ASIA 
 
Olarttell Ininersitg SItbratg 
 
 Htlfara. Ntm $nrk 
 
 CHARLES WILLIAM WASON 
 COLLECTION 
 
 CHINA AND THE CHINESE 
 
 THE GIFT OF 
 
 CHARLES WILLIAM WASON 
 
 CLASS OF 1876 
 
 1918 
 
cornel. Onwersitv Ubrarv 
 PS 3535.A86K6 
 
Cornell University 
 Library 
 
 The original of tliis book is in 
 tine Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924023988482 
 
(,JVE/ vV) 
 
 KINKAID, FROM PEKING 
 
 A MOVE. 
 
 *st<^^*-*^ 
 
 ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 "Dr. Jack," "A Fair Revolutionist," "Little Miss IMillions," 
 
 "Miss Fairfax of Virginia," "Baron Sam," 
 
 "Mynheer Joe," etc. 
 
 NEW YORK 
 
 STREET & SMITH, Publishers 
 238 WiLLJAM Street 
 
 Copyright, .903, by STREET & SMITH 
 
THE PARAGON OF 'ALL 
 
 The Drjack Series 
 
 Every author's vrork appeals to a particular class of 
 readers. Only a few writers, however, have the 
 happy faculty of inieresting all classes. Mr. St. 
 G^ge Rathbom^ is one of these. His tales are full 
 of exciting adventure and interesting incident, while 
 throughout there are pretty love scenes s^ongiy 
 
 depicted .. 
 
 Realizing what a great favorite this author has 
 become, w^e Tiave contracted with him to write a 
 large number of NEW stories. .... 
 These ne'w tales, together with some of the author's 
 most popular w^orks, we will publish in a series by 
 themselves and call it tfie Dr. Jack Series. . . 
 Every reader cannot fail to lite these most meritor- 
 ious tales from the pen of one of America's most 
 prolific authors. The following is a list of the 
 stories already published and those scheduled for 
 early publication: 
 
 By ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE. 
 
 /. Ih.Jack. 5. Dr. Jack's Paradise Mine. 
 
 2. A FiUhusier in Tatters. 6. Captain Tom. 
 
 3. Dr. Jack's Wife. 7. 'Dr. Jack's Widow. 
 
 4. The Witch From India. 8, Kinkaid from Peking. 
 
 STREET & SMITH, PUBLISHERS, 
 238 William Street, J* New York Gty. 
 
KINKAID, FROM PEKING. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 TWO MEN ONE MAID. 
 
 Time was when, contented, Wallis Kinkaid dwelt in the 
 "tents of Gotham," satisfied to accept the myriad enjoy- 
 ments that appear to be the natural heritage of a rich 
 young bachelor. The "flesh-pots of Israel" were so al- 
 luring, his sumptuous apartments so enticing, and the 
 claims of fashionable society so exacting, that, save for 
 his annual hunting trip to the wilds of Maine or the 
 "bush" of Canada in the autumn, \jie had but a meager 
 -acquaintance with the strenuous side of existence. 
 
 That was before he had ever made the acquaintance 
 of Joyce Robertson, recognized as the "belle of Mon- 
 treal," and felt his heart stirred to its depths by the 
 witchery of her sweet presence, so that he yielded him- 
 self a captive to her charms, "rescue or no rescue;" until 
 such time as he felt compelled to declare his passion, and 
 to hear in return the astounding intelligence, delivered 
 with unusual firmness for a girl in society, that, while she 
 admitted entertaining more than friendly sentiments, to- 
 ward him, she had long ago resolved never to rriarry a 
 man whose highest ambition in life seemed to be simply 
 the elegant pursuit of social pleasure. 
 
 That rude awakening -and rebuff rather staggered our 
 bachelor friend ; but at the same time it set him to think- 
 ing, and was the means of arousing a dormant spirit in 
 his constitution, ere the tendrils of idleness had entirelyr 
 fastened upon his generous nature. 
 
6 Two Men — One Maid. 
 
 Kinkaid had returned to New York in a confused state 
 of mind, partly laboring under the delusion that he 
 was a badly misunderstood and abused man, and that 
 Miss Joyce had taken an unfair advantage of him. 
 
 At first, he had been naturally provoked, almost an- 
 gry, because forsooth, his aimless life had been held up 
 before him in such terms of scathing reproach by this 
 Riming girl, possessed of so vigorous a character ; espe- 
 cially since he was well aware that the balance of his 
 swell set were far deeper in the mire than himself. But 
 by degrees he found his eyes opened to the truth, and, 
 spurred on doubtless by the subtle fascination which this 
 fair daughter of Canada possessed for him-, he had finally 
 mad,e a plunge that absolutely electrified his former ac- 
 quaintances of "upper-tendom." 
 
 That is to say, he "accepted" a position upon the work- 
 ing staff of a greaX metropolitan daily, learned the ropes 
 as a reporter, fuiall}- purchased a controlling interest in the 
 stock, and was fully launched upon the sea of journalism 
 as a proprietor. 
 
 It pleased him, therefore, to journey individually to the 
 far and mystic Northland, while the frost king held full 
 sway, ostensibly to report for his paper the wonderful 
 festivities and sports that for decades have made Mon- 
 treal famous during carnival time, ^^'hether there was 
 a method in his madness may readily be left to the dis- 
 cernment of the sagacious reader. 
 
 Kinkaid was only an ordinary-appearing man, and you 
 could probably discover his apparent double, hundreds of 
 times in a saunter down Broadway, especially in the 
 region known as the Rialto, where Thespians congregate. 
 
 He had never scdvanced any claims toward manly 
 beauty, though perhaps somewhat pardonably proud of 
 the remarkable strength that lay in his rather gaunt 
 frame, and which had in its day been the wonder of the 
 New York Athletic Club, to which he had formerly 
 belonged. 
 
 Midwinter saw him once more domiciled at the Vic- 
 toria, eagerly entering into the hilarious life of the metrop- 
 olis, and apparently bent on seeing every feature of the 
 show. 
 
Two Men — One Maid. 7 
 
 This feverish ambition might speak well for a devotion 
 to his chosen profession as "special correspondent" did he 
 not betray the true purpose that animated his zeal by 
 being constantly on the qui vive for a certain face that had 
 thus far eluded his search, since Miss Joyce wal out' of 
 town, as he had learned to his consternation, though 
 hourly expected to return. 
 
 It would certainly require a wizard pen to do adequate 
 justice to the gay scenes that were daily and nightly tak- 
 ing place. Montreal simply excelled herself, outdoing 
 all previous records, for of rivals in this particular field 
 there were none. She stood in a class alone. 
 
 Kinkaid attended them all— nay, participated in the 
 sports to a degree that had never before been vouchsafed 
 a stranger, thanks to his extensive acquaintance among 
 the members of the various snowshoe and toboggan 
 clubs, brought about through his frequent sojourns among 
 them, when on his annual outing to the great wilderness 
 in the labyrinthine Lake Edward district. 
 
 And what weirdly fantastic pen pictures he drew of 
 these splendors. The elixir of sport seemed to animate 
 his purpose. The eerie blaze of pine torches, the merry 
 shouts of the participants, the meteoric flight of swift 
 toboggans, the subtle crunch of snowshoes on the hard 
 crust. Each in turn must present itself before the senses 
 of those who read his graphic sentences. When his own 
 descriptive powers failed, as he thought, to do enough 
 justice to the theme, he, like a true knight of the shears 
 and pastepot, fiad resource to the usual editorial remedy, 
 and clipped extracts from accounts given by other genii 
 of the pen, who had in years gone by witnessed, and been 
 thrilled by, these same, alluring pictures. 
 
 "The toboggan slide on a gala night! The white ob- 
 scurity of moonlight gives the snowy world a distant, 
 visionary look; and the sky is strange, with a misty, 
 luminous atmosphere that puts out the stars and yet al- 
 lows the moon to peer through shifting veils of ruddy 
 smoke. A galaxy of lights and fires all down the moun- 
 tainside and over the plain tinges the snow with intense 
 colors, and marks a stream of warm humanity running' 
 freely in the Arctic night. The stream is of buxom young 
 
8 Two Men — One Maid. 
 
 men and women, delusively lightsome and fluffy in 
 blanket suits, stepping quickly past you on the upward 
 path toward the invisible summit ; the sounds of their 
 glad but decorous voices seem to be almost lost in the 
 space and the silence of a winter night — a low, babbling 
 brook of confiding sounds. 
 
 "Presently the toboggans come swooping down as on 
 the wing. The rtish is breathless. The compact row of 
 figures, the eager crounching steersmen, the cloud of 
 snow whirling up in their wake, all flash upon your 
 sight like a magic picture, from the dimness of night into 
 the vividness of a red light or a green, or the shadowy 
 glow of a bonfire. The vision has gone into obscurity ere 
 you have hardly comprehended its import, and you fol- 
 low it downward in wonder by the audible perspective, as 
 it were, of vanishing shouts. 
 
 "Then, again, you will recall that you seem to gaze into 
 another world in seeing the ice palace. It is an opalescent 
 castle, intensely brilliant in the sunshine, mth walls of 
 translucent shadows edged with prismatic hues. One ex- 
 pects to meet Kubla Khan at every turn within those 
 walls of light, faint, cool, pearh^ colors. ^ Even when men 
 come and storm it as an army of snowshoers, it still re- 
 mains an unearthly vision; it becomes an ice volcano 
 shooting rockets and candles, and raining fire over winter 
 snows ; or a castle all incandescent in red or greeil lights. 
 The snowshoers with their torches then wind up the 
 mountain and about its summit, while more pyrotechnics 
 are shot from that height into the sky. 
 
 "The carnival on skates is still more memorable, a 
 unique scene of great beauty. Of course, the rink is bril- 
 liant, with a floor of ice like unto a mirror, in the cen- 
 ter an ice fountain with marble statues, all about it rows 
 of people sitting patiently in the cold, the great roof hung 
 with myriad flags, and the whole lighted with electricity. 
 The band strikes up and calls out two long lines of skill- 
 ful skaters, youths and maidens, dressed in fancy cos- 
 tumes; they and their reflections in the ice mirror wind 
 about the rink for a time in various figures, and then 
 break up into a general melee, going around and around 
 the arena by the hour, and offering a continual kaleide- 
 
Two Men — One Maid. • 9 
 
 scopic interchange of colors and costumes. The city is 
 thus full of cheerful life and leisure, sports and gayeties, 
 the bracing air lending a zest to all pastimes." 
 
 On former occasions Kinkaid had entered into all these 
 various winter sports to a limited extent. Now he threw 
 himself into the game with a vigor that rather aston- 
 ished his Montreal friends; and, be it said, he relished 
 the invigorating sensation to the limit. He was sure to 
 be on the winning toboggan, and held his own with the 
 leading snowshoers, rather to the wonder of those to the 
 manner born. 
 
 It was gradually beginning to dawn upon the mind of 
 the young fellow that nature had never intended him for 
 a drone in the great hive of humanity, and the conscious- 
 ness of his powers begot a keen desire within his soul 
 to ever be near the head of the column. 
 
 Verily, there is no incentive on earth to compare with 
 the love a man has for a woman, and in nine cases out of 
 ten it urges him upward. History teems with notable in- 
 stances of its anjaang powers. In this case, a mighty 
 revolution had certainly been accomplished in the erst- 
 while idler, and he fairly yearned' for difficulties to sur- 
 mount, if, by so doing, he might prove to that particular 
 girl his claim to a place in the world's workers. 
 
 He made more friends than ever- — and these Cana- 
 dians are not inclined to take up with everybody who 
 comes along, having a little of their British cousin's' re- 
 serve in that particular. But Kinkaid had found the way 
 into the hearts of the sturdy men of the North, and even 
 planned a moose hunt with a select few at no distant 
 day, something he had always yearned for, but as yet 
 never been able to accomplish. 
 
 Still the lady in the case failed to come, and Kinkaid 
 found it growing exceedingly difficult to control his im- 
 patience. He had arranged a little plan that he con- 
 sidered quite original, not knowing that there is nothing 
 new under the sun, and that this same idea was venerable 
 with age. It was his intention to let Joyce infer that he 
 had in some most mysterious manner suffered a severe 
 loss of fortune, and was compelled to actually work for 
 a living. She had taken such an unaccountable aversion 
 
TO Two Men — One Maid. 
 
 to his wealth that he felt as though he had a right to treat 
 it with more or less disdain in the premises. Possibly it 
 deserved scant respect, since his ancestors may have 
 wrung the foundation of the Kinkaid fortune from the 
 early Indians, even by fraud'; or, for aught that Wallis 
 knew, some of it may have come from piratical free- 
 booters, scourges of colonial days. 
 
 Affairs had reached this stage, when suddenly, without 
 the least warning, a new element was thrust into the 
 game, something that, singular to state, this ambitious and 
 confident newspaper man had as yet never taken into 
 consideration. 
 
 There was another Richmond in the field! 
 
 Of course, so charrrjing a lassie as Joyce Robertson 
 could not lack for admirers from the time she wore short 
 dresses, since she was bom to work havoc in the breast 
 masculine; but no one could ever call her a flirt, and 
 these smitten swains were always held at a distance. In- 
 deed, so far as Wallis was aware, he had been the only fel- 
 low who had as yet found the ''open sesame" to the inner 
 sanctuary of this young girl's heart, and even in his case 
 the experience had not been productive of results-r-aS 
 yet! 
 
 Hence it gave him a bad half an hour when he first 
 heard another name coupled with tliat of his inamorita. A 
 baronet, too, by Jove, and also a man of considerable im- 
 portance in diplomatic circles, who had a brilliant future 
 before him, when by stages he had won his slow advance 
 along the lines England has laid out for her consuls, at- 
 taches and ministers. 
 
 That name of Sir George Chichester seemed burned 
 upon the brain of our now thoroughly aroused Yankee, 
 and he became more than ever aware that if he hoped to 
 wear he must win first. ^ 
 
 Not a word did he say, when he heard the matter dis- 
 cussed between some of his friends, as fellows will talk 
 about such things; but one among them, who somehow, 
 remembered that Kinkaid had seemed to have the inside 
 track a >ear or more back, could not resist stealing a side 
 glance at his face. He saw a grim look there, a faint 
 smile of conscious ability to hold his own in the race, as 
 
Two Men — One Maid. ii 
 
 though Kinkaid had been thoroughly aroused ; and, being 
 a man of some penetration, this chap secretly made up his 
 mind that Sir George could not yet claim to be walking 
 on velvet, since he had to meet this American in the 
 lists. 
 
 Of course, Kinkaid was now very anxious to see what 
 this rival looked like, and took advantage of the first op- 
 portunity to have him pointed out. Nor was he greatly 
 surprised to find that the tall, dashing-looking blonde, 
 who had on several occasions attracted his attention on 
 account of his hilarity in entering into the various sports 
 of the day, and who appeared to head the lists when it 
 came to daring exploits, was the redoubtable Sir George. 
 
 Fie also found that the baronet was a prime favorite, 
 and just the man to capture the heart of a woman who 
 adored true bravery. 
 
 More than once did Kinkaid smile as he looked at his 
 plain features in the glass, and found himself admiring the 
 monumental nerve of the fellow who dared to believe he 
 had a chance beside this handsome Adonis, Sir George, 
 gifted with all that the gods could bestow upon a mortal 
 in order to make him beloved of womankind; and yet, 
 strange to say, he held to his faith in the constancy of 
 the heart that had not hesitated to point out to him his 
 defects, and confess to a deeper interest in his affairs 
 than in those of any other man. At the same time, the 
 situation aroused Kinkaid as nothing else could have 
 done, and he resolved to win if it lay in mortal power 
 so to do. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 SOMETHING NOT DOWN ON THE BILLS AT THE 
 STAG DINNER. 
 
 Affinities are drawn together by some mysterious bond, 
 and the same power appears to control those who are fated 
 to look, each upon the other, as his especial bete noire. 
 
 Perhaps Sir George was quite as anxious to meet 
 Kinkaid as the American was to make his acquaintance. 
 If it \\as destined to be war to the knife between them, 
 why, the earlier operations were started the sooner the 
 game might be closed. 
 
 Sir George had also heard something about our Yankee 
 friend that gave him a bitter taste, and while he was too 
 much of a diplomat to betray any undue eagerness in the 
 matter, he, too, welcomed an opportunity for a closer view 
 of the man from New York. Really, these rude Amer- 
 icans were jostling the sons of Albion in so many parts 
 of the globe, that they were forcing themselves upon the 
 respect of those who had once sneered at the possibility 
 of the States ever hustling old England out of first place 
 in the world with respect to exports, wealth and influence. 
 QBelshazzar had seen the writing on the wall in those days 
 of old, and destiny was now busily engaged in making 
 a new deal for the world nations. 
 
 It chanced that the two men met at a stag dinner, a 
 bachelor affair to which it was esteemed an honor to have 
 an invitation, where kindred spirits came together, and, as 
 Gen. Porter once said at the famous Lotos Club in 
 Gotham: "Here men meet on common ground, without 
 regard to nationality, creed or avocation. Here the 
 moose slayer of the North comes in touch with the alli- 
 gator pursuer of the South ; here the man who spends his 
 'days in tobogganing meets the man who spends his nights 
 in 'coon hunting; here the Atlantic coaster with a stereo- 
 typed look on his face meets the stalwart man from the 
 mighty West, who has just crawled out of a cyclone cage; 
 
At tne vSrag jjinner. < 13 
 
 where the pursuer and the pursued sit down together in 
 that form of original sin put up in quart bottles with 
 labels on them." 
 
 A mutual friend introduced them, believing, perhaps, 
 that he was doing a favor in bringing two such kindred 
 souls in contact. 
 
 They surveyed each other with more than ordinary 
 curiosity. So might the gladiators of old have taken each 
 other's measure ere locking arms in the deadly combat. 
 
 Neither deigned to appear other than confident, and yet, 
 strange to say, in spite of the supercilious smile with 
 which they acknowledged the introduction, there was 
 something of uneasiness in each "heart. On Kinkaid's 
 part because he found the estimate he had formed of Sir 
 ' George's dashing appearance at a distance more than 
 qualified at close quarters; while the British diplomat 
 confessed to seeing something in the grim air of the New; 
 Yorker that warned him he had a tough proposition be- 
 fore him, if he hoped to beat the other out in the game of 
 hearts. 
 
 Kinkaid saw a speck of this concern, and took courage. 
 To himself he admitted that Sir George feared him 
 as a rival, that he must have heard Joyce speak of him in 
 such a way as to arouse his jealousy, and this was a most 
 promising sign. Still, Kinkaid knew he had a foeman 
 worthy of his steel in this manly specimen of across-the- 
 sea chivalry, and that he would be a fool to underrate the 
 danger that menaced his wooing. 
 
 If any one present noticed that they made no move-' 
 ment toward shaking hands upon being introduced, he 
 would possibly have attributed it to some Old World idea 
 on the part of the Britisher, though it might have puzzled 
 him to understand why Wallis, always so genial and warm 
 hearted, should not make at least a move that way. 
 
 The evening saw much jovial hilarity among the sons 
 of Montreal. It was always an event to be marked with 
 a red stone when these swart athletes came together to 
 spin their yarns, sing their songs of the snowshoe trail, 
 and ring out the hearty chorus with the true spirit of 
 comradeship. 
 
 Kinkaid was determined that his rival should not dis-- 
 
14 At the Stag Dinner. 
 
 cover the flaw in his armor, or even suspect that he felt 
 the least concern regarding the chances of losing the daz- 
 zling prize. 
 
 He was at his best, and they cheered him to the echo 
 when he gave his really excellent baritone voice entirely 
 into their keeping, becoming almost as hoarse as a crow 
 in consequence of the repeated strain on his vocal organs. 
 
 Sir George was also "it," and while not able to com- 
 pete with our friend as a vocalist, because nature had not 
 endowed him with a voice when showering all other 
 favors at his feet, he was able to teU many amusing bits of 
 spicy adventure, such as might be expected to fall under 
 the observation of one serving in Oriental countries as a 
 consul or attache, all of which created a most uproarous 
 applause from appreciative auditors, inclined to be in a 
 very merry mood at this late hour. 
 
 It chanced that these two guests were placed exactly 
 opposite at the table — without the slightest design in the 
 world, and yet it seems that when men have a devilish 
 eagerness to be at each other's throat accident always 
 brings about the opportunity. 
 
 Indeed, Kinkaid always thought he had found a good 
 definition of the word "fate" in the fact of two men coming 
 from opposite ends of the world, as it were, to thus face 
 each other in this city of the ice carnival, warring over a 
 woman's favor. 
 
 The story is not new. Indeed, it is as old as the ever- 
 lasting hills ; has always been and ever shall be, while men 
 exist, and a smile stirs their hearts, turning water into red 
 blood. 
 
 Why, Kinkaid had even taken a flying leap into the 
 future, and believed he could see the time 'coming sooner 
 or later when he must meet this same elegant Adonis in 
 battle array, the prize to be the hand of the girl they both 
 aspired to win. 
 
 Of course, he hardly went so far as to suspect that it 
 would come to a battle royal between them, where swords 
 or fists might be trumps ; but in some vague way he ap- 
 peared -to understand that they must be matched against 
 each other in the lists. 
 
 Now it happened that Sir George had even more reason 
 
At the Stag Dinner. 15 
 
 to fear the result of the New Yorker's appearance on the 
 scene at this particular time. He had not been able to 
 quite accomplish the reduction of the fortress to which he 
 had so long been laying siege, and delaying his journey 
 to the field of his future labors in the Orient in the hope 
 of success, and there were secret reasons to scent disaster 
 in the coming of Kinkaid. 
 
 So that he was in anything but the merry mood they 
 thought him, and with a spirit of boldness that was per- 
 haps a part of his nature, though ill timed and hardly 
 gentlemanly, considering that they were both guests of the 
 good bachelors of Montreal, he took occasion in telling 
 his humorous experiences among the Asiatic races to have 
 several nasty little flings at the great nation across the 
 border. 
 
 They were gentlemen present, and it was not long be- 
 fore glances were cast in the direction of the young news- 
 paper man from Gotham, curious glances, as though it 
 might be expected that he would rise to remind the nar- 
 rator that he had forgotten the amenities of the occasion, 
 and that they were not all of English blood.- 
 
 Kinkaid felt his face flush several times, as he de- 
 tected something very close to an insult in these -half- 
 veiled thrusts. Once he even half drew himself from his 
 chair, only to remember that he was a guest, and drop 
 back again with a bitter smile. 
 
 Sir George had evidently made up his mind to draw the 
 Yankee out, or else prove him a coward then and there. 
 What will not men madly in love do that seems insane, 
 and even a travesty on civilization? 
 
 By this time it began to dawn upon the rather fuddled 
 minds of some of the hotspurs present that there was 
 blood on the moon. A few of them wet^e distressed that 
 the privileges of the club had been abused in any way by 
 one who was an honored guest, at the expense of anotlier 
 in the same category ; but there were others who were al- 
 ways ready to applaud a bit of "bull-baiting," especially , 
 when it was a Yankee who writhed under the sting, and 
 this latter element was strong enough to hold the others 
 in check when they gave evidence of a desire to interfere. 
 Perhaps a suspicion of the true cause for enmity and 
 
l6 At the Stag Dinner. 
 
 rivalry between these two representatives of the great 
 !Anglo-Saxon race was abroad, and these young Canucks 
 did not feel averse to seeing the thing settled in the good 
 old fashion. 
 
 And there came a time when even Kinkaid's scruples 
 about such things as the proper decorum of a guest were 
 knocked out. Sir George, in telling a racy yarn of Egypt, 
 took occasion to say something that he would perhaps 
 never have spoken had he not indulged in a little too 
 much champagne. Never mind just what it was ; the least 
 said the soonest mended, but it appeared to be a severe ar- 
 raignment of the honor of Americans as a whole. 
 
 No man could have heard it and not felt his pulses 
 thrill with indignation, the insult was so keen, so direct. 
 Some of those present muttered "shame," and all eyes 
 were turned upon Kinkaid as the only American present, 
 doubtless expecting him to gain his^feet and pour hot shot 
 back at the diplomat who, in the heat of the moment, ap- 
 peared to have forgotten what lessons he had learned in 
 his chosen vocation. 
 
 They were sadly mistaken. 
 
 Kinkaid knew his failing ; knew he was but a sorry an- 
 tagonist for this man, who had been reared in the school 
 of politics, and possessed the gift of eloquence, and he 
 was not fool enough to endeavor- to meet him on his 
 chosen ground, where the advantage would all be in favor 
 of the Britisher. 
 
 He had turned a little white while Sir George was 
 talking, but that passed away ere the other sat down. 
 He felt that all eyfes were fastened upon him, and that he 
 was privileged to answer the caluminator of his people 
 after his own fashion. 
 
 Kinkaid slowly arose to his feet, and looked across the 
 table. There was a sneer upon his face that hardly pleased 
 the man on whom his gaze seemed to be bent. Perhaps, 
 in his extensive hunting exploits. Sir George may have 
 bad an experience with a wounded tiger in the jungle, 
 and detected something of the same ferocity in the look 
 now cast upon liim. 
 
 But he smiled as though satisfied at having brought the 
 Rfankee to his feet, and glanced around the circle of eager 
 
At the Stag Dinner. 17 
 
 taces, as though to warn them there was some fun on the 
 carpet. The toreador usually smiles thus when he has tor- 
 mented the bull to the pitch of desperation, and prepares 
 to meet a mad charge that will afford him a chance to 
 show his wonderful dexterity. But, sad to relate, occa- 
 sionally the same toreador counts without his host, and 
 is ignominiously tossed across the barriers, by the beast 
 for which he has just shown such contempt. 
 
 When Kinkaid began to speak his voice trembled witH 
 .emotion, but as he proceeded with his theme it soon lost 
 this vibration, and rang out as bold as the roar of the lion. 
 He simply wished to deny the base imputation cast upon 
 his countrymen by the gentleman opposite, who seemed 
 to have some motive in saying what he did. The man 
 who dared to say so brutal a thing in mixed company 
 must have a decidedly poor opinion as to what honor 
 consisted of, and to prove what he now declared, he was 
 quite willing to call him what he seemed to wish to hear, 
 that he was a liar pure and simple, and could take the 
 action of an American for just what it was worth. 
 
 At this interesting ^stage Kinkaid shot the contents of 
 his champagne glass straight across the table. His aim 
 was true, Sir George disdained to duck his head, and as 
 a consequence he received more or less wine squarely in 
 his face. 
 
 Those who were present were unanimous in their opin- 
 ion that the diplomat received the insult as should a man i 
 of penetration and judgment. He half sprang from his 
 chair, and then, as a hand touched his shoulder, sank; 
 back again with a smile of unruffled calm. And to some 
 who knew of his mighty accomplishments with sword and 
 pistol, there was perhaps the touch of Satan in the tri- 
 umphant glance which he shot across the board at 
 Kinkaid. 
 
 Of course, all was confusion by this time. The toast- 
 master had recovered himself, and realizing what a serious 
 breach of decorum had taken place, did his best to smooth 
 it over, even going out of his way to praise the sterling 
 qualities of the neighbors across the border to the south; 
 but for the rest of the evening, there seemed to rest a 
 cloud upon the gathering. Curious glances were cast 
 
l8 At the Stag Dinner. 
 
 upon the two who had figured in the exciting episode, 
 and various surmises were indulged in as to the probable 
 outcome of the affair. 
 
 A duel in Montreal. Who ever heard of such a ridicu- 
 lous thing? Really, such a sqene of strife had not been 
 known since those early days when men were more hot- 
 blooded and prone to fight than now. These things were 
 entirely out of date in all countries save France and 
 Germany, and even in bad repute there of late. 
 
 Still, how are two gentleman, who have great cause to 
 hate each other, to settle their differences, pray, save by 
 a resort to^ arms ? To engage in a fiticuff match would 
 bring ridicule down upon their heads, and, besides, who 
 likes to be seen with an optic in deepest mourning, or his 
 physiognomy puffed up to an unnatural size. The Gaul 
 believes, perhaps wisely, that a few turns with the sword, 
 until blood is drawn, satisfies honor, and wipes away all 
 insults ; but no man of Anglo-Saxon birth is satisfied with 
 such a hollow mockery of a trial, and when he goes into 
 the brutal business at all, demands a fight to the finish. 
 
 There were those who shook their heads, and deplored 
 the whole business as something that should never have 
 been allowed to reach a crisis. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 A DUEL IS NOT ALWAYS A QUESTION OF HONOR. 
 
 Really, Sir George was a most remarkable man in many 
 respects, and not the least in his admirable self-control. 
 He had apparently accomplished what he had set out to 
 'do, and having, with a snowy kerchief, wiped his. face 
 clear of the few drops of wine that reached him, he went 
 calmly on with his humorous description of life in -the 
 army of the Khedive, with just as much indifference as 
 though he had been "lampooning the Akhoond of Swat," 
 instead of casting ungentlemanly innuendoes upon the 
 representative of a brave, friendly, powerful and chiv- 
 alrous nation. 
 
 Some interesting wagers were laid with regard to the 
 outcome of this deplorable incident, not a few being found 
 who were quite willing, nay, eager to back their belief in 
 the sterling qualities of the American by showing of bank 
 notes. This was partly on account of the excellent im- 
 pression Wallis had made during his various visits to the 
 Dominion ; but perhaps in some measure influenced by 
 the suspicion gradually getting abroad that, after all, the 
 Yankee, no matter where found, could usually look after 
 himself as well as the next one. 
 
 The affair was the talk of the day, but few really be- 
 lieved anything more would come of it. Mutual friends 
 must surely pa,tch up a peace, apologies would be ex- 
 changed, and the two who had looked daggers at each 
 other at the club would possibly be seen arm in arm on 
 iVictoria Square or St. James' Street, or side by side sur- 
 veying the wonders of great Notre Dame de Lourdes. 
 
 To this day many have never suspected that the af- 
 fair went further, for it was kept a dead secret so far as 
 was possible. In every city, no matter how religious or 
 strictly governed, there may be found an element that is 
 ever ready to seize upon an opportunity to gratify their 
 yearning for excitement. Canada had recently seht many 
 
20 A Duel. 
 
 of her hot-blcxDded sons to the scene of the Boer conflict 
 in South Africa ; but there were others remaining to whom 
 a genuine duel would have been a delicious morsel, re- 
 gardless of the principles involved, for which they caredl 
 not a farthing. 
 
 Kinkaid knew he would hear something drop presently, 
 and he waited with a superb indifference, believing he had 
 been in the right, and that no matter what happened he 
 could not have done other than he had. 
 
 Punctually the next morning he received a friend of 
 Sir George, with an intimation that a written apology 
 \fouId be acceptable, barring which the other would ex- 
 pect him to fight, or have his name branded as a coward. 
 
 .Serious as was the business, Kinkaid treated it with a 
 levity that quite charrned the Canadian friend who had 
 promised to see him through. He sent back word that 
 he would be pleased to meet Sir George to settle their 
 little controversy at the convenience of the baronet, even 
 waiving the choice of time, place and weapons, that was 
 his by right, it being entirely a matter of indifference to 
 him how soon the seance came off, or under what condi- 
 tions. Which reply must have astonished the recipient 
 not a little, though he did not hesitate to avail himself of 
 the remarkable provisions. 
 
 This warm friend, who was an officer in a crack mili- 
 tary company of the Northern metropolis, expressed him- 
 self as bewildered. 
 
 "You are a prodigy with sword and pistol, perhaps, 
 Kinkaid ?" he observed. 
 
 "Oh, I don't know. As a shot I have done some stunts, 
 as you might say, although never in my life fired at a 
 human target, and the experience would be rather a novel 
 one. As to the sword, I placed with that a little over 
 across the water, in Paris is was, but never imagined my- 
 self much of a skillful juggler," remarked the American, 
 at the same time smiling in a very exasperating' way, his 
 friend thought. 
 
 "I'm sorry about that," he ventured, slowly. 
 
 "Eh ? about the steel racket. Yes, I've heard our friend 
 is accounted a seven-day wonder in that line; but don't 
 imagine I mean to let him have anything like a walk- 
 
A Duel. 31 
 
 over. This is an ugly business, but for the Ufe of me I 
 don't see how I could have done differently in the 
 premises." 
 
 "You did the only thing, and there are others who fail 
 to sympathize with Sir George, even if blood is thicker 
 than water. He laid a trap, and you had to tumble into 
 it or feel disgraced. I only hope you will be able to hold 
 up your end, and give him a lesson in politeness. We 
 ihave had entirely too many such boasters over here of late 
 years. They ought to- go to the front, and the stubborn 
 [Boers would soon teach them manners. And we had all 
 been so pleased with Sir George, too ; it's a pity he took < 
 such a strange dislike to you, Kinkaid !" 
 
 "That's no mystery, as you well know, and it's on ac- 
 count of the fact that a lady's name may be mixed up in 
 this unfortunate affair that I yorry. She would never 
 forgive us, I fear, if she knew. I've heard her opinion 
 of just such scenes, which she characterized as rowdy. Sir 
 George is taking a very poor means of advancing his ' 
 cause, if he thinks she would ever receive him with my 
 blood on his hands." 
 
 Nothing more was said on this subject, but the young 
 officer could draw his own conclusions. 
 
 Arrangements were made that seemed to promise a 
 novel effect. The affair was to be fought with swords, 
 and in the presence of a dozen men, selected on both 
 sides. There was a loft over a building near the Eonse- 
 cour market that would answer admirably for an arena, 
 and unless some one with malice prepense betrayed the 
 scheme, they could be sure of some amusement. 
 
 Outwardly, it would be but a plain trial of skill between 
 two rivals, who had laid a wager on their proficiency , in 
 the good old exercise of swordsmanship ; but under this 
 veneer there lay^a determination to cripple, a desire for 
 blood, such as had animated the gladiators of the Roman 
 times.' 
 
 How the secret was kept so well has been the wonder 
 of bachelor circles in Montreal to this day. 
 
 And yet, perhaps, there does not exist a city north 
 of Mexico where the dying age of chivalry maintains so 
 desperate a clutch. Montreal seems to preserve the after- 
 
22 A Duel. 
 
 glow of romance pertaining to the strenuous times of the 
 Hudson Bay Fur Company's regime, when companies of 
 hardy voyagers, habitants and half-breeds were wont 
 to make long and arduous trips to far-distant Fort Wil- 
 liam and elsewhere, to dicker with the trappers and In- 
 dians at the border -trading posts, bringing back fabulous 
 values in rare furs. 
 
 Kinkaid went about his business as though he had an 
 invitation to another stag dinner for that evening, rather 
 than a little sword exercise with one who boasted a repu- 
 tation excelled by none in the Dominion, at least. 
 
 What preparations he made for a possible disaster were 
 known only to himself. He joined in the merriment of the 
 day with a perfect abandon that astonished those who 
 were in the secret ; and more than one among them made 
 haste to hedge in his bets on the strength of this same in- 
 difference. You see, they thought the Yankee had some- 
 thing up his sleeve. 
 
 Kinkaid was ready when his friend came in. The hour 
 was about ten, and from the mountain quarter the merry 
 shouts of the toboggan party announced that the sport 
 was in full blast. 
 
 It seemed hard to believe that men could give way to 
 such brute instincts, and seek the satisfaction of Goths 
 and Vandals, when surrounded by everything pertaining 
 to modern, civilization, the air pregnant with jovous 
 and innocent amusement; but the old Adam in man is 
 hard to eradicate, and crops out in the most unexpected 
 places. 
 
 Arm in arm, the two men walked away from the hotel, 
 taking care that they were not observed or followed. 
 
 Presently they had reached the old French quarter of 
 the city in the east end, with its quaint continental houses, 
 embellished with queer dormer windows, gables and 
 sharp-pitched roofs. 
 
 Here Hved an occasional seigneur, proud to trace his 
 ancestry back to the days when Montcalm defended Que- 
 bec against the English under Wolfe. Side by side would 
 be found the humbler domicile of the habitant who, when 
 the great river was open, spent his days aboard his 
 square-bdwed pinplat, with a cargo of hay or wood for 
 
A Duel. 23 
 
 the city. For the French-Canadian is exceedingly demo- 
 cratic, and chateaux are few and far between in his quar- 
 ter to-day. 
 
 When Kinkaid entered the loft that had been secured 
 for this special occasion, he found all the others were on 
 hand, althotigh the'~appointed hour had not yet arrived, 
 which spoke well for their eagerness to witness a sight 
 that up to this date had only possessed a vague character 
 for them, since no man among them had ever witnessed 
 a genuine duel. 
 
 Sir George appeared in great spirits, but Kinkaid 
 fancied he saw a streak of nervousness about the baronet 
 that gave him encouragement. 
 
 Business was the order of the night, and when the 
 swords had been examined every one pronounced them- 
 selves as thoroughly satisfied with the arrangements. 
 
 The two principals prepared -for their anticipated work. 
 Coats and vests were laid aside, and shirt sleeves rolled 
 up so as to give the utmost play to the muscles of -the 
 forearm, upon which so much depended. 
 
 Finally they faced each other, while the favored spec- 
 tators stood at a respectful distance, agape with wonder, 
 hardly able to believe their eyes, and mayhap more than 
 half ashamed in secret to thus watch two such gallant 
 sons of friendly nations about to seek each other's life. 
 It was more in the nature, of a dream to some of those 
 who looked on, something that they must later imagine in 
 the light of romance rather than, reality, it seemed so 
 monstrous, so absolutely absurd. 
 
 It was then that Kinkaid ventured to speak, and his 
 voice was as calm and unruffled as when he trolled forth 
 a ditty on the previous night. 
 
 "Allow me the privilege of a few words before we 
 commence this entertainment. I wish to distinctly im- 
 press it upon those present that this unpleasant business^ 
 was none of my seeking. No man could have done less' 
 than I did under- the provocation endured. I am here to 
 give Sir George the satisfaction he demands, and it is 
 my intention to keep at it until he has had enough, or one 
 of us has fallen ; but I wish to appeal to his generous 
 nature, and set me right before we begin. Had you been 
 
84 A Duel. 
 
 m my place, would you have done what I did, Sir 
 George ?" 
 
 The baronet winced, and hesitated. To answer with 
 the truth was to really place himself in the light of a will- 
 ful aggressor, and yet his nature would not permit of 
 prevarication. So that he faced a dilemma. 
 
 "There is but one reply to make to that question, sir. 
 Had it been myself, I should not have been satisfied to 
 toss the wine across the table, but the glass would have 
 accompanied it. Now, do you accept that as an ex- 
 planation, or shall we go on with our little amusement?" 
 he said, tersely. 
 
 Plainly Sir George had outraged his better nature in 
 carrying on this absurd affair, and in secret was ashamed 
 of it, though the stubborn streak in his composition, such 
 as is the heritage of every Englishman, prevented hira 
 from acknowledging himself in error. 
 
 "We will fight," replied Kinkaid, grimly, and it began 
 to appear that he might be quite as anxious for a little 
 exercise as the diplomat. 
 
 They were soon at it, lunge and parry, tierce and thrust, 
 with a splendid exhibition of agility on either side. 
 
 Taken as such it would have been highly interesting;, 
 but when those who looked on realized that the keen- 
 tipped blades that writhed and twisted like a couple of 
 serpents were insidiously seeking some opportunity to 
 sheathe themselves in a human scabbard — that death 
 played about their evolutions, the interest of the thing 
 grew more intense. 
 
 The theme has grown threadbare. It has been utilized 
 on the boards and in romances until the average reader 
 knows the whole routine. 
 
 In this instance, however, the hero did not give prom- 
 ise of coming out of the affair with first honors. Kinkaid 
 seemed to be holding his own to a degree that caused 
 more or less wonder and admiration among those who 
 stared open-eyed at the participants ; but he knew as soon 
 as he had been through the first round^iat he was hardly 
 a match for this wizard of the sword, who had made the 
 science his especial study for years. 
 
 Nevertheless, the New Yorker stood at his guns man- 
 
A Duel. 25 
 
 fully, and by no means yielded the palm. Some accident 
 might yet give him an advantage, or it was possible his 
 wind would hold out better than that of his adversary, 
 when the tables could be turned. 
 
 On his part, Sir George was surprised to meet with 
 such resistance. He had at first thought to play with his 
 rival, make him the laughingstock of the audience, and 
 then prick him a few times at his pleasure. But now he 
 found himself fully employed in a defense against numer- 
 ous fierce attacks, and meeting an effective resistance 
 when in turn he sought to get behind the barrier opposed 
 to his blade. 
 
 All united in declaring it a pretty affair, arid when 
 the duelists rested for the second time honors seemed to 
 be fairly even, so far as outward appearances went. Both 
 men had been pricked several times, so that the blood 
 showed in spots upon their white shirts. How the eyes 
 of the spectators became glued upon these evidences of 
 serious business. It was this that sounded the note of 
 dismay, and awakened them to a realization of the alarm-, 
 ing consequences that must follow, should either of these 
 valiant fellows be seriously injured. Still, it was too late 
 to think about such things now; so on with the dance, 
 and let the devil look out for his own. 
 
 When they came together for the third time it began 
 to seem like business. Each had felt of the other, and 
 knew something of the strength and weakness to be 
 expected, so that this round might be looked upon as the 
 decisive one. 
 
 I No longer were they cool and self-possessed, since the 
 excitement of the hour had entered their souls. They 
 panted for breath between set teeth, their eyes had be- 
 come more or less bloodshot, and began to take on the 
 look pertaining to wild creatures, while a thirst for blood, 
 which Kinkaid at least had never before experienced, 
 was beginning to permeate their systems. 
 
 Some of the lookers-on began to confess to an uneasy 
 feeling. They had come here, expecting perhaps to see a 
 comedy, and now it gave promise of being a tragedy. 
 Still, they could not tear their wonder-stricken eyes away 
 from the two lithe figures that faced each other in the 
 
26 A Duel. 
 
 middle of that old Bonscour sail loft, for there seemed 
 to be a subtle fascination about their actions that held 
 those who gazed as in a trance. 
 
 Although the action might not be as fast and furious 
 as at first, it had assumed a more ugly aspect. The 
 swords no longer appeared to seek applause by reason of 
 fancy execution, but hungered for a more solid mejil. 
 They seemed to thirst after gore, to hover about like ser- 
 pents eager to strike — and the little spots of blood had 
 been increased. 
 
 As yet it was an open question to those who watched, 
 though an experienced hand might have detected the dif- 
 ference between the two that gave the benefit of the doubt 
 to Sir George. 
 
 So interested were they all in the wonderful picture, 
 that looked as if it had stepped down out of an ancient 
 canvas, so to speak, that no one appeared to notice the 
 sound of sleigh bells without, or, if they heard, it passed^ 
 as a familiar jingle that stood for naught. 
 
 Kinkaid had resolved to die game to the last. At least. 
 Sir George would never have the satisfaction of saying 
 he had flunked. His arm was almost at its finish, want 
 of severe practice having told heavily against him in that 
 particular, and he coolly calculated that ere five minutes 
 had passed he was apt to be placed, hors de combat. 
 
 When a man can thus calmly anticipate his downfall 
 he surely does not deserve the, name of coward. Indeed, 
 no one ever thought to apply such a term of reproach 
 to either of these misguided cavaliers, who. took it upon 
 themselves ^o settle their differences after the good old 
 Don Quixote manner. 
 
 And, of course, it was just at this most interesting ^tage 
 in the game that an interruption Ijad to come. It is 3- 
 ways so, apparently. Voices were at first heard upon the 
 stairs, an.d then the door, which had, it seemed, not been 
 locked, strange to say, was thrown open. 
 
 Startled, the little company turned, fully expecting to 
 
 see several stalwart officers enter; but to their amazement 
 
 they discovered two women and a man, and in the fur- 
 
 .. robed figure leading saw the prettiest girl in all Montreal, 
 
 now with a startled look on her face. Joyce Robertson ! 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 HOW FATE PLIES THE SHUTTLE. 
 
 The click and clash of steel against steel no longer broke 
 the silence of that old Bonsecour sail loft. Every man 
 present stood as if paralyzed, the two principals included, 
 when in the doorway they discovered the form of pretty 
 Joyce Robertson. Her presence at this interesting junc- 
 ture was confirmation of the suspicions that had forced 
 a way into every heart as to the real cause for the enmity 
 between these gallant gentlemen who, for a quarter of an 
 hour, had so lustily belabored each other under the de- 
 lusion that it was the proper caper. 
 
