor -at one end. But, in fact, I have more than once heard the -result of an engagement before even the military authorities."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monsieur Brin walked up and down the little office -impatiently twisting his moustache.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! It is abominable—but yes, abominable. Of what -good that France is the ally of Russia? I might be -Japanese, or Englishman, with no alliance at all. Why -did I quit Paris? To put on this odious red badge, like a -convict. For what? To promenade myself about -Moukden, from day to day, from week to week, in prey to -hundred Chinese diseases, subject to thousand Chinese -odours! Ah, quelle malaise, quel désappointement, quel -spleen!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're in low spirits to-day, Monsieur. Why don't -you go about the country and see the sights?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The sights! I have seen them. I have seen the -tombs. They do not equal the Louvre, the Arc de -Triomphe, Notre Dame. Pouah! My throat fills itself with -dust, or my feet stick fast in the mud. For the rest, if -I go farther I fall into the hands of the Koungouzes, the -brigands; they have asperity; I have respect for my skin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look here, Monsieur, this won't do. You'll make -yourself ill if you take things so hardly. What do you -say to this, now? My boy is going some fifteen miles -out to a farm, to see some friends of ours—Chinese, you -understand. Why not go with him and see something -of the Chinese at home? Our friend Mr. Wang has an -interesting family; you'll enjoy it, and get material for one -article at least for the </span><em class="italics">Soleil</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! it is an idea. We go—how?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On ponies. They will put you up for the night. You -can return in the cool to-morrow morning."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is an idea. It please me. There is no risk?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"None, I should think. You can take a revolver, but -Jack is pretty well known. Hi Lo, tell Mr. Jack I want -him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few seconds Jack entered. He shook hands -cordially with Monsieur Brin, whom he had seen once or -twice since his arrival with a letter of introduction to -Mr. Brown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack, Monsieur Brin is making himself ill for want of -something to do. Take him with you and introduce him -to Wang Shih's people. I think he'll like them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll be glad, I'm sure. Will you come, Monsieur?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"With pleasure, to pass the time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am starting immediately. Hi Lo, saddle a pony for -Monsieur, quick."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The little fellow, son of Mr. Brown's compradore, ran -off, and returned in five minutes.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pony allo lightee, sah."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good boy! Now, Monsieur, shall we start?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hope you'll have a pleasant day, Monsieur," said -Mr. Brown. "Look me up in the morning, and tell me how -you got on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-bye! Thanks! I have not disturb you—busy -man like you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not a bit. Good-bye!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mounted on neat little ponies, Monsieur Brin and Jack -set off through the city. To the Frenchman's surprise, -Jack did not choose the main thoroughfare direct to one -of the eastern gates, but turned first into one side street, -then into another. They were dusty, dirty, crowded with -people, pigs, and poultry, and Monsieur Brin held his nose -and began to expostulate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait a little, Monsieur," said Jack. "We are coming -to my street. I never miss it when I come in this direction."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They came by and by to a street differing in no wise -from the rest, except that in one of the paper-windowed -houses a school was held. No sooner had Jack appeared -at the end of the street than the sing-song of children at -lessons ceased as by magic, and out of the school flocked -a score of little ones, who rushed towards him with loud -and happy cries of greeting, scattering the fowls and pigs -and kicking up clouds of dust as they ran.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mon Dieu!" exclaimed Monsieur Brin, reining up his -pony to avoid trampling them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't be alarmed," said Jack, laughing. "They are -my little pensioners."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The biggest of the children were already swarming -round the pony. Jack put his hand into his pocket. -Instantly there was a yell of delight. Then suddenly a -shower of sweetmeats fell on the outskirts of the crowd, -among the smallest of the children. There was a merry -scramble; before the first handful was picked up a second -was scattered in the opposite direction, and soon every -child was on all-fours, hunting for treasure in the thick -brown dust. Meanwhile every door in the street had -become blocked with smiling elders,—toothless old -grandames, brawny workmen, women, girls, all enjoying -the scene, chattering among themselves, some of them -giving pleasant salutation to Jack. His pockets at last -were empty; his pony was becoming impatient; and, -laughingly threatening to run the youngsters down, he -moved on amid high-pitched cries of "Come again soon, -Mr. Blown!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monsieur Brin was vastly entertained. The children's -antics were very droll, and Monsieur was a man of sentiment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My word!" he said. "Here is something at last for -the readers of the </span><em class="italics">Soleil</em><span>. I have no victories of war to -write; I write of a victory of peace; how a young -Englishman has won the hearts of all a street of Chinese; -how to them he is no longer foreign devil but sweet-stuff -saint. Eh? How became you so great a friend?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, it is very simple. I took a fancy one day to a -little toddler; picked him up out of the way of a boisterous -pig, and gave him a sweet to comfort him. Other children -were looking on; next time I came this way a group of -them stood with their fingers in their mouths and their -eyes on my pockets. I flung them a sweet or two; they -picked them up and scampered away as though half-scared; -but they were on the watch for me after that, and now, -as you see, it has become an institution. They have very -easy-going schoolmasters here; as soon as my nose is -seen at the street end the word is given and out they -troop, and the elders know the sounds and come to see -the fun. They are all very good friends of mine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Leaving the narrow streets, they came at length to the -outer gate, guarded jointly by several sleepy Chinese -soldiers and a Russian sentry. Jack was well known, and -the two riders passed through without difficulty.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Having a little business to settle with Mr. Wang -senior, Jack had offered, before Wang Shih left Mr. Brown's -house in the small hours of that morning, to ride -out and inform the family of his escape. A ride of some -fifteen miles brought the two within sight of the farm. It -was a brick building of one story, like all Manchurian -houses, with cow-byres, pig-sties, and poultry-houses -clinging to the wall. The farmstead was surrounded by -lofty wooden palings, and Monsieur Brin's attention was -attracted by two fantastic warlike figures roughly daubed -in red and green on either side of the great gate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh!" said Jack, in reply to his question, "they're -supposed to scare away evil spirits."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hé! Are not the dogs enough?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The appearance of the two strangers was hailed by a -rush of dogs, large and small, yelping and barking fiercely, -but without malice. The noise brought the inmates to -the door: an old Chinaman and his wife, and two girls -of eighteen or thereabouts, whose regular features, soft -brown eyes, and delicately ruddy complexion made an -instant impression upon the Frenchman. He doffed his -hat with the most elegant and graceful ease, and was not -disconcerted when this unaccustomed mode of salutation -set the girls giggling. The mistress led the visitors into -the best room, lofty, airy, clean, with paper windows; along -one side a broad platform some thirty inches from the -floor. This was the k'ang, a hollow structure containing -a flue warmed by the smoke and hot air from the kitchen-fire; -it served as a table by day and a bed by night. A -little graven image occupied a tinselled niche; and, the -kitchen-fire not being required in hot weather, a kettle -stood on a small brazier, boiling water for the indispensable tea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The old people were greatly distressed at the disgrace -that had befallen their only son; still more at his -approaching fate, for to die without a male child to honour one's -ashes is the worst of ills to a Chinaman. They were not -aware of his escape; but when Jack told them that he was -now at large, and had gone to join the great Chunchuse -chief Ah Lum, they all, parents and girls, clapped their -hands, feeling now secure against ill-treatment by the -Chinese officials. The chief would send word from his -head-quarters to his agent in Moukden that Wang Shih -was under his protection, and the terror in which the -brigand was held was so great that the farmer's family -would remain unmolested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack asked where was the encampment of the Chunchuse -band. It varied, said the old man. To avoid -capture by the Russians, the chief frequently shifted his -quarters. His band was constantly on the move between -Kirin and the Shan-yan-alin mountains, going so swiftly -and secretly that no one knew where it would turn up -next. One day it would be on the Hun-ho; a detachment -of Cossacks would be sent to cut it off, only to find -that it had disappeared. Two or three days later it might -be heard of several hundred li away, on the Sungari.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," said the old man. "Ah Lum is a great leader, -and a great hater of the Russians; but he hates the -Japanese nearly as much. He would drive all foreigners -out of the country. I am glad my son is with him, -though I fear he will not be able to return home until the -war is over."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack and Monsieur Brin spent some time in rambling -about the farm, the latter smoking innumerable cigarettes, -making copious notes, and every now and then breaking -forth into enthusiastic praise of the eldest daughter, who -he declared reminded him of his fiancée in the boulevard -Raspail. He watched with absorbed interest the -Chinese way of making tea: the green leaves placed in a -broad saucer and covered with boiling water; another -saucer inverted over the first, and pushed back a little -way after the tea had "drawn", the beverage being -sipped through the interstice. The old farmer insisted on -his guests going to see his coffin, a very handsome box -thoughtfully provided by his son and kept in an outhouse, -where Mr. Wang frequently spent an hour in meditation -on mortality. Afterwards Brin was initiated into the -complexities of fan-tan—a guessing game that was -prolonged far into the night. They slept comfortably on the -k'ang, and left about eight next morning very well pleased -with their visit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun was already hot, and they rode at a walking -pace, partly to avoid the clouds of choking dust which -trotting would have raised. They were still several miles -from the city when Jack saw a small Chinese boy hastening -in their direction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's young Hi Lo," he said, as the figure came -more clearly into view. "I wonder what he is coming -this way for! Surely Wang Shih has not been caught -after all?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy had broken into a run, and when he met them -Jack saw at once by his face that he bore grave news. -But he was not prepared for what the little fellow told -him in breathless gasps. Soon after daybreak a squad of -Siberian infantry had appeared at Mr. Brown's house, -put the merchant under arrest, ransacked his papers, and -carried him off a prisoner. Hi Lo's father, the compradore, -happened to be at a window of the front room as -the soldiers came up; and suspecting, with Chinese -shrewdness and dislike of the soldiers, that something -was amiss, he had run to the inner sanctum and removed -the most valuable papers from the safe before the -Russians entered. But knowing that he was likely to be -searched, he had handed the papers to Hi Lo, hoping that -the boy would escape the visitors' attentions. Mr. Brown -made a vigorous protest against the Russians' action, and -demanded by what authority they arrested him and the -crime with which he was charged; but the officer in -command refused to give him any information. Before he -was marched off, he was allowed a few words with his -compradore, a servant of many years' standing. Learning -that the papers were for the present secure, he had -managed, without making his meaning clear to the Russian -officer, to direct that they should be handed to Jack. -They were for the most part vouchers from the Russian -authorities for goods supplied; if not concealed, they -would certainly be seized, and Mr. Brown knew how -impossible it was to make a Russian official disgorge -plunder. The whole thing was probably a mistake, at -the worst a plot which could no doubt be shown up. The -first necessity was to put the securities out of harm's way; -then Jack could take whatever steps might be called for to -obtain his father's release, if he were still detained after he -had met the charge against him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy told his story rapidly in pidgin English; not -that Jack did not understand Chinese, but because, like -all Chinese servants, Hi Lo made it a point of pride to use -his master's language. Monsieur Brin could make nothing -of the narrative.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the matter with you, my friend?" he asked, -seeing the look of concern on Jack's face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An annoying mistake, Monsieur. My father has been -arrested by the Russians."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oho! What has he been doing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing, of course. Some official has been too -zealous, I suppose. I must ride on, Monsieur."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But may not you be arrested, too?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think so. If they intended it, they would -already have sent a detachment after me. You may be -sure their spies know very well where I have been. No, -I'm in no danger; but anyhow I must find out what it all -means, so if you don't mind, Monsieur, we'll hurry on and -chance the dust."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, my friend. My word! this is an -unfortunate end to our pleasant little picnic."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have the papers, Hi Lo?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy produced them from some pouch in his wadded -cotton garments. Jack looked them over. They -represented a considerable sum of money. He did not care to -have them about him, in case he should be searched. -What could he do with them? For a moment he thought -of giving them into the care of Monsieur Brin, but on -reflection he hesitated to involve the correspondent in his -difficulties. Hi Lo was a clever little fellow, devoted to -him; probably he would be the best custodian for the -present. He gave the papers back to the boy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep them carefully, Hi Lo. Don't come near our -house till I send for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he put his pony to a canter, and with Brin by his -side hastened on to the city. At the moment, as Jack -knew, there were few Russian soldiers in Moukden. -General Kuropatkin was at the front, somewhere south -of Liao-yang; Admiral Alexeieff was at Harbin. The -arrest must have been made in their absence, and -probably unknown to them, by the local military authorities. -But, knowing his father's innocence, Jack expected to find -that he had already been released.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On entering the city he said good-bye to Monsieur Brin, -who was full of condolence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If I can do anything, tell me," he said. "Unhappily -I cannot telegraph; the soldiers have monopoly of the -wires; and, besides, there is the terrible censor. But if -I can do anything——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't worry, Monsieur. It will be all right. My -father is a British subject; and though the Russians don't -love us just now, they won't do anything very dreadful, I -imagine. Many thanks! I will let you know how things -stand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He rode straight home, and, finding that the house was -shut and locked, sought the compradore at his cottage -at the rear of the compound behind. Learning from him -further details of the arrest, he at once set off for the -military head-quarters near the railway-station. He knew -several of the Russian officers, but those to whom he -spoke had heard nothing of the singular occurrence. One -of them offered to make enquiries. He returned by and -by with the information that the order for Mr. Brown's -arrest had been given by General Bekovitch. This was -not cheering, for General Bekovitch, as Jack knew, was -an officer who under a surface polish and refinement was -thoroughly unscrupulous, and one indeed whose enmity -Mr. Brown had incurred by his uncompromising attitude -towards the official methods of corruption. Some time -before this, when Bekovitch was a colonel, he had -transferred to the Pole, Sowinski, a contract which had been -placed in Mr. Brown's hands. The latter protested, and -Bekovitch's superior disallowed his action and gave him -metaphorically a rap on the knuckles. The colonel was -deeply chagrined, both at the reprimand and at the loss of -the secret commission arranged with Sowinski. He was -now promoted major-general; his superior was gone; and -Jack could hardly doubt that he had seized the opportunity -to pay off his grudge against the English merchant. Jack -shrank somewhat from a meeting with the general, but his -indignation outweighed every other feeling, and, plucking -up his courage, he made his way to the luxurious -railway-carriage which served Bekovitch for quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had to wait some time before he gained admittance -to the general's presence. When at last he was invited to -enter, he found Bekovitch lolling on a divan smoking a -cigarette, a champagne bottle at his elbow. He was a -tall fair man, inclining to stoutness, with a long moustache -and carefully-trimmed beard, and looked in his white -uniform a very dignified representative of the military -bureaucracy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's residence as a boy in Vladivostok had given him -a good colloquial knowledge of Russian, so that he had no -difficulty in addressing the general in his own language.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have recently heard, sir, of my father's arrest," he -said, "and I have come to ask if you will be good -enough to tell me where he is and what he is charged -with."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are Mr. Brown's son? How do you do?" said -the general suavely. "I am sorry for you. It is a bad -business altogether. I should be quite justified in refusing -to give you information, but I am, of course, willing to -stretch a point in a case like this—father and son, you -know. Well, I regret to say that I had to arrest your -father for giving military information to the Japanese."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, sir, that is ridiculous. My father never did such -a thing. He has had no connection, not even a business -one, with the Japanese; he doesn't like them. Besides, -he would never think of doing anything underhand. No -one who knows him could even imagine it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If Bekovitch felt the personal application, he did not -show it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very creditable, very creditable indeed. A loyal son; -excellent. I should be the last to undeceive you; -therefore we will say no more about it. Let me offer you a -cigarette."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, thank you, sir. Really the matter cannot end -thus. What evidence have you against my father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general shrugged.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, if you will—— We had our suspicions; your -father is an Englishman, you know; we examined his -papers and found proof of our suspicions—full, -conclusive. There is no doubt at all about it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you will allow my father to clear himself. I am -sure he can do so."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have no time for long-winded processes," replied -the general, throwing away the end of his cigarette and -lighting another. "Moukden, as you must be aware, -young man, is under martial law."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then what has become of my father, sir? Where is he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We might have shot him, you know." The general's -manner was suaver than ever. "But we are a merciful -people. Your father has merely been—deported."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this Jack felt that either there was a hole in the net -woven around his father, or the Russians had feared to -proceed to extremities owing to his British nationality.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, sir," he said, "I shall, of course, appeal to our -government."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, my young friend, certainly! But on what -ground? See, I recognize your anxiety; it is perfectly -natural; for that reason I am patient with you. But we -must be the judges as to who shall stay in Manchuria, -who shall leave. Your father is now on his way to—to -the frontier. You will follow without loss of time. I give -you twelve hours to quit the city. A pass shall be made -out for you; you will go by to-night's train to Harbin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>General Bekovitch's manner was as urbane and polite -as ever, but there was in his tone a something that warned -the boy that further protest would be useless. Still, he -must make one more effort to discover his father's -whereabouts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Has my father gone to Harbin?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have told you, my young friend, he has been -deported. I can tell you no more."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But why not tell me his route, General Bekovitch? -He was in any case leaving for England in a few days. -If I am to go to Harbin I should like to know whether -there is any possibility of overtaking my father and -proceeding to Europe with him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For answer the general summoned an attendant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Michel Sergeitch, show this young man out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack gave him one look, then turned in silence towards -the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"One moment," called the general after him. "As I -said, a pass shall be sent you. The train leaves at eight. -If you are found here to-morrow, you will be arrested and -escorted as a prisoner to the frontier. That, I may -remark, is an unpleasant mode of travelling. Remember, -eight o'clock."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-great-siberian-railway"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Great Siberian Railway</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Duty and Inclination—A Domiciliary Visit—Monsieur -Brin Protests—A Reminder—The Ombeloke—Quandary—Salvage—A -Fortune in Soles—Fellow Passengers—From a Carriage -Window—A Further Search—At the Sungari Bridge—Off -the Line—The Compradore's Brother—Consultation—A -Bargain—The Terms—The Last Load—In a Horse-box</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack had rage in his heart as he walked back to the city. -He was angry and indignant, but even more alarmed. -The general had told him little: was that little the truth? -What did he mean by "deported"? If Mr. Brown had -really been put across the frontier, why should the general -have refused to say by what route he had travelled? Jack -feared that there had been foul play, and his anxiety was -none the less because he could not imagine what form the -foul play had taken.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His own position was awkward. He was homeless; in -a few hours he was to be packed like a bundle of goods into -a train and carried away against his will. His father -might have preceded him to Europe; on the other hand, -he might not. Was he to leave Moukden thus, in -uncertainty as to his father's fate?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus perplexed and troubled in mind, he walked back -to his house. At the door he found Monsieur Brin in a -state of desperation at his inability to make head or tail -of the compradore's pidgin English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha, my friend!" he exclaimed, "I am glad to see you; -I must know the worst; I come in haste, but the Chinese -man speaks a language of monkeys; I understand it not. -Tell me what is arrived."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have seen General Bekovitch," replied Jack. "He -told me almost nothing. My father has been deported—for -betraying secrets to the Japanese, if you please! Did -you ever hear of anything so ridiculous, so preposterous!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But that is all right. O.K. Deported! Mr. Brown -is the happy man. It would please me to be deported also. -He goes back to Europe: that I could accompany him!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But that is the point. Has he gone back to Europe? -The general would not tell me. And he is packing me off -too! I have to leave by to-night's train for Harbin, or he -will put me under arrest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hé! That is a scandal. I will expose it. I will write -it all to my redacteur. Ah! But I ask myself, will the -redacteur publish my letter? France is allied to Russia. -A French publicist has to consider not solely his own -persuasions, but his duty to his country. I reflect: it will be -best actually to write nothing. But if, my friend, there -needs money, demand me; I can furnish hundred, hundred -and fifty roubles: it will be to me a pleasure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Many thanks, Monsieur! I do not think I shall need -your assistance. I told the general I shall appeal to our -government. Unluckily we have no consul here; the -nearest, I suppose, is at Shanghai; and being sent off to -Harbin, I don't know when I shall have an opportunity of -communicating with our authorities."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Truly, it is a difficult situation. And your goods here: -what will they become?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They'll be confiscated, I suppose. As you see, I am -locked out. Luckily we have nothing of any great value. -My father sent off in advance all that he wished to keep, -and they can't touch his account at the Hong-Kong and -Shanghai bank."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He said nothing about the securities in Hi Lo's possession, -not from any want of faith in the Frenchman's good-will, -but not entirely trusting his discretion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They have no right to lock me out," continued Jack. -"And as General Bekovitch said he'd send me a pass for -the train, he must suppose he'll find me here. So if Mr. Hi -will put his shoulder to the door, I think we'll force the -lock and see what they have been doing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The stalwart compradore made short work of the fastenings. -Accompanied by Monsieur Brin and the Chinaman, -Jack entered his father's house. There were manifest -signs of ransacking. The floor of the office was strewn -with papers; in the dining-room the drawers had been -emptied; and a large oaken press, a fine specimen of -Chinese cabinet-making on which Mr. Brown set much -store, had been forced open. They were contemplating -the dismal scene when Hi Lo came running in.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Masta," he said hurriedly, "thlee fo' piecee Lusski -walkee chop-chop this-side."</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 61%" id="figure-93"> -<span id="a-search-party"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="A Search Party" src="images/img-034.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">A Search Party</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few moments later the house was entered by four -Siberian infantrymen, headed by a lieutenant and -accompanied by a tall, fair, hook-nosed man, at the sight of -whom Jack started. A light flashed upon him. Anton -Sowinski was the Russian Pole who had been doing his -best to ruin Mr. Brown's business, and had so bitterly -resented Mr. Brown's successes. It was he, too, who -had instigated the charge trumped up against Wang Shih -in revenge for a business defeat. Was it unlikely that -Sowinski had been the agent in this other trumped-up -charge of espionage? If not, what was his business now?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have come," said the lieutenant, "to bring you the -pass promised by General Bekovitch. Here it is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He drew a large unsealed envelope from his pocket, and -took from it a paper which he proceeded to read. It -stipulated that Mr. John Brown, junior, was to leave Moukden -by the train for Harbin at 8 p.m., en route for Europe. -Replacing it in the envelope, the officer laid this upon the -table and said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I regret, Monsieur, that I have a disagreeable duty to -perform. I am ordered to search the house and everybody -in it. Mr. Brown is known to have been in possession of -certain vouchers which are now forfeit to my government. -They could not be found when he was arrested; the -conclusion is that they are in your possession. I must ask -you to turn out your pockets."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have no papers," said Jack, "and I protest."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am sorry. I have my orders to carry out. Resistance -is useless."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! I shall not resist. Search away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lieutenant had already posted a soldier at the back -entrance, and had sent another man to bring into the room -anyone whom he might find on the premises. As Jack -was being searched, Hi Lo was brought in; he had slipped -away when the Russians entered. Jack hoped that the boy -had had time to hide the papers, for though the amount -they represented was small in comparison with his father's -total fortune, it was yet considerable in itself, and he was -anxious to save it, not merely for its own sake, but because -without it he would have no means of carrying through a -plan he had already dimly determined on. Hi Lo's face -was void of all expression. There were now in the room, -besides the Russians, Jack himself, Monsieur Brin, the -compradore, and his son. The door was locked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was searched from top to toe. Nothing was found -on him save letters of no importance. The compradore -and Hi Lo were examined in turn; they submitted meekly, -and Jack almost betrayed his relief when he saw that the -papers had not been discovered on the boy. Then the -officer turned to Monsieur Brin, glancing at the red band -on his arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I am a Frenchman," exclaimed the angry correspondent. -"Why do you search me? I have nothing. I know nothing."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I find you in Mr. Brown's house. I have orders to -search everybody. I hope you will make no difficulty, -Monsieur."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Difficulty! It is you that make difficulty. It is an -insult, an indignity. I am an ally; peste! for what good -to be an ally if I am thus treated as an enemy! But I do -not resist; no, I resign myself. From no one but an ally -would I endure such an indignity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am exceedingly sorry, Monsieur. General Bekovitch, -in giving orders, of course did not contemplate for -a moment the case of a French correspondent being -present; but my instructions are positive. I have no -choice but to carry them out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I protest still once more. I will make the -French nation know the price they pay for this so -agreeable alliance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monsieur Brin was searched. No papers were found on -him except his pocket-book, a lady's photograph, and -several letters, which the officer glanced through, the -Frenchman fuming with impatience and indignation. At -the conclusion of the search the lieutenant threw a meaning -glance at Sowinski, whose attitude throughout had -convinced Jack of the correctness of his surmise. The Pole's -presence was in itself a sufficient proof of his personal -interest in Mr. Brown's fate. An hour was spent in -making a further examination of the scattered papers; -nothing incriminating being found, the lieutenant gave -his men the order to march. At the last moment he -glanced at the envelope on the table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take care of it, Monsieur," he said; "it would be -awkward for you if it were lost."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the party had gone, Monsieur Brin fairly exploded -with wrath. English was too slow for him; a rapid torrent -of French came from his quivering lips. But Jack's -attention was diverted from the Frenchman by the strange -antics of Hi Lo, who was dancing round his father, his -face beaming with delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You hid the papers?" said Jack. "You are a good -boy. Where are they?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy pointed to the envelope on the table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Masta, look-see. Masta, look-see."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack lifted the envelope. The boy's glee puzzled him. -Opening it, he took out the Russian pass, and with it half -a dozen thin slips of paper written upon in Russian and -French. He could hardly believe his eyes. They were -the very papers for which the officer had sought so -diligently but in vain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How is this? What does it mean?" he said in blank -amazement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hai-yah! Velly bad Lusski man look-see Masta; -allo piecee bad man look-see all-same; no can tinkee Hi -Lo plenty smart inside. Hai-yah! Allo piecee Lusski -man look-see that-side; my belongey this-side, makee no -bobbely; cleep-cleep 'long-side table; my hab papers allo -lightee: ch'hoy! he belong-ey chop-chop inside ombeloke; -Lusski no savvy nuffin 'bout nuffin, galaw!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack burst into a roar of laughter, and translated the -boy's pidgin to the bewildered Frenchman. While the -Russians were intent on searching Jack, and their backs -were towards Hi Lo, the boy, knowing that his turn must -come, seized the opportunity to slip the precious papers -into the unclosed envelope on the table. Monsieur Brin -flung up his hands and began to pirouette, then stopped to -laugh, and held his shaking sides.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hi! hi! admirable! Excellentissime! Bravo! bravo! -Ma foi! Comme il est adroit! Comme il est spirituel! -Ho! ho! Tiens! Le gars mérite une forte récompense. Voilà!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In his excess of enthusiasm he took a silver dollar from -his pocket, spun it, and handed it to Hi Lo. The boy was -sober in an instant. He gravely handed the coin back.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No wantchee Fa-lan-sai man he dollar," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brin looked to Jack for an explanation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is much obliged, but would rather not. You made -a little mistake, Monsieur. You can't offend a Chinaman -of this sort more than by offering him money. He is, -indeed, a clever little chap. I'll take care he doesn't go -unrewarded."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha! That is another point for my chapter on the -characteristics of the Chinese. But now, my friend, what -will you do?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really, Monsieur, I don't know. I must talk it over -with the compradore."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well then, I leave you. I go to write notes of -this most interesting episode. I begin to enjoy war -correspondence. You go at eight? I will be at the station -to say adieu."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack spent more than an hour in serious consultation -with Hi An, the compradore, a man of forty, who had -served his father for nearly twenty years, and was heart -and soul devoted to his interests. There was no question -but that Jack must leave Moukden that night, and Hi An -advised him to go straight to Moscow and take the first -opportunity of communicating with the British Foreign -Office. Meanwhile the compradore himself would do -what he could to trace the whereabouts of his master. -But this course Jack was very unwilling to adopt. In -the first place, he had his father's instructions to realize -the securities, so cleverly saved by Hi Lo. Then there -was the consignment of flour which he hoped might run -the Japanese blockade and come safe to harbour at -Vladivostok. If it should arrive it would be worth a -large sum of money, and Jack was not disposed to yield -that a spoil to the Russians. Last and most important -consideration, he was oppressed by the mystery of his -father's fate. With the likelihood of innumerable delays -on the congested railway, he might be three weeks or a -month reaching Moscow; he foresaw difficulties in inducing -the Foreign Office to move in a case where there was -so little to go upon; and, above all, it was unendurable to -think that his father might, for all he knew, be still near -at hand, in danger and distress.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He was already determined, then, that, leave Moukden -if he must, he would not leave Manchuria. But what -could he do to secure his objects and his own safety? He -wondered whether the news of his father's arrest had been -telegraphed to Harbin and Vladivostok. That was -unlikely, he thought, for two reasons. It was well known -that Mr. Brown had been winding up his business; the -Russian authorities, unless specially informed, would not -suppose that there was any plunder to be got apart from -what was found at Moukden. And the telegraph had been -for months past very much overworked, what with the heavy -railway traffic and the constant messages flashing to and -fro between the principal depots in Manchuria and between -Manchuria and St. Petersburg. It was therefore unlikely -that the enforced departure of a Moukden merchant would -be considered of sufficient importance to communicate. If -this reasoning was correct, and Jack could contrive to -reach Vladivostok before the news filtered through, he -might save the remnants of his father's property, and turn -the vouchers into negotiable securities. He would then -find himself in possession of considerable funds, which he -might use if necessary in tracking his father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first thing was to get to Vladivostok. The pass -stipulated that he should go through Harbin over the -Siberian railway to Moscow. To reach Vladivostok he -must change trains at Harbin, and by that very fact -become a fugitive and an outlaw. Apparently General -Bekovitch did not intend to send him north under an -escort; it probably never occurred to him that with his -father deported, his home broken up, Jack would make an -effort, in face of the definite order to quit the country, to -remain. But though no escort was provided, he would -undoubtedly be watched; and to slip away at Harbin in a -direction the opposite of that intended promised to be a -matter of considerable difficulty and danger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore shook his head when Jack explained -what he had in his mind. Then, finding that his young -master was determined, he did not attempt to dissuade -him, but set himself in earnest to talk over ways and -means. He had a brother in Harbin, a grain merchant, -who had dealings with the Russians. This man might be -able to give Jack information and assistance, and to him -the compradore wrote a short note of introduction. The -next thing was to provide for the safety of the Russian -vouchers. Jack might be searched again </span><em class="italics">en route</em><span>, and -it was therefore inadvisable to carry them in his pocket. -He pondered for a time without finding any solution of the -difficulty. He was sitting with crossed legs, his hands -clasping his knee, his eyes cast down. Studying the -heavy thick-soled boot he wore in summer, under stress -of Manchurian mud, he suddenly bethought himself.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You can turn your hand to most things, Mr. Hi; do -you think you could split the sole of one of my boots and -put it together again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's the very thing, then. No one would ever think -of taking my boot to pieces."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hi An very quickly and deftly performed the necessary -operation. Between the two parts of the split sole Jack -placed the vouchers and letter of introduction; then the -compradore neatly stuck them together again. He -produced a roll of rouble notes, enough to pay preliminary -expenses and leave a margin for emergencies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There, Master," he said. "I have done all I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're a good fellow. I must trust to the chapter of -accidents for the rest. I may never see you again, Mr. Hi. -If I come to grief, you will do what you can to find my -father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will, Master, if I have to trudge on foot all the way -to Pekin to ask help of the Son of Heaven himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some minutes before eight o'clock Jack, by virtue of his -pass, was admitted without a ticket to the platform at -which the train for Harbin was drawn up. He had been -compelled to take his farewell of Monsieur Brin, the -compradore, and Hi Lo outside, much to the Frenchman's -indignation. The line was very badly managed; the -officials were soldiers, with no technical acquaintance with -railway management. Trains were despatched from Moukden -to Harbin, and from Harbin to Moukden, at any time that -suited the officials at either end, without prearrangement, -sometimes even without communication between the -stations. On this particular train there was no distinction -of classes, and Jack found himself one of some forty -passengers packed into a carriage built for thirty. The -company was exceedingly mixed. Russian officers were -cheek by jowl with Chinese merchants; a huge -long-bearded Russian pope was wedged between a German -commercial traveller and a Sister with the red cross on -her arm; at one end was a group of chattering Greek -camp-followers, who brought out a filthy pack of cards -long before the train started, and began a game of makao, -which continued, with intervals for squabbling and refreshment, -all the way to Harbin. Jack made himself as comfortable -as he could in a corner, and prepared to sleep if -the close proximity of his fellow-passengers and the -stuffiness of the air allowed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was past nine o'clock before the train steamed out. -Punctuality is a virtue non-existent on the Siberian -railway. The journey taxed Jack's patience to the utmost. -The line is single, doubled at intervals of five versts to -allow of the passage of trains in opposite directions. The -train was constantly being shunted into sidings, remaining -sometimes for hours, no one could tell why; and one of -the most annoying features of the constant stoppages was -that the train, after running through a station where the -passengers would have been glad to obtain refreshments, -would come to a stand several versts beyond, where -they had nothing to do but kick their heels and look -disconsolately out on the country. On one of the sidings -stood a goods train, two trucks of which were loaded -with a large gun; it had no doubt been injured by a -Japanese shell, and was being returned to arsenal for -repair. In another train Jack noticed a truck crowded -with poor wretches who appeared to be chained -together—misdemeanants from the army, he surmised, on their way -to one of the penal settlements in Siberia. At short intervals -appeared the little brick huts of the soldiers guarding -the line, and occasionally a group of three or four of those -green-coated guards might be seen riding along at the -foot of the embankment on their stout Mongol ponies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had travelled many times along the line, but not -recently, and he was greatly interested in the amazing -developments which it had undergone. New buildings of -brick seemed to have sprung up like mushrooms along -its course. Where formerly had been spacious fields of -kowliang—the long-stalked millet of the country—with -Chinese fangtzes few and far between, there were now wide -bare stretches upon which Russian industry was erecting -storehouses, engine-sheds, tile-covered residences for -the officials. Some thirty-five miles from Moukden is -Tieling, which, when Jack's train passed through at three -o'clock in the morning—having taken just six hours to -run that distance—seemed to be nothing but a collection -of scaffolding, with Chinese bricklayers already at work, -trowel in hand. Between Tieling and Harbin stretches an -immense plain, fertile for the most part, and hitherto left -almost unspoiled. Nowhere does the line pass through -a Chinese village; these were purposely avoided by the -Russian engineers from motives of policy, and in deference -to native susceptibilities. They are for the most part -out of sight from the railway. All that can be seen is, on -the right, the broad rutty mandarin highway; on the left, -a narrower road edging interminable fields of kowliang. -There are few stations between Moukden and Harbin: at -two, Tieling and Kai-chuang, the Russians had established -their base hospitals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hour after hour passed. Jack whiled away a good -part of the time by whittling sticks with his penknife, -somewhat to the amusement of the Russian army doctor -who sat next to him, and who did not appear to notice -that the sticks were shaped to a definite size, and that, -after several had been thrown away, two or three were -placed in Jack's pocket. Many times the train was halted -at a doubling to allow a troop train to pass, filled with -Russian soldiers on the way to the front, shouting, -singing, in the highest spirits. At one point an empty Red -Cross train stood on a siding, having emptied its freight -of wounded men at one of the hospitals.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During one of the stoppages the belaced official who -acted as guard politely requested Jack to step into the -station-master's office, where he was searched by one of -the soldiers. He was thus left in no doubt that he was -under surveillance, and when he got back to his carriage -he found that his bag had been opened. He congratulated -himself on his forethought in concealing his papers so -effectually in his boot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the moment of saying good-bye the compradore had -given him a piece of news that made him anxious to -complete his journey. A Chinese employed at the station had -told him that Anton Sowinski had booked a seat by the -next day's train. It was by no means impossible that this -train, if it happened to carry any important passengers, -would overtake and pass the first somewhere on the line. -The Pole was likely to spread the news of Mr. Brown's -arrest, and if he should succeed in getting to Vladivostok -before Jack the game would certainly be up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length, about forty-five hours after leaving Moukden, -someone said that Harbin was in sight, and there was -instantly a movement and bustle among the passengers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep your seat," said the doctor to Jack with a smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks! I know," said Jack with an answering smile.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The train slowed down, then stopped at the southern -end of the bridge over the Sungari river. It was as -though the engine were parleying with the sentry. On -the right rose the barracks of the frontier guards, -surrounded by a loopholed wall. At the bridge end were -two guns framed in sand-bags, and watched by two -sentinels. Across the river, above and below the bridge, -an immense boom prevented traffic either up or down. -While the train halted, an official came along the carriages, -fastened all the windows, locked all the doors; to open -them before the bridge was crossed entailed a heavy -penalty. When all the passengers were thus secured, -and there was no chance of any Japanese spy throwing -a bomb on to the bridge, the train moved slowly on, -passed more guns at the farther end, and came to rest -at the spacious station in the Russian quarter of the town.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 100%" id="figure-94"> -<span id="manchuria-and-part-of-siberia"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Map of Manchuria and part of Siberia" src="images/img-044.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Map of Manchuria and part of Siberia</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>A train from Vladivostok was expected during the afternoon, -and the composite train would leave for the west at -nine o'clock. Jack went out with the majority of the -passengers into the buffet, which is one of the admirable -features of the Russian railway system, and ordered a -good meal. Then he looked over some illustrated papers, -making no attempt to leave the station, having noticed -that he was still watched by one of the train attendants. -Time hung heavily; he took a nap on one of the seats, -and when he awoke found that the Vladivostok train had -arrived, and the night train for the west was being made -up. Strolling out with his bag, he showed his pass to -an official, and by means of a liberal tip secured a sleeping -compartment to himself. He explained with many yawns -that, being tired out, he intended to turn in as soon as the -train started, and asked the man to arrange his bed and -lock him in. The attendant complied, and a few minutes -later Jack noticed him in conversation with the man under -whose watchful eyes he had been all day. The latter -appeared satisfied and went away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The train was late in starting; a high personage, it -seemed, was expected. Jack stood for some minutes at -the door, watching the varied crowd on the platform -Suddenly he heard cheers; the high personage had no -doubt arrived. A warning bell rang; the officials called -to the passengers to take their seats. Jack took off his -coat in full view from the platform, then drew the curtain, -opened his bag, and took from it, not a night costume, -but a brush, a comb, and a collar. Then he turned off -the light.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But instead of throwing himself on his bed, he went to -the opposite door of the compartment and tried it; as he -expected, it was locked. He put on his coat, crammed -into the pockets the articles he had taken from his bag, -and from his vest pocket took one of the sticks he had -been whittling on the way from Moukden. Leaning out -of the window, he inserted it in the lock. The train was -just beginning to move. Would this extemporized key -serve? He turned it; the lock clicked; and the next -moment he was on the foot-board. Silently closing the -door he dropped to the ground, and ran alongside the -moving train, stumbling and tripping over the rugged -ballast. The pace quickened and the train began to -distance him; but he made all the speed he could, and -by the time the last carriage had passed him he found, to -his relief, that he was beyond the station and in darkness. -Dodging behind an engine-shed he clambered over a fence, -left the railway, and set off to find the house of the -compradore's brother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had taken the precaution, before starting, to obtain -very explicit directions, in order to save time, and to -avoid the risk involved in asking questions. The Chinese -part of the town is some three miles from the station, on -lower ground near the river. The streets were abominably -filthy; and by the time Jack reached the priestan or -merchants' quarters he felt sadly in need of a bath. By -following the compradore's instructions he found the grain -store of which he was in search, though with some trouble. -All the business premises in the neighbourhood were closed -for the night; there were few people in the streets: the -Chinaman as a rule barricades himself in his house at -nightfall. Making sure by peering at the sign that he -had come to the right house, Jack gently knocked at the -door. It was opened by a Chinaman, whom Jack recognized -by the light of the oil-lamp he carried as the -compradore's brother.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am from Moukden, Mr. Hi," said Jack, "and have -a note from your brother Mr. Hi An."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come in," said the Chinaman at once, without any -indication of surprise. Jack pulled off his dirty boots and -followed him to a little back shop, where he had evidently -just been engaged in brewing tea. He asked Jack to sit -down, poured him out a dish of tea, and then waited with -oriental patience to hear what his visitor had to say. -Prising open the sole of one of his boots, Jack drew out -the compradore's note. It bore only three Chinese -characters, and said merely that Hi An wished his brother to -give all possible assistance to the bearer. The Chinaman -looked up with an expression of grave polite curiosity and -still waited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore having said that his brother could be -thoroughly trusted, Jack explained to him, as simply and -clearly as he could, the circumstances that had brought -him to Harbin, and the object of his visit. When the -Chinaman had heard the story, and learnt what was -expected of him, he looked somewhat scared. He said that -the Russians would inflict the most terrible punishments -upon him if they discovered that he had sheltered and -assisted a fugitive. He spoke of his terror of the Russian -knout. But the Englishman might command him to do -what he could. Had he not himself received benefits from -Mr. Brown? Five years ago, he said, when he was on -the verge of ruin, he had written to his brother the -compradore for assistance. Hi An, a born gambler, like every -Chinaman, had himself been speculating disastrously, and -was unable to give any help. But he had appealed to -Mr. Brown, who had at once advanced the sum required -and set the grain merchant on his feet again. The loan -had long since been repaid: in business transactions the -Chinaman is the soul of honour: but he had never lost his -feeling of gratitude; and his recollection of Mr. Brown's -kindness, together with his brother's request, made him -willing to run some risk on behalf of his benefactor's son.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack talked long over the situation with his host. His -object was to get to Vladivostok as soon as possible. -Having no pass he could not travel openly, and when -breakfast-time came next morning his absence from the -Moscow train would be discovered, even if it were not -found out before; the news would be telegraphed to -Harbin, and there would instantly be a hue and cry. The -Chinaman doubted whether this would be the case; the -train officials would be too anxious to screen their own -negligence. Still, it would be unsafe for Jack to remain -in Harbin; as for himself, he saw no way of helping him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must go by train," said Jack, "and secretly. Could -I go hidden in a goods wagon?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That might be possible," said the Chinaman; "but -goods trains are not fast; they are often delayed for hours -and even days. The journey would take a week, and though -you might carry food with you, you would have to leave -your hiding-place for water, and you could not escape -discovery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Still, it may be that or nothing. Have you yourself -any goods going in that direction?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. My business is chiefly to supply fodder to the -Russians, more especially for horses that are being sent -south. I completed a large contract yesterday. One -thing I can do. I can go to the station in the morning -and learn what trains are expected to leave for -Vladivostok. That is the first step. You will remain -concealed in my house. You were not seen as you entered?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. The street was clear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then nobody but my wife and myself need know that -you are here. I will do what I can for you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you! And if it is a question of bribery, you -need not be niggardly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman smiled. He had not had dealings with -Russian officials for nothing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was provided with a couch for the night, and, -being very tired after his long journey and the -excitement of his escape, he soon fell asleep. About five -o'clock he was awakened by the Chinaman's hurried -entrance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is all arranged, sir," he said, "but at a terrible -price. A train conveying horses is to leave for -Vladivostok at seven. The sergeant in charge is well known -to me: I have had dealings with him. All Russians can -be bribed; but this man—sir, he is an extortioner. Still, -after what you said, I made the bargain with him. You -give him at once twenty roubles; you arrive safely at -Vladivostok and give him thirty roubles more. I tried -to make him accept twenty-five for the second sum, but -he refused."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack could not help smiling at this naïve evidence of the -oriental habit of bargaining. He felt that if he reached -Vladivostok for fifty roubles he would have got off -remarkably well.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how is it to be managed?" he asked.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I gave him to understand, sir, that you are a foreign -correspondent wishing to see Vladivostok, and that there -is a delay in the forwarding of the necessary authorization. -It was because you are a foreigner that the sergeant was -so firm about the five roubles. He talked about the risk -he ran, and said that you must leave the train some time -before it arrives at Vladivostok and walk the rest of the -way. He said, too, that if you should be discovered you -were not to admit that he had any knowledge of your -presence. I promised that you would do all this."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. I am exceedingly obliged to you. But -how am I to go? What will the sergeant do for twenty -roubles?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He will give you a corner in a horse-box."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does the train consist of nothing but horse-boxes?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Horse-boxes and the sergeant's van. You cannot go -in that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. And how am I to get into the horse-box without -being seen? There are sure to be soldiers and officials -about."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman rubbed his hands slowly and pondered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it had been yesterday," he said, "you might then -have gone hidden in a hay-cart. But my last loads were -delivered yesterday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who knows that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The inspector of forage; perhaps others."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And is the inspector likely to be at the station this -morning?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not so early as seven; he is too fond of his bed for that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is the train standing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On a siding at some little distance from the station. -You can drive straight up to it from the road through -the goods entrance. But there is a sentry at the gate."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Mr. Hi, I think I see a way to dodge the sentry, -with your kind assistance. I suppose you have some hay -or straw in your store?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then if you will load up a wagon with several large -bundles, and leave a hole for me in the middle, I think I -can get to my place in the horse-box."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you might be seen as you slip out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We can lessen the risk of that. You can drive the -wagon up to the horse-box as though bringing a final load -that had been overlooked. I am covered by the bundles. -You move them in such a way that the sides of the cart -are well screened, at the same time leaving a passage for -me. I ought to be able to slip into the box without being -observed. And if you are willing I will chance it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman agreed, and as the time was drawing -near, and the earlier the plan was carried out the better, -he went off to get his wagon loaded. Shortly after six -the cumbrous vehicle was brought up as close as possible -to a door giving into the yard of the store. Jack thanked -Mr. Hi very warmly for his services, and begged him, if he -should by any chance learn of Mr. Brown's whereabouts, -to communicate with his brother in Moukden. Choosing -a moment when nobody but the Chinaman and his wife -was near, Jack slipped into the wagon, and was in a few -moments effectually concealed by the bundles of hay. He -found in the bottom of the cart a supply of food and a -large water-bottle thoughtfully provided by his obliging -host.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Hi himself mounted to the bare board behind his -oxen, grasped the rope reins in one hand and the -long-thonged whip in the other, and drove off. Jack did not -enjoy the drive, jolted over the vile roads, and half-choked -by the full-scented hay. The wagon came to the gate of -the goods entrance, and the Chinaman was challenged by -the sentry. He pulled up, and with much deference -explained that he had brought a last load of hay for the -horses about to leave for Vladivostok, pointing at the -same time to the long line of horse-boxes standing on -the siding, about three hundred yards away. The sentry -jerked his rifle over his shoulder and said nothing. Taking -his silence for consent, the Chinaman lashed his oxen, and -the wagon rumbled over the bumpy ground and two or -three lines of metals until it reached the last carriage but -one, next to the brake-van. The Chinaman jumped to the -ground, backed the wagon against the door, and began to -arrange his bundles as Jack had suggested. He whispered -to Jack that nobody was near; and next moment a form -much the colour of hay crept on all-fours out of the wagon -into the van. Then Mr. Hi built up the hay with what -was already in the vehicle, so as to conceal him and yet -allow a little air-space near one of the small windows. -There were three horses in the van. Though early -morning, it was already close and stuffy, and Jack looked -forward with anything but pleasure to the heat of mid-day -and the prospect of many hours in this equine society.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-deal-in-flour"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER V</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">A Deal in Flour</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Vladivostok—Orloff—Russian Resentment—Large Profits—Quick -Returns—Overreached—A Droshky Race—The Waverley—Captain -Fraser—Sowinski comes Aboard—Sea Law—Pourboire</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was two o'clock in the morning on the second day after -Jack left Harbin. The train slowed down as it rounded a -loop, and finally came to a stop. Jack was fast asleep in -his corner of the horse-box. He was awakened by a touch -on the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You get down here, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! Where are we, sergeant?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Four versts from Vladivostok."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's well. And what sort of a night?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fine, sir; but dark as pitch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks! Let me see; is it twenty-five roubles I owe you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thirty, sir, no less; more if you like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here you are. Have you got a match? Take care: -a spark, you know! Count them; three ten-rouble notes. -Now, how am I to get into the town?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The road's not far on the other side of the line.—Nobody -is to know how you got here, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I understand that. Many thanks! It has been a pretty -rapid journey for Manchuria, I think."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Live stock comes next to the Viceroy. Horses -are none the better for being jolted over three hundred -miles of rail, so they've let us pass several goods trains on -the way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Any passenger trains allowed to pass us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I couldn't have got here sooner. Thanks again!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack dropped from the foot-board, ran down the embankment, -and in a few minutes struck the high-road. He had -not thought it necessary to explain to the sergeant that he -knew the district. It was, as the Russian had said, very -dark, but Jack made his way to a plantation near the road, -through which he knew that a little stream ran. There -he had a thorough wash, changed his collar, brushed and -shook his clothes, and felt a different creature. Then he -sat down on the moss-grown roots of an oak, and ate -the Chinese cakes and dried fruit that remained from the -stock of food given him by Hi Feng, the compradore's -brother, washing it down with water from the brook. -Dawn was breaking by the time he had finished his frugal -breakfast, but it was useless to go into the town until -the business houses opened. He therefore determined to -remain in the secluded nook he had chosen, and sat there -thinking of what lay before him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About eight o'clock he rose to continue his walk to the -town. It was two years since he had last visited it, and -he was struck by the progress it had made in the interval. -Founded only forty years before, the city had grown very -rapidly; but since the Russian occupation of Manchuria it -had made giant strides. New hospitals and barracks had -been erected; the surrounding hills, once decked with -forest, but now treeless, were covered with immense forts -and earthworks, at which vast gangs of coolies were still -at work. The wooden shanties that formerly lined the -shore had for the most part given place to more solid and -imposing structures of brick and stone. Other signs of -development caught Jack's eye as he walked towards the -harbour; but he was too eager to complete his errand to -dwell upon them, especially as he heard behind him in the -distance the rumble of an approaching train. It overtook -him just as he turned down one of the steep, narrow side -streets leading to the office of his father's agent; and as he -saw the long line of carriages, including several sleeping-cars, -roll past, he could not but wonder whether Anton -Sowinski was among the passengers, and hastened his steps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The office had just been opened for the day when he -arrived. Alexey Petrovitch Orloff was a big, jovial Russian -of some forty years; honest, or Mr. Brown would have had -no dealings with him; a little greedy; a good business -man, and on excellent terms with his principal. But Jack -knew little about him outside their business transactions, -and had made up his mind not to trust him with his secret.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, Ivan Ivanovitch!" exclaimed Orloff as Jack -entered. "I was expecting you or your father. You -came by the night train?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. You must have been asleep when it arrived."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What sort of a journey had you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It was very hot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, we have been baked here. When did you leave?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On Thursday."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A fairly quick journey, considering the state of the line. -You left before my letter arrived?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Of course you guess the object of my visit?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The consignment of flour? You have had great luck, -I must say; but Captain Fraser always is lucky. Of -course his cargo was not contraband according to English -ideas, but we Russians have been rather strict of late, and -the Japanese will probably follow suit. However, Captain -Fraser never saw a Japanese cruiser the whole voyage. It -should be an excellent speculation for your father. Prices -are naturally high just now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is good news. We shouldn't like to wind up -with a failure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course not. It is a pity your father is retiring; we -are bound to win in the end; but I've no doubt he can well -afford it. And I'm not the man to complain, if, as I hope, -I can get hold of a part of his business. Perhaps he is -wise after all. Manchuria is not the most comfortable -country to live in—just now, at any rate; and I fancy an -Englishman will have a poor time of it in Moukden, -eh?" (He gave Jack a shrewd look.) "Your newspapers have -so completely taken the side of the enemy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, there is a strong feeling at home in favour of -Japan, and your people resent it. That's natural enough."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's rather worse than that. People here are saying -that Russia and England will be at war before a month's -out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nonsense!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They say so. Our cruisers have stopped a P. and -O. liner, the </span><em class="italics">Malacca</em><span>, in the Mediterranean, and put a prize -crew on board. She was carrying contraband, it appears; -but your fire-eaters—jingoes, is that the name?—are -thirsting for our blood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We don't all eat fire and drink blood, Alexey Petrovitch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True. And you English will find you have backed -the wrong horse."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You haven't been much troubled here, then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. The bombardment did us no harm. Our cruisers -sank three Japanese transports the other day, and they -captured another of your ships with contraband, the -</span><em class="italics">Allanton</em><span>: you'll see her lying in the harbour now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it appears to be lucky for us that the </span><em class="italics">Waverley</em><span> -was, in a sense, on your side. About this consignment of -flour: do you think you can find an immediate purchaser? -We want to realize and get away at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Russian's eyes gleamed, but his reply was cautious.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Ivan Ivanovitch, it is always more difficult to -sell in a hurry than if you can wait. A good profit can -be made, but we must take our time. It is a matter of -bargaining. The man in a hurry always suffers."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I know. We must be prepared to sacrifice something. -At the market rate the flour ought to fetch about -27,000 roubles; but look here, if you can find an immediate -purchaser at 25,000 I'll let it go."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Orloff still hesitated, but Jack could see that he was -making an effort to restrain his eagerness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In business," he said, "it is best to be frank. If you -will give me my usual commission of two and a half per -cent—what do you say to my taking over the stuff myself?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say that it pays very well to be principal and agent -at the same time. But we won't quarrel about the -commission. If you'll write me a cheque for 24,375 roubles, -we'll call the matter settled. I've full authority to act."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Russian, looking as if he was sorry he had not -improved the opportunity still further, sat down at once -and made out the cheque, adding:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There will be one or two papers to sign. I will get -them from the dockyard people."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. In the meantime I'll pay this into the -bank and call back as soon as I can."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the hurry? Business is slack, and I suppose -I shan't see you again for a long time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Probably not. But there's a ring at your telephone. -Evidently someone wants to do business. I'll see you -again shortly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Orloff was disposed to be talkative, but Jack was on -thorns lest the train he had seen come in should have -brought Sowinski. He had the cheque; while in the train -he had taken the vouchers from the sole of his boot; he -wondered whether he could complete his business at the -bank before Sowinski, supposing him to be in Vladivostok, -should come upon the scene. He hurried to the branch of -the Russo-Chinese bank, where he was well known to the -officials. Business there also was slack; the manager said -indeed that trade in Vladivostok would be ruined if the -war continued much longer. Within half an hour, Jack -left the building with bills on Baring Brothers for the -amount of the cheque and the sum represented by the -vouchers, less 2000 roubles in notes which he kept for -his immediate and contingent expenses.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He hurried back to Orloff's office, keeping a wary eye -on the people thronging the streets, among them many -soldiers in the </span><em class="italics">pashalik</em><span>, their characteristic peaked cap. -When he entered the room, Orloff flung down his pen -and gave a shout of merriment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must tell you the joke, Ivan Ivanovitch. Not five -minutes after you left, who should come in but -Sowinski!" Jack repressed a start. "He had happened to hear, he -told me, that the </span><em class="italics">Waverley</em><span> had arrived with a consignment -of flour for your father. Was I empowered to sell? -Ha! ha! It was not a matter of much consequence, he -said. Ha! ha! I know Sowinski. But, having a small -contract to fulfil in a month's time at Harbin, he could do -with the flour, if it was to be had cheap. 'Mr. Brown is -leaving the country, I understand,' says he. Ha! ha!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sowinski had evidently not told Orloff of the arrest. -Jack wondered for a moment why. But the explanation -at once suggested itself. If the fact were known, the -consignment would no doubt be impounded by the Russian -authorities in Vladivostok, and then the Pole would lose -his chance of making a profitable deal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I assure you I was not eager," continued Orloff, still -laughing. "Sowinski is no friend of mine. In the end -he went down to the harbour, inspected the consignment, -and bought it for 27,000 roubles, the market price, as you -yourself mentioned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quick returns and by no means small profits," said Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. But—ha! ha!—what makes me laugh is something -else. I was rung up at the telephone—just as you -went, you remember; two vessels had been signalled from -the mouth of the harbour carrying flour—not a moderate -consignment like yours, but a whole cargo each. You -see, Ivan Ivanovitch? The market price of Sowinski's -lot will fall in an hour to 20,000 roubles, and it serves him -right. How your father will laugh when he learns how -his rival has overreached himself! By the way, the -</span><em class="italics">Waverley</em><span> is sailing this morning, in ballast of course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed!" No information could have pleased Jack -more. "Captain Fraser is an old friend of ours. I should -like to see him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you haven't much time to lose. But you may as -well sign these papers to complete our little transaction—the -last, I am sorry to say. You will be back again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not sure. I am not staying in Vladivostok long, -and I'll say good-bye in case I don't get time to run in -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And when do you leave for home?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As soon as possible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By the Trans-Siberian, I suppose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Probably; unless we can get through the lines to -Newchang."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That will be easy enough soon. Reinforcements are -pouring in for General Kuropatkin, and he'll soon be -strong enough to drive those waspish little yellow men -into the sea."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps. Well, good-bye, Alexey Petrovitch!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Remember me to your father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will, the moment I see him. Good-bye!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Leaving the office Jack hailed a droshky, and ordered -the man to drive down to the harbour. Knowing that -Sowinski was actually in the town he felt insecure with -such valuable property in his pocket. As he stepped into -the vehicle he glanced round, and, forewarned though he -was, he started when he saw, a few yards up the street, -the man he was anxious to avoid hurrying in his direction. -By the look on the Pole's face, and his quickened step, -Jack knew that he had been recognized. It was touch -and go now.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quick, my man!" he said quietly to the driver, "time -presses."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man, scenting a tip, whipped up his horse, and -it sprang forward, throwing Jack back into his seat. -At the same moment he heard the Pole shouting behind; -but his voice was at once drowned by the clatter of the -wheels, and the droshky man, standing in the car, and -driving with the usual recklessness of the Russian -coachman, was too much occupied in avoiding the traffic to -turn his head. Jack, however, a minute later looked -cautiously over the back of the vehicle. Sowinski, with -urgent gestures, was beckoning a droshky some distance -up the street. He was now nearly a quarter of a mile -behind; and, turning a corner, Jack lost him from sight. -But the street he had now reached was a long straight -one, leading direct to the shore, and almost clear of traffic. -In a few seconds the pursuing droshky swung round the -corner at a pace that left Jack amazed it did not overturn. -To throw the Pole off the scent was impossible now; it -was an open race. In two minutes Jack's droshky rattled -down the incline to the shore. He had the fare and a -handsome tip in readiness. Springing from the car -almost before it had stopped, he paid the man, leapt -down the steps into a sampan, and called to the burly -Chinaman smoking in it:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The English ship </span><em class="italics">Waverley</em><span>! A rouble if you put -me aboard quickly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman looked stolidly up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She is about to sail, master. See! And they will -not allow you on board. There are difficulties. The -port officers——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack waited for no more. Taking a rouble note from -his pocket, he cried:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here is six times your fare; this or nothing!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same time he seized the yuloh,—the pole that does -duty for a stern oar, and shoved off. There is nothing a -Chinese coolie will not do for a rouble. The man sprang -to the oar, worked its flat end backwards and forwards -with all his strength, and sent the sampan over the water -at a greater speed than its clumsy build seemed capable of. -Jack kept his head low in order to be sheltered as long as -possible by the shanties on shore and the sampans crowded -at the water's edge; Sowinski, he felt, would not hesitate -to take a shot at him. He could see the Pole spring from -his droshky and rush at break-neck pace towards the -waiting row of craft. He leapt into one, pointed Jack -out to the coolie, and in a few moments started in -pursuit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The </span><em class="italics">Waverley</em><span> had left the inner harbour where -merchant vessels drop anchor, and was steaming dead slow -out to sea. The captain stood on the bridge, and the -vessel hooted a farewell to the cruiser </span><em class="italics">Rurik</em><span> that lay in -the middle of the channel. Suddenly Captain Fraser -became aware that the voice sounding clear across the -still water was hailing him. Glancing round, he saw a -sampan making rapidly towards him from the shore, and -in it a youth with one hand to his mouth, the other -waving his hat. The captain first swore, then signalled -half-speed ahead; it was some Russian formality, he -supposed, and as a British sailor he'd be hanged if he -delayed another moment for any foreign port officer. But -next moment he heard his own name in an unmistakably -English accent, and, looking more closely at the shouter, -recognized him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Young Mr. Brown!" he muttered. "What's he wishing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the same time he jerked the indicator back to -"stop", a bell tinkled below, and the vessel came to a -stand-still.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ay, ay!" he shouted. "And be hanged if there isn't -another man bawling. What's in the wind, anyway?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first craft was soon alongside, a rope was heaved -over, and in a few seconds Jack stood on deck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pleased to see you, Mr. Brown," said the Captain. -"Ay, and I wouldna have sto'ped for no ither man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks, Captain! I want your help." Jack spoke -hurriedly; the second sampan was but a biscuit-shot -distant. "The Russians have collared my father on a -charge of spying for the Japanese; I don't know where -he is; that fellow in the boat is at the bottom of it. I've -managed to steal a march on him and sell the flour you -landed the other day, and I want you to take charge of -these bills and deposit them at the Hong-Kong and -Shanghai Bank for me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh, laddie, is that a fact? And what'll you do yersel' -the now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, I'll stay and find my father. Here's Sowinski. -I'm jolly glad I got here first."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The other sampan was by this time under the vessel's -quarter. A seaman came up to the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A furriner, sir, talking double Dutch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quay."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He left the bridge and went to the side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What might you be wishing the now?" he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sowinski began to address him in very broken English, -eked out with French and Russian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm no' what you might ca' a leenguist," said the -Captain, after a patient hearing. "What'll he be meaning, -Mr. Brown?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He says I'm a fugitive, and insists on your giving me -up. If you don't, he'll have the boat stopped at the -signal station, and you'll be heavily fined."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's a terrible man, yon; there's nae doot about it. -Just tell him to bide a wee, Mr. Brown, until you an' me -has had a wee bit crack. Now, sir," he added in a lower -tone, when this had been interpreted to the Pole, "hadn't -ye better come wi' me now ye're aboard? If you go -ashore you may be caught. I'm no sure but we'll be -overhauled by a Russian cutter as we gang out, but I've -no contraband aboard; in fact, I've run a cargo in for the -Russians, an' well they know it. Your father may be -half-way to Europe by this time; I canna see there'd be ony -guid biding to look for him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's good of you, Captain, but I must stay. They -say they've deported my father; but somehow I feel sure -he is still in the country, and I shall try to hang on here -by hook or crook till I find him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Aweel; then the best thing will be to get yon terrible -Turk aboard. Just ask him to step up, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Sowinski was clambering up the side the captain -signalled the engine-room to go ahead dead slow. He -invited the Pole to join him on the bridge. Captain -Fraser looked him critically up and down; then said -blandly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And is it a port officer I'm to understand you are, -Mister?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A port officer! Not so. I am man of affairs, business -man. But in name of his majesty ze Imperator I—I -arrest zis young man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just exactly. But I beg your pardon, Mister—Mister—what?