 It was a tableau, sure eflough. The dramatic coming 
 would have most certainly appealed to the finer instincts 
 of a Frenchman, for it could not have been more ac- 
 curately timed. 
 
 Miss Joyce glided into the room. 
 
 The spectacle was one she was not apt to forget to 
 her dying day. That cobwebbed loft, the dangling lan- 
 terns festooning the walls, the group of now shamefaced 
 gentlemen, and, above all, the two central figures standing 
 there, swords in hand, caught in the act, their bared arms 
 stained with specks of crimson that also marred the snoyvy 
 whiteness of their shirts. What a picture for the eyes of a 
 gentle girl, who knew intuitively that she must be the true 
 cause for such an exhibition ! 
 
 No one spoke. Joyce could not, and the others would 
 not, so that for a full minute a dead silence hung over the 
 scene, during which the panting wielders of the sword 
 allowed the points of their weapons to drop to the floor, 
 as though realizing that this was the end. 
 
 Apparently the girl was racked- with overwhelming 
 emotion, but her eyes were fastened upon Sir George 
 with reproach, while they took on a tender expression- 
 when surveying the other, something that electrified Kin- 
 kaid, and repaid him for aU-4ie had endured — for such 
 
28 How Fate Plies the Shuttle. 
 
 assurance that his safety meant much to her he would 
 gladly accept ten times the rack. 
 
 When she finally found her voice it was to reproach 
 them for giving way to the savage instincts of heathen 
 actions. 
 
 "Surely there is enough of this in South Africa and the 
 Philippines, without two such good fellows attempting 
 to do each other injury in this land of peace. You forgot 
 that my name would be dragged into the scandal. Sir 
 George. I am more shocked than I could tell you. Let 
 this go no further, I beg, gentlemen. You are both 
 friends of mine, and if you value my friendship shake 
 hands instantly, do you hear, and promise me that never 
 again will either of you be tempted to raise a hand against 
 the other — the shame of it! Come, Mr. Kinkaid, you 
 ,will not disappoint me?" 
 
 Now Kinkaid had been rapidly drifting toward the 
 savage state, under the excitement of the fierce battle, 
 with his nerves quivering, his breath almost gone and his 
 eyes strained nearly to the bursting state; but when he 
 heard her voice it seemed to drag him from the lower 
 regions near to heaven, and without a word he thrust out 
 his right hand, regardless of its stained effect. Sir George 
 read his defeat in the look she had given his rival, so 
 that it required more of heroism on his part to follow 
 put her wishes ; and yet he could not refuse her anything. 
 
 He tried to smile as he accepted the hand of his late an- 
 tagonist, but the attempt was rather forlorn. He saw all 
 he had loved slipping away from him then and there, since 
 it was for Kinkaid her anxieties had been excited. 
 
 Poor Sir George ! he took it like a man, every one said, 
 nor was he at a loss for eloquent words to apologize for 
 his misconduct, beg her pardon, and promise that it would 
 be his last offense, as he expected to continue his inter- 
 rupted journey to China in a couple of days. 
 
 Both participants in the affair hastened to don their 
 coats, ashamed to allow her gentle eyes to see the tell- 
 tale stains longer. 
 
 "You are wounded — oh, tell me, is it serious? I prav 
 that nothing may befall either of you because of this 
 wretched night's business. What a sad shock it gave me 
 
How Fate Plies the Shuttle. 29 
 
 when I learned about if upon my arrival home ! How 
 can I ever forget having seen friends of mine engaged in 
 a deed of violence?" 
 
 How little she suspected what the unknown future held 
 in store for her, and how in view of the tragedies about 
 to come this scene must appear insignificant indeed ! But 
 to none is given the power to lift the veil of the mystic 
 future, and it all seemed very real and serious just then 
 to her. 
 
 "One thing before we leave here. My honor is in- 
 volved in the matter, and I beg of you, Miss Joyce, to 
 state how you learned of our intentions. It is my design 
 to prove that, though I believed myself outclassed, I was 
 above seeking to have an interruption take place," pleaded 
 Kinkaid. 
 
 "I am pledged not to, reveal the source of my informa- 
 tion, but positively state fqr the satisfaction of both gen- 
 tlemen that it came from no one who had their interests 
 to serve — let that be sufficient. Now come away from 
 this place, and forget if you can the miserable conditions 
 under which I found you. We' will try and believe you 
 were simply engaged in a trial of skill, and allowed the 
 heat of the engagement to run away with your discretion. 
 Thank God ! I came in time," covering her face with her 
 gloved hands, as a shudder passed through her frame. 
 
 The youngsters present felt as though they had been . 
 caught in the act of stealing, to judge from their shame- 
 faced manner;" they were only too glad to sHnk away, 
 hoping that their identity had not been noticed in the ex- 
 citement of the occasion. 
 
 And this was the true inwardness of the most remark- 
 able affair of that memorable, winter. If you run across, 
 the right one in a certain clique he will tell it just as it has 
 been set down here. There was a meeting in an old sail- 
 loft, it promised grave consequences, and was finally; 
 broken up by the opportune coming of several women, 
 escorted by a gentleman who seemed to be so bundled up 
 in furs that his identity was not known. 
 
 Once outside Joyce stopped to say a last word. 
 
 How strange it was to hear the distant yet distinct 
 sounds of merrymaking! Tragedy and comedy are often 
 
50 How Fate Plies the Shuttle. 
 
 bedfellows, and run a hot race to see which may come in 
 ahead. 
 
 It was to Kinkaid she turned, and he saw her put out 
 her hand. 
 
 "It is more than a year since I have seen you; until 
 half an hour ago I did not dream that you were again in 
 Montreal. Of course you will call and see me before you 
 go home?" she said. 
 
 "Surely — to-morrow. Will you pardon me if I defer 
 shaking hands until then — I -am hardly in a presentable 
 condition just now. I should want to come to ask your 
 forgiveness, if nothing more," he faltered. 
 
 "I shall ,be at home all morning — the same address on 
 Sherbrooke Street," and then raising her voice, she 
 added: "Sir George, I shall expect you to call in the 
 afternoon." 
 
 "You may depend upon me, unless I am too stiff to get 
 cut of bed, thanks to our American friend here," laughed 
 the diplomat, who, it seemed, could in an emergency make , 
 the most out of a bad bargain. He meant to put his fate 
 to the test ere he shook the dust of Montreal from his 
 shoes, if such an ancient axiom could be applied to a 
 snow-covered city. 
 
 So Miss Joyce and her friendly aunt drove away, still 
 in the charge of the unknown gentleman who had been 
 their guide, and whose identity remained undeveloped 
 through reason of the fact that no one. had thought it 
 worth while to investigate until it was too late, each being 
 occupied with his . own particular business. 
 
 One sleigh remained, and there was nothing for it but 
 that the two late antagonists should enter. Somehow the 
 coming of this woman had cleared the atmosphere to a de- 
 gree that was simply marvelous, and while Sir George 
 admitted to himself that if he had to owe his defeat to 
 any man he could not have found a more satisfactory and 
 generous opponent. Kinkaid on his part rejoiced to real- 
 ize that all reason for enmity between them was over, for 
 really something had drawn him to the Englishman from 
 the start, and he was only too ready to find all manner of 
 excuses for the conduct shown by his late rival — yes, he 
 believed he had reason to believe that Sir George no 
 
How Fate Plies tlie Shuttle. 31 
 
 longer stood in such a light to him, after what he had 
 read on the face of the angel who had brought peace to 
 the scene of war. 
 
 In all the annals of dueling there had perhaps never 
 been such a remarkable ending to an affair of honor as 
 this. Kinkaid insisted on holding the lines, for he was a 
 horseman to his finger-<rips, and with the jingle of the 
 sleigh bells there departed from the region of the famous 
 market the last vestige of the mysterious duel, over the 
 existence of which society would be all agog for many 
 moons, some declaring it had been a reality, while others 
 would just as vigorously maintain it had no foundation 
 save A desire on the part of certain young hotspurs to 
 create a subject for sensation — for had not the two gentle- 
 men said to have been engaged come to the hotel arm- 
 in-arm, Sir George even lighting the cigar which Kinkaid 
 could not handle because he drove a vicious horse? 
 
 Yes, they even went up to Kinkaid's apartments, and 
 were closeted together an hour or more, striking up an 
 acquaintance, it was said. ; 
 
 That was the climax of this astonishing business, and 
 surely^ never before did men who had just been at each 
 other's throat find genial employment in gently bandaging 
 each cut that had been made by their own swords. That 
 was what they were doing, and somehow the job made 
 them more heartily ashamed of their recent actions. 
 
 Such jolly fellows could not long remain under the 
 weatlier, and hence it was not surprising that presently, as 
 he worked with salve and linen and sticking plaster, Kin- 
 kaid should softly hum the words of a favorite song that 
 seemed to have a peculiar bearing on the subject, nothing 
 less than the time-honored "Comrades," which caused Sir 
 George to shake hands with him again, as though renew- 
 ing his compact with Miss Joyce. Then on his part he 
 took occasion to relate an infinitely comical experience 
 he had had in connection with the august Shereef of 
 Wazzan, when detailed to the court of Fez in the terri- 
 tory of Morocco, nothing more nor less than a duel he 
 had fought with this terrible ruler, second only to the Sul- 
 tan, and v^hich might have resulted seriously, only for 
 the lucky accident that turned tragedy into comedy. 
 
32 How Fate Plies the Shuttle, 
 
 Not a word of Miss Joyce passed between them, and 
 yet they both had her dainty face in mind all the time. 
 Each knew the other intended to put his fate to the 
 touch right speedily, and while hope still told a flattering 
 tale, they were satisfied that should luck go against them 
 the prize must fall to one equally worthy. 
 
 During that evening,' the most remarkable of his whole 
 life, taking it in all, Wallis Kinkaid came to know the 
 baronet as he was, nor did he longer wonder how the 
 other captured all hearts by his genial character — in truth, 
 the more he^aw of Sir George the greater became his 
 surprise that Joyce Robertson could prefer a plain, every- 
 day chap like himself. Of course there is never any 
 accounting for the vagaries of love ; but Kinkaid con- 
 fessed in his inmost soul that ,he was an exceeding lucky 
 fellow to have made an impression on the young girl's 
 heart before she ever knew the fascinating baronet, 
 else would his cause have been hopeless. 
 
 And Sir George, wh6. had passed through so many 
 strange things in his eventful career, would he remember 
 this night far into the future, when sitting mayhap in 
 bungalow or Eastern potentate's palace; would he muse 
 over the stirring scene in which he had borne himself at 
 least manfully, and his heart go out to that valorous 
 Americ~an cousin who had stood up to take his medicine 
 with a coolness he had never seen excelled; would his 
 benediction rather than his curse be wafted over the sea 
 to those he supposed enjoying connubial bliss? It was 
 rather a staggering question to ask just then, but judging 
 Irom his well-known disposition, it might be safe to decide 
 in the affirmative. 
 
 At least the handshake with which these two men 
 separated was a pretty good indication that their new 
 friendship was founded on mutual esteem and respect. 
 
 "I say, Kinkaid, while I hope to still beat you in the 
 game we are embarked in, should the fates decree against ' 
 me, by Jove! now, I wish you all luck; and that comes 
 straight from the heart, you know," he remarked, ear- 
 nestly. 
 
 "I've known her longer than you. Sir George. She 
 gave me hop-^ more than a year ago, if I would quit being 
 
How Fate Plies the Shuttle. 33 
 
 only an idler, and do something in the world. So you see 
 I've been working for her all_ these months. Still, I echo - 
 your generous words — if I can't have her, then success 
 to you !" 
 
 Thus was cemented the strangest friendship that ever 
 bore fruit in a far-distant country, whither the tide that 
 carries the fortunes of men drifted our characters to 
 C9mplete the tragedy of their mingled lives, 
 
 After all we are but shuttlecocks, driven hither and yon 
 by circumstances usually beyond our control. 
 
 Kinkaid had another look at his numerous "scratches," 
 as he was pleased to term them, but several were of a 
 nature that came within an ace of being serious, a.nd told 
 how Venomously the blades had flown in that last attack. 
 Sir George was even worse off, and our friend had shud- 
 dered to see how nasty a wound his sword had made not 
 very far away from the other's heart. What a blessing 
 that it had failed ! How could he have ever found happi- 
 ness in all time if by sheer luck or skill he had killed 
 this -bright fellow, who possessed so many admirable 
 qualities, temporarily under an eclipse by the working of 
 jealousy, but there all the same? Yes, Kinkaid had reason 
 for double thanksgiving that night — it marked a white 
 Stone in his checkered career. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 WHEN DID TRUE LOVE EVER RUN SMOOTHLY? 
 
 On the following' morning Wallis Kinkaid found that 
 even a man with -some pretensions toward being an ath- 
 lete could not pass through such an experience as had 
 come to him on the preceding night without paying some 
 sort of penalty as a result. 
 
 When he arose he was obliged to laugh to find himself 
 grunting after the manner of a decrepit octogenarian . 
 instead of a young chap not up to his thirties. At the 
 same time he expressed himself well satisfied that he was 
 able to get up at all, for he realized that he had passed 
 through an experience that comes to few men in these 
 prosaic days of comrnercialism. 
 
 At his matin meal he amused" himself by going over the 
 whole business once more/ and a beatific sensation warmed 
 the cockles of his heart as he remembered how she had 
 looked at him, and what she had said. 
 
 Love may be blind to faults, but it possesses keen eyes 
 to detect certain evidences of responsive affection, such as 
 might never catch an ordinary eye. 
 
 He believed that this was destined to be an eventful day 
 in his calendar, just as the late night had marked a mile- 
 stone in his career — that ere the shades of darkness once 
 more enveloped old Montreal in their mantle he would 
 perchance hear a sweet confession, such as he had- im- 
 agined many a time as coming from the scarlet lips of 
 Joyce Robertson. 
 
 Well, some other men have anticipated happiness, and 
 found it turn to Dead Sea fruit ere they could enjoy it, 
 possibly owing to the vagaries of the mind feminine. 
 
 Kinkaid had now entirely forgotten his cuts and 
 bruises, and was feeling in the pink of condition, as he 
 declared to his military friend, who, having seen him 
 through on the preceding night now turned up to dis- 
 cover how he had survived the afifair. 
 
Did True Love Ever Run Smoothly? 35 
 
 In good time he had secured a cutter, and was on the 
 way to the home of the young lady. Joyce resided with 
 the aunt who had been in her company on the preceding 
 night, a jolly Irish lady of first-class pedigree, widow 
 of a general who had served his country with more or less 
 distinction, and left a fair portion to supply the comforts 
 of life to his surviving partner. 
 
 Kinkaid thought he had a walkover, and that it only 
 remained for him to take what the gods had provided; 
 he was yet to learn that nothing may be counted on as 
 positively certain when the whim of a woman is con- 
 cerned. More experience with the fair sex would in time 
 teach him the unfortunate weakness that usually accom- 
 panies a tender heart. 
 
 When she came into the room he sprang from his chair 
 to meet her, and even while taking her hand eagerly in 
 his, devouring her face meanwhile with his hungry eyes 
 that had so long yearned to behold this dear profile, he 
 became aware that there was a strange look, almost an 
 expression of pain there, instead of the happy light he 
 had hoped and expected to 'discover. 
 
 Good heavens ! was he after all nothing to this girl ; 
 did she understand what he meant to say this morning, 
 and had she steeled her heart to deal him a second stag- 
 gering blow? That brotherly love business was not at 
 all to the liking of our good friend, and he had made up 
 his mind he would have none of it in his, thank you. 
 
 Another thought flashed athwart his brain — could the 
 shock of seeing him in such a horrible position, seeking 
 the life of another, as it must have appeared to her, so 
 acted upon her sensitive nerves as to cause this uneasy, 
 almost haggard look? 
 
 If that were all, and it proved to be love that caused 
 the shadow, he believed he had the elixir to chase such 
 anxieties away, so great is the assurance of a bold lover. 
 
 Her. first words were of himself, and concerned the 
 results of his recent Quixotic adventure — was he sure he 
 had not received more than the trivial injuries, that he had 
 spoken of with such unconcern ? 
 
 Now Kinkaid was human, and it gave him a singularly 
 keen pleasure to know just how much she cared about 
 
36 Did True Love Ever Run Smoothly? 
 
 ]iis personal well-being. He could detect it in the glow 
 of her eyes, that looked as though little sleep had visited 
 them on the preceding night, and once more his hopes 
 sprang into new life. 
 
 "I assure you I am all right. It would take many 
 times such petty wounds to keep me at home when I had 
 the chance to see you, Joyce. I want you to ride with me, 
 the day is so bright; and I have many things to tell you, 
 besides explaining my wretched position of last night, if 
 any apologies can make it seem halfway right in your 
 eyes. Please get on your wraps and come.'" 
 
 She seemed to hesitate, and then as though making 
 up her minc^, flashed him one of her old-time arch glances,' 
 and ran off. 
 
 The thermometer went up — Kinkaid mentally shook 
 hands with himself. 
 
 And yet he was more than puzzled to account for the 
 strange look upon the face of the girl ; there was too much 
 of the martyr about it to suit him, as though she had 
 been brought, Hke Moses of old, to the border of the 
 Promised Land, but debarred from entering. 
 
 It must be his privilege as well as duty to combat any 
 notion on her part that threatened to make them mutually 
 wretched. He had battered down one wall of her erec- 
 tion, pertaining to his condition of life, and, please 
 Heaven, he would go at all such with the determination 
 to win — the more difficult the task the more men appre- 
 ciate the reward. 
 
 When she returned, she looked very charming in her 
 furs, and how carefully Kinkaid tucked her in among 
 the robes ! He felt that he had been intrusted with a very 
 precious treasure in this maid of Montreal, and should 
 appreciate his extraordinary good luck accordingly. 
 
 Presently they were ascending the mountain, and grad- 
 ually unfolding that magnificent stretch of landscape that 
 by the vastness of its _jurroundings stamps the chief 
 beauty of Montreal. From the mountain you look upon a 
 view of "almost limitless expanse, of singular nobility and 
 simplicity. You stand high above an immense plain; its 
 monuments are a group of isolated mountain cones; you 
 
Did True Love Kver Run Smoothly? 37 
 
 salute in the distance the Green Mountains and the Adi- 
 rondacks, for these are the outposts of our repubhc. The 
 St Lawrence, joined by the Ottawa near by, flows strajght 
 on through the plain ; you feel the might of its rush, and 
 you almost hear the roar of its gleaming and enormous 
 rapids in the summer time, though now all is frozen tight 
 in a white shroud. The vast expanse of sky, the majestic 
 .pageantry of clouds, the clear sunlight all about and so far 
 away, the generous wind of this pure Northern air — all of 
 it is broad and full of nobility. Then the city at your 
 feet has but little that bemeans this magnificence. It 
 stretches about five miles along the river, and runs about 
 two miles back, over a series of terraces rising to the 
 mountain ; factories, mills and the homes of the workmen 
 are at each end, and the central portion is occupied by the 
 shipping, the public buildings, the business thorough- 
 fares ; near the mountain, along wide streets that are 
 shady in the proper season, are the houses of the middle 
 and upper classes. Victoria Bridge, markets, elevators, 
 spires, domes and numerous huge monasteries rise above 
 the common level of roofs. The plain lies all about, and 
 the forest runs down the streets and stretches its arms 
 over the dwellings of men." 
 
 Such a panorama it was that met the eyes of the two 
 who rode up, the slope of Mount Royal on that winter 
 day. Perhaps Kinkaid failed to view the magnificent 
 scene with his usual enthusiasm, but surely he had a fair • 
 excuse in the presence at his side of this adorable crea- 
 ture, who had twined the tendrils of her affection so ten- 
 aciously about his heart. What to him were pageants 
 and artistic sunsets, what could anything on earth be to 
 him at this most momentous period of his life, when he 
 was about to make the cast that meant everything or 
 nothing ? 
 
 They had chatted, though in somewhat of a strained 
 manner, each apparently having weightier things in mind. 
 
 Having determined to explain his absurd position of 
 the previous night as well as he could without putting- 
 too much of the blame on the shoulders of Sir George, 
 just like the magnanimous fellow that he was, Kinkaid 
 started the ball rolling without any beating around the 
 
38 Did True Love Ever Run Smootlily? 
 
 bush. It was always a part of his nature to be straight- 
 forward without being brutally frank. 
 
 TJhe girl evinced much - interest in what he said, and 
 occasionally asked a question, as though' desirous of 
 knowing all. Perhaps she could read between the lines 
 and guess what he refused to say concerning Sir George, 
 but if so, surely she could not have thought any the less of 
 Kinkaid for attempting to shoulder more of the blame, 
 than was his due. It might even be that she had been 
 fully posted on the whole aflfair by the one who took 
 upon himself the duty of chaperoning the ladies to the 
 scene of the duel, and knew just how the jealous baronet 
 had nagged Kinkaid on to a rupture. 
 
 By degrees he warmed' with his subject, and managed 
 to get around to the matter that had been the means of 
 drawing him North again, when he had once vowed never 
 more to look upon a Canadian landscape ; that was when 
 he had felt humbled and provoked. Now he had some- 
 thing to tell her of deeds accomplished in her name,_ of 
 victories won over the demon of idleness, simply because 
 she had spoken so plainly. 
 
 He pleaded his cause manfully, much better than he 
 had ever expected to do when the crisis was upon him. 
 Yes, having once launched upon the sea of his fondest 
 hopes and aspirations, he became almost eloquent. Surely 
 that is the one occasion in a man's life when he should do 
 himself proud, and yet, strange to say, the most gifted 
 tongue is apt to fail, while another that makes no claims 
 on oratory may arise to heights unparalleled. 
 
 They had reached a place that appeared quite lonely 
 enough to suit the most exacting wooer, and when Kin- 
 kaid had pleaded his cause with all the fervor of which 
 he was possessed he begged her to look up and tell him 
 what he was to expect. Could she return the affection he 
 laid at her feet, or was he to return to his duties, as- 
 sumed for her sake, disappointed, grieved, with only de- 
 spair in his heart that a word from her could make so 
 joyous ? 
 
 She did look up, but poor Kinkaid was quite taken 
 aback by the expression he discovered there. When he 
 
Did True lyove Ever Run Smootlily? 39 
 
 longed to read a happy answer to his appeal he saw pain 
 and sorrow. 
 
 In that moment he began to realize what misery this 
 old world may hold for a fellow, for it dawned upon him 
 before she even opened her lips, that he was in for trou- 
 ble with a big T. No man ever saw such a look on the 
 face of the woman he had asked to marry him if she 
 meant to say. "yes." 
 
 "It is too bad; yes, cruel to you, to have to say that 
 what you ask is utterly impossible^and I had hoped to 
 give you a different answer — Wallis," was what she fal- 
 tered, still looking so pained. 
 
 He went white then. What a fool a man may make of 
 himself when he deliberately shuts his eyes to plain facts ! 
 It was Sir George then, after all, and he would not even 
 come in for a consolation prize. 
 
 In that bitter moment he proved his manhood more 
 than when he faced the steel of the baronet. Apparently 
 he gulped something down, and then tried to smile, 
 though it was a farce of the most lurid kind. 
 
 "Then I'm too late — the field has been left open too 
 long. It's a hard blow, and you will pardon me if I seem 
 a little bit dizzy. I had dreamed so very long, fool that I 
 was — but he's a royal good fellow, and I hope for the 
 best of luck' for you both, as much as a poor fellow may 
 under such distressing conditions." 
 
 How much further he might have babbled on in this 
 idiotic strain it would be hard to say, only that ,Joyce 
 pulled him up sharply. 
 
 "Why, what can you mean ? There is no one else for 
 whom I care. Good fellow indeed, when he drove -you 
 into so horrid a position ! It is to you my thoughts have 
 ever turned since I sent you into exile," she said, softly. 
 
 "What ! you confess then that you do love me?" he ex- 
 claimed, rapturously. 
 
 She nodded a shy assent, and yet when Kinkaid, as any 
 sane man would have done under the circumstances, at- 
 tempted to take her in his eager arms, with the intention 
 of sealing the compact with a lover's kiss, he was sur- 
 prised to find that she offered resistance. 
 
 "I beg of you, please don't 1 It may never be as you 
 
40 Did True Love Ever Run Smootlily? 
 
 wish. Something has occurred to give me grave doubts 
 as to whether I dare ever allow an honest gentleman to 
 link his name with mine," she pleaded. 
 
 Kinkaid was thunderstruck, as well he might be — it 
 was like a page from the latest tragic novel. He even be- 
 gan to fear this sweet girl had been unduly influenced by 
 the fiction of the day; he had' always known that she 
 was unlike other girls of his acquaintance, taking a more 
 serious view of life and its manifold duties, but never had 
 it occurred to him to suspect that she would allow any 
 scruples of this sort to come between them now that 
 he had manfully done what she had requested. 
 
 "Joyce — my darling, I don't understand! What have 
 you ever done that you should talk in that way? I want 
 no explanations — I only want you, and I'm willing to take 
 you under any and all conditions. Don't tantalize me, 
 dearest girl — it is cruel. Say you will marry me — you 
 must !" 
 
 She showed signs of deep emotion, but her character 
 shone out in this crisis, and she did not falter in her reso- 
 lution, though she looked into his dear face with ^es 
 that were full of unshed tears. 
 
 "Not while this shadow rests upon me. If it rises then 
 I will be the happiest woman in all Canada, and you shall 
 have your way. More than that I am unable to say at 
 present. I beg that you will respect my wish and ask 
 nothing further about my trouble. Pity me while you love 
 me, Wallis!" 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 A TANTALIZING PREDICAMENT. 
 
 KinKaid gathered her in his arms tenderly, more like an 
 affectionate big brother than a lover. He realized that 
 she was actually suffering from this singular cause, and 
 for the moment it was triumph enough for him to know 
 she retui-ned his affection, and that perhaps some day 
 he could call her by that sweetest name on earth, "wife !" 
 
 At the same time it was perfectly natural he should feel 
 considerable curiosity about the nature of this ridiculous 
 obstacle that had thrust its miserable identity between 
 him and his happiness. Of course it would prove to be a 
 small affair in the end. Perhaps she had learned that 
 some ancestor of hers had been concerned in ^ massacre 
 of Indians in the old times of the Dominion, for he re- 
 membered that her folks had been connected with the 
 Hudson Bay Fur Company in its prime. To him that 
 would not appeal iij the least, as he was the last man in 
 the world to hold any one accountable for the misdeeds 
 of their forbears. Did he not have a grave suspicion, 
 never fully verified, that some of his own worthy stock 
 had been in league with Captain Kidd of unsavory repu- 
 tation, an4 had he ever felt his own personality demeaned 
 by this circumstance?- But Jayce was a singular girl, and 
 saw mountains where others detected only molehills. 
 His would be the pleasant task to convince her how un- 
 reasonable such a proposition must ever be, and that for 
 every such Oliver she was able to resurrect from the dim 
 graves of the past he could oppose a Roland that out- 
 classed her rogues easily. 
 
 "Tell me, my dear," he said, when they were sitting 
 quietly again like reasonable beings, he with a look of 
 satisfaction on his face, she blushing, in confusion because 
 he had insisted on taking the delightful toll that was his 
 right. "Tell me when you -first became aware of this 
 impediment to our happiness, as you are pleased to term 
 
42 A Tantalizing Predicament. 
 
 it, but which I refuse to allow such a distinction? Surely 
 you did not think that way last night when you spoke 
 to me?" 
 
 "Although I don't see how you know that, still it is 
 true — when I flew to prevent what I feared would be a 
 scandal — yes, because I loved you, Wallis ; I am not 
 ashamed to admit it now. I had not been home, ipr our 
 good friend met us at the station with the news, and we 
 went straight to that place. Yes, last night at that hour 
 I knew of no reason why I should not promise what I 
 guessed in my heart you had come again to ask. But 
 soon all was changed, for among the letters awaiting 
 me there was one that bore intelligence of the most dis- 
 tressing nature, which kept me awake the whole night, 
 suffering because I believed God intended to try me as by 
 fire. Oh, Wallis, if you knew what I went through with, 
 you would pity, not condemn, me." 
 
 "Heaven knows I do pity, but I also love you, and am 
 determine^ sooner or later to overcome this remarkable 
 reluctance on your part to confide in me, and allow me to 
 judge. Let u^ say no rrlore about it at present — I am con- 
 tent to know that you care for me, and that in all proba- 
 bility in due time you will come to nje. I shall promise 
 to b€ very patient, and let you have your owxLgood time, 
 but after a bit, when the fact does not seem quite so 
 terrible, perhaps you will tell me all about it. If any of 
 your ancestors were hung don't you worry about it — 
 heaps of mine were, or ought to have been, which amounts 
 to the same thing, so we can cry quits there. Meanwhile, 
 be pleased to remember that you belong to me — don't 
 shake that pretty head and smile so mournfully. I tell 
 you it's so, and nothing on earth shall prevent me from 
 claiming my own when good and ready. I've always 
 had what I wanted sooner or later, and it's too late to 
 turn over a new leaf now." 
 
 Was ever woman in this humor wooed ; and when does 
 she not feel confidence in a suitor who will not be denied, 
 whose persistence rises above all obstacles ? Joyce found 
 gleams of hope still rising up in her poor bewildered and 
 struggling soul — she wanted to do what was right, what 
 was best for this man whom she loved so deeply. Noth- 
 
A Tantalizing Predicament. 43 
 
 ing on earth could give more bitter anguish .than the pos- 
 sibility of his ever turning from her because her sup- 
 posedly honored name was linked with crime. 
 
 Gradually these two singularly situated beings fell into 
 a natural conversation, though at times Wallis insisted 
 in recognizing his right to hold her hand in his or touch 
 her rosy cheek with adoring fingers, after the manner of 
 the usual swain. At such times Joyce would make a 
 movement as if to reproach him for taking advantage 
 of his prerogative, but with the love in her own heart it 
 was hard to take him to task ; so that it seemed taken 
 for granted that they were betrothed, even with this un- 
 known shadow between. 
 
 As time went by Kinkaid might find out that this ob- 
 stacle instead of diminishing grew steadily more threat- 
 ening, owing to her sensitive nature, and that he would 
 -have the fight of his life to disenthrall this girl from her 
 illusion — she who could take upon her gentle head un- 
 merited punishment if so be she believed it was right. 
 
 There would also come times when he even questioned 
 whether he might not be wise to give it all up, and confess 
 himself defeated ; but her face would come before him, 
 and these resolutions were ignominiously cast overboard 
 as unworthy of a man. She was a girl in a thousand, well 
 worth the winning, and some day these troubles and 
 tribulations which he was forced to surmount, would 
 make him appreciate her the more, if such a thing were 
 possible. 
 
 And Sir George's name was not mentioned again dur- 
 ing their ride. Poor Sir George was not in it any more, 
 and he could drop off the earth as soon as it suited his 
 own precious convenience. A man and maiden in love 
 have little sympathy for the rest of the world, save as 
 seen through the rosy spectacles they have assumed. 
 
 The fateful ride was over at last^Kinkaid had assisted 
 her from the cutter with jealous care, and the touch of 
 her hand had power to thrill him as naught else on earth 
 could. 
 
 "Remember," he said at parting, "you belong to me, 
 though I may not claim. you until it is your desire; I will 
 hear of nothing else tmder the circumstances. To-night 
 
44 A Tantalizing Predicament. 
 
 I shall call again — I have so many things to tell you 
 about my work, and the plans I have been arranging, 
 modeled on the principles you uttered w^hen we were — 
 friends, you know." 
 
 She seemed about to beg him not to come, that it was 
 necessary she should fight this out by herself; but it was 
 hard to refuse a man of his nature, who would not take 
 no for an answer. 
 
 "I shall be glad to see you — I have been very lonely for 
 a whole year — you never even took the trouble to write," 
 was what she said instead. Thus it is that inclination 
 of times rules the lips while stern duty endeavors to set 
 Wp a fortress in the heart. 
 
 "I would have written every day had I suspected you 
 cared a jot what the poor fellow down York way was 
 'doing. Never mind, next time I'll swamp you with let- 
 ters, that is, if there is to be any next. About eight, 
 then?" 
 
 He was a pretty conceited chap as he drove to the hotel. 
 iWhy not, when he had just heard the prettiest and sweet- 
 est girl in Montreal say that she loved him ? To the deuce 
 with all forebodings, he could surely find a way to con- 
 vince Joyce that the thing she was pleased to consider 
 an impediment to their marriage was in truth a potent 
 reason why she should change her name to Kinkaid in the 
 least possible time. 
 
 Such is the exuberance of the grandest passion — noth- 
 ing seems impossible to the intrepid lover — and yet, did he 
 but know it, Wallis Kinkaid was destined only to win his 
 bride through tribulations and perils such as accompany 
 but few betrothals. 
 
 During the afternoon he chanced to see Sir George 
 driving a high-steppqr and whirling through the streets in 
 that quarter toward the mountain. The baronet waved 
 a hand at him, and vanished from view, with what seemed 
 jto be a smile of confidence upon his handsome phiz ; nor 
 'did Kinkaid set eyes on him again ere moons had waxed 
 and waned, and then under the most extraordinary con- 
 iditions imaginable. 
 
 He really felt sorry for the other — that kind of sor- 
 row a fellow who has won the first prize can afford to 
 
A Tantalizing Predicament. 45 
 
 feel toward a claimant for the booby trophy. But Sin 
 George was used to these things, no doubt, since he 
 had been on the boards so long as a ladies' man; he 
 would find consolation in the languorous smiles of the 
 Japanese or Chinese fair ones, whither he was going, and 
 ere a year had rolled around might have been in love 
 and out again several times. Perhaps he wronged the 
 baronet by such reflections, but really a handsome Adonis 
 could never adore one woman for all time. 
 
 Kinkaid heard that the diplomat gave a farewell supn 
 per that night, and had the nerve to toast "t^e prettiest 
 girl in Montreal — here's to her happiness, and that of 
 the lucky chap who gets her," and he quite forgave Sir 
 George, after the first flush of indignation wore off. 
 
 Time passed. 
 
 The cafnival became only a memory — true, sport isi 
 ever rampant while, the Frost King holds sway over the 
 white Northern metropolis, but the blaze and glitter were 
 gone. 
 
 One guest remained. There was always something newi 
 to write about in this remarkable old city, and when 
 facts really did begin to grow scarce, why it was only a 
 little journey to quaint Quebec, and its treasures. The 
 story of Wolfe was told over again, and mixed with it 
 myriads of strange, mythical Acadian romances,, gleaned 
 from the good folks dwelling along the Richelieu River. 
 
 Kinkaid lingered on, charmed by a sweet presence, yet 
 in daily danger of losing what he had so boldly claimed 
 as his own. 
 
 He could not induce her to tell him the nature of this 
 hideous thing that gave her so much uneasiness, although 
 she had been good enough to confess that it did concern' 
 the misdeeds of some member of her family. 
 
 Vainly he cudgeled his brains in the endeavor tO find 
 some means of settling this uncomfortable ghost that 
 persisted in walking even when it should have remained 
 i» its tomb. He knew of no remedy for such a singular 
 case, and until Joyce consented to repose confidence in 
 him he could not see his way clear toward accomplishing 
 anything. 
 
 Sometimes he was deliriously happy, and then again 
 
46 A Tantalizing Predicament. 
 
 he would be plunged into the depths of despair when he 
 contemplated how the weeks were running intQ_ months 
 and he could not say that he was any nearer a solution 
 of the mystery than at the start. 
 
 Indeed, he feared this lapse of time had only served 
 to make the girl see what she was pleased to term her 
 duty in a more severe light. He even found that his 
 arguments were beginning to appeal with less force to her, 
 and by degrees it began to force itself upon his conviction 
 that after all he was likely to run up against defeat in the 
 end, unless something radical happened to change the 
 course of events. 
 
 Kinkaid began to feel provoked, though he did not let 
 her see this. After all what was the use in winning if 
 one could not wear? They tell us that it "is better to 
 have loved and lost than never to have loved at all," but 
 on his part he had won, yet seemed destined to be cheated 
 Out of his reward. 
 
 Winter had given way to early spring, and the great 
 event that takes place every year,, the breaking up of the 
 ice in the river, was a question of hours rather than days. 
 
 Kinkaid had always wanted to witness the terrific spec- 
 tacle, and made this an excuse for lingering. In secret 
 he had determined that if Joyce still persisted in saying 
 "No" when he asked for an affirmative, he would hie him 
 away as soon as this smash-up had taken place, and per- 
 haps his absence might do more than his presence seemed 
 able to effect. You see he was beginning to feel more 
 than a ' little annoyed because she persisted in waiting 
 to hear some news that seemed a deuced long time in 
 coming, and in the end might be the cause of his further 
 undoing. 
 
 Then fate, as if anxious to take matters into hands more 
 accustomed to dealing with such problems, brought about 
 a complication that promised to solve the affair one way 
 or another. Some of the methods in vogue with destiny 
 are rude enough at the best, since it is a case of kill or 
 cure. 
 
 Wallis had strolled around to the house on Sherbrooke 
 Street, but when he asked for Joyce it was her aunt 
 
A Tantalizing Predicament. 47 
 
 instead who entered the room, with an anxious look on 
 her kindly face. _ 
 
 Joyce was away ; she had driven the steady old horse, 
 Peter, intending to visit a family across the river who had 
 long subsisted on her bounty, being one-time servants of 
 the house, now pensioned. 
 
 Kinkaid sprang to his feet on the instant, his face 
 paling, for he remembered that it was her usual habit to 
 cross on the ice, a common enough thing during the 
 winter, once it had been pronounced safe. 
 
 He fired out some explosive questions at the lady, and 
 received in return the paralyzing information that Joyce 
 had expressed her intention of crossing for the last time 
 on the ice — it was early for a break-up, and she seemed 
 almost oblivious to the danger. Hardly a year but casu- 
 alities occur during this period, so accustomed do the 
 people become to the danger. 
 
 The way Kinkaid flew out of that house and down 
 toward the river was like a cyclone — please Heaven it 
 might not be too late; but he had awful fears as he ran, 
 for upon his hearing there came ominous rumbling noises, 
 unlike anything he had ever met with before — the ground 
 seemed quivering as if under the approach of an earth- 
 quake. He overtook hundreds running toward the quays, 
 eager to witness the grandest sight imaginable, and as 
 he neared the river's edge he saw that his worst fears 
 were realized, for the whole surface of ice was in mad 
 commotion, and already shouts sounded the warning 
 heard so. often, that there was at least one wretched un- 
 fortunate caught out yonder, soon ^ to be engulfed in the 
 tomb of ice that would be reared up twenty, thirty, forty 
 feet high. And the first horrified look he cast out over 
 the heaving bosom of the awakened St. Lawrence told 
 him the solitary vehicle in sight held but a single figure, 
 and that the girl he loved, the maid of Montreal ; sweet 
 Joyce Robertson ! 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 AT THE MERCY OF THE RIVER GODS. 
 
 When Wallis Kinkaid made that alarming discovery, 
 and realized the extreme danger of the woman he loved, 
 he had no time to carefully weigh the chances of life and 
 death in the balance. Indeed, the only conviction that 
 flashed through his mind was in the nature of his duty 
 in the premises. His place was with her — living or dying, 
 he asked nothing more. 
 
 It' was the most natural thing in the world for a fellow 
 of his caliber td thus gladly devote his whole heart and 
 soul to the possible saving of the one in peril, nor could 
 he ever see how he deserved any particular credit for so 
 doing. Why, a map with the spirit of a spaniel must 
 have gone out yonder or hated himself all the remainder 
 of his days. 
 
 He had only given that one cry of consternation, which 
 ■welled up involuntarily from his very soul — it sprang 
 from her peril, not any alarm over the risk he was about 
 to assume. Had it been a blazing hotel he would have 
 just as readily faced its terrors to do his duty. 
 
 The world has reason to be proud of such men ; they 
 are molded in the shape of true heroes, though most of 
 them would jeer at such a comparison, believing them- 
 selves but common clay. 
 
 Luckily Kinkaid was a man who seldom lost his head ; 
 he had already proven that during his hot little engage- 
 ment with Sir George, when there was a sign of falter 
 even after he realized the game was against him. 
 
 Such men generally know what to attempt, and how to 
 do it. 
 
 Having satisfied himself that it was really Joyte out 
 there on the moving ice, he turned his attention to the 
 chances of gaining her side — not a single thought as to 
 how they might come back ; that would take care of itself 
 
At tlie Mercy of tBe River Gods. 49 
 
 in good time; all he wanted now was to reach her, and 
 share the peril. 
 
 For a man who had never witnessed this wonderful and 
 terrifying spectacle before, when the ice of the mighty 
 St. Lawrence broke up with thunderous and tumultuous 
 effect, Kinkaid showed unusual tact in planning a route 
 on the spur of the moment. 
 
 Here his forest education served him a good turn; he 
 was able to calculate just about where a man should 
 strike in so that he could take advantage of the movementi 
 • that had begun. 
 
 Already the shores were well lined with people, everi 
 eagfer to witness this furious panorama, when the wild 
 forces of nature battle like giants for the mastery. If 
 any noticed him rvmning they paid little attention, as oth- 
 ers were in motion in various quarters. 
 
 Thus in a few minutes he had rushed some distance 
 down the shore, thrusting aside in a rude manner those 
 who by chance got in his way, nor waiting to hear the 
 blessing they rattled out in French or patois. Seconds 
 were of vital importance to him, no matter if he were 
 so unfortunate as to jam his elbows into the ribs of the) 
 lord mayor himself. 
 
 Now he had come to the point he had selected as the! 
 start of his desperate enterprise. Here a point of land 
 seemed to jut out to some extent into the river; behind! 
 this was quiet water, and at one time, on account of justi 
 this thing, there was a great movement to make Hochelaga 
 the commercial part of 'the city, as before the building of 
 modern canals the swift current prevented vessels froral 
 coming to the docks and discharging cargo, sometimes for 
 weeks at a time. 
 
 A crowd had collected around this point, and variousi 
 exclamations of pity for the unfortunate out on the ice 
 could be heard; but no man seemed willing to risk his 
 precious life in the attempt to save her. 
 
 This was not because they were all cowards. Longi 
 years of familiarity with the moods of the swollen riveil 
 had told them that on the present occasion there was a 
 madness in the current seldom seen, and that the chances 
 of any one coming back who was venturesome enough 
 
50 At the Mercy of tte River Gods. 
 
 to risk his life on the ice were almost nil. These good 
 men had families dependent on them, and could see no 
 reason why they should provoke fate because some rash 
 person had ventured to brave the wrath of the mer de 
 glace. 
 
 Sometimes it seems fortunate that there are persons 
 who chance to be in ignorance of the true dangers in- 
 vesting an enterprise — not that it would have made a par- 
 ticle of difference to Kinkaid had the whole town bel- 
 lowed a warning in his ear, and related the horrors at- 
 tendant on being caught out there when the grand push 
 came. Such an exposition must have only made him the 
 more wild to fly to the side of the dear one who faced 
 the danger alone. 
 
 Having attained his desire as regarded position, Kin- 
 kaid made a break for the ice. Now, for the first time, 
 some of tbe old women near by discovered his intention, 
 whether betrayed by his distracted looks or through in- 
 tuition, it would be hard to say. At any rate, they 
 shrieked out a turnult of jargon which would have been 
 as so much Sanscrit to the American, had he been paying 
 the least attention to what was going on around him, 
 iwhich, it may be readily understood, was not the case. 
 
 When two well-disposed fishermen laid rough hands on 
 him, and made as if about to hold him fast, he did realize 
 the mistaken kindness of these rough habitantfii^they 
 would warn him that it was certain death to venture -out 
 yonder now, that the time had passed when any sane man 
 would dare attempt to cross the ice. It was sad, but bet- 
 ter that one should perish than two. 
 
 Such philosophy may do for sluggish minds, but the 
 man who thinks and is willing to dare, never confesses 
 that it is too late. 
 
 They clung to him with good-natured zeal, one on 
 either side, nor would they release a hand at his earnest 
 appeal, chattering away like magpies, as only your true 
 'French-Canadian can. 
 