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sowinski."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just exactly. Well, then, Mr. Sowinski, do ye happen -to have about ye a warrant for the arrest o' this young -man in the name o' the Imperator, by which, I preshume, -you mean the Czar? Where's your authority, man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Pole looked puzzled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Audority! I have no audority. But I tell you, zis -young man is deported; he escape from arrestation; -he——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tuts! And you have the impidence to come aboard -my ship: to haud me up, a British subject; to cause loss -to my owners—to my owners, I say—without authority? -I'll learn you, Mister, what it is to haud up a British -ship without authority. Hi, Jim! lug this man below, -and if he doesna behave himsel' just clap him under -hatches."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sowinski, wriggling desperately, and volubly protesting -in half a dozen languages, was bundled from the -bridge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He's got the wrong sow by the lug in Duncan Fraser," -said the captain, with a grim tightening of the lips. "I'll -just tak' him along to Shanghai if the coast is clear, -Mr. Brown, though I may have to drop him a few miles lower -down if I see signs of any Russians being inqueesitive. -And if you must go ashore, laddie, tak' a word frae -me—keep out o' the road o' the Russians."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll be careful, Captain. When you get to Shanghai -you'll tell our consul all about it, and ask him to wire to -England? The newspapers will take it up, and I should -think Lord Lansdowne will make official enquiries at -St. Petersburg."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ay, I'll do what I can. You're quite determined to bide?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh yes! And another thing, Captain: I think, if you -don't mind, you'd better let my mother know; she expects -us home, and not hearing, would be alarmed. Tell her -not to worry; it's sure to come all right in the end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ay, I'll do that. I never heard the like o't. What -the ballachulish will the Russians be doing next! I needna -say I wish ye good luck, sir. Will you take a wee -drappie?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not to-day, Captain, many thanks all the same! A -pleasant voyage to you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both sampans had kept pace with the steamer; the -coolies were beginning to be anxious about their fares. -Jack bade his friend the captain a cordial farewell; the -vessel stopped; and, dropping into his sampan, Jack -ordered the man to put him ashore at the nearest point. -Within a yard of the shore the Chinaman brought the -punt to a stop and demanded two roubles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But the bargain was one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I did not know, Master. I do not risk offending the -Russians for a rouble. Give two, or I will not let you -land."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He looked at Jack with victorious malice in his beady -black eyes. For a moment Jack hesitated; he did not -wish to have an altercation with the man; at the same -time he objected to be "done". He stood up in the -sampan and drew a bundle of notes from his pocket. -Selecting one, he folded it; then, flinging it to the coolie, -he sprang suddenly overboard, giving the sampan a kick -which sent it backwards. The man also had risen; the -sudden movement made him lose his balance, and he fell -over the yuloh into the water. Jack quietly walked away. -As he did so he heard loud laughter on his left hand. -Turning, he saw that the incident had been witnessed by -two Russian officers who had been walking towards the -mouth of the harbour. Knowing the ways of the Chinese -coolie, they were much amused at the readiness with which -Jack had disposed of the boatman. One of them shouted -"Well done!" in Russian. Jack smiled, and replied with -a couple of words in the same tongue; then hurried on, -thanking his stars that the matter had ended so well.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="in-full-cry"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">In Full Cry</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">In Chinatown—A Deal in Horseflesh—North and by -East—A Korean Host—Across the Line—Buriats—Father -Mayenube—Gabriele—A Shot—Hard Pressed—In -Hiding—Suggestio Falsi</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack's business in Vladivostok was now completed. He -had secured the last of his father's property; bills -representing several thousands of pounds were in the safe -hands of Captain Fraser, soon to be confided to the -Hong-Kong and Shanghai Bank. So far his task had been -unexpectedly easy; his difficulties, he felt, were now to -begin. During the long journey from Harbin he had -spent hours endeavouring to think out a plan to adopt if -his secret visit to Vladivostok proved successful. By -hook or crook he must get back to Moukden and learn -the result of the compradore's enquiries; the question was, -how? The return journey would be attended by many -difficulties; even if he should reach Moukden in safety -it would only be to find himself encompassed by danger. -Yet he saw no other chance of tracing his father, and -whatever the risks and perils, he felt that his duty called -him to face them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first thing, then, was to make his way back to -Moukden. To return by the railway was out of the -question. He dared not go openly, and he knew no one -in Vladivostok whom he could trust to negotiate for a -clandestine passage. His only course was to slip away, -gain the Manchurian frontier, and cross the Shan-yan-alin -range of mountains—a long and difficult journey at the -best, and in the present circumstances hazardous in the -extreme. If he evaded the Russians in and around -Vladivostok he would still be exposed to capture by -Chinese bandits, to say nothing of the tenfold risks as he -neared his journey's end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His difficulties were intensified by the desperately short -notice at which he must now quit Vladivostok. Sowinski, -furious at being outwitted in the matter of the bills, would -be goaded to madness by his detention on board the -</span><em class="italics">Waverley</em><span>, and as Captain Fraser would probably consider -it prudent to put him ashore at no great distance, it might -not be long before he telephoned to head-quarters and -thus raised the hue and cry in Vladivostok itself. To the -natives Jack might easily pass for a Russian; carefully -made up, he might, with his smattering of Chinese, be -taken by the Russians for a native. But there was no -time for such preparations; and a Russian policeman on -the hunt for an Englishman, with the Pole's description of -him, must be an exceptionally incompetent member of his -class if he failed to recognize the fugitive. Speed was -thus the first essential.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hurrying up from the shore he made up his mind what -to do. Fortunately he was in the Chinese quarter of the -town; it was the part of prudence to avoid the Russian -settlement on the hill. He remembered a Chinese -horse-dealer with whom Mr. Brown had done business when -he lived in the town years before. The Chinese had -altered less than the official city, and he thought he -could find his way to the merchant's house. Taking his -bearings, he walked rapidly through several streets, and -found to his delight that his recollection had not failed -him. The horse-dealer was at home; he did not recognize -Jack, who was a boy of eleven when his transactions with -Mr. Brown had taken place; but he well remembered the -English merchant. And when he learnt that Jack wished -to purchase a pony he rubbed his hands together and led -him at once to the stables to view the stock. They were -a weedy lot, like most of the native animals. Jack was -careful to show no haste or eagerness; he looked them -over critically, rejected one after another in spite of all the -flowery things the Chinaman found to say in their favour, -and finally refused to buy. As he expected, the merchant -then managed to find a better beast—a beautiful little -Transbaikal pony, sturdy, well-made, and evidently full of -mettle. Jack could not have wished for a better animal; -but, experienced in the ways of Chinese business men, he -gave no sign of his approval. The merchant quoted a -price; Jack hemmed, hesitated—he knew better than to -close at once; and then offered half. Eager as he was -to get away, he patiently chaffered for nearly an hour; -then, when the Chinaman was beginning to think he had -lost his customer, Jack suddenly closed with the last offer, -and the pony became his at two-thirds of the price first -asked. The purchase of a saddle did not take so long; -and when he rode off, both dealer and customer were -equally pleased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the street Jack stopped a young Chinese boy and -sent him to a purveyor's shop for a small supply of -portable food. The messenger returned with some dried fish -and stale cakes of potato-rice, all he could procure. With -this tied behind his saddle Jack set off. It was an anxious -moment when he passed a brown-coated Cossack policeman, -and a little farther on he gave a jump when a -squadron of Cossacks swung round the corner of the -street. But they rode on without giving him more than -a casual glance. Not daring to hasten, he slowly made -his way through the city and out into the country. It -was still only eleven o'clock; he had nine or ten hours -of daylight before him, and though the pony was somewhat -soft for want of exercise, it was no doubt good for -thirty miles at a pinch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Vladivostok stands at the end of a narrow peninsula, -with the Amur Bay running for several miles into the land -on the west, and the Ussuri Bay on the east. To gain -the Manchurian frontier Jack would have to ride -northwards, cross the railway at the head of the Amur Bay or -beyond, and then turn to the south-west. It was -obviously unsafe for him to ride parallel with the railway -line, for his escape, if discovered, would no doubt be -telegraphed ahead, and the road would be watched, -especially in the neighbourhood of the stations. His best -course, therefore, would be to strike up eastwards towards -the head of the Ussuri Bay, away from his ultimate -destination, and trust to luck to find a hill-path leading back -that would enable him to cross the line somewhere between -the head of the Amur Bay and the garrison town of -Nikolskoye. His way led through the plantation where he had -made his toilet early that morning, then to the right -towards the hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Though Vladivostok itself has sprung up with marvellous -rapidity, the country is as yet sparsely peopled. -At one time the town was closely surrounded by -magnificent woods; but the axe of the lumberman has been -busy, and the same work of deforesting that has robbed -the town of picturesqueness is now being pursued inland. -One of the few people Jack met along the unfrequented -road he had chosen was a Russian colonist riding behind -a cart laden with pine logs and driven by a coolie. Jack -threw him a friendly "Good morning!" as he passed, and -received a feeling "Very hot, barin" in return. It was -indeed hot; the almost naked Korean labourers in the -fields were streaming with sweat; and Jack was glad to -halt at a little brook to refresh himself and his beast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After riding for some three hours, and covering, as he -guessed, about eighteen miles, almost entirely uphill, he -saw the sea below him on the right, and the far coast-line -running to all appearance due south. This must be -Ussuri Bay. He had evidently come far enough east; it -was time to change his course to the north-west. -Swinging round, he had not ridden far before he came to a -small farm, the house surrounded, like all Chinese isolated -country buildings, with a mud wall. His pony required -food, and though he felt some misgivings he thought -this too good an opportunity to be neglected. He rode -up. The owner, he found, was a Korean; Jack did not -speak Korean; but by the help of Chinese and pidgin -Russian he succeeded in making the man understand -what he wanted. He then asked how far it was to -Nikolskoye, and learning that it was thirty versts, roughly -twenty miles, he decided to give his pony a good rest -and start again about six o'clock, so that darkness would -have fallen by the time he came to the neighbourhood of -the railway. Having seen that the animal was rubbed -down and provided with a good feed of hay, he joined -the farmer in a game of </span><em class="italics">wei-ch'i</em><span>, a difficult variant of -chess, and with this and a slow laborious conversation, -in the course of which his host expounded his hazy ideas -of the war, he managed to get through the hot afternoon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon after six he set off again. The way was mainly -downhill now, and easier riding. About nine o'clock he -saw in the gloaming a little settlement ahead, and beyond -it the hexagonal water-tower and timbered store-house of -the typical Siberian railway-station, but on a small scale. -The path he was following led direct to the hamlet, and -the sight of several small knots of people at that hour of -the evening showed that a train would shortly be passing; -the peasants have not yet lost their curiosity about the -iron horse. He thought it well to avoid observation by -leaving the track—road it could not be called—and -striking across a bean-field. Making a wide sweep he came to -the railway some three versts north of the station. He -rode very cautiously as he approached the line, tied his -pony to a tree, and scouted ahead to make sure that the -line rifle guard, whose hut might be expected a few versts -beyond, was not in sight. Suddenly he heard the distant -rumble of a train—the night train for Harbin. In a moment -he saw that the passage of the train would give him an -opportunity of crossing the line unobserved. He went -back to his pony, led it as near as he dared to the -embankment, and waited.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The engine came snorting along at a fair pace, the fire -throwing a glow upon the darkling sky. The train clattered -by. Immediately after the last carriage had passed, Jack -mounted the embankment, dragging his pony, crossed the -single line, and descended on the other side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a lighter heart he got into the saddle again, and -rode his excellent little steed across the fields in the hope -of ere long striking a road. Pursuit would be difficult in -the darkness; the greatest danger was to be expected -with daylight, and it was very necessary that he should -put as many miles as possible between himself and the -railway before dawn. His course must be mainly south-west; -the nearest town of any size was Hun-chun, some -sixty miles in that direction; but having a vague idea -that the Russians had erected a fort there, he had already -made up his mind to avoid that town itself. Four or five -hundred miles and countless perils lay between him and -Moukden; but with the hopefulness of youth he rode -confidently on. Danger and difficulty were only incentives to -caution; if he anticipated them, it was merely that, being -prepared, he might be the more ready to grapple with and -overcome them. Ever present in his mind was the belief -that his father's fate hung upon the success of his -enterprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Coming by and by to a rough track between the fields, -he followed it until past midnight. Then, feeling that his -pony could do no more, and being unable in the darkness -to guide himself by the little compass he wore on his -watch-chain, he left the track, rode into a plantation to -the right, off-saddled, and, hitching the bridle to a tree, -threw himself on the ground and fell asleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the short hours of darkness his slumbers -were disturbed by dreams. Sowinski, Orloff, Monsieur -Brin, the Chinese horse-dealer—all figured in a strange -phantasmagoria. Monsieur Brin had lost his pass, and -was shedding tears because he could not tear the red -brassard from his arm, when Jack awoke with a start. -Looking at his watch he found it was five o'clock. -He must be up and away. He ate the last of his food; -the pony had already made a meal of the shoots of creeping -plants; then, with the instinct born of his fugitive -condition, Jack approached the edge of the plantation -to spy out the country. Before him, not many yards -away, was a narrow river; behind—he gave a great -start, for little more than half a mile distant he saw a -troop of Russian horsemen trotting smartly along the -road towards him. They might be going, of course, to -Possiet Bay, or Novo Kiewsk, or the Korean frontier. -But he noticed at a second glance that the leading man -was bending low in his saddle, as though following a trail. -He distinguished their uniform now; they were Buriats, -Mongols by race and Buddhists by religion, hard riders, -excellent scouts, the most reckless and daring of the -Russian cavalry. Without a moment's hesitation he went -back to his pony, snatched from the ground the saddle -that had formed his pillow, threw it over the animal's -back, and, tightening the girths with hands that shook -in spite of himself, he plunged with the pony into the -thickest part of the plantation.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At seven o'clock that morning, in a neatly-thatched, -white-washed brick cottage, surrounded by a luxuriant -and well-kept garden, in the hill-country above the -Chuan, a little group sat at breakfast. The room was -plain but spotlessly clean. The wooden floors shone; the -white plastered walls were covered with coloured lithographs -representing the seven stations of the Cross; the -little windows were hung with curtains of Chinese muslin. -A narrow shelf of books occupied one corner, a stove -another; and the table in the centre was spread with a -snow-white cloth, dishes of fruit, and home-made bread.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the table three persons were seated. One was a tall -man of fine presence, with clear-cut features, soft brown -eyes, long white hair and beard. He wore the loose white -tunic and pantaloons of a Chinaman, but the cross that -hung by a cord round his neck was not Chinese. Jean -Mayenobe was a Frenchman, a priest, one of those -devoted missionaries who cut themselves off from home and -kindred to live a life of self-denial, peril, and humble -Christian service in remote unfriendly corners of the globe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His companions were a woman and a girl. The former -was plain-featured and plainly dressed, with placid -expression and humble mien. The latter seemed strangely -out of place in her surroundings. She was young, -apparently of some seventeen years. Her features were -beautiful, with a dignity and a look of self-command rare -in one of her age. Her complexion was ruddy brown; -her bright hair, gathered in a knot behind, rebelled against -the black riband that bound it, and fell behind her ears -in crispy waves. Before her on the table was a samovar, -and she had just handed a cup of tea to the missionary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father," she said in French, "I am so tired of waiting. -I am beginning to think that permission will never -come. But why should it be refused? It is not as if I -were seeking some benefit. In appearance I lose, not gain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, my child, you have nothing personally to gain. -I have said before, it is not every daughter who would -come thousands of miles and suffer hardship in order to -bear her father company in exile and imprisonment. And -such exile! The little I know of Sakhalin is frightful. It -gives me pain to think of your knowing even so much."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not afraid. And if the treatment of prisoners in -Sakhalin is so bad, that is all the more reason why I should -be at my father's side, to help and comfort him a little. Why -do they refuse to let me go?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Probably they have forgotten all about you. The -war occupies them completely. And I repeat, if you -have patience your father may come to you. I have no -belief that the Russians will win in this terrible war. I -heard but a little while ago from a brother priest near -the scene of operations at Hai-cheng, who has studied -the combatants, that he is convinced of the ultimate -success of the Japanese. If they are victorious they will -probably demand that Sakhalin shall be restored to them, -and it will no longer be a place for Russian prisoners. -Rest in the Lord, my child; wait patiently for Him, and -He will give thee thy heart's desire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gabriele Walewska was silent. Father Mayenobe sank -into a reverie. The elderly woman looked sympathetically -at her mistress, laid her hand on hers, and murmured a -few words in Polish, to which the girl responded with a -grateful smile. The sound of a distant shot coming through -the open window shook the missionary from his musing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Russian officers out snipe-shooting again, I suppose," -he said. "It reminds me I must go, my child. That -poor Korean convert of mine is at the point of death, I -fear. I must go to him. I may be absent all day."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We shall be quite happy, father. I shall pick the -last of your strawberries to-day, and make some of your -favourite tartlets for supper."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will spoil me," said the priest with a smile. -"Dominus vobiscum."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the missionary had gone, Gabriele left the Korean -servants to clear the table, and, accompanied by her old -nurse, went out into the garden with a light wicker basket. -As she did so she scanned the surrounding country for -signs of the shooting party. The mission station was at -the summit of a low hill, and below it, towards the east, -stretched a tract of sparse woodland, alternating with -cultivated fields. A stream bathed the foot of the hill, -and wound away to join the Hun-Chuan, its course -traceable by the thickness of the wooded belt and the more -vivid green of the fields.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the girl was still picking the ripe red berries she -heard another shot, this time closer at hand. She rose, -and out of pure curiosity searching the landscape she -saw, about two miles away, a band of horsemen galloping -through a field of kowliang, already so well grown that -the stalks rose almost to the horses' heads. There were -some thirty or forty of the riders, at present little more -than specks in the distance. It struck her as rather a large -hunting party, and she wondered what they were chasing, -big game being unknown in the neighbourhood, and the -time of year unusual for such sport. As she stood looking, -the horsemen left the field and disappeared into the -wooded belt bordering the stream.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Expecting them to come again into sight a little higher -up, Gabriele remained at the same spot. It occurred to -her that one of them might be bringing the written -permission she desired, and had taken advantage of his errand -to organize a hunt. Suddenly she was startled to see a -figure on horseback emerge from the copse but a few yards -below her. It was a young man, a European; he was -swaying in his saddle; and she noticed with feminine -quickness that one arm was supported in a sling—a -handkerchief looped round his neck. The next moment -the rider caught sight of her; his eyes seemed to her to -speak the language of despair. He swayed still more -heavily, and was on the point of falling from his horse -when Gabriele sprang down the slope and caught him. -Calling to her nurse and a Korean man-servant near at -hand, with their help she lifted him from the saddle and -loosened his shirt-collar, then sent the Korean for water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was dazed at first, all but swooning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you!" he said in Russian. "I was almost -done, I think. But please help me to mount again. I -must ride on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Impossible, gospodin!" she said. "You are hurt, I -see; the injury must be seen to."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is good of you, but my arm must wait. Please help -me to mount my pony."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His wounded arm, his urgent manner, recalled to -Gabriele the shots she had heard, the band of horsemen she -had seen galloping in the distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are in danger?" she said quickly. "Is it not so?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. There are Buriats behind me; they are close on -my heels. Indeed"—he smiled wanly—"it is your duty, -as a Russian, I suppose, to give me up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not a Russian," she exclaimed. "And if I were, -I should not lightly give up a fugitive to the Russian police. -You can go no farther; what can I do? There is so little -time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a few seconds she appeared to be considering. Her -brow was knit; she looked at him anxiously. Fully trusting -her, he made no further effort to continue his flight, -for which, indeed, he was manifestly unfit. Half-reclining -on his pony's neck, he waited, panting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then she spoke rapidly to the Korean.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take the pony, unsaddle him, and turn him loose in -the kowliang yonder. Saddle the Father's pony, ride a -few yards in the stream, then gallop past the edge of -the copse, through the hemp field, up to Boulder Hill. If -you are followed by horsemen, throw them off the scent. -Don't let them see you closely. Return after dark, but -make sure the Buriats are not here before you come in."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An unregenerate Korean would probably have hesitated, -but this man had been for some time under Father -Mayenobe's training, and in a few minutes he had brought -out the pony and cantered away. Meanwhile Gabriele, -asking Jack to lean upon her arm, had led him into the -copse to a large beech, the lowest branch of which sprang -from the trunk about twelve feet from the ground. Asking -him to remain there, she ran off with the fleetness of -a doe, and soon returned with a light ladder. Setting -this against the tree, she assisted Jack to mount; when -he reached the fork he saw that the interior of the -trunk was hollow. Then she pulled up the ladder, lowered -it into the hollow space, and helped Jack to descend. -Drawing up the ladder again, she let it down outside, -ran down, and carried it swiftly back to the house, leaving -Jack inside the trunk, where he stood upright, supporting -himself with his uninjured arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scarcely five minutes had passed since his first -appearance. The Buriats had not yet come in sight; they had -clearly been checked by the fugitive's sudden divergence -from his previous line of flight, and nonplussed by his -precaution in riding for some distance through the stream. -But in another five minutes half a dozen horsemen, with a -handsome young Russian lieutenant at their head, drew -rein in front of the house. Gabriele was unconcernedly -shelling peas at the window of the little dining-room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The officer was evidently surprised to see a young -European lady. With heightened colour he bent over his -saddle and addressed her in Russian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Have you seen a man on horseback in (he neighbourhood, -Mademoiselle?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gabriele looked up, with a puzzled expression.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Monsieur parle-t-il français?" she said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oui, Mademoiselle," returned the officer, then -repeating his question in French.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," she replied. "A few minutes ago a man -galloped from the stream, past the copse, and rode auay -along the side of the hill."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Merci bien, Mademoiselle," said the lieutenant, -translating the information for his men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They at once began to hunt for the tracks, and in a few -moments spied the hoof-marks of a galloping horse. One -of them discharged his rifle to bring up the rest of the -troop, who had scattered over the face of the country, -endeavouring to pick up the trail of the fugitive. Some -were already galloping off in the direction indicated by -Gabriele. Soon the rest of the Buriats came riding by -in twos and threes, until the whole band was in full cry up -the hillside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gabriele remained at the window shelling peas until -she was sure that the last horseman had passed. Then -she took a bottle of home-grown wine from the -missionary's store, filled a cup and gave it to her old -nurse to carry, and returned with the ladder to the tree.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is I," she said as she approached. "I am bringing -you wine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mounting into the tree, she handed down the cup. Jack -drained it at a draught.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are suffering?" said the girl.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not much. It is a flesh wound; I have lost some -blood, and was faint. I am better now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must remain in the tree. The danger is not yet -past; but have patience. I dare not stay longer; they will -come back soon. Hope on."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-daughter-of-poland"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">A Daughter of Poland</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Suppressio Veri—The Keys—At Fault—A Polish Patriot—A -Daughter's Love—A Common Sorrow—A French Mission—A -Council of War—From Canton—A Surprise Visit—Hide -and Seek—Ladislas Streleszki</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>All was silent for nearly an hour. Slowly the minutes -passed. Jack felt he had never been so wretchedly -uncomfortable. His legs ached; his arm throbbed with -pain; there was not room in his hiding-place to sit; the -stuffiness of his prison and the attentions of innumerable -insects so tortured him that he could hardly refrain from -crying out to be released. Eagerly he listened for the -return of the tall strong girl whose quick wit had thrown the -Buriats off his track. When would she come again? At -last, after a period of waiting that seemed ten times as -long as it really was, he fancied he heard her footsteps. -He listened; yes, it was certainly someone approaching; -his long imprisonment was ended. But just as the -footsteps, now distinctly audible, neared the tree, his ears -caught the heavy thud of horses galloping, and a few -moments afterwards an angry voice saying in French:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The man you saw, Mademoiselle, is not the man we -are searching for. My sergeant, who is following him -up, sends me word that he got a clear view of him as -he breasted the hill. The dress is different, the horse is -different——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He broke off as if expecting an explanation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How unfortunate, Monsieur!" exclaimed Gabriele in -a tone of concern. "I fear you must have come a long -distance out of your way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is as it may be, Mademoiselle," replied the -lieutenant, somewhat nettled. "Perhaps not so far either, -for we tracked our man to within a few hundred yards of -your house." He paused a moment, then added suspiciously: -"What was he like, the man you saw galloping?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What was he like?" she repeated reflectively. "I -think he was about your height; but then you are -mounted, and so was he, and it is so difficult to judge -when a man is mounted, is it not, Monsieur? And then -he was going so fast; in a flash he was by; there was his -back disappearing into the copse. It was a broad back; -yes, certainly a broad back; and he was hitting his pony; -yes, I remember that clearly, poor thing! and it was going -so fast, too."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All this was said with the most artless simplicity, and -Jack was amused, though his heart was beating hard with -apprehension.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Mademoiselle, what was he like?" repeated the -officer, finding some difficulty in repressing his anger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The man I saw, Monsieur, or the man you saw, or the -man your sergeant saw? There are so many—they confuse me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The man you saw. Come, Mademoiselle, we are -wasting time. Was he a white man, or a Chinaman, or -what?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, his colour! Really, I cannot say. You see, -Monsieur, the sun was in my eyes. I saw his back plainly, -a broad back; but he was riding fast, and hitting his -pony; yes, poor thing! he was hitting it very hard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lieutenant hesitated; Jack held his breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will pardon me, Mademoiselle, if I ask you to -let me search your house."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not my house, Monsieur. It belongs to Father Mayenobe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Peste!" he exclaimed as he dismounted. "This -house, whosesoever it is. The man gave us the slip in -this neighbourhood, and my orders are to capture him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly search, Monsieur. Father Mayenobe is -away from home, or I am sure he would receive you as -the occasion demands. The house is open to you. -Perhaps a few of you would enter at a time?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The frowning officer glanced at her, unable to decide -whether she was mocking him. But her face was perfectly -grave.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, Mademoiselle," he replied a little uneasily. -"Two will be sufficient; and with your permission I will -accompany them. Doubtless," he added, as by an -afterthought, "it will prove a mere form."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I suppose it is quite right, Monsieur. I know nothing -about these things. Perhaps I ought to say no until -Father Mayenobe returns. But then I couldn't prevent -you, could I? So you had better go in and do your duty. -Let me see, you will want the keys." She took a bunch -from her pocket. "There are very few. This is the key -of the larder."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She innocently handed him the bunch, indicating the -one she had mentioned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Only the larder is locked," she added. "The natives, -you are aware, Monsieur, will overeat if one is not careful."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The young officer, looking very much ashamed of himself, -took the bunch, and having no answer ready, moved -towards the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Will you show us the house, Mademoiselle?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh no, Monsieur! that would be to countenance your -intrusion. I cannot be expected to do that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The conversation had been carried on throughout within -a few feet of Jack. In spite of his wound, his uncomfortable -position, and the danger of discovery, he found -himself shaking with silent laughter, imagining the play -of expression on the faces of Gabriele and her victim.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lieutenant with two of his men went into the house. -There was silence for a while, broken only by the champing -of the Buriats' ponies and the rattle of accoutrements, -the men sitting their steeds mute and motionless. -Then the voice of the officer could be heard interrogating -the old nurse, who merely shook her head to every -question. She knew nothing but Polish, and the officer's -Russian was as incomprehensible to her as his French. After -a few minutes he returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Accept my apologies and my thanks, Mademoiselle," -he said, as he handed her the keys. "We must pursue -our chase elsewhere. Bonjour!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bonjour, Monsieur!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The troop rode away, taking a different course. Gabriele's -lips curved in a smile as she watched them. The -officer glanced back just before riding out of sight. She -was walking slowly towards the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Half an hour afterwards the missionary returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father," said Gabriele, "I have played the good -Samaritan since you have been away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She explained to him rapidly what had occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My daughter," he said gently, "I cannot blame you, -but you acted rashly, very rashly indeed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What would you have done, Father?" she asked archly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Just what you did, my dear," he replied with twinkling -eyes. "But we must be careful. The Russians look -askance at our missions as it is; they only want a pretext -to expel us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And the poor young man is all the time in the tree! -He must be nearly dead with fatigue."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But we cannot release him yet. Some of the Russians -may return this way from their chase of Min-chin. I hope -they will not shoot the poor fellow by mistake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack waited, feeling more and more exhausted, and -wondering how long his irksome durance was to last. -By and by he again heard horses galloping. The Buriat -sergeant and one of his men had returned from their -fruitless chase. Min-chin, the Korean servant, had outridden -them, and they had lost trace of him. They pulled up at -the missionary's house to ask the whereabouts of the -remainder of the troop, then they rode on. Watching them -out of sight, and waiting for some time to assure himself -that danger was past, Father Mayenobe carried the ladder -to the tree, and soon Jack, pale, worn, and hungry, lay in -the priest's own bed. The father, like most of the French -missionaries in China, knew something of medicine and -surgery; he examined Jack's wound, dressed and bound -up his arm, and said that he was not to think of getting -up for several days. It was in fact nearly a week before -he was allowed to leave the bed, and the missionary saw -that watch was kept night and day to guard against a -surprise visit from the Russians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During this period of enforced seclusion Father Mayenobe -learnt Jack's story. Though it made him feel more -than ever the gravity of his position if his guest should be -discovered, it did not abate by a jot his determination to -do what he could for him. Indeed, his sympathy for Jack -was enhanced by a certain similarity between his -circumstances and Gabriele's. He told Jack her story. Her -father was a large land-owner, the descendant of a great -Polish family, a man of noble character, greatly beloved of -his tenants and respected by his peers. Like every true -Pole he was a strong patriot, and had been a member of -one of the secret associations that have for their object the -restoration of Polish liberties. Some six years before, the -society had been betrayed by one of its members; Count -Walewski, with several of his compatriots, was arrested -and sent without trial into exile; and as a deterrent to -other Poles who might contemplate revolt, the place -selected for his punishment was the bleak barren island -of Sakhalin, the farthest eastern limit of the Russian -empire. There was special cruelty and indignity involved -in this choice, for the island was reserved as a rule for -murderers and the lowest class of criminals; and his -friends in Poland were aghast when they heard to what -a living death he had been condemned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the time of the count's arrest and banishment, his -daughter Gabriele was only eleven years of age. Her -father's estates being confiscated, and she a motherless -child, she was adopted by her paternal aunt, an unmarried -lady of ample means, who took her to her home in Paris, -educated her, and treated her with a mother's care. But -as the girl grew older and learned to understand more -fully the hopelessness of her father's fate, she resolved at -all costs to share his exile, and to do what lay in her power -to alleviate and sweeten his terrible lot. Her aunt, fearful -of allowing a young girl to undertake a mission so terrible, -and being too infirm to accompany her, did all that she -could to turn her from her purpose. But with increasing -years the girl's determination became ever stronger. She -grew up quickly into a thoughtful strong-willed maiden, -full of patriotic ardour, of passionate resentment against -the Russian government, and of an overflowing love for the -father whose affection she remembered so well, and whose -noble qualities she had not been too young to appreciate. -While grateful for all the kindness her aunt had showered -upon her, she was possessed by an overmastering sense -of duty to her father. At last, when she was nearly -seventeen, but in looks and mind older than her years, -she threatened to set forth without assistance if her aunt -refused her assent and help. Having no alternative the -poor lady yielded, only stipulating that Gabriele's old -nurse should accompany her. For some months they -vainly tried to get permission from St. Petersburg for the -girl to join her father. In the case of ordinary criminals -no difficulty was usually made; it was clear that, as -happens so often in Russia, the political offence was to be -visited more heavily than the worst of crimes. Then she -started without permission, hoping to obtain the necessary -authorization at Vladivostok. She was provided with -letters of introduction to a Polish family in Siberia, and -one to Father Mayenobe, whose sister had been a teacher -at the pension Gabriele had attended in Paris. But the -outbreak of the war had so much disorganized things that -the Polish friends were not to be found. She arrived in -Vladivostok; there her request for permission to go to -Sakhalin had been referred by one official to another, -shelved, and finally ignored. Then, friendless and despairing, -she had written to the missionary asking his advice. -He had already heard of her from his sister. Riding at -once into Vladivostok he endeavoured to get the required -permission; but the governor and officials had something -more important to consider than the romantic impulses -of a Polish school-girl, and they politely shunted all his -representations. At his suggestion Gabriele and her -nurse had returned with him to his little mission station in -the hills, where they had since remained, hoping that in -course of time they would gain their object.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Jack was well enough to leave his bedroom and -share the simple life of the missionary and his household, -it was apparent that the two young people were drawn -together by the common circumstances of their fate. -From the first moment Jack had felt a strong admiration -for the girl whose resourcefulness had saved him from -capture; while Gabriele regarded his position as even -worse than her own, for she knew at any rate where her -father was. They had many long conversations together; -the girl put her own sorrows into the background, and -entered heartily into Jack's perplexities and plans. Father -Mayenobe often joined them in talking things over, and -soon won Jack's admiration for his character, and respect -for his wise counsel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had opportunities of seeing something and learning -more of his new friend's mission work. Jean Mayenobe had -been a favourite pupil of Monsieur Venault, the young -nobleman who gave up his career as a courtier of Louis XVIII, -and devoted his whole fortune and forty-two years of his life -to his labour of love in Manchuria. A great part of a French -missionary's work consists in relieving the poor and sick -and caring for orphans. He does little actual preaching -of the Gospel; he conducts service in a small church or -oratory attached to his house, but converts are made chiefly -through the agency of native Christians, and through the -training of orphan children from tender years. The priest -dresses and fares little better than the poorest of his flock, -and is never absent from his charge, fulfilling with absolute -literalness the Divine command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One day a Korean youth in training for the priesthood -came in with a message from the Sister in charge of the -orphanage at Almazovsk. He remained for several days -in the house. Observing his manly open countenance and -his air of energy and enthusiasm, so much in contrast to -the average Korean's flabby effeminacy, Jack understood -what an influence for good the Christian missionary can wield.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The talk in the little mission-house turned again and -again upon the mystery of Mr. Brown's fate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Father Mayenobe confessed that he was unable to make -a likely guess as to the merchant's whereabouts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There are so many places in Siberia to which he may -have been sent. Sakhalin, you suggest? Sakhalin is little -used now for political prisoners, although, as in Count -Walewski's case, some few are still sent there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How am I to find out? It is the uncertainty that is so -terrible."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can think of no safe means. If the Russians are -determined to keep his whereabouts secret——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is itself an admission that they are in the wrong," -interrupted Gabriele.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It may be. I was going to say that if that is their -determination it will be very difficult to trace him, and the -only likely course would be to follow up enquiries along -the railway."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is almost hopeless in present circumstances. The -war has disorganized everything. Besides, how am I to -get into Moukden again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why attempt it? Why not try to gain the coast and -make for home, and trust to diplomatic representations at -St. Petersburg?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no, father, I certainly disagree with you," cried -Gabriele. "You know how slowly diplomacy works. -Think of it; Monsieur Brown may pass months, perhaps -years, in the most terrible uncertainty and suspense. No; -if I were in his place I would do as he means to do. Oh, -I wish I were a man!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But think of the danger! If he were to go as a -European, he would be set upon by Chinese in the -out-of-the-way parts through which he must pass. In the towns -the English and the French are respected when other -Europeans are not, but in the country parts all alike are -foreign devils, of less account than pigs. If he got safely -within the Russian lines he would probably be arrested as -a spy and shot. His only chance is to go as a Chinaman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As a Chinaman?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, disguised to the best of our ability."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Gabriele looked dubiously at Jack, as though questioning -whether any disguise would serve.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you say yourself, Monsieur Brown?" asked -the missionary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must risk it, father. I have been long enough in -China to know the difficulties and dangers in my way; I -don't underrate them, I assure you. But anything is better -than this harrowing uncertainty. I could not remain idle; -I feel I must do something to clear up the mystery, even -though I should be venturing on a forlorn hope."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, my son, I will not dissuade you. Fortune -favours the brave, they say. You are determined to go; -God go with you! But we must think of how it is to be done."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must go as a Chinaman, that is certain. It had -better be as a southern Chinaman. Mademoiselle perhaps -does not know that the spoken language of the north and -south are so unlike that natives of the one can only -communicate with the other by written characters or by pidgin -English. I can't write Chinese, and if I pretend to be -quite illiterate (as indeed I am from the Chinese point of -view) I may hope to pass muster. I can speak pidgin -English. We had a Canton servant in Shanghai with -whom I spoke nothing else, and we use it still with the -servants in Moukden."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But there is a greater difficulty—the difficulty of feature. -You would pass better in Canton as a Manchu, than as a -Cantonese in Manchuria."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can only risk it. A little saffron and henna——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And a pigtail, Monsieur Brown?—will you have to -wear a pigtail?" said Gabriele.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, unluckily," said Jack with a rueful smile. "My -own hair won't suffice. But false pigtails are common -enough in China. I shall ask your help with that, -Mademoiselle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It would amuse me—if it were not so terribly serious."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will go as a Chinaman, then," said the priest. -"But you must have a story to tell on the way if you are -questioned: have you thought of that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Suppose I give out that I am the servant of a -Moukden mandarin, returning from a special mission to -Hun-chun, hinting perhaps at anti-Russian intrigue?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Father Mayenobe stroked his beard.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is inevitable," he said. "For you this is a state of -war, and in war the first principle is to deceive the enemy. -Still, I do not like your venture. The more I think of it, -the more heavy do the odds appear against success."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Father, do not let us go into that again," pleaded -Gabriele. "Can you suggest any better plan for -Monsieur Brown?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I confess I cannot. Well, let it be so, then. I will -do all in my power to help you, my son."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A fortnight passed away. The wet season had begun, -and though the rainfall was not so continuous as is -commonly the case, the streams were swelled to overflowing -and the rough tracks rendered impassable. The mission -station, being on a hillside, suffered less than huts on the -lower ground. During the unfavourable weather much -anxious care was given to Jack's preparations. The -costume was got ready in every detail; Gabriele with -her own hands plaited the pigtail and wadded the loose -tunic and pantaloons. At last all was in readiness, and -Jack only awaited a fine day to set off.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One afternoon, when the sun was hot, raising a thick -vapour from the sodden fields, Min-chin came running -into the house with the news that a party of Buriats were -riding up the hill. It happened that Father Mayenobe -had taken advantage of the change of weather to visit -some of his little flock a few miles off. Without a -moment's delay Jack hastened to the hollow tree, and -was safe inside by the time the horsemen rode up. They -surrounded the house, and the officer, an older man than -the lieutenant whom Gabriele had discomfited, alighted -at the door and called for the priest. Gabriele appeared. -It was evident from the officer's manner that he had heard -of her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mademoiselle," he said in French, "you will please -give me a plain answer. A stranger has been seen in and -about this house. Who is he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! you mean the catechumen from Almazovsk?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain looked hard at her.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come, Mademoiselle, where is the man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The catechumen? He is gone. He went three days -ago, all through the rain. He would not remain, though -Father Mayenobe pressed him to wait in hope of finer -weather. You seem to doubt me," added the girl. "The -house has been already searched once, in Father Mayenobe's -absence; I assure you there is nobody in it but our servants; -if you will not accept my assurance you had better -search again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>She moved away, and began to occupy herself with -simple household matters, completely ignoring the -Russians. The captain did not go shamefacedly about his -work as the lieutenant had done; he searched the little -house thoroughly, ransacking every hole and corner. The -task did not take him long; he found nothing. Coming -out again, he beckoned to a man in civilian costume whom -Gabriele had not previously noticed. As he rode forward, -she started; but in an instant recovered herself. He spoke -a few words to the captain; then the latter, with a curt -word of farewell to the girl, gave his men the order to ride -away. Gabriele did not like his look; he had seemed too -easily satisfied, and consulted with the civilian; and she -sent two of the servants to keep watch at the only -convenient approaches to the settlement. Her precaution -was justified. Two or three hours later the party rode -back at a gallop. The alarm was given by one of the -sentinels, and Jack had time to get back into the -serviceable beech before they arrived. A second search was -made, this also fruitless; then the horsemen finally -departed, convinced against their will that they had come -once more on a false scent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When Jack left his hiding-place he saw by the expression -of Gabriele's face that she had something to tell him. A -red spot burned on each cheek, and her eyes were blazing.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How dare he! How dare he!" she exclaimed. "Oh, -if I could have killed him! It was Ladislas Streleszki, -the traitor, the villain, the man who betrayed my father. -He was our steward; we did not know for a long time -who had done that foul deed; but when my father was -arrested Streleszki disappeared, and it was many months -before we understood."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you mean, Mademoiselle, that he is now a Russian -officer?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no; but when they came the second time he was -with them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did he not recognize you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; it is six years since he saw me, and I have changed -very much. I was afraid he might; I thought perhaps a -chance word from one of the officers in Vladivostok through -whom my applications have passed, had brought him here -to persecute me. But it cannot be so; he hardly looked -at me. I knew him at once; he has altered little; his hair -is turning grey; but I could never mistake him; one -eyelid droops and——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Indeed!" cried Jack with a start. "Is it his left eyelid?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Oh, why do you ask?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sowinski, my father's enemy, has the same defect. Did -you hear him speak, Mademoiselle?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; his voice is gruff and coarse."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then Streleszki and Sowinski are the same man. Good -heavens, we have indeed had a narrow escape! It would -have been all up with me if I had been found, and I fear -your fate would have been sealed too. I am to blame for -staying here so long. I must not bring you into danger -again. I will go to-day."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-custom-of-cathay"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER VIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">A Custom of Cathay</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">The Forbidden Mountain—Two from Canton—Clutching at -Straws—Ipsos Custodes—A Question of Dollars—The -Yamen—The Majesty of the Law—Judge and Jury—The -Cage—Torture—Mr. Wang—Benevolence and Aid</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Hai-yah!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ph'ho!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fan-yun!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fan-kwei!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look at his eyes! How big! Round as the moon. -See how they goggle and glare!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yah! Ugly beast! His nose! Look at it! Like the -beak of a hawk."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And his hair! Ch'hoy! Like the fleece of a sheep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And his clothes! Ragged as a quail's tail."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No doubt of it, he is a foreign devil, ugly pig."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why still alive? Kill him at once, say I. Foreign -devils are dangerous to keep. One come, thousands follow. -Kill at once; if we had done that with the Russians, no -more trouble. He will bring ill-luck on the village. What -luck have we had since the Russians came digging into -the Hill of a Thousand Perfumes? Who can say how -many demons they let loose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yah! Who has found ginseng since then, who? -Nothing but ill-luck now. An Pow dead, strong as he -was; Sun Soo drowned in the river; all our oxen carried -off by Ah Lum and his Chunchuses. Hai! hai! And this -foreign devil will make things worse. Why did they not -chop off his head at once?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To this conversation, carried on within a few feet of -him, Jack listened in a somewhat apathetic spirit. He -was utterly dejected, worn out, humiliated. He lay in a -large wooden cage near the headman's house in the -village of Tang-ho-kou in the Long White Mountains. -It was a secluded spot, in a district supposed to be sacred -to the emperor's ancestors, where it was sacrilege even for -a Chinaman to tread. The inhabitants were an exclusive -community, ruled by a guild, owning only nominal -allegiance to the emperor, and essentially a self-governed -republic. They were unmolested, for government is lax -in Manchuria, and the Long White Mountains are far -from the capital and difficult ground to police; theoretically -the guildsmen went in danger of their heads, practically -they were monarch of all they surveyed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A group of the villagers was collected on this July -evening about the cage, discussing the foreign prisoner, -interrupting their conversation to snarl at him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is true; his head ought to be chopped off, but they -were afraid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Afraid of what?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of what might be done to them. The illustrious -viceroy at Moukden is very strict. Even a foreign devil -may not be killed without leave. Why? Because if one -is killed, there is trouble. The kings of the foreign devils -are angry, and many good Chinese heads have to fall. -They have sent to ask leave to behead the barbarian: -better still, to slice him. He fought like a hill tiger -when they caught him, and two men even now lie -wounded."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How did they catch him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A Canton man, mafoo to his excellency General Ping -at Moukden, overtook him riding in the hills. He was -making a bird's noise with his lips; that was suspicious. -But the Canton man was wary. He spoke to him as a -friend, and rode alongside. Where did he come from? -Thus asked the Canton man. The barbarian shook his head -and answered in pidgin, the tongue of the foreign devil in -the south. Yah! That was his ruin. Our Canton friend -also speaks pidgin. 'You come from Canton?' says he. -'Yes.' 'What part? Where did you live? Do you -know this place or that? What is your business?' Those -were his questions; a shrewd fellow, the Canton man. He -left him at the next village; then followed with six strong -men. They got ahead of him, hid in a copse by the -roadside, and when the foreign devil came up, rushed out upon -him. They were seven; but it was a hard fight. Ch'hoy! -These barbarians are in league with a thousand demons; -that is why they are so fierce and strong. But they got -him at last, and brought him here; worse luck! he shall -suffer for it yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The crowd drew nearer to their helpless prisoner, stared -at him, jeered, cast stones and offal, and, worked up by -the teller of the story, were only kept from tearing him to -pieces by the guard and the bars of the cage. Exposed -without shelter to the broiling sun, Jack was dizzy and -faint. His clothes had been torn to tatters in the struggle, -his pigtail wrenched from his head. He had had no food -for many hours, and, what was worse, no water.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had been able to catch the gist of what the chief -speaker in the crowd had said. How stupid of him to -whistle—a thing a Chinaman never does! How unlucky -that he had met a man from Canton! The dialects of the -north and south differ so much that by professing to be a -Southerner he had come so far on his journey undetected; -but in conversation with a Cantonese his accent had -inevitably betrayed him. And now he knew that he could -expect no mercy. A European carries his life in his -hands in China whenever he ventures alone out of the -beaten track. In Manchuria just then, with the natives -embittered by the wanton destruction of their towns and -villages, the chances of a captive being spared were -infinitesimal. Only fear of the mandarins had apparently -caused them to hold their hands in his case; but Jack -had little reason to suppose that the mandarins would -interfere to protect him. No order would be issued; but -the villagers would receive a hint to do as they pleased; -and Jack well knew what their pleasure would be. In -the unlikely event of diplomatic pressure being afterwards -brought to bear, the mandarins could still repudiate -responsibility, and the villagers would suffer; several, -probably the most innocent, would lose their heads. But -Jack knew that he had placed himself outside the -protection of the British flag. Neither the mandarins nor -the villagers had anything to fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sun went down; the village watchman beat his -wooden gong; and the group gradually dispersed. Only -the guard was left. Parched with thirst, Jack ventured -to address him, asking for a cup of water. The man, with -more humanity than the most, after some hesitation -acceded. He was generous, and brought also a mess of -rice. Greatly refreshed by the meal, scanty though it -was, Jack felt his spirits rising; with more of hope he -began to canvass the possibilities in his favour. But he -had to admit that they were slight. There was just one -ray of light, dim indeed; but a pin-point glimmer is -precious in the dark. He had heard the villagers mention -the brigand Ah Lum, the chief of the Chunchuses, who -had levied upon their oxen. This was the chief whom -Wang Shih had left Moukden to join. If Jack could -only communicate with Wang Shih there might still be -a chance for him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He began a whispered conversation with his guard, and -learnt that, a few days before, Ah Lum's band was known -to be encamped in the hills some twenty miles to the -south-west. It was resting and recruiting its strength after a -severe brush with a force of Cossacks, who had almost -succeeded in cutting it to pieces during a raid on the railway.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know Wang Shih?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No; Ah Lum has several lieutenants. His band numbers -nearly eight hundred; there were more than a thousand -before the fight with the Russians."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You know what a dollar is?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is worth many strings of cash."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, if you will take word to Mr. Wang about me, -I will give you fifty dollars."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where will you get them from?" asked the man -suspiciously. "Were you not searched, and everything taken -from you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, I was searched; but the foreign devil has ways -of getting money that the Chinaman does not understand. -It is a small thing I ask you to do. The reward is great; -fifty dollars, hundreds of strings of cash. You will never -get such a chance again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>True to the oriental instinct for haggling, the man argued -and discussed for some time before he at last agreed to -Jack's proposition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must make haste," said Jack. "If the messenger -to the mandarin returns before you, I shall be killed and -you will get no money."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man at once explained that it was impossible for -him to leave the village; he must find a messenger.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. He is to find Wang Shih and say that -Jack Brown from Moukden is in peril of death. You can -say the name?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Chack Blown," said the man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That will do. Now, when can you send your man?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The guard said that he would be shortly relieved; then -he would lose no time. In a few minutes a man came to -take his place, and Jack, with mingled hopes and fears, -settled himself in a corner of the cage, to sleep if possible. -Half an hour later the guard returned with the welcome -news that a messenger had started, after bargaining for -twenty of the fifty dollars, and would travel all night on -foot, for he had no horse, and to hire one would awaken -suspicion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But," added the guard, "he is a trusty man, much -respected, and a great hater of foreign devils, like all good -Chinamen. If he had had his way the honourable foreign -devil would have been executed this afternoon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then how comes it," asked Jack, "that he is willing -to go as messenger?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The guide looked puzzled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Surely the honourable barbarian understands? Did I -not explain that I promised Mr. Fu twenty dollars?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even in his misery Jack could not forbear a smile. His -messenger was doubtless the man who had led the chorus -of threats and insults a few hours before. The man's -convictions were no doubt still the same; but the prospect -of a few dollars had completely divorced precept from -practice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Jack reflected that the enterprise was a poor -chance at the best. There was little likelihood of the man -finding Wang Shih in time, and if he found him, it was -uncertain whether his sense of gratitude was sufficiently -keen to bring him to the rescue. Yet, in spite of all, -Jack's impatient eager thought followed the messenger, -as though hope could give him winged feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He spent a miserable night. In that hill country even -the summer nights are cold; and his clothes having been -well-nigh torn from his back, he had scant protection. -He slept but little, lying awake for hours listening to the -mice and rats scampering around the cage, and to the -long-drawn melancholy howls of the village dogs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon after dawn he heard a great commotion in the -village. His pulse beat high; he hoped that Wang Shih -had arrived. But when his friendly guardian came to -resume duty, his heart sank, for he learnt that the -headman's messenger to the local mandarin had returned, -bringing word that the barbarian should be suitably dealt -with by the guild. The mandarin had evidently washed -his hands of the matter; the guard had no doubt that -when the headman was ready Jack would be taken before -him, and he must expect no mercy. The people had never -ceased to grumble at the delay in executing him; and -nothing could be hoped of the headman, for he was a -native of Harbin, and bore a bitter grudge against the -Russians, who in constructing their railway had cut -through his family graveyard, and in defiling the bones -of his ancestors had done him the worst injury a Chinaman -can suffer. Jack was to have no breakfast; his captors -were so sure of his fate that they thought it would -be a mere waste to feed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An hour passed—a terrible hour of suspense. The -villagers began to gather round the cage, and their looks -of gleeful and malicious satisfaction struck Jack cold. -All at once they broke into loud shouting as a posse of -armed yamen-runners forced their way through. Jack -was taken out of the cage, and, surrounded by the runners -and followed by the jabbering crowd, was marched to the -headman's house. He there found himself in the -presence of a dignified Chinaman, a glossy black moustache -encircling his mouth and chin, his long finger-nails -denoting that he did not condescend to menial work. -He was in fact a prosperous farmer, who, besides -possessing large estates (to which he had no title) in the -Forbidden Country, carried on an extensive trade in -ginseng, a plant to which extraordinary medicinal virtues are -attributed by the Chinese, and so valuable that a single -root will sometimes fetch as much as £15 in the Peking -market. The headman, feeling the importance of the -occasion, had got himself up in imitation of a magistrate, -wearing a round silk buttoned cap and a blue tunic.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had evidently made a study of the procedure in a -mandarin's yamen. He was the only man seated at a long -table; at each end stood a scribe with a dirty book, which -might or might not have been a book of law, outspread -before him; at his right hand stood a man with a lighted -pipe, from which during the proceedings the headman -took occasional whiffs; in front stood a group of runners -in weird costumes, wearing black cloth caps with red -tassels. From the sour expression on the Chinaman's -face Jack knew that he was already judged and -condemned; but he held his head high, and gazed -unflinchingly on the stern-visaged Chinaman.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It is proper for a prisoner to take his trial on his knees, -and one of the runners approached Jack and sharply bade -him kneel. He refused. Two other men came up with -threatening gestures, and laid hands on him to force him -down. He resisted; he had the rooted European -objection to kowtow to an Asiatic. With too much good sense -to indulge himself in heroics, he yet recalled at this -moment by a freak of memory the lines written on the heroic -Private Moyse of the Buffs. His back stiffened; there -was the making of a pretty wrestling match; but the -headman, mindful of the stout fight when the prisoner was -arrested, and desiring that the proceedings should be -conducted with decorum, ordered his men to desist. Then he -began his interrogatory.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are an Russian?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, an Englishman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where have you been living?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In Moukden."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What have you been doing there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I lived with my father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is he?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is a merchant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is his name?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is known as Mr. Brown of Moukden."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What did he trade in?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In many things. He supplied stores of all kinds."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To the Russians?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Assisting them to build the iron road that is the ruin -of Manchuria?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I believe your august emperor gave the Russians permission."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do not dare to mention the Son of Heaven. Do not -dare, I say, you foreign devil! Where is your father now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know. He was arrested by the Russians."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They accused him of giving information to the Japanese."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did he give information?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ch'hoy! Then clearly he was in league with the -Russians. He, too, is worthy of death. What brought -you into the Shan-yan-alin mountains?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am trying to find my father. I was on my way to Moukden."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you know that the Ch'ang-pai-shan is sacred to -the emperor? Nobody is allowed to tread these hills, on -pain of death."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am in your honour's august company."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The headman winced and blinked. That was a home-thrust. -He grew angry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Enough! You are a foreign devil. By your own -confession you have been in league with the Russians, -assisting them in their impious work, disturbing the -feng-shui in the most sacred city of the virtuous Son of -Heaven. You are found in insolent disguise within the -limits of the Forbidden Mountains; you resisted lawful -arrest, to the severe injury of two of my officers. It is -clear that you are a vile example of the outer barbarians -who are scheming to drive the Manchu from his -immemorial lands, defiling the graves of our fathers, and -bringing our sons to shame. You are not fit to live; -every one of your offences is punishable with death; in -their sum you are lightly touched by my sentence upon -you, that you suffer the ling-ch'ih, and then be beheaded. -Confess your crimes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had answered the man's questions briefly and -calmly, and listened with unmoved countenance to his -speech. The decision was only what he had expected. -The worst was to come. He knew that by the laws and -customs of China he could not be executed until he had -acknowledged the justice of the sentence and made open -confession of his crime; he knew also that, failing to -confess voluntarily, he would be tortured by all the most -fiendish methods devised by Chinese ingenuity until -confession was extorted from his lacerated, half-inanimate -frame. The end would be the same; for a moment, in his -helplessness and despair, he thought it would perhaps be -better to acquiesce at once and get it over. But then -pride of race stepped in. Could he, innocent as he felt -himself to be, act a lie by even formally acquiescing in the -sentence? He did not know how far his fortitude would -enable him to bear the tortures in store; but he would not -allow the mere prospect to cow him. He had paused but -a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have nothing to confess," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The headman gave a grunt of satisfaction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Put him in the cage," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's blood ran cold in spite of himself. The word -used by his judge was not the name of the cage in which -he had already been confined, but meant an instrument of -torture. Amid the exultant hoots of the crowd of natives, -who spat on the ground as he passed, he was hauled from -the presence and taken to a yard near by. In the centre -of it stood a bamboo cage somewhat more than five feet -high. Its top consisted of two movable slabs of wood -which, when brought together, left a hole large enough to -encircle a man's neck, but too small for his head to pass -through. The height of the cage was so adjusted, that -when the prisoner was inside with his head protruding -from the top he could only avoid being hung by the -neck so long as his feet rested on a brick. By and by -that would be removed; he might defer strangulation for -a short time by standing on tiptoe, but that would soon -become too painful. Jack had never seen the instrument -in use, but he had heard of it, and he quailed at the -imagination of the torture he was to endure.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His arms were bound together; he was locked into the -cage; his head was enclosed; and the mob jeered and -yelled as, the brick being knocked away after a few -minutes, he instinctively raised himself on his toes to ease -the pressure on his neck. How long could he endure -it? he wondered. Had the messenger failed to find Wang -Shih? Had some perverse fate removed the Chunchuse -band at this moment of dire peril? Humanly speaking, -his salvation depended on Wang Shih, and on him alone: -was his last hope to prove vain? Should he now yield, -confess, and spare himself further torture? Already he -was suffering intense pain; he gained momentary relief -for his feet by drawing up his legs, a movement which -brought his whole weight upon his neck; but that was -endurable only for a few seconds. He closed his eyes to -shut out the sight of the yelling mob; pressed his lips -together lest a moan should escape him: "I will never -give in, never give in." he said to himself; "pray God it -may not be long."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pain became excruciating; he no longer saw or -heard the yelling fiends gloating over every spasm of his -tortured body; he was fast sinking into unconsciousness, -and the headman, fearful of losing his victim, was about -to give the order for his temporary release, when suddenly -his ears caught the sound of galloping horses. The noise -around him lulled; he heard loud shouts in the distance, -and drawing ever nearer. Then the crowd scattered like -chaff, and through their midst rode a brawny figure -brandishing a riding-whip of bamboo. Dashing through -the amazed throng at the head of thirty shouting bandits -he leapt from his horse, sprang to the cage, tore away the -catch holding the two panels together, and Jack fell, an -unconscious heap, to the bottom of the cage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The first alarm being now passed, the villagers raised a -hubbub. They clustered about the new-comers, protesting -with all their might that the prisoner was merely a -foreign devil, an impious pig. But Wang Shih cleared a -space with his whip; then, springing to the saddle again, -he raised his voice in a shout that dominated and silenced -the clamour of the mob.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hai-yah! What are you doing, men of Tang-ho-kou? -Is this foreigner a Russian that you treat him thus? A -fine thing truly! You skulk in your fangtzes, afraid to -come out with the honourable Ah Lum and me and fight -the Russians, and yet you are bold enough to catch a -solitary man, a friend of the Chinaman, and to misuse him -thus because he is alone! Know you not that he is an -enemy of the Russians? They have imprisoned his father; -it is reverence for his father that brings him here. Is filial -piety so little esteemed in Tang-ho-kou to-day? Ch'hoy! -I see your headman aping a lordly mandarin; let him -listen. I say you are lucky I do not burn your village -and execute a dozen of you as you were about to execute -the stranger. But I will be merciful. I will take from you -a contribution of five thousand taels for my chief; and -your headman—ch'hoy! he shall stand for half an hour in -the cage. That shall suffice. But beware how you offend -again. Learn to distinguish your friends from your -enemies—an Englishman from the Russians whom the dwarfs -of Japan are helping us to drive back to the frozen north. -Take heed of what I say—I, Wang Shih, the worthless -servant of his excellency Ah Lum, the virtuous commander -of many honourable brigands."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This speech made an impression upon the crowd. The -headman was beginning to slink away, but Wang Shih -noticed the movement and sent one of his men after him. -In spite of his protests he was dragged to the cage, -from which Jack, now fully conscious, had been removed; -he was fastened in it, and compelled to tiptoe as his -erstwhile prisoner had done. But after some minutes -Jack, with a vivid remembrance of his own sufferings, -interceded for the wretched man, and Wang Shih released -him, bidding him collect from the villagers the tribute he -had demanded. The presence of the thirty well-armed -Chunchuses was a powerful spur to haste, and within half -an hour the amount was raised. Meanwhile Jack's neck -had been bathed, and his muscles were beginning to -recover from the strain to which they had been put. He -declared that he was well enough to ride away with his -deliverers. He had first to pay the guard the fifty dollars -agreed upon. Not wishing to disclose the hiding-place in -the soles of his boots where he kept his notes, he borrowed -from Wang Shih the necessary sum in bar silver. Then, -mounted upon a horse borrowed from the headman's own -stables, he rode with the brigands from the village.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="ah-lum"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER IX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Ah Lum</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Ishmaels—The Chief—Fair Words—Wise Saws—Ah Fu's -Tutors—An Honorary Appointment—Chopping Maxims—A -Deputation—Hunting the Boar—A Forest Monarch—Charging -Home—The Knife—A Close Call</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Chunchuse camp, Jack learnt as he rode, was some -thirty miles distant in the hills. It had been shifted; it -was always shifting; that was why the intervention of -Wang Shih had been so nearly too late.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was somewhat amused when he reflected on the -strange company in which he found himself. He had -heard a good deal about these redoubtable bandits, but -never till this day had he seen any of them. Their bands -were, he knew, very miscellaneous in their composition. -Escaped prisoners, whether guilty, or innocent like Wang -Shih, frequently sought refuge with one or other of the -brigand chiefs. Men who had been ruined in business, -or were too indolent for regular work; men possessed of -grievances against the mandarins, or by a sheer lust of -adventure and lawlessness; helped to swell their numbers; -and Mr. Brown had once remarked that they reminded -him of the motley band that gathered about David in the -cave Adullam: "Every one that was in distress, and every -one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented".</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The name Chunchuse means "red beard", and was -originally applied by the natives to any foreigner. Since -the bandits were almost all clean-shaven, like the majority -of Chinamen, Jack could only conjecture that they were -styled "red beards" from some fancied resemblance of -their predatory ways to the methods of the hated foreigners. -They were held in terror by all the law-abiding inhabitants, -and the machinery of the Chinese government was totally -unable to keep them down. Since the coming of the -Russians they had grown in numbers and in power. -Knowing every inch of the country they were able to -wage an effective guerrilla warfare against the invaders, -often surprising scouting parties of Siberian riflemen or -Cossacks, raiding isolated camps, damaging the railways, -and capturing convoys.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was interested in taking stock of his strange -companions. They were tall strapping fellows, powerfully -built, with muscular and athletic frames, and they included -men of every race known in Manchuria. Their costumes -differed as greatly as the men themselves. Some were -clad in the usual garb of Chinamen; others had black cloth -jackets with brass buttons, tight-fitting trousers, and long -riding-boots reaching to the knees. Their heads were -covered with knotted handkerchiefs of red, black, or yellow -cotton, beneath which their pigtails were coiled up out of -sight. Each carried a rifle and a revolver stuck in his -leather belt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the way to the camp Wang Shih gave Jack a few -particulars about the band, in which he had already risen -to a high position. Ah Lum, the chief, had been for many -years notorious for the daring with which he would swoop -with a few men on rich merchants travelling through the -country, even though they might be escorted by Chinese -soldiers. But since the outbreak of the war such sources -of gain had ceased, and he had gradually collected a very -large following for the purpose of conducting irregular -operations against his country's despoilers. All were -magnificent horsemen; the Russians had in vain endeavoured -to hunt them down; and the very rifles they carried were -the spoil of successful raids.