 Others were chasing to their assistance, and in another 
 minute he would be surrounded. One look he cast out 
 over the frozen, shuddering plain, to the spot where she 
 could be seen moving down the stream, then the might of 
 
At the Mercy of tlie River Gods. 51 
 
 Samson seemed to enter into his muscles, and he thrust 
 those two hardy men of the Hochelaga shore from him 
 as though they had been infants — just as you have seen 
 the hero of a melodrama brush aside a host of eager foes 
 by little more than the wave of his arms. 
 
 Nothing now stood betweeii him and the fate he chose 
 to brave. The crowd, ready to recognize a valiant man 
 when seen, gave* a series of mingled cheers and groans, 
 the former emanating from the men, while the female 
 portion showed their commiseration by the lament. 
 
 Kinkaid heard as in a dream orily^ — his whole mind was 
 bent on getting out to where she might be seen ; to be 
 at her side, encouraging, trying to save, dying with her 
 if it came to the worst — that was the sum total of his aim. 
 
 It was a sickening feeling, this movement of the ice 
 under his feet. Our nature is such that we place the 
 utmost confidence upon the stability of Mother Earth, 
 and when the ground heaves tumultuously, as in an earth- 
 quake, the bravest cannot prevent a sensation of terror 
 from clutching at his heart. 
 
 Oh, if the calamity would only hold off a little while 
 longer, just time enough for him to gain her side and 
 help her paralyzed steps to the shore, how thankful he 
 would be! Only a very few minutes, perhaps, but what 
 an eternity it meant to him ! 
 
 He staggered, slipped, fell down and rose again. Surely 
 it was a woman's scream that fluttered along the jostling 
 ice field as he tumbled, though hardly heard above the 
 crash of grinding floes. A terrible fear clutched his 
 heart that she might have gone into some gaping, crflel 
 fissure, and he scrambled to his feet in an agony of 
 apprehension ; but as his strained eyes sought the spot 
 where she had last been seen he felt a thrill of keen de- 
 light to find her figure still in sight. Then she had cried 
 out with appeals to Heaven because he had gone down, 
 showing that he must have been recognized. 
 
 Once more he pushed onward, with even greater vim 
 than before, since the situation was constantly changing 
 for the worse. Many times he found his progress appa- 
 rently blocked by pyramids that arose in a moment, or 
 openings into which a plunge meant death; but there 
 
52 At the Mercy of the River Gods. , 
 
 was always. a way for a resolute soul, and while perhaps 
 delayed somewhat by these aggravating occurrences he 
 kept his eyes fastened on his goal. There Joyce sat in 
 her little sleigh, unable to' force the terrified horse to 
 make a single movement toward safety. 
 
 To Kinkaid the sight of her was all the inspiration he 
 needed. What mortal man could do, that was he ready 
 to accomplish. The treacherous floes could heave and 
 toss and grind their crushed edges savagely together, 
 but love would not be baffled, and a way. must be found 
 to gain the side of that otherwise abandoned pilgrim. 
 
 He was now close enough to shout, and his husky 
 voice rang over the ice like the note of a clarion, bidding 
 her have hope, that he would soon be at her side, to 
 share the danger with her, and, please God, wrest victory 
 from the jaws of defeat. 
 
 She heard, and what a blessed assurance his words of 
 cheer must have brought to her fear-tortured heart! Of 
 all men on earth this one could do more to revive hope 
 than the rest combined, for she seemed to possess a con- 
 fidence in his power to accomplish wonders that was not 
 based on love alone, but her ability to gauge character. 
 
 Kinkaid lived years in that brief time taken up by his 
 rush across the dancing ice plain; he never knew how, 
 many minutes it took him to clear the distance between 
 the shore and that spot where she awaited him ; but those 
 who watched his progress from the shore, and uttered 
 petitions to their patron saints in his behalf, afterward 
 told him they had never seen any one go with such head- 
 Idng speed over the terrible difficulties that lay in the 
 way — ^that some unseen power appeared to lift him across 
 the abyss and around ridges of towering cakes that looked 
 like the icebergs of Arctic seas. 
 
 He knew the magical spirit of love was what urged 
 him on, and if any herculean efforts were made, of which 
 he did not seem aware, to that alone were they to be 
 attributed. 
 
 Nearer still, until he could now see the eager, fright- 
 ened expression on the pretty face of the girl; nor did 
 he guess that this was caused more by the manifold dan- 
 gers that surrounded him than her own peril. She had 
 
At the Mercy of the River Gods. 53 
 
 long ere this given herself up as lost, and tried to make 
 her peace . with Heaven ; so thfit it was the agony of 
 realizing how her rash act had brought him into the same 
 gulf of despair that paled her usually rosy cheeks, and 
 caused her hands to be clasped so anxiously. 
 
 A few more difficulties to be surmounted and then he 
 would be able to clasp her in his eager arms — that would 
 :be a blessed privilege, even though it Went no further. 
 
 It seem'ed as though the demons of the deep had con- 
 spired to prevent the accomplishment of his dearest de- 
 sign, for other openings appeared in front, openings of 
 so serious a character that it was utterly out of the ques- 
 tion to think of leaping across; but his quick eye found 
 a way to surmount even such apparent barriers, and 
 _ presently he sprang to the side of the sleigh. 
 
 Thank God, he had won! 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 KINKAIDDOESIT. 
 
 He snatched her in his arms — why not, when the end 
 seemed to have come for them both? — and Joyce in the 
 emotion that thrilled her heart at sight of his devoted 
 endeavor, not only failed to say him nay, but on her own 
 part clasped her arms about his neck. In this dreadful 
 crisis it was a grand thing tq feel that her knight had 
 proven true, and that he had considered no danger too 
 great to keep him from her side. 
 
 Kinkaid was no fool. He had accomplished his first 
 object, it was true, but that was no reason he should call 
 a halt upon his resources ; one good turn deserved another, 
 and if something of the same luck attended' his efforts, or 
 the prayers of the women on the shore bore fruit, he 
 might even yet bring this dear one out of the jaws of 
 death and reach the land ere the final crash of the mad- 
 dened ice betrayed them. 
 
 To sit there and await the apparently inevitable end 
 might do for stoics or fatalists, but it was not the part 
 of wisdom with a healthy Yankee who saw much^ reason 
 for desiring to continue on in life a little longer. 
 
 There was no use in thinking they could utilize the 
 horse — even had old Peter not been paralyzed with a 
 deadly fear4iis weight was such th?rt he would be unable 
 to advance twenty paces toward the shore ere breaking 
 through some spot where a treacherous air hole existed. 
 No, safety only promised to reward their efforts by aban- 
 doning the beast, and striking out on foot. 
 
 He lifted her in his strong arms. 
 
 "What shall we do, Wallis?" she cried, her star-like 
 eyes fastened upon his face with the trust of a babe. 
 
 "We must try to make for the shore. There is 'always 
 hope, so long as we Jseep moving, and avoid the fissures. 
 Be brave, and trust me, dearest,^' was what he said aloud, 
 though in his secret heart he felt something akin to horror 
 
Kinkaid Does It. 55 
 
 to see how the crunching movement of the vast moving 
 field had increased since he crossed from the Hochelaga 
 shore. 
 
 "Tell me what to do — I feel but little fear, now that 
 you are here — but, oh, Wallis, if the worst comes, hold 
 me in your arms at the last — don't let me drift away 
 from you — it would be a consolation to die with you, my 
 darling — say you will !" she cried, hysterically. 
 
 "Yes, yes, a thousand times — depend upon it, we shall 
 never be parted by death here. It was to save you I 
 came, or to die with you. Now let us try and push the 
 sleigh, which I have cut loose from the horse, in front of 
 us, for it may yet be the means of saving us should we 
 fall into the water." 
 
 He had an inspiration in this line, for the vehicle of 
 transportation was light, and would probably float, offer- 
 ing at least some buoyancy that might keep their heads 
 above water long enough for a determined man to dis- 
 cover some new means to better their condition. 
 
 .Old Peter did not quite fancy being deserted, and im- 
 mediately pushed oui after them, giving a low whinny as 
 if to indicate that he was still in the swim. Kinkaid ex- 
 pected the animal would be there soon enough at any 
 rate. 
 
 Their progress was slow, to be sure, but every step 
 taken .brought them nearer to safety, and that is always 
 a cheery thing to a man of an optimist turn of mind. 
 
 When Kinkaid chanced to sweep a glance toward the 
 shore, simply to realize how far he had to go ere reaching 
 shelter from the cruel river arms that continued to stretch 
 out for victims, he was gratified to discover that some of 
 the good people had come to their senses, and were about 
 to make an effort to assist those who were on the ice, 
 should they by good fortune be able to gain a certain 
 distance from the bank, up which the masses of ice were 
 already being pushed by the mighty power that lay in the 
 resistless current. 
 
 Men were running along, to keep even with the imper- 
 iled ones; he saw that now and then one of these would 
 snatch up a board as though it might be made available 
 
56 Elinkaid Does It. 
 
 t 
 
 should a crisis arrive, and the fugitives of the fiver find 
 themselves whelmed by the icy tide. 
 
 The very thought that others were concerned in their 
 rescue, even though most of the work depended upon him, 
 was a sort of inspiration to Kinkaid, and appeared to 
 g^ve him new energy to persevere, in the expectation that 
 all must come out right in the end. 
 
 "Their course had to be changed many times, as the 
 emergency brought them face to face with difficulties that 
 at the time threatened to develop into calamities ; but his 
 heart was cheered by the fact that with each passing min- 
 ute they made some sort of progress. 
 
 ' Peter had disappeared into several holes, but with rare 
 luck, or dogged determination, seemed able to pull him- 
 self together again, for on each and every occasion he 
 came up from his bath with frantic haste, and continued 
 to haunt the steps of his human guides, as though con- 
 scious that his chances were better there than in any other 
 quarter. 
 
 Once Joyce turned to call him some encouraging words, 
 for he was an old and faithful servant of hers, and it 
 pained her tender heart to think they must leave him to 
 perish. In the roar of the grinding ice floes, and the 
 rearing^ aloft of those mighty pyramids that toppled over 
 ever and anon with a deafening crash it was hardly pos- 
 sible that old Peter could have heard the few words she 
 flung over her shoulder; but Kinkaid never forgot how 
 she could sink- her own fears in endeavoring to cheer a 
 dumb beast, and it always made so tender a heart more 
 of a mystery to him when he suffered through her mis- 
 taken notions as to what constituted honor. 
 
 Perhaps half of the whole distance had by this time 
 been overcome, and at the same rate they should be able 
 to cover the balance in good time, always provided that 
 things did not become any more serious tlian at^present. 
 
 He was almost afraid to confess to himself the alarm- 
 ing condition of the ice. The shouts on shore warned 
 him that these people who had had long experience knew 
 the crucial iTioment was close at hand, when, with a grand 
 burst of the forces so long held in subjection, tlie river 
 would become a boiling, churning mass of tossing ice 
 
Elinkaid Does It. 57 
 
 takes, whirled madly hither and yon by the awakened 
 spirit of the spring, seeking, in the homely belief of the, 
 native hajiitants, superstitious as they were religious, to 
 shake off the thrall of the wintry demons that had held 
 it captive so long. ' 
 
 It was just as well that he did not know, since the 
 fact could not have hurried him an iota, and its awful 
 nature might have gone toward paralyzing his manly 
 efforts, such seemed to be its horror upon them who dwelt 
 upon the river's bank, and should have been familiar witl^ 
 her wildest freaks, though in this case familiarity did not 
 bring contempt. 
 
 How he wished in his almost exhausted condition for 
 the strength of a giant, to pick up Joyce in his arms and 
 leaping from cake to cake, baffle the, hungry waters. 
 
 They had lost the skigh, which had fallen into a breach, 
 and there did not appear to be time to extricate it, nor 
 was Kinkaid of the same opinion regarding its useful- 
 ness as before it played this trick upon them. 
 
 He held one arm about the slender waist of his com- 
 panion, and it was this touch that kept Joyce from giving 
 way utterly under the fearful strain that she had endured 
 since Peter first balked in the middle of the river, upon 
 feeling the ice moving up and down under him. 
 
 Again and again did he shout words of cheer, into her 
 ear, for- it was necessary to exert himself to -the utmost 
 in order to make himself heard, such was the dreadful 
 clamor around them now. Never did maiden in disr 
 tress find a more devoted_ champion, even in those days 
 of chivalry, when it seemed to be the leading thought of 
 brave men to succor beauty in trouble. Lapse of years has 
 not dimmed the spirit of true manhood, even though the 
 conditions have so radically changed; each day's news 
 chronicles instances of bravery that would put to the 
 blush those vaunted deeds of yore, done more from the 
 desire to boast of prowess than a genuine desire to save 
 life at the risk of one's own. 
 
 Five minutes might see them safe, at least within touch 
 of the gallant sons of the river, who had pushed out upon 
 the ice, holding hands in a chain, the end man being a 
 
58 Kinkaid Does It. 
 
 giant who had the physique of a gladiator or the corso 
 of a blacksmith. 
 
 Would that brief respite be granted them? Fearful of 
 being cheated out of its annual sacrificial victim, would 
 not the torrent arise in its might and whirl them down 
 in its savage embrace? 
 
 Five minutes — rather an eternity, one man thought, as 
 he clinched his teeth with the determination of grim de- 
 spair, and stumbled on, ever holding the sacred hand 
 that gave him inspiration to keep everlastingly at it, even 
 when hope seemed to be whelmed in clouds. 
 
 Strange to say jt was Joyce who rallied as his strength 
 began to wane — Joyce who urged him frantically on, or 
 drew him up short when a cruel gap appeared just at 
 their feet. It would seem as though his courage had been 
 transplanted into her gentle heart, and that as his power 
 to do and dare waned hers waxed in volume. Sometimes 
 the weaker vessel becomes radiantly strxjng at the last, 
 and carries the victory. 
 
 Foot by foot, almost inch by inch, it seemed, they were 
 fighting their way in toward the line that waited their 
 coming, and from which proceeded a variety of conglom- 
 erate shouts meant to give the struggling ones new en- 
 couragement. Never before in all his life had Kinkaid so 
 yearned for anything a.s he did now to gain that muddy 
 shore, where the ever-changing crowd presented ;.$uch a 
 blurred, kaleidoscopic aspect — some waving their arms, 
 some kneeling in prayer, a few crying at the top of their 
 shrill voices, and, thank Heaven ! others who meant to 
 lend a helping hand, that the victory might not be 
 snatched away at the last moment. 
 
 How often in the months and years to come, when 
 under diversified conditions, and beneath perchance tropi- 
 cal skies, would this stirring picture force itself upon the 
 mental retina of the man who had dared ; and never with- 
 out a shudder at the awful calamity which he must escape, 
 if at all, by a mere hair's breadth, as it were. 
 
 Surely, it was quite enough to haunt a fellow for the 
 rest of his natural existence, and Kinkaid might never 
 look upon a bit of ice again, even in its most harmless 
 
Kinkaid Does It. 59 
 
 shape, without being reminded of one day when he fought 
 the demon of the St. Lawrence to a stand. 
 
 Hope again began to whisper a specious tale — the fish- 
 erin^n were so near, and their rugged faces seemed to 
 inspire such confidence. Another grand effort might land 
 thern within reach of the lash of the human whip that 
 stretched out on the shifting floes, so far as the proverbial 
 caution of the habitant woiild permit, especially with the 
 cries and suppUcations of wives and children weakening- 
 his desire to save. 
 
 Then Kinkaid gathered himself for a masterly final 
 effort ; he was resolved that his bark ' should not be 
 wrecked in sight of port if he could do aught to prevent 
 so calamitous a termination to his gallant rescue. 
 
 He took the girl in his arms, for be saw the gaps widen- 
 ing all around them, and knew the crisis had come — the 
 river was about to burst its barriers and hurl great masses 
 of ice over the banks in piles that would seem almost 
 mountain high. Woe to that couple if they were not off 
 its treacherous surface when this occurred ; woe to the 
 string of fishermen that stretched out from the shore — 
 there would be mourning in many a cabin home along the 
 great water, the sound of Rachel weeping for those who 
 were not. 
 
 Joyce struggled not, but lay passive in his embrace. 
 She seemed to understand that he had to meet a crisis in 
 their fortunes, and that everything was staked upon a 
 single toss of the die. 
 
 Paris fleeing from the pursuers of Troy, with fair Helen 
 in his arms, could not have made more heroic efforts than 
 did this son of Gotham, in striving to save the maid of his 
 heart. Now it was over a rushing torrent he leaped as 
 might the wild chamois of the Swiss Alps ; anon he strug- 
 gled to surmount the mass of crushed ice that had formed 
 a mountain in his way, just as the volcanoe's of the south- 
 ern seas rear their heads above the surface of the water, 
 and fashion new islands in a day. 
 
 All around the sickening crash and grind that meant 
 the warring of terrible forces. Ye gods, when would he 
 ever get the sound out of his ears again — it was the music 
 of the spheres in a form to be heard by the ears of men, 
 
6o Kinkaid Does It 
 
 usually not attuned to catch the friction that goes on con- 
 stantly around us. ^ 
 
 Louder shouts — more excitement — surely they did not 
 mean to give up the task just when it seemed on the point 
 of succeeding. That would be cruel as the grave, and 
 they could not be men who wotild let danger stand be- 
 tween themselves and the accomplishment of a duty so 
 nearly performed. No, they appeared to adjust them- 
 selves for a last stand, horny hand clasping hand until 
 the human chain became one solid series of links that even 
 the gigantic genii of the river would find it almost im- 
 possible to break. After all, Kinkaid was not to be de- 
 serted, thank Heaven ! 
 
 The rush of whirling water, the myriad noises accom- 
 panying the smashing of the ice-bridge under the terrific 
 impact of untold million,s of tons of imprisoned water — 
 all these things were too much for the girl ; she had up 
 to now borne herself with a bravery that was to the credit 
 of her Scotch-Canadian blood, but the limit had been 
 , peached. She was conscious of being carried in a fierce 
 grip over crevasse and floe, conscious of smiling weakly 
 tip into the blood-streaked face of the man who had dared 
 all for her sake, and then her vision seemed to fail; but 
 even in her semi-consciousness she, too, heard the loud 
 cries that seemed to tell, of victory won, and the last thing 
 she could remember was hearing a woman shriek close to 
 her ears : 
 
 "Catch the pretty ma'mselle — the ps)or seigneur — quick, 
 he has fainted!" ^ ^ 
 
 Then all became a blessed blank. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 HOW FATE LED HIM TO THE ORIENT. 
 
 Kinkaid won imperishable honor among the warm- 
 hearted sons of Montreal by his daring deed on the ice. 
 It is always pleasant to have the regard of one's fellows, 
 and few men can stand out against genuine admiration; 
 but it was, after all, something of more importance that 
 satisfied him — he felt he had cemented the bonds between 
 Joyce and himself so that, no matter what process of time 
 came about, she must some day be his ; that no other man 
 would ever step into his shoes. 
 
 He did not suffer any serious result from his strenuous _ 
 work of that day when the icy barriers of the great river 
 burst their grip on the water, and swept all before them. 
 True enough, he had lost his senses for a short period of 
 time, but that was the natural consequence of extreme 
 anxiety and fatigue, added to the revulsion of feeling 
 that comes with positive rescue. 
 
 The young lady had been carried in a vehicle to her 
 aunt's residence, where she was so well looked after that 
 she, too, escaped serious results, such as under the con- 
 ditions might have been expected. 
 
 Wallis went about his business as usual, but the news of 
 his exploit had gone around in that mysterious fashion 
 peculiar to such things, and he was more or less annoyed 
 by the hearty congratulations that were showered upon 
 him on all sides. 
 
 Some men court admiration, and few shun it, but Kin- 
 kaid chanced to be fashioned on this latter queer model, 
 it seemed. 
 
 Sweeter by far than all the plaudits, however well 
 meant, was the welcome he received when, that evening 
 he went to see how Joyce might after her adventure — 
 the ecstatic look she gave him, and of her own free will 
 offering her warm ;;ed lips to his caress — that repaid him 
 a thousand fold for whatever he had done. 
 
62 How Fate Led Him to tlie Orient. 
 
 "Though I cannot yet promise you all that you ask, 
 yet yoit know how well I love you, dear Wallis. What 
 torture I endured thinking you must die because of me, 
 and y«t was it wicked of me to secretly rejoice that we 
 would be together even in death?" she murmured, blush- 
 ing rosily under his ardent gaze, as he still held her in 
 his enraptured arms. 
 
 What could he as a lover say? Even death would lose 
 its sting if they could meet the grisly monster in com- 
 pany. 
 
 And yet it was not all as bright as our friend might 
 have desired — Joyce still hugged her ideals, and seemed 
 to have times of extreme mental depression, when she 
 would feel moved to hold aloof from him. It was as 
 though the dear girl fought a battle in her soul, as though 
 love and duty struggled for the mastery. 
 
 Thus, this danger which they two had shared together, 
 and which Kinkaid had hoped would be the means of dis- 
 sipating the last prejudice on her part, with reference to 
 becoming his wife, appeared to actually bring matters to 
 a crisis, but in a way he had never as yet contemplated. 
 
 He was all patience with her changing moods, hoping 
 that in a little time she would cast aside this reluctance, 
 and conclude to blot out this strange affair of the past, 
 that seemed to give her so much concern. 
 
 Alone in his rooms Kinkaid was not so patient, and, 
 worked up by the ever-present fear that his whole Ifie's 
 happiness might be ruined by the whim of this dainty 
 despot, he was accustomed to deliver more than one 
 fierce philippic to his counterfeit resemblance in the glass, 
 though in her presence this raging, chafing lion became 
 forsooth a cooing dove. 
 
 He had not forgotten what he had determined upon 
 just before the affair on the St. Lawrence, and one day 
 suddenly said farewell. 
 
 "My business calls me to New York. I will come again 
 if you need me, but not until you can promise what I ask. 
 It is cruel torture for me to remain here, looking across 
 the boundary into Paradise like Moses of old, and I've 
 reached the limit of my endurance, dear. Remember, if 
 you send for me to join you I will take it as a token that 
 
How Fate Led Him to tlie Orient. 63 
 
 you have either discovered ■ the falsity of these things 
 that have so foolishly worried your dear heart, or else 
 that you have determined like a wise girl to cast them 
 aside forever, and make me the happiest man on earth. 
 When you send, if you ever do, no matter if I am at the 
 uttermost part of the world, I will come to you on wings 
 of love. Until then it is better that we part," was what 
 he said, and he kissed her good-by when she clung to him, 
 speechless. 
 
 Perhaps he had hoped that even the threat of separa- 
 tion might convince her that duty in her case did not 
 mean Spartan heroism such as distinguished the heroes of 
 Thermopylae ; but if so, he met with disappointment, for 
 she allowed him to go away, though the look she gave 
 him at the last pierced his heart as "he had never known 
 ^anything to do before, and told him how keenly she was 
 suffering as a result of her belief. 
 
 Kinkaid went on the morning train, sure enough, and 
 was presently deep in his newspaper work in Gotham. 
 Every day he expected a letter from the Dominion, and 
 when each sun Set without the eagerly Ipoked-for missive 
 of love he took fresh heart of grace, and assured himself , 
 that it would surely come on the morrow. 
 
 Although he had never written one word of his adven- 
 ture to a living soul in the world, and certainly would not 
 spep:k of it in his letters for publication, it had leaked out 
 somehow. Men are not often allowed to hide their light 
 under a bushel these days ; and Kinkaid was not the only 
 pebble on the beach as a newspaper man in Montreal, 
 since they grow some healthy specimens in that line 
 themselves. 
 
 His friends soon noticed a great change in his nature, 
 and realized that he had passed through some crisis of late. 
 He avoided his usual cheerful company, was seldom seen 
 at' any of his clubs, and appeared moody and depressed, 
 so that it was bruited that Wallis had fallen into a poor 
 state of health. " 
 
 Then, one day the letter came. 
 
 He held it in his hand unopened for a minute, while he 
 tried to speculate as to the momentous results that would 
 follow his cutting of the seal. 
 
64 How Fate Led Him to the Orient. 
 
 Sometimes we take a peculiar delight in tormenting our- 
 selves thus, especially when it is good news exi>ected. 
 
 He even laughed grimly to see how his hand actually 
 trembled as he held that delicate bit of envelope up be- 
 fore the light, as though he would fain read the tenor of 
 its contents before profaning its sacred cover. 
 
 Had Joyce repented ? . Did her heart demand that she 
 surrender, and allow all those foolish prejudices con- 
 cerning the honor of the family to pass by? He was not 
 marrying the family. She covered the whole extent of 
 his desire, and the breath of scandal had surely never 
 touched her beloved person. 
 
 When he could no longer hold back his eagerness, he 
 tore open the envelope with suddgi ha.§te. 
 
 Then he went white, and an expression of bitter disap- 
 pointment welled up from his heart. 
 
 She had not written for him to come, then. This was 
 but a letter telling him of her plans to get at the truth of 
 the matter that was standing as an obstacle between them. 
 She had learned through inquiry that the one who could 
 settle the question positively, the member of her family 
 most concerned, was in the Orient, and that very day she 
 intended starting for Vancouver to sail thither. 
 
 "Believe me, dear Wallis, my every waking hour is a 
 prayer that it may all turn out well, and this shadow may 
 pass away. You are constantly in my mind, even as 
 your image is bound up in my heart. I am taking the 
 swiftest steamer because every day brings new agony of 
 soul that I am away from you. Expect a message of 
 some sort as soon as I arrive at my destination, and if God 
 should be merciful and allow me to send good news, come 
 as soon as you can." 
 
 Apparently it had been written in great haste, in the 
 midst of packing, but he could read the affection that 
 breathed in every word and between the lines. 
 
 His first feeling had been of keen disappointment, be- 
 cause he had hoped for better tilings ; but when this began 
 to wear away, he saw that his case had not lost anv of its 
 strength in the process. This was but one of the devious 
 ways of Providence for bringing about results. 
 
 His mind was almost immediately rriade up. He would 
 
How Fate Led Him to the Orient. 65 
 
 not wait for her message; at least in New York, when 
 weeks must be consumed ere he could gain her side. 
 
 Kihkaid began immediate preparations for a speedy de- 
 parture. I , 
 
 When unlimited means are back of a venture of this 
 sort, it is not a very difficult task to accomplish results, 
 and he was ready to shoot across the continent by the 
 train that left the Grand Central Depot that, evening. 
 
 He had made all arrangements to keep in touch with 
 his office by wire, no matter at what cost, and had even 
 arranged with his private secretary to open and communi- 
 cate to him the contents of any lettef' that should come to 
 him from the Orient, especially if in a lady's chirography. 
 
 What is the use of living on the border of the twentieth 
 century unless one can take advantage of the opportuni- 
 ties the spirit of the times presents? 
 
 That journey was a long one to him, old traveler as 
 he was. At San Francisco he had a message from Van- 
 couver, which gave him certain valuable information re- 
 garding the fact that Joyce and her aunt had just caught 
 the steamer for Japan, and were already on the way across 
 the Pacific. 
 
 He also, sailed, heading out into the great ocean with a 
 confidence that his quest would not be in vain, but that in 
 due time he must reach the side of the dear girl whom he 
 served. Had he not said he would go to the uttermost 
 parts of the earth for her, and did he not take keen 
 pleasure in the thought that his pilgrimage was for her 
 happiness ? 
 
 At Hawaii he landed and saw a little of Honolulu, 
 though the steamer did not waste much time there on this 
 particular trip, for some reason or other. 
 
 Of course, there were many pleasant passengers aboard, 
 and Kinkaid could not but make himself agreeable; but 
 his attentions were for the most part confined to those 
 ladies who were without escorts, usually of an age to have 
 been a mother to him, and -avoiding all flirting damsels, 
 eager to make the most of their opportunity when they 
 learned, as travelers will, you know, just who he was in 
 New. York. 
 
 Little did these unconscious pilgrims imagine what was 
 
66 How Fate Led Him to the Orient. 
 
 going on at that side of the earth wliither they were 
 bound. How tlie wires were being kept hot with messages 
 day and night concerning a very strained situation wherein 
 all the prominent nations of the earth were deeply in- 
 terested. 
 
 It burst upon them like a bombshell at Yokohama, 
 where they stopped. 
 
 The Boxers had risen in Northern China, and already 
 massacres of Christian converts had begun, while it was 
 feared that the mad movement might presently extend to 
 the foreigners within the gates. 
 
 Japan was in a ferment, with soldiers drilling, army re- 
 serves mobilizing, and in every quarter signs of tumultu- 
 ous haste to arrange the affairs of the island empire. For 
 in this opening the Japanese thought they saw the finger 
 of Russia, eagerly stretching out after Corea, and this 
 must not be, though they were compelled to meet the 
 Northern Giant in battle. 
 
 Kinkaid had his own troubles. 
 
 He had immediately opened connection with his home 
 office upon leaving the steamer, but the answering message 
 had given him no encouragement, as there had been 
 nothing received from the Orient up to that time. 
 
 So he wandered about, watching the departure of troops 
 to China, and reading every morsel of news he could 
 pick up. 
 
 Strange, why he should be so deeply interested in what 
 was going on around Peking. He had no relatives or 
 dear friends among the missionaries and diplomats, who 
 were daily finding themselves in a more dangerous situa- 
 tion, so that his concern must Ije on general grounds. 
 
 Twice he had seen the name of Sir George in print, 
 and knew the other was in some fashion mixed up with 
 the stirring events now taking place near by. 
 
 It was of another his thoughts were busy, however, and 
 about whom his anxiety daily and hourly increased. 
 Somehow he appeared to have an undefinable fear that 
 she might have gone to this very point of danger. Little 
 hints arose to direct his thoughts in this quarter, and in 
 a measure accounted for the tragic interest he felt in the 
 impending culmination of disasters. 
 
How Fate Led Him to tlie Orient. 67 
 
 By degrees he became nervous, believing that each day 
 spent thus was time wasted — that he should be on the way 
 to her^ — that somehow she needed his strong arm to pro- 
 tect her, even as when she found herself adrift upon the 
 moving ice of the St. Lawrence River. 
 
 Again he wired home, asking whether any news had ar- 
 rived, and the time th'at elapsed ere he had a reply was 
 freighted with untold agony. 
 
 In a way, he had his reward, for when the message 
 came, it was to repeat a cablegram that had just been re- 
 ceived in New York. 
 
 Just as he had feared, this came from the imperiled 
 capital of China, the city where the Boxers were threat- 
 ening every vestige of foreign occupation, and from 
 whence ugly rumors had already come to the effect that 
 every man, woman and child belonging to Christian na- 
 tions had fallen beneath the enraged hands of these fierce 
 fanatics. 
 
 It was brief enough,' but all that he would under ordi- 
 nary circumstances have desired — "all is well — come to 
 me, beloved! Joyce!" 
 
 And how his heart was thrilled with anguish when he 
 considered that the dear one who had recently sent that 
 message of hope was now shut up with the other for- 
 eigners in Peking, and might ere this have given tip her 
 gentle life in the general massacre that had been reported 
 to have occurred. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 BOMBARDMENT OF THE fAKU FORTS. 
 
 Like a man, A\'allis Kinkaid did not allow his fears to 
 paralyze his yearning to go to the dear one whose voice 
 had called him. 
 
 The same energy, the same ability to grapple with an 
 emergency that had stood by him when the ice floes started 
 to carry his sweetheart away, these were still at his beck 
 and call. 
 
 He shook off the feeling of horror that had momentar- 
 ily oppressed him, and began to examine the situation 
 squarel)'. 
 
 Plainly, Jiis first move must be to get on the ground. 
 As a war correspondent, he would probably be accorded 
 special privileges by some general in command, and might 
 thus be able to find his way into the Imperial City. Cer- 
 tain it was that any ordinary obstacle would not hold him 
 long in check. 
 
 When he made application to the Japanese authorities, 
 he met with but scant courtesy, for they were so taken up 
 with what threatened their national existence that but 
 little attention could be given to one who was a stranger. 
 
 Flatly did they refuse to allow him transportation 
 aboard one of their warships, sailing from Nagasaki. 
 
 How, then, was he to overcome this difficulty, since he 
 did not possess the wings with which to fly across the 
 intervening water? 
 
 Sometimes there is a substitute for pinions, and this in 
 the shape of money, that dross so heartily despised in 
 romance, yet of such value to win many of the good 
 things of life. 
 
 Kinkaid had it, and was willing to sacrifice any quantity 
 of the stuff if by so doing he might advance his cause. 
 
 When a man is thus ready to cast his gold upon the 
 waters, he need not be long in finding a remedy to meet 
 almost every desperate case. In this instance Kinkaid 
 
Bombardment of tlie Taku Forts. 69 
 
 wandered down to the docks, knowing that if relief did 
 come, it would most certainly be found in this quarter. 
 
 One of the first things he discovered was a steam yacht 
 upon the ways, being repaired. 
 
 The sight of this boat revived his aquatic spirit, and 
 in feverish haste he began to make inquiries concerning 
 her ownership. 
 
 This took him to Tokio, the capital, where he foun^ the 
 English lady, who was enjoying the delights of a Japanese 
 spring, while her vessel received the necessary over- 
 hauling. , 
 
 At first she positively refused to entertain the thought 
 of a proposition looking to the charter of her snug little 
 sea cruiser; and almost in despair Kinkaid told the story 
 of his mission. 
 
 That altered the. circumstances greatly. She could sym- 
 pathize with so romantic an errand, as would any true 
 woman with a heart. Could he wait until the second day, 
 when the yacht would be launched and ready for a cruise ? 
 
 Poor Kinkaid would have gone at ten seconds' notice; 
 but he had to makp a virtue of necessity, and bow to the 
 inevitable. Beggars should never be choosers, and it 
 looked as though this might be the only chance afforded 
 him to cross the wati;r to the Chinese coast. 
 
 So he steeled his heart and waited, but by the use of 
 heavy bribes managed to hurry those who had charge of 
 the repairs, so that in the end there were saved a few 
 hours, that might count as valuable assets later on. 
 
 When he quitted the harbor of old Yeddo, and steamed 
 south, Kinkaid drew a deep sigh of relief, for in action 
 there was some satisfaction. The lady did not accom- 
 pany him, being quite satisfied to remain at a respectable 
 distance from the scene of so much excitement, especially 
 since there must always be more or less danger that the 
 foreign allies qtfarrel, and turn upon one another. 
 
 During the voyage Kinkaid stalked the deck almost all 
 the time. The captain and officers soon grew fond of him, 
 there was such a winning way about the American, so 
 different from many of his kind. Besides, in some man- 
 ner, it had become whispered that he was about to seek 
 the rescue of a beautiful young lady who was shut up in 
 
70 Bombardment of tlie Taku Forts. 
 
 Peking by the Boxer uprising, and naturally this condi- 
 tion aroused the sympathies of the whole crew, since the 
 world al\va}s adores a lover. 
 
 While in Yokohama, he had taken the precaution to 
 arm himself, under the belief that he must need weapons 
 in his desperate enterprise, for it was his design to reach 
 the side of Joyce if it lay in the power of mortal man so 
 to do, and this would bring him in contact with angry 
 fanatics, by the way, men who scoured the country looking 
 for victims of their burning zeal in the service of the gods 
 whom they served. 
 
 Perhaps it had begun to dawn upon the young man that 
 while his feat of rescuing Joyce from the icy waters of the 
 St. Lawrence might have seemed fashioned in the heroic 
 mold, it paled into utter insignificance beside the under- 
 taking upon which he was now embarked. 
 
 At least, he was not in the least dismayed. The man 
 who had not hesitated to oppose his puny strength against 
 the mighty river flood, with its masses of crushing ice 
 reared into temples and pagodas, or turned into mael- 
 stroms that invited to a speedy death, well, he apparently 
 had the nerve to antagonize everything that threatened his 
 happiness. 
 
 His enthusiasm might sooner or later take a tumble, 
 when he came up against the hordes of saffron-hued ce- 
 lestials along the wheelbarrow roads leading to the be- 
 leaguered city. This absolute force of numbers is a 
 feature that has disturbed the well-laid plans of more 
 than one foreign general operating in the "Land of the 
 Dragon." 
 
 The gallant little steam yacht, built upon the Clyde, 
 buffeted storm and calm with equal disdain, and rapidly 
 bore the eager traveler toward the upper reaches of the 
 vast gulf into which the Peiho River empties, and where 
 operations looking toward the relief of Peking must be 
 centered. 
 
 Here were the ugly Taifu forts, threatening destruction 
 to any hostile vessel that dared venture into the river, bent 
 on a mission of mercy. Great,masses of earth and stone, 
 and well backed up with the splendid guns which per- 
 chance had been imported, principally from the works of 
 
Bombardfnent of tlie Taku Forts. 71 
 
 Herr Krupp, in Germany, in pursuance of the policy of 
 braVado that wretched China seemed bent on following, 
 virtually bidding the rest of the world defiance. 
 
 Before the allied fleets could ever steam up the Peiho 
 in safety, these formidable fortifications must be turned 
 over to the marines from the ships of war gathered in 
 the offing, and this the Chinese officers positively refused 
 to do, even under threats of bombardment. 
 
 So it was at the time when a little private steam yacht 
 came into the harbor and cast anchor. 
 
 It goes without saying that Kinkaid was particularly 
 well pleased to sight land again, after his voyage from 
 Yokohama. Not that he loved the sea any the less, but 
 the land held something extremely precious for him. . 
 
 While he went ashore he did not dismiss the boat, his 
 contract with the owner holding good for as long a period 
 as necessary, of course, at a certain sum per diem. 
 
 Nor were captain or crew anxious to get away. British 
 tars have a well-known penchant for scenes of disturbance. 
 Indeed, on occasion when there was little of excitement, 
 they have been known to start a racket themselves, just to 
 keep the ball rolling, and as there promised to be "some- 
 thing doing" in this region soon, with thirty-pdc^ foreign 
 war vessels held up by stubborn Chinese officials, they 
 were more than pleased to hold themselves at the orders 
 of Kinkaid, of New York. 
 
 Ashore he found the greatest confusion to exist. 
 
 All manner of exaggerated reports came to hand daily 
 that gave the most serious aspect to the situation. Kin- 
 kaid lived years in those periods between sunrise and the 
 setting of the same, for there was ever before him the 
 agonizing picture of his dearly beloved meeting a cruel 
 fate at the hands of these fanatical and blood-thirsty 
 rebels, the very sight of whom was quite enough to strike 
 consternation to the average heart. 
 
 He would have given everything he possessed for the 
 privilege of going to Peking; but that was a task utterly 
 beyond the power of any foreigner just at the time, since 
 the railroad" had been crippled by the Boxers, and the 
 water transportation rendered impossible because all the 
 way the river was in the hands of the enemy. 
 
72 Bombardment of the Taku Forts. 
 
 Fifty miles up that same Peiho River lay the strongly 
 fortified city of Tientsin, which would first have to be sub- 
 dued by an allied army marching on the capital. Here 
 the Boxers were said to be in stupendous force, and that 
 their numbers were daily augmented b}' thousands of re- 
 cruits, soldiers recreant to their trust, and even Black 
 Flags from the mountains of the far South, ever ready 
 for a scrap, and who had given "Chinese" Gordon the 
 most trouble of all in the famous Tai-Ping rebellions long 
 ago, ere the hero of the Soudan went to his death at 
 Khartoum on the Nile. 
 
 T^\ice did Kinkaid make a desperate effort to run up 
 the river in the night, and on both occasions he came 
 within an ace of losing his vessel, as well as his life, for 
 they were attacked bj- a swarm of piratical sampans and 
 junks, fired upon, chased with furious venom, and only 
 by the exercise of discretion, as well as the speed of the 
 little }-acht were they able to draw out with whole skins. 
 The entire ri\er seemed to be aflame with the spirit of 
 fanatical hatred toward the "fanqney," or foreign devils. 
 
 At least, his excursions, if they wrought no results, so 
 far as his private desires were concerned, proved of ex- 
 treme value to Admiral Seymour, in command of the 
 British squadron, and temporarily the whole allied fleet; 
 for by this means be learned just what to expect in the 
 event of the forts being forced, and how valuable time, in 
 days and weelcs, was being wasted in temporizing with 
 those in command of Taku. 
 
 Kinkaid was almost dying of impatience. He felt like 
 a criminal condemned and waiting for the penalty of the 
 law to be carried into effect. 
 
 When he saw the consultations of the various allied 
 commanders growing warmer and more frequent, he be- 
 gan to have hope that there was about to be an end made 
 of this farce, and the defiant yellow men behind those 
 grim embankments taught a lesson they would not soon 
 forget. 
 
 That day came at last. 
 
 It was now early in June, and the rainy season would 
 set in by another month. 
 
 Admiral Seymour had gone on toward Peking with a 
 
Bombardment ot the Taku Forts. 73 
 
 relief column on two trains, the troops consisting of about 
 fifteen hundred men, mostly British marines, though Capt. 
 McCalla had some five-score Americans in the lot. Above 
 Tientsin the railway was found damaged, and while the 
 column repaired bridges and track, they were compelled to 
 fight hourly vast swarms of the rebels who, led by Chinese 
 soldiers, threw themselves upon the foreigners with the 
 zeal of those who believe that every man who dies in action 
 goes direct to the land of bhss. 
 
 <' On June 27th the foreign admirals before Taku sent a 
 demand upon the Chinese officer in command of the forts, 
 ordering the withdrawal of his soldiers.. The answer of 
 this reckless and vaHant son of the dragon was the crash 
 of guns as the forts opened fire upon the thirty-two war- 
 ships gathered there, a piece of daring or ignorance with- 
 out parallel in history. 
 
 How eagerly the gunners on those vessels replied to 
 the contemptuous challenge could be seen in the puffs of 
 ■white smoke that burst from ship after ship, until the 
 very atmosphere seemed to tremble under the smash of 
 great guns; while the earth flew from scores of places 
 ashore, showing just the spots where the projectiles struck- 
 with thunderous impact. 
 
 The American ships did not join in this fire, having re- 
 ceived instructions to hold aloof as much as possible. Be 
 it said, however, that when the news that the forts had 
 fired on Yankee ships was flashed across the sea to Wash- 
 ington, orders were immediately sent to Kempfi in com- 
 mand to co-operate with all the other allied leaders in 
 whatever they undertook' that promised assistance to.those 
 beleaguered in the capital. 
 
 From that momentous hour, the Amertcans were ever 
 to the fore, and the action could not be too hot to suit' 
 them. 
 
 Kinkaid watched this seven hours' bombardment with 
 a fierce delight that rather astonished him, since he had 
 not been aware of possessing any particular liking for the 
 tenets of. war, even when he saw the terrible effects of a 
 monster shell exploding just over the wall of the fort, 
 and probably causing widespread desolation among the 
 plucky defenders of the works he felt not a grain of pity 
 
74 Bombardment of tlie Taku Forts. 
 
 for the wretches who had suffered, for he could not forget 
 that Joyce was in deadly peril of her life, if indeed, she 
 still Jived, through the miserable machinations of just 
 such bigots as these. 
 
 When the forts fell into the hands of the allies, the 
 way was open to for\vard . men and guns to the front, 
 which just at this time did not mean Peking, but the half- 
 way city of Tientsin, a strongly-fortified place, the walled 
 portion of which was in the hands of the enemy, heavily 
 armed with the most^ modern of rifles and rapid-firing 
 guns. 
 
 Kinkaid was with the force that moved up the river 
 under the June sunshine and rain, to the relief of the 
 column besieged in Tientsin. Perhaps, among all those 
 who participated in this movement, there could not have 
 been found one who was as eager to reach the capital as 
 our young friend ; and he would not hear of remaining be- 
 hind until the way had been cleared. It was his desire 
 to have a hand in the clearing process himself, which, I 
 fake it, is the way of all impatient lovers the world over. 
 
 At least, he had his ardent wish, and not only shared 
 the dangers of the expedition, but went them one better, 
 in that he was the only foreigner to enter Peking while 
 the members of the embassies and their guards fought for 
 their very lives against the hdrdes of Boxers controlling 
 the Imperial City. 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE WORLD TAKES OFF ITS HAT TO^THE JAPS AT TIENTSIN. 
 
 When Kinkaid reached Tientsin, he found a serious 
 condition of affairs. 
 