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a ride of about five hours through the hills, Wang -Shih's party reached the Chunchuse camp. It was a -strange mixture of shelters, many of them huts built of -the stalks of kowliang, yet arranged, as Jack noticed, in -a certain order. Conspicuous in the middle of the camp -was a large tent, in which, as they approached, Jack -recognized the Russian service pattern. This too was -evidently part of the spoil of a raid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the outskirts of the camp Wang Shih dismissed his -men, proceeding alone with Jack to the tent. It was the -head-quarters of the chief. There was no sign of state, -no sentinel at the entrance; Wang Shih rode up -unquestioned, and unceremoniously shouted into the tent -for Mr. Ah. If Jack had expected to see the typical -brigand of romance he must have been disappointed. -Ah Lum was the shortest member of the band, a wiry -figure with a slight stoop. His appearance was that -of a university professor rather than a warrior. He was -apparently between forty and fifty years of age, with an -intelligent and thoughtful cast of countenance, enhanced -by a pair of horn spectacles over which he looked -searchingly when Jack was introduced to him. Ah Lum was, -in fact, a man of considerable education and even -learning. He had taken the highest honours in the -examinations for the successive degrees of Cultivated Talent, -Uplifted Literary Man, and Exalted Bookworm; and the -poems he composed when competing for a place in the -Board of Civil Office were acknowledged as superior to -anything recently written in the Mandarin language. But -his success on this occasion awoke a bitter jealousy in the -breast of a "same-year-man" who had kept pace with him -throughout his career until this last promotion. The -disappointed candidate adopted a characteristically Chinese -mode of wreaking vengeance. He committed suicide on -Ah Lum's door-step. According to Chinese belief Ah Lum -would not only be haunted ever after by his rival's spirit, -but would also have to clear himself before the mandarin's -court of a charge of murder. Unluckily the mandarin -was an enemy of Ah Lum; his price for a favourable -judgment was more than the Exalted Bookworm could -offer; and the latter, seeing that his condemnation was -certain, discreetly vacated his desk at the Board of Civil -Office and betook himself to the mountains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack only learnt all this gradually. His first impression -of Ah Lum as a spectacled, courteous, polished savant left -him wondering how such a man had succeeded in imposing -his authority on the hard-living, hard-faring, reckless -set of outlaws who composed his band. That he had -some personal force of character was a foregone -conclusion, for his position could depend on nothing else. -He received Jack very kindly, and, having Heard his story -from Wang Shih, promised to do all he could to help him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Wang," he said, bowing to his lieutenant, "does -me the honour to be my friend. Has he not rendered me -great services? Surely it becomes me to serve his friends -when my insignificant capabilities permit. Meanwhile -deign, sir, to regard all our contemptible possessions as -your own, and excuse our numberless shortcomings. -Where good-will is the cook, the dish is already seasoned."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He paused, as though expecting a comment on the proverb.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite so," said Jack, feeling that he ought to say -something.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief proceeded at once to warn him of the danger -of pursuing further his attempt to enter Moukden in -disguise. If he tried to pass as a Canton man he might at -any moment meet a real Cantonese, as had already -happened to his cost; and, besides, the Cantonese were not -loved in Manchuria. As a Manchu, on the other hand, -he would be apt to betray himself in endless little ways. -However, if he were bent on it, Ah Lum would do what -he could to secure him good treatment. Meanwhile, after -what he had gone through, a few days' rest in camp would -do him no harm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Haste is the parent of delay," he said; "whereas if -one has a mind to beat a stone, the stone will in due time -have a hole in it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again he paused, like an actor waiting for the gallery's -applause to his tag.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A very sound maxim," said Jack, thinking it well to -humour this singular moralist.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief concluded with an offer of hospitality so -cordial, that Jack, anxious as he was to pursue his mission, -could not well decline it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wang Shih, Jack found, was third in command. His -enormous strength, allied to a bull-dog courage, had -enabled him to force his way to the front in a community -where those qualities were esteemed above all others. -That they were not the only titles to respect was proved -by the position of the chief; and the longer Jack stayed in -the camp the more he was impressed by the ease and -firmness with which Ah Lum swayed his band.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief had a son, a boy of twelve, who from the first -took a great liking to Jack. Ah Fu was a bright boy, -vivacious for a Chinese; and Ah Lum loved him with even -more than the usual Chinaman's devotion. He doted on -the child. He never tired of talking about him to Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If," he said, "a man has much money, but no child, -he cannot be reckoned rich: if he has children, but no -money, he cannot be reckoned poor. And I am blessed in -my son: he is dutiful, respectful, voracious of knowledge. -'A bad son', says the Sage, 'is as a dunning creditor; -but a good son as the repayment of a long-standing debt'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At great pains he had kidnapped two graduates for the -express purpose of having Ah Fu carefully trained in the -elements of Chinese culture. Himself a man of education, -he set the highest value on learning. "Weeds are the -only harvest of an untilled field," he would say. "Though -your sons be well disposed, yet if they be not duly -instructed, what can you expect of them but ignorance?" In -addition to his daily instruction in the philosophers -and poets, the boy went through all kinds of physical -exercises—practising with the bow and the rifle, riding a -spirited little pony, learning fearless horsemanship from -the best rider in the band; and the Chunchuses rival the -Cossacks in the superb management of their steeds. -Before Jack had been a day in the camp he was requested -by the chief to teach his son English. He agreed, though -he thought that in the short time he was to spend with -them not much could be done. Ah Lum was very pressing -in the matter. Jack, he was sure, had all the learning of -the west (this tickled Jack; how the fourth-form master -at Sherborne would have roared!). The learning of the -east Ah Lum himself could get for the boy. In addition -to the kidnapped graduates he had his eye on an astronomer -of distinction at Kirin, and at Tieling there lived a -very learned man, skilled in the casting of horoscopes. -But he had naturally few opportunities of providing -European instruction. "True doctrine cannot injure the true -scholar," he said. "An ounce of wisdom is worth a world -of gold." He was particularly anxious that Ah Fu should -lack nothing in education through his father's outlawed -condition. Himself a poet, he set much store by poetry; -and having learnt from Jack that the most popular -English poet was Tennyson, he made it a special point that -the boy should from the first learn some of his poems. -Jack was amused; he did not tell the chief that poetry -was not so highly esteemed in England as in China; but -happening to know a few odds and ends of Tennyson's -verse, he got Ah Fu to repeat them after him until the -boy could recite them faultlessly. Jack had his doubts -whether the poems thus recited would have been -recognized by an Englishman, but that was nothing to the -point.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a week, when he felt his strength thoroughly -recruited, Jack spoke of continuing his journey. But Ah -Lum, in his politest manner, urged excellent reasons why -he should remain a little longer. It had been raining -almost continuously since his arrival; the streams were in -flood; the rivers were not fordable. Moreover, a large -body of Russian troops was moving between the camp -and Moukden; and Chinamen were being narrowly -questioned and examined under suspicion of being Japanese -spies in disguise. Day after day passed; every hint of -Jack's that he wished to be off was met by some new -excuse enforced by maxims, and turned by a question as -to how Ah Fu was getting on with his poetry. At last -Jack grew uneasy and suspicious; it appeared as if Ah -Lum intended to keep him as an additional tutor, unpaid. -He began to think of taking French leave, but was -restrained by several considerations: the fact that he owed -his life to the brigands; the danger lest his disappearance -should cause a quarrel between Wang Shih and the chief; -the hope that he might find the Chunchuses useful in -prosecuting his search; and the risk of recapture, for he -knew that the country people would certainly give him -up to the chief if they caught him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He abandoned therefore the idea of flight, resolving to -stay on with what patience he could muster, and hoping -to obtain his end by mild persistence. But his courteous -and repeated applications were met by still more courteous -and equally firm refusals—not direct refusals, but regrets -that on one pretext or another the "Ingoua superior man" -could not safely leave the camp. Ah Lum's stock of -proverbs and maxims was again drawn upon. "Though -powerful drugs be nauseous to the taste, they are -beneficial to the stomach. So, candid advice may be -unpleasant to the ear, but it is profitable for the conduct. -The carpenter makes the cangue that he himself may be -doomed to wear."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Exactly."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a want of conviction in Jack's stereotyped -reply. He was growing tired of these eternal copy-book -headings, which seemed to him often the merest platitudes—tired -of expressing the assent which his sententious host -always looked for. He asked Wang Shih to expostulate -with the chief; but when the Chinaman ventured to -suggest that the young Englishman's dutiful regard for his -father ought to be respected and his errand furthered, he -got a good snubbing for his pains.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is easy to convince a wise man," said Ah Lum with -a snap; "but to reason with fools, that is a difficult -undertaking. You cannot turn a somersault in an oyster-shell."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Greatly daring, Wang Shih cited a maxim very -pertinent, he thought, to the case.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, honourable sir; but is it not written: 'Of a -hundred virtues, filial piety is the best'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No doubt," retorted Ah Lum, still more snappishly. -"But remember that if a man has good desires, heaven -will assuredly grant them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And Jack had to kick his heels, and drum poetry into -Ah Fu, thinking disrespectfully of proverbial philosophy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus three weeks passed. During this period the band -grew steadily stronger. Jack reckoned that it now -numbered at least eleven hundred. The rains having ceased, -the camp was moved some twenty miles to the north-west, -not in a direct line to Moukden, but nearer to that city. -To Jack this was a crumb of comfort; but there were -disadvantages in the change, for with the finer weather and -the removal to somewhat lower ground, the midges and -mosquitoes became more lively and troublesome, and he -spent many a hot hour of pain and smart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another fortnight went by. The Chunchuses had been -inactive so far as brigandage was concerned, and, except -that they did no work, they might have been nothing but -a peaceful mountain tribe. But one day a deputation -came to the chief from a village lying in the midst of a -woody and well-cultivated valley a few miles from the -camp. They announced that their plantations of young -bamboos were being devastated by a herd of wild boars -with which they were unable to cope, and they had been -deputed to beg the Chunchuse chief to come to their -assistance. Ah Lum was never unwilling to please the country -people when he saw a chance of gaining a substantial -advantage. "Let no man," he would say, "despise the -snake that has no horns, for who can say that it may not -become a dragon?" Food was running short, and but for -the deputation it was probable that some fine night the -village would have been raided and plundered. But the -request for assistance opened the way for a deal; Ah Lum -consented to organize a battue in return for a large supply -of food and fodder; and after half a day had been spent -in haggling, the deputation returned, promising to send in -the quantity first demanded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief was exceedingly pleased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do not rashly provoke quarrels, but let concord and -good understanding prevail among neighbours. Seeing -an opportunity to make a bargain, one should think of -righteousness."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack welcomed the impending hunt as a pleasant change, -and appeared to gratify the chief when he asked to be -allowed to join in it. As a diversion from the sugared -sweetness of Tennyson, he bethought himself to teach -Ah Fu Fielding's fine song "A-hunting we will go"; and -when the boy learnt the meaning of the words, he was all -afire to share in the chase. Ah Lum was pleased with his -spirit; but being unwilling that his only son should run -any risk, he at first declined his request. The boy -persisted, pointing out that he was already a good shot, and -asking what was the good of his learning poems of hunting -if he was not allowed to express in action the ardour -thus fostered. This argument appealed to the chief's -sense of the fitness of things; he would have agreed with -Socrates that action was the end of heroic poetry; he -yielded, stipulating, however, that throughout the hunt -the boy should remain at his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack soon found that the hunt was not to be conducted -on the lines of pig-sticking in India. He remembered the -vivid account of such an adventure given him by a Behar -planter whom he had once met on board a steamer between -Shanghai and Newchang. Nor were the animals to be -caught in artfully-contrived pits, as is the custom in -Manchuria. The chief was ignorant of the Indian method, -and was possessed of too strong a sporting instinct to be -content with the work of a trapper; it was to be a real -hunt, as he understood it. The cover in which the boars -were known to lurk was about a square mile in extent. -Ah Lum intended to take advantage of the large force at -his disposal and arrange for beaters to drive the animals -to a comparatively open space, at the end of which he and -a select few would take up their positions and shoot down -the boars as they emerged from cover. This seemed -likely to be a safe way of effecting the desired object; and -though not sport in the British sense, it would at any rate -make some demand on their nerve and their marksmanship.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The important day came. On a bright fresh morning, -soon after the sun had gilded the hilltops, when the air -was clear and a cool breeze tempered the summer heat, -Ah Lum, accompanied by seven of his best marksmen and -by Ah Fu and Jack, rode down to skirt the base of the -hill and gain the northern side of the clearing to which the -boars were to be driven. Jack had been provided with a -rifle and a long knife; his pupil rode at his side, armed -with a carbine; and very proudly the boy bore himself. -At the foot of the hill the party were met by some of the -villagers, come to guide them to their destination. When -they reached the spot they found that the clearing was -about a furlong across, with thin plantations behind them -and on either side, and in front a mass of dense, almost -impenetrable scrub interspersed with trees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The party of ten took up their position in line facing -the scrub, standing a few feet apart; Ah Lum was in the -centre, with the boy on his left, and Jack one place farther -in the same direction. Jack felt that if the Manchurian -boar was anything like the Indian specimen of which his -planter friend had told him, the party might have a lively -time should two or three of the beasts break cover at the -same moment, especially if they should charge down through -the plantations on left and right. The Chunchuses, -however, were evidently secure in their numbers and the -stopping power of their military rifles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The beaters, nearly a thousand strong, had been sent -to their allotted positions earlier in the morning. They -formed a rough semicircle more than two miles in length. -When all was ready, the chief sent a horseman to the -farthest point with orders to begin the beat. The clang -of a gong soon rang out in the still morning air; -immediately the sound was taken up all along the arc; drums, -gongs, rattles, shrill yells combined to form a -pandemonium of noise. Flocks of birds clattered out of the -tree-tops and flew in consternation over the country; -hares and rabbits darted out of the underwood as the -beaters closed in; a fox or two, even a wolf, came -padding out, stopped at the edge, gave a glance at the line -of men, and disappeared on either side. All these passed -unmolested; the ten stood in silent expectation, ready to -bring their weapons to the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly from the centre of the scrub pounded with -lowered tusks a large boar. He had advanced some -yards into the open before he was aware of the ten -human figures ranged opposite to him. Then, swerving -heavily to the left, he trotted towards the plantation. At -the same moment two shots rang out as one; the chief -and his son had fired together, the others waiting in -courtesy. Ah Lum, for all his spectacles, his poetry, and -his sentences, was an excellent shot; the boar fell within -a yard of the trees; the chief's bullet had penetrated his -brain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hardly had the smoke cleared away when two other -boars appeared at different parts of the scrub. Eight -rifles flashed; the boar to the right fell; but the other, -unhurt, instead of making towards safety in the plantation, -dashed straight across the open. As by a miracle -it survived a volley from the whole party of ten, and had -come within twenty yards of them before it was struck -mortally and rolled over. The hunters, their attention -fixed on the gallant beast that had just succumbed, did -not notice that he was followed at a few yards by a huge -tusker, the glare of whose red eyes sent a thrill through -one at least of the party. Dashing at headlong speed -through the plantation almost in a line with the hunters, -the boar came on unswervingly, heedless of a scattering -fire. The hunters impeded each other; Ah Lum and the -men on his right could hardly fire as they stood -without hitting their companions. There was a moment's -hesitation; then the chief, with a cry to his boy to run, -stepped calmly to the front, preparing to fire at a range -of only a few yards. But one of his men on the left, in a -nervous anxiety born of the emergency, rushed forward, -and, stumbling against his leader, spoilt his aim. The shot -flew wide. The unfortunate man paid dearly for his clumsiness. -In another moment the boar was among the party, -making frantic rushes, ripping and tearing with his -formidable tusks, his bloodshot eyes glaring with the -concentrated fury which only a wounded boar can express. -Several shots were fired, but the beast's movements were -so rapid that they either missed him, or, hitting him at a -non-fatal spot, served only still further to infuriate him. -The inexperienced hunters, indeed, were in greater danger -than the boar from each other's firearms. They hesitated -in confusion, moving this way and that to avoid each other; -then, in a sudden panic, several of them took to their heels -and made for the shelter of the trees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But Ah Fu stood his ground, as though fascinated. His -father and Jack perceived at the same moment that the -boar in desperate and vengeful rage was heading straight -for the boy, who held his carbine at the slant, looking on -as at some fearful thrilling spectacle. Ah Lum and Jack, -separated from the boy in their movements for securing good -aim, sprang to his assistance. But before they could reach -his side the beast was upon him. Awake to his danger, -the little fellow raised his carbine to his shoulder and fired -almost point-blank; but the Russian service bullet has no -stopping power to check a wild boar in full career; the -boy was toppled over, receiving a gash in the leg from -the mighty tusk. Then the animal wheeled in his tracks -to pursue his vengeance. Jack's rifle was empty; even if -it had been loaded he could hardly have fired without -running the risk of hitting the boy. The chief was still a few -yards away, he, too, rendered helpless by the same appalling -danger. Jack saw that in an instant his little pupil, -now gamely struggling to his feet, must be gored to death. -Dropping his rifle, he drew his knife, and flung himself -upon the blinded, maddened brute, driving the weapon -between its shoulders. So great was his impetus that he -stumbled full across the boar, which, intent upon its -purpose, struggled on a foot or two, staggering under the -blow, but making light of Jack's weight. Even as Jack -was wondering whether his stroke had failed, the beast -uttered a long squealing grunt, fell on its knees, then -rolled over stone-dead within a few inches of Ah Fu.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 64%" id="figure-95"> -<span id="jack-saves-ah-fu"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Jack saves Ah Fu" src="images/img-116.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Jack saves Ah Fu</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief caught the boy in his arms and held him in a -warm embrace; the runaway Chunchuses, no more boars -being visible, came dropping back from the plantations; -and Jack, his coat covered with blood, rose panting from -the back of the victim.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-hired-man"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER X</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Hired Man</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Gratitude—On Humanity—A Broken Thread—The Hill -Country—Nearing Moukden—The Compradore—News at -Last—Sowinski's Address—Burnt Offerings—A Little -Black Box—Toitshe!—Pidgin—Excellence—Herr -Schwab—Photographabbaratus</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>After the rescue of Ah Fu, Jack stood in a new relationship -to Ah Lum. The boy was the apple of the chief's -eye; nothing was too good for his deliverer. When the -party reached camp after the memorable adventure, Ah -Lum paraded his whole band, and, his voice broken by -unwonted emotion, proclaimed the Englishman his friend. -In all such moments of ceremony the literary man, the -university graduate, appeared through the brigand chief. -After reciting the heroic deed in the flowery language a -scholarly Chinaman always has at command, he continued:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Forgetfulness of a favour received is a sure sign of a -bad heart. Let me speak in a similitude. A man is on -a long journey; his money is all spent; he is destitute, far -from home, without friends, and perishing from want. To -him comes a stranger whose goodness of heart leads him -to present the wanderer with a few hundred cash, thereby -preserving his life. Should he afterwards see this man, -his benefactor, ought he not to make some expression of -gratitude? It is a common saying, if we receive from -others a favour like a drop of water, the return should be -as an overflowing fountain. How much more when a -man snatches from death a male child! Does not the -Sage say: 'The three greatest misfortunes in life are: in -youth to bury one's father; at the middle age to lose one's -wife; and, being old, to have no son'? Heaven has already -afflicted me with the first and the second of these -tribulations; the honourable foreigner by his magnanimous -courage has spared me the last. It is a true saying, -'The brave act like tigers, not like mice'. Some of -you, to the shame of your ancestors, acted like mice; the -Ingoua leapt forth like a tiger and saved my pearl from -the snout. He is my friend; whosoever does him a service -does a greater service to me. As the Poet says:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"'The Spring that feeds the Mountain Rill</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Helps the great River to grow greater still'."</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Making allowances for the chief's surcharged emotion, -Jack felt that there could be no longer any obstacle to his -departure. Ah Lum, indeed, was torn between two -impulses. He wished to keep by his side the youth who had -shown that he could not only teach English poetry, but -display courage and readiness in a moment of danger. -He wished also to show his gratitude practically, and -knew that he could do so in no more acceptable way than -by furthering Jack's search for his father. After a night -of indecision his generosity prevailed; he called Jack into -his tent, and promised, if he still wished to go, to do all -that he could to help him. But he pointed out that it -would be very dangerous for him to venture into -Moukden. There were both the Chinese and the Russians to -reckon with. As for the former, he could furnish Jack -with a pass which would probably secure him from -molestation; but if it were found upon him by the Russians, it -would in itself be sufficient to hang him. Jack, however, -felt that there was little chance of tracing his father -except by beginning at Moukden and working along the -railway, and he once more expressed his unalterable -determination to face whatever risks this course might -involve.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ah Lum then settled down to a serious discussion of -ways and means. He agreed that Jack's best plan would -be to try his luck again as a Chinaman; but not this time -as a Cantonese; there were too many Cantonese about. It -would be better to pass as a native of one of the interior -provinces, such as Sz-chuen. The dialect was not likely -to be known to anyone in Moukden, so that the matter of -speech would not be a difficulty. He might be supposed -to have come down the Yang-tse-kiang on river boats, -and to have drifted to Manchuria with an Ingoua; the -Ingoua, as every Chinaman knew, were great travellers; -this would explain his knowledge of pidgin English.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chief spoke with great simplicity and earnestness; -evidently he was sincerely anxious on Jack's behalf. It -was only at the end of the conversation that he reverted -to his academic manner.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Prudence," he reminded Jack, "is what is most -necessary to be cultivated by the young. Your path will -be beset with perils; a chance word may be your undoing. -When you converse in the road, remember there are men -in the grass. For myself, I am old enough to be your -father; this and my affection must be my excuse for -offering words of advice. What says the proverb? 'In a -melon-patch, do not stoop down to arrange your shoes; -under a plum-tree, do not lift your hand to adjust your -cap.'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack knew from experience that, being fairly mounted -on his hobby, the chief could not easily be stopped, and -settled himself to listen in patience.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There are three things mainly to strive for: filial piety, -that is the most important; integrity; and humanity. Let -us take the last first. Humanity is among the greatest -of the virtues. If a man wish to attain the excellence -of superior beings, let him cultivate the attributes of -humanity. They include benevolence, charity, clemency——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At this moment a voice was heard at the entrance: -"The august decree is fulfilled."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The curtain was parted, and there entered the chief's -second in command, a big ferocious-looking fellow, holding -up to Jack's horrified gaze two ghastly blood-stained -human heads. Ah Lum looked at the hideous objects -with unmoved countenance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is well," he said. "Affix them on poles, and -set them in the centre of the camp, with this scroll in -large characters from the poet P'an T'ang-she'n:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"'Virtue is best; hold Knavery in dread;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>A Thief gains nothing if he lose his Head.'"</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The incident interrupted the chief's homily before his -first heading was developed. The flow of his ideas seemed -broken, for on the departure of his lieutenant he turned the -conversation into another channel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack afterwards learnt that the unfortunate wretches -decapitated were two members of the band who had -stolen fowls from a farmer. Since robbery was a principal -reason of the Chunchuses' existence, Jack was amazed -at such an offence meeting with so terrible a punishment, -until he heard that the farmer thus robbed had purchased -immunity from Ah Lum by a gift of fodder, and the chief -was inexorably merciless to any who were guilty, or who -made him appear guilty, of a breach of faith. Jack was -now convinced, if he had not been before, that Ah Lum -was no mere spectacled pedant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One fine morning Jack set off on his long journey to -Moukden. His appearance was indistinguishable from -that of a well-to-do Manchu. Every detail of his costume -was correct, from the round black hat and glossy pigtail -to the cloth boots with white felt soles. He was mounted -on a good pony, and accompanied by a trusty -Chunchuse. Ah Fu shed tears at parting; Ah Lum and -Wang Shih were undisguisedly sorry to lose him, and -the former indeed declared his willingness at any time to -welcome him back, and even to give him a command in -his band. Jack thanked him warmly, pressed his closed -fists to his breast in Chinese salutation, and rode away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was nearly a thousand li—more than 300 miles—from -the camp to Moukden; not as the crow flies, for in that -country of forest, mountain, and river a straight course is -impossible. The traveller has to proceed by pack roads, -to ford streams deep and swift, to ascend and descend -rugged forest-clad slopes; and if his journey is timed in -the rainy season he suffers inconveniences and perils -without number. It was fortunate for Jack that the rains were -not so persistent and continuous this year as is sometimes -the case. He was delayed at one or two stages of his -journey by thunder-storms and swollen rivers; but, thanks -to his guide, who knew the country perfectly, he was able -to cover an average of about twenty-five miles a day. At -another time nothing would have delighted him more than -to take things easily, for he passed through some of the -most magnificent scenery in the world, a country teeming -with game of all kinds, and dotted at out-of-the-way -spots with interesting monuments. But, determined to -reach Moukden as soon as possible, he was not to be -allured by the cry of pheasants or the trails of the tiger -and the deer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Furthermore, unequipped for such travelling as attracts -the globe-trotter, he found the inevitable discomforts of -the route somewhat trying to his patience. On fine days -he was plagued for hours at a time by myriads of midges, -which swarmed about his head, biting with fiendish -ferocity. But his own sufferings were slight in -comparison with his pony's. From sunrise to sunset huge -gadflies infested the poor animal, settling upon its tough -hide, and piercing it till the beast was streaming with -blood. Jack spent the greater part of the day in smashing -the terrible insects with his whip, slaying hundreds and -still leaving hundreds unslain. The nights also were times -of torment. Putting up at some inn, he had to pass the -hours in a crowded room, sealed up to prevent the ingress -of midges, filled with smoke and the sickening odours of -stewed pork and rancid vegetables. He slept on the -k'ang, sometimes wedged in among a crowd of natives -by no means too clean, never knowing but that he might -have the dangerous company of an adder before the morning. -He had to put up with such food as the inn afforded, -mostly Chinese pork and salted eggs, with an occasional -bonne bouche in the way of a trout when there happened to -be Korean fishermen in the neighbourhood. But night by -night he rejoiced in the completion of another good stage -of his journey; and, thanks to his prudence and the clever -management of his guide, he aroused no suspicions, and -was accepted as a native, morose and uncompanionable -indeed, but excused as being a wanderer from a distant -province.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At length, on the fourteenth day after leaving the -Chunchuse camp, the two travellers reached a village some -twelve miles from Moukden. They were squatting at -dinner in an inn when a detachment of Cossacks rode up, -in the course of a foraging expedition. Jack felt a little -anxious as they entered, but to them he was a mere Chinaman -like the rest; he escaped notice, yet was relieved when -they rode off in the direction of Moukden. When they were -well on their way he suggested to his guide that it would -be good policy to follow hard on their heels; entering the -city in their wake he might hope to pass without attracting -special attention.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was late in the day, near the time for the closing of -the gates, when the Cossacks approached the city. To -Jack's disappointment, instead of entering they rode off to -the north-west, in the direction of the railway. He thought -it advisable to put up in a little hamlet some two miles -from the walls and wait till morning. There was sure to -be a considerable crowd of country people awaiting the -opening of the gates, and in the crush he was likely to -pass unrecognized. Early in the morning, therefore, he -took leave of the Chunchuse and turned his pony's head -towards Moukden. Though outwardly calm, he had many -an inward tremor as he joined the crowd of people—labourers, -farmers with carts loaded with beans, drovers -with black pigs, women with fowls and geese slung round -their necks—a miscellaneous throng, all too intent on their -business, however, to give more than a passing glance to -a rider hardly distinguishable from themselves.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The gates were thrown open, and Jack passed through -with the rest, feeling tolerably secure now that he was at -last within the walls. Turning off from the main road, he -made his way by narrow and tortuous alleys to the street -where the compradore lived in his cottage at the foot of -Mr. Brown's garden. The man was smoking at the door, -and his son Hi Lo was playing at knuckle-stones on the -ground near him. Jack reined up and dismounted, saying -nothing at first in order to test the efficacy of his disguise. -The compradore looked up, but did not recognize him. -The boy was quicker. At the first glance he jumped up, -ran to his father, and whispered in his ear. The man -started, kowtowed, then, looking hurriedly and anxiously -around and up and down the street, invited Jack to enter. -When the door was shut he expressed his delight at -seeing his young master once more. He had heard from -his brother at Harbin of the successful stratagem by -which Jack had managed to start for Vladivostok, but, -knowing what risks the journey involved, he had ever -since been fearful lest some harm should have befallen him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have had some narrow escapes," said Jack, "but -here I am, you see, safe and sound. I'll tell you all about -it by and by; but first tell me, Mr. Hi, have you discovered -anything about my father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore's face fell as he related the result of his -enquiries. A Chinaman once in Mr. Brown's employment -had been working at the railway-station at Shuang-miao-tzü, -about half-way between Moukden and Harbin, when, -on a siding in an open truck, among a crowd of malefactors -in chains, he had been amazed to recognize his former -master. The truck had remained there for two days; the -man had tried to get speech with Mr. Brown, but in vain. -By questioning and comparing notes Jack came to the -conclusion that this was the very truck he had seen from -the window of the train on his way to Harbin. His blood -boiled at the recollection of the miserable wretches and the -thought that his father was among them; he felt an insane -desire to rush off at once and confront General Bekovitch -with the discovery; but he knew how fatal such a step -would be; and after an explosion of wrath which he could -not control, and at which Hi An looked on with every mark -of sympathy, he regained his composure, and, recognizing -that there was no hope save in patience, settled down to -discuss his future course of action. He knew full well -that an unlucky accident might at any time put an end to -his quest and perhaps his life, and resolved that so far as -in him lay he would not fail through lack of caution.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After the first moment of relief and happiness at seeing -Jack again, the compradore showed himself seriously -concerned for his young master's safety. If he were detected -by the Russians he ran the risk of being shot as a spy. -His disguise was perfect; Moukden was probably the last -place where his enemies would expect to find him; but -while the Russians were in possession there would always -be found Chinamen ready to curry favour with them, -and earn a little cash. After some discussion it was -arranged that the compradore should give out that Jack -was a distant relative from Sz-chuen, and Hi An himself -suggested that he should feign illness for a time until his -future movements could be carefully thought out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I shall want a name," said Jack with a smile. "What -can you call me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sin Foo, master. I had a nephew of that name; he is -dead, poor boy; it is a good name."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Now we must make further enquiries along -the line to see what has become of that truck. I have -plenty of money; the flour we expected came safely to -Vladivostok, and I sold it. You have friends you can -employ?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. But it will take a long time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course. I wish I could go up the line myself. Is -it impossible?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You must not think of it, master. If it were known -that questions were being asked about an Englishman -arrested by the Russians, suspicion would be awakened, -and what could you say if you were caught? No, leave -it to my countrymen; they will know exactly how to -enquire, without seeming too curious. As for you, it is -best to remain in Moukden, and wait until we get more -news."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'm afraid you are right. Well, let it be so for the -present. Tell me, is Sowinski in the city?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, he is living in your father's house."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At that Jack fired up again. Red with anger he strode -up and down the room, itching to do something, yet feeling -all the time his helplessness. Then he checked himself -with a laugh.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll never do for a Chinaman," he said, "if I show -temper so easily. You must teach me to fix my face, -Mr. Hi."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, master," said the compradore seriously. "I will -buy a little image of Buddha, and put it in a corner of the -room. If you look at it for two hours every day your face -will be as calm as a still pool."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore's house was very small, and before a -week was out Jack was terribly sick of being cooped up -in it from morning till night. Only after dark, when the -quarter was quiet—and that was at a very late hour, for -when Chinamen start playing fan-tan it becomes a trial of -endurance—only then did the compradore think it safe for -his guest to issue forth for a breath of air. The proximity -of Sowinski was itself a danger. Moreover, his acquaintances, -among them Sowinski's Chinese servants, were -becoming curious. It was impossible to harbour a stranger -long in secret; for a couple of days the story of a sick -cousin passed muster, but the compradore had omitted to -state the nature of the illness, and his friends began to -enquire whether they might not be allowed to see the sick -man and join Hi An himself in the charms and exorcisms -proper to cure him. Thus pushed into a corner, the -worthy man drank in their sight the ashes of burnt -yellow paper, and whispered that he feared his relative -was sickening for a fever; it would not be safe to admit -visitors. He was about to sacrifice to the divinities on -the sick man's behalf; and, taking his courage in both -hands, he invited a number of his friends to accompany him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack rolled with laughter when he afterwards learnt -what had happened. His amusement was all the greater -because the compradore was so obviously ill at ease lest -he should have incurred the displeasure of the divinities by -sacrificing for a man who was not ill. Professing to be -not quite sure of the disease, he had gone first to the -roadside shrine of his Excellency the Small-Pox and burnt -incense there; then to the Honourable Divinity the Plague; -finally, to make short work of it and cover all imaginable -complaints, he had proceeded to the deity known as -Mr. Imperfect-In-Every-Part-Of-His-Body, a hideous idol with -sore eyes, hare-lip, and ulcerated legs. Convinced now -that the travelled relative must be in a desperately bad -state, the inquisitive neighbours gave a wide berth to -Hi An, and no longer desired to cross his threshold.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But when a week had passed, Jack, finding his inactivity -intolerable, came to the conclusion that it would really be -safer if he moved about a little. The neighbourhood would -expect to be invited either to his funeral or to a feast in -celebration of his recovery, and the talk that would ensue -when neither event happened might develop danger both -for himself and for his host. One evening the compradore, -on returning home, chanced to mention that during the -day he had been asked by a foreign war-correspondent if -he could recommend a servant. The stranger already had -a capable mafoo, or groom, but this man had absolutely -refused to carry or have anything to do with a little black -box on which his master set great store, and the foreigner -had met with the same refusal from every native to whom -he applied. Hi An himself was somewhat amused at the -situation. Having served Mr. Brown for so many years, -and in so many different places, including the southern -treaty ports, he was well aware that the black box was -a harmless photographic camera: had not Master Jack -himself possessed one in Shanghai? But the Moukden -natives, not yet accustomed to the kodak of the -globe-trotter, were convinced that the mysterious box was -choke-full of little black devils impatiently waiting for -any confiding Chinaman simple enough to be lured within -their influence. The correspondent, being somewhat stout -and far from active, was loth to carry the camera himself, -and had almost resigned himself to the dead-lock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor fellow!" said Jack, laughing. "How did you -come across him, Mr. Hi?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore explained that the correspondent -appeared to be a business connection of Mr. Brown's, for he -had tried to find the merchant when he arrived in Moukden -some weeks before, and was greatly disappointed and -distressed when he learnt what had happened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How should I suit?" said Jack, as an idea struck him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ch'hoy!" exclaimed the compradore. "Master a servant?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Why not? I should be able to move about then; as -the servant of a European I should run less risk of being -suspected either by Russians or Chinese than if I were -a masterless man; and I might—the chance is small, but -still it is a chance—I might come upon some trace of my -father if attached to a foreign correspondent, whose duties -will surely take him from place to place."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, master, a servant! And to a foreigner; not even -a Yinkelis or a Melican man, but a Toitsche! Ch'hoy!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a world of contempt in the Chinaman's tone. -To the average Chinaman all "foreign devils" are alike; -only those whose business brings them into relations with -Europeans recognize degrees.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I know you don't like the Germans; but what does it -matter, Mr. Hi? A German is less likely to see through -my disguise than an Englishman. Besides, of a hundred -virtues, filial piety is the best. You know the maxim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore scratched his head. He found these -ideas difficult to reconcile. But after some further talk he -yielded, and promised to go to the correspondent early -next morning and offer the services of Sin Foo, a young -man whose honesty and industry he could guarantee.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A little before noon next day he returned. The -correspondent was delighted with the prospect of engaging a -suitable man, but must see the candidate first. He was -living with a number of other correspondents at the Green -Dragon Hotel, and wished to see Sin Foo at once.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is Monsieur Brin there?" asked Jack instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, master. He went to Harbin a week ago. He -was very sad."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Lucky for me! Then we'll go at once, Mr. Hi."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The neighbours had already been prepared to see Hi -An's relative out-of-doors at last; the application to -Mr. Imperfect-In-Every-Part-Of-His-Body had been abundantly -successful. Most of them were engaged in their usual -occupations at that time of day, and Jack attracted little -notice as he walked through the streets at Hi An's side. -At the hotel he was presented to a short, corpulent -German, wearing gold spectacles and a battered wide-awake, -and smoking a huge pipe.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He belongey Sin Foo," said Hi An.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack made the kowtow in the most approved style. -The German looked him up and down.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So!" he said. "You been servant before?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Suttingly," replied Jack, remembering his fagging -days at school.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So! You strong?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My plenty stlong, masta!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not afraid of little box?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No fea'! My cally littee box this-side, that-side, -allo-side, all-same."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Goot! You are shust ze man I seek. Now to fix ze -so imbortant business of vages. Business are business. -Vat you say to ten yen—ach! I zink still I am in Japan: -vat say you to ten dollar per mensem—ze monce?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allo-lightee—" began Jack, but the compradore interposed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ch'hoy! Ten piecee dollar! Ph'ho! My hab catchee -Sin Foo—one piecee first-chop man; he numpa one boy; -my fetchee he this-side; no can makee pidgin so-fashion -for littee bittee cash. Sin Foo, come wailo chop-chop; -folin genelum no savvy pidgin China-side fashion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore's intervention showed Jack that he -must needs exercise every care if he was to play his part -properly. To have accepted the German's first offer -without bargaining would have betrayed him to any travelled -man. After an hour's discussion an arrangement was -concluded between the stranger and Hi An. Sin Foo was -to have nothing else to do but to take charge of the -photographic apparatus. The terms agreed upon were -so high that the German declared that he must dismiss -his mafoo and engage a cheaper man. Whereupon the -compradore suggested Hi Lo to fill the place, and Jack -regarded the opportunity as almost a special providence, -for he had been dreading the discomforts and dangers that -might arise from enforced companionship with a Chinese -mafoo. With Hi Lo for a fellow-servant, however, he -need fear neither danger nor discomfort, and he was -pleased when the German accepted the boy, but at -ridiculously low wages.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was to enter upon his duties at once. As soon as -the compradore had gone to fetch Hi Lo, the German took -the opportunity to explain who and what he was.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot shpeak your bidgin talk," he said. "You -understan' blain English, boy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My savvy littee bit Yinkelis; my tly understan' -masta—he talkee Yinkelis first-chop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ver' vell. Now you call me Excellenz; you can say zat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, not a bit of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The phrase slipped out before Jack could check it. Luckily -the German was not aware of the </span><em class="italics">lapsus linguae</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zat is not bolite English; you should say, 'No, sir, -I am sorry, or I regret, zat I cannot say Excellenz.' Vell, -can you call me 'mein Herr-r-r'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He no belongey lightee China-side. My no can talkee -so-fashion. China boy tly; he say 'mine hell'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach!" grunted the German. "Zat vill nefer do, not -at all. But I cannot vaste ze time to egsblain. You must -zen call me—master. Ver' vell. Now, my name is -Schwab—Hildebrand Schwab." Jack suddenly remembered the -letter his father had shown him on the day before the -arrest; this, then, was the representative of Schlagintwert -& Co. and correspondent of the </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte Vaterland und -Colonien</em><span>. "And remember zis," continued Schwab. "If -you meet any man vat vant Birmingham screw, Manchester -soft goots, Viltshire bacon, or hair-oil, superfine, -you vill let me know at vunce—at vunce. Ven ze var is -ofer I shall do goot business in all zose zinks—ja, and -many more. It is only in var zat I am gorresbondent; in -beace I rebresent ze solid firma Schlagintwert Gombany -of Düsseldorf. You understan'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allo lightee, Herr."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ver' goot, ver' goot inteed. You say it not so bad. -Now I tell you ozer zink. I haf come at great egsbense -from San Francisco to take photographs of ze scenes of -var. I am already some veeks here, vaiting, vaiting, for -bermission to go to ze front. You understan'? At last -it come. I haf it now in my pockett. How do I get it? -Ach! it vas qvite simble. Ven I am tired of vaiting, I -go to Herr Oberst Pesteech, bresscensor, and I say: -'Your servant, noble sir; Hildebrand Schwab. Entweder -you give me ze bermission to see zis var business, or I vire -to our Kaiser who is in Berlin. At Berlin, and viz ze -Kaiser, business are business.' Zat is ze vay I shpeak. -So I return to my hotel: siehe da! ze bermission is already -zere. Zat vere business. Ver' vell. Now I tell you vat -ve do. To-morrow ve go to ze front, vere ze var is. You -vill haf ze camera; you vill assist me to make my -photographs. I vill learn you how. And give notice, boy, -zat I am not bermitted to photograph ze bositions of ze -Russian army; nor Russian troops on ze march; nor -Russian troops in action, egzept I get anozer bermission -from ze Russian general. Vat is zat for a kind of -bermission I do not say. Zerefore you vill take photographs -ven I tell you, and no ozer time. You understan'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Savvy allo masta talkee; my tinkey velly nice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So; come zen viz me; I vill learn you ze—ze—ze -control of ze photographabbaratus."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="war-look-see"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">War-Look-See</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Schwab is Shocked—Snapshots—The Coming Battle—To -Liao-yang—Schwab's Opportunity—Carpe -Diem—Suobensius—Shimose—Last -Wishes—Stackelberg—Something -Accomplished—Rhapsody—Two-Piece Pony</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>That night Jack shared a tiny room with Hi Lo. The -boy had become accustomed to see his master in Chinese -dress, but the situation was entirely changed now that he -had to regard him as an equal and address him as Sin -Foo. Jack impressed on the little fellow that everything -depended on his caution—Jack's own safety, and the -prosecution of his quest; and Hi Lo showed a quite painful -anxiety to behave with discretion and yet with naturalness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next day Schwab spent several hours in explaining to -Jack, not too lucidly, the working of the camera; the -development of the negatives he reserved for himself. -Then he prepared to sally forth to make a few experiments. -An American correspondent, standing with his -hands in his pockets at the door of the little Chinese -hotel, observed Jack as he passed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hello, Schwab!" he shouted. "Caught a Tartar at last, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Mr. Vanzant—if zat is not a shoke. Zis man is -not afraid—he gif sign of modicum of intelligence; I zink -he vill do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I guess he will do for your camera; well, so long!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Walking out of the city, Schwab set Jack to take -photographs of a few prominent objects—the Temple of Earth -beyond the eastern gate, the Tomb of Wen-Hsiang, the -statesman who rose from being a table-boy to the highest -official appointments, Dr. Christie's Hospital, where the -little Scots doctor had dispensed the blessings of Western -surgery and medicine to thousands of grateful patients. -Schwab was delighted with Sin Foo's rapid progress; it -amazed him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Truly I zink ze Manchu is not such a fool as he look," -he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My plenty muchee glad masta likee Sin Fool," said -Jack gravely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach! You do so vell zat to-morrow ve go to take var -pictures. Zere vill soon be a great battle; ze Russians -shall at last do goot business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the afternoon they went up to the railway-station to -see if seats could be booked in next morning's train, Jack -carrying the camera in case anything of interest should -offer. The station was crowded. For many days troops -had been passing towards the south; the platform was -now thronged with soldiers, surgeons, nurses, -camp-followers. Schwab was amazed, his German sense of -discipline was shocked, to see colonels walking arm in -arm with lieutenants; still more when he noticed a -placard stuck up in the buffet, signed by General Sakharoff, -threatening with dire punishment any officer who should -presume to criticise his superiors or their conduct of the -operations. He was disgusted also to observe, in a -siding, a superb dining-room car in which a company of -officers and ladies were eating and drinking with a -light-hearted gaiety that ill matched the occasion, if the rumours -of the stupendous battle approaching were well founded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You, Sin Foo," said Schwab, "I tell you zis; zat -is not var. Zat is not ze vay ve Gairmans shall behave -ourselves ven ve go to invade England; zen you vill see -var zat </span><em class="italics">is</em><span> var. You understan'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seeing little probability of obtaining a seat in the train, -Schwab decided to return to the hotel and journey south -on ponies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they left the station a number of Russian soldiers -who had just marched in were lying dead-beat in a sort of -trench parallel with a siding. A troop train was being -slowly made up, doubtless to convey these and other men -southward to the front. Schwab stood contemplating them -for a moment. Then he turned to Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boy, upfix ze camera; ve vill take schnapshot of zese men."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allo lightee, masta," replied Jack, wondering at the -German's choice of a subject. He was to be enlightened -on that point later.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was late in the day by the time they reached the city. -Passing along the principal street, they saw a crowd of -natives hurrying down a side alley uttering piercing shouts. -Jack noticed that two or three of them had buckets -suspended from the ends of a long bamboo pole carried on -the shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My tinkey house hab catchee fia."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A gonflagration in Moukden! Zat vill be ver' interesting -to ze abonnenten of my baber. Ve vill take it on ze hop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab led the way, his tall bulky form making a path -through the crowd. A pawn-shop was ablaze. The roof -had already fallen in. Siberian infantrymen were trying -to keep order in the crowd—hundreds of Chinamen yelling, -jostling each other, going hither and thither with their -buckets, splashing through the mud. Many of them were -laughing uproariously; to the Chinaman a fire is purely a -spectacle, to be enjoyed without any disturbing sympathy -for the victims, whose efforts to save themselves and their -goods are greeted as the most enjoyable farce. Some of -the crowd were waving bright-coloured flags; in the glare -from the burning house it was like a scene from a country -fair. Here and there Chinamen were squirting feeble and -futile jets of water on the house from tiny copper pumps, -like the syringes used at home for watering flowers. An -old mandarin in yellow silk forced his way through the -press, paying no heed to the fire, anxious only to get home -without soiling his white socks. But the throng was -becoming unwieldy; there was danger of the whole quarter -being set ablaze; and at last a Russian captain came up -with a squad of men at the request of the Chinese Viceroy -himself, and set about clearing the street in a business-like -way. For a few minutes the confusion seemed redoubled; -the Chinamen scampered this way and that as the Russians -came at the double along the street. This moment was -seized by Schwab, who evidently had a keen eye for a -tableau. At his bidding Jack took a snap-shot of the -strange scene—a scene that would have been appropriate -to the stage of a comic opera. Then he returned with his -employer to the Green Dragon. The correspondents -there—French, Italian, English, and American—were in the -bustle of preparation for moving out next day to -Liao-yang, where a big battle was expected to take place.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack, it must be confessed, was considerably excited at -the prospect of seeing something at close quarters of this -terrible war, which had brought forth so many surprises -for the world. Hitherto he had seen nothing but its fringe; -and of the many contradictory rumours he had heard he -was not disposed to believe too much. The Russian officers -with whom he had talked were divided into two classes: -the partisans of Alexeieff and those of Kuropatkin. The -majority pinned their faith to Kuropatkin. If he had been -left alone, they said, the war would have followed an -entirely different course. He would have waited patiently -at Harbin until his army had been raised to overwhelming -strength; then he would have taken the offensive and -driven the Japanese into the sea. But his strategy had -been dictated either by Alexeieff or from St. Petersburg. -Worse than that, he had not been able to devote his whole -energies to the proper work of a commander-in-chief. -That in itself was a stupendous task for one man, afflicted -with a poor staff. But the general had been compelled -to attend to details of commissariat, hospital arrangements, -the supply of clothes, the preparation of maps. -His was a harassing struggle against corruption, -incompetence, and drunkenness. Once, alighting at a -railway-station to make an inspection, he found the platform -strewn with intoxicated officers. With a burst of anger, -unusual in a man habitually patient and calm, he ordered -the wretched men to be sent on by the first train to the -front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What had been the course of the war since that -memorable May day when the invading army crossed the Yalu? -General Kuroki's brilliant dash was followed by several -weeks of what to the outside world seemed comparative -inaction. But during that period both sides were straining -every nerve: the Russians to hurry forward reinforcements -and complete the great fortified positions along the -railway; the Japanese to perfect the arrangements for the -three great armies which were, first, to cut off Port -Arthur, and then to move northwards against the main -Russian forces concentrating in the neighbourhood of -Liao-yang. General Stackelberg having failed at -Wa-fang-ho in his forlorn hope against the army investing -Port Arthur, the northward movement of the Japanese -was slowly resumed, the Russian right being steadily -driven back along the railway with occasional half-hearted -attempts to stem the Japanese advance. Meanwhile -General Kuroki on the east had forced the mountain -passes at Motien-ling, and General Nodzu, in command -of the centre, was preparing for the attack on the Russian -position at To-ma-shan that resulted in the evacuation of -Hai-cheng. The beginning of August found the three -Japanese armies relentlessly driving the Russian forces -towards the fortified positions south of Liao-yang which -General Kuropatkin had prepared as the scene of his first -serious attempt to roll back the tide of invasion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was a warm, dry morning, the 29th of August, when -Schwab, Jack, and Hi Lo, mounted on hardy ponies, hit -the Green Dragon for their forty miles ride to Liao-yang.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Just before they reached the gate, Jack had an exceedingly -uncomfortable moment when he noticed his father's -enemy Sowinski hurrying in the opposite direction in a -Pekin cart. The Pole passed without recognizing the tall -figure in Chinese dress, though he gave a nod to Schwab. -Jack knew that to the European all Chinamen look pretty -much alike; but he did not wish to come to too close -quarters with the Pole, and was glad that for a time at any -rate he would run no risk of being recognized in the streets.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The rains had ceased some days before; the wind was -beginning to dry the mud which in the wet season renders -all traffic impossible. The other correspondents had -already gone to the front, and when our riders left the mud -walls of Moukden behind them they saw nobody on the -road except a regiment of Cossacks marching off behind -their band, and a number of Greek camp-followers going -south in the hope of reaping some profit from the battle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they approached Liao-yang they heard the dull -boom of guns in the distance. For several days the three -Japanese armies under Generals Kuroki, Oku, and Nodzu -had been marching through mountain passes and the -valleys opening upon the Tai-tse-ho, and the Russians -had been falling back on the circular line of defences -which for three months they had been strengthening. As -he heard the thunderous reverberations, Schwab exulted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So!" he exclaimed, "I haf vaited long time. At last -my obbortunity haf come. Zis are business. Ze </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte -Vaterland und Colonien</em><span> shall haf fine bictures taken -egsbress by a Gairman viz native assistance on ze sbot. -Famos!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Liao-yang is a walled city lying on the direct road from -Moukden to Newchang and Port Arthur, and even more -picturesquely situated than the capital. Three miles north -of the city flows the Tai-tse-ho, taking a northerly course -by the north-east corner of the walls. The railway passes -at some distance to the west, making an acute angle with -the western end of the city. Southward the ground rises -gradually. Here the Russians had prepared their defences; -the crests of the hills were scored with several lines of -trenches, the result of three months' diligent spade-work.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab and his two companions, entering the city from -the north, found themselves in the midst of great bustle -and activity. The streets were thronged with soldiers; -long lines of transport wagons were arriving; and the -merchants, native and foreign, were plying a brisk trade. -Schwab had some difficulty in finding a lodging; the -hotel, kept by a Greek, was full; but he at length secured -a small cottage near the wall at an exorbitant rental. It -was evening when they arrived; Hi Lo prepared a supper -consisting of tinned sausages and biscuit brought from -Moukden, and pears purchased from a local fruiterer. -The booming of artillery had ceased, but the city was full -of noise, and Jack was amazed at the careless light-hearted -mood in which the soldiers, officers and men, were -preparing for the struggle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Before seeking repose on his frowsy k'ang that night, -Herr Schwab went out to prospect for a spot on which to -place his camera next day. He returned in a state of -exaltation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zere shall be colossal combat," he said. "I haf -shtood on ze blatform by ze reservoir, and zere I converse -viz high Russian officer, his gloves vite as snow. No -more shall zere be evacuation, he tell me; ze fight shall -now be to ze death. Boy, ve shall see shtubendous -zinks. You are afraid?"</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 76%" id="figure-96"> -<span id="the-battle-of-moukden"></span><span id="the-battle-of-liao-yang"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Map of Battle of Liao-Yang, Aug-Sept. 1904. Map of Battle of Moukden." src="images/img-140.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Map of Battle of Liao-Yang, Aug-Sept. 1904. Map of Battle of Moukden.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no aflaid this-time, masta; allo-same my tinkey -no hab look-see bobbely yet; what-time guns makee big -bang-lo, that-time masta talkee 'bout Sin Foo he belongey -aflaid."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vell, you muss screw your gourage to ze shticky -place, for vizout doubt ve shall be in ze midst of -schrapnells. It insbires me: I breeze deep. I zink of my -ancestor Hildebrand Suobensius, a great fighter, a -Landsknecht, in ze Middle Age. Vun say zat I am ver' like."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr Schwab struck his chest, and continued:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is in ze blood. Zerefore vake me early in ze -morning; ve shall be early out to secure a goot blace."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But there was no need for Sin Foo to wake his master. -Before day had fully broken, Herr Schwab was shocked -from his sleep by the boom of heavy guns—the opening of -a cannonade that broke the paper windows and set the -crockery rattling. Springing up, he bade Hi Lo saddle -the two ponies, and, stuffing some biscuits into his pocket, -set off with Jack and the camera, leaving Hi Lo to guard -the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He led the way to the north-west of the town, past the -reservoir and the brick-built government offices near the -railway-station, which was already crowded with officers -scanning the horizon through their binoculars. On the -previous night he had marked a solitary hill, known as -the Shu-shan, some distance south-west of the city, as an -ideal place for a general view of the battle-field. An old -Korean signal-tower crowned its summit; it was -approached on two sides by easy slopes, but on the north -was precipitous, its rocky face cut by ravines dark with -overhanging clumps of firs. At the western base a battery -of artillery was posted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arriving at the hill, Schwab saw that it was impossible -to ride up its northern face, while to ascend on either side -would be to court death from the Japanese shells. But in -his zeal on behalf of the </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte Vaterland</em><span> he was -determined to gain the summit. Hitching the pony's -reins to a tree, he bade Jack follow him up the steep -acclivity nearer the road, warning him to be very careful -of the camera. After a stiff climb they, panting, reached -the top. Just as they appeared there was a prolonged -whistle followed by a sharp crack; the new-comers were -assailed with loud shouts; several hands seized upon -Schwab and forced him into a trench cut in front of the -tower, and rough Russian voices informed the puffing -German that he had narrowly escaped a shrapnel. He -did not understand what they said; but Jack, who had -slipped into the trench behind him, whispered:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My tinkey this plenty nasty place. Japanese he shoot -too stlaight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr Schwab mopped his face with a red bandanna and -glanced somewhat nervously around. But the shock wore -off, and finding himself to all seeming well protected, his -courage soared into antiquity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My ancestor, Hildebrand Suobensius——" he began.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a shriek above him; another shell had burst -but a few yards away. He dropped flat in the trench. -Twisting his neck until one side of its fleshiness was -creased with deep furrows, he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell me, boy, do you see any more shells goming?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack peeped cautiously over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no look-see no mo'e, masta. He come long-long -chop-chop all-same."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab slowly rose to his knees, again mopping his -brow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zis is most terrible. Never did I zink zat var vas -such a business! Gnädiger Himmel! vy haf I gome? -Boy, I haf a bresentiment." His voice sank on a tragic -note. "I feel it here." He laid his hand on the lower -buttons of his ample waistcoat. "I, Hildebrand Schwab, -shall vizout doubt be killed." He wrung the bandanna -out. "Listen, boy, gif notice: ven I am killed you shall -send all my goots to Schlagintwert Gompany in Düsseldorf, -all egzept ze letter to Schneiders Sohne, vich gontain order -for vun dozen trouser stretchers for General Belinski; zat -you shall bost. And listen, boy:"—here his voice sank to -a confidential whisper—"in my writing-desk zere is a visp -of my hair tied up viz bink ribbon, and a boem, a boem -of lov; zese you vill send to ze Frau Jane Bottle, at ze -address on ze envelope, and you vill register ze packett. -Yes—and insure it—you shall insure it for hundert -dollars."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Herr Schwab sighed deeply, at the same time keeping -an eye on the direction whence the last shell had come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another shrapnel burst a few yards in his rear. He -groaned, lamenting bitterly. The men of Stackelberg's -1st Siberian Infantry paid no attention to him; in the -trench they were secure. General Stackelberg himself was -at the other end, grimly peering through his glasses over -the epaulement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the projectiles ceased to pass over them. -Jack ventured to raise his head and scan the surrounding -country. Before him stretched a plain dotted with villages, -the fields covered with the waving green stalks of -kow-liang. On the crests beyond, some two miles away, lay -the batteries of the Japanese; their infantry was -swarming in the intervening level, but concealed by the -kow-liang. To the left, separated from the Shu-shan hill by -the An-shan-chan road, was an irregular line of lower -heights, stretching as far as the eye could reach and out -of sight. Here were posted the main forces of the -Russian infantry, ensconced in cunningly devised trenches. -In every gap between the rocky hills batteries were -placed, concealed by every possible device. To the west -of Shu-shan the Russian cavalry, with a portion of the -1st Siberian Army Corps, was stationed to protect the -railway and the right flank. Behind, between the hills -and the town, large forces of infantry were held in reserve, -with the hospital tents and field ambulances. Temporary -lines of rail had been laid from the station to the rear of -the hills, and on these trolleys containing ammunition -were pushed along by men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack explained as much of the position as he could see -to Schwab, who, in the security of the trench, took diligent -notes, for reproduction in the </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte Vaterland</em><span> as -first-hand evidence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But tell me, boy, do you see General Kuroki? I do -not lov General Kuroki; he ill-use me, he gif me vat zey -call beans, ven I vas in Korea last year. Is he in sight?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no can look-see one piecee Japanese. Allo hidee -inside kowliang."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So! I make a note of zat. All ze Japanese hide. -Ver' goot."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack now became aware that General Stackelberg was -standing erect at the end of the trench, fully exposed to -the Japanese gunnery. The general, in hooded cloak, -wearing white gloves, spick and span as if on parade, -was calmly sweeping the plain with his glass, issuing -orders, dictating telegrams, slowly, deliberately. Shells -again began to fly around; but Stackelberg, summoned -to the telephone installed behind the tower, walked erect -towards the spot heedless of a shrapnel that burst within -a few yards of him, bespattering his clothes with black -dust. Jack felt a thrill of admiration; the general was -giving the lie to the slanderers who said that at -Wa-fang-ho he had skulked in his carriage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now the sharp crackle of musketry was mingled with -the shrieking of the shells. Long lines of Japanese were -threading their way through the fields, endeavouring to -turn the Russian right. Stackelberg marked the -movement; he gave an order; the Russians in the trenches -sprang to their feet and ran down the slope to reinforce -the threatened position. Rain began to fall, and Schwab -raised his head from the trench.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach! it rains. Vill it shtop ze battle, zink you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no tinkey so," said Jack. "Japanese, he fetchee -plenty big guns; he come this-side chop-chop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach, ich Unglücklicher!" Schwab hastily dropped -back into safety. "Nefer shall I leave ze Vaterland again. -But I shall not return; Düsseldorf shall zee me no more; -no; I haf a bresentiment; I feel it here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack, following the movement of his employer's hand, -made a suggestion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"P'laps masta he belongey hungly; p'laps he want-chee -chow-chow." He offered him a biscuit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab shook his head dismally.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no; I haf no abbedide."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My eat he."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nibbling the biscuit, Jack, in a lull of the firing, -ventured to leave the trench. A moment later he called -to Schwab.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My hab catchee one-piecee pictul. Japanese lunning -long-side kowliang; littee littee black t'ings inside gleen -stalks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Gott sei dank! I shall not die vizout agomblishing -somezink for ze Vaterland. Ach! zere is anozer!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a gentle sound overhead, like the cry of a -wounded bird. An aide-de-camp crossing the hill-top fell -with a groan. A bearer-party marked with the Red Cross -appeared from behind the tower and swiftly bore him out -of sight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab flattened himself as much as his rotund form -permitted against the floor of the trench. The cannonade -was resumed with redoubled fury. The din was incessant; -shells whistling and shrieking; musketry crackling; the -Russian batteries in their emplacements thundering as -they replied to the Japanese.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Whole ranks of the Japanese were mowed down in the -fields; still they pressed on. They were attempting to -turn the Russian right. Reinforcements were hurried to -the threatened regiments; battery answered battery; the -ground trembled under the repeated shocks. The attack -was repulsed, and long blood-stained tracks marked the -path of the bearers as they conveyed thousands of wounded -to the rear. Stackelberg had held his own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dusk was falling, the rain ceased, and a steaming mist -rose over the ground. There was a lull in the firing. -Jack stood upon the epaulement. To the left he saw a -village in flames.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My hab catchee nuzza velly good pictul, masta," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Goot boy! Zink you it is now safe for me to shtand opp?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My tinkey so. He fightey man tinkee hab plenty nuff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab got up slowly on his knees, peered over the -edge of the trench, then stood upon his feet. He was -beginning to regain his spirits.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So! Famos!" he exclaimed. "I see all ze whole -fielt of battle; I see burning villages, black fielts, hundert -or tousand dead men. Zis is var. Vat a—vat a"—Herr -Schwab was at a loss for words—"vat a zink is var!" He -threw out his chest and snuffed the smoke-laden -breeze. "But I muss go and describe ze battle for my -journal, illusdraded viz photographs taken by a Gairman -sobjeck on ze sbot. My ancestor Hildebrand——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were turning to walk down the hill; a belated -shrapnel shell burst within a few yards of them, peppering -the ground in all directions. A splinter shaved off an inch -or two of the leather cover of the camera. Schwab cut -short his reminiscence by dropping flat upon the -rain-soaked ground. When he arose, a pitiable object, after -a short period of self-communing, without further words -he hastened towards the path.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another shell crashed upon the rocks to the left, hurling -a lofty fir-tree into the ravine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach! gome alonk, gome alonk! Ve shall be killed. -Let us go to find our bonies."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Scrambling down to the spot where they had left the -animals, Schwab uttered a woeful cry; they had -disappeared. A Siberian infantryman was passing; him -the German interrogated. But the Russian shook his -head; he knew no German. Jack ventured to question -him in broken Russian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I did see two ponies. A Chinaman led them. -That was long ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He say-lo China boy hab catchee two-piecee pony, -wailo long-time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab lifted up his voice in bitter lamentation. It was -growing dark; the ground had been made a miry swamp -by the rain; there was no alternative but to tramp back -through it to Liao-yang. They reached the mandarin -road. Their feet sank ankle-deep in mud; at every step -they almost left their boots behind. Long stretches of -the road were under water. Carts were passing drawn by -long teams of mules. Schwab tried to bargain for a seat, -but the drivers refused to listen to him; their loads were -wounded men, who at every jolt uttered heart-rending -moans. Jack suggested that they should leave the road -and cut across the fields to the railway; they would find -the embankment easier walking. This they did, pursued, -as it seemed, by the whistling bullets of the Japanese. At -length, unharmed, untouched, they reached the northern -gate, and, entering, made their way all bemired, weary and -famished, to the cottage where Hi Lo awaited them.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-retreat-from-liao-yang"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Retreat from Liao-yang</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Rifle and Bayonet—Kuroki—Schwab's Strategic Movement—The -Moukden Road—At Yentai—One of the Wounded—Pawns in the -Game—Our Friends the Enemy—Story and Song—Schwab Smokes</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Next day dawned bright and clear. The fusillade had -continued almost throughout the night, and the Japanese -had made repeated assaults on the Russian trenches in -the centre, only to be driven back every time with -enormous slaughter. The first day's battle had no decisive -result; the Japanese had failed to dislodge the Russians -from any part of their line of defences. Jack was eager to -go out again; his excitement had been kindled by what -little he had been able to see of the opposing movements; -after the first tremors, the shriek of shells and whistling -of bullets had left him unmoved, and he was all afire to -witness the continuation of the great struggle. But -Schwab absolutely refused to budge.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It vas not a bresentiment," he said. "It vas a -bileattack. Zose shells, zeir schmell vas vorse zan -Schwefelwasserstoffgas—I forget ze English name, but -ze schmell is ze same; it is a schmell of eggs -suberannuated. I suffer egstremely. Besides, zey haf shtole -my bonies. And vat do I discover? I discover a damage -in ze ubber egstremity of ze camera. Vy you tell me -nozink about zis? I discover it, I say. Who done zat? -Vy you bermit it? It is not business: it annoy me -egstremely. I lose many dollars ven I shall gome to -sell ze photographabbaratus. My gustomers vill now -see it is not new. Venever I zink of it I suffer bile. I go -not again to zis battle, no more does ze camera; I vait -for ze next. I vill stay and cure ze bileattack. You shall -see ze battle; I vill take notes ven you return."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had no intention of running unnecessary risks in -order that Schwab might make "copy" out of his -experiences. But he made his way towards the -railway-station, expecting to obtain from the embankment as -good a view as was possible without venturing again on -the shell-swept hills. His choice was fortunate, for it -happened that the closest fighting of the day took place -west of the railway. General Oku had made up his mind -to force this, the weakest spot in the Russian position. -While, therefore, General Nodzu in the centre was repeating -the first day's bombardment, the Russian right, throughout -the day, was the scene of as terrible a series of infantry -attacks as the world's history has known. Time after time -the Japanese advanced to storm the trenches; time after -time they were mowed down by the pitiless bullets of the -enemy; but again and again they returned to the charge, -recking nothing of death or wounds, thinking it a privilege -indeed to end their lives in their country's cause. On both -sides the bayonet did its fell work; at one point a trench -was captured by a company of Japanese, but their ammunition -was spent, they were unsupported, and their plight -being perceived from a Russian trench a hundred yards -distant, they were bayoneted to a man. As the hot -day wore on, the Russians were driven back against the -railway embankment; streams of wounded, their cries of -agony mingled with the horrid sounds of war, flowed -incessantly towards Liao-yang; and when sunset put an end -to the firing, the bearer-parties went about their awful work -on the battle-field.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Except for the slight impression made on the right, the -Russian position was intact. The Siberian regiments had -held their own with splendid tenacity, and were almost -recompensed for their terrible sufferings by the message -of thanks from General Kuropatkin, who had witnessed -their heroic resistance from his train beyond the -railway-station. Jack started to return to Schwab with the -impression that the force of the Japanese attack was broken, -and that on the morrow the Russians would take the -offensive. The day closed with a terrible rain-storm that -turned the fields and roads into a quagmire. The streets -of the city were thronged; soldiers, Chinamen, camp-followers, -pedlars improving the occasion, all jostling one -another in noisy confusion.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Standing at the door of his cottage, Schwab hailed an -American correspondent who was passing just as Jack -appeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is ze battle finished gomblete?" asked Schwab eagerly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; the Russians have won. It is their first victory. -I am on my way to telegraph the news to New York—if -I can get a wire."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zen I vill write my account of ze closing scenes," -said Schwab to Jack. "To-morrow, if ze sun shine, -you can take more pictures of ze Japanese defeat."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But half an hour later the American looked into the -house on his way back to his own quarters.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was mistaken, Schwab," he said; "it is not a -victory after all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Eh?" said Schwab, looking up from his papers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Russians are leaving their positions; evacuation -has begun."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Himmel! Vat is ze meaning of zat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Kuroki has crossed the Tai-tse-ho, and is threatening -our communications. You had better clear out."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab might well be amazed. During the desperate -and persistent attacks on the Russian right and centre, -General Kuroki had crept steadily round their left, and -forced a passage at a ford twenty-five miles east of the -town. The news, as conveyed to Kuropatkin, was that -the Japanese general had four divisions; he had, in truth, -only two; and, misled by the exaggeration, Kuropatkin -had felt it necessary to detach some of the seasoned -Siberian regiments from Stackelberg's command in order -to reinforce the less trustworthy European corps whom -Kuroki was attacking. But the American was mistaken -in speaking of evacuation. The commander-in-chief had -only decided to abandon his advanced position, which had -always been too widely extended for effective defence, and -to withdraw his forces to the inner entrenchments, forming -a large arc almost encircling the town, and resting at -each end on the river.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Overpowered by the terrors of "war that was real war", -Schwab was goaded into feverish activity by the news of -the withdrawal. His own pony was gone; so was Jack's; -but Hi Lo's remained, and this the German ordered to -be instantly prepared for himself. Whether the interest -of the Schlagintwert Company or the safety of his own -rotund skin was the more important consideration did -not appear; but it is certain that, within half an hour -after receiving the news of Kuropatkin's order, Schwab -was riding as fast as the congested traffic would allow -towards the north. He carried the precious camera and -the negatives with him, leaving the tripod with Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You muss shift for yourself," said he at the moment -of leaving. "You and Hi Lo muss gome on behind. I -muss go qvick; it is a matter of business. Vun bony vill -not carry zree, and if I do not arrive in Moukden before -ze Russians zere vill be no money left to bay your vages. -Take most egstreme care of ze dribod."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was not ill pleased to see the back of his employer. -In other circumstances he might have been amusing; as it -was, he was a trial of patience.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I think we will wait till morning," said Jack to Hi Lo. -"I am not sure all is over yet. In any case the Japanese -won't come into the city in the dark; the firing has stopped; -and we shall see our way better by daylight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So they stretched themselves on the k'ang and slept -until the dawn. When they arose it was obvious that -Schwab's flight was premature. True, the roads -northward were crowded with fugitives, but they were in the -main natives; the Russians held their positions; and Jack -saw a fine regiment marching, not northward, but southward, -in the direction of the enemy, singing the Russian -national anthem with a spirit that little betokened a failing -cause. But Jack felt that Schwab would expect his two -servants to follow him; he would be helpless without them. -The exodus from the city was already so great that it -seemed best to go northwards by the pontoon bridge while -it was possible. He therefore started on his way back to -Moukden. Hi Lo had managed to secure a mule—Jack -did not enquire how; and on this, with the boy trudging by -his side, Jack crossed the river by the pontoon and gained -the mandarin road.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He found himself in a scene of terrible confusion. The -road was blocked with vehicles of all descriptions,—droshkies, -Pekin carts, ammunition wagons, country carts with -their unwieldy teams; and crowds of camp-followers and -Chinese tradesmen. Drivers were shouting, soldiers -cursing, women shrieking. Chinamen staggered along with -poles over their shoulders, a basket slung at each end -containing a child barely awake, but laughing with glee at what -seemed to its innocence a novel and pleasing adventure. -Women passed, bent under heavy bundles containing their -household gear; carts were heaped with bits of furniture, -ambulance wagons with wounded and dead; here was a -soldier leading a little donkey with a battered drum upon -its back, there a farmer whose clumsy cart was filled with -cackling ducks and squealing pigs. Now an axle would -break, and the contents of the wagon were scattered over -the ground; now the wheels of one cart would become -locked with those of another, and the tangled teams -plunged and kicked in the mud. Then the uproar -became still more furious; riders, careless of what damage -they might do, pressed their horses through the throng -in haste to make good their escape from the terrible shells -whose coming was announced from afar. The Japanese -had begun to bombard the station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack saw that he had little chance of making his way -through the crush. Calling to Hi Lo, he turned aside -into a field of kowliang, already trampled, and rode on -over the ruined crop. In the distance, on the left, he -caught sight of train after train steaming northwards. -Behind, dense clouds of smoke obscured the city: the -Russian quarter of Liao-yang was in flames. Ever and -anon a detonation shook the air, and by and by the -whistle of bullets was heard; the Japanese had occupied -the Shu-shan hill, and with their terrible long-range -weapons were firing into the Russian settlement.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The fourteen miles from Liao-yang to Yentai took Jack -six hours. It was evening when he arrived—too late to -go farther; and he put up for the night in a ruined hut. -Russians were massed in the town, and covered the slopes -towards the mines. The Russian left wing had been -driven back in this direction, and it was to reinforce the -hard-pressed troops here that Kuropatkin had withdrawn -Stackelberg with his Siberians. But it was too late. Next -day Kuroki flung his divisions upon the Russian entrenchments. -At a critical moment General Orloff, professor in -a Russian military college, attacked, contrary to his -instructions. The Japanese hidden in the kowliang awaited -the onset, then poured in a terrible fire, which threw the -first regiment, composed of raw recruits, into confusion. -They broke and fled; the regiment behind, prevented by -the high stalks from seeing what had happened, opened -fire upon their own comrades; a third was led into the -same fatal error; and the entire left wing, bewildered, -disorganized, sought safety in flight. Yentai was filled -with the Russian wounded; surgeons, with coats off and -shirt sleeves tucked up, went about their work in the open -streets; the air was filled with the screams and groans of -men in agony.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack hurried through the town, and came again into the -open country. A mile north of the town he overtook a -bearded veteran crawling painfully along; he was wounded -in the chest. He looked with haggard, covetous eyes on -Jack's mule; his face was drawn and white; sweat was -streaming from his brow. Jack stopped and sprang to -the ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Get on my mule," he said in Russian. "Hi Lo, help -me to lift him up."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man broke into sobbing exclamations of thanks. -Supported by Jack on one side, by Hi Lo on the other, -he rode on during the rest of that hot day. At dusk they -entered a straggling village, and Jack was thinking of -looking for a shelter for the night when a rough voice -from a cottage cried:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach, Strogoff! come here, comrade."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nu, Chapkin," said the wounded man. "I am wounded, -old friend."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack led the mule to the door, and helped to carry the -man into the cottage. It had been appropriated by a -group of Russian soldiers who had become separated from -their regiment. They received their wounded comrade -with rough expressions of sympathy; and, learning from -him of the Chinaman's kindness in lending his mule, they -invited Jack and Hi Lo to stay with them. Jack was -nothing loth. He shared his few remaining biscuits with -the men, and sent Hi Lo out to buy some fruit if possible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy returned with some pears and peaches, which -formed a welcome addition to their black bread and cakes -of buckwheat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sitting on the k'ang, Jack was an interested listener to -the soldiers' talk. He did not understand all they said; -they were simple moujiks, whose broad dialect was not -easy to follow; but he picked up a good deal of their -conversation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Strogoff had to relate how he had received his wound. -His story was long in the telling, punctuated by many an -"Ach!" "Och!" "Eka!" "Nu!" from his comrades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach!" he concluded, "the Japanese are fine fellows, -but they are too little to use the bayonet. A bigger man -would have made a better job of it, and I should be dead -now."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Da! But you'd rather be alive, Strogoff?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How can I tell, Kedril? Will the doctors be able to -mend my wound?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not if they're such fools as the generals," grunted -Kedril, a big, shaggy rifleman who had lost an arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, there are some fools among them. But better -be a fool than a knave, like the commissaries. Why, half -the biscuits served out to us to-day were full of maggots, -and my boots—look at them!—are made of paper. Do -you think the Little Father knows how we are cheated?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no; the Emperor does not know, Almazoff. He -would not suffer these evils if he knew them. Nu! he -cannot be everywhere, like the Lord God."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Things will be better some day. We've done our -part, little pigeon. But the Emperor would not like it -if he knew what lies they have told us. Why, they said -the Japanese were dirty little men like monkeys; but -they're cleaner than you and me, Strogoff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And they said they walked with their heads downwards."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, Chapkin, that's the English. They say the -English walk upright in their own country, but when -they go to another place of theirs called Australia they -turn upside down and walk on their heads."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That can't be true, because Australia belongs to -Germany. It's a part of America, I believe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nu! America belongs to England, so I dare say I was -right after all. Anyway, the Japanese walk on their feet -like us, and they fight well. I wonder what made them -so angry with us?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know. What do we get angry about when -we're at home? Perhaps the Little Father called the -Emperor of Japan a sheep; if you called me a sheep I -should fight you; but emperors can't fight; of course not, -for they've no one to give them orders except the Lord -God, and He couldn't give orders to both at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But if they quarrel, why should they make us fight in -thousands? It would be much better if his excellency the -general and the Japanese marshal took off their coats and -fought, just they two. That would be a fight worth seeing, -eh, comrades?—a fight after the old style, before they did -everything by machinery."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Da! It wouldn't matter so much if they made each -other's nose bleed, instead of us shooting at the little -Japanese and them shooting at us. Why, think of the -thousands of widows there must be in Little Russia—da! and -in Japan too, for I expect they have a kind of marriage -there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, we haven't any quarrel with the little men; and -they're not very angry either. When I was wounded in -the bayonet charge, and lay on the ground, a Japanese -came up and gave me a cigarette; ach! the sun was hot, -and I was fanning myself with my cap, and he made me -take a little paper fan he had. Here it is: I shall give it -to my little Anna, dushenka! when I get home again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach! shall we ever get home again? Look at the -thousands of versts we are away; and we've got to stay -till we beat the Japanese! Sing us your song, Chapkin—you -know, the one that always makes me cry."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The big veteran addressed took a sip from his half-empty -flask of vodka, and began, in a fine baritone every -note of which was charged with pathos—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"No more my eyes will see the land</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>Where I was born.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>I suffer at my lord's command;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>My limbs are torn.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Upon my roof the owl will moan;</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>The pigeon for her mate will yearn;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>My heart with grief is broken down:</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>No, never more shall I return!"</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The simple words brought tears to the eyes of all those -rough soldiers. Kedril grunted and growled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Don't make us more sad. Almazoff, you're the only -fellow among us who can read: read us something out of -your English book; the piece about the great fight in -heaven; that's the stuff for a soldier."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Almazoff took from his pocket a dirty dog-eared paper-covered -book, and turned over the leaves. Having found -the place, he began, in a slow sonorous chant—</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">"Then rose a storming fury, and such uproar as never yet had -been heard in Heaven. Arms clashed on armour, a din of horrible -discord; the furious wheels of brazen chariots roared with rage; -dire was the noise of battle. Overhead with awesome hiss flew -fiery darts in flaming volleys, and their flight covered either host -with a vault of fire. Beneath this burning dome the embattled -armies shocked together, with deadly onset and unquenchable -rage: all Heaven resounded; and had earth been then, the whole -earth had quivered to her centre. What wonder, when on both -sides millions of angels fought, fierce foes, of whom the feeblest -could wield the elements and arm himself with the might of all -their regions!——"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Thus he read on, and through the rough prose of the -Russian translation Jack caught echoes of the famous -passage in </span><em class="italics">Paradise Lost</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Far into the night the reading, story-telling, singing, -went on. In the morning Jack took leave of the simple -brave fellows and resumed his journey. On the way he -learnt that the Russian army was in full retreat. General -Kuropatkin's able dispositions had extricated his worn -troops from the danger of being surrounded, and they -were falling back in good order, disappointed but not -disheartened, towards Moukden. Thither Jack made with -all speed; and entering the city with Hi Lo by one of the -south gates in the evening, he found Schwab placidly -smoking his pipe at the door of the Green Dragon.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="mr-brown-s-house"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Mr. Brown's House</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Schwab and Sowinski—Extempore—The Camera cannot -Lie—Sowinski Suspicious—Shadowed—Short Notice—Run -to Earth—A Hole in the Fence—Lares et Penates—The -Press—Sowinski's Supper</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Weeks passed. Moukden was no longer the city Jack -had known. Hitherto but few Russian troops had been -seen in its streets; now these were thronged from morning -till night. Regimental wagons, ammunition carts, rumbled -hither and thither, raising clouds of dust. Officers strolled -about, buying knick-knacks of the curio dealers; war -correspondents kicked their heels in the hotels; droshkies, -rickshaws, troikas, flew this way and that, to the -disturbance of the placid people of this ancient city.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were already signs of winter in the streets. The -seasons in Manchuria do not shade off one into another; -summer heat stops, almost at one stride comes winter cold. -One morning the shops in the principal streets were hung -with furs—the skins of wild cats, foxes, martens, otters, -sheep, raccoons; fur caps, lined coats, woollen hoods, -sheepskin leggings, stockings of camel's hair. The Chinese -merchants near the eastern ramparts plied a brisk trade with -Russian officers, offering their customers cups of tea with -true oriental politeness, and raising their prices a hundred -per cent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They had been weeks of idleness for Jack. The Japanese -had occupied Yentai; the Russians had thrown up entrenchments -to the south of Moukden. There was talk of their -taking the offensive; but warlike operations had ceased -for a time, and Schwab had been too busy developing his -negatives to think about taking more photographs. Jack -spent much of his time with the compradore, hoping day -after day, but in vain, for news of his father. He had -caused money to be forwarded to Mr. Hi Feng in Harbin -for the purpose of pushing enquiries in the north, through -Chinese channels, and two trusty Chinese had been sent to -make investigations along the Moukden-Harbin section. -The latter returned quite baffled. But Jack sent them out -again; he chafed at his own helplessness: meanwhile no -stone must be left unturned. Once or twice he had seen -Sowinski in the streets; once he met him face to face near -the palace; but the Pole passed by without giving any -signs of recognition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab had become tired of the Green Dragon, and -now lived in a little house which he rented from a Chinese -grocer. He was waited on by Hi Lo, who shared with -Jack a room looking on the street. One day Jack was -standing at the window, watching the thronging traffic. -He was in low spirits: he had been so hopeful when he -left Father Mayenobe; was he to endure a long suspense -like Gabriele Walewska, but in more pain even than she, -not knowing whether his father was alive or dead? -Suddenly, behind a string of carts he saw Schwab -approaching in company with Sowinski. Schwab was talking -eagerly. Jack knew that his employer had had several -interviews with the Pole; he had probably been -establishing business relations between him and Schlagintwert -in anticipation of the close of the war. The two entered -the house, and Jack, with a certain tingling of the -nerves, betook himself to the kitchen. Presently Hi Lo -came in to prepare dinner; Sowinski was dining with his -master. The boy waited at table, and, coming in and out -of the kitchen, he gave Jack from time to time information -of what was going on. The Pole knew a little German; -both he and his host knew a little English; and as they -eked out their acquirements the quick-witted China boy -picked up scraps of their conversation and reported them -to Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He piecee Polo man talkee; say-lo what plice Melican -lails? Masta he say velly cheap; he sellum evelyting -cheap; he say belongey plenty pidgin what-time fightey -man all wailo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Boy!" shouted Schwab from the other room.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hai-yah, masta!" replied Hi Lo, hurrying away. He -returned in a few seconds.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Masta say wantchee Sin Foo chop-chop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack whistled under his breath. For a moment he -thought of slipping out of the room. But Schwab knew -he was there. To leave without explanation would cause -trouble. It would perhaps be best to brazen it out. He -had already met Sowinski several times without being -recognized. Yet he regretted that he had not taken French -leave the moment he saw the Pole coming. He obeyed -the summons.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You Sin Foo, bring ze photographs, zose I haf developed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allo lightee, masta."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack went out conscious that the Pole's eyes had been -fixed on him. Returning with the photographs he gave -them to Schwab, and was on the point of leaving the room -when the German bade him wait. Schwab unrolled the -papers and spread them before his guest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zere! Vat you zink of zat? Zose I took at ze battle -of Liao-yang. Ach! zat, mein frient, vas a fearful time. -You vere not zere? No—you are a man of beace; ve -gorresbondents are men of var. Picture ze hill of -Shu-shan, schrapnel burst here, zere, everyvere; ze bullet fall -zick as leaves of Vallombrosa. Zat hill, mein frient, vas -target for hundert fifty guns. Zere am I, at ze top, fixing -ze Japanese batteries in my focus. Danger! Donnerwetter! -It vas truly bandemonium. But vy am I zere? -Duty, mein frient, calls me; business are business; my -duty, I am baid to do it; but not enough, no, certainly not -enough. Vy, I write zis mail to Düsseldorf and say I can -no longer encounter such danger for ze brice. I muss haf -increase of screw. Boy, fetch ze camera."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack laid it on the table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"See, mein frient," continued Schwab. "Gontemblate -zat hole! Schrapnel! Anozer inch, or inch and half—ach! it -is all ofer viz Hildebrand Schwab. Ze var gorresbondent -run colossal risk, true; but ze var gorresbondent -vat is also var photographer—vy, his risk is—vat shall I -say? it is schrecklich, furchtbar!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was aghast at Schwab's magnificent assurance. -If he had been alone with the Pole, that would have been -another matter; but to dilate upon his exploits in the -presence of one who knew exactly what heroic part he -had played was astounding. Jack reflected, however, -that he was merely a Chinese servant, and as such of -no importance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Finding that his invention was more than equal to the -strain, Schwab proceeded with even greater confidence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look at zis, mein frient. Here ve haf terrible scene -of carnage in a Russian trench, a whole gombany is viped -out by vun shell." Herr Schwab handed his guest the -photograph of soldiers sleeping in the ditch near the -Moukden railway-station. "And zis—vat zink you of -zis?" He picked out the snap-shot of Siberian infantry -before the blazing pawn-shop. "Here, mein frient, ve -see Russian infantry vat make nightattack on village near -Yentai: zey set on fire house full of Japanese."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ver' good, ver' good," remarked the Pole with an acid -smile—"for a photograph made by night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab shot a suspicious glance at his guest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ja!" he said, "it is vonderful. Zese vill abbear in -ze bages of my baber, ze </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte Vaterland und -Colonien</em><span>, zey vill give true account, shpeaking better zan -volumes of gorresbondence, of ze horrible scenes vat zeir -rebresentative haf beheld at ze bost of danger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sowinski's attention had been flagging; perhaps his -intuition had detected the artistic temperament. At any -rate Jack felt that his eyes were once more fixed on the -silent Chinese boy—fixed in a puzzled, scrutinizing gaze. -The epic of the camera being completed, and Schwab -turning the conversation once more to business, Jack -took the opportunity of slipping away. Hi Lo remained -in the room to replenish the glasses. When Jack's back -was turned, Sowinski, as Hi Lo reported later, leant -forward and asked quietly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tell me, where did you get your boy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vich? Sin Foo? Oh! I tell you. I got him to -carry ze camera. Ach! zese Chinamen! Zey are above -all zinks suberstitious. Zey zink ze camera hold tousand -defils; not one haf ze gourage to undertake it till I abbly -to ze gompradore of a Mr. Brown, for whom I had a -letter. Mr. Brown is a bad lot; he is gone, none knows -vere—ze Russians haf him put out of sight for because he -haf betrayed zem to ze Japanese. Perhaps you know him, -mein frient? Vell, ze gompradore recommend me zis boy, -Sin Foo, vat haf some intelligence and do not fear ze -defils. He is of use—yes, of use; he is not afraid to -follow me in ze zick of ze battle. Vere ze gombat rage, -zere is Schwab and his camera. It is in ze blood. My -ancestor Hildebrand Suobensius vas a great fighter—a -Landsknecht. I vill tell you his history——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hi Lo's report made Jack uneasy. Sowinski was evidently -suspicious. If his suspicions took definite form, it -was scarcely likely that a man of his rancorous disposition -would leave things as they were. In the dusk of -the evening Jack hurried to his friend the compradore; he -felt that at this critical moment he needed advice from a -Chinaman of experience. When Hi An heard what had -happened, he said at once that it would be madness for Jack -to remain longer in Moukden. Sowinski would certainly -seek a resolution of his doubts; he would in any case have -Jack arrested; and being in disguise, Jack would in all -probability, if arrested, meet the fate of a spy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While they were talking, Hi Lo came in hurriedly to -report that one of Sowinski's servants was hanging about -Schwab's house, apparently on the watch. That clinched -the matter. Jack must make himself scarce, and as -speedily as possible. Where was he to go? In the -confused state of the country he might easily disappear; -he could become a camp-follower, or mafoo to some -European. But this would have its dangers; a Chinaman, -as he had already proved, would soon penetrate his -disguise; with a definite purpose before him, he did not -care to be the sport of chance. He might take refuge -for a time with Wang Shih's people; but it was not -improbable that search would be made for him there, and -he did not wish to involve them in the escape of a spy. -There was his friend Ah Lum; he remembered the chief's -invitation, and bethought himself that the Chunchuses, -moving constantly about the country, enjoyed the best -opportunities of learning his father's whereabouts. His -mind was made up; he would join the brigands.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But unluckily the city gates were now shut. Since the -war had come nearer to the walls, the entrances had been -guarded more strictly. No one was allowed to go in or -out after nightfall unless he wore a uniform or had a -pass. The inner wall was too high to climb over; if by -any chance he could slip through the gates, traverse the -suburbs, and climb the outer wall, he might be shot; if he -waited till morning, he ran the risk of arrest. Yet, all -things considered, it seemed better to wait. Sowinski -was apparently not quite sure of his ground. Then, to -ensure his escape, a pony was needed; and he would have -to enquire of Ah Lum's agent in the city, from whom -alone could he learn the present whereabouts of the band. -Finally, he was disinclined to leave Schwab without -personally informing him of his approaching departure. This -was perhaps in the circumstances a small matter, but it -had more weight with Jack than he was probably aware of.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Taking leave of Hi An, he set off to return to Schwab's -house. Hi Lo had preceded him. As he walked he felt -that he was being dogged. He did not care to assure -himself by looking back; but he took the first opportunity -of slipping into a side street, and hurrying to his -destination by a short cut. Schwab was writing, alone.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My velly solly, masta," said Jack, kowtowing with -even more than usual humility. "My wantchee wailo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vat you say? Already vant holiday? No, no, boy. -You haf been viz me not yet vun monce. I do not gif -holidays so soon."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no wantchee holiday; my wantchee wailo allo-time; -no come back; hab catchee muchee plenty leason."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Donnerwetter! Vat is zat for a kind of business? -Zat is desertion; infamous! Who zen vill carry ze -camera? No, I cannot let you go; no, I refuse, I vill -bay you no vages."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My velly solly. My likee masta first-chop; wantchee -wailo all-same. Masta no say Sin Foo belongey tellum -what-time he wantchee go. Masta no wantchee pay-lo -wages? all-same; my no makee bobbely. Suttinly my -wailo chop-chop."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach! Zat is ever so; ze goot servant cut his shtick; -ze bad servant shtick fast. Vell, if I say no, vizout doubt -you vill run avay?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No fea'."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vell zen, I let you go. You haf done me vell; zat is -ze truth. But business are business; you haf served me -vun monce less two days. I bay you zen fifteen dollar -less ze vorth of two days. Vat is zat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no savvy, masta; my no hab catchee t'ings so-fashion -China-side."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vell, I vill gif you fifteen dollar, and zay nozink about -vat you owe me. Vere you go?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My go look-see flend long long wailo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"So! I tell you zis; if again you gome back to -Moukden vile Hildebrand Schwab is var gorresbondent, -he alvays gif you job."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Masta too muchee velly kind. My tinkee Toitsche -genelum numpa one chappee, galaw! My say-lo by-by, -masta; so long!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The farewell interview had taken longer than Jack -anticipated. He was anxious to be gone, feeling insecure in -Schwab's house. Giving the hard-earned dollars to Hi -Lo, he hastened back by side streets to the compradore, -with a suspicion that he was watched as he left the house -by two Chinamen whom he caught sight of on the other -side of the road. He peeped back at the first corner, and -saw that one of the men was coming in his direction; the -other had disappeared. On reaching Hi An's house he -found that the man was absent; he had spoken of making -enquiries of Ah Lum's agent. Jack waited rather -anxiously. Twenty minutes passed, then the compradore -came in very hurriedly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sowinski is coming with Russian soldiers!" he gasped. -"They will be here in five minutes. I found Ah Lum's -man, Me Hong; he will send a guide to Hsien-chia-kou, -ten miles away. You must not go near Me Hong. But -how to get away!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack fortunately could keep his head. He had but a -few minutes to decide on a course, and he made the most -of them. If he went into the street he would be at once -seen; probably there were already men on the watch at -each end. The only other way out was by the back. The -compradore peered out; as Jack expected, he saw several -figures lurking in the shade of the wall. Jack remembered -that in the fence separating the compradore's garden from -Mr. Brown's there was a narrow gap through which Hi Lo -had been wont to creep as a short cut to the house. -Between the fence and the house there was a line of shrubs -about two and a half feet high. It was growing dark; if -he could creep away under cover of the bushes to the hole -in the fence he might gain his father's house. There he -would in truth be in the enemy's country; but the -attention of the watchers would probably be engrossed by the -soldiers whose tramp was now heard approaching, and his -own house would be the last that Sowinski would suspect -as the fugitive's hiding-place. What the next step might -be Jack could not imagine; the first was risky, but he saw -no other. In a word he told the compradore of his -intention. The man gasped; then with a rapid movement took -a revolver from a shelf and pressed it into his young master's -hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-bye, Mr. Hi! I will let you know. Don't forget -Father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He slipped to the back door, dropped on all-fours, and -wriggled along the ground close to the line of shrubs. He -had barely started when he heard Sowinski loudly -summoning Hi An to open the door. The compradore made -some reply, apparently temporizing; the answer was an -angry shout, followed by a soothing response from the -faithful servant. Jack heard no more; in another moment -he reached the gap in the fence. He wriggled through; -the garden had been neglected since Mr. Brown's arrest, -and the undergrowth was rank; this was fortunate, for -only a few feet away he saw, leaning on the fence, the -form of a Russian soldier, and a yard or two beyond him -another. They were talking together, or they might have -heard the rustle as Jack squeezed through the hole and -made for the house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In these few moments he had been rapidly thinking. -He could not hope to hide in the house, but he might -pass through it, gain the front door, and escape by the -street. Naturally he was so familiar with the house that -there was no danger of his going astray. But, slipping -in by the back door and turning into the passage leading -to the front, his hope was suddenly dashed. Three Chinamen -stood at the open door, completely barring his egress. -They were talking excitedly and in loud tones. Jack -overheard one of them say that the Russians were arresting -a supposed Chinaman, actually an Englishman who had -come to spy for the Japanese, the very man who had -been living in Hi An's house behind, and whose illness -had given them such concern. Evidently they were -servants of the Pole, stationed at the door to keep watch. -The three men blocked up the doorway and stood facing -the street.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack noiselessly slipped into the dining-room, lit by a -single lamp. He felt like a fox in a hole, with dogs all -round ready to snap him up if he showed his nose. He -looked round the familiar room with a curious sense of -aloofness. Had this been for so long his home? It was -the same room, the same furniture—a table, a few chairs, -engravings on the walls, the large oaken press; but a -different air seemed to pervade it now. For a moment he -thought of hiding in the press until dead of night, and -then slipping away. He opened the door; the lock had -been forced; the press was empty save for a few bottles -of wine. Clearly this would not be a secure refuge; a -bottle might be required at any moment. What else could -he do? He could open the window—the only glass one -in the house—and drop into the street; but he would -certainly be seen by the men at the door or by a casual -passer-by, though there were few people about at that -hour of the evening. Yet no other course suggested -itself, and he was moving towards the window when he -heard soft footsteps in the passage outside. Quick as -thought he sprang behind the open door, listening with -thumping heart.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of the servants passed by on the way to the kitchen. -He had left the others at the door to keep watch while he -prepared his master's supper. The cloth, Jack noticed, -had been left on the table. In a minute or two the man -would come into this very room, and Jack must be seen. -With nerves tingling he waited, setting his lips as a plan -of action was suggested to him by the emergency. Soon -he heard the clink of glass. The servant was returning. -He came from the kitchen carrying a tray with a glass -jug, a tumbler, and a plate. He entered the room, walked -to the table, and set the tray upon it. At that moment -Jack stepped quietly up to him from behind, brought one -arm round over his mouth to stifle any cry, and with the -other held the cold barrel of his pistol to the man's temple.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep silent, for your life!" he whispered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman, with fear in his eyes, made no sound or -movement, but stood as still as his trembling limbs allowed. -Still keeping the pistol pointed at the man's head, Jack -quietly closed the door. Then he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will do you no injury, but your safety and mine -require that you should be out of harm's way for a time. I -have business with your master. Go into that press. So -long as you are quiet and do what you are told, you have -nothing to fear. But if you make the slightest sound, that -moment will be your last. You understand me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He spoke very low and rapidly, but distinctly. The man -nodded; there was no mistaking the grim meaning with -which this tall foreigner who spoke Chinese fingered the -trigger of his revolver. Crossing the room to the press, -the Chinaman stepped into it, and Jack closed the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He wondered if he could slip out of the house before -Sowinski returned. Before long the Pole must discover -that the bird had flown; he would realize the hopelessness -of searching the whole of Moukden at night for a man -disguised as a Chinaman, and, furious as he might be, -he would doubtless accept the situation for the moment, -and return to his evening meal. Once more Jack was -making towards the window when he heard footsteps -again, this time approaching from the back of the house; -not the shuffling felt soles of Chinese, but the tramp of -heavy European boots. At the same moment there came -from the street the clatter of several feet marching in time. -Jack stepped back from the window. He heard a gruff -voice, the voice of Sowinski, say in Russian:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sergeant, there is no more to be done. The spy has -got away. Inform the sentinels at the gates. He cannot -leave the city to-night; we may trap him yet. Report -to General Bekovitch; I will see him in the morning. -Good-night!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sergeant responded, and marched his squad away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is Ming Fo?" demanded Sowinski of the -servants at the door. "Why is he not watching with you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is preparing your supper, master; we are keeping -watch for him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have seen no one pass?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Go and get your supper."</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-97"> -<span id="sowinski-s-visitor"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Sowinski's Visitor" src="images/img-171.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Sowinski's Visitor</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Jack heard Sowinski's footsteps approaching the -room and the two Chinamen shuffling along behind towards -the kitchen. His chest heaved; the crisis was at hand.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-night-with-sowinski"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">A Night with Sowinski</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">The Persuasive Pistol—A Pass—Thorough—Captain -Sinetsky—The Eastern Gate—An Empty Pistol</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack had intended to deal with the Pole as he had dealt -with his servant; but the fact of the two other Chinamen -passing the door of the room close on his heels had thrown -out his calculations. He could not afford to run the risk -of the slightest struggle; it would certainly be heard. He -had but an instant to decide on his course.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Behind the door was a chair. To this Jack tiptoed, -and he had just seated himself when Sowinski opened -the door. The Pole flung his hat on a chair, and moved -towards the press, doubtless with the intention of getting -a bottle of wine. He almost had his hand on the knob -when he became aware, rather by instinct than by -perception, of a movement behind him. Jack with his foot -had gently swung the door to. Turning sharply round, -Sowinski saw the red light of the shaded lamp reflected -from the barrel of a pistol in the hand of a young Chinaman -seated composedly within five feet of him. For a moment -he was motionless; he was too much surprised for speech; -a second glance showed him who his visitor was, and Jack, -watching him keenly, saw his face go pale. He stood -irresolute; the ominous pistol, not held rigidly, but moving -gently from side to side, seemed to hold him spell-bound, -as the swaying head of a snake fascinates a hare.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Mr. Sowinski," said Jack quietly, though his -pulse was galloping; "yes, it is I, Jack Brown. You -were looking for me? Speak low, or the pistol may go off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You would be arrested at once," said the Pole in a -hard whisper.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Possibly, but that would not help you. You would be -dead."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sowinski ground his teeth. Rage and fear struggled -for the mastery; but fear, as Jack had calculated, was the -stronger. The man's eye never left the barrel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"First, Mr. Sowinski," continued Jack, rising, and now -pointing the revolver steadily at his head; "first, I wish -to know where my father is."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your father? How should I know? Am I your father's -keeper? He was deported."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You lie!" said Jack, his voice vibrant with anger. -"Come, your reply; your life depends on it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Visibly cowed by Jack's menacing look and tone, the -Pole replied sullenly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, it is true; he was taken to Harbin, to be -delivered to General Kriloff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And where is he now?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I do not know. I swear that is the truth. General -Bekovitch——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Does he know?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot say. I do not know what message he sent to -General Kriloff. I have heard nothing of your father since -he went away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He went in chains; did you know that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," replied the Pole hesitatingly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then where is he? You know that; you know more; -a man is sent away in chains, herded with foul criminals; -it is your doing; what have you done with him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know; may I never speak again if that is not -true. He is probably in the mines."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he said this, even the imminent pistol could not -prevent Sowinski from betraying his rancorous satisfaction in -a mocking curl of the lip and a half-suppressed chuckle. -Yet Jack felt intuitively that in this case the man was -speaking the truth; that he really did not know what had -become of his victim after he had seen him safely wedged -in the cattle-truck. There was scorn as well as a white -heat of anger in Jack's reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You infamous scoundrel! You would be justly served -if I shot you where you stand, and for my own part the -satisfaction would be worth the risk. But I can't kill -even such vermin as you in cold blood; and if I spare -you, be sure the day of reckoning is only deferred. There -are a thousand Poles waiting to kill the traitor Ladislas -Streleszki at sight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The amazed and wretched man swayed as he stood; his -hue turned still more ashen than before; his whole body -seemed to shrink together with craven fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, choose," continued Jack after a pause. "The -pistol, or instant compliance with my demands.—Silence!" He -heard the two Chinamen approach the door, and -noticed a twitching of the Pole's mouth suggesting a cry -for help. The impulse, if impulse it was, was immediately -checked by Jack's stern command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Send them home."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sowinski called to the men that they might go; he would -require them no more that night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now close the shutters. Thank you! I see pen, ink, -and paper on yonder shelf. Seat yourself at the table and -write in Russian from my dictation."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Pole moved mechanically, under the spell of the -covering revolver.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'To Lieutenant-Colonel Gudriloff,'" dictated Jack. -"'Please supply bearer, Chang Sin Foo, with a pass -for the gates, and two good ponies; debit the charge -to my account.' Now sign your name—your present -name. That is right. Now, Mr. Sowinski, you have -been so obliging that I trust you will excuse what must -seem a poor return for your complaisance. But my -position in your—that is to say, my father's house, being -somewhat delicate, I have no alternative."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two Chinamen having gone away, Jack no longer -subdued his tone. He had the whip hand. Still keeping -the revolver steadily pointed at the scowling Pole's head, -he stepped to the press and, Sowinski looking on in -amazement, called to the Chinese servant to come out. -The man was as pale as his master; he was stricken -with the very ague of fear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have nothing to fear," said Jack, pitying the -fellow. "Do what I tell you quickly. Tear up that -cloth." He pointed to the none too clean cover on the -table. "Tear it into six strips."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man tried, but the material was too tough, or his -hands too much enfeebled from fright.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Take the knife, but remember, at the first movement -in this direction I will shoot you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With some difficulty the man did as he was bid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now bind your master's legs—first round the ankles. -Quick!"—as the man recoiled before the glare in Sowinski's -eyes. Jack jerked up his pistol, and the trembling -wretch hastened to obey. The Pole made no resistance; -but if looks could have slain, both Jack and the Chinaman -would have been killed on the spot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now the arms," said Jack, when, under his supervision, -Sowinski's legs had been securely trussed. "No, -behind him—not in front: that is right. Now the knees. -Now tie the wrists to the ankles. Now a gag; that fur -cap will do. We are going to place your master in the -press. You take the head; I will take the feet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack felt that he was giving the Chinaman a bare chance -to close with him; but the man seeming so cowed, he took -the risk, careful, however, to keep the revolver conspicuous. -As they lifted the Pole they saw his face distorted with -rage and hate. They stood him upright in the press, and -closed the door, leaving sufficient space between it and the -sides to admit air. Then with a feeling of relief after the -tension of his perilous situation, Jack took up the order -signed by Sowinski, and was wondering how to dispose of -the Chinaman, when there was a loud knock at the outer -door, followed immediately by footsteps in the passage. -Jack's heart beat violently; he caught a malicious look -of triumph in the servant's eyes. But he recovered his -</span><em class="italics">sang-froid</em><span>, and at the same moment made his decision. -A voice in Russian was calling for Sowinski; just as the -footsteps approached the inner door Jack pushed the -Chinaman in front of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Send him away," he whispered. "Remember the pistol."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had no time for more. The visitor was at the door. -It opened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ha, Sowinski!—" said the new-comer, a captain of -Cossacks. Then he paused, seeing only two Chinese -servants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Where is your master?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He is away, Excellency," faltered the man; "not at -home; he will not be back for some hours." Jack touched -his heel to quicken his invention. He continued: "He -said he was going first to the Green Dragon, then to the -railway-station. He expected to meet a friend. Can I -give him any message?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is very annoying," said the officer. "I must see -him to-night. The Green Dragon, you say? I will see -whether he is there. If he returns, say that Captain -Sinetsky called, and that he is to come and see me at my -quarters at once."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He turned on his heel and left the house. The tension -was relaxed. The immediate danger was past, but Jack -saw that his escape was still to be deferred. The captain's -look and tone of vexation showed that his business with -Sowinski was important. Failing to find the Pole at the -hotel he might return himself or send a messenger, and -then, if Jack were absent, the prisoner would be discovered -and released, and the hue and cry after the disguised -Englishman would be hot before he could get his pass and -be clear of the city. The gates would not be opened before -daybreak. It would hardly be safe to leave the house -much earlier. He made up his mind to wait.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Creaking and groaning, the massive gates barring the -eastern entrance to Moukden swung back on their hinges; -the squatting crowd patiently awaiting the opening awoke -to sudden activity; there was a general movement of -foot-passengers, chairs, and carts towards the archway. In a -moment the rush was checked: a Cossack officer with a -dozen sturdy troopers barred the way—one man only -might pass at a time, and that after careful scrutiny.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When some two or three score had run the gauntlet, the -officer, whose patience seemed to be sorely tried, permitted -himself a hearty Russian oath, and growled to the sergeant -at his side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"These Chinese are all alike. What the goodness is -the use of asking us to stop—what is it?"—he glanced at -a paper in his hand—"'a young Englishman, tall, slim, -cleverly disguised as a native'? It's absurd—it's a job for -a Chinaman, not for us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, little father, it must be quite easy to recognize an -Englishman. They are all red-faced, with long noses, and -big teeth, and side whiskers—I have seen pictures of them -in the papers in Petersburg. They are ugly, the English—one -would know them anywhere."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Captain Vassily Nikolaeitch Kargopol, his feelings -relieved by his brief outburst, smiled condescendingly. He -recognized the sergeant's description of the familiar -continental caricature of John Bull; but as the crowd surged -through he had no time for correcting his subordinate's -impressions. An old man, riding one pony and leading -another, dismounted at the gate as the crowd thinned, and -with elaborate kowtows presented his pass. The shadow -of a wide-brimmed hat seemed to deepen the wrinkles of -his parchment skin; but there was an alert look in the -eye, and a nervous energy in the carriage, that told of a -spirit still young.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pass the bearer, Chang Sin Foo, and two ponies. -Gudriloff—Lieutenant-Colonel." The captain read out the -instructions, handed back the document, and signed to -the Chinaman to proceed. Leading his ponies through -the gate, the old man mounted, and rode slowly on. A -mile out he quickened his pace, and struck off into a -side track winding towards the hills that bounded the -horizon north, south, and east. As he left the main -road, the more rapid movement jolted a pistol from the -folds of his voluminous garments. He glanced back and -saw it lying on the track, but did not check his pace, -though an odd smile disturbed the wrinkles of his mouth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's a good job," he muttered in unmistakable English—"a -jolly good job, Sowinski didn't know it wasn't loaded!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="cossack-and-chunchuse"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Cossack and Chunchuse</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">The Road in China—A Change of View—Looking Ahead—A -Cold Welcome—Beleaguered—The Part of -Prudence—Smoke—Beaten Back—The Water Supply—An -Inspiration—Ch'hoy!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At Hsien-chia-kou the strangely young old man with the -two ponies met not only the guide punctually furnished -by Ah Lum's agent, but also Mr. Hi and his son. The -compradore explained that after what had happened he -no longer felt safe in his little cottage, and had made up -his mind to join his brother in Harbin and do what he -could there to further the enquiries for Mr. Brown. As -for Hi Lo, the boy had for the first time shown a most -reprehensible and unfilial spirit of disobedience. He had -declared that the Toitsche genelum's service, now that -Sin Foo had left, had no further attraction for him. If -he must serve someone, it should be Mr. Chack Blown; -and he would much rather serve Mr. Chack Blown than -accompany his father to Harbin, for he did not like his -Aunt Feng.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let him come with me, Mr. Hi. He saved those -papers so cleverly that I think a great deal of him, and -I'll really be glad to have him with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The compradore would not oppose his young master's -express wish; accordingly, Jack, when he rode off, had -two companions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had learnt from his guide that Ah Lum's camp was -situated in the hills south of Kirin, at a point many miles -due north of the spot where he had left the chief. He had -before him, therefore, a journey of nearly three hundred -miles. Fortunately the rainy season was past; a few -days of brilliant sunshine and bustling winds had worked -a marvellous transformation. The road that only recently -had been a pulp of liquid mud was now thick with soft -brown blinding dust, clouds of which were blown by the -north-easter full in the travellers' faces, covering them -from head to foot. Unpleasant as this was, it was less -troublesome than the continual assaults of midges which -Jack had suffered on his previous journey. The autumn -air, already nipping out of the sunshine, had annihilated -these pests, and the only trouble of a similar kind that -Jack experienced was from some black ants whose nest -his pony disturbed, and which bit with terrible ferocity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For more than a week the three riders pursued their -journey almost without incident. After the first few days -they came into a country of hill and forest, broken by -richly cultivated valleys and large swift streams. They -had to climb ridges, to cross ravines, to ford rivers, -sometimes fording the same river a score of times, so -serpentine were its windings. Here and there were -settlers' huts, where they found scanty accommodation, -but a warm welcome; here and there also a hillside inn, -at which they spent the night on the floor of a tiny room, -with perhaps a dozen Chinamen packed like sardines in a -box on the k'ang above them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During these days and nights Jack had many opportunities -of thinking over his position. He wondered -sometimes whether the course he had decided on was -the best he could have taken; but his ponderings always -converged to the same point—that his only chance of -obtaining news of his father and procuring his liberation -lay in remaining in Russian or Russo-Chinese territory. -For himself, hunted and outlawed as he was, capture -might well mean death, and nowhere was he so likely to -be safe as among the Chunchuses. But he saw that in -seeking an asylum among them he was in a sense casting -in his lot with the enemies of Russia and espousing their -quarrel. That consideration gave him food for thought. -He had no concern with the great struggle then in -progress. It was nothing to him whether Manchuria became -the spoil of either Russia or Japan. Up to the time of his -father's arrest, indeed, his sympathies had inclined to the -Russian side. He had made many friends among the -Russians during his stay in Moukden, especially among -the engineers and officials connected with the railway. -He had found them amiable, courteous, and singularly free -from what, for want of a better word, the Englishman -calls "side". Of the Japanese, on the other hand, he -knew almost nothing. His impressions of the few he had -met in the course of business were not wholly favourable, -which was perhaps little to be wondered at, for the trading -classes of Japan, with whom alone Mr. Brown had had -relations, were only just beginning to emerge from the -condition of a despised and, it must be admitted, -despicable caste. Japanese of the Samurai class looked down -on a merchant with far more disdain than an English -aristocrat shows towards a petty tradesman; and it would -have seemed incredible to them that an English marquis -should become a coal merchant or a dairyman. It was -natural enough that a class thus despised should not -be greatly hampered with self-respect; and their business -methods did not commend themselves to Mr. Brown, with -whom, as with every British merchant, his word was as -good as his bond.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the black sheep whom Jack had come across -recently had brought about a change in his feeling -towards the Russians generally. He saw them now as -grasping adventurers, and the Chunchuses as patriots -waging a lawful warfare against invasion and oppression. -He had no very kindly feeling for the men who were -treating his father with such abominable injustice. He -did not disguise from himself that in joining the -Chunchuses he could not remain a passive spectator of the -struggle. He must be prepared to identify himself -completely with the fortunes of Ah Lum's band, and become -to all intents and purposes as lawless a brigand as -themselves, But he hoped it would not be for long. If the -tide of success upon which the Japanese arms had been -borne from victory to victory did not turn, the Russian -domination must ere long be shattered, and in some vague -undefined way he felt that the fortunes of his quest were -bound up with the discomfiture of the Russians. But in -thus throwing in his lot with their enemies he reserved one -point: he would steadily refuse to have any part in such -excesses as were from time to time reported of the -Chunchuses. It was likely enough that as a very unimportant -individual, incurably a "foreign devil", he would be -laughed to scorn for his scruples by Ah Lum. The -custom of torturing prisoners was so deeply rooted in -Chinese methods of warfare that Ah Lum, even if he so -desired, might be unable to control his followers and -prevent atrocity when they were not under his immediate -observation. This would make it difficult for Jack to -remain with them; but he put the matter from his -thoughts: he would not meet difficulties half-way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Now and again, as with his guide and Hi Lo he passed -through isolated villages, he heard of small bodies of -Cossacks having been seen in their vicinity. From the -general talk at inns and farmhouses he gathered that the -Russians, alarmed for their communications after the -battle of Liao-yang, were about to make a serious -attempt to deal with Ah Lum and one or two other -Chunchuse chiefs who threatened the railway between Harbin -and Vladivostok. The Cossack parties whose movements -the villagers reported, were presumably scouting -to ascertain the exact position of Ah Lum's band -preparatory to a concerted attempt to entrap him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One afternoon, as they climbed a rugged slope towards -a village nestling among trees at the top, the travellers -heard the rattle of musketry in the distance, and saw a -couple of Russian horsemen riding away in the direction -whence the sound came. At first Jack thought of -avoiding the village altogether, and making a detour; but he -had been riding since early morning over difficult country, -the sun had been hot, and he was very hungry; so that -after consulting with his guide he decided to go on, the -man thinking there was as great a risk of encountering -Russians the one way as the other. They proceeded, -therefore, but cautiously, keeping a sharp look-out. The -guide knew the headman of the village; if he could get -speech with him they might obtain useful information.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Firing could still be heard fitfully; it was impossible to -tell how far away, but it seemed at a considerable distance -from the village. When they entered the street, they -came upon a knot of villagers in voluble discussion. -They were instantly the object of a narrow scrutiny; but -the guide had already marked his friend the headman -among the group, and called him by name. The man -came forward to meet the riders; the guide explained in -a sentence that he wished to have some private talk with -him, and he at once led the way to his house.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thinking that frankness was here the best policy, Jack -asked his guide to explain briefly who he was and what -had brought him to the village. The headman was -perturbed, almost incensed, when he heard the story. He -had suffered already from depredations by the brigands; -if the Russians knew that he had harboured a fugitive, he -could only expect to suffer even more seriously at their -hands. And there was great danger that they would -discover the new-comers' presence. A squadron of -Cossacks about two hundred strong was at that moment -besieging some fifty Chunchuses in a farm three miles -away. The brigands had been shut in for three days, -and it was expected that they must yield shortly, perhaps -before another day was past. The owner of the farm -had come into the village when the Chunchuses appeared. -He said that there was plenty of grain in his barns; the -brigands could not be starved; but the water supply was -likely to give out. The farm being situated less than -half a mile from a river, the store of water kept in it -was only sufficient for his family and servants, and could -not meet the requirements of the company of Chunchuses, -to say nothing of their horses. Behind the walls they -might succeed in keeping the Russians at bay unless -artillery were brought against them; but lack of water -must inevitably cause them to surrender. They had made -a good fight; the besiegers had lost a good many men; -two Cossacks had come into the village only a short time -before Jack's arrival, with orders to the headman to -prepare quarters for the wounded. But they so greatly -outnumbered the defenders that they could afford to lose -heavily without seriously reducing the odds in their -favour; and, taught by experience, they would probably -not attempt to storm the place, but would sit down and -leave its reduction to the work of time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>These explanations were given by the headman, who -concluded by earnestly entreating Jack and his -companions to depart. If the Cossacks suspected that any -of the villagers had been in relations with the brigands -they would certainly burn every house in the place, and in -all likelihood slaughter the inhabitants. Jack sympathized -with the man in his terror; he said at once that the village -should suffer no harm through him; and after buying a -little food to carry him to the next stage, he rode out with -his two companions.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the news he had just heard was not of a kind to -pass unconsidered. He was on his way to join Ah Lum's -band; it was a part of that band that was now in such -desperate straits, and he felt a personal interest in their -fate. Word had been sent to Ah Lum, as the headman -had informed him; but Ah Lum was at least two days' -march away, and another two days must pass before help -could come from him, even if he found himself in a -position to send assistance. If this siege of the farm were a -part of an organized movement against the Chunchuses, it -was not unlikely that Ah Lum himself was hard pressed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack was in a quandary. Prudence bade him press on -without delay; the convoy with the Russian wounded was -no doubt already on the way to the village, and might meet -him or cross his path at any moment. But he felt an -overpowering curiosity, natural in one of his active spirit, to see -for himself the place where the brigands were so stoutly -keeping up a fight against odds; and his curiosity was -reinforced by another motive: the desire to see whether -there was any possibility of their escaping from their peril. -He felt the natural impulse of youth to "do something", -even though he recognized how hopeless it was to imagine -that he, with but two companions, could intervene between -the Chunchuses and their fate. Still, the impulse was -overmastering; he must see with his own eyes how they -were situated; and having availed himself of Ah Lum's -protection in placing himself in the hands of his agent, he -thought it his duty not to leave the neighbourhood -without at least assuring himself that rescue was out of the -question.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He announced his intention of riding to the farm. His -guide vigorously protested; it was absurd, he said, to go -into the very jaws of danger; much better hurry on and -reach safety with the chief.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what would Mr. Ah think of you if he heard that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But I don't know the way, master."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No matter. The firing was to our right; we saw the -way the Cossacks went; no doubt the wounded will come -the same way, so we must avoid that; but if we work -round gradually under cover of that copse yonder, we -shall be going in the right direction. They're firing again. -You will come with me," he added sternly, divining an -inclination to bolt, "or you will no longer be Mr. Ah's -man, and you know what that means."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The three turned off to the right, skirting the beech -plantation of which Jack had spoken, the guide resigned -but sullen. It was now about five o'clock in the -afternoon; in an hour and a half it would be dark. Riding -cautiously, keeping a keen look-out on all sides for signs -of the Russians, they gradually made their way across -country, guided by the firing that was still heard at -intervals. They were crossing a hilltop some three -miles from the village they had left behind, when Hi -Lo suddenly declared that he saw smoke in the distance.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have sharp eyes," said Jack. "We had better -dismount. Being on the sky-line we shall be easily seen -if the Russians look this way. Let us hope they are -giving their whole attention to the farm."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They tied up their ponies to trees some distance from -the hill-path they had been following. Jack wished to -leave Hi Lo in charge of the animals, but the boy pleaded -hard to be allowed to accompany his master.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Masta say-lo my hab plenty good look-see. My -walkee long-side masta; plaps my can helpum masta."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Now show me where you saw the smoke."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy pointed to a hollow nearly a mile away, where -at first Jack could see nothing but fields of hay and -over-ripe kowliang. The smoke of course had now disappeared; -but, following Hi Lo's finger, Jack presently saw the dull -mud-coloured walls of a farm enclosure, barely distinguishable -from the brownish vegetation around. A moment -later Hi Lo's keen glance lighted upon the low shelter-tents -of the Russian encampment, some distance to the -left of the farm, apparently situated in a field, recently -cropped, near the bank of the river, of which a few yards -could be seen. Not a man was in sight; but beyond the -camp was a clump of brushwood, at the edge of which -Jack fancied he saw the black forms of two or three -horses. Probably the rest were tethered in the copse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Jack and his two companions, standing motionless -on the hilltop, looked across the valley they suddenly saw -a score of men rush out from the tall kowliang in which -they had been concealed, and dash forward against the far -corner of the wall surrounding the farm. At the same -moment, from the fields around puffs of smoke were seen -rising in the air, and a few moments later the sharp rattle -of musketry, like the sudden shooting of pebbles from a -cart, reached their ears. But the defenders had not been -caught napping. A withering fire met the Russians as -they charged up the slight slope leading to the farm; only -a few gained the crest, and these fell to the Chunchuses, -who all at once appeared as by magic in the courtyard. -The survivors hesitated for a moment; then they turned -and plunged into cover of the long grass and kowliang. -In a few seconds every man had disappeared from view; -peace reigned over the scene; there was nothing to show -that the farm was the centre of a bitter struggle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But for the scarcity of water Jack had little doubt from -what he had seen that the Chunchuses would be able to -hold their own indefinitely against the Cossacks, unless -siege operations of a regular kind were adopted. He -could see no trace of trenches, such as, with their numerical -advantage, the besiegers could easily have constructed if -they had been so minded and possessed the requisite -knowledge. But they were a mounted force, unused, no doubt, -to any tactics but the simple Cossack evolutions. The -average Russian soldier has little adaptability. The -construction of trenches is not a horseman's business; it would -not enter the head of a Cossack captain to employ a device -so far removed from his routine. Yet with the aid of a -trench the besiegers could make short work of the -Chunchuse defences, which consisted simply of the mud wall -surrounding the farm, and the farm itself—a thatched -cottage with byres and pig-sties adjacent, flimsy structures -at the best.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Under cover of the tall shrubs that crowned the hill, Jack -looked long and searchingly at the beleaguered farm. He -tried to picture the defenders within the walls, hoping for -relief, watching the inch-fall of their water supply, tantalized -by the sight of the full stream flowing so near, and yet as -distant as though it were in another continent. To Jack -it appeared that there was no chance whatever of doing -anything to assist the Chunchuses, among whom doubtless -were men whom he had seen in Ah Lum's camp. He -asked the guide whether he could suggest a way. The -man replied that the only course was to hurry on and -inform Ah Lum of the desperate position of his men. -Inasmuch as a messenger had gone on the same errand -two days before, the guide's suggestion was not very -helpful. And Jack was possessed of the feeling that to -act thus would be equivalent to leaving the trapped band -in the lurch, a thing that went very much against the -grain. Yet what else could he do? If he could give no -help in the actual, pressing emergency, there was nothing -to gain by remaining on the scene—not only nothing to -gain but everything to lose, for he would run the risk of -being snapped up by the Cossacks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There's no help for it, I suppose," he said half-aloud. -Very unwillingly he turned his back on the farm, and -retraced his steps down the hillside towards the copse -where the ponies were tethered. Just before the farm was -wholly shut from his sight by the crest of the hill, he -turned again and swept the country with his eye, as though -to take a last look at the scene of an approaching tragedy. -It happened that in his movements upon the hill he had -reached a point where a somewhat different view was -obtainable, and he now noticed for the first time, half a -mile away to his left, an open space in which a group of -men, Russians no doubt, were busy around a number of -tripods with big cauldrons suspended. Smoke was rising -from one or two; the men were evidently lighting fires to -prepare their evening meal.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Strange," thought Jack, "that the cooking place -should be so far from the shelter-tents and horses. It -must be nearly half a mile from the farm. Do the troops -march to the food, I wonder, or is the food carried to the -troops? Probably the former. But why so far away?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Even as the question occurred to him the answer flashed -upon his mind—and not only the answer, but a possible -means of doing what he so much longed to do. Was it -possible? He felt his pulse quicken at the mere thought. -The dusk was fast gathering over the scene; the farm and -its surroundings must soon be shut altogether from his -gaze; before that came about, he must take one more -look. Bidding Hi Lo and the guide remain where they -were, he went back to his former post of observation, -moving very carefully so as not to be seen from the -quarter where he had not previously suspected the -presence of an enemy. Once more he scanned the landscape; -then he returned to the two Chinese, who looked at him -questioningly, wondering at the change of expression on -his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Back to the ponies!" he said briefly. As they went -they saw the glow of the Russians' fires in the glooming -sky. The sight brought a smile to Jack's lips, but he said -nothing to his expectant companions. They found the -ponies where they had left them; they took from the -saddles the food brought from the village—a little rice, -some bean sprouts, and a small heap of monkey-nuts, all -that they had been able to get at short notice. As they -munched their frugal meal Jack could not but wish for five -minutes by the steaming cooking-pots on the other side of -the hill. When their hunger was satisfied, and the dusk -had deepened into night, Jack suddenly looked up from -the brown study in which he had appeared to be absorbed -and said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, listen to me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His two companions listened with all their ears; Hi Lo -soon became restless with excitement; the guide, though -his Chinese stolidity was not so easily broken through, at -length gave utterance to the exclamation "Ch'hoy!" which -signifies approbation or disdain, pleasure or misgiving, -according to the inflection of the voice. What Jack had -to say took some time; it was quite dark when he finished; -then he got up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Remember," he said, "not a movement nor a sound. -Do exactly as I have told you; then make for this spot -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then he slipped away into the darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly, with infinite caution, he crossed the brow of the -hill, struck off towards the right, and descended the slope -on the opposite side. It was so dark that he had no fear -of being seen; but, his view of the camp fires being -intercepted by the hill, he could not make sure of his direction, -and knew that at any moment he might stumble upon a -sentry. The only chance of escape for the Chunchuses -being to take advantage of the darkness, he had no doubt -that the Russians would keep the strictest watch at night. -He had to guess his way; he was going to the farm.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="fire-panic"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Fire Panic</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Sentry-go—Beneath the Wall—An Old Friend—Thirst—A -Way Out—Three Shots—The Signal—The Reply—A Countryside -in Flames—At Full Gallop—Alarms—Stampede—Chow-chow</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>At the most, the distance Jack had to traverse was but a -short mile, yet so slow was his progress that nearly two -hours had elapsed before, from the vantage-ground of a -hillock a few feet above the surrounding fields, he caught -a dim glimpse in the starlight of the farm buildings -looming a short distance in front of him. His intent ears had -already caught the measured tread of a sentry just -ahead; stealing along for another few yards he could -now see his head and shoulders and the end of a carbine -projecting above the high grass. Jack stopped and -watched. The sentry's beat seemed to be about thirty -yards; to his right Jack could hear the hum of several low -voices, no doubt from a picket. He had taken the precaution -of approaching the farm at the point farthest from the -main gate. The Chunchuses, if they made a sally, would -not leave their horses behind, for on foot they would be at -the mercy of their enemy. Since they could not leap their -steeds over the wall, they were bound to issue from the -gate if at all; the exit, therefore, was sure to be closely -guarded, though no doubt there were sentries all round -the farm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To the left of the sentry Jack had first seen there was -another, whose beat met that of his comrade. Jack could -barely discern him in the darkness, but he fancied that -the man, on reaching the nearer end of his beat, awaited -the arrival of the other before turning. That would -evidently be the best point at which to attempt the passage -to the farm; and the best time would be a second or two -after they had turned their backs upon one another, when -any slight noise Jack might make would almost certainly be -attributed by each man to his comrade. Jack went down -on hands and knees and crawled very slowly to within a -few paces of the meeting-place. Then he lay still, hoping -that he had not miscalculated and that there was no danger -beyond. He listened intently; on both sides he heard the -men approaching; to the left the sound was fainter; the -beats were evidently of unequal length. One man came -to a halt; in a few seconds he was joined by the other; -they exchanged a remark in a low tone, then separated -and tramped in opposite directions. Instantly Jack glided -across their trail, and, still on hands and knees, crept -towards the farm, which he distinguished as a blacker patch -against the sky perhaps a hundred yards away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He soon found that between him and the wall lay a -stretch of almost bare ground, no doubt made by the -traffic around the farm. How was he to cross this? He -might be seen by both Cossacks and Chunchuses, and if -seen he would be the target for perhaps scores of rifles.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All was still within the farm; from the distance came -faint sounds—voices from the Russian camp; behind he -heard the tramp of sentries. Flat on the ground, already -cold with the autumn night frost, he eagerly scanned the -prospect for some cover by favour of which he could creep -across to the wall. His heart gave a jump as he noticed, -a few feet to his right, what appeared to be a ditch -running from the wall across the bare patch and into the -fields. Crawling noiselessly to it, he found that it was -a shallow cutting, intended, as he judged by the smell, to -carry off the drainage from the courtyard. There was no -help for it; he sidled into the channel, luckily dry, and -wormed his way along it until he came to within a few -feet of the wall. As he expected, the drain passed through -a hole in the wall, sufficiently deep for a man to crawl -through.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the wall gave him pause. He dared not creep -through; he would be taken for an enemy and shot. -He must seek a means of communicating with the garrison -without drawing their fire. He crawled to the hole, -hesitated for a moment, then, making a bell of his hands, -sent through the shallow tunnel a low hiss, loud enough -to awaken attention; soft enough, he hoped, not to create -alarm. Breathlessly he waited; there was no response. -Again he hissed; this time somewhat louder. There was -a quick footstep within; then silence. A third time; he -heard a foot strike against the wall, and next moment -became conscious that someone was looking down at him -over the wall. He lifted his head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am a friend," he said in deliberate clear-cut Chinese. -"I have news for your captain."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man uttered an exclamation under his breath; then -bade him remain perfectly still or he would shoot him. In -a low tone he summoned a comrade and sent him for the -commander. Jack heard a little bustle within, not loud -enough to catch the attention of the sentries. A few -minutes later a second voice spoke from the top of the -wall.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come through."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack wriggled through the narrow opening. Only his -head projected within the wall when he was told to stop.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who are you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Wang, is that you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ch'hoy! It is Mr. Chack Blown. Rise, sir!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All bemired and dishevelled, Jack sprang to his feet. -The Chinaman kowtowed, uttering an incoherent -welcome; then led the way to the farmhouse.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's the most ticklish half-hour I ever spent in my -life," said Jack, when he was seated opposite to Wang -Shih on the k'ang in the living-room. "And I'm pretty -hungry. I've had nothing but rice-cakes and monkey-nuts -since morning. Have you got anything to eat?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Plenty, sir; it is water we are in straits for. I will -get you something."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In a few minutes a hot dish of boiled chicken and rice, -with a couple of clean chop-sticks, lay before Jack. He ate -the meal with keen relish, while Wang Shih at his request -gave a rapid narrative of the events that had led to his -present predicament. With a small force he was beating -up recruits in the district when he suddenly came upon -a troop of Cossacks outnumbering him by two to one. -Knowing the country so well, he could easily have got -away, but unluckily he was sighted by a second troop, -which cut across his line of retreat so rapidly that he -had only time to throw himself and his handful of men -into the farm before the two hostile bands united and -closed upon him. He had kept them off for three days; -there was food enough to last another week, but his -ammunition was running short, and, worst of all, the -water supply had almost given out. His men had been -put upon the smallest possible allowance, but in spite of -their care and self-denial there was barely enough left to -last for another twenty-four hours, and the horses were -already suffering terribly. He had been hoping that Ah -Lum would send a force to relieve him; but the chief was -moving northward when he last saw him, and he doubted -whether the man he had sent could reach him in time. In -default of relief, his only course when the water failed -would be to make a sortie by night; but the odds against -him were so heavy that very few of his men could possibly -escape.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is why I am here," said Jack. "I was on my -way to join Mr. Ah—the reason I will tell you presently—when -I heard of your plight, in the village yonder. I -came to see for myself how you were placed; your danger -had not been exaggerated; and I was on the point of -going off in despair when I had a sudden idea; it was -suggested by something I saw in the enemy's camp. I -think there is a bare chance of escape if you will act on -my plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a look of mingled eagerness and anxiety on -Wang Shih's face as he begged Jack to tell him what he -had in mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not alone," continued Jack. "I came up with a -guide given me by Mr. Ah's agent Me Hong in Moukden, -and Hi Lo, our compradore's son, you remember. They -are waiting on the hill less than a mile away. When I -was looking out over the country I saw the Russians light -fires for cooking their supper, and at first wondered why -their kitchen was so far away from the farm. But I saw -the reason. As you know, there's a strong north-easter -blowing; the smoke from their fires floated this way, -towards the farm. They had been prudent in selecting a -spot away from the fields, for a spark in the long grass -might start a blaze, and, spreading through the kowliang, -it would destroy their cover and make them easy targets -for your marksmen. What would happen if the grass -chanced to burn in the night, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman's expression changed; his chest heaved.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have tried to fire the grass more than once, but -they always stamped it out. Go on, sir," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you see, if a match were put to the grass to -windward of the farm, in several places, and if the wind -held, the flames would sweep upon the Russians in a -very few minutes. Their horses would stampede; the -men would be so startled that probably they would be -quite unable to think of anything but their own safety; -and while they were scattered and disorganized, you could -sally out of the gate and get so good a start that, even if -they caught their horses, you would be out of harm's way -before they could pursue."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But the flames would set fire to the farm. We should -be burnt alive; our horses would be frightened too, and -we could never get them to face the fire and smoke."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I had thought of that. The thatch will probably catch -fire; but the open space outside the wall will prevent the -flames from actually touching the wall, and that will serve -as a partial protection. Then you can blindfold the horses -so that they don't see the glare; they'll have to risk -suffocation by the smoke, but the men can avoid that by lying -flat on their faces and holding wet rags to their mouths. -If I'm right, the crops will burn very quickly and not -smoulder; you must, of course, wait until the fire has swept -by the farm; but then dash out without losing a minute. -I think you can rely on the Russians getting a terrible -fright, and that will be your opportunity."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But how is the fire to be lighted at the right place, -and how are we to know when it will be done?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I left instructions with my guide. If he hears three -rifle-shots in succession at noon to-morrow he is to creep -down with Hi Lo at dusk and choose two spots about half -a mile apart, just beyond where the Cossacks' horses are -picketed. They will set fire to the grass where it is -thickest, then run towards each other and fire it in two -other places, and make their way as rapidly as possible -back to the copse where our ponies are. The only risk -is that they may be discovered before they can complete -their work; but it's to their own interest to be careful, -and I think I can trust Hi Lo, at any rate, to outwit any -Russian."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wang Shih was convinced. Greatly impressed by the -care with which Jack had thought out the details of the -stratagem, he smiled and rubbed his hands together with -gleeful satisfaction. Suddenly he checked these signs of -pleasure; he rose from the seat, pressed his closed fists to -his breast, and bent over until his brow all but touched the -ground.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I thank you, sir," he said. "I am grateful; Mr. Ah -will be grateful; you have risked your life for us, and we -Chinamen never forget a benefit."