 The foreigners held their concessions and the railroad 
 station, out the Chinese were strongly intrenched within 
 their walled city, from whence they were able to send an 
 almost continuous tornado of shells that did more or less 
 damage, there being many expert gunners among the 
 rebels, trained in the imperial army under foreign officers. 
 
 Kinkaid went up the river on a boat that took com- 
 missary stores to the troojps at the fron^, and it was about 
 ten o'clock at night when he came in sight of the city on 
 the Peiho. 
 
 Burning villages were in painful evidence on every side, 
 the half-savage Cossacks taking keen delight in pouring 
 kerosene over the mud houses, with thatched roofs. For 
 the Russians are half Asiatic themselves, and know full 
 well the Chinese respect only a policy of force. When 
 they start upon any game of this sort, they go to the 
 extreme limit and make a clean sweep. 
 
 The roar of bursting shells was evidence that grim 
 war was in the erstwhile peaceful land of the dragon. 
 Kinkaid could trace the passage of these aerial monsters 
 through the air by the flash of fire, and then would come 
 a dazzling display should one burst ere it -had completed 
 its circuit. 
 
 The sound stirred his blood famously. He began to ex- 
 perience a little of the battle fever such as comes to nearly 
 all men. In time he would grow so accustomed to this 
 racket that the explosion of a shell would not attract any 
 particular attention, or cause him to stop in the sentence 
 he chanced to be uttering. 
 
 Familiarity breeds contempt. 
 
 There was certainly no use in thinking o£ trying to ad- 
 vance further up the river while the Chinese held such a 
 
76 The World Takes off Its Hat. 
 
 stronghold here at Tientsin; and the first business of 
 the allies must be to reduce this walled city. 
 
 That meant days, and perhaps weeks, o:^ delay, for 
 everything had to be hauled such a great distance by 
 water, as a usual thing; for while the Russians were sup- 
 posed to hold the railway, it was continually being torn 
 up by bands of roving rebels, who, at the approach of 
 the troops, became innocent countrymen, just the same 
 tactics as the American soldiers in the Philippines have to 
 deal with in the insurgents of those islands. 
 
 Then again, there was more or less "sniping"*going on 
 all the time, shots being fired from the cover of mud 
 houses or rude trenches, the driver of the motor coming in 
 for most of these compliments. 
 
 Although Kinkaid mentally groaned with anguish over 
 the thoughts of so much delay, when time seemed of such 
 vast importance, he realized the enormous difficulties that 
 confronted the allied commanders, and knew he would 
 have to possess his soul in patience, like so many others 
 the world over who were so wretched as to have relatives 
 in the beleaguered city. 
 
 History was being made at a tremendous rate during 
 those days. The China of old would pass away, and, in 
 tourse of time, a new dispensation appear that would mean 
 much to the world at large. , This uprising was but the 
 match placed at the touchhole of the cannon, an instru- 
 ment of destiny for the eventual enlightenment of the 
 ;whole universe. 
 
 During those dreary days while the fighting went-en, 
 and the allies waited for enough reinforcements fo war- 
 rant them in making ^a desperate assault on the walled 
 city, Kinkaid wandered at will through the various camps, 
 and gained much valuable information, which he embodied 
 in letters to his journal. ~] 
 
 Thus was business combined with inclination. It is an 
 [American trait. 
 
 He had numerous adventures after a kind, sometimes 
 Imore or less serious, but with his usual good luck, and the 
 fact that dash carries much weight in affairs of this sort, 
 be succeeded in passing through them unscathed. 
 
 This Boxer movement was a very simple thing, once it 
 
The World Takes off Its Hat. ']^ 
 
 came to be examined into — in Chinese the word means 
 "I-Ho-Ch'uali," or "The Fist of Righteous Harmony," 
 and the bund was first established in the province of 
 Shantung, by the governor, who armed a rural police with 
 large swords, as a protection against the hordes of men 
 who had turned robbers after being made destitute by the 
 overflow of the famous Yellow River; but ere long the 
 Boxers became even worse thieves than those they had 
 been organized to destroy, and as the guild was spread 
 broadcast, the chief tenet of their faith seemed to center 
 on hatred of the foreigner, and a determination to run 
 him iiito the sea. In this they were secretly aided and 
 abetted by the Dowager Empress Tsu-Usi, in whose hands 
 the Emperor Kuang-Hsu was but a mere puppet. 
 
 Those who came in contact with these fellows pro- 
 fessed to be 'amazed at the sublime courage shown upon 
 the field of battle.'when the prospect of death appeared to 
 have no terrors for the Chinamen; but the secret of this 
 fatalism was not hard to find, for they had a supersti- 
 tious belief, gathered, perhaps, from a study of Taoism, 
 that after a certain amount of- athletic exercise, the de- 
 votee becomes both bullet and sword proof. 
 
 Kinkaid joined in the work of the allied army whenever 
 there was anything to be done, and many a poor fellow 
 who had been wounded by some Chinese sharpshooter 
 found occasion to bless the presence of this newspaper 
 man who had what mernbers of his calling seldom possess, 
 unlimited cash to^provide such comforts as the land of- 
 fered. 
 
 He passed through several engagements, too, and even 
 used a gun with more or less success upon the fellows 
 who, continued to snipe from the walls of the inner city. 
 Perhaps his shots were of some value to the cause, for he 
 had had much experience in the hunting line, and ought 
 to be able to place his lead where it would count, es- 
 pecially when the object at which he fired was a yellow; 
 devil who had just pinked a soldier in blue at Kinkaid's 
 elbow, and was celebrating his success by jumping up and 
 down in an insulting manner. He came in sight no more 
 after Wallis blazed away, and our friend had an idea he 
 was out of the game. 
 
78 The World Takes off Its Hat. 
 
 From camp to camp Kinkaid wandered, seeking all that 
 was curious, things that might appeal to the ordinary- 
 reader, things that pertained to the national characteristics 
 of the several armies represented, and these peculiarities 
 were legion. 
 
 Thus June passed. 
 
 Still no advance. 
 
 Admiral Seymour's force had fought its way back to 
 Tientsin, being rescued by a sally of the garrison ; for the 
 Chinese had completely surrounded the gallant officer and 
 his weary men, not ten miles beyond the city, and threat- 
 ened to annihilate them in due time. 
 
 Their losses had been very severe, but the worst of it 
 was the fact that the defeat would arouse the Chinese 
 spirit, and send tens of thousands into the field, armed 
 with every imaginable weapon, from horrible masks, cal- 
 culated to frighten the enemy into convulsions, to match- 
 locks and gingals, which latter is a Chinese adaptation 
 of our breechloader, the barrel being about seven feet 
 long, requiring two men, as a rule, to fire the weapon. 
 
 The returned heroes reported the whole country fairly 
 teeming with aroused natives, ready to throw themselves 
 upon any ordinary force that might be sent against them, 
 and woe to the unfortunate who fell into their infuriated 
 hands. Torture and death would be his portion. 
 
 It was little wonder, then, that the commanders of the 
 allies went slowly. They had no desire to furnish the 
 world with a disaster that would appall humanity. The 
 rescue of the ministers who were shut up in Peking was 
 of great importance, but it would never be brought about 
 save through the proper methods, such as govern the 
 sagacious rules of warfare. 
 
 Occasionally ugly rumors flashed through the camps, 
 to the effect that the worse that could be exi>ected had 
 happened, and that all who were in the Chinese capital 
 had been ruthlessly slaughtered. These reports made 
 every man the more determined to take a heavy fall out 
 of the Boxers. No matter as to their truth or falsity, the 
 relieving column meant to go forward, and should they 
 reach Peking to find the worst, then woe betide that un- 
 lucky city of the Tartars, for in their fury the allies would, 
 
The World Takes off Its Hat. 79 
 
 perhaps, not leave one stone upon another as a lesson to' 
 the duplicity of China. ( 
 
 Kinkaid suffered each time all the pangs that human 
 flesh is heir to. He pictured horrors until his head fairly 
 swam, and his teeth ached from the constant gritting upon 
 each other; but he realized his impotence, and was forced 
 to take it out in seizing a gun and doing some sniping 
 himself, to the detriment of the enemy on the wall. 
 ~' At last came the time when the force at hand seemed 
 sufficient to warrant a determined assault on the fortified 
 city. 
 
 Thousands of sturdy little Japanese troops, well drilled 
 and brave as the lion, had arrived, and were ready to take 
 the most dangerous position in the line. Kinkaid fra- 
 ternized with these soldiers; and grew to fancy them ex- 
 ceedingly well; indeed, they won plaudits everywhere, 
 even from the big Russians, who eyed their actions with 
 the idea that it was only a question of time ere they must 
 meet these soldiers of the Orient in deadly battle array. 
 
 July had crawled -around, and it was now the second 
 week. 
 
 More or less rain came each day to bring distress to 
 all save veterans. 
 
 The action had grown more severe with each recurring 
 day, for it appeared as though the Chinese had unlimited 
 ammunition, to judge from the reckless manner in which 
 they poured their shots into the town, while the batteries 
 of the allies sent back a hot fire that ground portions of 
 the massive walls into powder, though any breach was im- 
 mediately filled by the army of workers ready to risk life 
 and limb in the service. They were like so many ants to 
 the allies, and it seemed slaughter to send a shell into such 
 a mass. 
 
 On the thirteenth orders were given for a combined 
 assault. 
 
 The attacking force numbered between four and five 
 thousand, nearly half of whom were plucky Japanese 
 soldiers. 
 
 Kinkaid was, by choice, thrown with these little dare- 
 devil fighters, since it was an object with him to see what 
 a power they were to prove in the conquest of the world. 
 
8o The World Takes off Its Hat. 
 
 Besides, he had made a warm friend among the Japs, 
 an actual correspondent for an influential newspaper of 
 fTokio, and their common interests as well as other things 
 Iwund them together. 
 
 Yamura Jinksha was his name, though to Kinkaid he 
 iwas always plain Jinks ; and a more daring chap certainly 
 never used a pencil to describe scenes of glorious warfare. 
 [What the nature of his communications was, the Ameri- 
 tan, of course, could not say, since they were beyond his 
 learning; but if the fluent speech of the other could be 
 looked upon as an index to his yarn spinning, he must 
 have sent some hair raisers, indeed. 
 
 That most astonishing battle, the first time in history 
 iwhen the standards of England, France, Germany, Russia, 
 'Austria, Japan and the United States floated in company 
 upon a field of carnage. Its like was never seen before, 
 and in all probability never may be again. 
 
 No one, save an eyewitness, could describe it so as to 
 do justice to the theme, and I may-he pardoned for in- 
 troducing the testimony of so able and accomplished a 
 writer as Henry Savage Landor, who captured a Boxer 
 flag on the ramparts of Tientsin that night : 
 
 "Considerable difficulty was encountered in advancing 
 toward the city, owing to the swampy nature of the 
 ground and the lack of shelter from Chinese bullets. In 
 fact, the loss of the-jallies was great — seven hundred and 
 eight in all, without counting the German and Russian 
 losses. They moved on the city from the northeast, and 
 carried everything before them. 
 
 "The Americans on the right flank were proceeding un- 
 der shelter of dikes. In getting over one of these dikes, 
 their much-honored commander. Col. Liscum, was killed 
 ■while performing a deed of great patriotism. In the hail 
 of bullets his standard-bearer was shot. Col. Liscum was 
 near him, and, rather than see the Stars and Stripes pre- 
 cipitated to the ground, seized the flag and, waving it, 
 stormed the dike. Unhappily, a bullet struck him, and 
 shortly after he was no more. 
 
 "The position occupied by the Americans was a very 
 difficult one, as the distance from the two Chinese guns 
 across the canal to the dike was only seventy-five yards. 
 
The World Takes off Its Hat. 8i 
 
 Moreover, the Chinese, strongly intrenched in the German 
 flour mill, kept a deadly fusillade on the Americans. By; 
 sunset the Americans had one hundred and twenty killed 
 and wounded, ninety of the Ninth Infantry and thirty 
 marines. 
 
 "The plucky Japanese, who always led during the en- 
 gagement, at last reached the south gate, already much - 
 battered by the four-inch gun and the six-pounders on the 
 mud wall. 
 
 "At twenty minutes past three, on July fourteenth, tbel 
 south city gate was blown in by the Japanese. As, how- 
 ever, the city gates were double, yet another effort was 
 made to blow up the second gate. While this was being 
 done, a number of plucky Japanese soldiers climbed the 
 wall, hand-over-hand fashion, and as quick as lightning 
 were on the other side. They opened the gate amid the 
 hurrahs of their companions, and a flood of foreign troops, 
 Japanese, British and French, poured into the town, 
 bayoneting and shooting the Qiinese, who still sniped 
 from inside their houses or made a desperate resistance. 
 One cannot give too high praise to the Japanese officers 
 and soldiers. They are the perfection of military men in 
 every way. One could not say more. 
 
 "The greater portion of the town was set fire to, and the 
 rush of soldiers and running Chinese through the narrow 
 streets and along the wall was quite interesting to watch, 
 and in its wild confusion reminded one very forcibly of 
 Dante's Inferno. 
 
 "Dead men lay about in the streets and piled along the 
 wall; others, wounded, lay quietly and as if dead as you 
 approached, for fear of being killed. Every now and 
 then a revolver or rifle shot came from a sniper inside a 
 house, and short work was made of him there and then. 
 The arsenal was taken possession of by the Americans, 
 and by nightfall fort after fort had fallen and the flags 
 of all the allies floated victorious along the battered walls 
 of Tientsin." 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 JINKS. 
 
 Kinkaid was always proud to say he had been on the 
 firing line during this hot engagement. When the won- 
 derful Japanese soldiers clambered straight up the wall 
 in the face of a concentrated fire and opened the massive 
 gates, he was one of the first to enter the inner city, nor 
 would he soon forget the awful scenes there met, marking 
 the destruction wrought by the bombardment. 
 
 Kinkaid gloried in the victory as a triumph over bar- 
 barism and wickedness; but, in truth, most of his private 
 rejoicing concerned quite another fact. 
 
 It brought him one step nearer Joyce. That was the 
 thing that made his heart swell with satisfaction when he 
 rushed through the streets of the conquered city along- 
 side the sturdy little Japs, and routed out any stray Boxer 
 who kept up sniping from the houses. 
 
 After this the allies could recuperate, and then beg;in 
 the actual advance on Peking. 
 
 Gradually the .roar of cannon came to a stop, as the 
 forts capitulated, and the news was flashed over the earth 
 that Tientsin had fallen. Kinkaid was fully awake to the 
 advantages of his position, and saw to it that his paper 
 had a full and lurid account as soon as any English sheet, 
 nor was the representative of the Tokio press left in the 
 lurch, though he had more difficulties to surmount than 
 any one of his fellow scribes. 
 
 There was now need of haste. 
 
 Few were sanguine enough to believe that those who 
 had been cooped up in the legations of Peking could have 
 held out all these weary weeks, with hordes of infuriated 
 Chinese daily hurling themselves against the walls of their 
 too frail defenses; but it would never be too late to 
 avenge, and that was the motive that animated the troops 
 when at last the long-delayed advance was begun. 
 
 This brought the time to about the first of August, and 
 
Jinks. 83 
 
 the difficulties of the foreigners in Peking had commenced 
 early in June. What might not have occurred during those 
 long two months? 
 
 The country through which the allied armies must 
 pass on their march was perfectly level, and as this was 
 the rainy season, the mud would very likely make the 
 transportation of heavy guns a severe task, indeed. No 
 grass could be seen, only the interminable wheat, corn or' 
 millet fields, or, perhaps, in lower places, the rice or paddy 
 fields. 
 
 Everyw*here they must expect to meet with the most 
 strenuous resistance, for the Chinese were wrought up to 
 a frenzied pitch by this invasion of their territory by the 
 heathen, as they were disposed to consider Western na- 
 tions. 
 
 Kinkaid had supplied himself with such necessities as 
 could be purchased for "cash" in the Tientsin shops along 
 the street known as Tze-Chu-Cin, and was consequently 
 in better condition to face the rigors of this long and 
 arduous march than most of his fellow correspondents. 
 
 He still stuck close to Jinks, for several reasons. In 
 the first place, he positively admired the humorous little 
 Jap, who could cheer him up when the whole universe 
 seemed to take on an aspect of indigo. Then again, he 
 had an idea that Jinks would be of great value to him 
 presently, for they had been talking over the matter, and 
 even reached a determination to cut loose from the army 
 when the proper time came, and endeavor to enter Peking 
 in advance, bearing the news to those who might, if still 
 alive, be encouraged to hold out until relief arrived. 
 
 It was a desperate enterprise, considering the nature of 
 the roads, and how they swarmed with vengeful Chinese ; 
 but one of these men was destitute of fear, and the other 
 had a sweetheart locked up in the beleaguered city, so 
 what would yoU? 
 
 Kinkaid did not fail to notice everything that was of 
 interest on the way, for he was a born observer, and knew 
 how to dress these items to the taste of his patrons over 
 the water. Dozens of queer things caught his eye, from 
 the unique efforts to appease the ever-present Fung-Shuy, 
 
84 Jinks. 
 
 or evil spirit, to the pukais, or wadded quilts, used for! 
 sleeping purposes. 
 
 He poked fun at the little wayside shrines that could 
 be seen everywhere, containing wooden or clay images aa 
 gods, forsooth, because metal ones would be stolen ! 
 
 So the days passed, and they were already some twenty 
 miles out of the city of Tientsin, on the road to the capital. 
 
 Usually this thoroughfare teems with almond-eyed 
 Celestials, wheeling the ubiquitous barrow, in which so 
 much of the transportation is done in China ; but all was 
 changed now, and an army of Boxers hovered constantly 
 on the flanks of the relief column, ready to harass and 
 take advantage of any opportunity to get in a telling blow. 
 
 There were generals with the allies who had seen long 
 service in action, who had led other relief columns when 
 desperate, indeed, seemed their condition. Men who had 
 been in India, in Afghanistan, in the Turkish war, and 
 even where Buller and Roberts fought the plucky Boers 
 in South Africa. They were seasoned veterans, and 
 would never be caught napping on the "trek." 
 
 The more he discussed this scheme with the hair-brained 
 Japanese, the better Kinkaid liked the idea of making an 
 advance courier of himself; for he felt certain that he 
 should die of anxiety should the column be held up an^ 
 length of time, as was always possible. , 
 
 Besides, there was a fascination about the thing that 
 appealed to his bold spirit — just as he had never hesitated 
 when he discovered Joyce upon the moving ice of the St. 
 Lawrence — and that brought to his mind another fact 
 which somehow made the two instances resemble each 
 other, which was that he had told the girl truthfully how 
 he had striven to join her in order that he might save her 
 from the impending fate, or, if necessary, die with her. 
 And the identical same motive influenced him now. 
 
 The optimists said the column would be before Peking 
 in eight days, no matter how they were opposed, while on 
 the other hand, pessimists were sure it would be nearer the 
 first of September, even if they were able to accomplish 
 the business then.. 
 
 These facts decided Kinkaid, of New York. He would 
 
J inks. 85 
 
 Break loose, and take his chances for getting in ahead of 
 the army of rescue. 
 
 The poor fellow, in imagination, feasted his soul upon 
 the royal welcome he would receive as a messenger of 
 good tidings, and especially from one little womaj^, God 
 bless her, and grant that she was still safe, for he clung 
 to the hope that those cruel reports were but canards, and 
 that the message of old Li Hung Chang to the Powers of 
 the world was the actual truth. He had declared that 
 the legations were still holding out against the rebels, 
 though daily attacked and sorely pressed. 
 
 Preparations were finally completed for the venture. 
 
 Kinkaid had taken the advice of his Eastern friend, and 
 secured" such garments as would be tiseful in the nature 
 of a disguise, for it must be the very height of folly to 
 dream of passing along the wheelbarrow roads they in- 
 tended to take in the garb of the hated foreign "devil." 
 
 Many miles intervened between the camp of the allied 
 armies and the Chinese capital, dangers hovered over 
 every foot of the way ; but to a sanguine soul these things 
 never appeal with any ^force whatever. The object in 
 view overshadows all else, and serves as an inspiration to 
 carry the intrepid adventurer to victory or death. 
 
 So Wallis Kinkaid went forth, just as boldly as he had 
 rushed out yonder on the heaving ice floes of the Northern 
 River. 
 
 He believed. he had everything to gain, and nothing to 
 lose, save his life, which was in itself perfectly worthless 
 to him if she were not to share it. 
 
 He had never known the half that lay within his nature, 
 and by degrees it was being forced upon his notice that 
 some element in his composition seemed to actually glory 
 in these deeds of daring. He could now easily under- 
 stand how men threw their lives into the balance and 
 staked everything on a single cast of the die. 
 
 When they were actually clear of the army, they looked 
 back toward the many glowing camp-fires with more or 
 less regret, which was natural enough, for they had left 
 some fine fellows there, and the chances seemed to be that 
 they might never meet again. 
 
 Not for a moment did their resolution falter — they had 
 
86 Jinks. 
 
 taken all these things into considepation when laying out 
 their plans, and would not allow themselves to be daunted 
 by the prospect. 
 
 One thing had influenced Kinkaid in arranging this 
 Quixotic expedition, and this was the very important fact 
 of Jenks havmg been over every foot of this territory 
 before, so that it would not be a wilderness upon which 
 they embarked. 
 
 Then again, the little Jap had more or less command of 
 the intricate Chinese language, and in a pinch might even 
 pass himself off for a native Boxer, hot for the blood of all 
 foreigners. 
 
 The utter ignorance of the majority of the natives was 
 another point in their favor, and by working upon their, 
 superstitious fears, it might be possible to keep them at 
 arms' length. 
 
 Eternal vigilance would be the price of safety, and if 
 they succeeded in their bold undertaking, the more honor 
 and glory,awaited them. 
 
 It would never do to stop at any inn or mingle with 
 crowds along the way, since discovery must be always im- 
 minent, and once that disaster came about, the chances of 
 escape would be very slim, indeed. 
 
 Jinks planned to move along during the night and hide 
 out while day lasted. 
 
 Doubtless some haycock would give them shelter be- 
 tween sunrise and the going down of the heavenly lumi- 
 nary : or, if a patch of timber came in their way, not a 
 likely thing, to tell the truth, they would be glad to in- 
 vestigate its claims with regard to a hiding place. 
 
 Through the night the Jap led his companion onward, 
 and when Kinkaid felt touches of weariness, he bolstered 
 up his nerve by remembering that it was all for the gentle 
 girl whom he loved. So that even torture might appear 
 as a feast of nectar when partaken of iri this spirit. 
 
 Many times they had scares, and were obliged to sud- 
 denly hide in the first place that came to hand. Now it 
 was a detachment of Chinese soldiers ambling along the 
 road, chattering like a nest of magpies, and, as Jinks 
 whispered in his companion's ear, planning to slaughteij 
 some native converts who had, perhaps, escaped their furjj 
 
Jinks. 87 
 
 thus far. Anon, it was a flock of villagers, fleeing before 
 the advance of the allied armies, and quivering with terror, 
 for the Cossack method of retaliation had struck fear to^ 
 the hearts of those who lived on the route to Peking. Per- 
 haps it was only a single stolid laborer, on the way to his 
 fields, heedless of the rumors of war, about which he 
 knew nothing and cared less;Jput even this fellow was a 
 dangerous character to our two adventurers, since he 
 could spread the news, and arouse the whole country 
 against them. 
 
 Ere dawn began to brighten the eastern sky, they cal- 
 culated that they had covered twice as much ground as the 
 army could in one day. . At least, they felt they had reason 
 to be satisfied, and let well enough alone. 
 
 So the next thing on the programme was to find a 
 place in which to spend the hours of daylight. 
 
 Here was where the haycock came in, and they were 
 extremely glad to crawl under its friendly shelter, par- 
 take of the food that had been provided, and drop asleep. 
 
 Kinkaid was aroused by some sound as of persons 
 talking. 
 
 It took him a minute or so to understand just where he 
 was at, and then he made out that the voices were 
 Chinese. Could their presence in the viciqity be already 
 known, or even suspected, and had a detachment of sol-' 
 diera;been sent out to rout them from their hiding place? 
 
 The thought was far from pleasant, and he was just in 
 the act of drawing a weapon, resolved to sell his life 
 dearly, when he noticed a slight movement in the hay, and 
 made out that it was Jinks pushing back. Jinks, who had 
 evidently been poking his nose outside on an investigating 
 tour, and was now returning to report. 
 
 It was not quite so bad as Kinkaid had feared, though 
 serious enough in all conscience. Some laborers were en- 
 gaged in loading the hay upon queer carts with big, solid, 
 wooden wheels, and drawn by water buffaloes or cariboos. 
 Doubtless they feared lest the invading army might apply 
 fire to the stacks if it could not be made available for their 
 horses, and it was the hope of the Chinese owners tp get 
 it to a place of safety. 
 
 In time they would come to the heap that sheltered our 
 
88 Jinks. 
 
 friends, when, perhaps, a mutual surprise would be in 
 evidence. Kinkaid saw at once that it was time for theni 
 'to make a grand sneak, taking chances of discovery as 
 they came. The only difference was, they had some hope, 
 while if they remained there was absolutely none. 
 
 Again he profited by his deerstalking experiences, and 
 was able to see the tactics of the little Jap, and go him! 
 one better. They made full use of the intervening stacks, 
 the presence of which proved 'a fortunate thing for the 
 fugitives ; and as the attention of the laborers did not ex- 
 tend beyond the immediate vicinity of their noses, in com- 
 mon with most men who work at so many "cash" per 
 diem, they got clear without being hauled over the coals. 
 Probably those chattering, saffron-hued Celestials never 
 suspected how close they had come to the Chinaman's 
 Paradise on that day, for they were two desperate men 
 who had invaded this hostile land, and in case of discovery; 
 would have laid about them with a vigorous will. 
 
• CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 ON THE ROAD TO PEKING. 
 
 Fortunately, it was near the close of day when Kinkaid 
 and his Oriental comrade were routed out from their 
 snug quarters under the little clump of hay, and it only 
 required some dodging about in order to bring them to 
 the border of night. ; 
 
 In the gloaming they felt safe to proceed toward the 
 iWest, following the road to Peking. Every mile gained was 
 a hard-fought fight, since so many chances existed in the 
 iine of danger and discovery; for even at night the coun- 
 try was alive with excited Celestials flitting hither- and 
 thither, with a view of avoiding the coming army of in- 
 vasion. 
 
 Strange sights fell to their observation; at least, they 
 appealed to the artistic temperament of the American, 
 while Jinks never gave the least heed, save to point out 
 some suspected "source of peril. 
 
 Another long night, during which the pilgrims made 
 good pfogress. 
 
 Kinkaid was delighted to hear his shrewd companion 
 declare that ere two more had winged their flight into 
 the past, it was very probable, should this luck continue 
 lo befriend them, that they might bring up in Peking. 
 
 What glorious possibilities that offered, and yet, at the 
 same time, how it made a cold shiver creep up his spinal 
 column ; for who could predict what awful horrors lay in 
 store for them in the capital, where crazed fanatics 
 swarmed, bidding defiance to the regularly constituted au- 
 thorities of China ? 
 
 Adventures they had by the dozen, sometimes ridicu* 
 lous, as when Jinks fell into the canal and h^d to actually 
 swim out; others bordering on tragedy, and threatening 
 to wind up their enterprise in short order. 
 
 The second day they found shelter in a deserted, tum- 
 ble-down hut, that lay off the road, and where they hoped 
 
90 On the Road to Peking. 
 
 to remain undisturbed by the rattling, chattering crowd 
 that pushed along the main road, carrying the most re- 
 markable and miscellaneous cargo ever collected. 
 
 This sort of thing reminded Kinkaid of accounts he 
 had heard from veterans of the Civil War who had es- 
 caped from Southern prisons, and day by day made their 
 way through a hostile section, aiming to rejoin the North- 
 ern army. Only it was worse in the case of the present 
 participants, for they had not one single friend to give 
 shelter or food, while in the other case the war fugitives 
 found much comfort from the devotion of the negroes en 
 route. 
 
 Luckily, Kinkaid had prepared, in a measure, to work 
 upon the well-known superstitious fears of the natives. 
 Since they had faith in a personal devil, he believed in ac- 
 commodating them to the best of his ability, and for this 
 purpose had brought along a few traps that might prove 
 useful. 
 
 It was in this same mud-walled hut that the opportunity 
 came. 
 
 Taking turn and turn about at watching, they had re- 
 couped their wasted strength, and were in a condition to 
 start again on the road when the shades of night de- 
 scended. 
 
 It was during Jinks' watch that the yellow peril came 
 upon them, and he made all haste to arouse his companion, 
 feeling unequal to the task of meeting the emergency 
 alone. 
 
 Wise Kinkaid had made his preparations for just such a 
 happening, so that all that was necessary was to "touch 
 the button" and the rest would be taken care of. 
 
 Three fellows were approaching. They might be ordi- 
 nary Chinamen, traveling along the road, as does the 
 ubiquitous tramp of civilization, or something of a differ- 
 ent order. Jinks summed them up as rogues in his one 
 fiance, and told his friend as much, using the word that 
 was symbolical of everything bad. 
 
 Little it mattered, since the result would be the same, 
 discovery meaning death to the fanquey, or foreigners. 
 
 These Chinese are so accustomed to assuming horrible 
 masks in the matter of war, and even while practicing the 
 
On tlie Road to Peking. 91 
 
 arts of peace, that it would require something out of the 
 ordinary to give them a shock. All of which Kinkaid 
 had taken into consideration when arranging his sweet 
 seance. 
 
 He opened the performance by a series of diabolical 
 shrieks that doubtless chilled the fellows to the marrow, 
 for they came to an abrupt halt, and appeared to cling to 
 one another for support. 
 
 Meanwhile, Kinkaid had almost instantaneously com- 
 pleted some arrangements for a lightning change, and was 
 ready to appear as a fung-shuy, or evil spirit, ftr the first 
 time on any stage. 
 
 He proved a howling success, if one could judge from 
 the cries that broke out, and the excited demonstration on 
 the part of the audience. 
 
 Indeed, his only fear was that he had overdone the 
 matter, for the wretched chaps seemed so stricken with 
 terror, that they actually fell down on the spot as though 
 paralyzed. 
 
 In order to give them a chance to retire, the ghost van- 
 ished within the precincts of the temporal abode, and his 
 ruse proved successful, for one by one the terrified China- 
 men crawled away on their knees, it being apparently 
 against the regulations of their religion to stand erect 
 after interviewing a spirit from the other world. 
 
 So they were well rid of them ; but the story must have 
 goneP'out, for there came others, incredulous and bold, 
 who sought to prove how the imagination can play the 
 deuce with a craven heart. These had to be attended to 
 in detail, and convinced separately and in bunches that 
 there was something in the fable, after all. 
 
 Kinkaid began to grow weary of the role of ghost. 
 
 When he entered into arrangements to give a matinee, 
 he had not entertained the idea of a continuous perforrri- 
 ance, nor did his contract specify such, so far as he knew. 
 No doubt there were countless coolies and mandarins, too, 
 who had never as yet had the privilege of interviewing a 
 real fung-shuy, and if he chose, he could keep the thing 
 goifig interminably ; but it was a case of "fun for the boys, 
 death' to the frogs," and he begged off. 
 
 Again they were fortunate enough to have evening close 
 
92 On the Road to Peking. 
 
 at hand, and accordingly Kinkaid made his "positively 
 farewell'' appearance, clearing the field for the third time. 
 
 Then they made a grand sneak, lea\-ing the ancient hut 
 to its glory, and passing away down the wheelbarrow road 
 as ordinary pilgrims of the night. 
 
 So it went, with danger continually hovering about 
 them, yet never once did their courage fail. Peking was 
 ahead, their goal, where the climax of this closing drama 
 of the nineteenth century was being enacted, and whither 
 they were bound. 
 
 By this* time Kinkaid had grown accustomed to the 
 various sights and sounds indicati\ e of Chinese life, and 
 tliey became an old story. The twang of a saiiiisan, the 
 picturesque flower-boat, the gaudy tea houses, the feast 
 of lanterns, the bamboo-ribbed sailboats drifting over the 
 water, the shrines, the quaint inns, the stones of tlie high- 
 way glazed with centuries of traffic, the Chinese theatre, 
 bamboo chairs, jinrickishas flashing hither and }"on, the 
 jugglers, fortune tellers, dentists, barbers, donkeys, all 
 such had become a confused medley within his brain, and 
 all he thought of now was — Joyce! 
 
 Her face was his inspiration, no matter did a thousand 
 deaths threaten, still would he press onward, because she 
 was there. What power is there on earth equal to love ? 
 
 The third night out. 
 
 As was to be expected, the nearer they drew to the 
 capital of the vast empire, the more congested became the 
 roads everywhere. Kinkaid was forcibly reminded of an 
 anthill that had by accident been disrupted, with the army 
 of alarmed insects rushing this way and that, hardly 
 knowing what to do. So these Chinamen had lost their 
 heads, and were returning, in many cases, o-Cer the same 
 road they had fled along but yesterday, having found 
 Peking, whither they had rushed tor safety, a far worse 
 haven than their homes. 
 
 He never knew the meaning of that word "Bedlam" 
 until he witnessed a Chinese migration, and heard the 
 ceaseless chatter of tongues accompanying it. 
 
 This third day they sought shelter in a pagoda. Jihks 
 assured his friend that these places were seldom visited, 
 and having a religious flavor about them, would prove a 
 
On the Road to Peking. 93 
 
 safe hiding' place, being free from that curiosity that 
 tempts Chinamen to pry into nooks and crannies. 
 
 And Jinks was right, too, much to the surprise and 
 satisfaction of Kinkaid, who had least of all expected to 
 find peace in a place that in his mind must be associated 
 with the worship of the people ; which showed how ig- 
 norant one may be of the habits of the Mongols. 
 
 How eagerly he welcomed the coming night. From a 
 ledge high up on the pagoda, where they had taken their 
 perch, they saw the curtains being drawn about the closing 
 day. 
 
 Kinkaid had his eyes turned in the direction of Peking. 
 He felt some of the Mahometan's religious fervor, only 
 the Chinese capital was his Mecca, for it held the object 
 of his worship, an object far more precious in his mind 
 than could be the caaba, or sacred black ston^ connected 
 with the prophet. 
 
 They waited until it had become wholly dark, clouds 
 covering the sky, and threatening rain, which, however, 
 held no terrors for them, since they had already endured 
 all that could come from above in the shape of precipita- 
 tion. 
 
 "Look!" said the Jap, pointing to the sky„ which was 
 glowing as with the reflected blaze of a volcanic eruption. 
 
 Kinkaid did look, and his heart grew sick within him. 
 What could it portend? Were the Boxers completing 
 their work of destruction, so that when the allies had 
 fought their way to the walls of Peking, they would only 
 find blackened ruins where once the concessions and lega- 
 tion buildings had stood ? 
 
 The dire possibility thrilled him, and he shut his teeth 
 with the resolution of a man who makes up his mind to 
 face the worst. 
 
 "Let's go on — this suspense is maddening, and I can't 
 stand it any longer. To-night, you say, we shall be in 
 Peking — or in the other world. Good ! that suits me. 
 Lead the way down. Jinks, that's a good fellow." 
 
 The little Jap had never flinched, no matter what dan- 
 ger rrienaced them ; but it unnerved him to see his friend 
 in this agonized state of mind. Hence, he was quite 
 anxious to end the suspense of which Kinkaid complained, 
 
94 On the Road to Peking. 
 
 well knowing how much better it was that they should 
 come in touch with the worst. 
 
 It was about half an hour later that a sound suddenly- 
 burst upon their hearing, a sound that made the New 
 Yorker give an exclamation that was in itself indicative 
 of delight. 
 
 "That was the report of a cannon, and speaks of hope, 
 "for why should it be fired unless the legations are still 
 holding out?" he exclaimed. 
 
 After that he seemed to have received a new baptism of 
 faith, though his eagerness to get on the other side of the 
 Peking wall abated not one jot. 
 
 It was now next to impossible to avoid running up 
 against some of the fellows who were rushing about, 
 either bent on errands connected with the business of the 
 Boxers, or concerned with their individual safety, afraid 
 lest they be caught between the upper and nether stones, 
 between the devil and the deep sea, Scylla and Charybdis, 
 the coming allied army and the horde of Boxers running 
 the town wide-open at present. 
 
 Jinks took matters in hand, and attuned himself to the 
 conditions. When it became necessary to answer any 
 queries, thrown at them by passing natives, his was the 
 voice that was lifted up in explanation, and so varied is 
 the population of the vast empire, that men of many dia- 
 lects run amuck at Peking. Hence it was our friends 
 passed through the various trials and tribulations conse- 
 quent upon these many meetings without arousing the 
 suspicions of the fellows who interrogated out of curi- 
 osity, or a desire to hit upon a bon boitche that it would 
 pay them to pluck. 
 
 Jinks it was who explained, when they tried to make 
 his companion speak, that the other was a mute, and 
 Kinkaid did all in his power to back up the statement by 
 making various weird noises in his throat, such as he had 
 heard dumb people give vent to when desirous of throw- 
 ing off the incubus that bound the vocal cords in chains. 
 
 Really, but for the serious part of the business, as rep- 
 resented in those who were shut up in the imperial city, 
 Kinkaid would have been tempted to look upon the whole 
 
On the Road to Peking. 95 
 
 matter in the light of an opera bouffe, it was so ridiciilous 
 in many respects. 
 
 How his heart bounded when Jinks whispered in his 
 ear, and obeying the injunction to look ahead, he discov- 
 ered vague, shadowy outlines of huge walls, rising up 
 above their heads — the walls of Peking! 
 
 From within the great city came the most amazing con- 
 glomeration of sounds that mortal ear had ever heard. It 
 seemed as though a thousand distinct noises were blended 
 in one vast whole, and that an inharmonious conglom- 
 eration that could only be likened to Bedlam broken loose, 
 ten thousand mortals screeching like cats, firing ofif pyro- 
 technics, and beating gongs that must have effectually 
 frightened away all the £vi\ spirits in the neighborhood. 
 
 Apparently there was no present attack being made on 
 the foreign quarter, since the reports of firearms did not 
 appear to have any part in the racket, for which Kinkaid 
 was glad, though his fears once more took fresh root, 
 and he found himself wondering whether all this confu- 
 sion was a nightly occurrence, or instituted on this par- 
 ticular occasion to celebrate a grand triumph over the 
 invaders. 
 
 Well, they would probably soon know, for the walls 
 were before them, and if Jinks was equal to the last call 
 upon his strategy, they must speedily be on the other side, 
 where, all these demonstrations -were taking place. 
 
 Filled with burning zeal to hurl himself into the arena, 
 in her name, Kinkaid begged his Jap friend to show the 
 way into Peking. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE MAD CAPITAL OF THE MONGOLS. 
 
 Human nature is never satisfied, it seems. Those for- 
 eigners held prisoner in the Chinese capital were daily 
 and hourly praying for an opportunity to shake the conse- 
 crated dust of Peking from their feet, while here were two 
 of the same ilk ready to shoulder any difficulties in their 
 frantic desire to enter this riotous metropolis of the 
 'Flowery Kingdom. 
 
 Jinks arose to the occasion manfully enough, Jinks who 
 had beens^ere before, and apparently made good use of 
 his abundant opportunities for observation. 
 
 He kneiv where the various gates were situated, and it 
 was very evident the usual regulations concerning the 
 closing of these at a certain hour could not be put into 
 practice while Peking wallowed in the throes of revolu- 
 tion, so that they could count upon being able to cross 
 the barrier all right. 
 
 Two problems faced them, the first being connected 
 with the task of avoiding an unpleasant discovery, now 
 that they were no longer on the barrow-roads of the 
 country, but brought into the limelight of publicity; the 
 second concerned the task of communicating with the 
 defenders of the legations, and gaining a lodgment back 
 of the walled barrier. 
 
 Never to the day of his death would Kinkaid forget 
 the sights that met his amazed eyes on that night tramp 
 through the swarming streets of the Chinese city. Words 
 could never do the subject adequate justice, and it would 
 be bordering on folly to attempt the thankless task. 
 
 He could never look on a Chinaman again with the 
 same feeling of unconcern that had characterized his. 
 past, for now he saw the Oriental in the guise of a fiend 
 fresh from Tophet, seeking blood, running "amok," as the 
 Malays have it. 
 
 And while they thus threaded the narrow streets there 
 
The Mad Capital of the Mongols. 97 
 
 arose once more the sounds of battle from that quarter 
 where Jinks had located the legations. What seemed to 
 be the rattle of a quick-firing gun drowned all other 
 noises for the moment, and Kinkaid remembered having 
 heard that when the four hundred guards for the various 
 legations had gone to Peking just before communication 
 between the capital and the coast was cut for the last time, 
 they had taken a number of these modern arms along. 
 
 It was upon this bulwark the foreign diplomats rested 
 their case, and the bark of the guns declared that thus far 
 they had drae their duty nobly. 
 
 The engagement did not last a great while. Doubtless 
 it waS;^ begun with the intention of causing the besieged 
 to waste more or less of their precious ammunition, 
 which could not be replaced, and once gone would possi- 
 bly bring affairs to a crux. 
 
 Kinkaid was grimly delighted when he saw a number 
 of wounded Boxers being lugged away by some of their 
 companions, showing that the guards who defended the 
 concessions not only knew their duty but did it. 
 
 It also pleased him to remember that there were some 
 sturdy Americans among the lot, blessings on their heads, 
 individually and collectively. And if he could have his 
 way there would soon be still another of Uncle Sam's 
 boys at bay yonder, ready to give a good account of his 
 stewardship. 
 
 The game had drawn very close to its climax for him ; 
 . there was always grave danger that the trick might be ex- 
 posed at the last, and his doom overtake him here upon 
 the threshold of his desires. 
 
 Kinkaid could not bring himself tO' believe so cruel a 
 fortune was in store for a man who had taken fate by 
 the throat as he had done, and forced recognition. 
 
 Skirting the place where the crowd seemed densest, 
 they gradually drew near the one particular spot in all 
 Peking where Boxer rule had thus far met with a decided 
 backset. 
 
 Jinks pointed out to his companion the position of the 
 inner or sacred city, sometimes known as the "Forbidden 
 City," because it was the home of royalty, and the com- 
 mon herd dared not profane its holy precincts save on 
 
98 The Mad Capital of the Mongols. 
 
 penalty of an immediate and hideous death. Lights 
 glowed upon the walls, and over the magnificent marble 
 bridge leading to the council hall, where the famous 
 Tsung-li-Yamen had been wont to meet in solemn con- 
 clave—yes, he could even see the outlines of the palaces 
 .that had up to now been mysteries to foreigners. 
 
 Little he cared for all this grandeur, when the streets 
 were reeking with blood, and the heads of Christians 
 were borne aloft upon poles of bamboo by crazed fanatics 
 who acknowledged no authority save force — whom the 
 Dowager Empress herself had harangued in vain earlier 
 in the uprising, from the Yung-Ting gate of the city. 
 
 How would Jinks do it? He had proven himself equal 
 to all the emergencies that had thus far arisen, and Kin- 
 kaid found reason to hope the end of his remarkable re- 
 sources was not yet in sight. 
 
 Strangely enough in the midst of this amazing excite- 
 ment many of the little shops of the Chinese merchants 
 remained open, and the proprietors seemed to be on the 
 alert for trade. Perchance these especial worthies had 
 seen to it that they protected themselves and their stock 
 by means of some magic document signed by the acknowl- 
 edged leader of the rebellion, Prince Tuan, to whom they 
 had made haste to pay tribute. 
 
 To Kinkaid it was all very like a weird, phantasmagoric 
 dream, the result of too much hasheesh or opium-^these 
 yellow-faced specters that flashed back and forth like 
 shuttles in the loom, the diabolical outcries, the multi- 
 colored lanterns that hung in front of the houses, the 
 armed squads of soldiers marching to and fro, the per- 
 fume of the joss-sticks burned before some brazen image 
 in the joss houses, the signals of the fire-watchman in 
 his box elevated on high bamboo poles, the rush of the 
 fire-engine worked by hand, with its fierce gongs ring- 
 ing madly — these and many other astonishing experi- 
 ences united in making it a leaf taken from Hades. 
 