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You saved me from death, Mr. Wang; look at it as an -acknowledgment if you like. Besides, we are not out of -the wood yet; the farm may be stormed to-morrow before -the time for trying our little plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman scoffed; he had held the Russians off for -three days, and it was not to be supposed that, with an -additional motive for a stout resistance, his men would fail -at the last.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what if the wind drops? We require the wind to -make the blaze a short and merry one."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no, sir. At this time of year the wind when it -sets from the north-east blows for weeks at a time——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bringing snow as often as not. A snow-storm would -spoil it all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wang Shih's face fell; he looked so much distressed -that Jack laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I was only imagining the worst, Mr. Wang. The -sky is clear and the air as dry as a bone. Barring an -accident, or some very sudden and unlikely change in the -weather, there will be a pretty bonfire to-morrow night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Shall I tell the men to-night, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"On no account. Let them sleep. The place is -carefully watched, of course?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. Six men are on duty for two hours at a time; -the watches are carefully arranged."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's all right, then. Now I'm pretty tired; this -k'ang is very warm and cosy, and if you don't mind I'll -coil myself up on it and go to sleep. Don't wake me unless -anything happens."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack slept like a top till ten next morning. It was bright -and clear, and he was delighted to find that the wind had -increased in force. Wang Shih had been self-restrained -enough to withhold the details of Jack's plan from his -men, curious as they were to learn what had brought -the Englishman into their midst at such risk to himself. -They had merely been told that there was a prospect of -escape. At noon the three shots arranged as a signal -were fired by Wang Shih himself. The Russians took -no notice of them. Hidden by the kowliang they were -content to wait, knowing that the water supply must ere -long fail. In the afternoon the men were informed of the -scheme and given their instructions. They became voluble -as they discussed the plan among themselves. There is -a bed-rock of stoicism in the Chinese character; these -brigands were not given to a facile display of emotion; -they showed little surprise, little pleasure, but talked over -the approaching event almost dispassionately, as if it had -been an academic problem. They prepared material for -blindfolding the horses, and rags to steep in the last inch -of turbid water in the tank; then the most of them settled -down to beguile the remaining hours with fan-tan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack could not achieve such composure of mind. He -gave no outward sign of his feelings; but as the hours -passed and the time drew near for the execution of his -plan he began to feel restless and impatient. He was -amused at himself, remembering how his father had been -wont to poke fun at him for this very characteristic. "It's -only in the Arabian Nights that an acorn becomes an oak -in a moment," Mr. Brown once said. But though he -could smile at himself he did not become less impatient -as the day wore on. As the sun crept round towards -the west, and sank over the purple hills, he looked -anxiously from a secure corner of the wall towards the -spot whence he expected the flames to spring. The -twilight thickened; there was no sign. All at once he -thought he saw an object moving down the opposite -hillside. Surely the guide could not be so arrantly stupid -as to approach in full view of the camp! In a few -moments Jack's anxiety was relieved, and at the same time -increased, when he found that the moving object was a -Cossack slowly riding towards the farm. He was a -messenger, perhaps; probably his approach had delayed -the execution of the scheme; Jack could only hope that -this would not be frustrated entirely. The rider came -nearer and nearer; he might discover the man and the -boy lurking in the long grass, for he was approaching -the very spot that Jack had pointed out as an excellent -place for the first match to be struck. An intervening -hillock now hid the Cossack from view; Jack waited; it -was growing darker; would the expected flame never -spring up? The minutes passed, lingeringly; all was -quiet; nothing could be heard but the rustle and clash -of the grass and stalks as the wind struck their tops -together.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly, from a spot somewhat to the right of the place -where the Cossack had disappeared, a thin spiral of smoke -shot up into the indigo sky. Almost simultaneously another -appeared, far to the left; in the dark they could scarcely -be detected except by eyes so intently looking for them as -Jack's. They grew in volume; other spirals rose between -them; fanned by the steady wind they swelled into a bank -of smoke, through which Jack's anxious gaze now -discerned tongues of flame.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now!" he cried to Wang Shih at his elbow.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The word was given to the men; in a few seconds the -horses were blindfolded; and by the time the rags were -steeped a vast blaze illuminated the sky; the four fires, -spreading with amazing rapidity, were sweeping -towards the farm at the rate of a trotting horse. Shouts -broke the stillness; amid the crackling of the flames the -clatter of metal, the shrill whinnies of terrified horses, then -the thunder of hoofs. From the fields men ran helter-skelter, -some attempting to catch their horses, others in -their confusion rushing towards the open space before the -farm, careless whether the rifles of the Chunchuses marked -them down. Onward came the dense volume of smoke -bellying towards the farm. Jack already felt the heat; -above his head red wisps of grass were streaking the sky; -one fell upon the thatch, extinct; another followed, dying -before it could kindle the straw; the next was larger, -burned more brightly; it held; the thatch was alight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men were prone upon the ground, pressing wet rags -to their mouths. Their horses were snorting, whinnying, -straining on their halters; one had broken loose, and was -madly dashing round the courtyard when Jack seized it -by the broken halter and endeavoured to soothe it. The -mud wall beat off the flames; but the smoke enveloped -the whole farm in a dense cloud, pungent, spark-laden, -becoming every moment more stifling. Jack was forced -to earth; he could not breathe; still clutching the halter -he crept under the lee of the wall, and there lay fighting -for breath. The thatched roof was now ablaze; the fields -were a mass of fire; would the smoke never pass and leave -a passage for the almost suffocated men?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A red glare lit up the farmyard. The flames had -devoured the thatch, and were licking the joists. Jack -glanced round the scene, his eyes smarting so keenly that -he could scarcely see. The horses were shivering with -terror; two or three of the men, braving the smoke, were -endeavouring to calm them; the rest of the Chunchuses -were still flat on the ground. But to the north-east the -smoke was thinning. Jack rose to his feet and looked -over the wall. The fields between the farm and the river -were black, with here and there a smouldering stalk. On -the other side the flames were still raging; there was -nothing to check their fury. The passage from the -gateway was now open; the ground indeed was very hot; but -it would be folly to wait for it to cool. Jack called for -Wang Shih.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now is the time," he said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wang Shih gave the word; the men sprang to their feet -and vaulted into the saddle; the bar across the gate was -let down; and then, tearing the bandages from their -horses' eyes, the men dashed out at a furious gallop across -the still scorching soil. Jack, mounted on a spare horse, -led the way towards the river, making for the bridle path -which must have been followed by the Cossack just -before the match was struck. For the first half-mile it -was a terrible race; sparks and smoke flew up as the -horses stirred the smouldering embers; the poor beasts -screamed with pain as their unshod hoofs felt the heat; -the men breathed stertorously, half-choked by the acrid -fumes. Then, in an instant as it seemed, they passed -from an inferno into the elysian fields. They had reached -the limit of the burnt grass, the keen cold wind struck -their faces; men and animals took deep breaths; they -were free, and in the pure air again. Floundering through -the fresh-ploughed field where the Russians had left their -cooking-pots, they came to the river. For one moment -they halted to allow men and horses to slake their thirst; -then they pushed on, up the northern slope, in the -direction of the place where Jack hoped to find Hi Lo and the -guide.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On the crest of the slope he reined up for a moment -and looked to the left. The sheet of fire was still -sweeping on towards a plantation on the south-west side. It -seemed that the whole country in that direction must be -devastated; nothing could stop the flames but the bare -rocky ridge a mile or more away. Faint shouts came -from the distance; then a fitful succession of shots -scarcely audible through the crackle and roar. Who -could be firing? Jack was puzzled to account for the -sounds until he guessed that the Cossacks in their -headlong flight had flung away their loaded carbines, and that, -as the fire swept over them, these were exploded by the -heat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a glow of content at the success of his scheme, -Jack hastened on after the brigands, now walking their -horses towards the uplands. There was no fear of -pursuit; the Russians were far too much demoralized, and -their horses were gone, none knew whither. When Jack -overtook the band, Wang Shih suggested that they should -follow up their advantage and destroy the enemy. But -from this Jack dissuaded him; there were probably other -detachments of Cossacks in the neighbourhood; it was -best to let well alone, and rejoin his chief as soon as -possible. Ah Lum might himself be hard pressed by the -encircling movement which the Russians had apparently -begun. The Chunchuses therefore rode on, still at a -walking pace.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The moon was rising, throwing her silvery mantle over -the quiet country. Skirting a black clump of trees the -riders were startled to hear the distant clatter of a large -body of horses galloping towards them. Moment by -moment the sound grew louder. Had another troop of the -enemy learnt of what had happened and started on their -tracks? Wang Shih looked anxiously around; nothing -could be seen, but the sound appeared to come from -beyond a stretch of rolling country to the left of their line -of march. Giving a brief word of command, Wang Shih -wheeled his horse towards the copse; and his band following -him at a quick trot, they were soon in the cover of the -leafless trees, waiting in anxious silence for the appearance -of the enemy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Nearer and nearer came the thud of hundreds of hoofs. -Wang Shih ordered his men to maintain absolute silence; -he hoped that the enemy, unaware of his proximity, would -pass by and give him the opportunity to slip away -undetected. A few minutes passed; Jack was wondering -why he could not hear the rattle of sword-cases on the -horses' flanks, when on the crest of the low ridge opposite -appeared the head of the column, and the earth seemed to -shake as score after score of dark forms swept forward -towards the path the Chunchuses had so lately left. The -brigands had much ado to quiet their ponies, which were -pricking their ears and snuffing with distended nostrils in -restless excitement. Then, as the moonlight fell upon the -advancing mass, every man in the copse heaved a sigh -of relief—and something more. Their pursuers were not -horsemen, but horses, every one of them riderless—clearly -the stampeded horses of the enemy, rushing blindly into -the night, the fire panic at their heels.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We ought to catch them," said Jack to Wang Shih as -they thundered past.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chinaman smacked his lips with approval. Such a -capture would be a turning of the tables indeed. But how -was it to be done? One of his men, knowing in the ways -of horses, proposed a plan. The principal thing was to -prevent the fugitives from heading back towards the -Cossacks. Let the brigands then extend on a wide front and -follow; the runagates would keep together, and by and by, -when their flight was past, come to a halt. Adopting the -suggestion, Wang Shih led his men at a smart trot up the -slope. For a long time the beat of the runaways' hoofs -could be heard in the night air—the more clearly because -they were to windward. Then the sound gradually died -away. Wang Shih was anxious not to outrun them in -the darkness; the country was uneven, with patches of -timber here and there, and the animals if they stopped -in the shelter of the hills might easily be passed. But -with the number of men at his command it would not be -difficult to find the most of them, at any rate, with the -morning light. He pushed on, therefore, until he reached -the spot where Hi Lo and the guide were eagerly awaiting -Jack's arrival. There the band off-saddled, and, worn out -with fatigue and excitement, the men flung themselves -down on the leaf-strewn ground and sought their -much-needed rest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack did not fail to bestow warm praise upon the man -and the boy who had so faithfully and cleverly carried out -their part of the scheme. Hi Lo had been just on the -point of striking his match when the Cossack messenger -whom Jack had seen came riding behind him. The boy -had barely time to slip into the tall kowliang, whence he -had watched the unsuspecting horseman ride past.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You did very well," said Jack. "Your father will be -pleased when I tell him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hi Lo beamed with delight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My hab makee velly big fire; my look-see allo-piecee -Lusski man belongey velly muchee 'flaid; my walkee -long-side chow-chow pots; catchee plenty muchee bellyful, -that-time lun wailo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack laughed, and bade the boy make a pillow of his -pony's saddle and go to sleep.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next morning the stampeded horses were discovered -peacefully cropping the grass in a narrow valley about a -mile from the Chunchuses' bivouac. They allowed themselves -to be caught easily; and with the booty of nearly -two hundred Transbaikal ponies in excellent condition -Wang Shih pursued his march.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-war-game"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The War Game</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">An Offer—Conditions—The Sweep of the Net—Military -Instructor—The Spur of Competition—Birds of a -Feather—Short Commons—A Trap—More Cossacks—Ah Lum -in Danger—Initiative—A Race for Position—Sword -and Pistol—Driven Off</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>For four days Wang Shih and his band marched through -the hills without hearing anything of Ah Lum. Their -progress was somewhat hampered by the additional horses, -and Wang Shih chose devious and difficult paths in order -to evade scouting parties of Cossacks; for he had little -doubt that when the news of the recent incident reached -the Russian general in charge of the lines of communication, -he would issue orders to his lieutenants to hasten -their movements against their daring and elusive enemy. -On the fifth day it was reported by a peasant that Ah -Lum, after a continuous march northward, was now turning -south before formidable Russian forces that were -threatening to enclose him. He had felt their strength -in one or two slight engagements, and found that they -greatly outnumbered him; but, owing to his superior -mobility and his knowledge of the country, he had been -able to escape without serious loss.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next day, as the band was threading a defile leading to -a well-watered valley, there was a sudden stoppage of the -column. It turned out that the advanced patrol had been -halted by Ah Lum's scouts, who, however, as soon as they -learned the identity of the new-comers, allowed them to -pass. The Chunchuse chief was found to have encamped -by the river-side, in the valley, the three exits to it being -carefully guarded. When he learnt that Wang Shih had -returned, with a welcome supply of remounts, he rode -forward to meet his lieutenant. Great was his amazement -to find among the band the young Englishman who had -served as unpaid tutor to his son. His surprise was -greater still when Wang Shih recounted the part Jack -had played; and the narrative did not minimize his -achievement; Wang Shih declared plainly that but for -Jack's timely arrival, quick wit, and fearlessness of -character, the band must inevitably have been wiped out. Ah -Lum made no effort to conceal his pleasure. He had the -soldier's delight in a brilliant feat; the brigand's delight in -a good haul; and the mere man's delight in the chance of -again securing tutorial services for nothing. He warmly -congratulated Jack, and insisted on knowing all the -circumstances that had led up to the great event. When -the story was fully told, his little black eyes gleamed -through his goggles with undisguised satisfaction.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Irresistible destiny has fulfilled her own decree," he -said. "All events are separately fated before they -happen. I repeat the offer I made to you on the eve of your -departure. If there be no faith in our words, of what use -are they? I will give you a command in my army; you -will come next to my trusty lieutenant, Mr. Wang; he -has muscle, you have mind: both inestimable qualities in -a warrior. Did not the poet Wang Wei write in his </span><em class="italics">Essay -on Military Matters</em><span>:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"'Know then the Proof: that Leader is most fit</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Who Thought to Valour joins, and Strength to Wit'?"</span></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Thank you!" said Jack gravely; "I accept your kind -offer; but, to be frank, there are one or two points I think -I ought to mention. As I said, our compradore has gone -to Harbin to make enquiries for my father; if I hear from -him, I may have to leave at any moment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is understood. The son that forgetteth his -father, shall he not die childless?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And there is another point. As you know, Mr. Ah, -it is not the English custom—nor indeed the custom of -any western nation—to torture prisoners. I have heard -that the ways of Chinese warriors are not like ours in that -respect. You will pardon me if I say that it will be difficult -for me to take service in a force to whom such excesses -are permitted."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Somewhat to Jack's surprise the chief did not take offence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In that also," he said, "my mind is equally yoked -with yours. As Confucius says, 'The intelligence of the -superior man is deep'; the wise man is he that is ever -learning. I have watched this war; I see that the Japanese -have won their successes by adopting the red man's -methods. I will make a decree that no prisoner shall -suffer inordinate correction. But I must beg you to be -patient. When water has once flowed over, it cannot -easily be restored; when the passions have once been -indulged, they cannot easily be restrained. Water must -be kept in by dykes, the passions must be regulated by -the laws of propriety. I will impress these laws on my -men; they shall know what is right; and I will make -them understand that knowing what is right without -practising it denotes a want of proper resolution."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank you, Mr. Ah! that is a relief. For myself, I -can only say that I will do my best to be worthy of your -confidence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, is it not written, 'He that gives willingly is -himself worthy of gifts'? I beg of you a favour in return; it -is that you will continue to give my son lessons in your -honourable language. And, further, I shall be grateful -if you will deign to teach me something of the barbarian's -art of war, the learning of which has made the Japanese -so victorious."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will go on with Ah Fu with pleasure," said Jack, -adding with a smile: "but I'm afraid I can't do anything -in the other line. I have made no study of warfare; my -father has trained me to a commercial career."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you have seen the barbarian armies at their exercise?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I admit that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, I am sure you can be of great service to me if -it is your august pleasure."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will do what I can, Mr. Ah,—if your men will carry -out instructions. I'm a 'foreign devil', after all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'In the world there are many men, but few heroes', -as the proverb says. I know your worth; do I not -remember the boar, and the saving of my son's life? surely it -would ill become me to forget; and this late employment of -fire against our enemies? Modesty is attended with profit; -whereas arrogance courts destruction. My men, those -that I place under you, will obey you. I will see to that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack thus found himself lieutenant in a regiment of some -twelve hundred men, armed for the most part with Mausers, -and well mounted. Except for a wholesome dread of their -chief, however, they had very little discipline, and but scant -military cohesion. Although there was no lack of arms -and ammunition, Ah Lum was not too well provisioned. -He had been driven by the encircling Russian movement -into a somewhat poor district, the hills being more fruitful -in forest trees than in grain. The valley of his encampment -was fertile enough, but its products would soon be -exhausted, and it was separated from the grain-bearing -plains to the west by a chain of barren heights. The -bandits were being driven farther and farther into the -mountainous regions, where it would become increasingly -difficult to feed so large a force. Messengers had recently -come in, reporting that Russian troops operating on the -northern frontier of Korea were pushing reconnoitring -parties into the hills in their rear with the object of -locating them. There were many smaller parties of Chunchuses -scattered over the country, but Ah Lum's was the only -considerable band left in the angle between the two railway -lines connecting Harbin with Kirin and Vladivostok -respectively. The lull after the battle of Liao-yang had -enabled the Russians to devote more attention than -heretofore to clearing their flanks of these troublesome -irregulars. Ah Lum was well served by scouts, the country -people being anxious to purchase immunity by giving such -information as they could without risk; and from them -the chief had learnt that the largest force opposed to him -was at this time about two marches away. Some days -would probably pass before they came on his trail. It had -been throughout the war the Russians' experience that the -Chinese were very reluctant to give them news of any kind, -and this reluctance had been still more marked since the -unbroken success of the Japanese had become common -knowledge through the country.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Day after day passed, and the bandits were still left -unmolested. Jack, settling down to his new position, -had his hands fully occupied. He gave Ah Fu lessons -in English daily, to his father's great delight. But he had -wider scope for his tutorial faculty. He had felt a little -natural amusement at the idea of being placed—he, a -civilian, with just as much military experience as his -school drill-ground and some practice at the butts -afforded—in command of a troop of warriors—a motley horde, -indeed, but all seasoned, determined, fearless fellows. -But, as was inevitable in a force indiscriminately recruited -and entirely lacking in regular training, the men had much -to learn; and Jack had not made a whole-hearted study of -the Boer war without feeling that, civilian though he was, -he was better acquainted with the general principles of -warfare than possibly any other member of the band. The -Chunchuses were little accustomed to organized -movements on any considerable scale; they were most adept -in sniping at single travellers or small bodies whom they -could attack unawares from the vantage of cover. Something -more was required if they were to defeat the serious -attempts now being made to crush them, and Jack was -determined to show himself worthy of Ah Lum's confidence -by his manner of handling his own division of two -hundred and fifty men.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Marksmanship and cover: these he took to be the -principal factors in modern warfare. So far as the use of -cover was concerned, he found that his men had little -to learn; several months of hard fighting against troops -carrying arms of precision had enforced the value of -cover in the most practical way. In each engagement -the Russians had taken toll of those who failed to -recognize its importance: their bodies lay among the -hills from the Yalu to the Sungari. But in marksmanship -the Chunchuses were not so efficient. A large -proportion of them had never handled, perhaps never even -seen, a rifle until they joined the band. Without definite -instruction they were apt to blaze away at their own will -and pleasure, absolutely reckless of the wastage of -ammunition, which had hitherto, owing to one or two lucky -raids, been plentiful. Jack suspected that the proportion -of hits to misses was woefully small. He therefore -set earnestly to work to effect an improvement in this -respect. He rigged up butts, put every man in his -command through a course, and, taking advantage of the -Chinaman's love of competitive examination, started a -shooting competition, with badges of different form and -colour for the prizes. This especially pleased Ah Lum; -it aroused a keen spirit among his men; the example of -Jack's division was soon followed by the rest, and the -general proficiency was very largely increased.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Among Jack's men were the greater part of the -company he had rescued. One of them was Hu Hang, the -ex-constable. This man showed extraordinary skill with -the rifle. As Hi Lo said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Policeyman he can shootee allo plopa first-chop -what-time no piecee man he shootee back."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a somewhat caustic remark; but Hi Lo had -no love for the constable, who indeed was not popular -among the band. His comrades would have been hardly -human if they had not made the most of their opportunities -of paying off against Hu Hang the scores that many -of them owed to members of his hated class. He kept -a good deal apart, finding a congenial soul only in C'hu -Tan, the former second in command, who had been -deposed for grave neglect of duty, and replaced by Wang -Shih. The two malcontents were often together, -condoling with each other on their wrongs; and their animus -against Wang Shih extended to Jack, who struck them -as an additional supplanter, the more hateful from being -a foreigner. Jack knew nothing of this himself; but it -did not escape the shrewd eyes of Hi Lo, who kept quiet -and unobtrusive watch upon C'hu Tan, dogging him at -every turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>After a fortnight's steady practice Jack felt that the -fighting value of his little force was well-nigh doubled. -But at the end of that time Ah Lum suddenly ordered -the rifle practice to be stopped. A scout had reported -that the Russians had approached within striking -distance, and the chief feared lest the sound of the firing -should betray his whereabouts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last one morning, after hearing a messenger who -came in faint and gasping after a long night's ride, Ah -Lum felt that the coil was being drawn too tightly around -him. He gave a sudden order to decamp; the band quitted -the valley that had sheltered them so long, and set off into -the hills. Lack of provisions was beginning to be felt. -The ponies, hardy little animals, were able to pick up a -subsistence on the hillsides, sparse though the grazing -was at this time of year; and for them stalks of kowliang -could always be obtained as a last resource. But the -supply of rice and buckwheat, on which the men depended, -was running short. Ah Lum somewhat dismally told Jack -that it would now be necessary to reduce the rations. He -confessed that he was in a tighter place than ever before. -At no time previously had the Russians made such -determined efforts to crush him. In addition to the Korean -frontier force far to his rear, which for the present need -not be reckoned with, there were, as he had learnt, three -large forces of Cossacks, each stronger than his own band, -converging upon him from north, east, and west. General -Kuropatkin had hitherto been able to make little use of -these characteristic cavalry of the Russian army, so that -they were available for the less dignified but very -necessary work of bandit-hunting. The three forces directed -against Ah Lum were still a considerable distance apart -from one another, but it was clear to him that in a few -days he would have to try conclusions with one of them -before they got into touch. He had only escaped this -necessity so long because the Cossacks were unaccustomed -to hill work. Matchless in rapid furious charges -on the plain, they had shown little capacity for mountain -fighting or even for scouting; and, as Jack learnt -afterwards, they were desperately chagrined at their hard luck -in having so few chances of the kind of work that suited -them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chunchuses marched for several days into the hills, -their condition going from bad to worse. The rations -were verging on exhaustion. The Cossacks were no -doubt well supplied, and Ah Lum felt that the moment -had come for an attack on one of their forces. The -nearest was only a long march distant. Breaking up -his camp early one morning, when the night's frost lay -white on the ground, he led his men across the hills -northward, and, proceeding with great caution, located the -enemy late in the afternoon. Throwing out scouts in -advance—men intimately acquainted with the country—he -sighted the Cossacks before they sighted him, and at -once fell back behind a forest-clad ridge so that his -presence might not be discovered that day. During the night -his scouts reported, apparently by a calculation from the -enemy's watch-fires, that the Cossacks were at least a -thousand strong, and thus about equal numerically to -Ah Lum's effective force, with the advantage of better -discipline and training. But the chief, in common with -all his countrymen, had shrewdly studied the invaders; -he had not been blind to the Cossacks' failure in the war, -and he was hardly the kind of man to allow himself to be -terrorized by the mere name of Cossack, the effect of -which was due merely to the memory of past exploits -when the conditions of warfare were different.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>An hour or two before they sighted the Russians, the -bandits had advanced through a narrow pass, enclosed -between steep and rugged bluffs. Upon this pass Ah -Lum decided to fall back; it offered every advantage for -an ambuscade. Withdrawing thither during the hours of -darkness, he allowed his men a brief spell of sleep; then, -while the dawn was yet but a glimmer, he set them to -fell trees in the copses that crowned the hills, and to -pile them across the pathway at the far end. It was still -early when he placed half his men in cover upon the -heights overlooking the track; the rest, consisting of the -divisions of Wang Shih and Jack, were sent to threaten -the Russian rear. A mist hung over the hills; it was -bitterly cold, and the ponies often slipped on the frosty -ground. Luckily Wang Shih had with him a peasant -of the neighbourhood who acted as guide. But for him -the Chunchuses could hardly have found their way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was but an hour after daybreak when they found -themselves on the right rear of the Russians about two -miles from the latter's camp. Wang Shih's orders were -to wait until the Cossacks had advanced to the end of the -pass and been checked by the ambuscade there. Then, -before the enemy could recover from the confusion into -which they would be thrown, he was to follow up rapidly -in the hope that a movement seeming to threaten their -line of retreat might complete their disorder. He therefore -waited until, from a secure hiding-place, he saw them -quit their camp and march out. Then he moved his men -with Jack's down the hill somewhat closer to the enemy's -line of march, and awaited the sound of firing in the -distance that would announce the beginning of the fight -at the ambuscade.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Jack narrowly scanned the surrounding -country. The mist had cleared away, and a bright cold -October sun was painting the distant hills with various -charming tints. Suddenly Jack's attention was attracted -by a dark, narrow, tape-like something moving down a -slope far to the north-west. Before many seconds were past -he was convinced that it was a body of horsemen. The -question was, what horsemen? In the distance their -character could not be distinguished; the one thing certain -was that they were not Japanese, for their clothes were -very dark; the Japanese were wearing khaki. They were -scarcely likely to be Chunchuses; from their regular even -progress Jack concluded that they could not be native -carriers; surely they must be a second body of Cossacks -who had advanced by forced marches to co-operate with -those now approaching the ambush.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had moved some little distance in advance of his -troop. What he had seen sent him in haste to rejoin -Wang Shih.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We must get our men under cover," he said. "There -are Cossacks, I believe, descending the opposite hills. -They may not have seen us yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Chunchuses moved within cover of the nearest -trees, and Wang Shih sent forward his keenest scout -on foot to ascertain whether the new-comers were enemies -or friends. He returned in a few minutes declaring that -even at this distance he had distinguished the characteristic -head-dress of the Cossacks. Wang Shih was disposed to -remain in cover until the time came for him to carry out -Ah Lum's orders. In his present position he ran little risk -of being seen by the oncoming party, and being entirely -without imagination it did not occur to him that the -situation was now perhaps radically altered. But to Jack the -discovery seemed to be serious. The line of advance taken by -the second body of Cossacks would bring them within an -hour across Ah Lum's rear. The position had been strangely -reversed. While Ah Lum believed that Wang Shih was -cutting off the retreat of the first body, his own rear was -in process of being threatened by a force twice as numerous -as the one he could dispose of. He was probably in -ignorance of the danger, for the advancing Cossacks were -shut from his view by the contours of the hills, and there -was little likelihood now of a warning being conveyed -to him by a Chinese villager. It was impossible for a -messenger to reach him from Wang Shih, for the first -Russian force lay between.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack pointed out to Wang Shih the peril in which -his chief lay. The Chunchuse admitted it, but asked -what he could do. With his assistance Ah Lum might -beat the first body of the enemy before the second could -arrive, and then could turn his attention to it in its -turn.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But suppose the fight takes a long time? And suppose -we do not succeed in beating the first Russian force? If -they hold us until the second arrives, Mr. Ah's men will be -attacked from the rear, and they will certainly be crushed -between the two."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is as you say. But the chief has given me orders; -he will be angry if I disobey. It is better to carry out -orders."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was evident that Wang Shih was disinclined to assume -any responsibility. Jack was by no means satisfied that -things must be allowed to take their course. It appeared -to him of the utmost importance that the second Russian -force should be held in check until the first had been -disposed of. He went through the clump of bare trees until -he reached the summit of the crest, and looked anxiously -towards the advancing band.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>About a mile away the hill path it was following disappeared -in a cleft in the hills, reappearing a quarter of a -mile farther on. It seemed to Jack that at this spot, -resembling somewhat the position Ah Lum had taken up, -it was possible to hold the Russians in check. So far as -he could see, there was no better place along their route -for such an attempt, and he instantly made up his mind -that the attempt must be made. It was doubtful whether -the Chunchuses could reach the cleft in time to occupy it -before the Cossacks arrived, but there was a bare chance, -and he resolved to take it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hastening back to Wang Shih he explained that he -proposed with his own division of men to make for the -cleft, leaving the rest to carry out Ah Lum's instructions. -Wang Shih raised no objection; he merely stipulated that -Jack should accept the full responsibility for his action. -In a few minutes, therefore, Jack rode off at the head of -his band; almost immediately after starting he heard the -dull sound of firing in Ah Lum's direction; the fight in the -pass had begun. Clearly there was no time to lose, for -the same sound would certainly quicken the approach of -the second body of Russians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Keeping down the hill in order to screen his movements -as long as possible from the enemy, Jack led the way at as -rapid a trot as the rugged ground allowed. Only a few -minutes had passed when the little force rode out on to -the open hillside, where they must be seen by the Russians. -Jack fancied that the enemy was at this time nearer to the -cleft than his own men; but the Chunchuses were riding -downhill, the Russians up, which gave room for hope that -he might reach the position first. He was helped also by -the more open character of the ground on his side, and by -the fact that for some time the Russians failed to recognize -the object of the horsemen riding at full speed towards -them. During these precious moments Jack's party gained -several hundred yards. Keeping one eye on the rough -ground and the other on the enemy, Jack noticed that the -leading files broke from a walk into a trot and then into a -headlong scramble. It was now neck or nothing. Throwing -caution to the winds, he dug his spurs into his pony, -and clattered at breakneck speed down the slope, the -Chunchuses hard at his heels. Several ponies stumbled -and came to their knees, flinging their riders; but the rest, -intoxicated with the excitement of the race, rode unheeding -after their leader. A dip in the ground now hid the two -forces from one another; they would not again come in -sight until the cleft was reached. Between the Chunchuses -and the point they aimed at lay a comparatively clear space, -dotted by a few single boulders without any of the smaller -stones that for most of their ride had impeded their -progress. Now Jack urged his panting steed to a mad gallop; -the quarter-mile was covered in a few seconds; he dashed -into the cleft, the foremost of his men but a length behind.</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 60%" id="figure-98"> -<span id="at-full-tilt"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="At full Tilt" src="images/img-217.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">At full Tilt</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Eagerly he peered ahead through the narrow tortuous -passage. None of the Cossacks was in sight. He -galloped on, hoping to reach the other end before they -arrived; it would be easy to hold the entrance against -them. He had almost reached the farther opening when -he came full tilt on the leading Russian horseman, a -Transbaikal Cossack riding with loose rein, pistol in hand. -He was some twenty yards in advance of the troop. In -the heat of the race Jack had not anticipated the chance -of a fight on horseback. Before he could draw his pistol -the Russian had fired: the bullet whizzed harmlessly past -Jack's head. With astonishing dexterity the Russian -whipped his sword from the scabbard; by the time Jack -had his pistol ready only a few yards separated the two. -Then Jack fired; the Russian's uplifted sword dropped -from his hand, and the ponies came together with a thud. -Both riders fell to the ground, Jack being thrown lightly -on the slope to the right, thus fortunately escaping the -hoofs of the ponies following. He arose dazed, saw a -confused mass of men in front of him, heard shouts and -the crack of pistols. Pulling himself together, he ordered -his men to dismount and line the sides of the gully. In -an instant some scores of them were scrambling up the -bluffs on both sides, leaving their ponies to be gradually -passed to the rear by their comrades.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men in front, finding themselves unsupported, -began to give way, but slowly and stubbornly. As the -Russians could only advance two abreast, and that with -difficulty, two or three precious minutes were gained, -during which the crests of the slopes on either side were -manned by the Chunchuses. Now Jack gave the word -to open fire. His men were breathless; their limbs were -quivering; and their hasty ill-directed shots did little -execution. But several horses and men fell in the -Russian van; the pressure on the mounted Chunchuses who -were stemming the Russian advance was reduced; and -then, as the marksmen steadied and took deliberate aim, -a hot and deadly fire was poured into the enemy's ranks. -The Russians made an attempt to reply, taking advantage -of cover where they could, some of them sheltering -themselves behind the ponies that had fallen. But the bandits -had all the advantage of position; the Cossacks, after a -gallant stand, were forced to give way; and leaving more -than thirty of their number on the ground they galloped -back a half-mile to a shoulder of the hill, where they found -protection from the rifle-fire of the Chunchuses.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-fight-in-the-hills"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XVIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">A Fight in the Hills</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Playing the Game—A Sprint—Hit—Waiting—Across the -Open—Hard Beset—Between two Fires—The Raising of the -Siege—The Spoils—The Rear-Guard—The Outlook</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The onfall had been so violent and the fight so brisk and -rapid that Jack had had no time to form any plans or -give any but the most obvious orders demanded by the -exigency of the moment. He was exceedingly glad of the -breathing space afforded by the withdrawal of the enemy. -If he had checked them, it was only because he was able -to forestall them in the cleft; the real struggle was to come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He utilized the pause to make good his position in the -pass. The narrow path was strewn with boulders. With -these each bandit made his own little fort, so arranging -them, when they were not too heavy to be moved, as to -give the maximum of cover against the enemy's fire. -Jack wondered what form the Russian attack would take. -The pass was so narrow, its course so uneven, that direct -fire from the farther end would not, he thought, be very -effective. That he was right was soon proved. In about -a quarter of an hour the Cossacks opened a spasmodic -rifle-fire from the rough ground about three-quarters of a -mile away. It made no impression on the Chunchuses, -except that one man was shot dead by a ricochet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Apparently convinced of the hopelessness of loosening -the bandits' hold upon the pass, the Russians ceased -firing. As the minutes passed in silence, Jack wondered -what their next move was to be. Faint sounds of shots -came from the distance; Ah Lum's band was evidently -still engaged; surely the commander of the men opposed -to Jack must know that he was losing precious time, and -would make some real effort to join hands with the other -force. Jack could not but suspect that some movement -was being developed quietly and out of sight, a suspicion -strengthened when firing again broke out, intermittent, -absolutely ineffective, probably designed to withdraw his -attention from anything beyond his immediate front. -From his position in the pass he could see nothing of the -surrounding country; but about a hundred yards nearer -the Russians there was a point from which he thought a -good view might be obtained. To reach it, however, he -would have to run the gauntlet of the Russian fire; for at -least thirty yards he would be fully exposed without -possibility of taking cover. Should he risk it?</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a time he hesitated. The weighty reasons against -endangering his life flocked one after another through his -mind; uppermost of all, the thought of his father, and of -his friends at home so anxiously waiting for news of him. -But he felt that having brought his men into their present -hot corner it was his duty, at whatever personal risk, to get -them out of it; and only by ascertaining the Russian plan -of attack, if they had one, could he hope with his mere -handful of men to hold his own. He hesitated no longer. -Not that he was disposed to forget prudence and play -the dare-devil. He would not throw away any chance. -Shouting to the men nearest to him he told them what he -proposed to do, and arranged that when he reached the -limits of cover three of the bandits should draw the -Russian fire by the old Indian trick of displaying the corner -of a garment above their lurking place, as if they were -exposing themselves to take aim. The trick when tried -for the first time was almost certain to provoke a fusillade -from the enemy, and Jack could then seize the opportunity -to make a dash across the open ground. The same device -could be employed again when he signalled his desire to -return; but it was less likely to prove successful then, for -the Russians would be on the watch, and the more -intelligent of them would have seen through the ruse. Still, -it would be worth the trial even in the second case. -Accordingly, having arranged for the signal which should -announce his return, he started to worm his way to the -limit of cover.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When he arrived there he halted, turned round, and, -lifting his hand to show that he was ready, braced himself -for the sprint across the open. The appearance of a hat -and portion of a coat above the rocks behind was followed -instantly by the rattle of musketry from the Russian -position. Setting his teeth, Jack sprang from cover and -raced at full speed up the hill to a little knot of boulders -above him. Before he had gone half the distance there -was a second crash of volleying rifles; but the Russians -had clearly taken very flurried aim; Jack heard the hissing -flight of the bullets, but reached the shelter of the rock -without a scratch.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he had taken breath, he set himself to make -a careful survey of the scene beneath him. There was a -party of Cossacks, whose numbers it was impossible to -estimate, more or less hidden in the rough ground -immediately in front of the pass. Half a mile in their rear was -another body, apparently in reserve, numbering, as he -guessed, about 300. But the force he had seen an hour -before, winding its way down the hillside, had consisted -of more than 1000 men. Where, then, were the rest? -Jack's eye travelled from the lower to the upper slopes -of the hill. For a few moments he could distinguish -nothing resembling a body of men; then—yes, about a -mile and a half away was a dark object moving diagonally -across the field of view, and this soon resolved itself into -a column of horsemen. The remnant of the Cossack force, -about a third of its strength, had presumably returned -some distance along the path of their advance, then swept -round to the right. In a few minutes they disappeared -from view; Jack could hardly doubt that they intended to -turn his position by following a bridle path that would -probably bring them out upon his rear. He must go back -and question the guide. He made the signal to his men; -again they raised the garments; there was a scathing -volley from the Russians, but some, not to be caught -napping a second time, held their fire, and as Jack -bounded forth he heard the flying bullets whistling -unpleasantly around him. One tore the felt from his -Chinese shoe; another stung him like a whip in the -forearm; but, owing, doubtless, to the fact that he was racing -downhill, and that in consequence both the range and the -elevation were rapidly changing, he reached cover in safety -except for these slight mishaps.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While his wound was being bound up, he questioned -the man who had guided the bandits to the district. The -Chinaman, on Jack explaining what he had seen, agreed -that there was a path through the hills in the direction -indicated. It led to a ledge of rock jutting out from a -shoulder of the hill about half a mile in the rear of Jack's -position. An enemy holding that narrow platform could -command the southern outlet of the pass, and completely -cut off the Chunchuse force. For a moment Jack thought -of stealing a march on the Cossacks and occupying the -ledge, but a little reflection showed how useless this -would be. Not only would he weaken the body holding -the pass, every man of whom would be required when the -serious attack was delivered, but the ledge itself and the -path in its neighbourhood were scarcely tenable against -a force so largely outnumbering his own.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Another move that suggested itself was to abandon the -pass and fight a rearguard action as he retraced his steps -towards Ah Lum's position. But to do this would be, he -felt, to abandon his whole object, which was to relieve -Ah Lum as long as possible of pressure from the second -Russian force. After taking anxious thought, he decided -that he must stick to the pass if the chief was to have any -chance of escaping the net now closing around him. So -long as there was a fighting force in the pass the Russians -would not venture to attack Ah Lum, for they could not -spare enough men to bottle up Jack's division and at the -same time strike an effective blow at the chief so strongly -placed. Accordingly Jack withdrew his men from the -section of the pass likely to be covered by the flanking -force, and settled down to await developments. Sounds -of firing still came across the hills in the rear, showing -that Ah Lum, and possibly by this time Wang Shih also, -were at grips with the first Russian column.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fronting the southern end of the pass was a small clump -of trees that would give the Russians ample cover if they -could reach it. But in order to reach it they would have -to cross a quarter of a mile of comparatively level ground, -affording little cover, and exposed to the direct fire of the -defenders. For a moment Jack was tempted to occupy -the clump; but that would involve the splitting of his force, -and any detachment he might send to hold the position -would be completely cut off from support except by rifle-fire. -Fortunately the clump was not approachable from the -rear; the attempt would involve a laborious climb uphill, -the climbers all the time exposed to fire from the mouth -of the pass. This end being less defensible than the -northern, Jack had already placed the greater number of -his men in cover here in anticipation of the arrival of the -Russian turning column.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some twenty minutes passed, during which Jack -impressed upon his men the necessity of husbanding their -ammunition. They had but a small supply, with no -reserve to draw upon; it was imperative that they should -not reply to the Russian fire until they could see their -enemy distinctly. The near approach of the Cossacks -was heralded by a sudden hail of bullets falling upon the -rocks on either side of the pass. This was the signal for -a warm fusillade from the original point of attack. To -neither was any reply made by the Chunchuses, among -whom not a man was touched. After a few minutes there -was a sudden lull in the firing; it had become evident to -the Russians that unless they rushed the clump of trees -they could make no impression on an enemy so well -protected. Intuitively Jack knew what was impending; he -called to his men to be on the alert; and scarcely had he -spoken when forty or fifty big horsemen, in open order, -dashed across the open space towards the trees. Then -Jack gave the word. The Cossacks had covered but a -few yards when a terrible fire was poured upon them from -the pass. Here a man dropped from his saddle; there -a horse rolled over; but with the fine courage that had -distinguished the Russian soldier throughout the war, the -others held on in their terrible race with death. As they -galloped forward man after man fell; only a gallant -remnant reached the clump, and with it comparative safety. -Scarcely a third of the troop gained the shelter of the -trees, but tactically the movement was worth the sacrifice. -There was silence for a brief space; then the men in the -clump opened fire. From their new position they were -able to enfilade a considerable section of the pass. One -by one Jack's men began to fall; then there was a second -rush from the Cossack main body to reinforce the men in -the copse; and the defenders of the pass, enfiladed as they -were, were unable to stop it. Most of the Russians got -across; and with the reinforcements they had received, the -men in the clump poured a still more damaging fire into -the Chunchuses, only half-concealed now by rocks and -boulders, and hampered by the necessity of sparing their -ammunition. The Russians, feeling that they had the -upper hand, began to expose themselves both in the copse -and on the rough ground whence their rushes had been -made; and the bandits, with the fear of their cartridges -running short, durst not take full advantage of their -opportunities of picking off incautious individuals among the -enemy; they had to content themselves with firing whenever -a group of two or more presented a broad target, and -directing occasional close volleys into the copse. Still, the -distance separating the combatants was so short—barely -three hundred yards—that even in the comparative shelter -of the trees the Russians suffered heavily; every now and -then their fire slackened, and it was necessary to reinforce -them by further detachments from the main column.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the battle was thus waged at the south of the -pass, there had been constant firing at the other end. Hi -Lo went backwards and forwards between the two divisions -of Jack's band, with news of the enemy's movements -and the progress of the fight—a duty involving considerable -risk; but the boy could make use of rocks and -inequalities of the ground that would not have sheltered a -grown man, and he was indeed exceedingly proud of being -selected to assist in this way.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He reported now that the enfilading fire of the Russians -in the copse at the south had driven the Chunchuses from -the western face of the pass at the north end, allowing the -Cossacks to creep round the hillside on the north-east of -the entrance, and gain a position from which they were -able to inflict serious loss on the defenders. Jack felt that -the coils were gradually being drawn around him; and when -a number of men, covered by a brisk rifle-fire, dashed from -the copse towards the steep hillside overlooking the pass, -and in spite of the loss of several of their number began -laboriously to climb the slope, he could not but recognize -that the game was well-nigh up. The fight had lasted -three hours. His men were worn; the strain had been -very great; and they were reduced to half a dozen rounds -a rifle. But they were still steady and undismayed; how -much their tenacity owed to Jack's training and how -much to their native courage it would be difficult to say; -but two things were certain: their marksmanship was -distinctly superior to that of the Cossacks, and the temptation -of undisciplined troops to blaze away at random had been -quite heroically resisted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men climbing the face of the hill soon passed out -of sight; but in about ten minutes they opened fire from a -ridge high up the slope. In excellent cover themselves, -they had many of the Chunchuses in full view; and the -Chinamen could not move into shelter without exposing -themselves to the fire of the Cossacks in the copse. -Nevertheless the bandits, with the characteristic doggedness of -the Chinese in face of peril, clung to their positions, -flattening themselves against the rocks and boulders, which -gave them less and less protection, attacked as they now -were from several sides. More than once Jack made a -hazardous trip to the northern end of the pass, encouraging -his men; each time he noticed with a sinking heart that -the number of still and prostrate forms was greater. What -caused the keenest pang, it was impossible to bring the -wounded to a place of safety. As soon as a man fell, he -almost inevitably lost the complete protection of his boulder; -a portion of his body lay outside the zone of safety, and -the poor wretch thus became the mark for a score of -bullets. His heart torn with pity for the men, Jack at -one time thought of surrender. But then he recollected -that they would merely exchange the bullet for the noose; -and there was always a bare chance of relief. He himself -was wounded in the shoulder; at least half his men were -out of action; the Russians were gradually closing in -towards both entrances of the pass; and a simultaneous -rush at each end must finish the struggle. Jack wondered -why such an assault had not already been made. It would -entail a certain loss of life; but perhaps less in the end -than would result from prolonging the struggle. Even as -the thought struck him, he saw signs of the movement he -so much dreaded, and hurrying back to the southern end, -where the worst of the fighting must take place, he was -about to urge his men to sell their lives dearly, when from -the steep pathway beyond the rocky platform previously -pointed out by his guide there came the discharge of half -a hundred rifles. The combat in the pass ceased instantly; -both sides were startled and amazed—Jack wondering -whether the first Russian force had disposed of Ah Lum, -and was now returning to complete the destruction of -his followers; the Cossacks apparently uncertain whether -the shots came from friend or foe. Another volley flashed -from the height; immediately afterwards a swarm of -horsemen was seen to descend. By the manner of their -riding it was plain they were not Cossacks. They were -making direct for the rear of the Russian force, threatening -to cut off its retreat. The Cossacks beyond the copse -waited no longer. In one wild rush, some throwing away -their rifles in their haste, they fled towards the pathway -by which they had come, hoping to reach the ponies -tethered beyond the zone of fire. The men in the copse, -less fortunately placed than their comrades, offered a -desperate resistance to the Chunchuses now enveloping -them—Jack leading some of his men in a charge from the pass, -the new-comers sweeping round at headlong speed to -intercept the fugitives. A few of the Cossacks, seeing their -flight hopeless, surrendered; the rest died fighting; while -those on the hillside, taken in reverse, were shot down -almost to a man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Thus reinforced, Jack sent a detachment round towards -the northern end of the pass, and led a strong body to -make a frontal attack on the Cossacks there. But they -did not await the assault. Perceiving their danger, they -withdrew towards their reserve; and becoming aware -within a few minutes of the Chunchuses rapidly -approaching on their flank, they abandoned their position -and galloped swiftly away, many of them falling to the -rifles of the bandits.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The detachment which had come so providentially to -Jack's relief proved to be Wang Shih's force. By the time -they returned from pursuing the fleeing Russians, Ah Lum -himself arrived at the pass. Jack then learnt what had -happened. The first Russian force had been completely -routed. They had lost heavily in the ambuscade, but had -rallied and attempted to rush Ah Lum's position. Then, -however, Wang Shih had come down upon their flank, -and, discouraged by their heavy losses at the ambuscade, -they had retreated. Closely followed up by Ah Lum, they -were taken between two fires, and their retirement, at first -orderly, soon became a headlong flight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ah Lum made the handsomest acknowledgments to -Jack for the part he had played. And his was indeed a -notable achievement. Though threatened by nearly thrice -their numbers, his men by their gallant fight had -prevented the junction of the two Cossack forces, and thus -enabled Ah Lum to secure his object, and win the victory -on which so much had depended. His combined force was -not strong enough to follow up the advantage gained; for -among the hills the Cossacks would easily find a defensible -position, and if they once succeeded in checking the -pursuit, the Chunchuses would soon be opposed by -overwhelming numbers. But in the hastily evacuated position -the victors discovered a considerable supply of food, fodder, -and ammunition abandoned by the Cossacks, and this -proved a welcome addition to their depleted stores.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ah Lum had now to consider his future movements. -He had learnt from a scout, who had overtaken him as he -rode towards the pass, that a strong Cossack force was -pushing northwards from the Korean frontier. To escape -the ring-fence in which the Russians were evidently -determined to enclose him, it seemed best to strike -north-east, and endeavour to gain a position that had more than -once been occupied by Chunchuses in their conflicts with -Chinese troops. Arrangements were hastily made for the -transport of the wounded, on both sides unfortunately -very numerous. Mindful of his engagement with Jack, -Ah Lum would not allow his men to despatch the wounded -Russians, as was their wont. Forming a long column, -he started on his march, leaving Jack with 300 men to -watch the Cossacks and hold them at bay, should they -return, until the main body had got a good start. Jack -held the pass for the remainder of the day; he was glad -of the rest, for it enabled him to have his injured arm -bathed and dressed. Fortunately the wounds were slight. -No sign of further attack being seen, he thought it safe -to follow up his chief. They joined forces within -twenty-four hours of Jack's leaving the pass. Ah Lum's march -had been delayed by the wounded, whom, however, he left -in groups at friendly villages en route. All the wounded -having been thus disposed of, the combined Chunchuse -column regained its former mobility, and, marching -rapidly, in three days reached the hill fastness where Ah -Lum hoped to enjoy a breathing-space to rest and recruit.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In the course of the march he gathered up ample food -supplies for man and beast, but was still beset by the -scarcity of ammunition. A great deal had been expended in -the recent fight, and the wastage was by no means made -up by what had been captured from the Russians. The -band, too, was constantly being recruited, mainly from men -who had been wounded and left behind in the villages after -previous engagements; and in spite of its recent losses it -was now again fully twelve hundred strong. But when -the stock of ammunition came to be examined, it was -found that there scarcely remained a dozen rounds a man. -Unless, therefore, a fresh supply could in some way be -procured, it would be necessary to disband the force. The -dilemma gave Ah Lum serious concern.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="captain-kargopol-finds-the-chunchuses"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Captain Kargopol finds the Chunchuses</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Grumbles—Pai-chi-kou—The Masterful Muscovite—A -Midnight Council—The Inn—A -Summons—Betrayal—Confirmation—Miss-fire—The -Rounds—Ivan Ivanovitch</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Captain Vassily Nikolaeitch Kargopol was not in the -best of tempers. His pony, which had carried him all day -over some of the worst mountain tracks in Manchuria, -slipped at the frozen edge of a rut, and nearly rolled over. -The rider, as a captain of Transbaikal Cossacks, was too -good a horseman to be thrown; but he was severely -jolted, and he brought the poor jaded beast up with a -smart lash of his whip. This seemed to relieve his -feelings; and further consideration, together with a comically -reproachful look on the face of his companion, brought -repentance. Leaning forward he patted the animal's neck.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You needn't look at me like that, Borisoff," he said. -"I know it's too bad of me to visit the sins of this accursed -country on the beast. Never mind; he shall have an extra -feed of buckwheat to-night, and I'll see that he gets it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's more like you, Kargopol," returned Lieutenant -Casimir Andreitch Borisoff. The cloud had indeed cleared -like magic from the captain's round, jovial, somewhat -rubicund face; evidently he was not a man on whom -ill-temper sat long or heavily.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The truth is, I am becoming a little uneasy. Isn't -there something in the Scriptures about hunting after a -dead dog, after a flea? I confess I'd rather stick to our -proper work, and smash Oyama instead of running after -this Ah Lum and his Chunchuses."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, confound the fellow! He's as agile as the little -unmentionable fellow you were beguiled into naming, -though by all accounts he's more like a live lion than a -dead dog. That fight of his was a masterly piece of work."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I only wish we could get to grips with him. Here -have I been for weeks—months—on the hunt, and haven't -so much as sighted a bandit. Hi there! Ivan Samsonitch, -ask the Chinaman how far it is to this precious village."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The trooper addressed, riding beside a burly Chinaman -twenty paces ahead, translated the question into a -barbarous mixture of Chinese and pidgin Russian. The -Chinaman, whose legs as he bestrode his little pony almost -touched the ground, bowed humbly upon the animal's -neck, and barked a reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He says, little father," said the sergeant, translating, -"that Pai-chi-kou is about seven li farther; that is four -versts; but there is a river to be forded."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Another river! That makes a round dozen since we -started. And the water's icy cold, confound it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain had drawn up to the sergeant; only to him -and the Chinaman was his mild grumble audible. The -sergeant was a man of responsibility with whom he could -to a certain extent unbend; the men must hear no -complaints. For nine hours the detachment of 150 Cossacks -had marched up hill and down dale over tracks slippery -with frost, wading streams that in another month would be -deeply coated with ice. Their progress was hampered by -the necessity of watching and assisting the heavily-laden -pack-mules that formed the major part of the column. -Their destination was the village of Pai-chi-kou, where -they were to be joined by the larger force for which they -were carrying ammunition and supplies. As verst -succeeded verst, the captain thought, and said to Lieutenant -Borisoff, hard things of the transport officer who had -drawn out the itinerary. The want of good service maps -was a terrible disadvantage. Once the detachment had -lost its way altogether; and only after an hour had been -spent in futile search was a countryman opportunely -discovered and pressed into the service as guide. The man -was very unwilling to act; he protested his wish to go in -an entirely different direction, to a village where his -grandfather awaited burial rites. But Captain Kargopol had had -enough dealings with Chinamen to regard this grandfather -as an oriental Mrs. Harris; he turned a deaf ear to the -man's protests, and was unmelted by his facile tears. -Under his guidance the troops had trudged along, the men -bearing the fatigues of the march with the fine cheerfulness -of the Russian soldier, breaking out every now and then -into song, their rich voices ringing out gloriously in the -clear, frosty air.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The twelfth river was waded, only one of the mules -losing its footing and submerging its load. Shortly -afterwards, just as dusk was falling, the column arrived at a -long, straggling village.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is Pai-chi-kou?" said the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, little father," replied the sergeant, after -questioning the guide.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"H'm! It seems very populous. Where do they stow -all the people? And what is the noise about?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The street was crowded with Chinese men, women, and -children, making a terrible din with gongs, drums, and -crackers. The guide explained that a great number of -people had come into the village to keep the annual -Dragon-boat Festival; if the Russians had arrived a -little earlier they would have seen the river covered with -long, narrow, gaily-painted boats paddled by crews of -twenty in fantastic costumes, the banks thronged with -onlookers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A pity we missed it, Borisoff," said the captain. -"However, I'm glad we have arrived safely at last."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If Captain Kargopol had known a little more about -Chinese customs, he would certainly have asked why in -this village the Festival—a summer festival held on the -fifth day of the fifth moon—was being celebrated four -months after the proper time. Moreover, it is only -celebrated where the rivers are broad; on a hill stream -the procession of boats must be a mere travesty. But -the captain could hardly be expected to know that.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain rode up to the only inn, where the one -habitable room was crammed with Chinamen. After a -short colloquy with the innkeeper these natives were -unceremoniously bundled out into the courtyard; the captain -had declared his intention of occupying the room with -Lieutenant Borisoff for the night. He then sent his -sergeant to find quarters for the troopers in the village. The -man reported that every house was full up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then we must empty them," said the captain, who -was tired and grumpy. "Make the Chinese turn out. -The men have more need of rest than they."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was unanswerable, if illogical. The sergeant went -to do his bidding, and soon the street was noisier than -ever, the dispossessed Chinamen in scattered knots -cackling away in their high-pitched voices, some of them -weeping, and crowding to suffocation the few houses that were -not required by these masterful foreign devils.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With military punctiliousness Captain Kargopol set a -strong guard at each end of the village, arranged for the -single street to be patrolled, and the inn to be watched by -a sentry; then threw himself on the k'ang with a weary -sigh, and prepared to eat, if not digest, the meal which -the innkeeper soon had ready for his guests. It was quite -clear that, though the Chinamen had all been turned out, -some had ventured to creep back into the passage and a -sort of shanty adjoining the room. The innkeeper -kow-towed and apologized; he hoped the honourable officer -would not object to the men occupying this shelter for -the night; they had paid their scot in advance, and if he -did not give them house-room he would have to refund -the money and pay compensation in addition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor wretches!" said the captain to Borisoff. "We're -pretty hard on them at the best. They won't interfere -with us, I suppose, unless they snore; and even then, I -fancy I'm so dead beat I could sleep through anything."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the officers had finished their supper, they -wrapped themselves in their cloaks, and lay, Captain -Kargopol on the k'ang, the lieutenant on the floor. -Though the inn was now quiet, and the troopers were -no doubt sleeping as soundly as their superiors, it was -evident from the sounds proceeding from the houses that -the Chinese were wakeful, possibly through the excitement -of their festival.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Towards midnight, under the shelter of a low shed not -far from the inn, where they crouched for protection from -a biting north wind, two Chinamen were talking in low -tones. One was the guide who had so reluctantly -accompanied the Russians; the other a much younger man. All -at once, out of the darkness crept a short Chinese boy, -looking fatter than he was by reason of his thickly wadded -clothes. He came to the younger of the two men, and -addressed him in an excited whisper. To anyone who -overheard him it would have been clear that he had been -hiding, according to instructions, in the inn. He said -that he had overheard a conversation between Hu Hang -and C'hu Tan, who were among the Chinamen in the -shanty. He had seemingly heard more than was -expected. The ex-constable and Ah Lum's ex-lieutenant -were going to seize and gag the innkeeper, and then to -waken the Russian officers and give them an important -piece of information. The howl of a dog outside the -village was to be the signal for carrying this plan into -effect. They had said that between the first howl and -the second there would be plenty of time for what they -meant to do.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hai-yah!" growled the larger of the two listeners, -following up the exclamation with an oath. The other -made no comment on the news he had just heard, but, -turning to the boy, he said rapidly:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Run and tell Pai Ting there are to be two howls, not -three. What was to have been the first will now be the -second. The signal will be given as soon as the moon -goes down behind yonder clump of trees. You understand?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy nodded, and without a word crept away, -wriggling down a narrow passage between the shed and -the next house towards the outskirts of the village.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as he had gone, the two men rose quietly and -went into the street. Dodging the patrol, they hurried to -the inn, passed to the rear, and cautiously made their way -into the shanty or lean-to. There were several Chinamen -in the stuffy den, to all seeming fast asleep; but a close -observer might have noticed that the entrance of the -new-comers was at once remarked, and that, as they passed by -or actually stepped over the recumbent forms, they were -the object of a keen scrutiny. The inspection appeared to -satisfy the men, for they at once resumed their attitude of -complete repose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To any but ears keenly alert the progress of the two -men would have been inaudible; for there was a constant -noise from the courtyard and a large open space behind -the inn, where the greater number of the ponies of the -convoy were picketed under a Cossack guard. A Cossack -was also doing sentry-go in front of the inn, but -approaching from the back the two Chinamen had avoided him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When they came in sight of the main room they -exercised the extremest caution. The door was but -half-closed, and through the opening came the faint yellow -light of a small oil-lamp. Coming to a spot whence they -could see the greater part of the interior, they halted, and -peeped within. Near the door they could just make out -the forms of three Chinamen huddled on the floor—doubtless -the innkeeper, and the two men whose little plot the -boy had overheard and reported. The Russian officers had -apparently been too much fatigued to resent this invasion -of their privacy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Waiting merely to get a mental photograph of the -position in the room, the younger of the two Chinamen moved -gently backward, and, touching one of the dormant figures -on the shoulder, beckoned him towards the back door. -Then he whispered an instruction. The man was to enter -the room, boldly but not aggressively, and summon the -innkeeper to join Wang Shih at the house of the village -headman. This was but a move in the game shortly to -be played out. The two conspirators would doubtless be -relieved to find themselves—by a lucky accident, they -would suppose—free from the presence of the innkeeper; -it would no longer be necessary to dispose of him; at the -same time they would be reassured as to the whereabouts -of Wang Shih. The man crept in as directed. His entrance -caused the captain to stir.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it?" he growled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The innkeeper explained as well as he could that he was -called away.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Out with you, then, and tell the sentry to allow no one -else in. I want to sleep."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He then turned over, and was instantly oblivious. The -innkeeper, coming out, was surprised to find Wang Shih -at the door, but was warned by that burly man's younger -companion not to open his lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had scarcely left the room before one of the two -Chinamen lying within the room began to wriggle -towards the officers. The other man, none other than Hu -Hang, once a constable, now a disappointed Chunchuse, -bent forward, intent upon his companion's progress. At -a hint from the younger of the two watchers, the elder, -Wang Shih himself, slipped into the room and stood silent -and unnoticed behind Hu Hang.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The creeping Chinaman came first to Lieutenant Borisoff, -stretched on the floor. He nudged him; the Russian -grunted. A second gentle nudge provoked another grunt. -Then the officer awoke with a start, and seeing by the -dim light a Chinaman bending over him, he instinctively -felt for and grasped the revolver beneath the cloak that -formed his pillow. The Chinaman held up his hands to -show that he wras unarmed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you want, confound you?" asked Borisoff in -pidgin Russian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ss-s-h!" was the answer. "Listen quietly, honourable -nobility. There is danger."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it?" asked the lieutenant, raising himself on -his elbow. "Tell me quickly, and be sure you tell me the -truth, or——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was an ominous movement of the revolver. He -touched Captain Kargopol's foot, and that officer, awake -in an instant, sat up on the k'ang and looked about him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This village is not Pai-chi-kou, honourable nobility. -It is Ta-kang-tzü. The Chinamen here are all Chunchuses. -Very soon honourable master will hear the howl of a dog. -It will not be the voice of a dog, but of a man. It is a -signal. Ah Lum's men are outside. At the signal they -will surround the village."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both officers were now on their feet, gripping their -revolvers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Afterwards another howl," continued the informer. -"The Chunchuses in the village will seize rifles and -pistols hidden in the gardens and pig-sties. Afterwards -a third signal; every house with Russians in it will be -attacked, every honourable soldier captured or killed."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain rapped out an oath. The Chinaman, still -on his knees, lifted up his hands and spoke earnestly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can show the honourable nobility how to cheat them; -honourable master will reward his humble slave. Is it not so?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain, none too quick-witted, nodded to the man -to proceed. The Chinaman stood erect.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At the first howl, master will cut a hole in the -window—quickly, so that the men in the passage hear nothing; -they are all Chunchuses. He will whisper to the sentry -outside; the soldier will warn the patrol, and they will in -haste make the round of the houses where soldiers are. -Before the second signal is given, honourable master's -men will be ready; they can shoot down the Chunchuses -in the village, and Ah Lum will have to retreat, for -honourable nobility's countrymen are only ten miles away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a moment the captain gazed doubtfully at the man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you think it a trap?" he asked Borisoff.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The long-drawn howl of a dog as if baying the moon -rose and died away at some distance from the village. -The officers started.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Trap or not, we can't go far wrong in doing what he -says. Even if he is lying we are no worse off."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Honourable nobility's servant asks fifty ounces of silver -for——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By and by, by and by. Your story must be proved. -It sounds likely enough——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are quite right, your nobility," said another voice -in good Russian. "It is more than likely; it is literally -true."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the figure of a young Chinaman advanced from a -dark part of the room, the startled officers backed and -cocked their revolvers; the informer, turning a sickly -green under his yellow skin, stared mouth agape at the -speaker; while, from the corner where the man's -fellow-conspirator had been waiting, the sound of a choking -gurgle showed that Wang Shih was busy with his old -friend the constable.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The scene in the dimly-lit room was one not likely to be -soon forgotten by the actors in the drama.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While the two officers stood fingering their weapons in -amazed irresolution, and the wretched traitor leant for -support against the k'ang, the new-comer continued:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What this man says, gentlemen, is perfectly true, so -far as he knows. But he doesn't know all. Before you -do anything rash allow me to explain. The howl you -have just heard was the second, not the first signal. Ah -Lum's men have already surrounded the village, and -eighty men inside are prepared to rush the quarters -occupied by your troops. The inn is watched; the slightest -commotion here will be the third signal."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The news was in itself sufficient to provoke the deepest -wrath, but the coolness with which the explanation was -given enraged the captain beyond all bounds. Springing -forward with an oath he cried, "I will risk it!" and -snapped his revolver within a foot of the Chinaman's -head.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no report.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is fortunate for you, sir, that we drew the charges -while you slept. But for that, your fate and that of your -men would have been sealed. If you will give me your -word of honour not to make a sound, I will give you -ocular proof of what I have said. Believe me, it is only -to save your detachment from annihilation. But you shall -judge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The officer, pale and quivering with rage and chagrin -rather than fear, threw a glance at Lieutenant Borisoff, -who nodded.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Agreed," said Kargopol fiercely.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Going to the door, the Chinaman said a few words to -those outside. They rose and stood, fully armed, in the -passage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They are Chunchuses, you observe, sir; not peaceful -countrymen, as you believed, but the men you are hunting. -We will pass outside. Be careful not to alarm your -Cossacks."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They passed by the row of silent Chinamen out into the -street. The officers were saluted by the sentry, who -supposed them to be making the rounds. They came to the -largest house in the village. In front, on the street, -nothing was to be seen. But at the back, and in a dark -passage-way at the side, were at least twenty dim figures, -armed at all points with rifle, pistol, and dagger. The -silent group passed to another house, and to yet another; -at each, cunningly placed out of sight of the patrol, -Chunchuses lurked, awaiting the signal for the terrible work of -the night.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have but a few minutes, gentlemen, before the -signal. Are you satisfied? Nothing stands between your -men and extermination, save yourselves. What is your -decision?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain bit his moustache.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let things take their course," said Borisoff quietly. -"We had better die fighting than be tortured to death -after surrender."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can promise you and your men good treatment as -prisoners of war—always supposing your general is willing -to exchange you for our men, and does not hang any more -of ours in the meantime. You need not fear torture."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Russians laughed grimly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are your assurances worth—you, a Chunchuse?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A Chunchuse—yes, Captain, but in this case also an -Englishman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An Englishman!" cried Kargopol with a start of -surprise. Borisoff stepped nearer to Jack and peered -into his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An Englishman, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And a Chunchuse?