 They were now within striking distance of the defenses 
 of the legations, and Kinkaid, poor fellow, drew inspira- 
 tion from the fact that in all probability his sweetheart 
 breathed the same smoke-laden atmosphere as rushed into 
 his lungs. Tortured by the pangs of suspense, he yearned 
 
Tlie Mad Capital of the Mongols. 99 
 
 to leap those barriers, and know what awaited him there. 
 Forgotten _ were all the trials of the past, which seemed 
 like a vision of the night, so readily passing out of mind 
 with the coming of dawn. Would that dawn ever come 
 for him, or was he to learn terrible news when he had 
 made the final dash that promised to land him with the 
 guards yonder? 
 
 Jinks had discovered that the defenders had a foothold 
 upon the wall back of the concession. It was the British 
 ambassador's quarters where they had found the strength 
 to resist through all these weary and almost hopeless 
 jweeks, daily looking for news of the rescuing army that 
 must be on the way, and renewing their faith when the 
 angry sun went down. Surely to-morrow it was to be 
 that glorious news must be wafted to their hungry souls. 
 
 Kinkaid could easily imagine it all, as well as one who 
 had not passed through the fiery furnace would conjure 
 up such horrors, and his heart beat high with the con- 
 sciousness that soon, with the help of kind Heaven, he 
 might take his message of hope to valiant Conger and 
 his fellows, telling them of the army that was. on the way, 
 and the fine victory won at Tientsin. 
 
 When the American heard the skeleton outlines of the 
 plan which his confederate had in view, he was strongly 
 impressed with its salient features, and did not hesitate 
 to bestowjiis warm commendation on the same. 
 
 To creep along an escarpment and find an opening by 
 means of which the interior of the defenses could be 
 gained might seem a small piece of business in itself; 
 but when it is remembered that the danger was even 
 greater from within than threatened from without, the 
 size of the undertaking can better be appreciated. 
 
 Jinks went ahead, like the devoted fellow he was, and 
 Kinkaid held himself in readiness to salute any sentry 
 across whom they must come in the course of their ad- 
 vance. He knew he would have to be pretty quick with 
 his tongue if he wished to avoid a shot, for these guards 
 had been kept on the jump so long that they looked upon 
 every moving thing as a crafty Chinaman, endeavoring 
 to outwit them, and doubtless it had grown to be a habit 
 with them to shoot first and investigate at their leisure. 
 
loo The Mad Capital of the Mongols. 
 
 It is bad enough to be shot by an enemy, let alone a 
 friend, one whom you have risked life and limb a score 
 of times over to serve, so that Kinkaid took every pre- 
 caution to lock his stable before his horse was stolen. 
 
 Every few feet they would come to a halt, for an ob- 
 servation; and during these brief breathing spells the 
 newspaper man from Gotham would whisper a few words 
 in plain, everyday English-as-she-is-spoke, his object 
 being of course to attract the attention of any sentry who 
 might be hovering near, watching that particular stretch 
 of wall, and warning him not to let fly with his carbine, 
 Krag or Mauser until he had done a little investigating as 
 to the character and intentions of the accused. 
 
 It was really a masterly advance, and reflected as much' 
 credit on the duo who conducted it as though they were 
 generals commanding an army. 
 
 Avoiding a thousand perils and reaching the haven 
 timed for was a feat of which they might well be proud 
 in the future, when telling the adventure at the side of a 
 blazing camp-fire — few men could have done as well, and 
 never one better. 
 
 If another assault had chanced to be made upon the 
 foreigners' quarters at just that time it would have gone 
 hard with our two friends, who must have been flattened 
 out against the wall by the hailstorm of lead coming from 
 modern rifles, gingals and the assorted stock of weapons 
 possessed by the kaleidoscopic crowd assembled. 
 
 So Kinkaid prayed such ^ thing would not come to 
 pass — that the next affair would keep until he was in 
 position to do his part in defense of those heirless ones 
 ' imprisoned in the inclosure. 
 
 Perhaps his prayer was heard on high — at least, no at- 
 tack came off, and at last Jinks announced the presence 
 of a man just around a curve, a man who had a gun in 
 his hands and was read^ to blow them from the ledge the 
 moment they turned the corner. 
 
 That brought Kinkaid into the game. He could muster 
 a little French if his American tongue failed to bring 
 about the desired result, ancl surely this should suffice, 
 if the guard were Russian, French or ItaHan ; while Jinks 
 
Tile Mad Capital of the M6ngols. loi 
 
 was ready to do his little part should the other chance to 
 be a fellow Jap. 
 
 It was all right. 
 
 The first hail brought forth a ready respdnse. 
 
 "Hello, there !" said the man on the ledge. 
 
 "Hello, yourself — give the countersign, or get down 
 below !" came in plain United States from around the 
 bend, accompanied by a significant "click" that could have 
 but one meaning, and that strict business. 
 
 Kinkaid had never laid out "to be a first-class after- 
 dinner speaker, and really had Httle leaning in the direc- 
 tion of an orator ; but this was one occasion in his life 
 when he found the need of strong words, burning zeal 
 and a fluency of diction that would carry weight, for just 
 three feet away crouched a fellow with extended gun, 
 who had come to sugpect the tricky Chinese of almost 
 every game under the sun, and was resolved to knock 
 down everything in sight in order to make siire of not 
 being hoodwinked again; 
 
 What Kinkaid said does not matter to us, but it soothed 
 the eager marksman who was out for Celestial gore, 
 soothed him to such an extent that he asked for further 
 particulars, cross-questioned the pilgrim as might a legal 
 luminary of the bar, and finally, when the two had grown 
 almost tired enough to release their hold and drop, he 
 called another guard to his side, and then gave permission 
 for the adventurers to creep along the escarpment. 
 
 And that was the way Wallis Kinkaid made his entry 
 into the fortified foreign concession at Peking!' There 
 we're few who could ever say they had such a remarkable 
 experience. 
 
 Almost exhausted they begged a chance to drop to the 
 ground and recuperate ere answering any questions, 
 though one of the guards demanded to know if it were 
 true- they had been left to their fate, or whether an allied 
 army was on the road to Peking; and vvjien he heard 
 the joyful news he ran away to spread it Miong the gal- 
 lant defenders of the works. 
 
 Kinkaid's first business was to tear away the miserable 
 disguise which had been of so great assistance in. helping 
 him to reach his destination. Somehow, after what he 
 
I02 The Mad Capital of the -Mongols. 
 
 had seen of Chinese cruelty and barbarism, the very touch 
 of their garments gave him a bad feehng, and he was 
 resolved that from this hour he would stand up -in his 
 character .of an Apierican, taking ^yhat must be the lot of 
 the rest, asking no favors, giving no mercy, for he Tvas in 
 a humor to wish the whole Chinese nation could be sunk 
 under the blue waters of the Pacific. 
 
 Presently, as his strength returned in a measure, he 
 found his spirits reviving also ; at least, his dreadful vigil 
 was at an end, and he wtjuld speedily know the truth. 
 
 Joyce-^for her had he braved these perils, throwing his 
 life into the scales in order that he might be with her to 
 save or perish as Providence willed — Joyce, that was his 
 talisman, his magnet, the amulet by which his whole ex- 
 istence was shai>ed. 
 
 And now to find her, if so be she had a portion with 
 those who still held forth against the Boxer hordes — to 
 see her dear face once more, and let her know that neither 
 heights nor depths, nor kingdoms nor principalities, nor 
 things of the earth, nor life nor death could keep him 
 from her side jvhen once he had received. her joyful mes- 
 sage to come. 
 
CHAPTER Xy. 
 
 BEHIND THE LEGATION BARRICADES. 
 
 The Chinese seldom allowed a single night to pass by 
 without much firing of a harassing if not dangerous 
 character. When Gen. Gordon reconstructed the army 
 of the Emperor his most urgent advice in case they were 
 ever at war with a foreign power was to keep up business 
 during the nights, so that the enemy would find it im- 
 possible to sleep, and must go down to defeat through 
 that cause; and it has been strongly suspected that they 
 had not forgotten this instruction. 
 
 At any rate, they were at it again, making all the racket 
 possible, and keeping the defenders of the_ stockade on 
 the jump, even though little damage rriight result. 
 
 Familiarity breeds contempt in war as well as in other 
 fields ; but it was necessary for the guards to be constantly 
 on the qui vive, remembering- the story of the bucket that 
 went to the well once too often, and the boy who cried 
 "wolf" when there was no wolf — for the Boxers were 
 just as apt to break through any night. 
 
 Kinkaid had recovered his powers to a fair degree, 
 though sadly in Heed of some nourishing drink, his meals 
 for the last few days having consisted in the main of dry 
 food. 
 
 He found himself neglected for the time, his friends 
 — the guards — having made a rush for their posts at the 
 first sign of an attack. 
 
 Even Jinks had disappeared, nor could Kinkaid give a 
 coherent guess with regard to where he might have gone. 
 Perhaps the little Jap had a deeper reason for wishing to 
 enter the Chinese capital than he had seen fit to declare; 
 he had been here on a previous occasion, and possibly 
 had some one among the converts who was especially 
 dear to Tiis soul. Men are the same pretty much the 
 world over — English, French,' German or Japanese — and 
 
I04 Behind tlie Legation Barricades. 
 
 the tender affection recognizes no creed, color or na- 
 tionality. 
 
 It may be safely assumed that our friend felt that he 
 had done a decent bit of work in making his way through 
 the legions of prowling Boxers, and thus gained the shel- 
 ter of the legations ; but he was not half as proud of it as 
 some men would have been. 
 
 With Ijim it ^as merely a duty performed, and his 
 highest praise would be in the look of joy which he hoped 
 to see radiate the dear face of Joyce when she discovered 
 his presence. 
 
 Some day this hideous experience would be but a 
 dream, and in happy scenes they would endeavor to en- 
 tirely forget it all. He firmly believed he had won his 
 bride, and the message telling him to come could not pos- 
 sess any other meaning than that she had decided to re- 
 ward his devotion. 
 
 So Kinkaid began to wander about his new quarters, 
 seeing everywhere evidences of the terrible conflict that 
 had raged so many weary weeks, and which would stand 
 in history for one of the most famous defenses ever 
 .known. 
 
 The greatest danger had always been from those who 
 sniped from the top of the wall, which in places allowed 
 a view of the legation. When the sniping from this quar- 
 ter had grown unbearable, and their losses serious indeed, 
 an American captain of marines, brought up in a school 
 that does not make mere machines of soldiers, but allows 
 each and every man some individual latitude, took his 
 men in a grand assault, and sweeping the Boxers from 
 their position had maintained a grasp upon the wall to 
 the end — which was all that saved the inmates of the 
 compound from extermination. 
 
 All praise to Myers, then, the man who could see and 
 take advantage of an opportunity. What we want is 
 more jof his caliber. 
 
 So fiercely did the assault of the enemy keep up, that 
 Kinkaid began to fear this might be the long deferred 
 climax; and seeing what he thought to be hand-to-hand 
 conflict going on in one quarter, he was utterly unable to 
 
Behind the Legation Barricades. 105 
 
 hold aloof when every man's help would count for some- 
 thing. 
 
 Tired as he was he threw himself into the breach, and 
 managed to fire his revolver into the fiendish yellow 
 faces that pressed up to the gate, fearing not death in the 
 pursuance of their design to wipe out the plucky for- 
 eigners. — 
 
 The attack, like scores that had preceded it, died away, 
 the only result being the further decimation of the am- 
 munition of the besieged, and some wounds delivered 
 among the garrison. Of course there were quite a few 
 Chinamen who had been knocked over, but with such in- 
 exhaustible numbers to draw from this signified nothing, 
 a mere bagatelle in fact, on which the beleaguered ones 
 could not build the faintest hope. 
 
 It was while the affair was in progress that Kinkaid 
 found himself in a position to render some little service to 
 one of the defenders of the compovmd gate. 
 
 The Chinese had pressed forward with unusual zeal, 
 recklessly throwing themselves into the breach, slashing 
 viciously with their steel weapons, and firing in the faces 
 of the allies. Never had Kinkaid believed human beings 
 could exhibit to such a degree the instincts Of wild beasts, 
 caring naught for wounds and only desirous of dragging 
 one or more of the guards with them to the other world. 
 
 It was awfully sublime, if such an expression might be 
 permitted. 
 
 Kinkaid had about emptied his revolver, and there was 
 little trouble in finding animate targets, with that yellow 
 plague pushing and swarming forward. Indeed, he be- 
 lieved he had but one more shot left, and being desirous 
 of getting good returns from that he cast a swift glance 
 around to see where J:he lead capital invested might draw 
 not only interest but usury. 
 
 As fate would have it, he discovered one ■ of the de- 
 fenders of the gate in serious trouble just then, having in 
 his eagerness to drive the enemy from their positUDn ad- 
 vanced a little too far, so that he was for the moment in 
 iheir midst. 
 
 That^meant in deadly peril of his life, for several 
 
io6 Behind the Legation Barricades. 
 
 weapons were uplifted to slash him into ribbons at the 
 instant Kinkaid detected his danger. 
 
 The attention of the American had been drawn toward 
 this party more than once, by the surprising manner in 
 which he wielded the sword he gripped in a hand already 
 wound up in a blood-stained handkerchief. There was 
 something familiar about his cuts and passes that fasci- 
 nated Wallis, and he thought of his old professor in Paris, 
 wondering if it could be he, for the man was so black- 
 ened with powder smoke and streaked with smootches of 
 dried blood that it would have been hard for his own 
 brother to have recognized him then. 
 
 QuiclTTt) act when there was need of haste, Kinkaid 
 sprang forward, shot the Boxer who seemed most dan- 
 gerous, pounded another over the head with his empty 
 revolver, shoved a third aside with the violence of a 
 whirlwind, and then seizing hold of the almost exhausted 
 but still plucky swordsman, dragged him, making fero- 
 cious p_asses all the way, back of the line. 
 
 This seemed to be the apex of the fight, which now 
 died away in his quarter about as speedily as it had com- 
 menced. . ' 
 
 There was sufficient light for our friend to look at the 
 man whom he had thus dragged as it were from death, 
 and no sooner did he secure a fair glance at that grimed 
 face than he held his breath with awe. 
 
 It was Sir George, the adorable beau, the Adonis be- 
 fore whom women's hearts fell in windrows — Sir George, 
 looking more like a coal-heaver than a petted darling of 
 society. 
 
 And yet Kinkaid's heart went out to him as never be- 
 fore. The man who could throw himself into the deadly 
 breach, as he had seen this diplomat do, was a fellow 
 after his own spirit, and it was all he could do to refrain 
 from taking him in his arms then and there. 
 
 Sir George, on his part, had not the remotest suspicion 
 concerning the identity of his rescuer — perhaps Kinkaid 
 had cl\anged, or else the blood was in the Englishman's 
 eyes. 
 
 Be that as it might, he took it for granted it must bo 
 one of his friends, the guards. 
 
Behind the Legatioti Barricades. 107 
 
 "I owe you one for that, my fine fellow^it was smaytly 
 done, and perhaps I was something of a fool to risk my- 
 self among the bloody devils. Well, they've got another 
 belly full, and perhaps that may end it for to-night. I 
 fear they gave me a few jabs that may need attention 
 while they're fresh. Jove! I'll soon be pretty well pep- 
 pered and tattooed like a South Sea islander." 
 
 The man actually laughed as though the subject ap- 
 pealed to his keen sense of the ridiculous. 
 
 "Perhaps I might be of some assistance in that matter. 
 I believe it wouldn't be the first time I've had the pleasure 
 of binding up a few cuts for Sir George Chichester," re- 
 marked- the American, coolly. 
 
 At which the other started violently, bent his head 
 down so as to get a better view of the face between, and 
 then gave utterance to a wild shout. 
 
 "Kinkaid !" 
 
 It was only one word, but volumes were expressed in 
 the manner of his utterance. Obeying an impulse he" 
 could not control, the Britisher threw his arms around 
 the neck of the American cousin, and hugged him with a 
 gusto that made Kinkaid think of bears and such. 
 
 "Kinkaid, of all men on the face of the earth — Kinkaid, 
 and here! Great heavens! man, why have you come?" 
 he finally cried, pushing the other back so that he might 
 take another anxious look at his physiognomy, as though 
 he feared he might be going out of his mind. Small won- 
 der if such a catastrophe should happen, after the terrible 
 experiences he had been through. 
 
 "She sent for me," remarked Kinkaid, simply, as 
 though it were the most natural thing in the world for 
 a man to wade through blood up to the bridle if, forsooth, 
 the lady beckoned. 
 
 Sir George drew a long breath. 
 
 "You are the most extraordinary chap I ever knew, 
 - Kinkaid ; and, by heavens ! I honor you above all men. 
 Shake hands, and tell me again that you have come 
 through the swarms of raging yellow hounds to this hell- 
 hole because she let you know she was here. I am almost 
 jjaralyzed — it bcclts anything I ever heard, you know. 
 That adventure of yours on the ice was not in the same 
 
io8 Betind tlie Legation Barricades. 
 
 catalogue with this thing. Then you were the one who 
 brought the news concerning the army that is on the 
 way — I heard them talking about it just before^his last 
 beastly attack that nearly finished what is left of me? 
 Kinkaid, believe me, I'm mighty glad you came when 
 you did." 
 
 "Don't tell me there's anything wrong — that she's ill, 
 perhaps dead? Give me news, man — don't you see I'm 
 almost perishing for a word," gasped the man who had 
 endured everything up to now, and was ready to faint 
 with suspdpse. 
 
 "No, nd, nothing bad. Joyce is as well as could be 
 expected under the circumstances, and now she will be 
 her old self again. Ah ! you're a lucky fellow, I tell you, 
 Kinkaid, to have won the heart of that lovely girl. But 
 you've earned your reward times over, and far be it for 
 me to wish you anything but the best of happiness. I feel 
 as though I must be dreaming, it seems so strange to 
 think of you cutting a w^y through those Boxers; but 
 I'm beginning to believe you capable of anything, after 
 what has been done." 
 
 "Pardon me, but you can understand how wild I am to 
 see her — so much has happened since we parted in Mon- 
 'treal. Some time you shall have the whole story. Sir 
 George — some time when we are sitting over our cigars, 
 and this sad thing aroimd us is but a memory. Can you 
 take me to her?" 
 
 "If you will be a Good Samaritan first, and help me 
 wrap up these fresh cuts — I have faith in your surgery, 
 since it will not be the first time you have used salve and 
 lint on me. Come with me to my quarters, the best the 
 situation affords — only a few steps away." 
 
 Kinkaid was relieved in his mind, and could afford to 
 ,wait. Indeed, he felt warmly toward the other for many 
 reasons, not the least of which was the fact that Sir 
 George must have had many opportunities to serve Joyce 
 during the long and terrible siege of the legations, and 
 thus put the lover under obligations. 
 
 The surgical operation was soon through with, for Sir 
 George, with a brave man's contempt ior wounds of a 
 minor character, would not allow more than was absolutely 
 
Beliind the Legation Barricades. 109 
 
 necessary to be done. Indeed, Kinkaid was strongly of 
 the opinion that he thought more of cleansing his face and 
 hands before presenting himself before Joyce than secur- 
 ing ointment for his various slashes— for Sir George was 
 something of a Beau Brummel in his way, and considered 
 cleanliness next to godliness. 
 
 The operation was through at last, and Kinkaid was, 
 wise enough to improve his own personal appearance a 
 bit, seeing that he was soon to be taken into the presence 
 of his sweetheart, and what man would not desire to look 
 at least fairly respectable under such conditions ? 
 
 A great peace had come upon his soul — the agonies of 
 apprehension that had racked him for so many weeks 
 now lost their hold. True, dangers still surrounded them, 
 and ere the army of relief came, the yellow peril might 
 yet overwhelm the defenders of the stockades ; but he 
 would be with her, and that meant more than he could 
 express in words. Heart to heart they could mingle their 
 hopes, their fears, and should the inevitable come, it were 
 at least a comfort to die together. 
 
 With the joy of accomplishment filling his whole being! 
 he accompanied his friend through the reservation to thafi 
 quarter where the women and children had their quar- 
 ters, the safest place of all as was natural, since it is ever 
 the part of brave men to §rst consider the helpless ones, 
 and that there were men of that caliber in Peking it had 
 been well proven by the gallant manner in which they 
 stood up to the daily and hourly task of fighting back' 
 the impassioned assaults of the cohorts that spent their 
 lives in trying to rush the compound about the legations. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 WELL WORTH THE WINNING. 
 
 The hour was late, and in all probability the women 
 must have retired, although their sleep could not be ex- 
 pected to be very sound, with the noise of- deadly combat 
 so near, and a possibility always hovering over them that 
 this might be their last night on earth. 
 
 Sir George evidently knew every foot of ground, as 
 indeed he should, since his peregrinations had been re- 
 stricted to such narrow quarters during the contmuance 
 of the siege. 
 
 He made inquiries at a certain dwelling, and then re- 
 joined Kinkaid. 
 
 "She will be out here presently," he said, hoarsely, for 
 perhaps, who knows, poor Sir George may have been 
 indulging in some dreams that his opportunity to serve 
 her would give him new standing in her regard, and while 
 he mights not win her love, perhaps he would have the 
 grim pleasure of dying for her, or in her company. The 
 coming of Kinkaid had altered the complexion of things 
 considerably for him, and he realized it had been nothing 
 more than a fool's paradise he had been building day by 
 day. _ 
 
 "Did you send word that I was here?" demanded the 
 'American, eagerly. 
 
 "Not at all, but that I had important news for her ears. 
 Wait here for a few minutes, my dear boy — I shall see 
 you again later, you know.V 
 
 "Then you won't^stay with me?" Kinkaid began, and 
 then realized as in a flash that the other could not yet 
 bring himself to witness the meeting of the lovers. In- 
 stinctively he thrust out his hand, and gripped that of his 
 friend, the pressure telling more than words could have 
 done how he felt for any man who sincerely loved Joyce 
 (Rdbertson and had no hope.- - 
 
 "You understand, old fellow — I really couldn t, you 
 
Well Worth the Winning. iii 
 
 know — some time later, when I've gotten a little more 
 used to it — there, whistle when you want me again, for 
 I shall not be far away." 
 
 "Poor chap!" muttered Kinkaid, sympathetically; and 
 then he turned his eyes upon the dimly seen door through 
 which she must soon pass. It was not to be expected 
 that a lover, eagerly awaiting his sweetheart under such 
 remarkable circumstances, could long; consider any case 
 of woe, when his whole heart was singing paeans of re- 
 joicing. 
 
 Minutes passed. The time seemed interminable to Wal- 
 lis Kinkaid, who in his impatience failed to consider that 
 a lady may not desire to "be seen of men without at least 
 a modicum of opportunity to improve her appearance 
 after sleeping so many nights without disrobing, so as 
 to be prepared for the worst. 
 
 At last there was a movement in the doorway, and his 
 eager eyes caught a glimpse of a shadowy vision that 
 moved toward him. 
 
 He could only with the greatest difficulty in the world 
 restrain his impatience enough to wait until she came 
 near ; his eyes were glued upon the figure of the girl as 
 she- slowly approached ; he saw that her luxurious hair 
 was hanging down her back, having escaped from the 
 braids in which it had been confined, and the sight of her 
 in this condition that spoke so strongly of alarms and 
 thrilling fears constantly recurring touched him as noth- 
 ing else could have done. 
 
 Long had he yearned for this precious moment, and 
 now it had come, if only he might not awaken to find 
 it but another tantalizing dream. 
 
 Closer still, peering toward him, as though seeking to 
 discover in the dim light something familiar about the 
 figure standing so motionless there. 
 
 He held out his arms, just why he could never have 
 told, and something in the gesture gave the girl a shock. 
 
 "Oh ! Sir George, has the end come — is there nothing 
 left but the carrying out of your promise ? God be merci- 
 ful, if the last hope is gone!" she cried. 
 
 Kinkaid did not understand just then, but later on 
 when he came to think over what she Itad cried in that 
 
112 Well Worth tlie Winning. 
 
 appealing voice," he realized how near the border of a 
 tragedy she had believed herself at that moment — that the 
 diplomat had solemnly promised her the Boxers should 
 never capture her aHve. 
 
 "Joyce — my darling Joyce!" he whispered, hoarsely, 
 for it seemed as though he had temporarily lost the use 
 ,of his tongue, since he could not produce a sound above 
 the power of a dying man. * 
 
 She heard and was almost overwhelmed by the truth — 
 he had appeared before her once in the past when she 
 had given herself up to death, and his coming now was 
 almost in the nature of a miracle. 
 
 A cry bubbled from her lips. Poor girl, she had suf- 
 fered enough of late to make her weak, Heaven knows; 
 then she glided forward and bent her head to stare into 
 his face. But Kinkaid had waited full long for his re- 
 ward, and could not be kept at arms' length longer; so 
 'he snatched her to his heart, and rained kisses on her 
 lips, her cheeks, her hair, all the while coupling her dear 
 name with exclamations of fiiidest delight. 
 
 She had sighed like a tired miirit finding rest, and cud- 
 dled there in his arms. How|%is knight of her choosing 
 had come into the city of unho. j strife was as yet a deep 
 mystery, but all she cared to know was that he held her 
 in his embrace, and would not let her go. If it were but 
 a vision of a distorted brain, then welcome the affliction 
 that brought such a glorious experience in its train. 
 
 By degrees he succeeded in convincing her that he was 
 indeed flesh and blood, and anything but a specter. 
 
 The hideous noises still arose from the tiotous capital, 
 where the lawless Boxers pillaged and burned and com- 
 mitted all manner of terrible deeds, under the combined 
 influences of religious frenzy and the maddening effect of 
 too great an indulgence in Indian hemp beverage; but 
 the twain heard naught but the sound of each other's 
 voice, whispering words of sweetest love, and heedless 
 alike of the clamor that swelled, from temple, pagoda and 
 kiosk, from the crowded narrow thoroughfares of the 
 Manchu^ capital, and the massive wall surrounding the 
 same — ^for when love has found its mate Heaven descends 
 to earth, and nature takes on a rosy tint. 
 
Well Worth tlie Winning. 113 
 
 It was Kinkaid who came to his senses when they had 
 been standing there, he could not even guess how long. 
 
 "You will take cold out here, my darling — the night air 
 is damp and chill; in the morning I will come to you 
 again, and please God we may,, never be separated more. 
 Kiss me again — if you only knew how happy I feel, to 
 be where I may look on your dear face and realize that 
 you belong to me." 
 
 "But I haven't told you anything about Roland — my 
 brother; and how it came there was such a terrible mis- 
 take made." 
 
 "Nor do I want to know about it, at least not now. 
 Some other time will do just as well, if you think I ought 
 to hear." 
 
 How easily he dismissed the subject, when it would 
 have seemed as though he must have had the greatest 
 curiosity in the world to learn just what it was had come 
 between them — truth to tell, he was in a condition to 
 forget everything else in the world save that she loved 
 him, and had consented to be his wife at an early day. 
 
 He was exceeding loath to let her go, but common 
 sense dictated that it was the part of wisdom ; besides, he 
 could see her all day to-morrow, and as many more as a 
 merciful Providence vouchsafed them. 
 
 About this time he chanced to remember there was such 
 a fellow in the world as Sir George, and his heart re- 
 proached him for having been so taken up in his own 
 happiness that he had allowed the generous fellow to 
 hover in the neighborhood of Paradise for such a hor- 
 ribly long time. 
 
 When Joyce had come back twice to tell him some- 
 thing she had forgotten, and on each Occasion been kissed 
 in parting with true lover-like zeal, it began to look as 
 though she were gone for good; accordingly Kinkaid 
 rubbed his eyes a bit as though to make sure he were 
 awake, heaved a tremendous sigh, and sauntered off with 
 leaden feet, looking back from time to time as if he still 
 hoped she might remember something else that must be 
 imparted while it, chanced to be on her mind. 
 
 The night breeze came from the direction of the city, 
 and wafted with it strange perfumes — the odor of' burned 
 
114 Well Worth tlie Winning. 
 
 powder, which is inseparable from the environments of 
 every city in the Kingdom of Everlasting Peace '( ?) or, 
 it might be the scent so like the perfume of tube-roses, 
 proceeding from joss-sticks, burned before the altars of 
 the gods, and of which doubtless vast quantities were 
 consumed during this time of turmoil. 
 
 Kinkaid began to whistle like a bird, but it was not 
 ■until he had kept this up some little time that he had an 
 answer, when a figure arose almost under his feet, giving 
 a yawn and stretching a pair of arms, though not without 
 sundry grunts and half-suppressed groans, as though the 
 effort might be a painful one to a wounded belligerent. 
 
 "Hello ! you've come at last, eh ? I've had a bit of a nap 
 while waiting, for which you'll excuse me, I'm sure, since 
 we poor devils have found it hard -to get any regular 
 sleep, the beggars keep it so very hot all the time. No - 
 use asking how you feel, Kinkaid — like a fighting cock, 
 I'll be bound. Well, I don't blame you a particle, and 
 only envy you the chance. Come and let me house you 
 temporarily, my boy. No palace of incomparable bliss, 
 understand. All that lies over on the island yonder, 
 where, I take it, the weak emperor is little better off than 
 ourselves, since there's no telling how soon these howling 
 dervishes will take a notion to make him commit hari-kari, 
 as our Japanese allies say. Only a shakedown, but it's 
 better than you've had of late, I imagine. Come, take 
 my arm, for there's lots of things lying about to trip up 
 the unwary." 
 
 As they walked off together Kinkaid was of course re- 
 minded of that other occasion when, after Joyce had 
 brought their duel to a finis, they two had gone off to- 
 gether in a sleigh, to doctor each other's cuts, and start 
 a mutual admiration society that was to bear fruit out in 
 this far distant clime. 
 
 He spoke of it to Sir George, and aroused a hearty 
 laugh — probably the first that had resounded within the 
 confines of that stockade for many a day ; since men who 
 see death hovering directly over their heads are not apt 
 to indulge in much merriment as a rule. 
 
 There was no nefid of any apology for the quarters to 
 ■which the diplomat conducted his companion. He had 
 
"Well Wortli the Winning. 115 
 
 given up his own bed to a woman, he said, and Wallis 
 could readily guess who had profited thereby ; but- there 
 was plenty of clean straw, with a blanket if needed, and a 
 rude pillow, more than which no tired man could ask. 
 
 It seemed to our friend that his head had hardly 
 touched the pillow ere he sank into a deep, dreamless 
 slumber, that lasted quite into the next day, for he had 
 been thoroughly exhausted by the trfemendous mental and 
 bodily strain through which he had so recently passed. 
 
 When he awakened he found it difficult to realize what 
 had happened, and that he was really inside the Peking 
 concession, taking his chances willingly with those whom 
 fate had imprisoned there. 
 
 And how it thrilled him to remember how she had 
 clung to him, returning his caresses. With a lover's 
 privilege he even delighted to think of her innocent little 
 subterfuge in returning to tell him such very important 
 facts. Yes, she loved him with all her heart and soul ; 
 these days and weeks of deadly peril had done much to 
 show her the truth, and how absolutely necessary each 
 was for the happiness of the other. jk 
 
 It was quite a different looking man who ran across 
 Jinks outside — the joy of possession had glorified him, 
 and gone were the ravages of anxiety, of privation and 
 distress — the little Jap had to look him very closely in the 
 face in order to make positive it was his friend. 
 
 Kinkaid greeted him with his usual enthusiasm inten- 
 sified, for he was fairly bubbling over "with happiness. 
 
 "Everything is splendid, Jinks, and I'm in clover, much 
 of which is owing to your friendly ,care. Missed you last 
 night, old man — was in another little rumpus at the gates, 
 ■where they came at us like cannibals. Hope you also 
 found things to your liking?" 
 
 ,Jinks grinned, and the other concluded there were a 
 pair of them — that the Jap also had found it worth while 
 to brave all these dangers in order — well, to send his 
 Tokio sheet early news of the legations. 
 
 By daylight they strolled around, and soon found that 
 It was not the most delightful thing in the world to be 
 made a target by some Chinese sharpshooters perched 
 high up on the wall furth&r along. By the time a few 
 
ii6 Well WortB the Winning. 
 
 pelkts of lead whistled close by their ears, and splashed 
 against the stones back of where they chanced to be 
 sauntering, Kinkaid suggested that it would ^be as well ■ 
 for them to enliven their pace, unless they were desirous 
 of testing the hospital qualifications of the compound. 
 
 A better spirit seemed to have come upon the little 
 garrison, since they had learned how an army was on the 
 way, which could not be stalled by any force the Chinese 
 might throw forward. 
 
 Kinkaid was early in consultation with Minister Con- 
 ger and Sir Claude McDonald, that astute diplomat who 
 had held England's responsible position in Peking, a 
 .power among the Li Hung Changs of the Orient. 
 
 He blushed like a schoolboy under their congratula- 
 tions, and had never felt more honored in his life than 
 when they shook him heartily by the hand, at the same 
 time thanking him in the name of those they represented 
 for his valorous action in bringing the first authentic news 
 that all would be wdl if they could but continue to keep 
 up the good work a short time longer. 
 
 Praise from^^uch brave men was reward enough, but 
 Kinkaid had received that which he valued still more — ■ 
 the rapturous look from eyes that spoke of love, and the 
 kiss that men have periled their very souls for in all ages. 
 He asked no more. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 MAN HUNTING VS. TIGER SHOOTING. 
 
 By degrees, as the day wore on, Kinkaid began to 
 enter into the Hfe of the wonderful siege that would go 
 ringing down the ages as a specimen of Chinese treachery 
 without parallel. 
 
 It was an experience few men could ever boast, and the 
 day must come when to say "I was with Conger and 
 McDonald at Peking" would be a badge of honor fully 
 equal to that slogan of old that told of the gallant charge 
 of the famous six hundred at Balaklava. 
 
 He heard of the innumerable times the fierce Boxers 
 had swarmed about the defenses of the legations, trying 
 by every subterfuge to gain a foothold, so that thty 
 might begin the dire work of extermination, on which 
 their souls seemed bent, and which would have turned 
 the whole civiHzed world against the unholy league. 
 When he considered the unique devices brought into play 
 Kinkaid found himself wondering whether they would 
 not yet resort to the time-honored policy of the wooden 
 horse, which was so successful in the famous siege of 
 Troy, in those daj^s of old. 
 
 To his pride and satisfaction he found that the Ameri- 
 can marines who were among the defenders of the lega- 
 tions had always stood wp to their duty in a manner that 
 brought praise from the British Minister, and Sir Claude 
 was a man who knew what true valor meant. Blood 
 proved thicker than water, when danger hovered near, 
 and the cousins across the sea fought shoulder to shoul- 
 der, all differences forgotten, as though they had never 
 been. So let us hope it will ever be, should there arrive 
 a world-crisis that would threaten the existence of either 
 branch of the great Anglo-Saxon race. 
 
 Kinkaid was escorted over every portion of the de- 
 fenses by those who were proud to show what miracles 
 
ii8 Man Hunting vs. Tiger SHooting. 
 
 had been performed in the dark days and nights of that 
 memorable siege. 
 
 He heard stories that were thrilling enough for a 
 Conan Doyle, stories that told of almost superhuman 
 valor, connected with the storming of the weakened por- 
 tions of the works, and how the yellow peril was hurled 
 back to the kennels from whence they sprang, though 
 always with more or less loss to the b^ieged — stories told 
 in the most matter-of-fact style possible, as though it were 
 the ordinary destiny of man to do what he termed his 
 duty in this heroic mold. 
 
 Sometimes it was with Sir George he talked and 
 walked, and again his companion might be of the other 
 sex — usually the latter, for Kinkaid could not see enough 
 of this girl who had so bewitched him as to bring him 
 these thousands of miles, to risk all the dangers of the 
 Boxer outbreak in order to join her. 
 
 How sweet to rest in the harbor after buffeting the 
 storm without. Perhaps to some it would have seemed a 
 poor excuse of a harbor, with the hourly possibility of 
 being overwhelmed by those crazed fanatics that swarmed 
 like a myriad of ants without ; but Kinkaid never thought 
 of this, having been of late through so much worse depths. 
 
 We are apt to judge our blessings not for what they 
 are, but in contrast to what we have experienced. 
 
 Joyce, too, was very happy in those blissful hours. 
 Long had she loved this plain, everyday man of business, 
 and in her eyes he was little short of a god — what he had 
 dared and accomplished for her cast glamour over his 
 whole personality. Others might, see a somewhat angular 
 figure, and a countenance that was not for a moment to be 
 compared to that handsome phiz of Sir George; but she 
 knew the soul inhabiting that body was the soul of a hero, 
 and that it lived only in the light of her presence — knew 
 that every fiber of his being was ready to respond to any 
 demand, when the issue was her comfort. Was it any 
 wonder, then, that ' she responded to this devotion, and 
 worshiped Kinkaid with her whole blessed nattu'e? 
 
 I think not. 
 
 Besides, she had for a long time been endeavoring to 
 .^hut him out of her Eden, fearing that it could not be 
 
Man Hunting vs. Tiger Shooting. 119 
 
 right that she allow him to make what she was pleased to 
 term a sacriiice, should the dreadful thing in connection 
 with her brother prove true. And now when she had 
 found that it was but an idle rumor mightily magnified, 
 and that her kinsman was just, as honorable, after his 
 fashion, as the next man, the revulsion of feeling was so 
 great that she had given herself up to it entirely, just as a 
 tired child yields to the irresistible advances of the sleep 
 god. _ 
 
 Now, while Kinkaid had never been a soldier, and had 
 nof dreamed of attempting the role, his recent experiences 
 on the field of battle had seasoned him to war's alarms, 
 and he could even hear the ugly whiz of Mauser bullets 
 without turning pale. It was only natural under the cir- 
 cumstances, that he should feel more or less interest in 
 •what had been done, and was still doing, to strengthen 
 the defenses of the compound, against the day when the 
 infuriated hordes of. Boxers should make such a deter- 
 mined attack as had not yet taken place. He even went 
 up the walls where Myers and his sturdy marines held the 
 fort, and chatted with that gallant sea-soldier, comparing 
 notes while they kept a vigilant watch for sharpshooters 
 who were bent on piratical business, and from the fire 
 of whom the garrison had suffered keenly from time to 
 time. 
 
 It was easy to see what an immense advantage this 
 position on the walls gave the Americans, and how with- 
 out some such means of picking off the boldest among the 
 enemy's marksmen, the besieged would have been all shot 
 down ere this time. 
 
 Kinkaid even enjoyed the pleasure of a few cracks at 
 the wily foe himself, though in doubt as to the success 
 attending his laudable efforts to bring down game, even 
 if the captain did affirm that he had accomplished it; at 
 least, there was a suspicious lull in the firing from the 
 spot in question, so that it looked as though something 
 had dropped. 
 
 From the wall one could obtain a more or less in- 
 structive view of the city itself,, and Kinkaid was certainly 
 surprised to find that outside of the disturbed section im- 
 mediately around the legations, business seemed to be 
 
I20 Man Hunting vs. Tiger Shooting. 
 
 going on pretty much as usual among the countless small 
 booths. 
 
 Really, these Chinamen were odd people indeed, to 
 dream of trade when the tocsin of war boomed so near. 
 He wondered what effect the advent of the allied army 
 would have on the chaps, and whether they must not 
 close shop when Russians, Japs, Yankees, Britons, 
 Frenchmen and Germans swarmed over the walls and 
 bayoneted the terrible Boxers in the very streets of 
 Peking. 
 
 If that blessed day would only come ! 
 
 The more Kinkaid saw of the limited resources of the 
 besieged, and counted the awful odds to which they were 
 continually exposed, the more anxious he found himself 
 concerning the coming pi that army which was to bring 
 tidings of good cheer, and clear the smoky landscape, 
 which had quite gotten beyond the abilities of the usual 
 Chinese authorities. 
 
 For himself he had not a single selfish thought, like 
 other gallant fellows in the ranks of the indomitable de- 
 fenders. It was Joyce he considered, and the mere idea 
 of her falling into the hands of such fiends as those 
 wretches who beat against the walls of the compound like 
 the waves of the deep — this thought made his cheeks turn 
 white, and his teeth grit savagely together. 
 
 To Kinkaid the shooting of such was not worth con- 
 sidering in the light of an action which he should ever 
 have reason to regret. Why, it had grieved him more to 
 see the reproachful look in the eyes of a dying deer that 
 had fallen before his gun, than the hateful, demoniac 
 glare in the scintillating black orbs of a murderous Boxer 
 who had received his deserts, and whose hand was doubt- 
 less red with innocent Christian blood. 
 
 So the first day passed. 
 
 The coming of night, he found, was always looked for- 
 ward to with the keenest dread by the defenders of the 
 stockade; it was then that the enemy made their most 
 strenuous assaults, then that the men behind the guns 
 were often compelled to fight hand-to-hand with the des- 
 perate strings of saflfron-hued soldiers and fanatics con- 
 stituting the main body of the assailants. 
 
Man Hunting vs. Tiger Shooting. i2i 
 
 Well they knew, those stout-hearted men of iron who 
 opposed the furious rush of the mob with their own 
 bodies, and hurled the shouting, struggling mass back to 
 their dens, that never a sun arose over yon eastern horizon 
 that one or more of their, number would not be found 
 dead — no man could say when his turn might come, and 
 yet never a complaint arose. 
 
 It was certainly one of the grandest spectacles in all 
 history to see how the representatives of nearly half a 
 score of races had been amalgamated into a common 
 family by this assault of the powers of darkness on the 
 interest of a latter-day civilization; and in the eyes of 
 keen observers it proved what wonderful changes were 
 taking place, in that an injury to one nation must from 
 henceforth be felt more or less by all. ' / 
 
 That Was the leaven that brought good out of even this 
 great evil thing. 
 
 Kinkaid was for taking his turn among the defenders, 
 but they persuaded him to let it go over one night— he 
 needed rest after his late strain, and on another occasion 
 he could stand up and be counted among those who met 
 the rush and roar of the usual nightly assault by mad- 
 dened Celestials, eager to test the deluded notion that as 
 Boxers they should be immune to the bullets and steel of 
 these detested foreigners. 
 
 How did it work? Well, about rhidnight Sir George 
 ran across a powder-grimed fellow who was performing 
 prodigies of valor at a breach in the wall, encouraging his 
 comrades by strictly Yankee shouts and exclamations that 
 enthused almost as much as the manner of his fighting — 
 and behold! he recognized Kinkaid, the man from New 
 lYork, who was supposed to be dead asleep in his quarters. 
 
 He apologized for being in the thick of, it, just as 
 though he were a schoolboy caught in the act of robbing 
 an orchard, and declared that it was utterly impossible for 
 [him to sleep, so he had strolled forth to admire the beauty 
 of the night, when, behold, some of these dusky gentle- 
 men had rubbed up against him, and forced a dispute 
 liupon him. It was not his fault at all, yet, since they were 
 idetermined to bring it to an issue, he had no choice but 
 ito pitch in — all of which Sir George, who had been struck 
 
122 Man Hunting vs. Tiger Stooting. 
 
 with admiration, at the manner in which the singular 
 American accepted his Httle pleasures, took of course cum 
 gran-o salis. 
 
 And the experiences of that night aroused new fears 
 in the minds of our friends, since it seemed as though the 
 Chinese were becoming more and more desperate with 
 each passing day, having possibly learned in some manner 
 of what was in store for them when the allies came. 
 
 Kinkaid went to his cot, and actually slept as soundly 
 as though he were lodged at the Waldorf-Astoria in 
 Gotham, instead of being shelved there in a compound 
 that was too small for those who crowded it, and sur- 
 rounded by a prize collection of the worst piratical cut- 
 throats unhung, near relatives, no doubt, of those histori- 
 cal worthies who, for many decades, made the coast along 
 China and the Malay peninsula the scene of their bloody 
 exploits, the avowed enemies of all creation. 
 
 Another day. 
 
 Those people in the reservations were glad they were 
 still alive to welcome the coming of old Phcebus above 
 the horizon. The strain must have been extremely trying 
 even on the most nervy among them ; and think of the 
 women and other helpless parties who could only pray 
 for rescue, while the men had at least an opportunity to 
 vent their feelings upon the heads of the enemy. 
 
 Still Kinkaid had no fault to find, since fortune had 
 dealt kindly with him — he was with his sweetheart, and 
 she had openly confessed that nothing should longer stand 
 between them ; that was all he had asked for wkfen putting 
 up his petitions to the throne of grace, and now that the 
 glorious possibility had become a blessed reality he was 
 satisfied. 
 
 Joyce insisted on looking after his creature comforts, in 
 so far as the stores of their limited larder allowed. Thanks 
 to the wisdom of those who had provided against just 
 such an emergency as this, they had not yet come to want, 
 though many unique devices were resorted to in order to 
 obtain some additional dainty through friendly hands, 
 under cover of darkness. Here the national Chinese de- 
 sire to win more of this world's goods served the be- 
 sieged a good turn, for in many cases a secret transaction 
 
Man Hunting vs. Tiger Shooting. 123 
 
 allowed more or less additions to the food supply, though, 
 it was cdnsidered wise to be exceedingly cautious about 
 trusting to these smuggled edibles, since the Boxers, being 
 entirely without honor, would not deem a wholesale pois- 
 oning beyond them. 
 
 Kinkaid had some rifle practice on this day. It was a 
 part of the .usual sport, one of the duties involved by the 
 situation, and no matter how a man might feel about the 
 matter, he was expected to do his regular "stunt" -in that 
 line at various hours, whenever the opportunity seemed 
 ripe. 
 
 There was almost as much risk and excitement about it 
 as in tiger hunting among the wild jungles of India. 
 Instead of the sudden leap of a maddened striped and 
 wounded beast, one heard the insistent "zip" of the leaden 
 messengers that had more power to mutilate find destroy 
 than any number of tiger claws; and when success re- 
 warded some particularly fine shot, there was a grim satis- 
 faction ahout knowing that one vicious wiretch the less 
 incumbered the earth, such as came to no man engaged 
 in the gentle art of slaying wild beasts that threatened no 
 innocent women and children with such horrors that 
 made. the blood run cold even to contemplate. 
 
 Kinkaid saw his previous day's record, and went it one 
 better, in that he bagged two Boxers, one of whom had 
 gained a name as a terror among the members of Capt. 
 Myers' little squad; and for wjlich they complimented 
 him. 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 A MODERN "lUCKNO W." 
 
 Thus the good work went on behind the barricades. 
 
 It would be useless to follow up what occurred there 
 day by day, since it has become history, and of course our 
 interest must be especially centered about those charac- 
 ters whose singular fortunes it has been our pleasure to 
 depict" in these chapters. 
 
 Kinkaid was always in it "up to his neck," as he was 
 wont to declare, for there did not occur a rumpus after his 
 accession that he failed to throw himself into the breach. 
 He could not keep away from the fighting, for it seemed 
 as though some long-dormant spirit of warrior ancestors 
 had been awakened from its sleep, and craved excite- 
 ment to the full. 
 
 He got it, too. 
 
 The. lines had grown more and more tense around the 
 beleaguered garrison, and it became an utter impossibility 
 to send a messenger to the camps of the allied army. If 
 any friendly Chinaman attempted the mission, as an evi- 
 dence of their adherence to the principles of their new 
 religion, they must have fallen victims to the rage of the 
 Boxer hosts, since no message was delivered to the gen- 
 erals commanding the various corps, and they rested in 
 almost complete ignorance as to the fate of the ministers 
 until the grand game ended by the scaling of the walls of 
 Peking. 
 
 There were times when things began to look mighty 
 serious indeed, when the unruly elements outside seemed 
 to be on the point of obtaining their end, which would of 
 course mean the total annihilation of the foreign legion; 
 and even the sanguine Kinkaid trembled for the safety 
 of all concerned. 
 
 It appeared as though some power from on high fought 
 alongside of the men who interposed their bodies between 
 those women and the cruel tortures which awaited them 
 
A Modern "Lucknow." 125 
 
 in case of capture, for on several occasions it was almost 
 a miracle by means of which a temporary victory was 
 attained. 
 
 Jinks often sought out his American friend, and en- 
 deavored to imbue him with some of the ideas which ap- 
 peared to have found lodgment in his mind — chief among 
 these was the conviction that the allied army would come 
 too late, and that the legations must fall ere that rescue 
 arrived. 
 
 This was a very unpleasant subject for debate, but at 
 the same time it had a graphic interest in the eyes of a 
 man who had a loved one in danger. Hence Kinkaid was 
 wont to demand what authority the other had for believ- 
 ing what he did, and then weighing the facts carefully 
 in the balance. ,. 
 
 It must be confessed that he did not feel like making 
 light of Jinks' line of reasoning, which was more than 
 plausible. The little Jap was in deadly earnest, too, since 
 he had some one whose safety concerned him greatly. 
 
 What did he propose doing about it? 
 
 To attempt to leave the compound seemed very much 
 like jumping from the frying-pan into the fire, even if he 
 could reconcile himself to the idea that it was quite hon- 
 orable in the premises. 
 
 Jinks exploited his marvelous schemes, and showed a 
 fertility of incubation that fairly dazzled the American. 
 Surely this same Jinks must pass for the Japanese Baron 
 Munchausen, his originality was so tremendous. 
 
 He had the most amazing schemes for outwitting the 
 wretched Boxers, and "effecting a successful flight. Kin- 
 kaid was almost envious of his accomplishments along this 
 line, as indeed what newspaper man would not have been, 
 put to it for ideas as they usually are, with here a fellow, 
 whose brain was fairly teeming with weird notions. 
 
 After consulting with Sir George, upon whom he natu- 
 rally relied in such a perplexing state of affairs, the closest 
 he would "toe the line" as Jinks desired was to arrange 
 that in case of dire necessity — that is, should the occasion 
 ever arise when it looked as though the end was at hand, 
 then they would all unite to test the most likely of these 
 ingenious plans. 
 
126 A Modern "Lucknow." 
 
 Jinks was forced to be satisfied with this, but he 
 brought a young girl convert around that very day, and 
 begged Kinkaid to so fix it that slie might always be near 
 Miss Joyce, to serve her in time of peace, and be ready 
 for flight should the worst come. 
 
 Kinkaid made it his business to so examine the barri- 
 cade and its close surroundings that he had a map of the 
 same printed upon his mind indelibly, so that on the 
 darkest night he could pick his way about as though 
 gifted with the vision of a cat. 
 
 This was the part of wisdom, for if it ever came about 
 that the Chinese did make a breach in the walls, which 
 was always a possible and constantly present source of 
 anxiety, it would certainly be done upon a night when 
 the darkness waslnost intense, as this must of necessity 
 add terrors to the situation. 
 
 While their numbers were gradually growing less, and 
 their stock of provisions daily diminishing, still the gal- 
 lant sons of civilization fought the good fight for destiny, 
 cheering one another to deeds of heroism, and vying with 
 each other in the task of sending Boxers across the great 
 divide. 
 
 Kinkaid had been struck with the apparent ease with 
 which he and Jinks had been enabled to almost gain the 
 interior of the defenses before their presence became 
 known, and there was always before his mind the possi- 
 bility of some dare-devil Chinaman accomplishing the 
 thing at dead of night. Who could say what terrible 
 work such an unscrupulous assassin might not do if once 
 he gained a footing in the works? This thing gave him 
 more uneasiness than he cared to admit, and hence he 
 kept on the alert much of the time between sunset and 
 dawn, with the object of nipping any such little scheme in 
 the bud. 
 
 Probably to the mind of Prince Tuan, the real Boxer 
 leader, the situation was simplicity itself, and he had no 
 other idea than that the thousand souls in the compound 
 would fall into their hands in due season, just as apples 
 drop when the time is ripe. He depended on starvation 
 as his best ally, and had the army of rescue been detained 
 
A Modern "Lucknow." 127 
 
 another week there could be no telling just what disas- 
 ter might not have happened. 
 
 And Kinkaid had a few adventures while thus-pursuing 
 his single-handed game, for this was just what had oc- 
 curred to some of the Boxers, who valued their lives very- 
 little. They crawled along the wall ; they sought to creep 
 in through certain embrasures devoted to the rapid-fire 
 guns, and when fortunately detected before they were 
 able to do any particular damage, how like demons they 
 did fight, so that any man inight deem himself as made 'of 
 more than ordinary clay when he had whipj>ed in the 
 combat the almost naked snake in the grass; 
 
 It ran along until they had come to the fifth day. 
 
 Kinkaid became nervous. 
 
 Surely it was time they were beginning to hear some 
 signs of that army ; the distant crash of guns would have 
 inspired them as nothing else on earth could have done. 
 He was reminded of what he had heard of another mem- 
 orable siege, conducted on something of a similar method, 
 that of Lucknow, when the garrison that protected the 
 women and children from the rebel butchers of Cawn- 
 pore kept their ear to the ground hearkening for the first 
 bugle note that would tell them of life and rescue. Yes, 
 it was easy to imagine he, too, could hear those blessed 
 bagpipes of the Highlanders skirling and screeching the 
 "Campbells are coming, heigho, heigho!" and wished it 
 might be a reality rather than fancy. 
 
 For the crisis was daily drawing terribly near, the 
 time when it seemed that every man behind the defenses, 
 from ministers to the humblest convert, would be en- 
 gaged in a mortal hand-to-hand struggle with the count- 
 less foes that had succeeded in effecting entrance. 
 
 That was no chimera — it was a stern possibility, ad- 
 mitted by every man of judgment among them, and some- 
 thing that prevented sound sleep save with a very few 
 devil-may-care fellows, who had naught but themselves 
 to think of, and cared precious little what happened to 
 the whole outfit. 
 
 Sir George and Kinkaid had inany a talk, to pass away 
 the time. It was a pet grievance with the Britisher that 
 a cruel fate had marooned him here to sit like "a rat in a 
 
128 A Modem "Lucknow." 
 
 trap," as he expressed it so pathetically, when, if his in- 
 clination had been taken into consideration instead of his 
 diplomatic duty, he would at this time be scouring the 
 wild veldt in pursuit of the elusive Boer, or enjoying the 
 rare privilege of surrendering to that new wonder among 
 (South African problems — De Wet. 
 
 Kinkaid, of course, bolstered up his spirits by showing 
 him how much more honor there was in doing his duty 
 by the innocent ones in the compound, than could ever 
 be found in fighting men, who, however much they might 
 differ from the code as expressed by an Englishmen, 
 were at least brave as lions, and patriotic to a degree that 
 excited admiration the world over. 
 
 Whereupon Sir George would go and knock over a few 
 more of the heathen to satisfy his thirst for action, for he 
 was a remarkably able shot with the modern rifle. 
 
 By chance, just at dusk of the seventh day after our 
 friend had joined forces with the besieged, he heard a 
 sound that immediately riveted his attention, a sound that 
 was borne by the revivified breeze, starting up from a 
 new quarter, due east apparently. 
 
 Somehow it thrilled Kinkaid as nothing else could 
 have done, for he had heard the boom of cannon so much 
 lately that he felt he could not be mistaken now. Again 
 it came, like the far-away roll of thunder, and he was 
 reminded of the stirring poem about Waterloo, when in 
 Belgium's gay capital the dance was in ftdl swing when 
 the first distant roar of battle reached the ears of the 
 merrymakers, and sent officers mounting in hot ha§te, to 
 gallop out to death and glory. 
 
 Thank God ! the allied army had come ; it was already 
 within striking distance, and ere another twenty-four 
 hours must be hammering at the gates of the proud 
 Mongol capital. 
 
 Although this was just what he had been longing to 
 hear, Wallis Kinkaid knew it must bring about the crisis 
 he had been dreading; for 'when the infuriated Boxer 
 hordes realized that their cherished plans were on the 
 verge of defeat they would of course throw themselves 
 against the barriers in a manner that*' would make all 
 previous assaults seem primitive. 
 
A Modem "Lucknow." 129 
 
 There lay the danger. The walls of Peking, manned 
 by tens of thousands of Chinese soldiers who had willingly 
 or unwillingly been drawn into the movement against 
 the hated foreigner, and defended by many modern guns, 
 "made in Germany" as a rule, could not be forced by the 
 most desperate assaults under one and perhaps several 
 days; and while this was goiri'g on what would be hap- 
 pening to the prisoners of the modern Bastille ? 
 
 Still, the sound of that steady booming, that bespoke a 
 big gun from some British man-o'-war, was a most wel- 
 come and blessed tocsin to the beleaguered prisoners of 
 hope, and they felt as though new life had entered into 
 their veins. When the next usual attack was made, the" 
 ■ enemy received such a furious greeting as must have set 
 him thinking. 
 
 Jinks was fluttering around Kinkaid all the time, and 
 seemed to have a query in every look he cast upon his 
 American friend. "Is it time?" was what his manner 
 flung out, and apparently the little Jap felt the most 
 sublime confidence in- the plans which he had submitted 
 for choice, and was also positive that one of therh must 
 soon be seized upon by the little party, if so be they de- 
 .sired to escape a general massacre. 
 
 Peking was unusually quiet on this night. 
 
 It was a bad sign, Sir George had said, when the two 
 friends stood listening to the deUghtfu! mutter of that 
 gradually approaching big gun, and comparing notes on 
 various subjects. 
 
 Apparently the Chinese had awakened to the enormity 
 - of their undertaking in defying the whole civilized world, 
 relying upon the natural difficulties in the way of a hostile 
 army advancing through the land of the dragon; and 
 under the belief that they must all be exterminated any- 
 way when the aforesaid avenging army arrived, many 
 thousands that had up to now taken no part in the afJair 
 might be tempted in sheer desperation to throw their lot 
 in with the raging Boxers, hbping to overwhelm the for- 
 eigners in the compound, and then accept the inevitable 
 with stoical resignation. 
 
 Yes, the dreadful crisis was near at hand, and with 
 each louder detonation of that rescue gun the ugly pas- 
 
130 A Modern "Lucknow." 
 
 sions of the Peking mob became more inflamed. When 
 the flame burst forth, Heaven help those who stood up to 
 the barriers, weary with their long vigils, weak from the 
 lack of proper food, and with ammunition boxes lower 
 than prudence would have dictated, could they have had 
 any choice in the matter. 
 
 Somehow Jinks had to a degree managed' to impress 
 both Kinkaid and Sir George with his gloomy predic- 
 tions ; perhaps the Jap was more or less of a hypnotist, 
 and had found ready subjects in the tired brains of these 
 two. They were at least so much impressed with what 
 he kept to the fore that they had arranged a means of 
 •slipping out of the compound when all seemed lost, though 
 both vigorously declared they would rather be killed times 
 over than desert while the slightest chance remained to 
 hold out against the foe. 
 
 Jinks might assist matters, being decidedly set upon 
 saving them after his own plan; and he had succeeded 
 so admirabl}' in the other instance, when he led Kinkaid 
 through devious ways and deadly perils into . Peking, 
 that it was only natural for the latter to have considerable 
 confidence in his ability to accomplish the opposite, and 
 see them safely out of the same. 
 
 So that thjere seemed a strong probability that Jinks 
 might yet be called upon to show his hand, and call the 
 game. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 THE ALLIED ARMY BEFORE PEKING. 
 
 Throughout the main part of that night of August the 
 sound of cannon could be heard at intervals, punctuating 
 the hours with a rhythm that was peculiarly pleasant to 
 those who crouched behind the barricades of the lega- 
 tions, and listened. Never had music sounded sweeter 
 to their ears than the notes of war did now, since by this 
 means were they warned that friends were near. 
 
 When at different times a longer interval than usual 
 elapsed, they found themselves worked up into a state of 
 intense anxiety, and fears forced themselves to the front. 
 iWhat if something occurred to push the allies back after 
 gaining so glorious a footing in the enemy's country? 
 This was always a possibility, for the swarms of hostile 
 soldiers who could be' brought up to oppose their progress 
 might seriously embarrass any general attack through 
 mere numbers if nothing else. 
 
 Hence, that night was passed in more or less suspense, 
 hope giving place to fear, which in turn was dissipated 
 when again the mutter of that blessed great gun grumbled 
 in the distance. 
 
 It was a night to be long remembered. 
 
 The Boxers and the imperial troops appeared to be 
 fighting among themselves in the city, judging from the 
 clamor that arose; but this singular condition of affairs 
 did not prevent a most desperate assault on the works of 
 the foreigners, who were kept busy much of the time, re- 
 pelling boarders. 
 
 Kinkaid had long since been struck with the peculiarly 
 ferocious appearance of the majority of the desperate Chi- 
 nese who sought entrance to the compound. He had 
 heard how Malay pirates terrorized by the fierce aspect 
 they presented to the foe, but could well believe these 
 worthies were able to give points even in that quarter — 
 
132 The Allied Army Before Peking. 
 
 they impressed him as fit specimens of freebooters, hot 
 from the famous Cave of Adullamites. 
 
 During the day they were given some rest. 
 
 The movements of the alHed army began to interest 
 those wlio held the imperial city, for there could no longer 
 be any doubt regarding the arrival of the hated foe — their 
 lines had spread over the land to the east of the city, and 
 by another day would be in a position to begin a de- 
 termined assault. 
 
 Imagine the feverish condition of those who had been 
 prisoners so long, as they listened to the various sounds 
 that broke upon the hearing above the ugly clamor of the 
 city — the sweet blare of bugles, the faint cheers of Anglo- 
 Saxon warriors, sweeping the foe back from some coign 
 of vantage, the odd yet delightful battle-cry of the sturdy 
 little Japanese, the hoarse "houra" of the wild Cossacks, 
 charging like a whirlwind through some vast body of 
 Chinese troops that opposed their taking position as or- 
 dered by the commanding general^every one of these 
 several sounds were as music to the ears that had grown 
 weary waiting to hear just such signals of hope, and few 
 thqre were who ventured to sleep while the day held good. 
 
 They did not allow themselves to lessen their caution 
 because help was so near. Many a ship goes down in 
 sight of port, and their knowledge of the Chinese charac- 
 ter told them that in all probability the Boxers would 
 throw the whole force at their command against the barri- 
 cades before another sun arose upon Peking, since it 
 would be their last opportunity. 
 
 Defenses were strengthened as best the circumstances 
 allowed, for this constant strain upon their resources had 
 almost exhausted their supplies; and in this frame of 
 mind they calmly awaited the coming of this last night. 
 
 Meanwhile the army of occupation was having a hot 
 time. 
 
 Right and left they found the Chinese swarming, put- 
 ting up the best manner of fight they knew how. China 
 had learned much since that drubbing administered by 
 little Japan some years back, and at various times her 
 soldiers astonished the allies not only by their admitted 
 recklessness, for that has ever been their best trait, but 
 
Tiie Allied Army Before Peking. 133 
 
 through the steady fire maintained in the face of a fierce 
 charge. 
 
 Given a few more years of progress and the "Chinese 
 corpse" must have attained a proficiency in the manual 
 of arms that may astonish some of the nations of old 
 Europe — and then the "yellow peril" that has been 
 mocked at so long will become a startling fact. 
 
 All day long there was more or less of this warfare 
 around Peking. 
 
 The British and Americans had been assigned to the 
 Tung-Pien, or southern gates, and in order to reach a 
 position where they could open with advantage in the 
 morning were compelled to make more or less of a 
 detour, thus literally cutting a route through serried ranks 
 of Boxers and their sympathizers, who retired sullenly 
 within the walls of the capital, to prepare for the supreme 
 test of the night and the morrow. ' 
 
 As usual the plucky Japanese had selected the most 
 dangerous point for their attack, being the eastern gates, 
 leading into the Tartar City, where naturally the Boxers 
 would make their most desperate stand when the allies 
 threw their forces against the ancient walls of Peking. 
 The islanders were backed up by the Russians, who 
 seemed desirous of getting a line on the methods of 
 fighting indulged in by those with whom they were apt to 
 have trouble at some not distant date ; and it is believed 
 they saw enough to make them rather cautious about 
 forcing Japan to the sword over Corea. 
 
 The sun went down blood-red, as though tinged with 
 the rivers of blood that had already been shed and was 
 yet to come. Kinkaid suggested to Joyce as they watched 
 the scene from a sheltered nook, that old Phoebus was 
 mortally ashamed of the ghastly things that had been 
 taking place in his earthly domain, and blushed for the 
 children of men. 
 
 When a long siege has drawn near its close there is 
 always more or less tension over the end — the last lap of 
 a hotly contested race invariably tries the endurance of the 
 participants, and lucky the man who has he^d a certain 
 amofint of force in reserve for just this period — the prize 
 comes his way. 
 
134 The Allied Army Before Peking. 
 
 Their race was nearly run — another night would in all 
 probability witness the allies entering the sacred city, rais- 
 ing the long siege. 
 
 One night — but it might be their last in another sense, 
 if the slightest duty were neglected; for doubtless the 
 Boxers, realizing that doom had overtaken their cause, 
 would try desperately to pull down the temple about their 
 heads, after the manner of Samson of old, crushing the 
 inmates of the legations while they went to death them- 
 selves. 
 
 Every man was in his place, and doubly warned to be 
 on the alert ; such resources as were left had been hurried 
 into line, even wounded men coming from the hospital to 
 take a share in this work of the last stand, for they had 
 everything to win or lose. 
 
 So the night fell. 
 
 Brightly gleamed the fires of the coming hosts around 
 Peking, and those glowing camp blazes did much to 
 cheer the beleaguered ones, encouraging them to fight as 
 never before, knowing that when the dawn came, if they 
 could but hold out until then, safety was assured. 
 
 Strange things have happened in the Flowery Kingdom 
 during the thousands of years of her existence ; but never 
 anything like this before. Mongols and Tartars have 
 raided her territory, subjugating her people, and forcing 
 them to shave their heads and adopt the queue as a badge 
 of servitude ; but for the first time in her long history did 
 an army of foreigners camp before the gates of her proud 
 capital. 
 
 After that there would be hope for China. Her rulers 
 might awaken to the fact that the nations of the earth 
 would not allow the Celestial empire to longer sleep ; that 
 she must arise, gird her loins and assume her proper place 
 among the peoples of the world. 
 
 Those camp-fires twinkling through the watches of the 
 night warned the leaders of the insurgents that their hour 
 WEls at hand, and that small mercy could be expected, now 
 that defeat seemed certain. If they escaped death ir^bat- 
 tle, surely the Dowager Empress would order them to 
 deal out suicide as a just reward of making a failure, when 
 
Tlie Allied Army Before Peking. 135 
 
 a brilliant success would have pleased her. Truly they 
 were "between the devil and the deep sea. 
 
 Kinkaid had made all his arrangements. 
 
 They were not very extensive. 
 
 To save Joyce, was his only thought. Had she been 
 in a place of safety, he would have asked no odds, but been 
 contented to take whatever came to the rest. A man , will 
 do many strange things in the name of love, and never re- 
 proach himself. It is remarkable what a glamour the little 
 god throws over the eyes at times. 
 
 Actifig under his directions, and with the assistance of 
 the Chinese maiden, whom Jinks had fetched around to 
 keep her company, Joyce managed to assume a dress that 
 would pass for native. Indeed, Kinkaid expressed con- 
 siderable surprise when he saw her, declaring she looked 
 like a genuine Chinese girl, such had been the skill shown 
 in the make-up. 
 
 That the feara of those who had prophesied severe 
 trouble were not without foundation was soon made mani- 
 fest, for an attack was made along the whole line, as 
 though the enemy could hardly wait until darkness had 
 descended ere showing his hand. 
 
 Every one had warm work to do. 
 
 The gallant Americans on the wall began the action, 
 since their position allowed a first discovery of the crawl- 
 ing vipers who would creep into embrasures, and stab the 
 defenders in the back. Whenever a rifle cracked up on 
 the lookout, be sure ,some venturesome Celestial went to 
 interview his forefathers in a hurry, for those men were 
 not in the habit of squandering their precious ammunition. 
 
 These fragmentary epistles speedily launched forth into 
 more bulky volumes, as the foe increased in numbers, 
 until it became a crash of battle. 
 
 When for seventy days more or less the ear has been 
 accustomed to hearing these sanguinary sounds almost 
 nightly — for the armistice declared on July sixteenth did 
 not last very long — it may be presumed they begin to pall 
 upon one's senses and seem an old story; but so long as 
 death accompanied the riotous demonstration, it did not 
 lie in, human power to despise, or allow familiarity to 
 neglect proper precautions. 
 
136 The Allied Army Before Peking. 
 
 All the old weak points, that had become known to the 
 Boxers on account of victories almost won on previous 
 occasions, were brought under a fierce fire; and when 
 cannon had succeeded in battering down the defenses, then 
 came the usual rush of swarming multitudes, the clamber- 
 ing over obstacles, the terrible hand-to-hand conflict, in 
 which so many of the brave defenders had lost their lives 
 in other days. 
 
 It looked as though the infuriated insurgents meant to 
 keep this up through the entire night. When one, cohort 
 became exhausted, it was only to give place to another 
 fresh legion, while those who stood up to the work back 
 of the barricades had but little relief from the tremendous 
 strain. 
 
 If there was a single man among the refugees who 
 failed to acquit himself as a hero on this awful occasion, 
 his name is not known. 
 
 History will never do justice to the innumerable gallant 
 deeds perfoiTned in this time of peril, when the best that 
 is in men is brought to the syrface. Dozens of times 
 some heroic soul among the defenders would hurl him- 
 self against the screeching demons who crushed in 
 through the embrasure, and, taking his very life in his 
 hands, cut a swath through their serried ranks, giving his 
 wearied companions a breathing spell. Mayhap he fell in 
 his devoted labor, and the fierce flame of battle swung 
 above his corpse, for the victims were not wftolly confined 
 to one side. 
 
 Every device known to Chinese diabolical ingenuity was 
 tried, in the hope of demoralizing these doughty sons of 
 the West, who had so long hurled back the inasses that 
 sought to gain admittance to that sacred corral. Gingals 
 boomed, fireworks sputtered, "stink pots" were hurled 
 over the works, to give out their infernal and paralyzing 
 odors, only to be picked up and thrown back by men who, 
 perchance, had had their training on some English cricket 
 or Yankee baseball team. 
 
 It was a night of nights. 
 
 The memorable siege of Peking was to go out in glory, 
 it seemed. 
 
 Perhaps it was a fitting and dramatic ftnale to so glori- 
 
The Allied Army Before Peking. 137 
 
 ous a resistance, though those wearied participants would 
 gladly have dispensed with this part of the performance. 
 
 They were not playing to the gallery. 
 
 Encouraged by the near presence of the allied army, 
 that was about to knock the uriderpinning from beneath 
 the Boxer movement, they were in a condition to do 
 mighty deeds in this, the last round of the duel. 
 
 Sleep was unknown. There would be plenty of time 
 for that when safety had been made a certainty. Now let 
 every man exert himself to hurl back these yellow dogs 
 to their low kennels, and pile the ground with the bodies 
 of the slain. Tt was in the cause of civilization against 
 the darkness of superstition, idolatry and heathen prac- 
 tices, as well as to save their own hves. 
 
 A pen of fire could alone do justice to the mad scenes 
 that marked this last night of the siege. Men acted the 
 part of heroes, not to win the applause of the 'fickle multi- 
 tude, but because the opportunity presented itself before 
 thenr, and such action was necessary to save the redoubt 
 from falling. The gallant deed done in darkness loses 
 none of its glorious flavor because forsooth it may never 
 be boasted abroad; and the defenders of the legations at 
 Peking deserve to have their names one and all inscribed 
 upon the imperishable scroll of fame, because they proved 
 themselves men in the highest sense of the word. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 HEROES AND SONS OF HEROES^ EVERY ONE. 
 
 Kinkaid was in it every minute of the time. 
 
 A man of his disposition could not well do else than 
 throw himself into the thick of the turmoil, and strike hard 
 and often. . 
 
 Could a vision after this nature have floated through his 
 brain, say some six months before, and he be allowed to 
 see himself winning glory on -the field of battle, doubtless 
 it would have afforded him hilarious merriment, for he 
 could not possibly have accepted it as other than a dream, 
 such as the opium smoker is entitled to indulge in when he 
 has been "hitting the pipe." 
 
 It was pretty much of a reality to him now, however, he 
 concluded, when he stood there panting, after assisting in 
 inducing a contingent of howling Boxers to withdraw 
 with even more rapidity than they had advanced, leaving 
 some few of their number as hostages in the hands of the 
 allies ; only as the same were dead herrings, they would 
 not likely prove of any value either in the line of exchanges 
 or fruit to string on the trees growing yonder upon the 
 island confines of the Forbidden City of the Emperor. 
 
 Sir George seemed waiting for an opportunity to return 
 the favor which he remembered owing the New Yorker; 
 and he found his chance right then and there. 
 
 -Kinkaid had bitten off more than he could properly 
 piasticate, and was fast getting himself into a liornet's 
 nest, that might have wound up his useful career, but that 
 he had an ally suddenly thrust a hand into the game, and 
 between the two they successfully shunted the almond- 
 eyed crowd from the main track, ditching the whole out- 
 fit, as it were. — 
 
 So Kinkaid, while he had no breath to say aught that 
 •was in his heart, could at least turn and grasp his friend 
 by the hand, and let him know his help was appreciated at 
 its full value. 
 
Heroes ana Jbons or neroes. 139 
 
 It was worth something to see these two fellows, who 
 had once upon a time been at each other's throat, fighting 
 side by side like brothers, each concerned about the wel- 
 fare of his friend. 
 
 As the night wore on, and this thing began to get ex- 
 ceedingly monotonous, those who bore the brunt of the 
 attacks began to find themselves growing a little nervous 
 over the situation, for flesh and blood has its limits, and 
 they had been sorely tried during the many long weeks 
 that had passed since the gates of Peking closed upon the 
 guards sent to the legations from the seacoast. 
 
 Kinkaid in particular found his fears arising in propor- 
 tion to the number of times he metjmks in his rounds, 
 for the subtle Jap knew just how to drop certain words 
 that would reach the spot, and suggest the carrying out 
 of his plans at the last. 
 
 But Kinkaid was determined not to test the venture 
 until reduced to the last ditch. Should it really appear 
 that the barriers had been forced, and the long-feared 
 massacre begun, then, and not until then, did he mean 
 to don the disguise which the resourceful Jinks had sup- 
 plied, and trust to the guidance of the Jap, with Joyce at 
 his side. 
 
 Meanwhile, he fought on. What mattered it that his 
 arm was weary, so that only with a determined effort was 
 he able to bring it into line, and strike with something of 
 his old zeal. 
 
 There were several alarms. 
 
 Once the wily foe found a new means of gaining access 
 
 to the inner works, and while the attention of the lega- 
 
 ^tion guards was occupied with a rush at the front, a 
 
 sinuous string of yellow shadows passed through this hole 
 
 in the wall. ' 
 
 Luckily, their presence was discovered before enougH 
 of them had gained admittance to overwhelm the defend- 
 ers, and the most desperate encounter thus far of the night 
 took place when Kinkaid and his friends attempted to dis- 
 lodge the intruders, who objected most strenuously to 
 departing hence, and put up a high order of remonstrance, 
 inasmuch as to lay down their lives for the principle, and 
 be eventually tossed over the walls one by one. 
 
I40 Heroes and Sons of Heroes. 
 
 It was during this scrap that Sir George got in his little 
 work with regard to evening up matters between the 
 American and himself. 
 
 And, as might have been expected, those who thrust the 
 Boxers out did not issue from the affair without some 
 losses. Many wounds had been received, whi|e one or 
 more brave fellows bad been so seriously injured that 
 they were eflfectually put out of business. 
 
 A few more such "victories" and the legations must fall, 
 for this one had been dearly bought. 
 
 It was midnigl\t, and a few hours would bring the 
 blessed dawn, when their release must come. If only they 
 might hold out a little longer. 
 
 Kinkaid knew he was more or less of a sight, for a man 
 may not engage in such a struggle without coming into 
 intimate relations with burned powder, the grime of 
 Chinese malodorous "stink pots" and the blood that has, 
 perchance, flowed from his own wounds or gushed from 
 the bodies of those wretched victims that have received 
 his sword. But if Joyce should see him, all this must be 
 glorified in her adoring eyes, since well she knew it was 
 the price of her liberty, her honor, her hfe, and gladly he 
 paid it. Yes, she would have considered this same grime 
 a badge of nobilit}-, higher than the famous Victoria Cross 
 or a membership in the Legion of Honor. 
 
 There was a suspicious lull. 
 
 So Wallis Kinkaid remembered had it become quiet on 
 that other memorable occasion, when the mighty forces 
 working under the piled-up ice of the great St. Lawrence 
 River gathered for a last supreme effort that would utterly 
 rend and destroy the glistening )iter de glace. So the 
 tempest is wont to hold its furious breath before doing 
 its worst, and sending a hurricane ripping through the 
 tottering forest. 
 
 He dreaded what was about to come. 
 
 It would be the supreme test of the whole eventful 
 siege, the last and most powerful attempt of the infuriated 
 Boxers to carry by storm the works that had thus far 
 [baffled their efforts. 
 
 Heaven be kind to those wearied souls, whose only wish 
 had been for peace, when there was no peace 1 
 
Heroes and Sons of Heroes. 141 
 
 The great walls, towering full fifty feet above, had given 
 their enemies a splendid hiding place during the siege, 
 save where the American marines had climbed up and se- 
 cured their foothold above the legations, meeting assault 
 after assault with the calm courage that won high praise 
 from every representative of European nations, and pro- 
 tecting those in the compound from what would otherwise 
 have been positive annihilation. 
 
 Who would have believed those walls, relics of bar- 
 barism and the ancient war between the Chinese and Tar- 
 tars, would, ever become a bulwark to defend representa- 
 tives of the civilized races against the storm of Mongolian 
 ' fanaticism ? It is really marvelous what changes are 
 wrought by the passage of time and the roll of Fortune's 
 wheel. 
 
 Kinkaid made no mistake when he concluded that they 
 were about to endure a lurid experience before which all 
 previous ones must fade into obscurity and insignificance. 
 
 The city was in a mad whirl, arW every device known 
 to the Celestial mind brought into play in order to induce 
 new recruits to join the coming melee. 
 
 It is a peculiarity with the Chinese, as well as the Malay, 
 that once he becomes fully excited, he makes a fiend in- 
 carnate, of himself, caring no more for wounds or trouble 
 or death than if they represented mosquito bites. 
 
 Such strange characteristics make him a hard proposi- 
 tion to deal with, and often bring about a crazed state of 
 mind, during which he "runs amok," that is, dashes hither 
 and yon, slashing at everything he meets with his knife or 
 kris, and altogether acting like a mad' dog. Indeed, he 
 has to be knocked on the head after the same fashion, also, 
 in order to induce him to give over his playful little ways. 
 
 Well, these Boxers had worked themselves pretty much 
 into that peculiar .condition of mind, and on a huge scale 
 wanted to "run amok." 
 
 After the allied hosts were through with them, doubtless 
 this ambition would hav£ been completely satisfied. 
 
 The storm burst everywhere at once, just as though 
 Prince Tuan himself had given the signal, as might ha,ve 
 been the case, since his was the controlling mind direct- 
 ing affairs on this memorable occasion. 
 
142 Heroes and Sons of Heroes. 
 
 In two minutes there was not a man behind the walls of 
 the legations but who had his hands full, and more than 
 he bargained for. 
 
 The creeping foe started up in every conceivable place, 
 and cared nothing that on some former occasion this or 
 that opening had proven a holocaust for their compatriots. 
 It seemed to be their intention to engage the fanquey all 
 along the line, and so thin them out that somewhere a 
 footing might be found, frofn which coign of vantage they 
 could turn the flank of the allies, and wipe them from the 
 face of the earth. 
 
 The women and other non-combatants could only listen 
 to these horrible sounds and shudder. Their duty was to 
 attend the wounded, or reload rifles as the opportunity 
 arose, not to inquire into the meaning of such hellish 
 noises that might almost have preceded the end of the 
 world. 
 
 How the rapid-fire guns rattled and volleyed, sweeping 
 down lines of yellow fighters, whose place would invaria- 
 bly be taken at once by other similar platoons, as though 
 the supply of victims were inexhaustible, these in turn 
 to totter and fall away in tattered fragments, as the in- 
 domitable men at the guns continued their work with the 
 modern Juggernaut. 
 
 It is not the purpose of the present narrative to attempt 
 to enter any more fully into the details of this remarkable 
 conflict. Our interests are, of necessity, centered almost 
 wholly around those few characters whose fortunes we 
 have taken pleasure in chronicling thus far, and who were 
 but a few odd souls among the thousand caged in the 
 compound of the British concession. 
 
 History has told that this fierce attack on the part of the 
 desperate conspirators failed in its design ; but it may not 
 enter into details, and the world could never know, save 
 from a relation of the stirring facts from the lips of one 
 who had been there, how terribly near the closing scene 
 in that drama came to being a grim tragedy. 
 
 After this little picnic there would hardly be any ne- 
 cessity for Joyce to give out hints to her lover concerning 
 the delights of a strenuous life — granting, of course, that 
 both of them came through it all safely. The poor fellow 
 
Heroes and Sons of Heroes. 143 
 
 was more in danger of dropping under exhaustion after 
 being forced to endure a whole lifetime of hardships and 
 perils, inside a space that could easily be bounded by 
 twenty-four hours. 
 
 He no sooner finished in one quarter than his services 
 were needed, and badly, at that, in some other, where the 
 force at hand did not appear adequate to the task of hold- 
 ing the enemy in check. 
 
 So it went at a red-hot pace all along the line, the rapid- 
 fire guns on the walls rattling their hail of metal about the 
 ears of the streams surging on toward the various 
 breaches, until the gaps threatened to be closed by the 
 bodies of the slain. 
 
 In the course of his work, Kinkaid had the misfortune 
 to test the endurance of his skull in connection with some 
 instrument in the hands of a Boxer. The aforesaid bellig- 
 erent went down, all right, before the sword the Yankee 
 wielded with such valor, but from that hour, Kinkaid was 
 hardly responsible for his actions. He was wounded se- 
 verely enough to have retired from the field, but the 
 trouble was, he did not seem to know it, and continued to 
 bombard the saffrons whenever "S.nd wherever occasion 
 permitted. He afterward declared he must have also 
 "run amok," since he was in a state of temporary eclipse, 
 so far as his mind went. 
 
 And yet, strange to say, he did not once forget the duty 
 he had so impressed upon his brain, in conrtection with 
 Joyce. She must be saved, though all the rest perished. 
 The camps of the alHes were near at hand, and seemed 
 to exert a peculiar force upon him through this melee. He 
 could see Joyce being received by the gallant Chaffee in 
 his rude quarters, and promised protection against every 
 ill, and the thought made a fearfully powerful impression, 
 so that he gradually allowed himself to believe he must 
 save her by some such clever flight as the artful Jinks 
 had suggested. 
 
 There might have been, perhaps, two hundred women 
 and children in the compound, but to Kinkaid there was 
 but one, and that the girl who had said she loved him, and 
 was satisfied to live, or, if need be, die with him. Things 
 had led up to this thing, else would he never have dreamed 
 
144 Heroes and Sons of Heroes. 
 
 of leaving the fortress that had kept the forces of anarchy 
 at bay so long. Above all, that fearful blow on the head, 
 followed by the hypnotic influence of the Jap, had every- 
 thing to do with his strange action. And yet, he was 
 always conscious of having done what he at the time con- 
 sidered for the best. 
 
 When the climax came about, and for a few minutes it 
 really seemed as if the battle was hopelessly lost to the 
 'defenders. Jinks it was who glided up to the side of the 
 dazed Kinkaid and dragged him back from the firing line, 
 where he had stood like the rock of Gibraltar. Jinks it 
 ■was who cried m his ear that the Boxers were in the 
 tompound butchering the women — as indeed shrieks could 
 be heard coming from that quarter, which were afterward 
 accounted for in another and quite natural way. And 
 IJinks it was who declared the moment had come for flight 
 to the city, from whence they might reach the safety of 
 the allied camps. And when he saw Joyce's frightened 
 'face, poor Kinkaid knew nothing save that he had sworn 
 to save this beloved woman. So, in a whisper, his voice 
 being quite gone, he bade the Jap lead on, even though it 
 be to Tophet. 
 
 And they went out of the legation barricade. 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 THE GATES HERMETICALLY CLOSED. 
 
 It matters little just how they quitted the barricade that 
 had sheltered the foreigners these long, weary weeks. 
 Jinks conducted the movement, and taking it all in all it 
 was a clever bit of strategy, only so utterly useless, did 
 they but know it. 
 
 Kinkaid was as though walking in a dream. He real- 
 ized something of what was being done without the ca- 
 pacity for grasping the true sense, so that at the time all 
 arrangements fell into the hands of the Jap. 
 
 Truly, it did not require a very tremendous stretch of 
 the imagination to believe the end was at hand, so far as 
 the existence of those behind the legation walls was con- 
 cerned. The awful clamor excelled anything that had 
 been heard during the past week, for the Boxers knew it 
 was the final chance to accomplish their fell design, and 
 were making a desperate assault ; but the besieged had a) 
 few cards up their sleeve, held back for just such an emer- 
 gency, and as one by one these were let loose upon the 
 pushing, screaming, riotous mob that struggled to gain 
 footing within the dead line, they served their purpose: 
 well. 
 
 History tells how the last attack died away, and the 
 fiends from Tophet were driven back to their kennels. 
 But when this became a reality, it was tog late to serve 
 Kinkaid and^-his beloved, for they had passed beyond the 
 walls and were in 'the hostile city. 
 
 Jinks had seen to it that his American friend had donned 
 the disguise prepared for the occasion, and it was just as 
 well he thought of so essential a condition, since Kinkaid 
 was in no state of mind to bother his poor head about 
 trivial matters, at least, just then. 
 
 All he seemed to know was that he must watch over 
 Joyce, and protect her from any violence. 
 
 For a brief period of time there was a terrible clamor. 
 
146 The Gates Hermetically Closed. 
 
 all about them, as though a million Chinamen had con- 
 cluded to let their melodious voices have full swing, re- 
 gardless of discord. If the whole world had been totter- 
 ing on its last legs it could not have awakened a more 
 fearful chorus than that by which they were surrounded. 
 
 Jinks kept steadily on his way; Jinks, who knew the 
 attention of the whole crowd would be so thoroughly taken 
 up with their work in the direction of the legation de- 
 fenses, that in all probability no one might cast an eye of 
 suspicion in their quarter. 
 
 Well had he planned this daring flight, and admirably 
 did he execute his purpose, in so far as pushing through 
 the lines of the clarhorous assailants was concerned. 
 
 It seemed to our friend Kinkaid that he had been walk- 
 ing through the valley of the shadOw of death. His senses 
 reeled and he could not comprehend more than that one 
 thing in connection with Joyce. True, he followed the 
 Jap, and conducted himself in a circumspect manner, but 
 it was merely through intuition and not as a result of 
 design. 
 
 Nevertheless, his senses, reeling after he had received 
 that disastrous blow on the head, began to grasp the situ- 
 ation as the minutes passed, and he forced his weary brain 
 to resume its normal function. 
 
 The fight was not yet over about the legation, and it 
 could not be guessed how great the disaster might have 
 been ; but even now a dim realization of having made a 
 serious blunder when he trusted all to Jinks, the alarmist, 
 was beginning to flash athwart the awakening mind of the 
 American. 
 
 In time this must become a dreadful certainty that 
 would give him more concern than he had ever felt be- 
 fore in his whole life. 
 
 Their disguise was so excellent that thus far they had 
 found no trouble in passing- those who, had they but sus- 
 pected the truth, would have cut them down with ruthless 
 glee. 
 
 Kinkaid, with stubborn efforts to master his reeling 
 senses, kept close at the side of Joyce, while the Jap looked 
 after the convert, in whom he had such a decided interest. 
 
 Considering what dreadful dangers surrounded her, the 
 
The Gates Hermetically Closed. 147 
 
 Canadian lassie behaved with a courage that always 
 aroused the deepest admiration in the heart of her lover. 
 
 Some women there be who can rise equal to an occasion 
 ■with a bravery that the best of men could not excel, and 
 multiplied instances have been recorded in the annals of 
 time where their courage approached the sublime, 
 though it must be confessed that the major portion of the 
 sex are by nature timid enough to scream at sight of a 
 mouse. 
 