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A Chunchuse, by compulsion of your countrymen. -But, gentlemen, we waste precious time. In a few -seconds the matter will be beyond your discretion—or -mine."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The captain stopped and faced the speaker. Borisoff's -face wore a look of perplexity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You give me your word?" said Kargopol after a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As an Englishman?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"As an Englishman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then I surrender."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Believe me, sir, it is the wisest, the most humane -course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your name is Brown?" said Borisoff suddenly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ivan Ivanovitch Brown, Lieutenant Borisoff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Batiushki! I was puzzled by something familiar in -your voice. What in the world——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pardon me, the situation is still full of danger, a spark -may fire the train. I will explain everything afterwards."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Peering into the dark, Jack in a moment beckoned to a -small figure crouching under the shelter of a wall. Hi Lo -came bounding up, and to him Jack gave a rapid order. -The boy sped away at full speed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I have told him that the third signal is not to be given. -I hope he may be in time."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="id1"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Battle of Moukden</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Reservations—The Cupboard—Perfidious—"The Little -More"—Winter Quarters—More Perfidy—Russians -Concentrating—Captured Maxims—A Missing -Messenger—The Battle Ground—Nogi dashes North—Hemmed -In—Nogi cuts the Railway—The North Road—A Carnival -of Blood</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"You have sold us completely, Ivan Ivanovitch," said -Borisoff as they walked back towards the inn. "I -suppose that rascally guide of ours led us into this trap."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All's fair in war, you know. He is Wang Shih, Ah -Lum's principal lieutenant."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He deserves to be hanged!" growled the captain. -"So do you, Mr. Brown."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We seldom get our deserts, Captain. But I think -Lieutenant Borisoff had better make a round of the houses -and tell your men of the surrender. I will send word to -our man outside bidding him keep his Chunchuses in hand -for the present. In a few minutes I will rejoin you at the -inn."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the lieutenant visited house after house he recognized -how hopeless resistance would have been. At the given -signal every dwelling would have been rushed, and before -the Cossacks could have realized what was happening they -must have fallen to a man. The crestfallen troops were -paraded and disarmed in the street; then by the light of -flares the convoy was got ready, and an hour and a half -later it set off from the village up the hillside, escorted by -the Chunchuses, to join Ah Lum some fifteen miles away. -Jack stood at the door of the inn beside Captain Kargopol -as the convoy and prisoners filed past. Nearly a hundred -pack-mules heavily laden with ammunition, winter -clothing, and provisions, and a hundred and fifty Cossacks, -formed the prize of his ingenuity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Several mules and their loads were left behind for the -benefit of the villagers who had assisted in the plot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You had better hide them," said Jack to the headman. -"There is a large Cossack force only ten miles away: -they may be down upon you at any moment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He learnt later that hardly were the last of the ponies -and their loads secured in caves and hollows among the -hills when, shortly after dawn, a squadron of Cossacks -galloped up—the advance guard of the twelve hundred -men whom Captain Kargopol was to have joined with -his convoy. The commander was furious when he heard -the news, told him with much sympathy by the headman, -who reserved none of the details save only the participation -of the villagers. Finding the track followed by the -Chunchuses, the commander sent a galloper back with the -news and himself pushed on in pursuit. But after three -hours' hard riding his squadron was effectually checked -by a handful of men in a defile, and by the time he had -received sufficient support to force the pass the convoy -had reached Ah Lum's encampment, and nothing but a -battle could recover it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>During the northward march Jack rode between Captain -Kargopol and Lieutenant Borisoff. They were eager for -the promised explanation of his partnership with brigands. -Jack had already made up his mind to be chary of details. -He would give no hostages to fortune in the shape of -information that might be used against him later; nor -would he say anything about the friends whose assistance -had been so valuable to him. Of Gabriele Walewska -and the missionary, of Herr Schwab and the compradore's -brother, he therefore said never a word. The gist of his -explanation was that, being uncertain and suspicious in -regard to his father's fate, he had resolved to stay in the -country, and found that he could only do so safely in -disguise. This being penetrated by Sowinski's acuteness, -he had perforce taken refuge with Ah Lum, one of whose -lieutenants was an old friend of his.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That rascally guide of ours, I suppose," said Borisoff. -"Well, it happens that I can give you a little -information——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About my father?'</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, I know nothing about him. A few weeks ago -a curious thing happened to that fellow Sowinski, a man -I loathe. Kuropatkin received a telegram from Petersburg -asking for particulars of the charges brought against -your father, and for information as to his whereabouts. -Your Foreign Office had apparently been making enquiries. -Kuropatkin knew nothing about it, of course; after some -delay he discovered that Bekovitch had dealt with the -matter. Bekovitch produced a number of letters found -in your father's office conclusively showing that he had -been in treasonable correspondence with the Japanese——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a lie!" said Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, there were the letters," said Borisoff with a -shrug. "Kuropatkin asked if there was any independent -evidence. Bekovitch at once sent Sinetsky for Sowinski. -He couldn't find the man, and though he left an urgent -message he didn't turn up. So he went to his house again -early next morning. There was nobody about, the door -was wide open, and he walked in. The house was empty, -but he thought he heard a strange rustling in a big press -in the dining-room; Sowinski had appropriated your house, -by the way. He opened the door, and there was the Pole, -gagged, tied hand and foot, and nearly dead from -exhaustion. Sinetsky cut him loose; the poor wretch couldn't -speak for half an hour, his tongue was so much swollen. -He'd been tied up by a Chinese servant, it appeared, -though the job must have taken more than one man."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes—I was the other."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You!" The officers laughed heartily. "You're a -perfect demon of ingenuity, Ivan Ivanovitch. Why didn't -he say it was you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He had his reasons, I suppose. What happened -then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He went to Kuropatkin and swore to all manner of -things against your father. The information was -telegraphed to Petersburg, and that's all I know about it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But where is my father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't know. Bekovitch didn't know, or professed -he didn't. I fancy he had taken care not to know, in -case any unpleasant questions were asked."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But someone must know. Confound it, Lieutenant, is -the whole Staft a conspiracy of silence?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It appears that Bekovitch sent your father to Kriloff, -and Kriloff is dead. I suppose enquiries were made, but -so far as I know nothing has come to light."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I never heard of such villainy!" said Jack, his indignation -getting the better of him. "I had always believed -the Russian officer was a gentleman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh, come now!" said Captain Kargopol, "you English -haven't a monopoly of the virtues. You can't throw stones, -after the dirty trick your government has played us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You haven't heard? I forgot: I suppose your Ah Lum -doesn't subscribe to the </span><em class="italics">Manchurian Army Gazette</em><span>. The -Baltic Fleet was attacked by British torpedo-boats in the -North Sea; Admiral Rozhdestvenski very properly fired and -sank one or two. Some trawlers got in the way and were -rather knocked about: unfortunately a few men were -killed, and your canting press of course set up a howl and -clamoured for war. But it's we who are the injured party: -you may be the ally of Japan, but that's no excuse for an -unprovoked attack on our fleet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really, Captain, pardon me, but the story's absurd. -When did this torpedo attack take place?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At night, of course; you don't suppose they'd dare -to attack battleships in broad daylight."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then depend upon it there was a mistake. Someone -was scared by the sight of a trawler. It's ridiculous to -suppose that our government sent torpedo-boats on such -a silly errand as that."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, they might have hired Scandinavian boats, to -save their face."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack repressed a smile. It was evidently of no use to -argue with the captain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Time will show," he said. "By the way, Mr. Wang," -he added, seeing the Chunchuse a few paces -away, "what did you do with Hu Hang?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am very sorry, sir," said Wang Shih with a look of -sincere penitence. "It was quite a mistake—I was -excited, and I squeezed too hard."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You strangled him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. It is a pity—a great waste. I fear the chief -will be angry. Hu was a strong man—he would have -lasted for days."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Understanding what he meant, Jack thought it just as -well. He doubted whether his influence with Ah Lum -and the band would have been enough to preserve the -informer from the most gruesome and lingering tortures -Chinese inventiveness could devise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And what became of Ch'u Tan?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He stabbed himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Anticipating a worse fate," Jack explained to the officers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We are aware of our good fortune in falling into your -hands, Ivan Ivanovitch," said Borisoff gravely; "and if, -when we are rescued, I can do anything——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thanks, Lieutenant! I don't owe much to the Russians," -he added bitterly, "my father less. When he is -righted I shall hope perhaps to pick up my old friendships -again."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Towards the close of the day the convoy reached Ah -Lum's mountain fastness. The chief's little eyes gleamed -when he saw the great haul made by his son's tutor.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are bold enough to stroke a tiger's beard," he -said. "Where there is musk, there will of course be -perfume."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The supplies captured were very welcome. Ah Lum -had found it necessary to lie low, to avoid the forces on -the hunt for him. But after a few days he learnt that the -troops from the Korean frontier had been recalled, and the -only Russian column now in the mountains was nearly a -hundred miles away. He could therefore afford to live on -his gains for a time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The band settled down to a period of quiet camp life. -The Cossacks were distributed over the settlement and -carefully guarded. Jack proceeded with the education of -Ah Fu, and the further training of his men. There was -considerable competition among the Chunchuses for -enrolment in his corps; he was looked upon as lucky, a -special favourite of heaven. For himself, he regarded -his position differently. Harassed with anxiety as to his -father's fate; among uncongenial surroundings; an exile, -without anyone to confide in as a friend; he felt anything -but lucky. As week after week passed he grew terribly -weary of his life; winter had settled down upon the hills; -the snow lay inches thick, and even the warm clothing -captured from the Cossacks—the fur caps, thick gray -overcoats, felt-lined boots, ear gloves, and what not—proved -but insufficient protection against the intense cold. -He volunteered for what active work was going; but -there was little, and he did not covet the command of any -of the parties that went out from time to time to replenish -the larder. Ah Lum was punctilious in giving receipts for -the supplies he requisitioned from the country people, but -Jack felt that they were little likely to be paid for: it was -a mere form at the best. And the villagers could ill afford -the contributions demanded, though after all they were -better off than their countrymen living in the main current -of the war. To all except the few merchants and -contractors, who made huge profits by supplying the rival -armies, the war had brought blank ruin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Occasionally news of the progress of the war filtered -through the country. Jack learnt that Admiral Alexeieff, -after continual wrangling with Kuropatkin, had been -recalled; that the combatants had gone into winter -quarters on opposite sides of the Sha-ho, both Russians -and Japanese living in dug-outs, called by the Russians -</span><em class="italics">zemliankas</em><span>; that Port Arthur was still holding out, though -from Chinese reports it seemed inevitable that the end -must soon come; that fresh troops were continually -arriving from Europe. One day a dirty copy of the </span><em class="italics">Manchurian -Army Gazette</em><span> was brought into the camp; the Chinese are -always loth to destroy anything written or printed. The -most interesting item of news it held for Jack, and one on -which he had a battle-royal of argument with the Russian -officers, was the statement that the </span><em class="italics">Ocean</em><span>, a British -battleship on the China station, had been sold to the Japanese, -and would appear in the next naval fight as the </span><em class="italics">Yushima</em><span>, -which the Russians declared had been sunk by a mine -while blockading Port Arthur. Captain Kargopol stoutly -maintained that this was another instance of British -perfidy, and came very near to losing his temper when Jack -refused to take the report seriously, and bantered him on -his anti-British prejudice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last, one bright cold January day a Chinaman came -in with the news that Port Arthur had fallen. Jack could -not but sympathize with the captive officers. Personally -they were the best of comrades; their distrust of England -did not alloy the cordiality of their relations with Jack; and -their air of hopeless dejection was distressing to one who -bore neither to them nor to their nation any enduring ill-will.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few days afterwards Ah Lum learnt that the Russian -column which had been watching him had suddenly -decamped. The inference was obvious. The fall of the -great fortress had released a large number of Japanese -troops, and Kuropatkin was concentrating against the -forward movement now to be expected. This information -had considerable importance for Ah Lum. He had been -canvassing the desirability of moving towards Kirin, -leaving only a small force in the hills to watch the -Russians. Their sudden retreat, however, caused him to -change his plan. He resolved to follow them. There -was more chance of safety for him if he kept to the hills -within a few marches of the combatant armies than if he -was completely isolated and likely to be cut off by several -mobile columns operating against him. It was hardly -likely that the Russians would now spare any troops from -the fighting line to interfere with him. He was only a -mosquito after all, though his sting had more than once -proved extremely irritating. His only concern was to be -near enough without being too near. In the last resort -he could go over to the Japanese; but he disliked the -Japanese only less than the Russians, and preferred to -keep aloof. It would be time enough to approach the -Japanese when they were well on the road to Harbin and -the area of his possible operations became more restricted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The camp was therefore struck. By easy marches the -band came to within eighty miles of Moukden. Then, -having made complete arrangements for the approach of -any Russian force to be signalled to him from point to -point, Ah Lum encamped and awaited a favourable opportunity -of cutting across the Russian line of communications.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To none was the change of scene more welcome than to -Jack. He had been worrying for some time past at the -absence of news from the compradore; that he had sent -no message made Jack fear that the man had returned to -Moukden and been made to suffer by Sowinski or General -Bekovitch for his young master's escape. Growing more -and more restless, disappointed also that no news of his -father had been gleaned by any of Ah Lum's agents in -different parts of the country, he at last made up his mind -to venture once more into Moukden. It was necessary to -ask leave of Ah Lum; and Jack, in his present state of -mind, was not disposed to be fobbed off with maxims and -proverbs.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he expected, the chief looked very solemn and -endeavoured to dissuade him from his purpose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is like a blind fowl picking at random after worms," -he said. "It is like attempting to carry an olive on the -pate of a priest. You have already had a very narrow -escape. You may not be so fortunate next time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I must insist, Mr. Ah," said Jack. "Anything is -better than suspense."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I will send a man for you. A wise man never does -himself what he can employ another to do for him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; but if one will not enter a tiger's lair, how can -he obtain her whelps?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He cited the proverb with the utmost gravity. Ah Lum -was taken aback. Were his own maxims to be turned -against him? He pondered for a moment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All things are according to heaven," he said with a -resigned air. "Still, I will send a man with you; let him -go before you into Moukden; then you must act as you -think best on receipt of information. To die or to live -is according to fate."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When it became known in the camp that Jack, or Sin -Foo as he was there known, was about to leave, many of -the Chunchuses were eager to accompany him. He found -his popularity, and the extraordinary belief in his luck, -rather embarrassing. He thanked these willing -volunteers, but declined their company: Hi Lo and the man -selected by Ah Lum were to be his only attendants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Soon after dark on a bitter February night Jack, with -his two companions, rode up to the farm of Wang Shih's -people, some fifteen miles from Moukden. They were -overjoyed to see him, and to hear news of their son and -brother. Old Mr. Wang, when he learnt that his son was -now Ah Lum's chief lieutenant, rubbed his hands with -delight and foretold that he would die a mandarin. It -would not be the first time in the history of China that -a successful brigand had been bought back to the cause -of law and order by the bribe of high official rank. -Mrs. Wang was garrulous about a second visit paid them about -Christmas-time by Monsieur Brin, who had consoled himself -for his failures as a war correspondent by studying -Chinese social arrangements at first hand. The simple -folk readily agreed to put Jack up for a few days; it would -have been impossible to find more comfortable quarters -during his period of waiting.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next morning Ah Lum's man went into Moukden. By -mid-day he had returned. The compradore had never been -seen in the city since he left for Harbin on the morning of -Jack's departure. But the Chunchuse agent Me Hong had -learnt one trifling fact about Mr. Brown; he was surprised -that his chief was still in ignorance of it. The English -merchant had been seen and recognized among a gang -of convicts at Kuan-cheng-tzü. Me Hong had sent off the -news at once by a messenger to Ah Lum; the runner had -vanished. He had not returned to Moukden; certainly he -had never reached the Chunchuse camp. Sowinski was -still in the city; so, the messenger believed, was the -"Toitsche war-look-see man"; but there were so many -of the fraternity living in Moukden that he was not sure -that his information on that point was correct.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He brought other news. Another great battle was -evidently impending. The Japanese had for weeks been -steadily pushing forward. They had cut the railway-line -south of Moukden; two regiments of their cavalry had -crept round the Russian left, and had been seen within -a few miles of Harbin; and it was reported among the -Chinese that Generals Nogi and Oku were preparing a -great turning movement on the right. The city was full -to overflowing with refugees; many were streaming -northward; the Russo-Chinese bank had packed up its chests -and decamped; and the Chinese viceroy was in a terrible -state of anxiety for the safety of the palace and the ancient -tombs of the Manchu emperors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This news almost tempted Jack to venture again within -the city. But on second thoughts he decided to run no -risks of meeting Sowinski. The imminence of another -great battle, however, perhaps to prove the decisive battle -of the war, created a keen longing to witness the scene; -and next day, taking leave of his kind hosts, he set off -with Hi Lo for a little village lying between the Moukden -railway-station and Sin-min-ting. Hi Lo had relatives -there with whom they could safely stay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The battle-ground was in essentials a repetition of that -of Liao-yang, though on a much larger scale. The -Russians had thrown up an immense line of entrenchments -extending in a rough semicircle from Sin-min-ting on the -north-west of the city to Ping-ling on the east, with -Moukden as the centre. Comprising a range of low hills -for the greater part of its course, the position was -naturally strong, and it had been fortified for months with all -the devices known to the military engineer—pits, abattis, -barbed-wire entanglements, forts of solid masonry bristling -with huge guns. Snow lay upon the ground, frozen so -hard that the passage of cavalry across it raised clouds -of white dust. The plain to the west and south of the -city was one vast whiteness: yet that peaceful scene was -the arena on which three-quarters of a million of men were -preparing to spill their blood in blind obedience to duty—to -contend with desperate earnestness in one of the decisive -battles of the world.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Russian right wing was composed of the Second -Manchurian Army under General Kaulbars, resting on an -arc between Sin-min-ting and Moukden. The centre, south -of the city, was held by General Bilderling with the Third -Army; the left, thrown out as far south-east as Tsin-khe-chen, -was entrusted to General Linievitch and the First -Army. It was here that the first attack was made. On -February 19 General Kawawura threw his right flank -detachment against the Russian works, and, after a fight -prolonged over five days, drove the Russians back towards -Fa-ling. Meanwhile General Kuroki moved forward upon -Kao-tu-ling, and succeeded in forcing his way northward, -and General Nodzu, from his position on the Sha-ho, -opened a furious bombardment on the exact centre of the -Russian lines. By these movements General Kuropatkin -was led to expect that the brunt of the fighting would fall -upon his centre and left; in reality they were designed to -hold his attention while more formidable operations were -developed on his right.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was on the last day of February that General Oku's -army deployed between the Sha-ho and the Hun-ho, and -General Nogi started with incredible rapidity on his -northward march. By the time General Kuropatkin became -aware of the danger threatening his communications on -the right, Nogi had made such progress and so skilfully -disposed his forces that to crush him was out of the -question; all that Kaulbars could do was to fall back -towards Moukden and oppose as stubborn a resistance -as possible. The assaults of Kuroki and Nodzu on the -centre were so fierce and persistent that Kuropatkin had -no troops to spare for the reinforcement of his jeopardized -right flank. Doggedly, intrepidly, the indomitable -Japanese pressed home their attack. The Russians clung -heroically to their positions, and rolled back charge after -charge; but still the enemy returned, seeming to gain in -vigour and enthusiasm after each repulse. They charged -with bayonets, with grenades, with shovels and picks; -sometimes, when they penetrated the Russian entrenchments, -flinging down their weapons and going to it with -their fists. The trenches were filled with corpses; the -frozen ground all around was dyed red with blood; there -was no respite day or night; men fell, their places were -filled, and foe met foe over the bodies of the slain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For ten days the issue was in doubt. Then, on March 5, -Kuroki was across the Sha-ho; Nogi had swept through -Sin-min-ting towards the railway; Marshal Oyama's huge -army was flinging its octopus tentacles around the Russian -position, vast as it was. Kuropatkin, most unfortunate of -generals, on March 8 found it necessary to withdraw his -centre and left behind the line of the Hun-ho, and collect -every unit that could be spared by Kaulbars and Bilderling -to stem the advance of Oku and Nogi.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile the Russian left had opposed a bold front to -Kuroki and Kawawura. Unable to make a successful -offensive movement, Linievitch stubbornly retreated in -good order beyond the Hun-ho, and entrenched himself -in a new position there. But around Moukden the plight -of the Russian army was becoming desperate. As the -terrible enemy crept on towards the city from all sides -save the north-east, the Russian troops, packed into a -constantly diminishing space, and exposed to a converging -fire, fell in thousands. More than once the Russians -attempted to break through. The gallant Kuropatkin in -person led a terrific attack on Oku at the head of sixty-five -battalions, and his splendid men fought with such courage -and determination that for a while it seemed the Japanese -advance must be checked. But at this critical moment, -when the Russians were at least holding their own on the -right centre and left, and Oyama was concentrating to hurl -them back, an event had taken place at the left centre that -proved to be Fortune's cast of the die. Early on the -morning of March 9, Kuropatkin received the news that -Kuroki had driven a wedge between Bilderling and -Linievitch. Those generals in falling back on the Hun-ho had -temporarily lost touch: and the Japanese general, who -had never made a mistake throughout the war, was quick -to seize this opportunity of breaking the enemy's line. -On the same day Nogi got across the railway between -Moukden and Tieling; nothing but instant retreat could -save the Second and Third Russian armies from annihilation -or capture; and at nightfall on that fifteenth day of -the battle the order to retreat was given.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next day at ten in the morning the Japanese entered the -city, and with their entrance burst the bubble of Russian -domination in Manchuria. Scattered parties of Russians -fought on for several days in the neighbouring villages; -but with Nogi astride of the main line of retreat and every -northern road, the Russians were forced to abandon -everything and take to the hills. Two days afterwards the -Japanese had chased their enemy full thirty miles to the -north; Kuropatkin's great army, broken, routed, had -well-nigh ceased to be.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack is never likely to forget that terrible fortnight. -During the first few days he witnessed nothing of the -fighting; he heard the reverberations of the guns, and -saw crowds of natives hastening from the villages in the -line of the Japanese advance, bearing with them everything -portable that could be saved from the impending -ruin. At night, standing on the broken mud wall, he -beheld in the far distance a dull glow in the sky that -told of houses burning, and thought of the untold misery -inflicted upon a peaceable and industrious people by the -greed of rival governments. But as the tide of battle -rolled northward, and the roar of the guns grew louder, -other evidences of the terrific struggle came within his -ken. Ever and anon a train would rumble northward -along the line, with wagon-loads of wounded. The -darkness of the nights was now illuminated with bursting -star-shells, and the red flare of burning villages nearer at hand. -One morning, in the twilight before dawn, he saw an -immense column of smoke rise over the Russian settlement -by the station. It was in flames. Venturing out with Hi -Lo, he soon came upon stragglers from the army, and by -and by upon a huge block of horse and foot and artillery, -field-telegraph wagons, mess carts, ambulances—all in -inextricable confusion, jammed in their frantic efforts to -escape. Trains rolled along, crowded to the roofs of the -carriages, even to the engine itself, with soldiers; carts -lay overturned, broken, wheelless, on the roads and fields; -the air was loaded with the acrid fumes from piles of -blazing goods, clothing, and forage, burnt to prevent -their falling into the hands of the conquerors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The retreat from Liao-yang had been orderly and not -uncheerful; the retreat from Moukden was an orgy of riot -and misery. There was no order in the ranks: the officers -made no efforts—made, they would have been in vain—to -check the insubordination of their men. Some as they -fled had looted the sutlers' carts and roamed at large, -defenceless, intoxicated, singing wild songs, dropping to -the ground, to be frozen stiff in a few minutes. Others -tramped along, moody, taciturn, mad, going blindly they -knew not whither, they knew not why. Here a horse's -head could be seen above the crowd, its eyes bloodshot -and haggard, its nostrils dilated. There a horse fell; the -throng thickened around it; harsh voices were raised in -imprecation; then the movement recommenced, and nothing -was heard but the tramping of feet and the crunching of -wheels. Wounded men dropped and froze in their blood; -others staggered this way and that, having lost all power -to govern their limbs; and still in the distance artillery -boomed, flames crackled, and the smoke of burning -homesteads rose into the sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Sick at heart, Jack returned to the village. That -evening the Japanese entered it, bringing with them a number -of Russian prisoners and wounded, these having been -carefully tended by the Japanese ambulance corps. Jack lent -what assistance he could in finding cottages where the -more seriously injured could remain. "Strange," he -thought, "that war, which brings out the worst in men, -should bring out also all that is best."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="ah-lum-at-bay"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Ah Lum at Bay</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Schwab again Retreats—A Business Friend—Reinstated—A -Little Light—Ah Lum Threatened—A Thousand Roubles -Reward—The Lessening Circle—A Mountain Tiger—Mirage—Ah -Lum's Lament—A Cossack Cloak</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>It was not merely curiosity that had held Jack within the -area of fighting. He clung with a sort of superstition to -the belief that his father's fate was inwoven with the fate -of the Russian army. He had a conviction, perfectly -illogical, that a victory for Japan would favour his quest. -There was so much truth in this idea as that amid the -disorders of a Russian retreat he might hope to pass -undetected in his disguise. The Russians would be too -busy to look closely into the bona-fides of a mere -Chinaman, one of thousands who would be swept northwards -on the tide. He could easily keep out of sight of the few -who might recognize him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He thus had a purely personal interest in the result of -the battle. Convinced that the compradore must have -remained with his brother in Harbin, he had resolved to -go north and learn from the man's own lips the issue of -his enquiries. When the victorious army had rolled by, -he set off with Hi Lo in its wake.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One day, a few miles north of Tieling, he was riding -slowly along, contrasting his present position with the -different circumstances under which he had made the -retreat from Liao-yang, with Mr. Schwab's precious tripod -in his care, when, a little ahead of him, he caught sight of -a solitary figure trudging wearily along. It needed but -one glance at the broad back. The tired pedestrian was -Schwab himself—and he was carrying the camera.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack's lips twitched. To this had come the descendant -of the great Hildebrand Suobensius, the itinerant -representative of Germany's imperial might! There was matter -for amusement in the reflection, and for sympathy too: -Schwab's patriotism was genuine; his little vanities were -harmless enough; and whatever else might be said of him, -he was devoted to the interests of the Schlagintwert -company. Jack resolved to make himself known to the -correspondent, who could have no interest in betraying him to -the Russians. Cantering up behind, he heard Schwab -sighing and muttering under his breath.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Excellenz," he said, "my Sin Foo——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the first word Schwab swung round with an alacrity -that betokened as much pleasure as surprise.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach!" he said, "I know you; you are imbostor. I am -delighted. I abologize."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's very good of you, Herr Schwab, but I don't -know why."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vy! Vy, for my vant of gombrehension, my zickness -of shkull. But you did bretend; zat you muss gonfess; -and I did bay you your vages, so!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I've nothing to complain of," he said. "To you I was -a Chinese servant, and I never want a better master."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say you so? I vill shake hands viz you. Zere vas -talk about you in Moukden; vy truly, zey gratulate me -for because I haf, zey say, a so clever servant. Ach, mein -freund! you see me; I am sad, I am broken; no longer -am I vat I haf been."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab proceeded to tell a pitiful story. He had started -on the retreat in company with Sowinski, with whom he -had arranged a great deal of business against the -termination of the war. One night they had taken refuge in a -Chinese hovel. Schwab had carefully put the satchel -containing his papers and money under his head. In the -night he had heard and felt a movement, and, springing -up in the dark, seized and held an arm. The arm was -wrenched away, then Sowinski's voice asked whether he -had heard anything.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"'Yes, certainly,' I said, 'I zink zere is a zief. -'Shtrike a light!' I cry. Zere shtrikes a light; I look -for my zinks; siehe da! eferyzink is gone. Against ze -door had I blaced a big kettle, for to gif notice if anyvun -intrude. Zere it is, in ze same sbot. I say: 'Sowinski, -you are vun big scoundrel; gif me my money!' Zen he -burst into fearful bassion; he bresent me a bistol and -demand instant abology. For myself, I am berfeckly cool. -I egsblain I am business man; certainly it is not my business -to fight, ven ze ozer man hold a revolver. I abologize; -Sowinski say he is satisfied; but zen he say I had cast -asbersion on his honour; no longer could he travel in my -gompany; he demand me to get out. Vat could I? Ze -bistol muzzle vas at my head. It is gombulsion. I vat -you call clear out, viz my photographabbaratus. But my -trouble only begins. My mafoo, vere is he? Vizout doubt -he has abbrobriated my bony. Zere am I, zen, viz no -babers, no money, no bony, nozink in ze vide vorld but my -camera. I cannot send a message to ze </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte Vaterland -und Colonien</em><span>: vere is ze money to gome from? Ze -Kaiser,—alas! he is in Berlin. I zink vat is var -gorresbondence for a kind of business? I try to sell my camera; -no vun buys. Ze Russian soldier is good comrade, ver' -fine fellow; for zree days I eat nozink but vat he gif me. -But ze officers—ach! ven I egsblain to zem, zey are all too -busy to listen; zey tell me, abbly Colonel Egoroff. But -Colonel Egoroff, vere is he? Nobody know. Nobody -know vere nobody is. All is gonfusion and upside-down. -I never see nozink so unbusinesslike novere."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he told his story Schwab trudged along beside Jack's -pony. Jack did not interrupt him; the man's relief in -finding someone to lend him a sympathizing ear was so -obvious.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You have had an uncommonly hard time," he said. -"I'm very sorry. What do you think of doing?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zink! I zink nozink. My brain is no more vat it vas. -All I can do, you see it; I valk and valk; I beg my bread, -vich is Russian biscuit. Nefer shall I see ze Vaterland no -more. Hildebrand Schwab is gome to an end."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Cheer up! What do you say to taking me on as your -servant again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zat is unkind, to mock at me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Believe me, nothing is further from my thoughts. I -mean it. There will be some risk for you and for me, but -it's worth chancing. Let me explain my plan."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack saw in Schwab's plight a means of advancing his -own quest, and at the same time doing a good turn to the -unfortunate representative of the </span><em class="italics">Illustrirte Vaterland</em><span>, for -whom, in spite of certain unlovely characteristics, he had -a real liking. As servant of a European, far from any place -where he was likely to be recognized, Jack thought he -would probably reach Harbin more quickly than as a -masterless Chinese fugitive. He proposed that they -should make for the railway. The nearest point was -Erh-shih-li-pu, the junction of the Kirin branch with the -main line. It was not unlikely that if Schwab told his -story there the officials would give him a passage to -Harbin. The German eagerly accepted the proposal. -Jack insisted on his mounting the pony; it was necessary, -he explained, to keep up appearances, but his firmness on -the point was really due to the quite obvious fact that -Schwab was completely worn out. At the first village -both Jack and Hi Lo made a few alterations in their -dress, so as to look as little like Schwab's former -servants as possible; and without more than the expected -difficulties and delays, the three at length reached -Erh-shih-li-pu. Luckily at the station Schwab was recognized -by a Russian officer, a member of Stackelberg's staff, who -had once dined with the foreign correspondents at the -Green Dragon in Moukden. On hearing the German's -troubles he readily agreed to give him a pass to Harbin -for himself and his servants, and would not allow the -fares to be paid; Jack had previously pressed upon -Schwab some of his rouble notes. Thus on a bright -March day, when the frozen ground was sparkling in -the sunshine, the three travellers arrived in Harbin. -Schwab was lucky in obtaining quarters in the Oriental -Hotel; Jack made his way at once with Hi Lo to the -house of his uncle, the grain merchant, and there, as he -had expected, found Hi An. The two brothers were -delighted to see their visitors, and there was a touching -scene of welcome between Hi Lo and his father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For Jack there was but one crumb of information. -Hi Feng, as he had promised, had set on foot such -enquiries as seemed safe, especially along the railway line. -About a fortnight after Jack left Harbin in the horse-box, -a customer of Hi Feng came in with the news that he had -seen a man answering to the description of Mr. Brown -among a batch of prisoners at Imien-po on the -Harbin-Vladivostok section. The train was apparently bound for -Vladivostok, but it had remained for twenty-four hours -on a siding, and the man's business had not allowed him -to wait to see what became of it. Hi Feng had himself -travelled to the place; the train had of course by that time -departed; and the Chinese of the neighbourhood could give -him no information about it; one train was to them like -another, and delays at this siding were of constant occurrence.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack shuddered to think what his father's sufferings -must have been during the protracted journey. His blood -boiled when he saw Russian officers in the streets; his -rage against Bekovitch poisoned his former good-will -towards them. He fumed under his utter helplessness; -he could do nothing. To some extent the information -received narrowed the area of search. The fact of the -train having been seen at Imien-po showed that the -prisoners had been taken either to Eastern Siberia or to -Sakhalin. Whichever it might be, Mr. Brown would be -equally unable to communicate with his son, and his -removal from Manchuria seemed to destroy all chance of -help from the Chinese. To them Siberia and Sakhalin are -foreign lands; and if Siberia was remote, Sakhalin was -inaccessible. Being wholly a penal settlement, there was -little chance of getting into or out of its ports undetected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack remained for several weeks with Hi Feng, hoping -against hope. Herr Schwab was still at the Oriental -Hotel. Exposure to cold, lack of sufficient food, and his -mental anxieties had broken down the German's robust -health, and for a fortnight he lay at death's door. -Monsieur Brin happened to be at the same hotel; he had -missed every fight, solely through his own restlessness, -which sent him backwards and forwards from place to -place—never the time and the place and the correspondent -together. He was a good-hearted fellow, and, finding a -German lying ill and not too carefully tended, he -constituted himself sick nurse, and devoted himself to his -self-imposed duties with unusual constancy. He had his -reward in the patient's convalescence. As soon as -Schwab was able to sit up and take a little nourishment, -Brin undertook to prove to him that the Kaiser in Berlin -was the Man of Sin, and for a good fortnight he had much -the better of the argument.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One day Hi Feng learnt that a great effort was at last -being made against Ah Lum. He had already been -defeated by a large force of Cossacks, and driven from -the neighbourhood of Kirin north-eastwards towards the -Harbin-Vladivostok railway. Strong columns were hard -upon his heels in pursuit. Through his position as forage -contractor to the Russians, Hi Feng already knew that a -large body of Cossacks was shortly to leave Harbin for -a place half-way between that town and Vladivostok. -Putting the two pieces of news together, and making -discreet enquiries, he found that it was intended to make -a sudden dash upon Ah Lum's line of retreat and dispose -of him once for all. The evacuation of Moukden and the -narrowing of the area of country open to the Russians in -Manchuria had made the presence of a strong guerrilla -force within their lines insupportable. Ah Lum must be -rooted out.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hi Feng was to deliver a large quantity of forage within -ten days; it was pretty safe to infer that the expedition -would start from Harbin soon afterwards. Jack felt that -Ah Lum must be warned at once. Furthermore, he was -much disposed to rejoin the Chunchuses. Without -overrating his abilities, he knew that he had been able to do -something for them, and what he had learnt about his -father's treatment did not make him more friendly to the -Russians or less inclined to do what he could to thwart -them. If he had seen any chance of reaching or -communicating with his father he might have taken a different -view: having left Ah Lum with that purpose there would -be no call for him to abandon his quest. But it was now -clear that his enquiries must be pursued through Russian -agents. He therefore decided to rejoin Ah Lum. At the -same time he would let it be known that a reward of 1000 -roubles should be paid to anyone giving him certain -information of his father's whereabouts. This offer, judiciously -circulated through Chinese channels among the officials -of the railway, might bring definite news.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was another consideration. Among the Chunchuses, -so long as Ah Lum held his own, Jack would be -out of reach of the Russian authorities. If he remained -in Harbin, or any other Russian centre, the news of his -offer would at once put his enemies on his track. While -he was in Ah Lum's camp Hi Feng or his brother the -compradore could easily communicate with him if they -received any information.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more, then, he set out to join Ah Lum, Hi Lo -accompanying him. He travelled in the guise of a Chinese -farmer. Each took two ponies, and they pushed on with -great rapidity, riding the animals alternately. By means -of the secret signs used by Ah Lum, Jack soon got upon -the chief's track. Making a wide detour to avoid the -Russian columns now steadily driving Ah Lum towards -the point whence the Harbin force was to complete his -encirclement, he came upon the Chunchuses from the -east, and early one morning rode into the brigand camp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His arrival was regarded as a favourable omen. It was -likened by Ah Lum to the delightfulness of rain after long -drought. Sin Foo was lucky; Fortune would now surely -smile. The Chunchuses were, in fact, in a somewhat critical -position. The camp, only one day old, was pitched in a -valley of the Chang-ling hills some twenty miles above the -Kan-hu lake—an extensive sheet of water nearly thirty -miles long and of varying breadth. Fifty miles to the north -lay the nearest point on the railway, about 150 miles from -Harbin and twice as far from Vladivostok, the line threading -a tortuous path among the hills. A considerable -Russian force sent out from Kirin was known to be at -Wo-ke-chan to the south-west; from this place a winter -track led over the hills to the head of the La-lin-ho -valley, within striking distance of Ah Lum's camp. -Another column, at O-mu-so to the south, commanded the -upper valley of the Mu-tan-chiang, and while cutting off -access to Ah Lum's old quarters on the upper Sungari, -threatened his left flank by the high-road to Ninguta. At -that place, some eighty miles from O-mu-so, a third column -covered the passes into the Lao-ling mountains on the east. -The bandits were thus in a ring-fence. Only the north -was open, and Jack's news confirmed the wary chief's -suspicions that the apparent gap in the north had been left -with the sole object of tempting him into the neighbourhood -of the railway, on which an overwhelming force was -held in readiness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The confirmation of his suspicions roused the chief from -the dejection into which the gradual tightening of the coils -had thrown him. From an attitude almost of despair he -now rose to a spirit of sullen determination. The Russians -were gradually closing around him; they would drive him -to bay.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The tiger comes to eat the fly," he said. "Wah! he -may prove a wooden tiger. The Russians shall see what -it is to draw a badger. I own, honoured sir, I thought -once of disbanding my force. But on reflection I have come -to another mind. The very villagers who have been most -willing to help me would probably turn against me -retreating, and sell me to the Russians. He who advances -may fight, but he who retreats must take care of himself. -It is better to die fighting. Adversity is necessary to -the development of men's virtues. I will choose a strong -position and await the flood. It will not be long in -coming. The Russians, I doubt not, when their arrangements -along the railway are complete, will advance at -the same time from east, west, and south, driving me -against the spears of the Cossacks hiding behind the -railway to the north. I have only 600 men left. There has been -much fighting since you left, honoured sir; my men are -exhausted with constant marching and insufficient food. -It is not easy to stop the fire when water is at a distance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack found that the Russian prisoners were no longer -with the Chunchuses. Ah Lum had been glad to exchange -them against as many of his band captured during the -recent fight. But for this exchange his force would have -been even smaller than it was. He was hopelessly -outnumbered by the Russians, each of whose columns was -about 1200 strong. Their horses were in good condition; -and the work of chasing the Chunchuses having devolved -on one only of the columns at a time, the Cossacks were -not so much worn out as their quarry, who had been kept -moving constantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ah Lum and Jack discussed the situation in great detail. -There seemed indeed no way out. To fight or to disband: -those were the alternatives, each fraught with peril if not -disaster. Another fight would probably be the last, for -the Russians would hardly make a serious attack until -they had the wily brigand who had given them so much -trouble completely surrounded. With perhaps 5000 men -engaged on one side and only 600 on the other there was -but one result to be expected.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>If the gap to the north had really been a gap—if the -Russians had been as stupid as they wished Ah Lum to -believe—there would still have been a chance. The chief -explained that far to the north, in the high hills above the -lower valley of the Mu-tan-chiang, he might hope to elude -pursuit for an indefinite period. It was a wild, mountainous, -almost uninhabited country, in which the only difficulty -would be that of subsistence, not of hiding. But a -Chunchuse can live on much less than a Cossack, little though -the latter requires. If only Ah Lum could have gained -those hills, he could have shown a clean pair of heels to -his pursuers.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Regrets, however, were useless. "It is no good climbing -a tree to hunt for fish." The appearance of the -Chunchuses within twenty miles of the railway would be the -signal for a simultaneous movement of squadron upon -squadron of Cossacks from east and west, while the three -columns now closing upon them would seize the opportunity -of occupying the passes in their rear, hemming them within -a small circle where they would soon be annihilated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No," said Ah Lum, "I can only eat my three meals -in the day and look forward to sleeping at night. It is -impossible to stand on two ships at once. I shall stay -here, occupy the approaches on each side, and fight to the -last gasp. Death has no terror for me. I can eat my rice -looking towards heaven. My only trouble is my son, my -only son Ah Fu. If I die, he will die; who then will do -honour to my bones? True, I shall be remembered; as -the scream of the eagle is heard when she has passed over, -so a man's name remains after his death. But my -cooking-range will go to a stranger; the ancestral tablets of my -family will be broken; there will be none to sacrifice to -my manes. And the boy: why should he be cut off? The -growth of a mulberry-tree corresponds with its early bent. -Ah Fu is a good boy, as you know, honoured sir. He is -brave; I love him, and have been liberal in punishment, -as the sage advises; his intelligence, though but a grain -of millet, will in due time grow green to the height of a -horse's head. I looked for him to endure the nine days' -examination and write verses worthy of high office. Ai! ai!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Through the scholar's pedantries Jack saw the man's -heart throbbing. He expressed his sympathy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wah!" returned Ah Lum. "Calamity comes from -heaven. After the pig has been killed it is useless to -speak of the price. I have done all I can. The one -thing remaining is to meet the inevitable end with dignity. -But as for you, honoured sir, you have done enough. I -do not ask you to stay. You have your own quest to -follow. Let every man sweep the snow from before his -own doors, and not heed the frost on his neighbour's tiles."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are right, chief," said Jack. "But it has not -come to that yet. There may be a way out even yet, -and you have been so kind to me that I should not think -of leaving you while there is any hope at all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Ah Lum's remark about the possibility of evading -pursuit if he could reach the farther side of the railway had -set Jack thinking. Was there no way out of his strait? -Could the Russians, he wondered, be led off the scent, -thus gaining time for the band to make a dash across -the line? In the privacy of his little hut of kowliang -stalks Jack pondered the problem long. But the more -he thought, the less feasible the thing appeared. The -railway gave the Russians so great a mobility: they could -move troops so quickly up and down it, and now that -the main armies were for the time quiescent, they had -so many men available, that with only 600 Chunchuses -there seemed no hope of such a dash being successful. -He racked his brains far into the night. As the -hours drew on, it became very cold; the north wind struck -keenly. Looking around for an additional garment, Jack -saw a military cloak, part of the stock of clothing captured -from the Cossacks. He put it on, and tramped up and -down, thinking and thinking again. The fur-lined cloak -warmed him, by and by he became hot with the excitement -of an idea. He rolled himself up in the cloak and -tried to sleep, but his eyes were still unclosed when the -chill dawn stole over the mountains. With racking head -he sought an interview with the chief. For some hours -they remained in earnest consultation. When the talk -was ended Ah Lum rubbed his hands together and said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If you succeed, honoured friend, we shall certainly -escape the net. The task you have set yourself is difficult. -It is like feeling after a pin on the bottom of the ocean. -But whether you succeed or not, we shall owe you an -unfathomable debt of gratitude. Choose what men you -need; all will be proud to serve under you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, weary but light of heart, Jack returned to his -hut and slept.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="capturing-a-locomotive"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Capturing a Locomotive</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Overdue—A Special—The Vladivostok Train—The Sound -of a Whistle—An Interrupted Message—A Correction—Bound East</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"The fair at Wu-chi-mi will be well attended this month. -I have not had so many bookings for a long time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The station-master at Mao-shan looked appreciatively -at the motley gathering. With true oriental patience they -had come at least an hour before the train was due, and -in Manchuria that was probably two hours before it would -arrive. Flanked by the enormous bundles and parcels -that in the East represent personal luggage, they were -squatting on rugs and mats under the station shed, -waiting for the gates leading on to the platform to be opened.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I only hope there'll be room for them all. But it's -wonderful how tight these Chinamen can pack. And they -haven't far to go. The long-distance passengers will -grumble."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The waiting crowd was not really large, but the station -was small. There might be seventy or eighty in all—men, -women, and children. Some of them were chattering -volubly in their high-pitched voices; others were stolidly -smoking or doing nothing at all. One big, burly fellow -was joining in a game of knuckle-stones with a bright-looking -boy, the man playing with the deepest solemnity, -the child bubbling with merriment as he got the better of -his elder. All were protected from the cold by garments -so thickly wadded that the heads of the people looked -entirely out of proportion to their bulk of body.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's extraordinary," continued the station-master, who -was doing the most of the talking, his companion, a tall -captain of Cossacks wearing long felt boots, a large fur -hat, and a fur-lined cloak up to his ears, interjecting only -an occasional brief word—"it's extraordinary, your nobility, -how the Chinese have taken to the railway. When I -came here four years ago, the most of them looked on -it with suspicion, even dread; now they use it as freely -as the folk in Moscow or Petersburg. But this is a poor -district hereabouts, and they can't afford to travel much, -though it's cheap enough, goodness knows."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She's late, is she not?" enquired the captain, breaking -into the official's monologue. "It's past eight"—glancing -at the station clock.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"True, little father. Half an hour late at Hsiao-ten-shan-ling, -and that's less than usual. She may make up -five or ten minutes; it is downhill on the whole. But the -government is keeping a sharp eye on the fuel. They -won't burn extra to make up lost time; and for the matter -of that, there's no need. The only train that mattered ran -through two hours ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! a special?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The station-master dropped his voice, as if fearful of -being heard by the Chinese outside the barrier.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, a special. We were warned by telegraph not to -let the news spread among the natives. But seeing you -are an officer, there's no harm in mentioning there were -three hundred of your own men—Cossacks, and a sprinkling -of Siberian Rifles. I suppose you are going on the -same errand?"</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 100%" id="figure-99"> -<span id="the-siberian-railway-from-mao-shan-to-han-ta-ho-tzu"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Map of the Siberian Railway from Mao-shan to Han-ta-ho-tzü." src="images/img-273.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Map of the Siberian Railway from Mao-shan to Han-ta-ho-tzü.</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was much curiosity in the station-master's voice. -He was himself a soldier, and keenly interested in military -matters, in which, indeed, he was more at home than in the -routine of railway work. A green-coated railway sentinel -passed and saluted. The captain, who was unknown to -the station-master, had ridden in from Ho-ni-ho-tzü an -hour before, and purchased a ticket for Hai-lin, the station -for Ninguta. He had been anything but communicative, -much to the chagrin of the official, to whom a gossip was -the sole distraction in a very monotonous existence, exiled -as he was in this out-of-the-way station. His curiosity -had been aroused by the fact that the captain was leaving -his horse in his charge. It was to be put on board the -Harbin train when that officer returned.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," the captain replied, "the same errand."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah Lum?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Da, da! Ah Lum. There will soon be a strong force -at Ninguta."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There must be nearly a thousand there now, to say -nothing of the three hundred that passed through this -morning, and as many yesterday morning. They are -running them very quickly, for the empty train passed -here on the way back to Harbin on the afternoon of the -same day. We don't often make such running on this -railway. It's more like old days on the Warsaw section. -I was there before I came here. The Paris express—that -is a train if you like. Although they do say that they run -even faster in England. Of course that's a lie; they are -all liars, the English. That's well known, is it not, little -father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that yonder?" said the officer instead of replying.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The station-master looked in the direction indicated. -Nearly a mile away a cart, drawn by mules and ponies, -was hurrying from the neighbourhood of Ho-ni-ho-tzü -towards the station.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Another passenger, I suspect," said the station-master. -"And he'd better hurry, for there's the train at last."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A thin white riband of vapour was just visible against -the blue sky, floating above the hills to the west.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He won't catch it," said the officer.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I sha'n't keep it for him," returned the official. "But -he may just do it. He's cut it rather fine for a Chinaman. -The train's late as it is; should have been half-way to -Wu-chi-mi by this time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As he spoke, the engine came in sight round a curve of -the hilly track. The Chinamen in waiting rose to their -feet, grasped their bundles, and closed up against the -barrier. Three riflemen emerged from their little -blockhouse and began to patrol the platform; two or three -station attendants appeared. A few seconds later the -huge train, looking far too large for the station, rumbled -in and came to a stop. It consisted of several old and -shaky carriages already well filled with passengers, and -one saloon in the centre. The few passengers for Mao-shan -alighted and passed through the barrier; then the waiting -crowd surged through and hurried along the platform in -search of vacant places, which seemed hard to find.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A train attendant handed an official-looking paper to the -station-master, who passed with it into his office; there -was a signature to affix. Two of the Chinese passengers -followed him as he left the platform; two others halted -near the attendant. There were cries from the officials -to the Chinamen to take their seats. Meanwhile the -Cossack captain had sauntered into the room of the -telegraph operator, and half a dozen Chinamen, having, -it seemed, failed to discover vacant places in the forward -carriages, were moving on towards the engine, followed -by the voluble protest of one of the riflemen, who hurried -after them to bring them back. Two or three, among -them the big man and the boy who had been playing -knuckle-stones, were peering in at the windows of the -saloon carriage, apparently in great curiosity to see the -occupants.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By this time the rest of the passengers had squeezed -themselves into the already crowded compartments. Faces -were pressed against all the windows; there was much -speculation as to the chance of the belated passenger in -the cart catching the train, its progress being eagerly -watched, and the Chinamen in the carriages betting freely -on the event.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly a shrill whistle rang out from the room of the -telegraph operator. There was an instant change of -scene. Here and there along the platform, groups of -Chinamen, who a moment before had all the guise of -peaceable passengers, threw themselves with startling -rapidity upon the officials and the riflemen. There was -a series of brief swift struggles; a revolver shot was -heard; but that was all. Inside and outside of the train -the guard and attendants were in a few seconds bound -and helpless; the men who had gone forward to the -engine grappled with the driver and fireman; the -station-master was tied up in his own office. The passengers, -alarmed and apprehensive, were staring open-mouthed at -the proceedings. The door of the saloon carriage was -thrown open, and there appeared at it two men, one a -tall long-bearded Russian officer, whose uniform -betokened high rank, the other a fair hook-nosed civilian, -who stared round the other's shoulder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is this, what is this?" cried the officer, stepping -out of the train revolver in hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The last word was hardly out of his mouth when the -burly Chinaman hurled himself at the Russian's knees -from behind; he fell backwards; the revolver was wrenched -from his hand, and the Chinaman held him pinned to the -platform. His companion meanwhile had run back into -the saloon; before he could slam the door the Chinese boy -interposed, flinging himself flat on the floor of the -doorway. Two Chinamen forced their way in, and did not -reappear.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The prostrate officer was now trussed up. His captor -had given a brief order to the rest of the assailants, now -ranged along the platform awaiting instructions. At once -they boarded the train, and peremptorily ordered the -passengers to alight. Then the Chinamen found their -tongues; there was a great hubbub and commotion among -them; their first hesitation was quickly overcome by the -pistol butts of the bandits, who hastened their exit by -ruthless and well-directed kicks and buffets. One of the -passengers, a heavy man, roared an imprecation and -showed fight; but he was matched in size by the big -fellow who had tackled the officer, and who now, his -work with him being finished, seized the protester and -flung him out on to the platform. Bruised and shaken, -he rolled over and squatted on his hams; there was no -more fight in him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As soon as the train came to a standstill the Cossack -officer had entered the little room of the telegraphist, and -at a sign from him the Chinaman close behind him blew -the shrill blast on a whistle that had been the signal for -the attack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Excuse me," said the captain, "I have a message to send."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The operator, interrupted in the midst of a message, -was startled by the abrupt entrance of the soldier, the -sudden whistle, and the sharp crack of a revolver -immediately following. He looked round, half-rising from his -chair, his hand still on the key of the instrument.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Finish your message," said the officer quietly. His -uniform, his calm air of authority, impressed the man. -Dropping back into his seat he ticked off the remainder -of his message: it was merely a service intimation of -the arrival of the train. The sounds of commotion on -the platform were increasing; when the operator had -finished he said:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is there a fight, your nobility? Perhaps I ought to -assist. We are a small staff."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. Stay where you are. It is all over. Now please, -my message. To Wu-chi-mi——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, your nobility, if you will write the despatch -out—we are not allowed——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"There is no time for that. At once, if you please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man still hesitated: the officer sternly continued:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My business will not admit of a moment's delay. You -can attend to formalities afterwards."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, your nobility, if you insist—— But you will -take the responsibility?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly. Call up Wu-chi-mi, if you please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man ticked off the call. There was an immediate reply.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say this: 'Station on fire'——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The operator almost sprang from his stool; his eyes -were wide with alarm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You heard what I said. 'Station on fire!'"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A pistol's cold muzzle at the man's ear sent him -cowering to his post. Pale to the lips, with trembling -fingers he ticked off the words. It was clear that the -officer could follow his rapid movements, for he suddenly -pointed the pistol full at his brow, saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is enough: recall your last word; another -mistake of the kind may cost you your life."</span></p> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 62%" id="figure-100"> -<span id="recall-your-last-word"></span><img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt=""Recall your last word!"" src="images/img-278.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">"Recall your last word!"</span></div> -</div> -<p class="pnext"><span>Seeing that his attempt to warn the operator at the -other end had been detected, the man corrected the word.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now add: 'Vladivostok train can get through; -expect temporary cessation of messages: will try to save -instruments'. That will do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man sank back, and wiped his clammy brow. The -officer turned to the Chinaman, beckoning him forward. -In his arms he bore a bulky parcel. At a sign from -the captain he placed the bundle beneath the operator's -desk; opening it, he disclosed a heap of greasy shavings. -He struck a match and set light to the pile; the man -sprang from his chair and made for the door, but was -caught and held by the Chinaman. Dismantling the -apparatus, the officer gave it into the free hand of his -follower; then, the room being full of smoke, he hurried -out to the platform, the cowed and bewildered official -being pushed along in front.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Only a few minutes had elapsed since the train came -to a stop at the platform. As the captain emerged, the -cart which had been sighted in the distance had just -arrived. While twenty men stood with levelled revolvers -overawing the crowd, a dozen muscular bandits hauled -crowbars, spades, and long spanners from the cart across -the platform into the brake-van, and the noticeably big -man carefully carried a small box to the saloon carriage. -At a sign from the captain, a gang of the Chinamen had -hurried up the line some distance from the station and -were now cutting the wires in two places a hundred yards -apart. Breaking open the store-room, yet another group -found what they were evidently in search of: a reserve -instrument and a heavy coil of wire. These, with the wire -cut from the line, with which the other men came hastening -up, were bundled into the train; and within a quarter -of an hour from the beginning of the attack the brigands -were aboard, the Cossack captain was in the cab of the -locomotive, and, watched by the ejected passengers in -silent amazement, the train rumbled slowly out of the -station.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="from-mao-shan-to-imien-po"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">From Mao-shan to Imien-po</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Wrecking a Bridge—Through Wu-chi-mi—More Dynamite—At -Imien-po—Clearing the Line—Pelion upon Ossa—A Puff -of Smoke—Two Minutes' Grace</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack felt an extraordinary sense of exhilaration as the -train, gathering speed, rolled eastward over the single -track towards Wu-chi-mi. The country was hilly. The -line at this point is some 900 feet above sea-level, but -although there are steep gradients the main altitude for -a considerable distance varies little. Jack was satisfied -at first with a speed of about thirty miles an hour—a -speed indeed rarely exceeded on the railway—for the -curves are at times very sharp, and not knowing the line -he felt that there was some risk of running the train off -the metals. More than once, keeping a sharp look-out, -he had to shut off steam and apply the brakes at a -particularly ugly corner. His hobnobbing with railwaymen -during the construction of the line was now bearing fruit; -and he remembered with a curious pleasure, even while -he kept his hand on the regulator handle and his eye on -the gauges, a saying of his father's: "Never lose a chance -of picking up odd bits of information: you never know -when they may come in handy". He had not actually -driven a locomotive before, but he had often ridden in the -cab, and watched the driver, so that he felt no nervousness -at having the Alexander the Second under his control.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As the train rattled past the block-houses of the railway -guard, placed at every tenth verst along the line, the men -stared to see it make such unusual speed; but no doubts -troubled their sluggish minds, for they caught sight of -the well-known caftan and head-dress of the Cossacks -at every window. In their innocent-looking bundles the -Chunchuses had carried the uniforms captured with -Captain Kargopol's convoy, and they had donned them as -soon as the train started.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Though he gave close attention to the engine, and saw -that from time to time the furnace and boiler were -replenished with fuel and water, Jack was keeping a sharp -look-out for a spot at which he could do sufficient damage -to the line to check a pursuing train. That he would be -pursued he had no doubt; he only wondered how long it -would be before news of his escapade reached the nearest -point whence a train could be despatched after him. Mile -after mile was passed, without his seeing works of any -importance. The culverts were small, the water-courses -only a few feet broad, until, about twelve miles out, the -train approached a stream of some size spanned by a small -bridge. At this point a special guard of three riflemen -was stationed. The train slowed down, ran a few yards -past the bridge, and came to a stand. At a word from -Jack a dozen men leapt from the carriages on to the track, -and before the astonished guards, deceived by the Cossack -uniform, knew what was happening, they were seized, -disarmed, and stretched bound upon the embankment.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bridge was of brick, and consisted of two small -arches, the central buttress sunk in the stream, which -here ran only a few feet deep. Jack sent three men into -the water above and below the bridge, each party armed -with a large hand drill. The water was bitterly cold, but -the men set to work quickly, both parties simultaneously -attacking the buttress near the water-line. Fortunately -the brickwork was soft; Jack was glad that his father had -not had the contract for it, for then their labours might -have been indefinitely prolonged. By a system of relief -gangs a fair-sized hole was drilled at each end of the -buttress in the course of twenty minutes. Then Wang -Shih brought from the saloon two articles from the box -he had so carefully carried from the cart. They were -dynamite cartridges, part of the spoil of a Russian convoy. -One was placed in each aperture, and in a few seconds -two muffled explosions sent rumbling reverberations as of -distant thunder among the hills. Jack hoped the noise -would not be heard at Wu-chi-mi, about six miles off; it -could not escape the ears of the guards in the intervening -block-houses, and it would probably carry much farther. -But the true explanation was not likely to occur to the -staff at Wu-chi-mi, who in any case would be quite unable -to verify any suspicions they might have.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The result of the explosions was the collapse of the middle -portion of the bridge, only the jagged foundations of the -central buttress appearing above the water. Followed by -his men, Jack ran at once to the train, which had been -taken two hundred yards away, out of reach of harm, -and started the engine full speed ahead. Although twenty -minutes had been spent at the bridge, the rate of progress -from Mao-shan had been so much above the average that -the lost time might almost be made up before the train -arrived at Wu-chi-mi.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general trend of the line from this point was downhill, -and the train tore along at furious speed over the six -or seven miles into Wu-chi-mi. Slackening speed slightly -during the last mile, it rattled at about forty miles an hour -through the station. Jack noticed that the staff was -collected on the platform, excited probably by the noise of -the explosions, and by the reported fire at Mao-shan. -They evidently expected the train to stop. But any hopes -they may have formed of authentic information were -disappointed. Sounding the whistle, Jack ran the train -through the station, and it was soon lost to sight. But -he could not afford to take any risks. If the suspicions -of the Wu-chi-mi men were aroused, it was certain that -they would warn Imien-po, the next station, some twenty -miles distant. In that case he would probably be stopped -at the points and questioned. About a mile beyond -Wu-chi-mi, therefore, he stopped the train and sent half a -dozen men to cut the telegraph wire, hoping that the -officials at the station behind would be still discussing -the unexpected passing of the train instead of instantly -sending a message ahead of him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The bare hills had now given place to wooded slopes, -the trees standing gaunt and brown, awaiting the touch -of spring. The line crossed several small water-courses -and irrigation ditches. Though he grudged the loss of -time Jack decided to pull up at one of the smaller culverts -and expend his last two dynamite cartridges in completing -the work of destruction begun at the bridge beyond -Wu-chi-mi. Although the explosions raised a huge -cloud of dust the actual damage was not great. But as -he was about to start the train, Jack hit upon an idea for -supplementing the work done by the cartridges and at the -same time lightening the load upon his engine. Quickly -uncoupling the third carriage from the rear, he sprang -into the cab and threw over the reversing lever, setting -the train in motion backwards. When it had gained -sufficient momentum, he brought the engine to a stop; -the three rear carriages rushed down the incline and -dashed with tremendous force into the wreckage. Then, -relieved of nearly half its load, the engine again started -eastward. The cutting ran parallel with the Ma-en-ho, -a wide stream flowing northwards into the Sungari. -Glancing at the map of the railway which had been found -in the saloon carriage, he saw that within a few miles he -would come to a short stretch of line branching off on the -right, but apparently leading to no village, and having no -station at its end. It seemed probable that it was a light -line connected with a mine. At first he thought that the -junction would be a good place to lift a few rails. But -seeing at a second glance that the station of Imien-po -was not far beyond, he dared not run the double risk of -another delay. On went the train, then, past the junction, -where the single pointsman looked amazed at the speed -with which it thundered by. Passing a brief instruction -along the train, Jack shut off steam and drew up sharply at -the Imien-po station. It was time, he thought, to reassure -the railway officials ahead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>On entering the station he noticed that an empty goods -train bound west stood on a siding waiting for the -passenger train to pass. Obviously he must not leave this -intact behind him. Imien-po was a place of some size; for -all he knew, it might contain Russian troops sufficient in -number to deal with his handful of Chunchuses; and the -goods train, being empty, could soon be manned and sent -after him in hot pursuit. But what could he do with it? -At first sight only two courses seemed open to him: either -to take the engine with him, or to destroy some of its -working parts. Coupled to his own train, the engine -would probably be only an encumbrance, and he had -almost decided to adopt the second alternative, when, -just as he drew up at the platform, a third course -suggested itself. Bidding Wang Shih take half a dozen men -and secure the personnel of the goods train, he leapt on -to the platform and accosted the station-master.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You will please give orders to preserve quietness. -General Bekovitch, who is in the saloon, is indisposed." The -general was in fact lying bound hand and foot on -one of the luxurious divans, just able to see Sowinski in a -similar plight at the opposite side. "Be so good as to -wire down the line to shunt all traffic. We are already -late; the train has been shortened to lighten us; and it is -imperative that the lost time be made up. The service, -you understand. The general"—here he became confidential—"is -in charge of the operations against the brigand Ah Lum."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The station-master looked duly interested and impressed, -and was about to speak when Jack moved towards the -telegraph office, saying:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Follow me, if you please."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Wondering what this young Cossack officer of the authoritative -manner wished to do, the station-master, a burly -little man, toddled at Jack's heels. The other officials had -watched the short colloquy, and were now approaching the -carriages, surprised that none of the train attendants had -yet appeared. Meanwhile the station-master had himself -ticked off the brief message to the next station. The -instant it was complete Jack stepped to the door of the -office and held up his hand. A dozen men in Cossack -uniform sprang from the nearest carriage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, sir, you have been very obliging, and I am -sorry that you and your clerk must consider yourselves -my prisoners."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The station-master stared in stupefaction. Before his -slow tongue could find words two of the bandits ran into -the room, and while their comrades outside were dealing -with the other officials, the poor man and his equally -amazed clerk were securely tied up. At the same time -Wang Shih and his men, slipping out of the opposite -side of the train, had swarmed on to the goods train and -surprised the driver and fireman, the only men to be found -on it, relieving them of their coats and caps, and tying the -men up. The garments were afterwards donned by two -of the bandits who rode beside Jack on the engine. Leaving -his men to destroy the telegraphic fittings, Jack hurried -to the newly-captured engine. He released the brakes, -then opened the regulator valve to its full extent. The -train began to move westwards; Jack jumped to the -ground, and a few seconds brought him to his own train. -Glancing down the platform to see that all his men were -on board, he started the engine, and it snorted out of the -station just as one or two railway officials and the guard -of the goods train came running up from an outbuilding -where it is to be supposed they had been beguiling the -time with vodka.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was a grim smile on Jack's face as, leaning from -the cab, he watched the tail of the empty goods train -rapidly dwindling as it raced away on its uncontrolled -journey westward. In a few minutes it would crash into -the ruins of the bridge and the wreckage of the carriages -already cut off from his own train. The resultant block -would tax all the ingenuity of the railwaymen to clear -away in time to get on Ah Lum's track, if the chief -succeeded in reaching the appointed spot at the appointed -time.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack examined his stock of fuel and the water in the -tender tank. There was enough wood to serve for an -hour's run, he thought; but he would require to water in -half that time at the most. This was a necessity he had -foreseen: how to surmount it must perforce be left to the -chances of the journey. He could only face each difficulty -as it arose. The pressing matter at present was to guard -against an attempt to stop him at Pei-su-ho. Two miles -from the station he had just left he stopped the train at a -bridge. The half-dozen watchmen at this point were easily -overpowered, though not before one of Jack's men was -wounded; the telegraph wire was cut, and the rifles of -the Russians were added to the stock. With those already -captured the little party of Chunchuses had now some -twenty Mausers and a fair supply of ammunition.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The pause offered another opportunity for bridge -destruction, but the supply of dynamite cartridges was -exhausted, and after what had been done it was not worth -while to expend precious time; there was still ample work -to do in providing against a dash of the Russians from the -neighbourhood of Ninguta. The train once again started -on its adventures, the line still clinging to the valley of the -Ma-en-ho; a gradual ascent of some thirty miles, up which -the engine snorted furiously, leading to one of the highest -points touched by the railway in this district—a spur of -the Chang-ling hills some 1200 feet above the sea.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Five minutes after the journey was resumed, Hi Lo, who -was on the railed-in space on the right of the engine, drew -Jack's attention to a small white puff of smoke in the -direction of Imien-po, apparently no more than two or -three miles behind, and easily visible from the higher -position now attained. Jack started, swung out on the -foot-board, and gazed intently down the hill.