 Joyce seemed to have some of this heroic blood in her 
 veins. She hadj perhaps, been almost paralyzed when the 
 moving ice of the mighty St. Lawrence groaned and 
 heaved under her feet ; but since that day she had lived 
 through strange things, and undeveloped traits of char- 
 acter found an opportunity to take their proper place. 
 
 So, when she discovered that her dearly beloved was 
 wounded and hardly possessed of his proper senses, she 
 seemed to understand that something devolved upon her 
 in the premises ; and grandly did she arise to the oc- 
 casion. 
 
 The natural fears that were her inheritance as a woman 
 she crushed under foot ruthlessly, and with the spirit of a 
 Joan of Arc aroused her energies to meet the needs of 
 the hour. 
 
 Thus it came to pass that where Kinkaid thought his 
 arm was supporting the form of the woman he adored, in 
 reality she gave him strength in the time of his weakness. 
 
 where were they going ? 
 
 Did the Jap hope to escape entirely from the city, or 
 was it his design to hide until the allies had entered 
 Peking, and the Boxer hordes were but a hideous 
 memory? 
 
 In all that vast assemblage of flat-roofed houses where 
 could they find such a thing as a place of security? 
 
 Kinkaid was already beginning to perplex himself with 
 such questions as this, which looked like a good sign with 
 regard to his returning capacity for dealing with the situ- 
 ation. Truth to tell, with each passing minute "he found 
 his head growing clearer. I know not whether this fact 
 could be laid to the mere passage of time, or whether the 
 presence of his sweetheart had much to do with it, but he 
 
148 Tlie Gates Hermetically Closed. 
 
 certainly saw things more distinctly, and by slow degrees 
 assumed something of his usual keen-witted nature. 
 
 Doubtless he had a rush of chagrin and a shivery feel- 
 ing when he first comprehended what a reckless thing this 
 was into which he had been led, through the fears of the 
 pessimist Jap, and how he had taken Joyce from a posi- 
 tion of comparative safety to one of exceeding great 
 danger. 
 
 Was it too late to go back ? 
 
 Alas ! yes, since the clamor still held sway about the 
 barricades, as if the assailants might be assaulting various 
 detachments of their own forces, on the principle that a 
 snake shows when wounded, as it turns and darts its 
 poisoned fangs into its own ilesh. 
 
 To trust themselves in theji midst of that mass of strug- 
 gling fiends again was flying in the face of Providence. 
 .Whether for good or ill, they must continue along the 
 course they had taken. 
 
 Everywhere the same confusion to a more or less de- 
 gree, where the slant-eyed citizens of Peking were not 
 engaged in actual hostilities against the foreigners in the 
 legations, they found an occupation in strengthening the 
 walls of the city against the attack that the morrow prom- 
 ised, driven to the work at the point of the sword held in 
 the merciless hand of Black Flag or Boxer. And when 
 all else failed, they crowded the temples and kiosks, scat- 
 tering their tinsel and burning their perfumed joss-sticks 
 before the graven image of Kuanti, the Chinese Mars, or 
 god of war. 
 
 Old Pelcing never had been in such a turmoil as now, 
 when the soldiers of Europe and America encamped 
 around her walls, and prepared for the bloody work of the 
 morrow. 
 
 All history records no more remarkable event than the 
 siege of the legations, and the march of that determined 
 allied army to save their fellow-countrymen. It will be 
 the theme of song and story down the ages, and some 
 day a new pen of fire will do justice to the occasion. 
 Picture for, yourself the situation, imagine the surround- 
 ings, reeking with their associations dating back thousands 
 of years, it may be, into the realms of paganism and 
 
Tlie Gates Hermetically Closed. 149 
 
 idolatry, with such weird connections as would form the 
 background for such a tale as we read in the Arabian 
 Nights. And here the camp-fires of our gallant boys in 
 blue flickered, here their sentries challenged any ghostly 
 shadow, and wondered what all the clamor beyond the 
 great city walls signified, waiting for the morrow, when 
 the orders to assail this citadel of duplicity would hurl 
 them against the treacherous insurgents. 
 
 And then, for a moment, imagine the feelings of Wallis 
 Kinkaid, as he slowly brought himself to comprehend the 
 awful nature of the predicament into which Jinks had now 
 led him. 
 
 Regrets were quite in vain, and this man was one who 
 did not believe in wasting time that way. Later on he 
 could abuse himself as much as he chose for allowing the 
 specious plea of the wily Jap to have weight when his own 
 good sense should have told him the chances were always 
 better within the barricade than out. 
 
 Now was the time for action, for gathering his scat- 
 tered wits, and finding some means to win out. 
 
 As yet no suspicion had entered his head that Jinks 
 could have any deep design in doing what he had. The 
 fellow was simply demoralized by the ferocity of the as- 
 sault, and thought he had done a creditable thing in sav- 
 ing the man he admired from certain slaughter. 
 
 Well, let it pass. There was no use in crying over spilt 
 milk. As yet their situation had not become desperate, 
 and if Jinks proved as able a cicerone as when they first 
 entered Peking, all might turn out well. 
 
 The quartette had left the legation some little distance 
 behind them, and were plunging into the heart of the wide 
 city of the Mongols. ' 
 
 Vastly different were the scenes around them from those 
 usually discovered in times of peace. Where caravans 
 of camels threaded the streets, shuffling along with ghostly 
 tread, and palanquins of bamboo followed in the wake of 
 the 'rickisha men, now an angry crowd buzzed and chat- 
 tered like parrots, or mayhap rushed up and down the 
 thoroughfares crying for victims to their lust for fanquey 
 Wood. 
 
 Should discovery come, the chances of our little party 
 
150 The Gates Hermetically Closed. 
 
 were meager enough, since their passage would be 
 blocked by a thousand screaming Celestials, each one of 
 whom had his murderous instincts fully aroused. 
 
 Kinkaid wondered whether his tortured tympanums 
 would ever find rest from this apparently ceaseless racket. 
 In all his life he had never had his organs of hearing so 
 sorely tried, and the most blessed thing on earth just then 
 would have been utter silence, not the kind that comes 
 with the tomb, but the quiet of a night on the peaceful 
 sea. 
 
 Alas ! that was for the time being out of his reach, and 
 he must devote his energies to the task of providing for 
 their safety, regardless of sounds. 
 
 Jinks appeared to know where he was going, and for 
 that, the American felt there was cause for rejoicing, since 
 he himself had already becorhe twisted and could not 
 have told where the legations lay, if put to the test ; which 
 proved that all his observations taken from the wall above 
 the compound were superficial, lacking those elements of 
 certainty that could only come from a genuine acquaint- 
 ance with the subject. \ 
 
 Peking streets are so much alike that it is a very easy 
 thing to become bewildered while threading them, and if 
 this is the case in ordinary times, how much more might 
 one be expected to go astray during a period of frenzied 
 excitement, such as the present? 
 
 A dozen times Kinkaid had fears that the thing he 
 dreaded was about to happen. Occasionally some slant- 
 eyed shouter squinted at them, as though his suspicions 
 had been aroused, and the Caucasian's heart stood still for 
 very suspense; but nothing happened. Now, it appeared 
 that something occurred to draw the attention of the dis- 
 turber elsewhere, and when this failed to work. Jinks 
 pulled him aside, made some secret signs, added a few 
 words in the tongue of a Pekingese, and possibly slipped 
 some "cash" into the yellow talons ever on the alert to 
 gather in tithes. 
 
 Between all these methods they ran the gauntlet with- 
 out a single break, and hope began to sing a welcome tune 
 within Kinkaid's heart — for lo ! he beheld the huge walls 
 of the city looming up yonder ahead, and it was patent to 
 
The Gates Hermetically Closed. 151 
 
 him that if their good luck would only continue for a short 
 time longer, they might b^ in a condition to snap their 
 fingers at fate, safe in the camp of gallant Chaffee and 
 his illustrious colleague, Gen. Gaselee. 
 
 Here Jinks left them for a brief time with the inten- 
 tion of ascertaining whether the way were clear at the 
 gate of the city. A great fear began to oppress Kinkaid 
 that since the allied army camped without the walls this 
 means of exit would be found permanently sealed against 
 passage. 
 
 When the little Jap came gliding back he saw from his 
 dejected manner that the worst had befallen them. The ' 
 gates of the capital, which they had, on arrival, found 
 wide open, were now tightly closed, and all egress from 
 Peking cut off, so that the fugitives found themselves 
 adrift in the hostile city, with apparently no haven of 
 refuge to which they could turn. 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 THE MAN WHO HAD RUN THE GAMUT. 
 
 It was necessary that Kinkaid should assume his olcT 
 condition, and by his coolness in the face of deadly danger, 
 bolster up the courage of his fair companion; and to his 
 everlasting credit it can be said that he proved equal to 
 the demands made upon his overtaxed energies. 
 
 Such was the calmness with which he received the dis- 
 agreeable intelligence imparted by the Jap-with reference 
 to the closed gates, that Joyce, looking on him as an oracle, 
 began to hope the situation might not be so serious as 
 her fears had assumed. 
 
 It is a beautiful thing to have such confidence in a 
 fellow human; but on occasions that same stalwart may 
 be hard put to find the means of realizing that faith, and 
 proving it well founded. 
 
 Kinkaid was. 
 
 He had as hard a row to hoe as the experience upon the 
 frozen river. That victory had crowned him with a 
 laurel wreath on that signal occasion could hardly be 
 takpn as a sign that he would also come out ahead in the 
 pi^sent struggle; but, all the same, it had some influence 
 in bolstering up his courage. 
 
 "There are other gates?" he suggested, to his con- 
 federate. 
 
 Jinks admitted the soft impeachment. At the same 
 time he shook his head dolorously, declaring that he had 
 heard one Chinaman say to another that not a single 
 opening had been allowed to remain through which the 
 foreign "pigs" could gain a foothold in the sacred capital. 
 I This was a serious business, since they had no wings 
 with which to fly over the massive walls, nor did they 
 know of any delightful tunnel by means of which they 
 could pass under the same. 
 
 Kinkaid would possibly have given all he possessed in 
 the world just then for a war balloon capable of carry- 
 
Tlie Man Who Had Run the Gamut. 153 
 
 ing two, and the opportunity to float the same. But such 
 a luxury was as far from his hands as the stars above. 
 
 What then ? 
 
 They must hide until the army burst through the Walls, 
 and the streets of Peking were safe for a foreigner. 
 
 Very good, but hide where? He knew of no place 
 within the vast co^nes of the metropolis where such 
 a thing as safety could be found or bought. 
 
 If Jinks proved equally ignorant, then was their condi- 
 tion desperate indeed. , 
 
 So he turned upon the j ap eagerly, fearfully. 
 
 "What next, my friend. You are engineering this thing, 
 I believe, and may have provided for such a disappoint- 
 ment. Don't be bashful, but let's hear all there is. And 
 the sooner we get away from this exposed place the bet- 
 ter." 
 
 Jinks had also recovered from his chagrin at finding his 
 first choice of plans blocked through this unfoftunate 
 combination. He arose gallantly to the occasion, and 
 maintained something of his old grasp on the pulse of the 
 situation. 
 
 "It must be hide for all of us, and I .shall have ex- 
 treme pleasure in leading .you to a place where we may be 
 safe. My honor as well as my life is involved. You will 
 come ?" 
 
 That was Jinks all over. He would utter his excruci- 
 atingly polite phrases even had a Boxer been in the act 
 of jabbing a Chinese sword into his body. It had taken 
 him a long time to learn the language of the Anglo-Saxon, 
 and he believed it a sacred duty he owed posterity to care- 
 fully enunciate every noun, verb and adjective. as though 
 they were precious heirlooms. 
 
 Kinkaid hastened to assure him, and without any need- 
 less verbiage, either, that they wguld be only too delighted 
 to follow in his fdotsteps ; also that he could not start upon 
 the new pilgrimage too soon to suit them. 
 
 Accordingly, the little procession once more took up its 
 burden, and plunged into the crowded streets of the city, 
 crowded beyond its capacity, for tens of thousands of fugi- 
 tives, fleeing before the coming of the allied host, had 
 sought refuge behind the walls that, in their minds, and 
 
154 The Man Who Had Run the Gamut. 
 
 according to all tradition, must be insurmountable bar- 
 riers in the way of the heathen. 
 
 Again Kinkaid began to endure all manner of tortures 
 with regard to the fair creature who walked by his side. 
 Not a Chinaman looked at' her shrouded face and grinned 
 but he felt an itching to jump for him instanter; but 
 fortunately, he was able to subdue J;his fierce desire for 
 satisfaction, else must their doom have descended upon 
 them then and there. 
 
 Jinks did not take him into his confidence. Indeed, the 
 time and opportunity were both unpropitious for an ex- 
 change of sentiments, since one word in English would 
 be enough to disclose their true character, if overheard 
 by hostile ears. 
 
 This could wait. 
 
 Indeed, Kinkaid allowed himself to indulge in hopes that 
 might not have soared so very high had he been allowed 
 to share the confidence of his ally. So anticipation ever 
 enters a specious plea, and the reality often fails to equal 
 what we have expected. 
 
 Shelter from the raging mob that searched for any sym- 
 pathizer with the hated foreigners who had come to turn 
 the religion of their ancestors upside down. That was all 
 they asked, all they wanted, but it would tax the inge- 
 nuity of a wizard to find a single part of that bombshell 
 city outside the legation walls, where a Christian could 
 deem himself actually safe on this night of nights. 
 
 Now, Kinkaid had witnessed the fierce bombardment of 
 the Taku forts — he had taken a vital part in the storming 
 of the Chinese redoubts at Tientsin, and later still had his 
 energies been applied to the defence of the walls sur- 
 rounding the British legation, often coming into close 
 contact with the savage men who sought to overwhelm the 
 defenders. But all these things, being in the past, lost 
 caste with him now, "since he could not imagine anything 
 equal to the necessities of the hour. 
 
 The present always looms up like a giant, while the 
 past fades in a fog, antl the future, who worries about 
 what may never come? 
 
 He soon began to notice that the J4p was leading them' 
 toward a quarter of the city which was entirely unfamiliar 
 
The Man Who Had Run the Gamut. 155 
 
 to him, nor was that a very singular thing, seeing that 
 he had found no chance to explore the devious ways of 
 the seething capital, which had been hostile ground for a 
 foreigner these two months and more. 
 
 But Jinks was at home here. He had spent many 
 months of the year in the environs of the wonderful For- 
 bidden City, where the sacred palaces of the Emperor 
 reared their towers and minarets sKyward. Jinks must 
 know many of the secrets of this woeful den of iniquity, 
 and upon being put to the test, would be able to prove a 
 second Moses to these modern Children of Israel. 
 
 In and out, along this thoroughfare and down a nar- 
 row alley that looked terribly dark and forbidding, but all. 
 the while making progress in the direction whence he 
 aimed to go. So the Jap led them on, until Kinkaid found 
 his companion dragging on his arm, and he knew from 
 that she was wearied, though not a word or complaint 
 escaped her lips. 
 
 Thereupon, he brought the guide to a halt by means of 
 a sudden grip, and demanded to know how much more of 
 this meandering they would likely do before attaining any 
 definite result. For a horrid suspicion had begun to form 
 in his brain to the extent that Jinks did not himself know 
 where he led them, but was only trusting to luck. 
 
 It was with considerable relief, therefore, that he heard 
 the other announce the fact that they were almost there, 
 whatever might be meant by so indefinite a designation. 
 
 But Jinks was all right. He had a distinct motif in his 
 perarhbulations, and that their advance had been along 
 devious lines was more the result of policy on his part than 
 a lack of knowledge concerning locality. 
 
 When they had paraded^half of the streets in Peking, as 
 Kinkaid was fain to believe, and doggedly maintained* 
 his point later on in narrating the circttmstance, the Jap 
 brought his little contingent to a pause. 
 
 Around them were the usual one-story houses, witH 
 their thatched or tiled roofs, inviting the demon of fire. 
 Indeed, Peking would have been wiped out of existence 
 many times but for the firewalls that separate the city into 
 many sections, and confines a blaze to a locality. 
 
 Among these hovels could be seen a building of consid- 
 
156 TKe Man Who Had Run the Gamut. 
 
 erably greater pretensions, in which Kinkaid immediately 
 recognized a kiosk, possibly a supreme joss-house, though 
 there seemed, to be no worshiping going on within its 
 portals at just that time. 
 
 Imagine his surprise to have the Jap turn directly to- 
 ward this building, as though he had long since had it in 
 mind \vhen thinking of a hiding place. 
 
 At first he was ready to vehemently protest against so 
 remarkable an invasion of the enemy's stronghold, and 
 then it burst upon hivi that this idea of Jinks might be in 
 the line of an inspiration, for the safest place to hide must 
 be that spot where the Boxers least expected to find the 
 hated foreigners whom they hunted, and where could one 
 find a more secure niche than in the sacred temple ? 
 
 *rhat they profaned it by their presence was not worth 
 considering, under the conditions that faced them, for 
 they were already under sentence of death, and nothing 
 they might do would make it any warmer for them. , 
 
 So Kinkaid's f-eelings changed completely even in that 
 brief space of time, which was occupied in passing over 
 to the front of the kiosk. 
 
 He looked around eagerly. If they must enter the 
 temple it were just as well that none saw the act. He 
 onl)' hoped their guide knew something of the mysteries 
 concerning the interior of the same, so that their going in 
 would not be simply staving off the inevitable doom. 
 
 Now, the arched doorway yawned before them, and he 
 noticed that Jinks was more or less excited concerning 
 what awaited them, for he craned his neck in the en- 
 deavor to see beyond the threshold. 
 
 The Yankee was quite as curious, judging that this cir- 
 cumstance had considerable bearing on the success or 
 failure of their undertaking. 
 
 The interior of the joss-house was dimly lighted, though 
 it was not possible to distinguish the source of this illum- 
 ination from the doorway. ' « 
 
 Kinkaid had peeped into more than one such place ere 
 now. Indeed, he had gone the rounds in San Francisco, 
 and was somewhat familiar also with the various sights 
 of Mott and Pell Streets in Gotham ; so he saw nothing of 
 an amazing character in the ugly heathen gods that 
 
The Man Who Had Run the Gamut. 157 
 
 crouched upon the platforms in several parts of the ca- 
 pacious room. 
 
 Perhaps the reason why this place was not crowded 
 with worshipers at this particular time, beseeching the 
 favor of their old metal deities in connection with the 
 anticipated battle of the morrow, lay in the fact of its being 
 far removed from. the scene of the night's hostilities, for 
 those in the other part of the town were fairly jammed 
 with a prodigal crowd. 
 
 Jinks went in. He had long since become a convert to 
 the true faith, so that his conscience was quite at rest 
 with regard to the profanation of the temple, and, besides, 
 the conditions did not admit of argument, for he felt in 
 sympathy with the drowning boy who cried : "Save me 
 first, and scold me afterward." 
 
 They all went in, and Kinkaid's only concern was 
 whether they had the ghostly temple to themselves, or 
 must share it with priest or layman. 
 
 He wondered how Jinks knew so much about the in- 
 terior of the edifice, and it was always a mystery until the 
 little Jap found it incumbent to confess that in his day he 
 had been a Shinto priest, and then a devotee of Con- 
 fucius, even administering the rites in this particular 
 'temple! 
 
 The more Kinkaid came to know Jinks the greater his 
 admiration became, and he was often put to it in the en- 
 deavor to discover some condition of life as it existed in 
 the Far East that the smart Jap had not tested while 
 swinging around the circle. 
 
 At first he was of the opinion they had the temple to 
 themselves, and perhaps might be allowed an opportunity 
 to look for the hiding place so desired. 
 
 That illusion speedily vanished when he saw a move- 
 ment in front of the most hideous god, if there could be 
 any one of an uglier shade than the rest; and found that 
 a Confucian priest was going through certain postures 
 doubtless in accordance with his usual religious rites. 
 
 In this extremity he leaned on Jinks, and found the 
 islander anything but a broken reed. 
 
 "Wait for me here a brief period," whispered the other, 
 and then said something in the ear of his convert which 
 
158 The Man Who Had Run the Gamut. 
 
 Kinkaid could not catch; but she moved in the direction 
 of the great idol with him, going through the customary 
 genuflections as befit a mere Aiortal in the presence of 
 mighty joss. 
 
 Kinkaid awaited the issue, ready to take a hand if 
 needed. He felt that something was about to happen of a 
 nature foreign to the peace of this sacred edifice, and that 
 the Chinese priest stood in danger of finding himself 
 tripped up by the heels in a manner that would have de- 
 manded the most severe punishment under ordinary con- 
 ditions, but which must pass unnoticed in the present gen- 
 eral rattled condition of affairs in the yellow empire. 
 
 He saw Jinks approach the robed mummer, and ap- 
 parently exchange certain secret salutations with him, 
 such as are only known and understood among the high 
 priests of the faith that dates back thousands of years; 
 saw the veiled convert creep up on the other side, give a 
 hasty look around, and finding the coast clear make some 
 sort of signal — whatever it was it served to send the 
 nimble Jap flying at the gowned devotee of Confdcius, 
 and the next our friend discovered was a jumble of legs 
 as the two sprawled over the idol's feet. 
 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 THE STRANGEST HOTEL EVER KNOWN. 
 
 Naturally^Kinkaid was sorely tempted to rush forward 
 and throw himself into the breach when he saw the little 
 Jap jump the disciple of Confucius; but several things 
 called a halt on his movements. 
 
 In the first place there was Joyce — it was barbarous to 
 leave the girl alone near the entrance of the kiosk, -where 
 any one coming in must rub against her, and there was 
 always a possibility of harm befalling her. Joyce he had 
 in his mind at all times, since the world revolved around 
 her dear form. Then, again, he chanced to know that 
 Jinks, like so many of his countrymen, was considerable 
 in the line of an athlete, and could down a fellow twice 
 his size, because of this training; therefore Jinks would 
 hardly need any assistance in wrapping the old priest up 
 in his gown, and reducing him to a harmless state. 
 
 Besides, there was the door to be guarded. Although 
 the other had not said as much, Kinkaid seemed to un- 
 derstand that he was appointed a monitor for this especial 
 occasion, and his should be the duty to make sure the little 
 entertainment up front was not disturbed during its short 
 continuance. 
 
 Doubtless it was very funny while it lasted, and at some 
 future time, when deadly danger no longer hovered about 
 his head, Kinkaid would indulge in more than one laugh 
 upon recalling the comical figure cut by the two who 
 rolled about at the indifferent feet of the mighty joss, the 
 robe of the priest fluttering like a pennant in the breeze 
 created by his own quick movements, for Jinks caused 
 him to execute the liveHest hornpipe ever danced before a 
 heathen deity. 
 
 If this might be termed a seance, it was speedily over, 
 for the Jap jumped to his feet and waved his arm. 
 
 Now there had been no code of signals arranged be- 
 tween the two comrades in this Quixotic adventure, but 
 
l6o The Strangest Hotel Ever Known, 
 
 the meaning of this movement was not a puzzle to Kin- 
 kaid, for it could only stand for "come on." 
 
 Accordingly he took hold of Joyce's arm and moved 
 forward. 
 
 The priest lay very still where he had been cast, but it 
 did not seem possible to Kinkaid that the Jap had seri- 
 ously injured the fellow. 
 
 At any rate, they had the temple to themselves for a 
 brief time, and Jinks would be able to carry out any plans 
 he had in view. 
 
 "Assist me to remove incumbrance," quoth the pre- 
 cise Jinks, as he bent down to clutch the recumbent Con- 
 fucian by the heels. If his speech bordered on the ridicu- 
 lous because of its stilted style, there was nothing wrong 
 with his actions, which in their quickness resembled those 
 of a tiger. 
 
 The American took hold of the man's shoulders, and 
 between them they dragged him through a doorway 
 which seemed to be very familiar to the Jap, from the 
 reasons stated before, but which were as yet unknown to 
 Kinkaid. 
 
 The latter's position enabled him to see the face of the 
 priest as they proceeded, and he was almost positive 
 he caught the crafty fellow half opening his slant eyes, 
 and then as quickly closing them again as though realiz- 
 ing the danger he ran. 
 
 As a hunter Kinkaid had experienced more or less ac- 
 quaintance with a creature peculiar to American woods, 
 the unique opossum, and its wily tricks in the line of 
 feigning death were an old story with him ; so that in this 
 yellow prophet he thought he had discovered a pretty 
 fair example of a human 'possum. 
 
 They could not be too cautious in playing the bold 
 game in hand, and it would pay them. to make doubly sure 
 with this crafty chap, accustomed to more or less deceit 
 in the pursuit of his calling. 
 
 He mentioned his fears to Jinks, and found that the 
 other quite agreed with him in so far as making a cer- 
 tainty of it was concerned. 
 
 The niclie was a robing place, where the priest donned 
 his vestments before entering upon his regular duties, 
 
The Strangest Hotel Ever Known. 161 
 
 and here they would find various garments that might 
 come in very handy, if they could only get the original 
 occupant nicely disposed of. 
 
 Trust the ingenious Jap for that; he knew something 
 about the arrangement of things in this mystery of mys- 
 teries, and could bring to light a few facts of a stunning 
 nature, should occasion demand the disclosure. 
 
 First he called upon Kinkaid to render such assistance 
 as lay in his power with a view to securing the priest by 
 the ankles and wrists, wrapping these round and round 
 with a certain thick cord that had quite another use in the 
 temple of the gods. 
 
 When it was thus made certain that under no condi- 
 tions could the wretched' dispenser of Confucian religion 
 release himself, or move ■ h-and or foot, their next step 
 was to arrange it so that he might not speak. 
 
 It was all new work to our Yankee friend, since he 
 had never been in the detective hne, and had never had 
 occasion to make a prisoner. after this manner; but there 
 was Jinks, who went about it as- though he had done noth- 
 ing else all the days of his life, and the priest should 
 have been highly honored to be so swiftly and neatly dis- 
 patched. Some men would undoubtedly have pulled the 
 cords so tight as to stop circulation and wring agonizing 
 groans from the victim, but hot so Jinks, who knew to a 
 hair's breadth just how far one could stand the pain, and 
 yet be securely bound. 
 
 In a wonderfully quick time the little job was com- 
 pleted, and the victim lay there before them, looking not 
 unlike some bundle of Chinese merchandise- ready for 
 shipment — all he needed was a covering of the customary 
 matting to make the illusion complete. 
 
 Jinks immediately slipped on a robe and made himself 
 into a Confucian master of the temple ceremonies, and 
 Kinkaid could not but notice with much surprise how natu- 
 rally the little Jap took to the role. Perhaps it was at this 
 time the fii"st suspicion dawned in his brain that Jinks 
 had been here before. 
 
 Somewhat to his surprise the other made gestures that 
 he, too should assume office. Some men are borri great, 
 others achieve fame, while many have honors thrust upon 
 
i62 Tbe Strangest Hotel Ever Known. 
 
 them, and Kinkaid concluded that he filled the latter bill, 
 for he could not remember ever wishing to become a 
 priest in a Chinese joss-house. 
 
 Nevertheless, Kinkaid was one of those men who have 
 not the heart to refuse what the gods so' kindly provide, so 
 that he calmly tried several garments until he came to one 
 that grave some signs of fitting after a fashion — odd how 
 a man's training will follow him all through his life. Some 
 historical facts have been noted where dainty ladies of 
 France, doomed to the block, were just as fastidious over 
 their toilet on that last appearance as though bound to a 
 reception at the king's palace ; and here was our friend 
 Kinkaid, actually caring whether the garment of his 
 choice should be long or short, as though he were to be 
 put on exhibition through the streets of Peking. 
 
 It is amazing. 
 
 By good luck he seemed to get suited very speedily, 
 though possibly it was because the supply of material fell 
 short, rather than through any carelessness on his part. 
 
 He began to experience some curiosity about the chap 
 on the floor. Was he to be left there ? would not some as- 
 sistant priest come in by chance and discover his plight ? 
 
 Jinks knew, and could be trusted to attend to this score. 
 Jinks, who was running this menagerie now, and had 
 Tjeen given a free hand. 
 
 First he looked out into the body of the temple, to find 
 it still deserted save by two figures who crouched before 
 the great joss, and appeared to be wholly given up to 
 their devotion. Of course these were no other than our 
 gentle Joyce and the convert friend of the clever Jap, 
 who awaited the will of those who were past masters in 
 the line of action. 
 
 Again 'Kinkaid found that his assistance was desired 
 by his worthy friend, and he gladly ga\'e it so far as was 
 in his power. 
 
 Somewhat to his surprise the Jap led the way directly 
 to one of the lesser idols squatted on the right, a hideous 
 fellow indeed, with more or less jewels scattered about 
 his person, after the custom of the country, which precious 
 stones, whether true or false, are so sacred that the mean- 
 est beggars on the streets would never dare pilfer, lest 
 
The Strangest Hotel Bver Known. 163 
 
 the terrible vengeance of the celestial Fung-Shuy haunt 
 then for evermore. 
 
 Kinkaid had read something about these deities, and 
 the little game of the priests by which they enter into 
 some cavity in the base of the image and from thence 
 harangue the devout and cringing worshipers. It was an 
 old and exploded trick, and the wonder was that the 
 people had not caught on to such brazen deceit long ere 
 now; but then in some countries they enjoy being de- 
 luded, nor does the practice wholly confine itself to such 
 far-back stages of civilization as China. 
 
 Sure enough, there was a hole, just as he had guessed, 
 and it was evidently the intention of the good Jinks to 
 toss the priest into the very lap of the joss he served, 
 ' which Kinkaid took it was very kind of his friend. 
 
 They found plenty of room in the cavity, though it was 
 partly occupied by a prize collection of traps that might 
 be used with benefit in the gentle art of making the image 
 seem to talk, and otherwise_working upon the super- 
 stitious fears of the devoted shriners. 
 
 There they left him in his glory. He had often come 
 to this place on his own account, but no doubt this was 
 the first occasion when he had been so ably assisted. 
 
 The next question that arose concerned their own in- 
 dividuality — what were they to do in order to pass the 
 time? how should the women be t^ken care of until the 
 coming of the allies over the walls? 
 
 It was a matter of some moment, and Kinkaid felt 
 more than a little curiosity to learn what cards the other 
 had still up his sleeve. 
 
 Bret Harte it was who informed us long ago what a 
 clever chap John Chinaman was, and how difficult for any 
 ordinary biped to match him at his little game; but it 
 has since been proven that the same Celestial has never 
 been in it since his cousin from Japan came to town. 
 
 Jinks drew the convert within the niche behind the 
 great joss, and proceeded to make her as comfortable as 
 the law allowed; whereupon Kinkaid, taking a hint that 
 was as broad as this, hastened to do the same with Joyce. 
 So that the two gentle members of the quartette were 
 
164 The Strangest Hotel Ever Known. 
 
 speedily in a way to secure some comfort after their 
 rough flight. 
 
 Kinkaid was of an inquiring turn of mind, and as the 
 chance for investigating the mysteries connected with 
 heathen deities does not crop up very often in the ordi- 
 nary man's itinerary, he beheved in making the most of 
 present opportunities. 
 
 Questions followed, and then a little exploring tour, 
 that resulted in the discovery that every one of the brazen 
 images was a hollov; "mockery. 
 
 This gave Kinkaid an inspiration — why could they not 
 each take possession of a celestial statue, and keep house 
 after a fashion while the necessity of the case compelled 
 them to remain in the temple? 
 
 It is not every man who may have the rare privilege 
 of sleeping within the holy interior of a grand joss, 
 though really our friend had no idea his slumber would 
 be any the sounder on that account. 
 
 This little arrangement suited Jinks first rate. He ex- 
 pected to soon have onerous duties to perform in connec- 
 tion with his assumed character as high factotum, and it 
 were just as well these minor affairs were placed in order 
 before his busy time arrived. 
 
 There was a means of passing from one deity to another 
 without being seen from the body of the temple, an ac- 
 comrnodation that suited the sly customs of the officiating 
 priests first rate, and came in quite handy for our modern, 
 manipulators of chicanery. 
 
 Kinkaid saw to it that his sweetheart was comfortably 
 housed in the best idol of the whole outfit — that is, the 
 one that offered the most chances for turning about. He 
 took up his own lodgings in a second-class worthy, be- 
 cause it chanced to be the most convenient to her abode. 
 
 Joyce could not sleep. Never in all her life had she felt 
 less like wooing the gentle god, and indeed, -^.onsidering 
 their strange situation, this was not to be wondered at. 
 
 Worshipers had entered the temple, and were pros- 
 trating themselves before the various members of the joss 
 family, in accordance with some prescribed rule of rota- 
 tion ; the subtle perfume of burning incense began to per- 
 meate the heated atmosphere, and tickle the nostrils of 
 
The Strangest, Hotel Ever Known. 165 
 
 those who were not accustomed to its peculiar aroma. 
 Jinks, in his capacity of priest, was going about his sev- 
 eral dubious duties in a fashion that made Kinkaid 
 chuckle, as he made up his mind this was not the first 
 time the said Jap had appeared in this peculiar role be- 
 fore a credulous public. 
 
 As the devout worshipers increased in numbers a mur- 
 murous sound began to be heard. Kinkaid was in doubt 
 as to whether it came from their lips, not knowing that 
 they had any prayers or incantations to repeat, and he 
 was in the very act of taking a sly peep, trusting to his 
 garb to lull all suspicion, when something quite unex- 
 pected occurred. 
 
 Joyce had been sitting there in her hermitage, gaining 
 strength, and yet in more or less of a tremor on account 
 of the strangeness of her surroundings, when, without 
 the least warning, the insidious smoke from the smolder- 
 ing joss-sticks caused her to break forth in a sneeze, twice 
 repeated — a sneeze that was unmistakably feminine, and 
 to the consternation of the devout assemblage proceeded 
 directly from one of the gods at the right hand of the 
 great joss ! 
 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 KINKAID AND HIS BOARD BILL. 
 
 Every head that had been bowed before the heathen 
 deities in the Peking temple was suddenly raised as that 
 feminine sneeze came from behind the ugly functionary 
 supporting great joss on the right. 
 
 There was something so very extraordinary about it 
 that these people were not to be blamed for showing sur- 
 prise. Evidently it was a most uncommon occurrence, 
 and they were not in the habit of hearing one of their 
 beloved gods sneeze, especially with so very feminine a 
 ring. 
 
 Jinks was. quite equal to the occasion, however, and im- 
 mediately pushed to the spot from whence the astonisher 
 had come ; he gripped Kinkaid by the arm as that worthy 
 came scuttling to the scene, fearing the worst, and ready 
 to sell his life dearly in defense of his own — gripped him 
 thus and made bold to step into view of the crouching 
 worshipers, as if to reheve their fears by assuring them 
 it was a man like unto himself, another robed manipulator 
 of gods and dispenser of religion. 
 
 Again every forehead touched the ground, and the wor- 
 ship was resumed at the point it had- been so sharply 
 disturbed. 
 
 The incident was closed. 
 
 Kinkaid wondered what would be next, for he felt in 
 his bones that they were not to get through this long night 
 of horror without a few more alarms. 
 
 And he was quite right, since fortune had it in for them 
 after this fashion. 
 
 Apparently there was some method in the hours of 
 worship about this particular temple, for while it had 
 been quite empty at the time of their arrival, by degrees 
 it seemed to fill until there was little room left for any 
 late comers. 
 
 If two are company and three make a crowd, then 
 
Kinkaid and His Board Bill. 167 
 
 this might be likened unto a mob, so Kinkaid thought as 
 he took various sly peeps at them through certain cracks 
 he had discovered in the deity behind which he had 
 sought refuge; nor was that the only defective god made 
 of earthly hands, since most of our idols tufn out clay. 
 
 Wallis was of a mind to improve his opportunity, since 
 he might never have aSother chance to watch so remark- 
 able a scene, especially from a reserve seat in the amen 
 corner, and yet he grew more or less uneasy about the 
 gathering of the clans, seeing in the vast number, present 
 a menace against their escape should discovery come. 
 
 He did not know just how such a disaster might occur, 
 since the one party who was aware of their erratic doings 
 was snug in his retreat, within the bowels of a lesser- 
 light deity, and quite unable to communicate what he 
 knew to any devotee present. 
 
 Was this true ? 
 
 Even as he turned it over questioningly in his mind, 
 with more or less assurance as to its being so, he became 
 aware that for the second time those in the temple were 
 exhibiting a growing interest in something that evi- 
 dently had naught to do with the ordinary proceedings; 
 they raised their heads and showed the stamp of curiosity 
 on their sallow faces as plainly as anything he had ever 
 seen. 
 
 No doubt the docile followers of the Confucian regime 
 have been well drilled in their customary duties when 
 within the sacred precincts of a joss-house and would 
 never show the least sign of curiosity at what might hap- 
 pen there of a religious nature ; but things seemed turned 
 topsy-turvy of late, with a hostile army of foreigners at 
 the very gates of Peking, about to seek entrance at the 
 point of the sword — ^besides, the sneeze of a woman be- 
 hind the scenes had prepared them for something in the 
 extraordinary line, and not at all connected with their 
 faith. ' 
 
 Ah ! Kinkaid heard it -now — why, it was very like a 
 snore, as though one of the ugly mandarin gods, weary- 
 ing of this constant adoration, had allowed himself to be 
 transported across the boundary of that mysterious land 
 devoted to the reign of sleep. 
 
1 68 Kinkaid and His Board Bill. 
 
 That was what astonished the crowd. 
 
 They may have known their favorite joss to apparently 
 do many strange things before, but this was really the 
 very first time he had gone to sleep and actually snored 
 like a poor human being. 
 
 The more Kinkaid listened the deeper became his con- 
 viction that it was not any trick of Jinks to work upon 
 the superstitious fears of the people, and send them 
 scattering to narrate the marvelous event to their com- 
 rades on the streets. Indeed, he should have seen from 
 the start that the Jap was more or less concerned himself 
 about the origin of that sound. 
 
 Why, it must proceed from that old fraud of an idol- 
 worker to whom they had so kindly granted the free 
 lease of a habitation inside one of his favorites. Really 
 the fellow had no gratitude in his constitution, to thus 
 complain of his limited quarters ; did he want the best 
 the house afforded, and that rent free ? 
 
 Jesting aside, it was evident the priest had considered 
 " that he had been kept out of the game about long enough, 
 and as the atrocious foreigners who pounced upon him 
 so unexpectedly had placed it out of his power to shout 
 or make the slightest movement calculated to attract 
 attention, the poor chap- was reduced to groaning as best 
 he was able, and this he could do to the queen's taste, 
 having doubtless much practicfe in that particular line. 
 
 When the truth broke upon Kinkaid, he felt that this 
 thing had gone quite far enough, and that the duty of 
 stopping the performance devolved on him. 
 
 The habitation of the man who groaned was close at 
 hand, with a means of gaining the same unnoticed by the 
 kneeling multitude, and accordingly Kinkaid set out to 
 bring peace at any price. 
 
 He did not like the idea of throttling that unfortunate 
 captive, who might be doing his groaning without any 
 specific motive in view, but the necessities of the case 
 were so urgent that all minor quibbles and scruples must 
 be thrust aside for the time being. 
 
 When he reached the particular figure that had taken 
 on such a startling show of humanity, in the estimation of 
 the host that crouched worshiping, he found there had 
 
Kinkaid and His Board Bill. 169 
 
 been no mistake about the matter, for the fellow within 
 was complaining of his hardship^ in a vigorous way, his 
 groans making the very idol quiver under their intensity. 
 
 Kinkaid did not demand in so many words that the 
 'racket cease instanter; but his actions signified the same 
 thing; for, groping his way to the side of the groaner, he 
 took a good clutch of his neck. 
 
 Then the sleep ot the god lapsed into its Customary 
 silence, for without some wind even a brass deity cannot 
 snore. 
 
 Perhaps they had turned that corner safely, though at 
 one time it had ^threatened to roast them. Even now the 
 men who prostrated themselves yonder seemed to have 
 a suspicion there was music in the air, and that perhaps 
 the evil Fung-Shuy had gained entrance to the sacred 
 edifice, for they cast frequent quick glances about, Kin- 
 kaid noticed, when he had no more trouble with his pro- 
 tege — glances that bespoke unrest, excitement, nervous- 
 ness. 
 
 It was the most remarkable event in the^ lives of those 
 who chanced to abide in Peking at the time the foreign 
 arnry went up against it. The pet illusions of many cen- 
 turies were about to be dethroned, and China stood on the 
 threshold of a new life. • 
 
 Kinkaid found himself wondering whether there were 
 any other adventures in store for them — whether Jinks 
 could as the officiating priest chase these cringing souls 
 out of the synagogue, and keep the peace for the balance 
 of the night, which seemed to be the only way by means 
 of which they might obtain their much-needed rest. 
 
 The character of the worshipers had taken on a new 
 phase — those who came first^ had appeared to be men 
 in the lower walks of life, nien who would not be likely 
 to join in the war scenes then transpijing in various parts 
 of the mad capital ; but later arrivals had a dififerent cast, 
 and gave evidence of being warriors who had had a part 
 in the battles around Peking — ^men who thought they 
 needed the favor of their favorite gods in order to sus- 
 tain them in the fierce role they meant to play on that 
 auspicious morrow. 
 
 Yes, in these worthies Kinkaid believed he recognized 
 
170 Kinkaid and His Board Bill. 
 
 old friends, men whom he had seen in the hot actions 
 where he had been engaged. He could not by any means 
 mistake the breed, and knew well the gleam of their 
 savage eyes. 
 
 Could it be possible that any of these saffron tigers had 
 trailed them all the way from the barricades, and were 
 now bent on unmasking the foreign dogs even in the tem- 
 ple? Some such miserable thought as this sprang into 
 his mind while he looked upon the play of passions on 
 their swart, countenances; for having given themselves 
 completely over to the lust of battle, it seemed impossible 
 for such men to assume their normal Appearance even 
 when invoking the favor of their gods. 
 
 Kinkaid confessed to more uneasiness than perhaps 
 the occasion seemed to warrant it ; it was a^ though some 
 inward monitor warned Tiim all could not go on as 
 smoothly as the surface indicated. 
 
 Man is born to trouble, as sparks fly upward, and since 
 Kinkaid first shied his castor into the ring where the dis- 
 turbance was taking place, he had known nothing of 
 peace. 
 
 The winning of Joyce Robertson was not to be <jDm- 
 plete until he had found even more chances of proving 
 his manhood, once doubted of her, but which she de- 
 pended on just at present for her very existence. 
 
 Jinks brought the news, not that the little Jap delighted 
 in being the bearer of bad intelligence, but the circum- 
 stances warranted speedy action on their part if they 
 expected to win out in the game. 
 
 The successful man is he who knows when he has had 
 enough, and when to make a change of base. That was 
 what Jinks did, and whereby he proved his title to the 
 claim of greatness. 
 
 He took advantage of an opening, when he had the 
 audience prostrating before the terrible joss, knocking 
 their poor foreheads upon the ground with true humility, 
 and slipped back to where his American comrade peeped 
 through his cracks, just as an actress on the occasion of 
 her "benefit" might utilize the peephole in the stage cur- 
 tain to iigure on the size of the house, and mentally ar- 
 range her expenditures for the summer h^idays. 
 
Kinkaid and His Board Bill. 171 
 
 "Well, what's amiss?" whispered the Yankee, knowing 
 Jinks would hardly have left his post as instriictor and 
 religious teacher to the masses unless there was some- 
 thing in the wind. 
 
 As always, Jinks could not speak unless he drew upon 
 his drawing-room capacity for diction. Some men of let- 
 ters would on such an occasion have simply said there was 
 "the devil to pay," but not this schoolmaster abroad. 
 
 "I regret to inform you that our position threatens to 
 become untenable, and that we will be wise to arrange to 
 vacate at the earliest possible moment," was the way he 
 whispered it in Kinkaid's ears, strained to attune itself to 
 any sound. 
 
 "Just so, but wherefore?" demanded that individual, 
 for when one has for the first time in life found lodging 
 in so excellent a hermitage as a genuine god's interior, 
 he naturally dislikes being forced to vacate for a trifle. 
 Even Jonah held out several days, you remember, and 
 hence it was with some irritation as well as curiosity that 
 Kinkaid flung that last query in a sibilant whisper at 
 his quondom partner in exile. 
 