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They are after us!" he ejaculated. "But how in the -world did they manage it? They can never have got over -the wreckage."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He looked long and earnestly. Then he turned to Hi Lo.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it, boy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Tlain, masta, no-fea'," he replied without hesitation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no room for doubt. The Russians were on -his track. Springing back into the cab, Jack ordered the -man acting as fireman to put more fuel into the furnace, -and opened the regulator valve to its full extent. Dense -spark-laden smoke poured from the wide funnel; the -pistons flew backward and forward; the great locomotive -seemed to leap over the line, and Jack wondered whether -the roughly-laid track would hold together. But, looking -anxiously back, he found in a few moments that the -pursuing train had appreciably gained. It must be either -lighter or better engined, or had still the advantage of the -momentum acquired before it had been discovered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Danger acted on Jack like a tonic. He instantly grasped -the situation and braced himself to cope with the peril. -Shouting to Wang Shih to tear up the rails behind the -train as soon as it came to a stop, he shut off steam -and applied the brakes hard, bringing the engine with a -jolt and a screech to a stand-still. Instantly the men told -off leapt on to the line; with feverish energy they loosened -the fish-plates, forced up with crowbars the spikes holding -the rails to the sleepers, and threw the lifted rails over the -embankment. Glancing anxiously back along the track -Jack, though the pursuing train was as yet invisible, saw -its smoke growing larger and larger in volume over the -hills. At last the train itself came into view. Jack saw -with surprise that the engine was at the other end of it; -could the goods train, he wondered, have been stopped in -some inexplicable way and started back after him? In -two minutes it would be upon him. He waited for one -minute; then, seeing that a gap of some fifteen or twenty -yards had been made in the track, he summoned his men -back to the train and pressed the regulator handle. To -his eager impatience it seemed that the engine would -never get under way. The wheels slipped on the rails; -he had pushed the regulator too far; he drew it back, the -wheels held, and, gathering speed every moment, the -locomotive raced on once more.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The thunder of the pursuing train was roaring in Jack's -ears. It seemed to him, looking back, that the foremost -carriage was charging at the gap. He hoped the work -of destruction had not been perceived; but in this he was -disappointed, for when the rear of his own train was barely -two hundred yards from the break, steam was shut off -on the engine of the pursuer, and, helped by the rising -gradient, it succeeded in coming to a stand-still just as -the buffers of the foremost carriage were within half a -dozen yards of the gap.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="lieutenant-potugin-in-pursuit"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Lieutenant Potugin in Pursuit</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">From a Hilltop—Mystified—In Full Chase—A Runaway—In -Sight—A Railway Duel</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Those Cossacks are taking their time, Akim Akimitch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, little father; 'tis to be hoped Ah Lum has not -swallowed them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lieutenant Potugin smiled.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah Lum has been a bogey to them, truly, ever since -Captain Kargopol walked into his trap. But I think we'll -run the fox to earth this time. General Bekovitch will -soon start the rounding up; and 'tis high time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A half-company of Siberian infantry, including a few -engineers, were seated on the rocks in the hills above -the Ma-en-ho, engaged in a meagre luncheon of black -bread and vodka. They had arrived early that morning -by special troop train, in company with a sotnia of -Cossacks, from Harbin. Their errand was to establish a -temporary signal-station on a convenient hilltop. The hole -for the signal-pole had been dug, not without difficulty, in -the hard and frozen soil, and before the completion of the -job was taken in hand, Lieutenant Potugin, in command -of the working party, was allowing his men a short respite -for rest and food. The Cossacks meanwhile were scouting -in the hills beyond—a task they were by no means fond -of,—and seeking a suitable place for the erection of a -corresponding signal some miles distant, whence communication -could be established with the height now occupied by -the infantry.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lieutenant Potugin was very popular with his men, -largely because he never overworked them and was quite -content when on duty to share their humble rations. He -was seated now beside the sergeant, in the midst of the -circle, munching his bread, and every now and then raising -his field-glass to scan the surrounding heights. It was a -fine morning; a breath of spring was already in the air, -even in these heights; the atmosphere was clear, and the -outlines of the country were sharply defined against the -unclouded sky.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Over the shoulder of a low hill beneath him he could -just see a stretch of the main railway line, some three -miles away. The little branch line along which his train -had come that morning was out of sight immediately -below; but he expected every moment to see the empty -train reappear on the main line. It was to return to -Harbin; rolling stock was urgently needed on all parts -of the system; and when his work was done Lieutenant -Potugin was to report himself to General Bekovitch and -join that officer's carefully-planned expedition against the -Chunchuses. The branch line ended at a disused quarry -which had been largely drawn upon when the main railway -was under construction; and there was no telegraphic -communication between the main line and the terminus -of the branch—if, indeed, the latter could be said to have -a terminus: it simply left off. The empty troop train -would doubtless remain at the junction until it was -signalled by trolley-car from Imien-po to proceed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sergeant, a famous raconteur, was telling a story, -long-winded, not at all humorous, yet received by the men -with shouts of laughter. Lieutenant Potugin smiled -good-humouredly at the naïve amusement of the honest fellows, -and once more idly scanned the panorama beneath him. -In the far distance he saw a dense line of smoke lying flat -in the still air, betokening a train travelling eastward at -a high speed. He watched it with languid curiosity as it -appeared in the open and vanished into cuttings in the -winding valley of the river. It passed the junction, -slackening speed, and then, to his surprise, pulled up. Distant -though it was, he could distinctly see through his powerful -glass a little knot of men hurrying from the train up the -line. They disappeared for a time, apparently beneath a -culvert. The circumstance awakened Lieutenant Potugin's -curiosity; he watched with a certain eagerness for the men -to reappear; one or two small groups could be seen against -the snow, but a considerable time elapsed before the most -of the men joined them and the whole party ran back to -the train. Scarcely had they reached it when a cloud of -dust rose high into the air above the bridge, and a few -seconds later the sound of two dull explosions reached -the lieutenant's ear, followed by miniature echoes from -the rocks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The lieutenant sprang up and gazed intently through his -glass. The sounds had been heard by the men also; they -turned their heads for a moment, but, seeing nothing, -resumed their conversation. But Potugin stood as if -stupefied. An attempt had been made to wreck the culvert; -that was clear. But who were the wreckers? Were they -Russians, cutting the railway to check pursuit by the -Japanese? Surely the enemy was not already at Harbin? -Accustomed as he was in this terrible war to sudden and -startling movements, the lieutenant could not believe that -the Japanese had made such strides. No, he thought; it -was more likely to be a party of Japanese who had -captured the train and were engaged on a wrecking foray. -Such things had happened south of Moukden; a flying -squadron might have evaded the Cossacks and made a -daring attack on some inadequately protected train.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The train was moving forward. But what is that? It -has stopped again; it is running back towards the stream. -The madmen! Are they going to hurl themselves to -destruction on the ruins of the culvert? Potugin's gaze is -fascinated. Ah! he sees through it now; three carriages -have left the rest of the train, which is again at a -standstill; they are rushing down the gradient, faster, faster. -Good heavens! they have crashed into the culvert, piling -themselves one above another, and the sound comes to -him like the breaking of some giant's crockery afar.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then Potugin found his wits. Nothing in the whole -course of the war had given the Russians so much anxiety -as their railway. Depending on it for the rapid transit of -reinforcements and munitions of war, they were constantly -in nervous dread of this their sole communication with -St. Petersburg being cut by Japanese or Chunchuses. -The dreaded thing had happened. Fully realizing the -situation, Lieutenant Potugin was prompt to act.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Fall in!" he shouted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The men sprang from their seats and were aligned in a -twinkling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sergeant, signal the Cossacks that a train is in the -hands of the enemy, and going eastward. Men, follow me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He led the way at a breakneck pace down the hill -towards the spot where they had left the empty troop -train. Three minutes brought them within sight of the -train; at that moment the engine whistled and began to -puff along. The officer shouted, waving his hand; the -engine-driver saw his urgent gesture, and shut off steam. -In another ten minutes sixty breathless men, heated with -their headlong scamper, were on board the train; the -lieutenant was beside the driver; and the engine was -steaming as rapidly as the crazy irregular track permitted -towards the main line.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Arrived at the junction, Lieutenant Potugin himself leapt -down and switched the points close. The pointsman had -apparently been startled by the crash and run off to inform -the guardsmen at the nearest block-house. The troop -in was just moving forward to cross the points when -a tremendous rumbling was heard from the direction of -Imien-po, moment by moment increasing. The engine of -the troop train was already on the main line. But the -lieutenant, standing with his hand on the switch and -looking down the track, was horrified at what he saw -rapidly approaching.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Reverse the engine!" he shouted; "for God's sake -reverse the engine!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The driver with frenzied haste threw over his reversing -lever and put on more steam; the engine stopped, moved -slowly backward; it had reached safety by only a few -inches when a goods train came thundering past at furious -speed, and disappeared in the direction of the bridge. As -it flashed by, Lieutenant Potugin was almost sure that the -engine had neither driver nor fireman. Startled though -he was by the hair's-breadth escape from destruction, he -immediately recovered his presence of mind. Setting the -points, he ran to his retreating train, clambered into the -cab, and before the driver had pulled himself together the -lieutenant seized the lever, reversed the engine, and drove -the train on to the main line, then sprang down, unlocked -the points, and in two minutes was running the train -backward towards Imien-po.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The engine was a powerful Baldwin; the train though -long was nearly empty; it gathered way, and with the -regulator fully open had soon attained a high speed. -But the engine was at the wrong end; it was difficult to -see ahead. The lieutenant was now outside the engine, -hanging on to the rail, and bending outwards in order to -get a clear view down the line. Half-way to Imien-po he -caught sight of a trolley approaching. He called to the -driver to shut off steam and apply the brakes. The man -working the trolley stopped the moment he caught sight -of the train, and seemed in doubt whether to go back or to -remain. The train had almost come to rest; the officer -bellowed a few words to the trolley-man; he sprang to -the ground, promptly tipped the trolley off the track and -over the embankment, and, running to the engine, climbed -up beside Potugin, the train still moving. Again the -brakes were released and the regulator opened, and as -the train forged ahead the trolley-man explained in a few -words to the lieutenant what had occurred.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At Imien-po a few minutes' stop was made while appliances -for repairing the line were hastily brought on board -and a number of skilled platelayers taken up. The -opportunity was taken to shunt several of the carriages on to a -siding. The engine could not be transferred to the front -of the train without a serious waste of time, and every -second was precious. A fresh start was made; greatly -lightened, the train made fine running for some miles. -Then the lieutenant, using his glass, saw the smoke of a -train about five miles down the line. As he watched it, -the smoke ceased; the train must have stopped, for the -gradient was rising. A few minutes more and the runaway -came in sight. But the fireman, stooping from his side of -the engine, observed with his trained eyes that a portion of -the track had been torn up, and steam was shut off and the -brakes applied only just in time to avert a disaster. -Jumping from the train, half a dozen platelayers hurried with -their tools behind the engine, and, spurred by the voice of -the officer and helped by his men, in an incredibly short -space of time they had wrenched up some rails from the -track already covered, and bridged the gap at the other end.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Slowly and carefully the train was run over the shaky -metals only half-secured to the sleepers. When the -danger point was passed, the driver opened the valve and -the engine pushed along at full speed. It was to be a -trial, not only of speed between the two magnificent -engines, but of wits between the two leaders: between -the ingenuity of the pursued in obstructing the progress -of the pursuer, and of the pursuer in overcoming the -obstacles raised by the pursued. It was more; it was -a competition in daring and the readiness to take risks. -The track was hilly, winding, roughly laid; not intended -for, wholly unsuited to, great speed; with steep gradients -and sharp curves never rounded by the regular drivers -of the line but with caution. Over this track the two -trains were leaping at a pace unknown on the Siberian -railway—a pace that would have turned the chief engineer's -hair white with dismay. On the one train Jack Brown, -on the other Lieutenant Potugin, had to think out their -decisions, or rather to flash them unthought, clinging -to the outer rail of a rattling, swaying, jolting, throbbing -engine threatening at any moment to jump the rails, with -the noise of escaping steam, the roaring of the furnace -heaped to the mouth with fuel, the whistle constantly -sounding to warn off any obstruction ahead, small though -the chances were that the signal, if needed, could be heard -and acted on in time. Accident apart, the race would be -to the coolest head and the quickest wit. On the one -side the stake was life or death. Into whose hand would -fortune give it?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-pressure-gauge"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXV</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Pressure-Gauge</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Timber on the Track—Fuel and Water—The Station House—A -Trap—Neck or Nothing—Screwing down the Valve—A Slip -Carriage—Nearing the End—Kao-ling-tzü—Indiscreet -Zeal—A Lady Passenger—Traffic Suspended</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack glanced anxiously back along the line; his engine -was jolting, bumping, up the incline at the rate of forty -miles an hour; steam was escaping from the safety-valves; -the gauge registered over 10 atmospheres, considerably -above working pressure; yet to his impatience it seemed -to be moving with exasperating slowness. Dust was -whirling behind; through the cloud, five minutes after he -started, he saw a puff of steam in the distance; the -pursuing train was again under way. Turning to see if he -could put on more steam, he was dismayed to find that -the water was just disappearing in the gauge glass. In -a few minutes—he could not tell how few—the water -would be below the level of his fire-box crown, the fusible -plug would drop, and the fire would be put out by the -escaping steam. This was ominous indeed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There were, he saw, two conditions in his favour: he -had a start of nearly five minutes; and he could choose -his own place to obstruct the pursuer. But the other -conditions were all against him. He must needs stop for -water, and at the present rate of consumption for fuel -also; and whenever he passed a station it would be -necessary to cut the telegraph wires. Moreover, on board -the pursuing train there must be men skilled in repairing -the line, or the chase could not have been resumed so -promptly; and Jack could not expect to do more damage -in a given time than could be remedied by expert hands in -the same period. Worst of all, the pursuing engine was -evidently more powerful than his; and though it was -somewhat handicapped by its position at the wrong end of the -train, yet an experienced driver can always get more work -out of his engine than a tyro,—and Jack was making his -trial trip!</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He cudgelled his brains for some means of checking the -pursuit without bringing his own train to a stand-still. -He wished that he had thought to instruct his men when -tearing up the rails to lift some of the sleepers into the train; -these placed on the line would prove serious obstacles. It -was too late to repine; he made up his mind not to lose -the chance if it should occur again. While his thoughts -were still on the matter, his eye caught the balks of timber -used for fuel on this part of the line. The stock in the -tender was much diminished; more fuel must soon be -obtained; but surely one or two might be spared for the -experiment. Without delay he sent Hi Lo to the back of -the tender with an order to Wang Shih to carry two of -the balks through the train and to drop them on the line -from the communication door at the rear of the last -carriage. In a few moments the command was carried -out, but Wang Shih reported that owing to the high -speed he had found it difficult to see what happened to -the logs when they reached the ground. One, he thought, -had remained on the inside rail; the other appeared to -jump off. Narrowly watching the riband of steam from -the pursuing train, Jack believed he detected a momentary -diminution about the time when it should have reached -the spot where the logs had been thrown out; but if -there was a delay it was very brief, and a few minutes -later the tail of the advancing train came into full view, -the growing size of the carriage-end showing that it was -making up on him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Looking ahead with greater anxiety, Jack saw a station -within a mile. This must be Pei-su-ho. He had already -decided that to stop there would be absolutely necessary, -and in a short colloquy with Wang Shih when he returned -from throwing the logs on the track he had arranged what -should be done. Immediately on the stoppage of the train -twelve men were to engage the station staff and destroy -the telegraphic instruments; ten were to tear up the rails -behind the train, and, if possible, bring some sleepers on -board; four were to cut the telegraph wire, and twenty to -load wood from the station stock on to the nearest carriage. -In the meanwhile he himself, with the assistance of the -man acting as fireman and others riding on the engine, -would take in a supply of water from the tank.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The train rattled into the station. In his anxiety Jack -found that he had shut off steam too late; the engine -ran some yards beyond the water-tower. As he had -already found at Imien-po, it was not easy to the amateur -to bring a train to a stand-still at a given spot. But -although the greater part of the train had run beyond -the platform, the Chunchuses, who were standing ready -with the doors open, swung themselves out, and before the -gaping officials were aware of what was happening they -were disarmed and helpless. Not for the first time had -Jack reason to be glad that his men were the pick of -Ah Lum's band, and a standing proof of the efficacy of -discipline with the Chinese.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While Jack was backing the engine to the tank the -work of ripping up the track and demolishing the wire -had already been begun, and a string of men were hauling -timber into the nearest carriage. But before the supply of -water was fully replenished Jack had to blow his whistle to -recall the various parties; the pursuer was drawing perilously -near. The train moved off before all the men were in -their places; the last of them running along the platform -and being helped in by his comrades. Up came the -second train; again it had to halt before the gap, and -the driver, being at the other end, was compelled for -safety's sake to reduce speed earlier than he would have -done had he been able to judge the distance more exactly. -But this time the gap was shorter; the time required to -restore the line would be correspondingly less. Yet Jack -had gained one advantage; knowing that the enemy's -water supply, like his own, must have run low, he had -brought the station hose away with him, and he looked at -it with grim satisfaction, lying coiled at the rear of the -tender.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Jack's engine, Alexander the Second, gained impetus -and charged up the gradient towards the hills looming in -the distance, it was followed by a dropping fire from the -pursuing train: some of Lieutenant Potugin's men had -climbed to the roof of the stationary carriages. Whether -any of the bullets struck the train was doubtful; no harm -was done; and in the excitement of the moment the idea -of firing rifles seemed almost as childish as shooting at -the moon. Nothing less than a siege-gun would have -appeared formidable in the circumstances.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The brigands' last cutting of the line and the removal -of the hose had evidently gained several minutes for the -fugitive, for many miles had been covered before the -smoke of the pursuer was again seen. With so considerable -a start Jack felt it safe to pull up once more and try a -device that had occurred to him. His engine was at the -summit of a long descent where the line curved. Hitherto -his track-breakers had forced up both the rails, but the -curve was here so sharp that he thought he might save -time by having only one rail lifted, hoping that the partial -gap might not be seen by the enemy until it was too late -to do more than check the train, which would in all -probability be derailed. An alternative plan suggested -itself, only to be dismissed. It was to remove the rail, -and then replace it without the bolts. The pursuer would -then rush on at full speed expecting no danger; the train -would be hurled from the track, and probably all on -board would be killed or injured. But even in the heat -of the moment, and with the knowledge that if he were -caught he could expect no mercy from the Russians, Jack -could not bring himself to compass such wholesale -destruction. "Play the game": the phrase of the school -song stuck to him. His purpose would be amply served -by the mere derailment of the train, the speed of which -would no doubt be sufficiently checked, when the gap was -descried, to avert fatal consequences.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>So confident was he of the success of his scheme that -when, after the single rail was removed and flung over the -embankment, he again crowded on steam, his mind was -occupied rather with the question of what should be done -at the next station than with the prospect of further -difficulties with his dogged pursuer. He was now approaching -the place in the hills to which Ah Lum was to advance -by forced marches, and whence he was to be prepared to -dash across the line on receiving a message that the -scheme had succeeded. Jack had already selected his -messenger; the man was clinging to the rail of the -engine, and only awaited the word to spring during a -temporary slackening of speed and plunge into the hills.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The chosen spot lay between Pei-su-ho and Kao-ling-tzü, -and had been minutely described by Ah Lum. Jack -was glad that his anxieties appeared to be over, for the -country flashed by so rapidly that he ran the risk of -over-shooting the mark unless he could keep a good look-out. -He was narrowly watching for the opening on his right -when Hi Lo suddenly drew his attention westward. With -greater alarm than he had yet felt, even when he first -caught sight of the pursuer, he saw, scarcely a mile and -a half behind him, the relentless enemy leaping along in -his wake. He was half-way up a steep incline; the second -train was rushing with wholly reckless speed down a steep -straight gradient on which Jack, no longer fearing pursuit, -had thought it desirable to clap on the brakes. All notion -of going cautiously must now be abandoned. Amazed at -the failure of his last effort to delay the pursuer, Jack set -his men with desperate energy to pile up the furnace to -its utmost capacity; and when he topped the hill, and the -enemy was just beginning the ascent, he let the engine go -at its own pace down the opposite side. He and his men -had to hold on with both hands as they rounded another -sharp curve; the wheels on the inside seemed to be raised -from the track, the train keeping the rails only by the grip -of the outside wheels. Jack held his breath as the panting -engine plunged along; would it come safely on to the -straight? Even in the excitement of the moment he -solved as in a flash the mystery of the pursuers' escape -from derailment, and he could have beaten his head for -his thoughtlessness. The rail that had been lifted was an -inside rail; rounding a curve the weight of a train going -at speed is always thrown on the outer rail, which is -raised above the level of the other. Either designedly or -by accident the pursuing train had passed at full speed -over the gap, its very speed proving its salvation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Although there were many ups and downs, the general -trend of the line was still chiefly on the up grade, and -Jack found that while the enemy made as good timing as -himself down the slopes, their more powerful engine gained -rapidly wherever the track began to rise. As mile after -mile was passed, the huts of the line guards at intervals -of ten versts seeming like the milestones on an ordinary -journey, the space between the two trains steadily -diminished. Every now and again the pursuer was lost -to view; but whenever it next came in sight it was -always perceptibly nearer. The noble Alexander the -Second rattled and groaned like a creature in pain; the -working parts were smoking; some of the bearings were -melting, and Jack dared not risk the perils of oiling. He -knew that he was getting out of it every ounce of which -it was capable, unless indeed he adopted the desperate -expedient of screwing down the safety-valve, from which -a dense cloud of steam was escaping. He glanced at the -gauge—13 atmospheres; then his eye went backwards -along the track—the pursuer was still gaining; he turned -to look ahead, there was a long steep ascent to be climbed. -The pace lessened to an alarming extent: puffing, panting, -creaking, the engine toiled up a hillside on which the -track could be seen rising for at least two miles. He -must risk it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Three minutes later, the valve now screwed down, he -again glanced at the gauge—14 atmospheres. Bursting -pressure, Jack knew, was calculated at five or six times the -working pressure; but the Alexander the Second was an -old engine, he doubted whether her boilers would stand -anything like this strain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>For a time Jack's train drew away; but the gain was -only temporary; the pursuers, he guessed, must have -adopted the same desperate expedient. Gradually they -crept up, while Jack alternately watched them and the -track ahead, and the gauge, which now registered 15 -atmospheres—the limit which it was constructed to indicate. -Beyond this point he had no means of knowing how the -pressure was increasing. The rapidity of his thoughts -seemed to keep pace with the tremendous speed at which -he was travelling. His mind worked with marvellous -clearness; the minutes seemed like hours; he even found -himself speculating which of the three risks was the -greatest—derailment, capture by the Russians, or the -imminent explosion of the boiler.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>To look for the spot chosen for the despatch of his -messenger was out of the question; it had probably been -already passed. Jack felt that he had no longer any -alternative; he must play what seemed his last card. -The pursuing train was only half a mile behind on the -steep upward track when at his order Wang Shih, at the -risk of his life, uncoupled the rearmost of the three -carriages. For a short distance it followed the rest; then it -stopped, and began to run back at a pace that threatened -to telescope at least one carriage of the oncoming train. -A turn in the track hid both the detached carriage and the -pursuer from sight; Jack listened with a beating heart for -the sound of the collision, which he felt would be audible -even above the thundering roar of his own train.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Lightened of part of its load, his engine was forging its -way uphill at considerably higher speed. At one moment -he thought he heard the expected crash, and it seemed -that the move had been successful, for when next he -obtained a fair view of the line behind, the enemy was not in -sight. Alternating between compunction and elation, he -ventured, the line being more level, to reduce speed until -it was safe to drop his messenger, who must perforce find -his way to Ah Lum. But the man had barely left the track -when, to Jack's amazement, the indomitable pursuer -reappeared. A glance showed him that it was pushing the -discarded carriage before it. His move had been detected, -probably before the cast-off carriage began its backward -journey; the pursuing engine had been able to reverse in -time; chased and overtaken by the runaway carriage, the -train had no doubt been badly bumped, but not with force -enough to cause any serious damage. Now, to all appearance, -it was following the quarry at the same breakneck -pace as before. Jack felt a glow of admiration for the -wary Russians, who showed themselves so intent to mark -his every move, so quick to take measures to defeat it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His mouth hardened as he watched the pursuer gaining -upon him yard by yard. He knew that the pressure must -now be enormous; would the boilers stand the strain? -Yet in spite of all he was steadily being overhauled. Yard -by yard the gap lessened. Nothing but an accident could -now prevent him from being overtaken; his only course -seemed to be to stop before the enemy was too close, -reverse his engine, and with his men take to the hills. -But then he reflected with a kind of agony that the task -he had set himself was even yet only half done. There -was no longer, indeed, any chance of Ah Lum's retreat -being cut from the west; but the Russians could still -despatch a force from Ninguta in ample time to check the -Chunchuses before they got across the railway; and if they -were once checked, the forces behind would at once close -in and crush them. While, therefore, the slightest hope -remained, Jack resolved to cling to his train; but he gave -his men orders to jump clear at a moment's notice. They -must now be very near to Kao-ling-tzü: if they failed to -cut the line there the race was clearly run, for a warning -would certainly be flashed over the wire to the next station -at Han-ta-ho-tzü, giving ample time for preparations to be -made to meet him. He was in a bath of sweat; his throat -was parched; his limbs were trembling; but collecting all -his forces, he watched the gauge and grasped the lever.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There remained, he clearly saw, one small chance, and -only one. If there happened to be a train at Kao-ling-tzü -side-tracked in obedience to his instructions, it might -be possible—how long would it take?—to interpose it -between himself and his pursuers. There would be a minute, -nay, less than a minute, to gain possession of it and set -it in motion. Could he increase the margin? Yes; by -detaching the saloon, now the rearmost carriage, and -crowding the whole of his men and the two prisoners -into the single carriage in front. The enemy had all -along shown himself so alert that he would doubtless be -on the look-out for such a move; there was no longer -any likelihood that it would end the chase; but at least -it would check the pursuer's progress, forcing him to stop -or reverse. Even if it caused the delay of only a few -seconds, it was worth attempting; a few seconds might -make all the difference.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The station was already in sight when, the transference -of men having been quickly effected, Wang Shih broke -the couplings and left the saloon solitary upon the line. -Looking with blood-shot eyes ahead, Jack saw—and his -labouring heart leapt at the sight—not one, as he had -hoped, but two trains, one behind the other, completely -filling a siding, where they were halted to allow General -Bekovitch's expected train to pass.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But the same glance that gave Jack such elation showed -him that he had to deal with perhaps the greatest danger -he had yet encountered. He had intended to follow the -same plan that had proved successful at the other stations: -dispose of the officials, cut the wires, and block the line. -But he saw almost with dismay that the platform here was -thronged. Drawn, no doubt, by curiosity to see the train -of General Bekovitch, and excited by the urgent messages -received along the wire, not only the station officials were -waiting, but a considerable number of workers on the -railway, Russian riflemen, and Chinese passengers. These, -together with the attendants of the standing passenger -train, were massed upon the platform. They formed so -numerous a crowd that it would tax all the energies of -the Chunchuses to deal with them; there might be a -prolonged fight, and, even if it ended in a victory for the -brigands, so much time would have been consumed that -the pursuers must arrive before anything could be done to -stop their progress. It was a moment when many a man -might have despaired. But Jack was not made of the -stuff that yields. As his engine plunged along towards -the station he conceived an alternative plan; it would test -his nerve and self-command to the uttermost; but it might -succeed by its very audacity.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Passing the word to his men that they were to remain -in the carriage and hold their revolvers ready in case an -attack was made, he halted the engine with a jerk a yard -beyond the spot where the station-master was standing. -He sprang to the platform, clutched the astonished official -by the arm, and dragged him along, speaking in low, rapid, -urgent tones.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come with me. There is not a moment to lose. We -are pursued by a train in the possession of the enemy. -General Bekovitch is laid up. We have done our best to -check the pursuit, but they'll be upon us in a few minutes. -Only one thing can be done: uncouple the engine on the -siding, and start it up the line. Quick! our lives depend -on it. I will take the responsibility."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As Jack had hoped, the suddenness and unexpectedness -of the news, and the urgency of his manner, bereft the -station-master of all power of independent thought. He -hurried along the platform, shoving aside all who stood in -his path, every man in the crowd looking on with wonderment. -He sprang on to the line, with his own hands uncoupled -the engine, signalled for the points to be closed, -and ordered the driver to send it ahead at full speed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Two minutes saved!" thought Jack, as the engine -started. But he could not afford to let the flurried official -regain his self-command.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That is not enough," he said. "They will see the -engine, reverse, couple it on, and come at greater speed. -I've tried it already. You must empty the passenger train, -and then push it along with the goods engine. It would -be well to throw a carriage or two off the rails at the points. -Anything to block the line."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Certainly, your nobility," said the station-master. "It -is the only way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They were now on the track between the waiting train -and Jack's. Many of the passengers had their heads out -of the windows, wondering what was going on. Waving -his arms, the station-master summoned them in urgent -tones to alight.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I'll now push on," said Jack. "Do your best, -nichalnik; remember how much depends on you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He walked rapidly along between the trains to reach his -engine. Passengers, anxious, wonder-struck, were already -leaving the train. One of them, a Russian army doctor, -stopped Jack and asked what was the matter.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Train behind in possession of the enemy," returned -Jack laconically.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Bozhe moï!" ejaculated the doctor, drawing his -revolver and making for the platform.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack passed on, not venturing to delay even long -enough to assist a lady, for whom the jump from carriage -to track was somewhat difficult. She sprang down -unassisted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Monsieur Brown, Monsieur Brown!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack shivered from top to toe, and never in his life felt -so much inclined to take to his heels as then. He could -hardly believe he had heard aright; yet amid the bustle -now filling the station he had caught the whisper of his -name. On a sudden impulse he swung round.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Monsieur Brown," said Gabriele Walewska, running -up to him, "I have news for you: I have something to -show you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come with me, Mademoiselle," said Jack instantly. -"I haven't a minute to lose."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But Masha is here; I cannot leave her."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For heaven's sake, Mademoiselle, climb up into this -carriage. I will fetch Masha."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With anxiety tearing at his heart Jack hurried back -down the train. He saw Gabriele's old nurse at the door -of a carriage; she was almost the only passenger who had -not yet alighted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Spring into my arms," he said, forgetting that she knew -no tongue but Polish. But his outstretched arms spoke for -him. The woman jumped clumsily; but Jack kept his feet, -and, straining his muscles, he carried the burden, as rapidly -as he could stagger, to his own train. Gabriele's hands -were ready to help the woman; with an unceremonious -heave Jack pushed her into the carriage. Then he ran -to his engine, swung himself up, and pressed the lever -just as the empty passenger train moved off in the other -direction. Before he had run a hundred yards he heard -a crash behind. Glancing back, he saw that the first -carriage had jumped the points, ploughed up the -permanent way, and overturned. One after another the other -carriages followed; and in a brief minute there was a pile -of wrecked trucks and coaches in inextricable confusion -across the rails.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had not time to give a second thought to Gabriele. -He was again urging Alexander the Second along at full -speed. He must run to within a few miles of the next -station, and lift enough rails to delay for some hours any -train despatched from the direction of Ninguta. Twenty -minutes brought him to a likely spot—a high culvert over -a brawling hill stream. Employing the whole strength of -his detachment in the work, he lifted fifty yards of the -track and flung the rails and sleepers into the stream's -rocky bed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"At last!" he exclaimed. The load of anxiety he had -borne for over two hours was gone. From the place where -he had wrecked the bridge nearly a hundred miles westward -to the spot where he now stood, traffic on the Siberian -railway was hopelessly blocked.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="a-double-quest"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">A Double Quest</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Gabriele's Story—A Hasty Word—Lex Talionis—Bribery -and Corruption—Cause and Effect—The Natural Man—The -Filial Obligation—The Choice of Routes—A Fair -Pleader—In the Circumstances—Improving the Occasion</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Jack's part was done. The way had been cleared for the -passage of the Chunchuses across the railway, and -knowing Ah Lum's rapidity of movement he felt tolerably sure -that the crossing might easily be made. He could now -afford to think of his own safety. He determined to run -the train back as near as he dared to Pei-su-ho, then to -leave it standing on the line and make off in a northerly -or north-westerly direction, trusting to join hands with -Ah Lum at some distance north of the line. The railway -guards were amazed to see the train running swiftly -backwards; but, whatever their suspicions, they were powerless. -Jack came to a stop between two of the block-houses; in a -few minutes his men alighted with Bekovitch and Sowinski, -Gabriele, and her nurse; and then Jack abandoned the -noble Alexander the Second that had served him so well, -and started on his northward march. Some distance above -the line he instinctively turned for a last look. There was -the short train, motionless on the rails, a derelict in a vast -solitude. But it represented activities that had disorganized -the whole traffic of the line for a hundred miles, nullified -a military scheme, and saved hundreds of lives. It was -not without a certain grim amusement Jack remembered -that the final card in that game had been played by the -Russians themselves. "I only hope the station-master -won't be cashiered," he thought, as he turned his back -upon the scene.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not till now had he an opportunity of learning what -strange fate had entrusted Gabriele to his care. Some -time after he had left the missionary's house the girl, -unable to endure the separation from her father, again -ventured into Vladivostok. Acting on the knowledge -that Jack had bribed a Russian official, she succeeded in -persuading a colonist about to re-embark for Sakhalin to -carry a letter from her to Count Walewski. She told him -of her intentions, assuring him that in spite of her failure -to gain permission to enter the island, she still meant to -persevere. Several weeks later she received a reply, -brought by the same man, who had crossed the sea in -probably the last boat before the ports became ice-bound. -It was addressed in a strange handwriting, and as she -tore it open she was oppressed by the fear that her father -was dead. But the first line of the letter, written in -French, dispelled her anxiety. The count was ill in -hospital, unable to write; but he had availed himself of -the ready help of a fellow-prisoner—a political prisoner -who had recently arrived in the island. He thanked his -daughter for her affectionate solicitude, but pled with her -to abandon her purpose: Sakhalin was no place for a -woman; she would only suffer without alleviating his lot. -As for himself, until the arrival of his new friend he had -despaired of ever regaining his liberty. But the surprising -news that the Japanese were winning victory after victory -had sown a seed of hope. The prisoners on the island -had been fed with lies by the officials, who reported -constant victories for Russia. But the new-comer had thrown -a fresh light on the war; he could not foresee its end: the -Russians had still enormous powers of resistance; it was -possible that the great fleet on its way eastward might -break through to Vladivostok and change the aspect of -things. Yet, if it should be defeated, the Japanese might -capture Sakhalin; possibly the political prisoners would -then be released if they had not been previously removed -to the mainland. It was only a possibility, but sufficient -to give new courage to a sorely-tried man.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack read all this himself, for Gabriele, immediately -after explaining how the letter came into her possession, -handed it to him. The writing was his father's. At the -first moment he felt unutterable relief in finding that his -father was alive; then rage burned within him as he saw -before him, marching at some distance apart, each manacled -to a Chunchuse, the two men whose villainy had sent -Mr. Brown to the bleak "island of the dead". Gabriele -noticed his look.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I understand," she said. "But if your anger is great, -how much greater is mine! Your father's persecutor is -a Russian, a foreigner; my father was betrayed by one of -his own countrymen,—one of his own house. The traitor -there recognized me as I entered the saloon carriage; -bound as he was, he shrank from me as though expecting -that I would kill him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But he did not recognize you when he saw you at -Father Mayenobe's?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No. But something must have put him on my track, -for it is through him that I was a passenger on the train. -I was arrested in Vladivostok and ordered to go back to -Europe. He was with the soldiers who arrested me: in -fact, he pointed me out to them. I do not know how he -came to recognize me after all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At the moment no explanation occurred to Jack, who -indeed did not give a thought to it. But later he -remembered that, on the well-remembered evening in Moukden -when he had got the better of Sowinski, he had mentioned -the man's true name, Streleszki. This had no doubt set -the Pole wondering how Jack could have learnt his name; -and the chain of incidents had led him to connect the -disclosure with the European girl he had met at the missionary's. -So that Jack's almost inadvertent explanation had -ultimately led to this meeting with Gabriele at the -station, and to the end of his long search for his father's -whereabouts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The party marched as rapidly as possible, rising gradually -towards the barren hills. After two hours they stopped -for a brief rest, and for the first time since his capture at -Mao-shan General Bekovitch was within arm's-length of -the Chunchuse leader. Jack wondered whether he would -be recognized; but the change of costume, the hardening of -his features and the development of his physique due to his -active rigorous life, made him a different being from the lad -whom Bekovitch had seen for five minutes at the Moukden -railway-station. And the general was certainly not in such -a calm and collected mood as might quicken his memory. -He was indeed in a condition of boiling rage and indignation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, you—" he cried, seeing Jack so near to him. -"Do you understand Russian?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Moderately well, sir."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His very voice had become more manly; its deeper tones -did not awaken recollection.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then what do you mean, confound you! by treating a -Russian general officer thus? What do you mean, I say? -Do you know what you are doing? Made to tramp over -these hills—fettered to a filthy Chinaman—why—why——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general could find no further words to express his -indignation.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is it not the Russian custom to manacle prisoners?" -asked Jack quietly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Russian's cheeks took a purple hue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An officer—a general! Do you know who I am, -you—you——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are General Bekovitch."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well—well—loose me at once, then; I insist on this -indignity being removed; it is monstrous!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Possibly; but quite Russian. You are no worse treated -than you treat your prisoners. If a Chunchuse, myself for -instance, had fallen into your hands, what would have been -his fate?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The mild reasonableness of the Chunchuse's reply, -together with his firm attitude, seemed to suggest to the -general that he should try another tack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come," he said, with sudden suavity, "I know you -gentlemen; I suppose it is a matter of dollars. How -much will you take to let me go?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack looked at him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say a thousand dollars—that's a very fair sum, more -than you'd get in the ordinary way of your—business. Eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes: our business, as you call it, is certainly not -profitable, but we do make a haul at times."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general looked furious. Jack quietly continued:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you are making a mistake—you are treating me -as you would a Russian and an official. I am merely a -brigand—but we Chunchuses have our code. Dirty -though he is, General Bekovitch, the man you are bound -to has cleaner hands than you: he at least is an honest -man according to his lights. It is he who should -complain of contamination."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bekovitch quivered with rage, but gulping down the -indiscreet words his anger prompted he returned to the -point.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I could make you a rich man. I said a thousand -dollars; come, I will make it two thousand. It will buy -you a pardon, and an official post as well. Batiushki! no -brigand ever had such a chance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack laughed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We have our code, General Bekovitch, I repeat. There -are some things bribery cannot effect. Your release just -now is one of them. But for bribery you would not be -here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general stared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is all very simple. If the Pole Sowinski yonder had -not bribed you, General Bekovitch, you would not have -conspired against Mr. Brown at Moukden, and you would -not have needed to deport his son. If you had not deported -his son, his son would not still be in Manchuria; and if he -had not been in Manchuria he could not have captured -you, General Bekovitch, and you need not have attempted -to bribe him."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The general stared incredulously at the speaker. Then -it was as though the Cossack uniform dropped away; as -though the young man before him became again the lad he -had been nine months before. The Russian recognized him -at last, and his jaw fell.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You see now," pursued Jack, "the double uselessness -of offering bribes to me—as the son of Mr. Brown, and as -an Englishman."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are you going to do with me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>All the bluster, all the silkiness, was now gone; the -general was anxious, almost suppliant.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That I cannot say. You will be delivered to my chief, -Mr. Ah. It is likely that you will be detained until my -father is released. But I cannot answer for Mr. Ah. He -is a Chinaman, with Chinese ideas. Much may depend on -how my father has been treated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bekovitch became pale; his eyes looked anxiously around. -Jack left him to his meditation. Passing the spot where -Sowinski sat, manacled like Bekovitch, Jack noticed that -the Pole's eyes met his with a hunted, terrified look. He -had recognized his captor at once, and having also seen -Gabriele he felt that he had to reckon with her as well; -and his imagination of what he himself might do, were he -in their place, shook him like the ague.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The march was resumed, and late in the day the party -came in touch with Ah Lum's scouts. The meeting -between Ah Lum and Jack was very warm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Never was captain so nobly served," said the grateful -chief. "I was at my wits' end to escape the meshes of -the net; and now not only have I escaped, but I hold in -my power the man who was to ensnare me. Truly the -poet Li T'ai-poh was right when he said, in his </span><em class="italics">Apology for -Friendship</em><span>—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"'Never despair: the darkest Lot may mend;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Call no Man lost that hath one faithful Friend'.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>You will find the works of Li T'ai-poh worthy of perusal, -my honoured friend. They have been to me as a bright -star to a wanderer in a dark night."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack thanked him for the recommendation; then changed -the topic, and asked how the crossing of the line had been -effected. He learnt that a slight skirmish had taken place -at the line between the Chunchuses and the energetic -pursuers of the train; but the Russians, being hopelessly -outnumbered, had been compelled to retire with loss. Ah Lum -in his turn was informed of the discovery of Mr. Brown's -whereabouts.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Nothing proceeds from the machinations of men," -he said, "but the whole of our lives is planned by -destiny."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Mr. Ah, and destiny has willed that my father's -persecutor and your hunter are the same man—the Russian -general there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ch'hoy! May his posterity be cut off! May the five -thunders strike him dead! May the village constable -attend to his remains! May he be born again as a hog! -When we pitch our camp, I will cut out his tongue, fry -him in a caldron of oil, rip——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Stay, stay, Mr. Ah!" cried Jack, aghast at this -unwonted fury in his scholarly friend. "You forget that he -is a European, and I am an Englishman; we don't do such -things in my country."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But it is an imperative duty. Your duty to your father -demands that you should heap on the villain the direst -curses, and inflict on him the most terrible torture."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, Mr. Ah, the books of our sages teach us differently. -Besides, my father would not approve: he would -most strongly disapprove."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This was a new aspect, and one that Ah Lum took time -to consider.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That alters the case," he at length reluctantly admitted. -"A son may not act contrary to his father's wishes. What -does the poet Tu Fu so beautifully say?—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"'Happy the Father, yea, and doubly blest,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Whose Son, though absent, doeth his Behest'.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Yes, it is a pity; but when inclination and the counsel of -sages agree, there is but one course."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Considering that there would be plenty of time to levy -a contribution on the settlement at Shih-tou-ho-tzü, Ah -Lum sent back 200 men for the purpose of collecting -supplies, and pushed on with the main body. A few -hours later the detachment rejoined, with a number of -carts containing useful stores of all kinds, and the march -northward was resumed with all speed. One of the carts -was appropriated to the use of Gabriele and her servant; -but the former soon declared that she preferred to walk; -the springless cart made riding anything but comfortable. -The march was continued throughout the day. In the -evening Ah Lum reached a spot far in the hills, where he -might safely encamp.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Next morning Jack took the earliest opportunity of -holding a consultation with the chief. It was his fixed -intention to get if possible to Sakhalin; he knew his -father was there: to rescue him ought not to be difficult. -As a Chinaman Ah Lum confessed that he could not -oppose an enterprise of such piety; but as a practical -man he thought it his duty to mention the objections. -He had never been to Sakhalin, but he understood that it -was a terrible place, visited by fierce storms, buried for the -greater part of the year under snow and ice, covered with -thick forests, infested by wild beasts, wilder men, and -even hideous dragons. By the many forms of exorcism -employed for generations past in China, dragons had been -driven out of the Celestial Kingdom; but they had crossed -the sea and taken refuge, so Ah Lum had been informed, -in the dreary wastes of Sakhalin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack brushed all these objections aside. Seeing that he -was firm, the chief carefully considered the best means of -helping him. The strait between Siberia and Sakhalin was -at this time of the year frozen over; the ice would not -begin to break up for several weeks. The nearest point at -which it could be crossed was at least 1500 li from the -Chunchuses' present encampment, and not only would so -long a journey be attended by many hardships, but Jack -would be liable to arrest as soon as he came to any -considerable Russian settlement. Jack at once said that he -did not propose to make the long overland journey; his -best plan would be to sail by junk from one of the -Manchurian ports as soon as the coast was clear of ice. To -go to Vladivostok was too risky; Possiet Bay was the -nearest point, and the most promising in all respects. It -was some hundreds of li distant, and there were high hills -to be crossed; but Ah Lum offered to send with Jack a -man who knew the country, and to issue orders to the -headman of every important village, instructing him under -pain of his severest displeasure and drastic penalties to do -all in his power to forward the journey.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This having been settled, the question of the disposal of -the prisoners arose.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not one to mistake a village headman for the -emperor," said the chief; "but fishes, though deep in the -water, may be hooked, and I know I have a valuable fish -in the Russian general. How many men think you a -general is worth in exchanges?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's a hard question, Mr. Ah. Some less than -nothing: others an infinite amount."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then it will be a matter of long bargaining. As for -the other man, he is of little account. The mule is always -attended by a flea. The two men are companions: what -does that prove? When the rat and the cat sleep together, -be sure that the larder will be empty in the morning. As -the fishmonger throws a sprat into the scale to make the -salmon appear cheap, so will I deal with the Pole when I -dispose of the Russian. But there is another point, my -honoured friend; what is to become of these women whom -Destiny has sent to trouble me?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, that has troubled me, too. I must go and hear -what they say."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack found Gabriele listening gravely to Ah Fu's -recitation of the "May Queen".</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mademoiselle, may I have a little serious talk with you? -The chief is sadly perturbed about your presence here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Monsieur Brown, it was your train that brought -me. Seriously, I suppose I must go back to Father -Mayenobe </span><em class="italics">en route</em><span> to Sakhalin, for sooner or later I will -get there—on that I am determined. They may deport -me, but I shall always return.—What will you do -yourself?—not remain a Chunchuse?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, indeed. I am going to find my father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"To Sakhalin?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Oh! Monsieur Brown, cannot I come too? I may -never get such a chance again. My poor father! he has -been there six years. Take me with you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But, Mademoiselle——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am very strong, really I am. Did I not walk for six -hours yesterday? I will not delay your march."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But think of the difficulties—a long mountain journey -to begin with, a voyage in a junk at one of the worst -seasons of the year, the danger of being discovered and -arrested at any moment, exposure, perhaps hunger——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am not afraid. And surely it will be better for me to -face these hardships in your company than alone!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Alone?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, alone! I have as strong a motive as you; my -father—oh! I cannot bear to think of him ill and -wretched. I shall go to Sakhalin. If you will not take -me, and do not give me up to the Russians, I shall tramp -to the coast and cross on the ice—alone."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack hardly knew whether to be amused at the absurdity -of such a venture, or to be impressed with the girl's -determination. That she meant what she said he had not the -slightest doubt.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what about Masha?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Poor old thing! She declares she will never leave me. -And she is quite strong—stronger than I am, though she is -getting on in years. We shall get through somehow; the -Lord God will protect us."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>In face of this spirit Jack felt helpless. It was arranged -that Gabriele and the nurse should accompany him. -Their destination was kept secret from the band, lest by -any mischance it should leak out. A week afterwards, -Jack took a cordial farewell of Ah Lum, asking him, if he -had any news to communicate, to write to him at the care -of the Hong-Kong and Shanghai Bank at Shanghai. The -leave-taking was conducted with due solemnity. There -was no question as to Ah Lum's sincerity of feeling. He -was unfeignedly sorry to lose the lieutenant who had -done him such yeoman service. When he had exhausted -the resources of his language to express his gratitude, he -spent a few minutes in bestowing fatherly counsel on Jack, -drawing lavishly from his well of proverbial wisdom. Jack -found the draught a trifle turgid, but otherwise the quality -was excellent.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Difficulty and danger," began the chief, folding his -hands and looking benignly over the rims of his -spectacles—"difficulty and danger teach us to know the value of -friendship; at the same time they winnow the true from the -false, even as a husbandman winnows the grain from the -chaff. I may never see you again; take from me a few -words of counsel, learnt as well from life as from the works -of the poets and sages. What says Li T'ai-poh?—'A -good rule of conduct is better than stout armour or a sharp -sword'. When you are most happy, you should be most -ready to meet misfortune. Extreme joy is but a sign of -grief to come. In security, do not forget danger. Do not -consider any vice as trivial, and therefore practise it; nor -any virtue as unimportant, and therefore neglect it. Let -your words be few, and your companions select. Inattention -to minute actions will ultimately be prejudicial to a -man's virtue. Past events are as clear as a mirror; the -future as obscure as lacquer; yet, gazing into that mirror, -I seem to see reflected a future of great prosperity, high -office, and a numerous progeny. Heaviness and care -will come upon you, as upon all men; at such periods the -works of Li T'ai-poh will prove a well of refreshment, a -mine of solace. I have no fears for you. As the sun's -rays first gild the highest mountains, so the blessings of -Heaven fall in richest measure upon the upright. You -have shown yourself to be an excellent son: what says the -poet Wang Wei in his </span><em class="italics">Address to Posterity</em><span>?—</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>"'To him who faithfully his Father's Will obeys,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span>Heaven in its Bounty grants great Wealth and Length of Days'."</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="sakhalin"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Sakhalin</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Abundant Profits—A Hut in Sakhalin—Sowinski and -Another—Sympathy—Coincidence—Blood Money—Downhill</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>One brilliant April morning Jack set out towards Ninguta, -accompanied by Gabriele and the servant, Hi Lo, and two -trusty Chunchuses. They were all dressed in Chinese -garb, and since Manchurian women do not deform their -feet there was no difficulty for Gabriele on that score. -But they carried Russian dresses and uniforms for use if -necessary. They crossed the railway safely at night -half-way between two of the block-houses; and, striking into -the hills, followed a path that would take them a considerable -distance south of Ninguta. Their great danger lay -in the chance of meeting one of the Russian columns -which had been engaged in rounding up Ah Lum; but the -two bandits believed that they would hear of the proximity -of any such troops in good time to avoid them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack had discussed with Gabriele whether they should -take Father Mayenobe's mission station in passing. On -all grounds they decided that it would be best to leave -the good priest undisturbed. No doubt he believed that -Gabriele was well on the way to Europe; it would be a -pity to renew his anxieties, and possibly involve him in -trouble with the Russians.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>While they were laboriously making their way over the -hills, another member of Ah Lum's band, posing as a -lumberman, travelled by the railway, newly restored and -more strictly guarded than ever, to Vladivostok. He bore -a letter from Gabriele to the man by whose aid she had -communicated with her father in Sakhalin. The letter -stated that the receiver might earn 500 roubles if he would -accompany the bearer to Possiet Bay, and there meet the -writer, who would then give him further instructions. -Jack had little doubt that when they arrived they would -find the man waiting. To an ex-convict of Sakhalin 500 -roubles is a fortune.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The Chinese shipping interest at Possiet Bay was -scandalized when it heard that Too Chin-seng was contemplating -a voyage to Chifu at least three weeks before the -usual season. The ice, it was true, was breaking in the -harbour; but the weather was tempestuous outside; and -large quantities of loose floe rendered navigation difficult -and dangerous. There was much shaking of the head -over the temerity of the ship-owner who was thus -imperilling not only the lives of the crew but the safety of -the vessel. He could easily get another crew; a vessel -like the </span><em class="italics">Yu-ye</em><span> ("Abundant Profits") was more difficult -to replace. She was a stout junk some sixty feet in -length and fifteen in beam, built of thick wood to -withstand the heavy seas of those northern latitudes, and -from the Chinese point of view well found in all respects. -That for the sake of a few weeks' gain in time a man -should risk so valuable a craft seemed to the shipping -world at Possiet Bay a wilful flying in the face of fortune, -almost an insult to Ma Chu, the goddess who watched -over good sailors.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Too Chin-seng went quietly about his preparations, not -even swerving when his neighbours protested that by the -time he returned from Chifu he would be too late for the -early herring fishing off Sakhalin. One day the vessel, -loaded with a cargo of rice, made her way with much -creaking and groaning out of the harbour, her sides -bumped and scratched by heavy ice floes. Before sailing -she had undergone the usual inspection; the officials -sniffed and pried, as though the dissatisfaction of the -native community had infected them also; but everything -was in order. The day was fine, the sea exceptionally -smooth for the time of year; and when once free from the -floating ice, the </span><em class="italics">Yu-ye</em><span> ran merrily before a light -north-easter down the coast.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But towards evening, when off Cape Lesura, she hauled -her wind and beat about as if in expectation of something. -She had not long to wait. Half a dozen figures appeared -on the shore; a sampan was launched from the edge of -the ice and laboriously punted its way out to the junk. -The passengers were got aboard with some difficulty, for -the wind was rising and the sea beginning to be choppy. -But, all being at length embarked, the junk clumsily beat -out to sea, heading towards the coast of Yesso to the -north-east.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He can makee chop-chop sailo pidgin, lowdah?" asked -Jack of Too Chin-seng at the tiller.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My belongey numpa one junk, masta. Ping-ch'wahn -no can catchee he, galaw!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>In a rough wooden hut on a hill-slope above a small -lumber settlement on the south-east coast of Sakhalin -two men were talking. It was nearly dark; a sputtering -tallow candle threw a murky light over the room, showing -up its bareness. A rickety table was the only article of -furniture; a raised portion of the rugged wooden floor, -covered with one or two frowsy blankets, served both for -chairs and bed. On these blankets the two men were now -seated.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>One of them was a big, heavy-browed, uncouth fellow—a -posselentsy; that is, one who having served his time -in the convicts' prison, was now liberated, though not -free. He could not leave the island, nor could he choose -his place of residence; he was bound to live where the -governor bade him live. On leaving the prison he had -been furnished with implements and ordered to go and -build himself a hut at the spot prescribed, and till the soil -around it. For two years he had been provided with food -enough to keep him from starving; after that he must -keep himself by the labour of his hands—cutting wood, -loading coal, mending bridges. His hut became the -nucleus of a village, other convicts being sent to do as -he had done. After fourteen years he might hope to be -permitted to return to Siberia or Russia.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The posselentsy was sitting with his back against the -log wall, taking frequent pulls at a bottle of vodka, which, -though forbidden to the colonists except at the two great -Russian festivals in October and January, is secretly -manufactured in stills deep in the woods, and stealthily -bought and sold. But this bottle was a present.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes," he was saying in answer to a question; "he -checks the logs loaded into store by the foremen of our -artels."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An easy job, no doubt," suggested the other man—the -Pole Anton Sowinski.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Easy! It's child's play. All he has to do is to count -the logs and write the numbers in a book. Then the dirty -Pole—I beg pardon; I forgot he was a countryman of -yours—gives out the vouchers, and the work—work!—is -done. I had the Englishman's job myself—until I made -a mistake in the figures."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A mistake!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, they said it was intended. At any rate they -sent me back to the woods."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And while this Englishman—this spy—and the other -sit at their ease, you poor Russians have to do all the hard -work. I suppose it </span><em class="italics">is</em><span> hard?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hard! Try it, barin. Felling trees and splitting logs -all day is not exactly a soft job. And to make matters -worse, since this war has been going on they've set a lot -of us fellows to deal with the fish—make the stinking fish -manure that the Japanese used to make. The herring season -is just beginning; that'll be my pleasant occupation next -week."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And that is the life you lead while the Englishman—the -spy—and the other live like barins, eh? It is shameful."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Russian took a long pull at the bottle. It was not -often he got a chance of airing his grievances and drinking -vodka from the continent—a great deal more to his taste -than the crude poison of local manufacture.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are right; it is shameful."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I wonder you don't do something."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do something! What can we do? We rob them -when we get the chance, but that doesn't make things -easier. Besides, they are not so bad after all—the Pole -and the Englishman. The Englishman taught my boy -to cast accounts; he's now a clerk in the superintendent's -office. And the Pole taught my girl to speak French; she's -now maid to the governor's lady. It didn't cost me a -kopeck: no, they're not a bad sort."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Still, think of the injustice."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, the injustice; that's what makes my blood boil. -I was a robber; I tell you straight what I was; and I killed -a gorodovoi who interfered with me: that's what brought -me here. But what's that to being a spy, and plotting -against the Little Father's life? No, and if I had my -rights——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The drink was beginning to take effect; the posselentsy -was becoming noisy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes," interrupted Sowinski; "and I suppose if -the Englishman were out of the way you would stand a -chance of getting your old job—his job—again?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Perhaps—if I could bribe the governor's secretary. -But what chance is there of that? His price is too high -for me. And besides, the Englishman is not out of the -way, nor likely to be."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And yet it might be managed too. A determined man -like you, with say a couple of hundred roubles to back you, -might go far."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Russian was not so much fuddled that he failed to -understand the drift of the other's words.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What do you mean?" he asked suspiciously. "Speak -plainly," he added, bringing his huge fist down upon the -table with a bang that made the Pole wince. "What -is your game?—that's what I put to you. You haven't -come here—a barin like you—just to see me, and listen -to my grumbles; I know that. No, nor yet for love of -anybody else; I'm an old bird, I am, and I see what I -see, I do. If you want anything out of me, I won't say -I sha'n't meet you if you make it worth my while; but -you'll have to speak out, man to man, you know; beating -about the bush is no good with an old bird like me, -not a bit of it."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Quite so, my friend, quite so. Indeed, that is my -way: a clear understanding—nothing kept back on either -side."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well then, speak out, can't you? What is it? What -do you want me to do, and what will you pay me for it?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's what I like—plain speaking. Well, it seems -that the matter stands thus: here are two men between -your present hard life—an atrocious life, an unendurable -life, a life worse than a dog's—and an easy life, a life with -little to do and any amount of time to do it. It's a strange -thing, but these very two men are hated by the government. -The officials don't want to do anything openly: -you know their way; but if the two men were suddenly to -disappear——you understand?—well, the government at -Alexandrovsk wouldn't take it amiss. Of course, there -would be a kind of enquiry—a formal matter; and that -would be all. But the officials must not appear in it. -There are reasons. That is why, as I was coming here -to see about a contract for railway sleepers, the matter -was mentioned to me—by a high personage, you understand. -I have with me——" he corrected himself hastily—"that -is to say, not here, but at the superintendent's, two -hundred roubles—fifty for an immediate present when an -understanding is come to, another fifty when the disappearance -takes place; the rest if the disappearance is so -complete that no traces of the two are found—say within -a month. But of course I must know what becomes of them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! That's the game, is it? And what's to be the -story for Petersburg, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's an easy matter. We'll say they bought false -passports—there's a manufactory of those useful documents -not a hundred miles from Nikolaievsk—and smuggled -themselves away in a herring boat. That'll wash, don't -you think?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it goes down as easy as this vodka it'll go down -uncommon easy," said the man with a chuckle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And there's plenty more where that came from. Well, -what do you say?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can't do it alone. I shall want some one to help. -You—" he looked critically at the Pole—"you ain't the -man for such a job. I'll have to get a pal. Ten roubles, -now—I suppose you won't object to pay that, supposing -you don't want to lend a hand yourself?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That shall not stand in the way. I shall have to pay -the money out of my own pocket," he added as by an -artistic inspiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man flashed a shrewd glance at his visitor; but -though he said nothing on the point, he was apparently -making a note of something in his mind.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, you leave it to me, barm," he said. "When I -take a job in hand, my motto's 'thorough', it is. And mind -you: when I see you next, another bottle of this vodka: -that won't ruin a barin with two hundred roubles at the -superintendent's office and ten in his own pocket, eh?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A few minutes later Sowinski left the hut and stumbled -out into the darkness—down the hill, dotted with rude -huts dimly discernible in the gloom, towards the little -bay where half a dozen junks engaged in the herring -fishery lay at anchor. The road was broken by ruts and -pitfalls; unconsciously the Pole groped his way over or -past them, busy with his thoughts, which were blacker -than the night, hurrying him to a deeper pitfall dug by -himself for his own undoing.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-empty-hut"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXVIII</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Empty Hut</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">My Son—Liberty in Sight—Au Revoir!—Suspense—The -Open Door—A Footprint—The Trail</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>While Sowinski was making his way down the hill, a -sampan with two passengers put off in dead silence from -one of the junks in the roadstead. The vessel had arrived -that afternoon with a small cargo of rice; she was to ship -a consignment of dried fish for Chifu. The loading was -to be commenced at dawn on the following day; she was -not to carry a full cargo, having to fill up with coal at -Alexandrovsk; by the evening it was expected that her -consignment would be on board, and she would sail again -next morning.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The sampan moved without a splash towards the -northern end of the bay, where there were no huts. The -fishing settlement extended half round the southern end, -and the lumber yards occupied the rest of the southern -quarter and part of the northern. It was a very solitary -spot at which the passengers landed, and the sampan-man—who -happened also to be the owner of the junk—steering -his little craft between two rocks, where he was secure -from observation, squatted motionless, apparently awaiting -the return of the two men whom he had just put ashore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Making a circuit round the lumber settlement—a somewhat -difficult matter in the dark—the two passengers, one -of whom evidently knew the way and walked a pace or -two in advance, stopped at a hut a little larger than the -majority of those they had passed, and gently tapped at -the door. No light was visible; the taller of the two -men cleared his throat as in nervous impatience. A step -was heard within; the door was opened, and a voice asked -in Russian:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who is there?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is I, gráf," said the man who had led the way. "I -have a friend with me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Come in, then."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two entered; the door was gently closed behind -them. The outer room was in complete darkness; but, -leading the way through that, Count Walewski opened a -farther door, which led into a second room, dimly lighted -by a couple of candles. A man was seated at a table, -reading.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here is our friend Godunof, comrade," said the count -in French.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Brown looked up—looked again, stared, then sprang -to his feet.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jack!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The taller of the two visitors brushed past Godunof, and -father and son clasped hands. For a few moments not a -word was spoken by either of them; a stranger might not -perhaps have guessed from their manner that they had -been parted for nearly a year—the father a victim of foul -wrong, the son ignorant of the father's whereabouts and -burning to avenge the wrong. But beneath his iron-gray -moustache and beard Mr. Brown's lips were quivering, -and Jack had a lump in his throat which made him -incapable of speech when his father turned to the count -and, keeping Jack's hand in his, said simply:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My son, Count."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Count Walewski was deep in conversation with the -other man. He seemed scarcely to comprehend what -Brown had said.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your son! But—my daughter—you remember her -letter; she is here, now, in a junk at the shore; Godunof -says so; it bewilders me; am I dreaming? Your son!—they -came together; Godunof tells me they have come -to take us away. After all these years!—Brown, this -will kill me!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The count, trembling like a leaf, leant for support -against the crazy table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sit down, my friend," said Brown. "We must keep -our heads. Jack has come on a desperate adventure; -it takes my breath away; he must tell us what it means."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A long conversation ensued—not long in point of time, -but in the amount of matter compressed into it. The -difficulty of arranging the escape lay in the impossibility -of knowing from what quarter the wind would be -blowing at any hour that might be determined. Without a -favourable wind the </span><em class="italics">Yu-ye</em><span> could not get out to sea; -and it would be madness for Mr. Brown and the count -to go aboard until there was a practical certainty of -the junk being able to slip away. As soon as they were -missed, every boat in the roadstead would be searched. -And even if the vessel cleared the bay, there was always -a risk of its being followed by the government launch -engaged to patrol the fishing settlements along the coast, -perhaps by a gunboat sent from Korsakovsk in response -to a telegram. The launch at this moment lay at anchor -in the bay, and unless the </span><em class="italics">Yu-ye</em><span> got a good start and a -fair wind, it must inevitably be overhauled, though the -government boat was an old and crazy vessel whose best -work was long since done.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Granted a favourable wind, then, it was arranged that -the two, the following midnight, should make their way -down to the point at which Jack had landed. If the wind -proved unfavourable, the departure must be postponed. -The junk would slip her moorings at the first glint of -dawn, and before the escape was discovered Jack hoped -they would be hull down on the horizon.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But what speed can you make?" asked Mr. Brown. -"You can't outrun a steamer."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I doubt whether the launch would venture far into the -open," said Godunof, the colonist who had carried the -letters between Gabriele and her father. "She can't -stand heavy weather, and a gale may spring up at any -moment in these seas. Besides, she'd be chary of -meeting Japanese cruisers in the Strait of La Perouse. I -wonder, indeed, she ventured into this bay—no better -than an open roadstead, and exposed to attack."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"She only arrived two days ago from Korsakovsk," said -Mr. Brown. "She came on a matter of revenue; nothing -else brings her here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, we must chance it, Father," said Jack. "We've -got here safely, and please God we shall get away safely -too. We can run for the nearest Japanese port, and -there we'll be as safe as—as in Portsmouth Harbour, by -Jove!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The plan having been discussed rapidly, yet with anxious -care, Jack took leave of the two gentlemen—all three with -full hearts wondering whether they would ever meet -again—and returned by the way he had come.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His return was eagerly expected on board the junk. He -had scarcely clambered over the side when a figure closely -enwrapped in Chinese dress moved towards him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Did you see him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, Mademoiselle. He was overcome at the news -that you were here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"And is he well? And your father—both well? Oh, -Monsieur Jack, I pray that nothing, nothing, may happen! -Nobody knows of your visit?—you are quite sure? You -made them understand?—the time, the place, the wind? -To think that we have to wait a whole night and day! I -can hardly endure it!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am just as bad, really, Mademoiselle. Lucky for me -we have to load up to-morrow; that will give me something -to do. By this time to-morrow——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The next day was a time of dreary waiting. It was a -bright morning, the sky clear, the sea smooth—too smooth, -thought Jack, anxiously whistling for a wind. The cargo -was taken on board—smelling horribly, but Gabriele -waived Jack's condolences: what was such an unpleasantness -beside the larger matter of her father's safety? As -the day wore on, black clouds came scudding out of the -north; the wind freshened minute by minute, and the junk -began to roll.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The wind serves!" cried Gabriele joyfully. "Oh for -the dark!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some time before the hour agreed upon, the sampan was -punted to the appointed spot. In it were Jack, Hi Lo, and -the owner of the </span><em class="italics">Yu-ye</em><span>. The wind was roaring, the sky -was black, the tide full, and the Chinaman had much ado -to prevent his craft from being dashed against the rocks. -Time passed; nobody appeared. Jack looked at his -watch; it was twenty minutes after midnight. What had -delayed the prisoners? Another twenty minutes; he was -becoming uneasy. What could have happened? Godunof -could not have played him false; the colonist had not -returned to the junk with him the night before, but since he -had received only a portion of the reward promised him, -it was unlikely that he had betrayed the secret. Had the -prisoners been delayed by an unexpected visitor? Had -they started and been caught? All kinds of possibilities -occurred to him.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>At last, when the two were fully an hour and a half late, -he could endure the anxiety and suspense no longer. He -resolved to go up to the hut, and alone. But when he -told the Chinaman what he intended, and asked him to -put him ashore, Hi Lo spoke:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My go long-side masta."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, no; you must stay and look after Mademoiselle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no wantchee stay-lo; my no can do. Masta -wantchee some piecee man allo-time long-side; ch'hoy! -what-fo' Hi Lo no belongey that-side?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy was already slipping over the side of the sampan.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well then," said Jack reluctantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then, turning to the Chinaman, he bade him remain at -the same spot until near dawn. If by that time Jack had -not returned, the man was to go back to the junk and -come again when darkness fell on the following night. He -must find some excuse for not putting to sea, and not let -it be known that anyone connected with the junk was -ashore. Above all, he was to watch over the women.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With great caution Jack and the boy stole round the -settlement towards Mr. Brown's hut. Unfortunately, as -Jack thought, a bright moon was shining fitfully through -gaps in the scudding cloud; and having to take advantage -of every patch of shadow when it appeared, their progress -was slow. The wind was bitter cold; the spring-like -promise of the earlier part of the day had been succeeded by -a sharp frost, which had already hardened the slush and -mud except in places sheltered from the blast. The thin -ice on standing pools broke under their tread, with a crackle -that gave Jack a tremor lest it should have been heard. -But there was not a light or a movement in the settlement, -nor any sound save the whistling of the wind and -the booming of the surf on the shore.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Stealthily they made their way up the hillside. They -arrived at the hut. The door was closed, the window -dark. Jack tried to peer through interstices between the -rough logs of the wall; he put his ear against the wood; -he heard nothing, saw no glimmer of light. With a sinking -heart he pushed gently at the door. It yielded to his -touch. He entered, groping in the dark; and bidding -Hi Lo close the door, he struck a match and held it above -his head. Feeble as the light was, it showed enough to -strike him cold with despair. The hut was empty, and in -disorder. A chair was overturned; a half-burnt candle -lay on the floor; the table was pushed into a corner, and -a book had fallen beneath it and stood on its bent leaves. -Jack picked up the candle and lit it. The clean boards -of the floor were marked with many muddy stains as of -scuffling feet. Dreading to search, Jack yet looked for -traces of blood; there were none. But among the marks -one struck him particularly—a huge footprint, too large to -have been made by either Count Walewski or his father. -Someone had entered before the ground outside had frozen. -But the struggle—everything in the bare hut spoke of a -struggle—must have taken place after the fall of dusk, -for with a pair of old perspective glasses found in the junk -Jack had kept a close watch on the hut, and had seen his -father enter, late in the afternoon, with another -figure—presumably the count.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Dazed with this sudden set-back to his hopes, Jack sat -down on one of the chairs, resting his throbbing head upon -his hands. A feeling of utter helplessness paralysed him. -Hi Lo stood watching him, the boy's whole attitude one of -mute sympathy. Had the authorities got wind of the plot, -thought Jack, and again spirited his father away? Had -Godunof, the ex-convict, betrayed him? Scarcely, or a -police visit would have been made to the junk, and he -himself arrested. He tried to pull himself together; he -must do something, and at once; but what? He could -not tell; he was in the dark; and Gabriele in the junk was -waiting, listening, wondering why ere this she was not in -her father's arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Bending forward in his misery, suddenly his eye fell on -the huge footmark made with a clay-clogged boot on the -white floor. The boot must have been of quite unusual size; -what could have been the stature of the man who owned -it? Jack suddenly sprang up; if there was such a -footmark within, would there not be others, similar, without? -By them could not the assailants be traced? He was -convinced that his father and the count had been attacked: -should he rouse the settlement? Their lives might be in -danger; in warning the authorities he would at the worst -only risk his own liberty. But supposing the authorities -themselves should be concerned in the matter! To appeal -to them would then be worse than useless; he would -merely sacrifice his own freedom, and with it all possibility -of serving his father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Still the footmark stared at him. An idea suggested -itself. Could he trace the man himself? He had never -followed any trail but that of a paper-chase; but what of -that? It was worth a trial. In a rapid whisper he told his -thoughts to Hi Lo. The boy nodded with full comprehension. -Jack blew out the light, and pocketed the candle; -then the two groped their way to the door and issued forth -into the moonlit night.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="the-heart-of-the-hill"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXIX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Heart of the Hill</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Trackers—Voices—Into the Open—Waiting for -Dawn—Demons—Greater Love—Choke Damp—Found—A -Rusty Chain—From the Depths—Explanations</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>The moonlight and the frost, which Jack had been -disposed to regard as hindrances, were now all in his favour. -The moon threw just sufficient light to enable him to avoid -obstacles and to see the impressions of footsteps in the mud, -which the frost had suddenly hardened. Bending low, he -was at first unable to distinguish, among the many -footprints in front of the hut, the large one for which he was -so intently looking; but a little distance away he had no -difficulty in picking out two separate trails of the enormous -foot, one approaching the hut, the other receding from it. -It was the latter that must be followed, and with Hi Lo -at his side Jack walked as quickly as possible over the -glistening track.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Every now and then the traces disappeared, for whenever -the moonlight was obstructed by a cloud, a hut, or a tree, -it was impossible to see clearly enough to distinguish -them. Then it was that Hi Lo proved himself invaluable, -and made Jack thankful he had not refused the boy's -request. It was he, as a rule, who succeeded in finding -the lost trail; scouting ahead like a sleuth-hound, he -seemed to be able to see in the dark.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The way led steeply uphill. It was hard and rough -going, following a narrow road probably used for the -haulage of timber. Under the thin coating of ice the -mud was deep, and at times their feet sank up to the -ankle. The little hamlet of log huts was soon left behind; -they came into a clearing dotted with the low stumps of -trees; here, evidently, had been felled the timber of which -the huts were built. Then they passed into a densely -wooded clump, through which in the darkness they had to -grope their way. Once or twice Jack ventured to light a -match; this being the sheltered side of the hill, there was -no wind, and during the few moments of feeble light Hi -Lo could assure himself that they had not lost the trail. -Crossing more rapidly another open stretch, they entered a -still thicker and darker patch of wood. When, after going -some distance into this, Jack again struck a match, the -boy, peering on hands and knees, declared that the -footprints were no longer visible. They must needs go back -to pick up the trail, far more difficult to distinguish in these -forest depths than in the open. The search took time; -anxiety was all the while tearing at Jack's heart-strings, -but he schooled himself to patience. At last they came -again upon the huge footprint with which they had now -grown familiar. Lighting the candle-end, Jack traced the -mark for a few yards on the upward path; then, together -with the other footprints, it suddenly disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What in the world are we to do?" whispered Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The forest was dense on each side of the path. At -the few points in the course of their journey where a gap -let through the moonlight, they had seen extraordinary -effects, the trees seeming to have been tossed about by -giants, lying at all angles against the trunks that had -arrested their fall. But the path had been cleared of these -obstructions, for if not removed, the waleshnik, as the -fallen timber is called, would soon block up any forest -road in Sakhalin.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Groping about, Hi Lo at length discovered, to the right -of the main path, a fallen tree that concealed a narrower -track, made by men, but apparently no longer in use, and -partially overgrown. For some time the keen little fellow's -search failed to find the footprint, but at last, at a break -in the undergrowth, he pounced upon it. The man with -the big feet had evidently passed this way. Jack struck -up the path; it was steeper now, and blocked at many -points by trees that had been allowed to remain where -they fell; but it was fairly broad, and at one time must -have been as important and as frequently used as the path -they had just left. Here and there they came to a -clearing—the work of fire; blackened stumps standing grim and -gaunt in the moonlight. Then on into the forest beyond, -picking their way by touch rather than sight, barking their -shins and rasping their elbows against obstacles they were -unable to avoid.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The air was pervaded by the musty smell of decayed -vegetation. It was silent as the grave save when a quick -rustle told of some wild beast scurrying away into the -thicket. Suddenly Hi Lo stopped, putting his hand on -Jack's arm.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is it?" murmured Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The boy instantly clapped his hand upon his master's -mouth, and pulled him from the path through a mass -of tangled undergrowth. They were at the edge of a -small clearing. Through the still air Jack could now hear -voices ahead; then came the faint glimmer of a light; and -soon, as they crouched breathless behind a friendly trunk, -two figures appeared on the farther side of the clearing, -coming towards them, one carrying a lantern. The men's -voices were low; even in this remote spot they were doubtless -mindful that it is illegal to be abroad after dark. Jack -held his breath as they passed within two yards of him. -He caught a few words in Russian.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How long do you think?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"About three or four days—unless they can eat coal!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Then a hoarse chuckle.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The voices receded; the light died away; the men were -gone. One of them was tall and broad, a son of Anak: -clearly the owner of the giant foot.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His heart thumping against his ribs, Jack waited until -he thought all was safe; then with Hi Lo he recommenced -his climb up the wooded hill. He had no doubt that these -men, whose voices the boy had fortunately heard in time, -were concerned in the disappearance of his father and the -count. But what had been done with them? Were it not -for the evidences of the struggle Jack would have been -tempted to suppose that the men were in league with the -two prisoners, conniving at or assisting their escape. But -the state of the hut belied any such thought.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was some time before he ventured to strike another -match in order to make sure that he was still on the track; -the merest glimmer seen from below might lead to disaster. -When at last he thought it safe to do so, he saw -clear indications of the recent passage of several feet. -He hurried on at the greatest speed the difficult path and -the darkness allowed, and after some twenty minutes -emerged upon a kind of table-land above the bay. He -remembered seeing it from the junk—a huge terrace in -the hills, sloping gradually upward, and after about a mile -ending in another steep incline. The road was here more -easy to follow; there were no fallen trees; it was the -so-called tundra of Sakhalin. The trees were not so thick: -through gaps in them he caught glimpses of the sea, silvery -in the moonlight; and he thought of the fair girl waiting -in the junk, now doubtless in an agony of apprehension -regarding her father's fate.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The two pressed on. By and by they came to the -steeper ascent. It was necessary once more to verify -the trail. Fearful lest a gleam should give the alarm -below, Jack took off his hat and struck a match within it. -There were the footsteps, going up and down the hill, -which was not, like the slope below, covered with trees. -Indeed, during the last few hundred yards the two -searchers had stumbled over sleepers, rails, and other -things indicating a railroad either abandoned or in course -of construction. Once they came full upon an upturned -truck; a little beyond, upon a coil of wire rope. Jack -stopped more than once to examine these impediments, -always careful to conceal his light; and he concluded that -they were rather the relics of a railway than material for -a new line. He was still wondering what had tempted -Russian enterprise to construct and then to abandon a -railway in this spot, so remote and difficult of access, -when the explanation came suddenly. He found himself -among the outworks of a deserted coal-mine. The ground -was littered with timber, dross, rusty tools; the path had -come to an end; and Jack stopped abruptly, at a loss what -to do.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was hopeless in the darkness to attempt to explore -the workings, for he had no doubt now that his father -and Count Walewski had been brought here and left in -some remote part of the mine, to perish of starvation. He -saw through the villainous scheme. "About three or four -days—unless they can eat coal!"—the words were now -explained. What the motive was he could not guess. -The conspirators had shrunk from murdering their victims -outright; but when starvation had done its work they -would no doubt come upon the scene, discover the dead -bodies, and claim the reward which the governor would -probably have offered for news of the fugitives.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The matches were used up; it would be dangerous -to attempt to trace out a route in thick darkness. All -that could be done was to wait for the dawn. What -that might bring forth who could tell? With morning -light the prisoners would certainly be missed, and a hue -and cry would be raised. Even if the plot were the -work of officials, still a search would be made. In that -case it would be perfunctory; while if they were innocent -undoubtedly they would scour the country all round the -settlement. There would be little to guide them. The -main path from the hut was largely used; many tracks -crossed and recrossed on it; and if the night's frost was -succeeded by a thaw, as was almost certain, the footprints -would become mere puddles and give no clue.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack and the boy made themselves as comfortable as -possible in the shelter of an overhanging cliff; but the -hours till dawn seemed to creep along. Jack's thoughts -dwelt in turn on the prisoners and their fate, and on -Gabriele waiting in the junk. She was dressed in Chinese -clothes, but would she escape undetected when the vessels -in the bay were searched in the morning? Jack was -tempted to send Hi Lo back, so that she might be warned; -but second thoughts counselled him to wait until daylight. -He might then at least let her know whether the count -was alive or dead.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>There was no sleep that night for either Jack or Hi Lo. -As soon as it was light enough to see the ground they -resumed their search. Almost immediately Jack understood -why they had failed to pick up the trail the night -before. The party had climbed on to a ledge of bare rock -a few feet above the ground, and on this their boots had -left no mark. But a little farther up the hill the track -could be distinguished. It led directly towards a dark -opening in the cliff—one of the galleries of the deserted -mine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>As they approached the opening, Hi Lo began to shake -with fear. A mine to an unsophisticated Chinaman is a -terrible thing. He believes that the delving of the earth -lets loose innumerable demons, enraged at the disturbance -of their homes. So strong is this belief that mining is -actually forbidden by law, though the law is now fast -becoming a dead letter. Hi Lo knew nothing of western -progress, and he implored Jack to turn aside from this -black tunnel into the earth. Jack did not laugh at the -boy's fears; he told him to remain at the entrance and -give warning if anyone approached. Then he stepped -into the mouth of the gallery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He had already concluded that the mine consisted of -galleries, not of shafts. The outcrop of coal was visible -in the side of the hill. He therefore had no fear of coming -unexpectedly upon a pit. But he groped his way along -with great caution; the truck rails had not been removed -from the floor of the gallery. The air was pure; he felt -indeed a slight draught, which pointed to the existence of -an outlet of some kind in the direction in which he was -going. After proceeding for a few minutes he was brought -to an abrupt halt by a solid wall of rock in front. Feeling -each side of the gallery, he found that the passage branched -off to right and left. Which turning should he take? He -stood in indecision; in the darkness there was nothing to -guide his choice. Then it occurred to him to shout. If -his father and the count were in the mine, they were -doubtless alone: they would hear his call, though it were -inaudible outside. He gave a halloo, and listened; he -heard nothing but the sound rumbling along the passages. -He shouted again; there was an answering cry behind him; -then the patter of footsteps hurrying, stumbling along -towards him. Facing round, he raised his fist to fell an -enemy; but a small form cannoned against him, and a -boy's voice uttered a gasping yell. It was Hi Lo. -Hearing the shout, he had unhesitatingly plunged into the -blackness. Anxious as the moment was, Jack admired -the spirit of the little fellow, who, to come to his -assistance, had braved dangers none the less terrifying because -so purely imaginary.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well done!" said Jack, patting his arm. "Now run -back and wait for me. I'm all right here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My no can do," said Hi Lo decisively. "My stay-lo -long-side masta. Big piecee debbils this-side; my helpum -masta fightey; my no can lun wailo."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well. Keep close."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again and again he shouted, always without response. -Then at a venture he turned into the right-hand passage. -After a few yards he felt Hi Lo's hold on his tunic relax. -The boy had fallen to the ground. Hastily stooping he -picked him up, almost falling as he breathed the lower -stratum of air, and staggered with his burden to the main -gallery. He had but just reached it when he himself was -overcome and sank to the floor. He did not lose -consciousness, but his head buzzed and swam, and he felt a -horrid nausea. When he was somewhat recovered, he -carried Hi Lo back to the entrance, and was relieved to -find that in the open air the boy quickly regained -consciousness. But he could not expose the little fellow -again to such peril; bidding him remain at the spot, and -on no account to follow, he plunged once more into the -darkness.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>This time he turned into the left-hand passage, and -found that it sloped rapidly upward. Before long he was -brought up by a similar obstacle; the gallery again divided. -He felt a slight current of air strike against him from the -left-hand side; in that direction he continued to grope along. -If the words he had overheard meant anything, they meant -that the prisoners might be expected to survive for a -few days. As that would be impossible in the foul air -of the unventilated passages, he could not be wrong in -pressing forward wherever he could breathe. Again he -shouted; again there was no reply but a series of echoes. -But moving on again, and listening intently, he fancied -he heard a low continuous rumbling ahead; this could not -be an echo. The sound grew stronger as he advanced; -in a few moments he understood its cause; it was -unmistakably the sound of falling water. Stepping now with -still greater caution, he soon became aware that he was -within a few yards of the waterfall; the sound seemed to -rise from beneath his feet. He threw himself on his face -and crawled forward—and the floor ended; he was on the -verge of a precipice.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>With a shudder and a long breath he drew back. For -some distance he had noticed that the walls of the passage -suggested to the touch stone rather than coal. They were -hard as flint, and the roof was so low that he had to bend -almost double. Apparently it was a prospector's gallery, -not a real working. He wished he had a match; in the -current of air that he now clearly felt, there was little risk -of explosion from fire-damp. But his box was empty. -He understood that the sound of the waterfall must hitherto -have smothered his shouts; but if he hallooed now he -might be heard, if there was anyone within hearing. -Making a bell of his hands he uttered a shrill coo-ee. It -gave him a kind of shock when, apparently from only a -few feet below him, there came an answering call.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Is that you, Father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes. For heaven's sake be careful, Jack. It is a -sheer drop. Wait a moment."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Mr. Brown struck a match. Jack peered over the edge. -There, some fifteen feet below, on a broad ledge of rock -sprayed by the waterfall that plunged past it into a dark -abyss, stood his father and Count Walewski. The rock -above them was perpendicular and smooth; on either -side of them the ledge rounded inwards; in front of them -yawned the unfathomable gulf. As he looked, the match -went out, and with the return of complete darkness a -feeling of terror seized upon him; his limbs shook, his -skin broke into a cold sweat.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Are you there, old boy?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You've no matches, I suppose?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, but—of course, I've a candle-end." Jack was -pulling himself together. "Do you think you could pitch -up your box, Father?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can try. I'll strike a match; the count will hold it -so that I can get an aim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Both spoke in a loud tone, to be heard above the splash -and roar of the fall. Count Walewski held the lighted -match aloft; Jack stretched himself to the edge of the -precipice; his father, retreating a few feet along the ledge, -took careful aim, and tossed the box of matches gently -into Jack's outstretched hands. In a moment the scene -was faintly illumined.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You see how we stand, Jack; can you get us up?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You were let down by a rope?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; they took it away with them."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack remembered the coil of wire-rope he had noticed -at the entrance to the mine. It had no doubt been formerly -used for hauling the trucks.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Wait a few minutes, Father. I'm going to see what -I can do."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Blow the candle out; there isn't much of it left."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Again the scene was in darkness. Jack hurried back -along the passage, and found Hi Lo at the entrance. -Together they retraced their steps to the spot where the -coil of wire lay. As Jack feared, it was too heavy to -carry; it proved too thick to break. Wasting no time -here, he sent Hi Lo in one direction while he went in -another to search for any stray rope that would be long -enough for his purpose. He came to a tumble-down hut -which from its contents he guessed had been the -foreman's tool-house. Rummaging about among its rubbish, -he found a chain some ten yards long, rusty, but quite -strong enough to bear a man's weight. In a corner stood -a broken sledge-hammer; and among a heap of bolts, -clamps, and miscellaneous old iron he came upon several -iron wedges such as are used for breaking hard ground -and rock. With these they hurried back to the waterfall. -Lighting the candle again, Jack, now in complete -possession of his faculties, saw that the ledge on which his -father and Count Walewski stood was at the base of a -cavern. By the feeble glimmer he drove two of the -wedges into the floor of the passage. Then he quickly -attached one end of the chain to them and lowered the -other end. In this Mr. Brown made a loop, which he -tested.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The Count first," he shouted.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The poor old nobleman, who was ten years his elder, -and older than his years through the sufferings he had -endured, sat in the loop and clung to the chain with his -thin feeble hands. Hi Lo coiled the chain round the -wedges to prevent an accident, and Jack, steadily hauling -on the chain, brought the Count—a very light weight—to -the edge of the precipice. Then he firmly secured the -chain to the wedges, and, his hands being now free, lifted -the Pole over the brink. The old man, broken down by -his terrible experiences and exhausted from lack of food, -was at first helpless; but when he had recovered from the -terror of his ascent, all three hauled on the chain, and -succeeded in drawing Mr. Brown up.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God!" he said, as he gripped Jack's hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The Count murmured a feeble but heartfelt "Amen!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Let us get away from the noise of the waterfall," said -Jack. "Then we can talk over the next step. Please -God, we'll get you clear away yet, Father."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They withdrew for some distance into the passage, and -sat down. In a few words Mr. Brown explained what -had happened: how on the previous evening, when they -had been reading in their hut, they had been surprised and -overpowered by two ruffianly posselentsys and forced to -accompany their captors up the hill path. The men were -unknown to Mr. Brown; he could only explain their action -by supposing that the plot to rescue him and Count -Walewski had been discovered.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"How did you find us out, Jack?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We tracked the fellows by the footprint of one of -them; or rather Hi Lo did; he has done me many a good -turn since you disappeared, Father; I'll tell you the whole -story when you are safe."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What are we to do, Jack?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It won't be safe to leave here before night. If we did, -we should be sure to run up against one of the search -parties that are probably out by this time."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You're right. I can manage to hold out, I think; but -I'm afraid for Count Walewski. He's not so strong as -I am; we've both been without food for more than twelve -hours."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"My go fetchee chow-chow," said Hi Lo instantly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack looked dubiously at the boy. Was it safe? he -wondered. Hi Lo pleaded so earnestly to be allowed to -go that Jack at last consented.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Be very careful," he said. "When you get out of the -mine, go a roundabout way to the shore. If you get there -safely you'll be able to reach the junk. Tell Mademoiselle -that we hope to see her to-night, and bring just enough -food to keep us going until then. Be as quick as you can, -boy, and hide if you see anybody on the way."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Allo lightee, masta; my lun chop-chop; no piecee -Lusski catchee Hi Lo, no fea'!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>And he slipped away.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="crowded-moments"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXX</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Crowded Moments</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">A Search Party—Touch and Go—Food—Sowinski -Reappears—Trackers Tracked—Recrimination—De -Profundis—After Long Years</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Now, Jack," said Mr. Brown when Hi Lo was gone, -"do you think it safer to stay here, or to leave the mine -and hide in the woods till the evening?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here certainly, Father. If we go away we stand a -chance of running up against a search party. They are -bound to search the workings."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, if they remember the mine," said the Count. -"It has not been worked for several years. And suppose -they come into it. How can we escape them?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hi Lo and I nearly came to grief in one of the -galleries. The air was very foul. We might hide there, -going as far in as is safe. We could keep wet -handkerchiefs about our mouths and hold out longer than the -pursuers. They wouldn't dare to strike a light for fear -of an explosion."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What is the height of the gallery?" asked Mr. Brown.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"From five to eight feet, I should say. It varies. The -other galleries seem to be regular."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, whatever the height, the purer air will be at the -top. If in one of the higher parts we could raise a -platform and mount it we might venture farther in than if we -remained on the floor. Can we do that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, there are some logs just at the entrance. It's -worth risking, and the sooner the better."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Hurrying to the entrance, Mr. Brown and Jack carried -in as many balks of timber as they could find, dropping -them at the turning of the gallery. Then, holding their -breath, they rushed one of the logs into the gallery as far -as they dared, and ran back to the open passage. They -repeated this operation until a small platform was raised -some two feet above the floor; then, bidding Jack remain -in safety, Mr. Brown mounted to test the result. He -found that the air, though foul, was not bad enough to -be dangerous. The position would be endurable for a -few minutes. He hoped that it would not be necessary -to have recourse to this unpleasant place of refuge, but it -was well to know that it existed in case of need. Then, -somewhat sickened by the foul air they had swallowed, -they went to find the Count, who had volunteered to keep -watch at the entrance to the mine.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He reported that he had seen, far off on the hillside, two -parties of men moving in different directions, in a manner -that suggested a search. But they had now disappeared. -For some time nothing further was seen, and Jack and his -father took the opportunity to exchange confidences about -all that had happened since that June day when they had -parted at the door of their house in Moukden.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Suddenly the Count, who had remained constantly on -the watch, considerately leaving father and son to -themselves, touched Mr. Brown on the arm and pointed. The -heads of half a dozen men could be seen topping the brow -of a slope about 300 yards below them. Instantly the -three withdrew into the first gallery, taking the precaution -to remove their boots, so that they would not be heard if -they had to retreat to the platform. In a few minutes -they heard the echoing voices of the men as they left the -open and entered the mine. It was impossible to see who -they were, but the Count recognized the voice of one of -the prison warders, and Mr. Brown that of a prisoner -who had occupied the next bed when he was for a week -in hospital. It was soon apparent what the prisoner had -been brought for. The party halted within a few yards -of the fugitives, and their words were now distinctly -audible.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Now, Scuratoff, you know the galleries?" said the warder.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes; I worked here seven years ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then lead the way. Is it safe to light a lantern?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Maybe; I cannot say. It used to be safe enough in -the main gallery, but in my time there was foul air in the -side galleries. We had safety-lamps."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, confound it! I looked for a safety-lamp, but -there wasn't one to be found in the place. We must do -the best we can with the ordinary lantern; and to make -sure, we'll only use it in the main gallery. If the air in the -others is too foul for a light, it will be too foul for life."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The waiting fugitives heard the click of the lantern as -the warder opened it, and silently retreated into the side -gallery, raising their make-shift respirators to their -mouths. They saw a feeble light at the junction of the -two passages. The search party continued their progress -and halted where the galleries branched, being now in full -view of the three within.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This is the dangerous passage—this one to the right," -said the prisoner. "Better take the light away."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The warder retreated some paces with the lantern.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Go in, Scuratoff, as far as you can. Foul air be -hanged! You'll be well rewarded, remember, if you find -the runaways—a year off your sentence, at any rate."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man groped his way in, while Jack and the others -quietly drew back to the little platform, where they took -their stand. Nearer and nearer drew the Russian; it -seemed as though he must discover them, and Jack's hand -instinctively went to one of the two pistols he had had the -forethought to bring from the junk. Then the voice of -the warder, sounding hollow in the vaulted passage, was -heard calling.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Do you find anything?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Neither man nor beast," replied the prisoner in a -shout. Hitherto he had held his breath, but after -speaking he took a mouthful of the foul air. Instantly he -turned, rushed down the passage, and stumbled gasping -at the opening into the main gallery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>His companions dragged him out into the purer air, and -the warder retreated still farther with the lantern. Jack -and the others stepped down from the platform, and -hurried towards the main gallery, to get the much-needed -air while the man was being revived.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's enough for that one," they heard the warder -say. "We'll push on."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>When the searchers passed the entrance of the gallery, -the fugitives had again retreated, but were within two -yards of them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>It was long before the Russians returned, and meanwhile -the fugitives ventured into the main gallery, to enjoy -the comparatively pure air as long as they could before -they had again to seek shelter. At last the search party, -baffled, passed by towards the entrance. Jack heard the -warder commenting on the chain they had seen hanging -over the edge of the precipice. Somebody at some time -must have descended by its means to the ledge; but if the -fugitives, they had paid the penalty, for there was no sign -of them.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They left the mine. Ten minutes afterwards Jack -ventured as far as the entrance. They had disappeared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>By and by Hi Lo returned with a small supply of food, -which the three ate ravenously. He reported that every -junk in the bay had been searched; and that the "missy" -had hardly been prevailed upon not to return with him, -so anxious was she to see her father. The condition of -Count Walewski was pitiful to behold. Privation and -anxiety were telling upon his already broken constitution, -and Jack feared lest under the terrible suspense his heart -strings should snap.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Keep a good heart, my friend," said Mr. Brown. "In -a few hours all will be well."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The day wore away, all too slowly, and evening settled -down over the hillside. Jack, looking out, saw a slight -mist rising from the sea, and welcomed it as favouring -their dash to the bay, where the vessels at anchor were -already raising their riding-lights. So intent was he upon -the scene seawards that he had not noticed two men, who -were coming up from the woods, furtively, as if fearful of -being observed. When he did see them, he shrank back -in momentary alarm, remembering immediately that as he -had not left the shade of the dark entrance he could not -have been seen. He watched their approach. One of the -two was of huge stature; the other!——Jack felt his heart -leap, for the other, whom in the distance he recognized -rather by his gait than his features, was Anton Sowinski, -the man whom he believed to be hundreds of miles away in -Manchuria, in the safe hands of Ah Lum.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Look-see, masta!" whispered Hi Lo at his elbow. -"Polo man, galaw!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more his father's enemy was upon his track. The -Pole's presence was of evil import. What was he doing -here? Was he merely a searcher, like the rest? He halted -near the entrance, and the taller man, who overtopped him -by at least six inches, stooped and drew from behind a -broken truck a coil of rope. Then both came into the -gallery.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack slipped back to the others.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sowinski!" he said in a whisper. During their -conversation earlier in the day he had told his father of his -dealings with the Pole, and of the man's identity with -Ladislas Streleszki, the traitorous steward of the Count. -This news Mr. Brown had kept from the old man, who -had been all along in absolute ignorance that he owed -his exile and imprisonment to a member of his own household.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the fugitives shrank back into the foul -passage. As the two men passed the entrance Jack -heard Sowinski say:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I cannot understand it. Are you sure they searched -the cavern? There are not two caverns?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, barin. There is only one. Scuratoff guided -them; there is no mistake."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>They turned into the left-hand passage. Jack instantly -resolved to follow them. Without his boots he would be -inaudible, and they carried no light. Accustomed as he -now was to the darkness of the mine, he could move -about it more rapidly than the Pole and his companion. -He whispered his intention to his father.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Better not."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I don't think there's any danger. We three should be -able to deal with the men, big as the Russian is. I'll give -you one of my pistols. Hi Lo can fetch an iron rail from -the workings for the Count to use."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Very well, but be careful, my boy."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack slipped away in the wake of the two conspirators. -In a few moments he heard the Russian apparently hailing -someone in a low voice. Approaching within a few yards -of them he heard the man still hailing. There was no -reply. Then there was the chink of a boot against a chain.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What's that?" cried Sowinski in his harsh voice. -"Light your candle."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The posselentsy lit his candle. The two saw the chain -wound about the wedges, and hanging over the brink. -Jack wished he had removed it.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Scuratoff had no rope," said the Russian. "He must -have gone down to the ledge with this. Now tell me if -I was right, barin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hold your tongue, fool! The candle throws no light -downward. Let it down over the edge."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Fastening it to the rope, the posselentsy paid the latter -slowly out. A dash of spray from the waterfall extinguished -the flame.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Pull it up again!" cried Sowinski with a curse. Jack -felt instinctively that the man was at a white heat of baffled -rage.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Once more the candle, lighted after some trouble, was -lowered. This time it escaped a wetting. The Russian -stretched himself on his face and peered over.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I can see nothing. Bozhe moï! They are not there."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He rose slowly and clumsily, pulling up the rope with -the candle at the end. Then he turned and faced the Pole, -and by the sputtering light Jack saw the look of silly -amazement on his face.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What did I tell you, you clumsy, hulking fool!" cried -Sowinski through set teeth. "You've bungled it; idiot -that you are. Why, why, I repeat, didn't you take my -hint and do for them outright?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"If it comes to that," replied the man, red with sullen -anger, "why didn't you do it yourself? You wanted to -run no risks; you wanted it done cheap; did you think I'd -chance another twenty years in the prison yonder for two -hundred roubles? No, I wouldn't do it. This was your -plan; your plan, to save a few paltry roubles. I'd have -cracked their heads if you'd made it worth my while; -you've only yourself to blame."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, I was a fool to trust the thing to a sheep-headed -lout like you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Sheep-headed! Look you, I stand no abuse. I've -done your job; two hundred roubles is little enough for it; -and I'll trouble you to hand over the balance."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The balance!" snarled Sowinski. "Eka! You may -think yourself lucky to have got what you have. You get -no more from me."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"We'll see about that, you white-livered little rat!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The man made a sudden step forward and shot out his -free hand to grip the Pole by the throat. But Sowinski, -instinctively aware of what was coming, drew back quickly, -his right hand seeking his pocket. The Russian saw the -movement, flung himself forward,—dropping the candle, -which sputtered on the floor of the passage—seized the -Pole with his right hand, and with the left clutched at the -other's right arm. But he was a second too late. He -missed his grasp, and even as he swung his opponent -round with the intention of hurling him into the abyss, -there was a flash and a report that startled a hundred -echoes from the cavern and the galleries. The Russian -gave a quick grunt; then all was in darkness; they had -trodden out the light. Into the next moments so much -was crowded that Jack could never disentangle the separate -events in his mind. His father's voice; a cry from Hi Lo; -an appalling scream from Sowinski; a dull thud, followed -by a brief silence save for the splash and rumble of the -cataract. Then, through the sound of the waters, came -a second and heavier thud that turned Jack's blood cold. -At his side his father struck a match.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"They're gone!" gasped Jack, white to the lips.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Your pistol?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Thank God!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Tempter and tempted had struck the ledge in their fall, -rebounded, and gone headlong to the rocks a hundred feet -below.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Some few minutes after midnight, a sampan put off -silently from a solitary angle of the bay. Creeping through -the white mist, slowly, to avoid the intervening junks, it -skirted the anchored vessels and quietly ran alongside of -the </span><em class="italics">Yu-ye</em><span>. A hooded figure leant over the bulwarks, -watching with straining eyes as five dark figures climbed -up the side.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Count Walewski tottered into his daughter's arms.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack turned away and spoke to the skipper. An order -was given in a low voice. The junk, riding on a single -anchor, slipped the cable and ran up her enormous -foresail. Spars and cordage creaked; but all was silent -around; and the sail filling to the strong north-easter, -the junk began to make way towards the open sea.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="entente-cordiale"><span class="bold large">CHAPTER XXXI</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Entente Cordiale</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span class="small">Censored—A Letter—An Oxford Version—Last Words -from Ah Lum—A Rencontre—Debit and Credit—Schwab -Sympathizes—Business—Partnership—Light in the East</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"My word! And then—and then?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"That's all, Monsieur Brin. The old junk sailed -magnificently; with morning light we found ourselves off the -Japanese coast, and three days later ran safe into the -harbour of Hakodate. There's nothing more to tell. -We spent several weeks in Japan among the plum-blossoms, -and—here we are, in time to see this great -meeting of the fleets."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Monsieur Brin and Jack Brown were among a party -seated at dinner in the George Hotel, Portsmouth. The -Browns had landed at Southampton two days before -with Count Walewski and his daughter. They had been -met by Mrs. Brown and her two other children, and had -now come to Portsmouth to witness the festivities in -connection with the visit of the French fleet. Monsieur Brin -was at the same hotel, in the capacity of special reporter -for the </span><em class="italics">Soleil</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But now, Monsieur," continued Jack, "I've told you -all our adventures. What about yourself? What have -you been doing since I saw you last at Harbin?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! You ask! My friend, my history is in sum one -word—Kaiser! You left me in Harbin: well, I devote care -to Hildebrand Schwab; he recovers; we are both recalled, -he because his negatives are all lost, I because when I -describe the only battle I saw, my despatch is blacked out -by the censor. Naturally my redacteur open his eyes -when he must pay my bills for such as this. Look! -Here is a leaf of my copy; that is what the Russian -censor has done—and Russia, par exemple! is the ally -of France. Behold!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He took a leaf from his pocket-book, and laid it on the -table. It appeared as follows:—</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<pre class="literal-block"> -<span>"Les Russes ont commencé aujourd'hui un ------------------ ------------------------------------- j'ai vu le général -Kouropatkin qui buvait -------------------------------- --------------- 'Doucement bercé sur ma mule fringante,' -je chevauchais à côté du général ---------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------- au même moment, psst! j'entends -le sifflement d'un obus qui me va au----dessus de la tête -éclater dans ------------------------------------------ ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------- des jambes, -des bras, *disjecta membra*, comme dit le ---------------- ------------- plus loin, un médecin qui plonge ------------ --------------------------- et ---------------------------- --------------- la bataille."</span> -</pre> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"That is my account of a most dramatic episode of the -battle of the Sha-ho. What is left? Nothing! It -provoke curiosity, it tantalise, but does it satisfy, does it -excite, hein?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The censor has certainly made a terrible hash of it," -said Mr. Brown, passing the paper round the table. It -created much amusement, and seemed to fascinate Jack's -fifteen-year-old brother Humphrey, who gazed at it with -a sort of awful admiration.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"But you spoke of Herr Schwab," said Jack. "What -became of him?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He came——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By gum!" interrupted Humphrey, "don't I wish old -Cæsar's despatches had been blacked out like this!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Brin glanced at the boy over his glasses and resumed:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Schwab came with me from Harbin by the same train. -My word! it is Kaiser, Kaiser all the way. 'Our Kaiser -who is in Berlin': I begin to think that is the German -paternoster. I left Schwab at Vienna; he was going to -sell his camera. He has a great admiration for you, -Mr. Jack, but he is filled with regret that he never had an -opportunity of doing business for Schlagintwert with that -chief of brigands—how did he call himself?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah Lum. By the way, I forgot to tell you that when -we landed at Southampton I found a letter awaiting me -from him; it had been forwarded from Shanghai, and got -here first owing to our little tour in Japan. It explains -how Sowinski was able to reach Sakhalin."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He handed Ah Lum's letter to the Frenchman. Brin -read it carefully, and with much gravity. It was as -follows:—</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>From my camp above Tu-men-tzü,</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><span>First Sunday after Trinity.</span></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Honoured Sir,</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>A man's manners, says the Sage T'ai Ping-fu, are to be -measured by his intentions. If therefore your servant, greatly -deploring his ignorance of your honourable language, write -through another hand, I pray you will not charge him with -want of courtesy; does not the poet say "Respect is the -corner-stone of friendship"? Nor will you, honoured sir, be -other than indulgent if this letter should seem to have been -unduly delayed in the writing. Even as a pearl is not to be -found in every oyster, so is it rare among our literati to meet -a scholar learned in the barbaric tongues. Such a one I have -now discovered in the writer of this letter, Mr. Chang Fu-sing, -whose late return from the august University at Oxford was -duly reported by my agents at Ma-en-ho-kai. [</span><em class="italics">Lincoln College: -3rd class Mods., aegrotat Mod. Hist. Chang Fu-sing, B.A. Oxon.</em><span>] -Him I secured by night for the trifling loss of five men. [</span><em class="italics">My -nose abraded; one eye bunged up. Ch. F.-s., B.A.Oxon.</em><span>] -Trifling, for rarity—and the need of the purchaser—are the true -measures of value. To the starving man a crust outweighs -a viceroy's ransom.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Since the auspicious day when your honour's never-to-be-forgotten -assistance enabled our troops to reach the shelter of -these mountains, the insolent Russians—may their graves be -defiled!—[</span><em class="italics">Idiom="Ruin seize thee!" Cf. Gray, "The Bard", -i. 1. Ch. F.-s., B.A. Oxon.</em><span>]—have not dared to molest your -unworthy servant. For, as the ineffable T'ai Ping-fu says, the -bird that has once escaped the net is hard indeed to snare. But, -again, as Wang Wei reminds us to our profit in his </span><em class="italics">Essay on -Military Matters</em><span>, small reverses, by inspiring caution, may -benefit an army, even as small successes may lead through -saucy confidence to humiliation. After a little affair -otherwise unworthy of your august attention, the two prisoners, -Bekovitch and Sowinski, were found to have absented -themselves from our custody. As the proverb goes, Only a fool -expects courtesy from a hog.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Yet, as Li T'ai-poh harmoniously says:</span></p> -<blockquote> -<div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span>When stings the Bee, and Pain is keen, then shouldst thou</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span>think of Honey;</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span>Wise Men seek Good in every Ill, yea, e'en in Loss of Money.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</blockquote> -<p class="pfirst"><span>[</span><em class="italics">The versification is mine. Competitor: Newdigate Verse. -Ch. F.-s., B.A. Oxon.</em><span>] After consulting the works of Tu Fu, I -found that, the sunshine of your honour's presence being -withdrawn, it was allowable to return to our ancestral usages in -matters relating to the treatment of prisoners and criminals. If -in this my judgment was in error, I must beg your honour's -clemency; for are we not taught by P'an T'ang-shên that in -defending a friend from calumny all measures are laudable? It -may suffice to say that some days before his escape, the Pole, -kneeling on hot chains, was induced to confess his crimes; these -were duly inscribed by him in the Russian tongue and signed. -Thereafter his partner in guilt, who had shown more obduracy, -even resisting our most approved means of persuasion, -acknowledged his many wickednesses, among them the preparation of -forged papers secretly introduced by a menial into the writing-cabinet -of your honour's august father. True is it, as the Sage -says, "Fear rather a faithless servant within the gates than a -hundred enemies without", or, as the more homely proverb -warns us, A worm at the root will bring the noblest oak to -earth.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>But calamity treads hard upon the heels of the wicked. Witness -the fate of the Russian—may his posterity be cut off! [</span><em class="italics">Idiom="A -murrain on thee!" Cf. Shakespeare, "The Tempest", -iii. 2. 88. Ch. F.-s., B.A. Oxon.</em><span>] By sure hands your unworthy servant -brought his confession beneath the eyes of the barbarian -commander-in-chief. He is blind indeed who cannot see the length -of his nose. My agents now inform me that the evil-doer is -stripped of his offices, and of the emoluments thereto -pertaining; as our saying goes, he has lost his buttons. His -fellow-criminal has evaded my most diligent enquiries. But him -also Justice pursues with sharpened sword, resting not by night -neither by day.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Quantum suff. Though our lives be henceforth as two rivers -flowing east and west, the recollection of past favours will be -with me, honoured sir, as a plant in perennial bloom. What -says P'an T'ang-shên?—"A man should find as much joy in the -remembrance of a friend as though his worst enemy were to boil -in oil."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>My son, who is now under the tutorial charge of Mr. Chang -Fu-sing—[</span><em class="italics">purely honorary—no pay. Ch. F.-s., B.A. Oxon.</em><span>]—adds, -as in duty bound, his humble respects.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Permit me, honoured sir, to subscribe myself</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<dl class="docutils"> -<dt class="noindent"><span>Your most grateful obedient Servant,</span></dt> -<dd><p class="first last noindent pfirst"><span>AH LUM.</span></p> -</dd> -</dl> -<p class="pfirst"><span>P.S.—May I venture once more to commend the works of Li -T'ai-poh to your august attention?</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"Thanks!" said Brin, handing the letter back. "I am -ver' much interested. The English is good, hein? In the -idiom of Oxford? Permit me to make a copy for my book -that will appear at early date, </span><em class="italics">L'Ascension de la Chine</em><span>."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Meanwhile Humphrey Brown had gone to the window, -and stood with his hands in his pockets looking into the -crowded street. A cab rattled up to the door of the hotel.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I say," said Humphrey, "here's a funny old guy. -Come and look, Agnes."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I prefer to listen to the conversation," said Agnes, a -self-possessed girl of thirteen.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"All right, grumps! But it would make you laugh. -He's coming into the hotel. My eye!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Not two minutes later the door opened, and there -entered a portly figure in light-striped flannels; a pink -cummerbund showing beneath the vest; gold-rimmed -eyeglasses fixed somewhat awry on his broad nose. He -stood at the door for a moment to choose his table.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"By George!" exclaimed Jack, springing up; "it's -Schwab himself."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>He went towards the door.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Good-evening, Herr Schwab!" he said, holding out his hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The German turned and stared.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach! I haf not ze honour, unless—who do you -rebresent, sir?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack smiled. Schwab instantly seized him by the hand.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Du meine Güte! I abologize. I know you now. -Nefer before did I see you in ze evenink dress. How are -you, how are you, how are you?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Jolly glad to see you," said Jack. "Come and be -introduced to my father, and mother, and the rest. You -know Brin. We were talking of you only a minute ago."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>The introductions were made. Humphrey turned away -to hide his laughter at the German's elephantine bows.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I abologize to ze ladies for my so unbecoming -addire, but ven I egsblain zat I haf shust gome from ze -station——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Say no more," said Mr. Brown. "Very unfortunate -I couldn't meet you in Moukden, Mr. Schwab."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach ja! Bermit me to ask, haf you seen ze evenink baber?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Not yet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vell, I haf vun. I bought it at ze station; ze baber -boys zey should be made to keep change. I haf only a -benny, ze boy he haf no ha'bny—I muss vait five minutes -till anozer gustomer arrive. Zat is not business. Ven I -read ze baber, I see a baragraph vat I zink interess you. -I read to you. 'It is announced from St. Betersburg -zat ze rebresentations of ze British ambassador in regard -to ze extraordinary case of Mr. Brown of Moukden haf at -last been crowned viz success, and orders haf been issued -for Mr. Brown's immediate release.' Zere is somezink I -do not understan', since already Mr. Brown is here."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah! You're not a diplomat, Mr. Schwab," said Mr. Brown, -laughing. "It is a little funny to know that three -months after my escape, and when Sakhalin is in possession -of the Japanese, I am graciously permitted to regain my -liberty."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack gave Herr Schwab a brief account of the final -scenes of his quest.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zen for how much is your claim?" asked Schwab of -Mr. Brown at the conclusion of the story.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"What claim?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vy, your claim for gombensation—for intellectual and -moral damage. Business are business. As business man, -I advise downright zumping big claim."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, Mr. Schwab, I've been turning over the matter, -and really I think I'll let things alone. You see, Sowinski -is dead, poor wretch! and Bekovitch is degraded, and if -the account were properly adjusted, and Jack's damage to -the Siberian railway put on the debit side, the balance -might turn out against us after all."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach! zat is anozer matter—ja! you muss gonsider ze -balance-sheet. Zat is business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"You are still in business?" said Jack.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"I am in business forever. It is ze bress of my nostrils. -Vargorresbondencephotography, zat is not business; it -do not bay egsbenses. I am now in beacephotography. -I gome here, rebresentative of Schlagintwert, to make -bicturebostcardphotographs of ze French and English -entente. And zen I return to ze Baltic to make -photograph of our Kaiser ven he velgome ze British fleet."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Hé!" cried Brin with a chuckle. "Welcome! It -must be snap-shot—prestissimo! When your Kaiser -welcome the British fleet there will need a good camera, -and exposure—one-millionth second. Ho! ho!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Later in the evening Schwab took Jack confidentially aside.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Brown, my frient, I have somezink to say. It -has been gonfided to me zat you gondemblate a gondract."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A contract, Herr Schwab?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab guffawed.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Zat is my shoke—a madrimonial gondract."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Who has been telling you that?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ah, I haf it in gonfidence from your sister. Already -is she a frient. She tell everybody in gonfidence."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Then you can contradict it in confidence, Herr Schwab. -There is no foundation—that is to say, nothing is settled."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Schwab looked sly.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"No, not settled, of course—but gondemblated."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Really, Herr Schwab!——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes, I understan'. Shust so. I also have affair -of ze heart." He sighed deeply. "I can symbazise. But -viz me it is different. You are lucky dog—ze Fräulein -Walewska is kind; vile I am in ze depss of desbair: -Madame Bottle—ach, she is gruel. I sigh, she smile; -I groan, she laugh; I even make bresentation, she decline -vizout zanks. Ah! Mr. Brown, you do not know vat it is -to be gross in lov."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack looked as sympathetic as he could, while Herr -Schwab, laying his hand lightly on his waistcoat-buttons, -continued lugubriously:</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Ach, truly it is a terrible zink to lov vizout return. It -break ze heart; it shpoil ze digestion;—it is bad for -business. No longer can I gif sole attention to ze interest of -Schlagintwert. Vy, it is only a few days since I take order -from Robinson & Robinson in London; yesterday Schlagintwert -return ze order. Vat haf I written?—'Subbly Mrs. Bottle, -68 Crutched Friars, London, 50 casks botato -shbirit, last quotation, f.o.b. Hamburg.' Zere is fipence -vaste in bostages. Zat show you!"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, very amusing," said Jack absently. Gabriele had -just come in with Mrs. Brown, and Jack was on thorns -lest the German's by no means gentle voice should reach -the ladies.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Amusink!" cried Schwab. "Schlagintwert do not see -ze shoke. Vy——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Of course, I meant annoying. But, Herr Schwab, if -you will——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Yes, yes," said Schwab, noticing how Jack's eyes -strayed to the other end of the room, and how he -fidgeted with his watch-chain. "Yes, I see. Only vun -moment, Mr. Brown. Ze business I shboke of. Already -I mention it to ze young lady——"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Upon my word, Herr Schwab!—</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vait, I egsblain. Zere is nozink fix—not nozink at -all. Ze Fräulein vill say nozink. She blush; zen she ask -me to tell her about my ancestor, Hildebrand Suobensius. -But zis is business."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Well, what is it, Herr Schwab?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It is an obbortunity—an obbortunity for Schlagintwert -and for yourself. Our firma establish a new branch—bon-bons, -gonfectionery. Zey vish to open accounts in zis -gountry: you understan'?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Understand?—what?"</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Vy, zis—here is ze obbortunity. Schlagintwert zey -require advertisement: zey shall make you ze -vedding-gake—</span><em class="italics">costprice</em><span>!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>About six weeks later, Mr. Brown was looking over his -copy of the </span><em class="italics">Shanghai Mercury</em><span> which had come by the -morning post.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Here, Jack," he said, "this paragraph will interest you."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Jack took the paper, and read:</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"One of the results of the treaty of peace recently signed -between Russia and Japan is that the famous brigand, Ah -Lum, has been summoned to Pekin. The military ability he -displayed in his operations in northern Manchuria has been -recognized by his appointment to a high post in the Board of -Civil Office."</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>There is shortly to be started, in Hong-Kong, a new -firm of produce brokers under the style of Brown, Son, & -Co. Brown we know; Son we know; Co. at present -consists of Mr. Hi An-tzu. Whether it will by and by include -Mr. Hi Lo-ch'u depends on that young man's business -aptitude: Son thinks it very probable. Brown is to be -the sleeping, or as he prefers to put it, the consulting -partner. Son will manage the London house; while -Mr. Hi in Hong-Kong will open accounts with respectable -Manchurian farmers, of whom one will undoubtedly be -Mr. Wang.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Some of Brown's friends took him to task for lifting his -former compradore from his lowly station to the equality -of partnership. To their remonstrance Brown replied with -a morsel of political philosophy.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"It's all very well," he said, "to sneer at the 'heathen -Chinee', and look upon him as fit for nothing better than -to smoke your opium and do your work in South African -mines. Believe me, John Chinaman is not so very heathen; -and he is waking up: and when he does move he will -hustle. For myself, I prefer a colleague to a competitor."</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>What Brown thinks to-day his business friends generally -think to-morrow.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst" id="glossary"><span class="bold large">Glossary</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>C=Chinese, P=Pidgin-English, R=Russian. The Chinese -substitute </span><em class="italics">l</em><span> for </span><em class="italics">r</em><span>, and add the terminations </span><em class="italics">-ee</em><span>, </span><em class="italics">-um</em><span>, and -</span><em class="italics">-lo</em><span> to many words.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">ach</em><span> (R), oh, ah.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">allo</em><span> (P), all, every.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">artel</em><span> (R), a society of workers formed on co-operative principles.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">barin</em><span> (R), lord, gentleman.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">batiushki</em><span> (R) = By Jove!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">belongey</em><span> (P), often equivalent simply to the verb to be.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">bimeby</em><span> (P), by and by, afterwards.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">bobbely</em><span> (P), noise, uproar.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">bottom-side</em><span> (P), down, below.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">bozhe moï</em><span> (R), good heavens!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">cash</em><span> (C), small copper coins carried on strings.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">catchee</em><span> (P), to get, have.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">ch'hoy</em><span> (P), an exclamation.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">chop-chop</em><span> (P), quickly.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">chow-chow</em><span> (P), food.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Chunchuse</em><span> (more strictly </span><em class="italics">Hunhutze</em><span>: C), literally red-beard: -the name given to the organized bandits of Manchuria.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">compradore</em><span> (Portuguese), superintendent of a European's -native staff.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">da</em><span> (R), an exclamation; literally "yes!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">droshky</em><span> (R), single-horse carriage.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">dushenka</em><span> (R), little soul: a term of endearment.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">-ee</em><span>, a pidgin-English termination.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">eka</em><span> (R), an exclamation: "there now!"</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Fa-lan-sai</em><span> (P), French.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">fangtse</em><span> (C), cottage.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">fan-kwei</em><span> (C), foreign devil.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">fan-tan</em><span> (C), a game: the players stake on the remainder when -an unknown number of cash is divided by 4.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">fan-yun</em><span> (C), foreigner.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">feng-shui</em><span> (C), the geomantic influences of the earth, -determining the luckiness or unluckiness of places.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">first-chop</em><span> (P), best, excellently.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">flend</em><span> (P), friend.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">fo'</em><span> (P), four, for.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">folin</em><span> (P), foreign.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">galaw</em><span> (P), a common exclamation.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">gorodovoi</em><span> (R), policeman.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">gospodin</em><span> (R), sir.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">gráf</em><span> (R), count</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">he</em><span> (P), he, she, it, they, him, her.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Ingoua</em><span> (C), English.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">kopeck</em><span> (R), silver or copper coin: 100 kopecks make 1 rouble.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">kow-tow</em><span> (P), to bow humbly.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">li</em><span> (C), a Chinese mile: about one-third of an English mile.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">ling-ch'ih</em><span> (C), capital punishment by slicing.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">littee</em><span> (P), little.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">look-see</em><span> (P), look, examine.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">lowdah</em><span> (P), captain of a junk.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Lusski</em><span> (P), Russian.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">mafoo</em><span> (C), groom.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">makee</em><span> (P), make, do.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Melican</em><span> (P), American.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">moujik</em><span> (R), peasant.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">muchee</em><span> (P), very.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">my</em><span> (P), I, me, my, mine.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">nichalnik</em><span> (R), station-master.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">no can do</em><span> (P), cannot.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">nu</em><span> (R), well!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">numpa</em><span> (P), number: numpa one, first-rate.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">och</em><span> (R), oh!</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">one-tim'</em><span> (P), once.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">ph'ho</em><span> (C), an exclamation.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">pidgin</em><span> (P), business: pidgin-English, English as spoken -by Chinese at the ports.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">piecee</em><span> (P), used with numerals: </span><em class="italics">one piecee man</em><span>=a or one man.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">ping-ch'wahn</em><span> (C), gunboat.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">plopa</em><span> (P), proper: allo plopa, all right.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">rouble</em><span> (R), the standard money (paper) of Russia: ten -roubles=a British sovereign.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">samovar</em><span> (R), tea-urn.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">sampan</em><span> (C), a Chinese punt.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">savvy</em><span> (P), know, understand.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">side</em><span> (P), place, direction: this-side, here; that-side, there; -what-side, where.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">so-fashion</em><span> (P), in that way.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">suttingly</em><span> (P), certainly.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">tael</em><span> (C), a coin (rarely seen) worth 6s. 6d.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">that-side</em><span> (P), there.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">that-tim'</em><span> (P), then.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">this-side</em><span> (P), here, hither.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">tim'</em><span> (P), time.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">tinkee</em><span> (P), think.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">Toitsche</em><span> (P), </span><em class="italics">i.e.</em><span> Deutsche, German.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">too</em><span> (P), very.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">topside</em><span> (P), above, superior; in the head.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">troika</em><span> (R), three-horsed vehicle.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">verst</em><span> (R), two-thirds of English mile.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">vodka</em><span> (R), brandy made of barley.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">wailo</em><span> (P), away, to go away, run away.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">wantchee</em><span> (P), to want.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">what-for</em><span> (P), why.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">what-side</em><span> (P), where.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">what-tim'</em><span> (P), when.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">yamen</em><span> (C), mandarin's residence and office: yamen-runners, -equivalent to English bailiffs, but a very inferior class.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><em class="italics">yinkelis</em><span> (P), English.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>* * * * * * * *</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold x-large">The Light Brigade -<br />in Spain</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">or</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">The Last Fight of Sir John Moore</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">By Herbert Strang</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="small">Author of "Tom Burnaby," etc.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">With a Preface by Lieut.-Col. WILLOUGHBY VERNER.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><em class="italics medium">Illustrated by William Rainey, R.I. 12mo. $1.50</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"In 'Boys of the Light Brigade' Mr. Strang draws upon the -resources of the Peninsular War, and succeeds in extracting much -freshness from well-worn themes, as Moore's retreat to Corunna and -the heroic defence of Saragossa. The personal interest of the story -is kept at a high tension.... It is a book which no boy will -be able to put down when once started. The volume is provided -with excellent maps and plans of the scenes in which the incidents -take place."—</span><em class="italics">The Standard</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"This author has fairly earned the right to be accepted as the -legitimate successor of the late George A. Henty in furnishing -entertainment for youth. Like Henty, Strang manages to galvanize -the dry bones of history into a close semblance of glorious life.... -The present volume contains vivid and spirited descriptions -of campaign life in Spain ... with many rare and -interesting episodes.... This is good reading for young and -old."—</span><em class="italics">Chicago Post</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The author describes graphically with truth to history the last -fight of the British commander, Sir John Moore. It is a stirring -military story in the manner of those written by the late George -A. Henty, but really with more authenticity."—</span><em class="italics">Philadelphia Press</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"An interesting story, with extra good measure in its incidents -and character ... and with some pretty little love -passages."—</span><em class="italics">Cleveland Leader</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold x-large">KOBO</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">Story of the Russo-Japanese War</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">By HERBERT STRANG</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">Author of "The Light Brigade in Spain," etc.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><em class="italics medium">Illustrated by William Rainey, R.I. 12mo, $1.50</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"It is a dashing romance for boys, founded on the Russo-Japanese -War and worthy of the late Mr. Henty at his best. A -story that every schoolboy will enjoy and one that will be read -with much pleasure and profit by many older readers as -well."—</span><em class="italics">Cleveland Leader</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"The story throughout bristles with adventures, it is well -written and the author shows intimate knowledge of Japanese -character and customs."—</span><em class="italics">San Francisco Bulletin</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In one respect Mr. Strang's tale is even better than many -of the late G. A. Henty's. It has more dash and dialogue. -These are strong points in the work of this writer, who is -destined to fill the place vacated by the lamented author of -'Under Drake's Flag,' and 'With Clive in India.'"—</span><em class="italics">The -Dundee Advertiser</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"For vibrant actuality there is nothing to come up to -Mr. Strang's 'Kobo.'"—</span><em class="italics">The Academy</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"A great amount of actual military history is incorporated -with an exciting and romantic plot."—</span><em class="italics">The Westminster -Gazette</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold x-large">The Adventures</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">of</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold x-large">Harry Rochester</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">A Tale of the Days of -<br />Marlborough and Eugene</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold medium">By</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="bold large">HERBERT STRANG</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><span class="medium">Author of "Kobo," "Light Brigade in Spain," etc.</span></p> -<p class="center pnext"><em class="italics medium">Illustrated by William Rainey, R.I. 12mo. $1.50</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>"A story full of thrilling adventure."—</span><em class="italics">Newark Advertiser</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Strang is a follower of Henty in writing adventurous -historical romances for boys, and does his work with even more -spirit and vim. This tale gives a good picture of the wars of -Marlborough and William of Holland against the French, with a -clever and courageous boy hero."—</span><em class="italics">Congregationalist and Christian -World</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Three such successes as Mr. Strang has now achieved definitely -establish his position and should fully reassure those who -despondingly wondered when and where a worthy successor to Mr. Henty -would appear."—</span><em class="italics">Glasgow Herald</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr. Henty's mantle may worthily be worn by Mr. Herbert -Strang."—</span><em class="italics">Truth</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Told with a dash and vigor which mark him as Henty's natural -successor."—</span><em class="italics">Notts Guardian</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="bold">By ELBRIDGE S. BROOKS</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Historic Boys. Their Endeavors, Their Achievements and -Their Times. With 29 full-page illustrations. -8vo, pp. viii + 259.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Historic Girls. Stories of Girls Who Have Influenced the -History of Their Times. 8vo, illustrated, pp. viii + 225.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Chivalric Days and Youthful Deeds. Stirring Stories, -presenting faithful pictures of historic times. Illustrated, -8vo. $1.25</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Heroic Happenings. Told in Verse and Story. -Illustrated, 8vo. $1.25</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span>Great Men's Sons. Stories of the Sons of Great Men from -Socrates to Napoleon. 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