 "Fear not, I have something better in my repertoire. 
 Some of those last idolaters come from the legations, and 
 I like not their looks ; in fact, I fear they suspect the 
 truth, or something akin to the same, so that sooner or 
 later they will make a search of the temple. Perhaps even 
 now they have sent for another priest who is accustomed 
 to minister unto them, and when he comes our cake will 
 be dough." 
 
 Kinkaid was startled, not alone at the information he 
 had received ; but of a truth this was the very first occa- 
 sion he had ever heard the remarkable Jap allow himself 
 to fall into the expressive slang of the period, and in his 
 mind this indicated a serious condition of mind with 
 Jinks. 
 
 "Then let's get out of this " began WalHs, and then 
 
 stopped, for it came to him with a sudden jar that thus 
 far they had been so much occupied with taking pos- 
 session of the temple that it had not occurred to him to 
 even allow himself to consider the expediency of utilizing; 
 another exit. 
 
172 Kinkaid and His Board Bill. 
 
 However, that wonderful man, Jinks, evidently knew ot 
 one, for it was not likely such keen-witted fellows as those 
 priests would be satisfied with a single means of entering 
 and leaving the kiosk — primitive methods would not suit 
 their devious ways. 
 
 Anyhow, he would cherish a few memories of his lim- 
 ited occupancy of so distinguished a berth, and at some 
 later day hoped to come back with a camera and im- 
 mortalize the chaste features of these several sovereign 
 gods who had kept open house for their especial enter- 
 tainment. 
 
 Joyce was speedily acquainted with the new trouble that 
 threatened them, and the dear girl took it calmly enough 
 — ^that is, she made no outcry, and if her poor heart, so 
 sorely tried of late, throbbed faster than its wont, and her 
 cheeks paled again, these facts were not in 'evidence be- 
 cause of the semi-gloom pervading the space back of great 
 joss. 
 
 Following the gliding Jinks, after the manner of con- 
 spirators, they crept along the line of retreat, and reached 
 the door that opened to the outer air somewhere behind 
 the pagoda ; but just as the Jap put out his hand to clutch 
 the same it was pushed aside with such vehemence that 
 poor Jinks found himself caught in a trap, and a Chinese 
 priest stood outlined in the doorway. 
 
 They had sent for the other officiating artist, it seemed, 
 and he had arrived jpst a little too soon to suit our de- 
 parting friends. 
 
CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 THE MARBLE BRIDGE TO PARADISE. 
 
 When Wallis Kinkaid saw how his Jap friend had been 
 cornered so practically by the opening of the temple door 
 when the second Confucian priest started to enter the 
 sacred edifice, he realized that it was up to him all right. 
 
 Jinks had taken care of the other chap in grand style, 
 but circumstances over which he had really no control 
 seemed to put him out of the game when thfe second inn- 
 ings was called. 
 
 Never mind — what was the good of having a comrade 
 unless he proved able to grasp so delicate a situation as 
 this, and wring some consolation from it? 
 
 Kinkaid did not spend two seconds in making up his 
 mind that he was needed to the fore, and that badly. The 
 incoming priest had been warned perhaps that there was 
 the deuce to pay within the temple, and that his faithful 
 coadjutor seemed supplanted by a stranger within the 
 gates, so that he might be said to have prepared himself 
 for a surprise ; but it came sooner than he had conceived 
 possible. 
 
 The man from New York had reason to thank his lucky 
 stars with regard to the many hours he had spent within 
 the walls of a gymnasium, aq(d that his muscles were in 
 a pretty fair condition for active use. 
 
 He made one forward Itinge, much as a stone might 
 have shot from an ancient catapult, and landed on the 
 incomer's neck, to the great amazement of that worthy, 
 who was hardly accustomed to having his sacred person 
 thus rudely handled. 
 
 . Doubtless he would have raised a storm of protest had 
 he been given the opportunity, and invoked the wrath of 
 all the gods in the calendar upon ' the rash head of his 
 assailant; but Kinkaid was in too big a hurry to await the 
 tirade. He had an appointment elsewhere, and a man in 
 
174 The Marble Bridge to Paradise. 
 
 that situation may always be pardoned for taking the bull 
 by the horns. 
 
 There was a repetition of the singular and riotous spec- 
 tacle such as had taken place when Jinks took hold of his 
 first victim, only perhaps Kinkaid had even less respect 
 for the cloth than the Jap, who had once been there him- 
 self, and could not wholly dismiss his reverence. The 
 priest was not of a mind to give over sweetly, but endeav- 
 ored to kick up a row, which was very inconsiderate of 
 him, as well as injudicious, since it gave the strapping 
 American more excuse for putting him out of the game 
 with greater violence. 
 
 He did it, too, in a manner that he need never be 
 ashamed of, remembering that the life and person of his 
 sweetheart were at stake, and any false notion of mercy at 
 this stage of the game was apt to cost them dear. 
 
 By the time Jinks managed to extricate himself from his 
 ridiculous position behind the heavy door, he saw that his 
 friend needed no assistance from any quarter, and the 
 danger that had threatened them could be called passed. 
 " Kinkaid rattled the fellow a few times more, and feel- 
 ing satisfied that he had been thoroughly jeduced to a 
 state of complete collapse, he tossed him aside with the 
 indifference of one who peels off a split glove. 
 
 All of which Joyce had witnessed with staring eyes, 
 for, like most of her sex, she admired strength and cour- 
 age in a man, and this fellow who had taken up his 
 abode in the inner sanctuary of her heart seemed in her 
 mind a modern Jason, a Hercules and Achilles combined. 
 
 "The way is clear, Jinks," announced the man who 
 had done this thing. Why, he spoke almost as uncon- 
 cernedly as though he had been sweeping a crossing with 
 a broom, so that my lady's dainty skirts should not trail 
 in the dust. Even the doing of heroic deeds may be ac- 
 complished with becoming modesty, if so be the author 
 of the same chance to keep his pride in subjection, though 
 'deep down in his heart he may know full well he has done 
 something that will redound to his credit in the eyes he 
 loves. 
 
 • The little Jap took a look out of the door, to ascertain 
 whether the way was clear of enemies, then he sprang 
 
The Marble Bridge to Paradise. 175 
 
 back to the side of the fallen priest, and bent over him. 
 Knowing the native craftiness of the breed, he did not 
 feel as though it were policy to trust one of them more 
 than was positively necessary, and had the fellow shown 
 the faintest sign of life Jinks might have gone to extreme 
 measures at once, since so much depended on his silence. 
 
 He appeared to be convinced that Kinkaid had done his 
 work well, and that considerable time must elapse ere the 
 prophet of the temple came into his own mind again ; by 
 that hour they would have nothing to fear, at least from 
 such a source as this. 
 
 They had adjusted their disguises as well as the occa- 
 sion allowed, though Kinkaid was a little dubious as to 
 whether his walk and manners would pass muster on 
 the streets. He had been a few things during his life, 
 but up to now the delightful opportunity of playing at 
 Confucian priest had not come within the range of his 
 repertoire. He hoped, if things kept moving along at 
 the swift pace they had latterly assumed, to have pres- 
 ently exhausted the list of weird occupations that may 
 befall a rfian in the Far East. 
 
 There was the part of a ghost — he had done that with 
 infinite zest and not a little eclat, considering his lack of 
 experience in the haunts of graveyard spooks, and his 
 success in this direction should give him courage when 
 be branched out in other lines, whether he endeavored 
 to represent a crafty priest of the joss-house or a man- 
 darin wearing the envied peacock feather with the yellow 
 eye. 
 
 The street in the vicinity of the temple was no longer 
 mostly deserted, for since that last desperate assault on 
 the barricade of the legations proved a decided failure, the 
 Boxers had scattered all over the city, some bent on plun- 
 der, others with the intention of gaining the walls where 
 they could be strictly- in the game of the morrow, when 
 the foreign army would be thrown against the defenses 
 of Peking; while still others had a wonderful scheme in 
 view, of which more anon, whereby they hoped to escape 
 the doom which they knew would be meted out to them 
 by the allies, after the city capitulated. 
 ' Our little party meandered through the narrow pass- 
 
176 Tlie Marble Bridge to Paradise. 
 
 ages, now surrounded by jostling Boxers, the fierce as- 
 pect of whom caused poor Joyce to clutch the arm of her 
 champion with a shuddering movement; and, indeed, 
 Kinkaid confessed that the looks of these murderous cut- 
 throats did not fill him with feelings of heavenly joy, 
 since it was quite positive that only a trifling accident 
 was needed to disclose their identity to these fighters and 
 slayers of women, when the result — well, he did not like 
 to dwell upon that matter, which contained so little satis- 
 faction. 
 
 Jinks was a mountain of faith and good works, and he 
 would grapple with each difficulty as it came up in the 
 vigorous manner of an energetic man, so that they con- 
 tinued to push along their way by degrees. 
 
 ■As yet there had not been any opporttinity for the com- 
 rades in exile to exchange ideas, so that Kinkaid was in 
 complete ignorance regarding the wonderful bit of re- 
 membrance that had dawned upon the other,, and caused 
 such a change of base. 
 
 One thing he discovered soon enough, and this was 
 that their flight, instead of taking them toward the gates 
 or walls of the city, rather inclined in the direction of 
 the mysterious center, where the royal family was wont 
 to hold\forth, and which no common foot ever polluted on 
 pain of a terrible death. 
 
 He knew this by the fact that he began to have more 
 and more frequent glimpses of the trees tfiat shaded the 
 end of the famous marble bridge spanaing the dark 
 stream that separated this m\ stic realm from the ordinary 
 city. 
 
 Even then it never once occurred to Kinkaid to sus^ 
 pect that his bold companion might have designs on the 
 heavenly city beyond the water, whose shore was deemed 
 most holy and sacred by every true Chinaman. 
 
 By degrees they passed from the more crowded thor- 
 oughfares, and drew nigh the gloomy water that stretched 
 out from the bank — this was no canal such as might be 
 seen in various other portions of Peking, floating a vast 
 population upon its swart bosom — there the chatter of 
 tongues was interminable, for innumerable houseboats 
 and sampans and junks had occupants who seldom if ever 
 
The Marble Bridge to Paradise. 177 
 
 set foot on land; while here no craft desecrated the 
 stream, and all was silent, mysterious and fearful, for 
 royalty would brook no noise, and as a usual thjng pickets 
 paced the opposite shore, ready to knock any venturesome 
 soul on the head who dared laugh at tradition and the 
 hereditary rights of kings, to the extent of allowing his 
 curiosity to take him across the modern Styx to the shores 
 of Paradise. 
 
 When Kinkaid looked upon this sullen stream, that 
 made no murmur in its passage, he had a peculiar sensa- 
 tion — it was as though he stood before an old-time castle, 
 which he was about to attack. Here was the usual moat, 
 over which the drawbridge would drop when welcome 
 guests were expected — yes, he could even imagine the 
 grim portcullis with its sallyport, the ramparts towering 
 on high, the turrets and terrible donjon in the walls across 
 the tide. 
 
 Then for the first time a suspicion of the bold design 
 which had .flashed athwart the mind of his companion 
 broke upon his own brain — Jinks meant to seek refuge in 
 the Purple City! 
 
 After all, this was quite in line with what he had sug- 
 gested, to the extent that they would be safest in that 
 place where their enemies least anticipated finding' them; 
 and where in all Peking would they be less likely to look 
 for fugitive foreigners than yonder in the forbidden terri- 
 tory of the emperor ? 
 
 Kinkaid immediately pronounced the idea good. 
 
 He was growing quite proud of the accomplishments of 
 his Jap friend, who had shown much originality and 
 daring in his plans of campaign; and should the end jus- 
 tify his sagacity, Kinkaid stood ready to forgive him for 
 leading them into such a fix through his unwarranted 
 fears concerning tTie ability of those behind the barricades 
 to hold out for one more night. 
 
 Well, where was the drawbridge, and what manner of 
 magical incantation was Jinks expected to deliver in or- 
 der to cause the same to drop across the black gulf that 
 yawned before them? 
 
 All was deathly silence over yonder. From the city 
 itself came the confused roa^ of fifty thousajfTd voices, to- 
 
178 The Marble Bridge to Paradise. 
 
 gether with the clamor of gongs, and an occasional boom 
 as a shell was sent into the British compound — all these 
 combined to make a conglomeration that haunted the 
 senses eternally, and told of the excitement fast seizing 
 upon the myriad natives as they began to realize just 
 what they had brought down upon their heads ; for those 
 blinking camp-fires of the allied hosts without the walls 
 began to look like the eyes of angry gods, about to anni- 
 hilate, to bum, to avenge. 
 
 Jinks saw that the, time had come to impart something 
 of his intentions to this companion who had stood back of 
 him through thick and thin. While they crouched there 
 and recovered their breath he might as well do some talk- 
 ing, for Klinkaid could work more intelligibly once he 
 knew just what was in the wind, and where their chances 
 lay. 
 
 "We shall cross to the island and find more security 
 than elsewhere. Fear not concerning my ability to carry 
 you thither; I have been there before," was what he said,-" 
 nor did Kinkaid appear to feel any particular surprise in 
 connection with his information. Where had this won- 
 derful Jap not been ? 
 
 The gloom of the night was in their favor, now that 
 they no longer stood in the lighted streets; but would 
 Jinks endeavor to cross this turgid stream by boat or the 
 bridge that spanned it below, which could be, seen out- 
 lined against the heavens from where they stood. 
 
 Ordinarily that same bridge was closely guarded, and 
 possibly no man ever crossed it into the sacred city save 
 he had the right of way to the palace where the Tsung-li- 
 Yamen was accustomed to meet in council ; or perchance a 
 bit of writing in his possession that gave him an audience 
 with that remarkable woman who ran the affairs of China 
 from behind the throne of the weak Emperor, the Empress 
 Dowager, Tsu-Usi. 
 
 This question Jinks speedily decided whfen he was 
 ready. Meanwhile he took Kinkaid into his confidence so 
 far as to tell him that he knew of a glorious hiding place 
 for them, in the palace, where once they installed them- 
 selves in comfort, there was little chance of discovery, 
 so far as he could reason out. 
 
The Marble Bridge to Paradise. 179 
 
 It may be set down as positive tliat Kinkaid had no ob- 
 jections to offer to any such royal plan, and in truth he 
 hastened to assure his friend of his hearty co-operation in 
 the business whenever he chose to put it into working 
 condition. 
 
 Jinks only waited a brief time, ostensibly to recuperate, 
 but possibly with some view of also renewing his ac- 
 quaintance with certain qualified and necessary passwords 
 that were to be much in evidence if they expected to cross 
 the Styx that night. 
 
 Then he requested them to follow him, and carry out 
 certain directions as to the manner of taking the guards 
 on the bridge. Where force could not avail this Eastern 
 diplomat was not averse to accomplishing his end by 
 tneans of cunning strategy. 
 
 Possibly had there been less of excitement in the air 
 of Peking at this interesting time our friends might have 
 encountered more difficulty in sauntering across that mar- 
 ble bridge than they did; but then the Jap was a past 
 master in the art of hypnotic agencies, and could influ- 
 ence most people to do what their common sense protested 
 against, so that few things could stand up against the 
 agencies he brought to bear. So it came to- pass that 
 after he had held communion with several batches of 
 Chinese soldiers, belonging to the royal guard, the little 
 party actually crossed the bridge of terrors, and began 
 to breathe the air devoted exclusively to royalty. 
 
CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 NOT ANOTHER WILLIAM TELL. 
 
 After all it did not appear to be any different over 
 there on the shore of the Purple City. Kinkaid thought 
 he detected about the same villainous odor to be found 
 in most portions ,of the great Chinese metropolis, and 
 ■which appears to be inseparable to the peculiar mode of 
 life adopted by the masses. Nor was the sound of con- 
 fusion wholly hushed by any means, since it was upon 
 the heights of this island retreat one of the cannon that 
 had hammered the British compound had been placed, 
 showing how thoroughly demoralized the whole fabric of 
 government had become during this uprising. 
 
 Well, they were away from the hue and cry of the 
 masses, but all the same just as much danger hung about 
 them — every man's hand was raised against them, and 
 discovery meant the same old fate. 
 
 Lights gleamed within the palaces, showing that more 
 or less confusion existed there. Kinkaid could imagine 
 the alarm of those who had brought this stunning calamity 
 upon the .fortunes of the reigning dynasty, and how the 
 old mandarins might be trying to throw the blame upon 
 each other's shoulders, as would be quite natural. 
 
 What of the royal family — had they fled while the 
 chance remained open to them, or were they caught like 
 rats in a trap, to fall into the hands of the allies on the 
 morrow ? 
 
 It was a pretty question, and one that m!any things 
 hinged upon, nor could Jinks give him any light on this 
 score just then. 
 
 To tell the truth, it did not matter a picayune to them, 
 apparently, whether Tsu-Usi and her -court had taken 
 French leave or not. What these newcomers were par- 
 ticularly interested in was the chance of finding a snug 
 corper in the palace where they might hide out and await 
 the coming of those who would not be restrained by tra- 
 
Not Anotlier William Tell. i8i 
 
 dition or fear of the god's anger, but proceed to imme- 
 diately storm the inner city's walls. 
 
 What Kinkaid saw about that time remained a mem- 
 ory that years could not dim. Scattered about the courts 
 were many warriors belonging to the royal guard, clad ; 
 in their gorgeous trappings, and armed with modern 
 weapons. A fierce company they made, each one selected 
 for his stalwart figure, and well-known bravery in deeds 
 done in the past. 
 
 Strange how these chaps reminded him of those favo- 
 rites made famous by the wizard pen of a Dumas — the 
 king's musketeers, D'Artagnan, Porthos, Aramis, Athos 
 and their followers of the De Treville school. Translate 
 the scene to Cathay and the fierce French swashbucklers 
 of . Cardinal Richelieu's time into slant-eyed Chinese 
 bravos, and presto ! the thing were complete. 
 
 Somehow our friend had no hankering after trying 
 conclusions with these armored and trained guards of the 
 Emperor ; they inspired ■ respect and a certain quality of 
 fear which he was not ashamed to admit, being young to 
 the business as yet. 
 
 It was like a horrid dream, mingling with this clan 
 of Oriental soldiery, ever ready to slay in the pursuit of 
 their calling. Of a truth, they were taking fearful 
 chances in thus bearding the lion in his den, and would 
 prove the truth or falsity of the rnaxim that declares 
 heroic measures the best in desperate circumstances. 
 
 The touch of that hand clinging to his arm was the 
 magic that aroused all the manhood of his nature, and 
 thrilled him with the resolution to be appalled at nothing 
 that gave a promise of success. It seemed incredible that 
 Joyce, the gentle girl of Montreal, associated in his mind 
 with everything that was peaceful and harmonious and 
 beatific, shpuld be here in the midst of strife, peril and 
 overshadowing death, holding to him as though he alone 
 represented life for her — and yet it was a most unpleasant 
 reality. 
 
 Jinks was pursuing a policy that he had previously 
 arranged in his mind to his satisfaction, and winding in 
 and out of passages, courts and audience chambers that 
 had lost their customary aspect of decorum, and were for 
 
i82 Not Another William Tell. 
 
 the most part swarming with soldiers known to be espie- 
 cially devoted to the interests of that wonderful woman 
 who had long manipulated the wires of Chinese politics, 
 a power behind the puppet throne of the emperor. 
 
 It was even at times impossible to move without rub- 
 bing elbows with some of these warriors of the court, and 
 the contact gave Kinkaid a queer feeling as he contem- 
 plated the dire possibility of the Chinese musketeers dis- 
 lodging his disguise. What a howl would go up, and 
 how like a flash a score of steel blades would leap into 
 sight, eager to be sheathed in his body! Who could 
 blame him for feeling that odd little thrill then at the 
 contact, for he made certain that his fiigure protected 
 Joyce, lest she cry out instinctively at being touched so 
 rudely by an armored arm. 
 
 There was Jinks'' again, with his astonishing knowl- 
 edge of court customs. Had he spent a portion of his life 
 as special equerry in waiting to his highness, the emperor, 
 he could not have been better posted on these points, so 
 the highly gratified Kinkaid thought as he watched the 
 necromancy by means of which passage was constantly 
 obtained through the ranks of these palace bravos, loun- 
 ging about each and every corner, door and passageway 
 connected with the royal lodgings. 
 
 He made up his mind to wring a confession from Jinks 
 when the proper time came, if they were so fortunate as 
 to escape the threatening peril ; for he believed the narra- 
 tion would vie with the most amazing stories spun by 
 that fair wizard of the Arabian Nights, who enthralled 
 the Sultan each night with such intensely thrilling tales 
 that her life was spared on each occasion so that he 
 should not miss the conclusion of the romance — yes. Jinks 
 could on occasion unfold a yarn that would even discount 
 any of those celebrated though antiquated fabrics dear to 
 children, for in crossing to the Forbidden City Jinks was 
 again treading his old stamping grounds. 
 
 To his practised eye it was very manifest that some- 
 thing quite out of the usual run must be on the boards 
 this night, nor was he lorig in hazarding a shrewd guess 
 as to its nature. 
 
 Kinkaid, who knew no better, imagined of course that 
 
Not Another William Tell. 183 
 
 all this confusion must be the direct result of the im- 
 pending disaster, consequent on the expected bombard- 
 ment of the city by the allies on the morrow, which in his 
 mind was about as serious an affair as could well be im- 
 agined; but the little Jap saw that lead and went one 
 better. 
 
 There was all the evidence of flight in the air, and this 
 in his shrewd estimation must mean that the court had 
 made a serious mistake in remaining in Peking too long, 
 for some cause or other, either because the danger was 
 underestimated, or else it was considered there might be 
 more peril in hasty flight than in remaining to the last. 
 
 If the court were still within the Sacred City, how 
 were they to escape capture at the hands of the allies? 
 
 Jinks thought he knew, and with this idea before his 
 mind all the movements of the guards, together with the 
 display of enthusiasm around the royal palace, became 
 lucid enough. 
 
 When the quartette stopped to take breath in a corner 
 that promised them temporary security, the islander took 
 occasion to whisper something in the ear of his com- 
 panion. 
 
 Although the idea had not ooce penetrated the mind 
 of Kinkaid, he tried not to be greatly surprised, for ere 
 this it had become his settled policy to evince no incre- 
 dulity over any strange thing that might crop up in their 
 passage through this home of superstition and witchcraft 
 yclept Chinese diplomacy. 
 
 According to Jinks there was some secret means of 
 quitting the Sacred City in the heart of Peking, without 
 passing over the marble bridge, or utilizing any Charon's 
 ferry over the black Styx. 
 
 He could not just say what the means might be — surely 
 it were not by way of any flying machine 01* balloon that 
 would waft the royal court high above the walls and the 
 hostile camps? nor yet through the instrumentality of a 
 conjuror's wand that would cause the elect to appear in- 
 visible to the eyes of the enemy, allowing them to calmly 
 pass through the lines drawn about the doomed metropo- 
 lis? What then? 
 
 Thus it chanced that to Kinkaid, who, during his col- 
 
1 84 Not Another William Tell. 
 
 lege days had leaned toward the practical study of en- 
 gineering, this question of Jinks appealed in an irresistible 
 fashion, for he settled it in a trice. 
 
 "Depend on it, they've got a burrow some^vhere about, 
 a tunnel that runs under the city walls, and comes out 
 far beyond the line of the camps. Everything has been 
 prepared for flight, and once out of here the court will 
 make haste to reach some city far off in the interior, 
 where our boys dare not follow. It will be a long day 
 before they catch a weasel asleep, and that woman who 
 runs this show is of that stripe, you know." 
 
 Jinks" heard what he said and smiled in his usual heav- 
 enly way ; he also nodded his head at first slowly, and then 
 more swiftly as the full force of what Kinkaid's engineer- 
 ing experience had dictated broke upon his mind. 
 
 "Just so, I imagine you have hit upon the truth; it 
 would not be impossible, and as reasonable an undertaking 
 as one could imagine. I used to wonder why the court 
 and the council seemed so unconcerned when an uprising 
 threatened to overwhelm them. With a means of slipping 
 away from the capital secretly at any time, convenient to 
 their hands, they had little cause for anxiety — ^yes, like 
 rabbits they burrow," said the Jap, nodding sagely. 
 
 "If we could only go the same way," breathed Joyce, 
 hardly trusting her voice aloud, it had been so long since 
 she dared even whisper. 
 
 "I was considering that same thing myself — perhaps 
 we may, dear. Given half an opportunity and I believe 
 this bold friend of mine would propose exchanging places 
 with the emperor, and playing the very old deuce with 
 things," whispered the newspaper representative, as he 
 pressed the form of his own beloved closer to him, taking 
 advantage of the fact that they seemed temporarily un- 
 observed. 
 
 The whole palace was in such an uproar that it did 
 not appear as though the original plan of the little Jap 
 v?&uld go through, for surely it would be difficult to dis- 
 cover a corner where absolute secrecy could be long 
 maintained. 
 
 Among the many consequential personages whom they 
 discovered rushing hither and von with more or less loss 
 
Not Another William Tell.' 185 
 
 of decorum — for when death presses hot on one's heels 
 dignity must take a back seat — Kinkaid was sure he could 
 have picked out most of the high muckamucks of the 
 reigning dynasty, had he been previously honored with 
 their acquaintance. As it was, Jinks muttered many 
 slippery names in his 'ear, some of which it chanced he 
 had heard of late as among the statesmen or generals con- 
 nected with the Boxer movement or the household of the 
 woman ruler. It seemed impossible to separate the sheep 
 from the goats in this particular, the fine hand of the 
 empress-Jaeing seen back of the movement against for- 
 eigners-f though now that it bade fair to prove a failure 
 she would doubtless lop off the heads of a few generals 
 who had made themselves especially odious, and try to 
 square accounts thus, in the usual Chinese way. 
 
 As they stood there it seemed as though the murmur- 
 ing grew more insistent, and Jinks cocked up his ear as if 
 he had caught words that quite electrified him, while 
 Kinkaid kept an eye on the scurrying throng, to his dis- 
 play and surprise discovering how they had commenced 
 to katow, falling flat on their faces, with hands extended, 
 and eyes to the ground. 
 
 As suspicion as to the meaning of this flashed through 
 <his mind, which he was waiting to have corroborated 
 through his world-wise comrade, who ought to be up to 
 all the conventionalities of the Celestial court. 
 
 Jinks came to time with both feet planted on the goal; 
 he had only waited to make sure before announcing the 
 tremendous fact, and then turned to his companions with 
 a swift whisper that was filled with alarm. 
 
 "We must katow with the rest — down on your faces, 
 and do not so much as look up while they pass by — it is 
 the emperor and the royal lady — a look is en(iugh to 
 cost a head — fall down instantly, or all is lost!" 
 
 Well, Jinks was excited for once, and no wonder, since 
 something of the superstitious regard for their ruler, Son 
 of Heaven, which characterizes all Chinese . people, may 
 have permeated his system at the time of his former resi- 
 dence among the Pekingese, and the coming of this august 
 personage filled him with more or less dismay ; or it may 
 be he was simply awake to the danger that menaced them 
 
1 86 Not AnotBer William Tell. 
 
 should they continue upon their feet, in defiance of all the 
 ancient laws of the empire that forbade so unheard-of a 
 procedure. 
 
 Kinkaid was an American, all right, with the inborn 
 aversion to crawling before any sovereign on earth that 
 characterizes so independent a soul; but he knew full 
 well, like the wise fellow he was, how there may arise 
 conditions that force a man to bend the knee, nor did he 
 feel like repeating the charming William Tell and Gestler 
 episode in this imperial castle of Cathay. 
 
 Accordingly he immediately dropped on his marrow- 
 bones, and drew the frightened Joyce beside him. 
 
 There they lay, extended with all due humility. Per- 
 haps their manner of doing this obeisance might not tally 
 with the graceful style practised by those whose functions 
 brought them in contact with the yamen or court of jus- 
 tice, or before any high functionary; but it was to be 
 hoped the slight omission would pass unnoticed in the 
 excitement that hung over the palace. 
 
 Crouching thus, with their humble noses supposed to 
 be rubbing the dust of the floor, they heard the rustle of 
 silken robes pass before them, and were thrilled with the 
 knowledge that the emperor and his suite brushed by. 
 
i CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 AGAIN THAT KATOW. 
 
 , ' A singular thing happened to mark this passage of the 
 "Son of Heaven," as the. Chinese Emperor is known 
 among the faithful, and is perhaps worthy of note as 
 emphasizing the peculiarity of the sex. 
 
 Now, while Kinkaid was not afraid, and controlled his 
 \ feelings with the nerve he had developed of late, still he 
 itook Jinks' entreaty for all it was worth, and groveled in 
 -the dust, rubbing his nose humbly against the floor, in 
 ;the manner of the abased Celestial, his only thought to 
 ■do the business with such eclat that no suspicion might be 
 aroused, for he was thinking of that precious soul at his 
 cside, and what it meant should any rash act on his part 
 ■'give them away. 
 
 I Note the difference — Joyce was trembling with abject 
 terror, as though she feared the end of tne world had 
 come, for them at least; and yet, lo, as the procession 
 wended its way through the corridor, and the mysterious 
 rustle of silken goods, so alluring in the estimation of 
 womankind the wide earth over, caught her ear, what did 
 she do but raise her head a trifle and take a little agoniz- 
 ing peep out of the corner of her covering robe. 
 
 Thus she saw what perhaps up to that time no other 
 Anglo-Saxon woman had ever beheld — the faces of the 
 Chinese' Erriperpr and the Dowager Empress, the one 
 expressionless as if made of putty, the other keen, wide- 
 awake and full of strategy. 
 
 Fortunately for them no one appeared to notice this in- 
 fraction of the cast-iron rules that mark the intercourse 
 of Chinamen with their august rulers, or short would 
 have been their shrift. 
 
 Gradually the mysterious rustling grew fainter, and 
 Kinkaid began to have hopes that the danger was at least 
 temporarily over; never dreaming that the trembling 
 girl at his side had shown the nerve and curiosity to ob- 
 
1 88 Again that Katow. 
 
 serve the startling spectacle, nor did she intrust him with 
 that secret until the bonds between them were of a more 
 positive nature than may exist with sweethearts. 
 
 Jinks began to show some signs of life ; he had flat- 
 tened himself out like a pancake, and his little convert, 
 being by birth a true daughter of the East, had emulated 
 his example, so that not for worlds would either of them 
 have taken the chances a curious Canadian girl had dared. 
 
 "It is safe to breathe," whispered the Jap in the other's 
 ears, just as if he had been holding his wind all this 
 while, which idea had not occurred to Kinkaid, though, 
 he religiously maintained the katow as laid down in the 
 law. 
 
 Looking up he saw that the procession had turned a, 
 corner, and the main body of those who had prostrated, 
 themselves were -already recovering, it being an every-, 
 day occurrence with them, since their duties brought them, 
 into frequent contact with royalty, and no man had ever^ 
 been allowed to approach the Chinese rulers erect. -, 
 
 Time was about to make some startling, changes in the^ 
 manner of doing things in this ancient empire, and the 
 day might be near at hand when the ambassadors of all, 
 the great world nations would be received as representa- 
 tives of equal powers, in audience with the emperor 
 himself, instead of being forced to meet some of his 
 court — a point they had long been contending for. 
 
 Well, this might be all very fine, having royal pro- 
 cessions sweep past, but really it brought the fugitives no 
 nearer their goal, nor did it open up to them any avenue 
 of escape. 
 
 Kinkaid took advantage of the situation to put a few 
 leading questions to his friend, so that he might under- 
 stand the situation better. 
 
 So far as the Jap could tell, the court might be even 
 then on the way to the entrance of the tunnel, through 
 which the escape from Peking was to be made a reality, 
 though he was rather inclined to believe the procession 
 had been heading toward the magnificent audience cham- 
 ber where the Emperor was wont to receive his highest 
 .subjects, not the ambassadors of friendly powers — possi- 
 bly with the intention of taking leave of the scene of his 
 
Again that Katow. 189 
 
 former greatness, soon to be desecrated by the vandal 
 feet of the allies. , 
 
 If this latter view of the case proved to be the truth it 
 would hardly be the part of wisdom on their part to fol- 
 low at the heels of the court, since they were likely to be 
 led into trouble. 
 
 Kinkaid was ready to confess that he had never been 
 so utterly at a loss with regard to what should be done 
 as when he found himself adrift among the mystifying 
 corridors and rooms of the royal palace. Around them 
 were many rooms furnished in a manner one of their 
 number at least, having an eye to gorgeous fashionings, 
 would never forget — ^mirrors and tinsel, rugs and draper- 
 ies worth a king's ransom, gold settees and a thousand 
 and one oddities of a nature to make the heart of an anti- 
 quarian tremble with eagerness. These were common 
 enough around them, giving the whole interior an aspect 
 of amazing splendor, well calculated to take away the very 
 breath of an observer from the West. 
 
 Several times while they moved hither and yon some 
 inquisitive attendant, possibly an officer of the court, 
 had asked them questions, but Jinks was ready primed 
 with an answer that seemed calculated to turn away sus- 
 picion. He also put on the air of one to the manner born, 
 and an emperor could hardly have shown more hauteur 
 when making reply. 
 
 Kinkaid was more than curious to know what it was he 
 said that made each interlocutor curl up instantly, and 
 bend lowly before the Jap as though he would on a little 
 more provocation actually katow before him. Really it 
 must be a pretty stiff yarn Jinks paraded, to judge from 
 the electricity that immediately permeated the hearer. 
 
 Thai; was another time when Kinkaid would have given 
 a third of his inherited wealth for even a miserable smat- 
 tering of the Chinese tongue. As it was, he found him- 
 self quite as ignorant of what wonderful things were 
 taking place as though he were both deaf and dumb. 
 
 Which goes to prove that it sometimes pays to be a 
 linguist. 
 
 He could at least have a mild suspicion with regard to 
 the nature of the bold Jap's pretensions, and knowing that 
 
190 Again that Katow. 
 
 the other always aimed high, he had an idea he was pass- 
 ing for a cousin or an uncle of the emperor. Just why 
 so close a relative of the august ruler should be slouching 
 around in this peculiar fashion must of course be a mys- 
 tery to the world at large; but any old thing seemed to 
 pass current in this upside-down empire, and especially 
 at a time like this, when the traditions of centuries were 
 being ruthlessly trampled under foot. 
 
 If this worthy person were what he claimed, no doubt 
 he had good and sufficient reasons for prowling around 
 after this fashion, instead of keeping in the society of the 
 emperor. Such strange plots and counterplots are con- 
 stantly being exploited in the Land of the Dragon that 
 nothing seems to surprise the courtiers about the throne. 
 
 Anyhow, to be on the safe side, they let the claimant 
 severely alone, thus showing a wisdom that was peculiarly 
 Eastern. 
 
 Once Kinkaid managed to get a glimpse of his watch,^ 
 being careful that no hostile eye should discover him in 
 the act, since it must arouse suspicion on the spot. H^ 
 groaned mentally to find that it was not yet midnight, 
 and that many hours of anxiety and doubt must crawl 
 along ere they could expect the dawn of that eventful day 
 that was destined to topple the pride of China in the dust. 
 
 Joyce was as in a dream. The strange things through 
 which she had passed since leaving the barricades of the 
 legations had made a deep impression on her artistic mind, 
 and must always remain in her memory — the crowded 
 streets, the weird mummery of the scented joss-house with 
 its hideous idols of brass and wood and tinsel, the crossing 
 of the famous marble bridge and landing on the shore of 
 that enchanted Purple City of which she had heard the 
 most amazing stories from her fellow prisoners in the 
 compound, and lastly, their adventures in the imperial 
 palace, the glimpse she had stolen of that awesome pres- 
 ence in the royal procession, with the swaying crowd of 
 richly dressed mandarins and great moguls, together with 
 their armored guards so grimly suggestive of the bloody 
 'Middle Ages. Taken in all, was it any wonder the girl 
 felt almost as though she were in a dream, or walking on 
 air? 
 
Again tliat Katow. 191 
 
 The only tangible thing about her was Kinkaid, and 
 she held to his arm at most times, as though she really- 
 feared lest he, too, should desert her, and vanish into the 
 mysterious surroundings. 
 
 Sometimes the very boldness of a scheme is its saving 
 quality, and certainly in this instance it had that grace. 
 Jinks had aimed high, and his assurance did much to 
 ward off suspicion, since no man had the nerve to give 
 him the lie, or even spy upon his actions, for they deal 
 harshly with such in the Land of the Blest. 
 
 While they wandered about in this desultory manner 
 Jinks continually kept his sharp ears open, eager to pick 
 up any shreds of intelligence that might be made to serve 
 their purposes by throwing gleams of light upon the situ- 
 ation as it existed just then. 
 
 As luck would have it, he was enabled to catch numer- 
 ous phrases that, when put together in an intelligent way, 
 gave him some inkling of what was really in the wind. 
 After that he felt bolder, and better able to grapple with 
 the difficulties that beset their path. 
 
 One thing Kinkaid noticed, and when he later on men- 
 tioned it to Joyce he found that it had struck her also 
 as singular. Tl|ere was not the faintest sound of music 
 about the court; either the Chinese royal family did not 
 incline toward the symphony of sounds, or else this time 
 of departure was deemed no fitting occasion for such 
 ceremony. When almost any other people would have 
 sung dirges or chanted doleful hymns, these strange rep- 
 resentatives of the oldest nation on earth maintained a 
 solemn silence in their grief. 
 
 Whatever the ceremonies in the gorgeous audience 
 chamber, they must soon be over, when in all probability 
 the procession would form with the intention of leaving 
 the historic pile, soon, alas ! to be in the hands of the hated 
 and detested foreigner. 
 
 Jinks was indulging in a wild hope that perchance they 
 might be enabled to fall in unostentatiously behind the 
 rest, and thus gain the freedom they longed to possess, 
 passing under the great walls of the city, even beyond the 
 camps of the allies. 
 
 Should this little plan fail, why they must make the 
 
192 Again tliat Katow. 
 
 most of a hard bargain and do the best they could under 
 the circumstances; doubtless the palace offered some 
 comforts in the way of privacy, even though they were 
 compelled to seek the quarters of royalty. What Jinks 
 feared, knowing these guards of the emperor so well, was 
 that when the court had vanished from the scene the sol- 
 diers might give way to all manner of orgies, believing 
 as they must, that the end of the world was near when the 
 capital of China was invested by barbarian hosts — that 
 they might rage through the rooms seeking plunder in the 
 shape of the p^rivate stores of the Emperor, or mayhap his 
 own wine cellar, if such actually existed in a Chines^ 
 palace. 
 
 Under such conditions there would be little safety for 
 the sttangers under that palace roof, and they must 
 speedily find themselves pitted against the picked guardi 
 left in charge. * 
 
 No wonder Jinks longed to accompany the ro3'al trairi 
 when the time came to depart thence ; he could see a satis^ 
 factory ending only when they stood under the stars be^ 
 yond the walls, with those friendly camps near at hand. ' 
 
 Ah ! more bustle, and warning cries would indicate that 
 the royal procession was again in motion, and coming that 
 ,way. ^ 
 
 It was a case of katow with our friends ^gain. This 
 time the thing was,easier, because they began to get used 
 to it, and Kinkaid imagined he might with diligent prac- 
 tice rival some of those worthies who seemed such master 
 hands at the game, holding up their arms as though in 
 contact with a road agent of the wild and woolly West, 
 and then gradually sinking to the floor with an inde- 
 scribably easy motion. 
 
 Perhaps the young woman was this time prepared 
 to better advantage, and in a position to see more than 
 she had done on the former occasion ; but Jinks' solemn 
 warning again fell upon their ears, as to the sad fate 
 inevitably meted out to the inquisitive, and that may have 
 influenced her more than her feminine curiosity. How- 
 ever, when Kinkaid raised himself from his ridiculous 
 position he heard his fair companion give an audible sigh, 
 that was something of a deep mystery to his masculine 
 
Again that Katow. 193 
 
 ears, though he saw the shrewd Jap look keenly at Joyce 
 as though wondering if she could have dared peep. 
 
 There was no time for any ques\tioning, since they 
 must follow the procession at a certain distaflce if they 
 hoped to profit by the departure of the Chinese court 
 through the secret channel. 
 
 It was a time of great anxiety — when a slip would 
 precipitate them into the miry pit — and all praise to that 
 same Jinks, who, if he did fail to accomplish all that he 
 had set out to perform, brought them through the mazes 
 of diplertiatic push and enterprise in a manner that re- 
 flected everlasting glory on his shield. 
 , The guards thickened, and began to cast more gloomy 
 glances in their direction, as though they questioned the 
 right of this second party to follow the emperor's crowd. 
 Orders had evidently been given as to the exact number 
 of those to be allowed to go through the tunnel, and all 
 the remainder were to be held in check, thus our friends 
 were unable to force a way through the push, though 
 not actually detained by force; until at last there came 
 a. sudden dull roar, under which the dd palace walls quiv- 
 ered, at which Joyce only with difficulty suppressed a 
 cry, and Kinkaid a stronger expression of his outraged 
 feelings, for he knew the tunnel had been blown up to 
 hide the flight of the Chinese court from Peking. 
 
CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 THE APARTMENTS OF HIS MAJESTY, KUANG-HSU. 
 
 Had the New Yorker been given half an opportunity 
 to express his feelings when he realized how fortune had 
 played them such a miserable trick, he might have de- 
 clared it to be a "nice kettle of fish." Indeed, it did look 
 as if fate had some especial spite against their gaining 
 that liberty said to be the birthright of every free-born 
 Yankee, for had they not been disappointed thus far in 
 every movement looking to the acquirement of just ithat 
 boon? A 
 
 The situation was far from reassuring. 4F^ 
 
 Around them was a motley throng of soldiers and ad- 
 venturers, left to hold the defenses of the inner city as 
 long as possible against the foe, when the outer walls had 
 been scaled, or smashed in with steel battering rams from 
 the flying artillery ; this in order to keep the secret of the 
 emperor's flight, so that pursuit would be deemed 
 hopeless. 
 
 When Kinkaid came to look around him as well as he 
 dared, considering that he was not quite sure about his 
 disguise passing muster in the glare of the myriad lights,- 
 he thought he had seen some tough specimens of the 
 human race on other occasions, but they all yielded the 
 palm to the fighters belonging to Kuang Hsu!s body- 
 guard, who had been intrusted with the task of dying 
 for their royal master on the ramparts of the Sacred City. 
 Muscular in body, keen of eye, with the devil-may-care 
 expression that marks your true desperado, whether 
 found in the purlieus of Venice or on the vast plains of 
 the Wild West, these fellows were of a stripe to make a 
 chill creep over one's body at the very prospect of having 
 personal trouble at their hands. 
 
 Kinkaid did not like the idea. 
 
 He thought he could, for one, readily dispense with 
 such an adventure; indeed, truth to tell, by this time he 
 
The Apartments of His Majesty. 195 
 
 was of the opinion fortune had become quite too lavish 
 with her favors in this particular line, and that he would 
 be satisfied to bequeath a fair portion to some other ad- 
 venturer. • 
 
 Now, when Jinks heard that ugly growl, and felt the 
 tremor accompanying the demolishing of the secret tun- 
 nel, he knew disaster stared them in the face unless they 
 retired in good style from the calcium light of publicity. 
 
 He forgot nothing that went with his assumed charac- 
 ter of a high dignitary of the realm, and though keen- 
 eyed warriors watched him in this crucial test, they saw 
 nothing to warrant any impudence on their part. 
 
 In this abject slavery to the whims of those set in 
 authority over them, wherein the Chinese are a most 
 peculiar people, lay the strongest hopes of our little party, 
 looking toward escape. The cunning islander knew all 
 about these failings of the Celestials, and did not hesitate 
 to profit by his previous acquaintance with them. 
 
 No one put out a hand to stop them when they turned 
 back. Already had the spirit of conquest bubbled up in 
 the savage breasts of the guards left behind to hold the 
 fort, and they were to a man desirous of investigating 
 the mysteries of the palace, with its varied treasures, none 
 of which had ever been seen by the vulgar eyes of the 
 common herd. 
 
 Among these fighters perhaps there were numbers of 
 those wild spirits of the southern mountains, the in- 
 famous Black Flags, who had never been wholly con- 
 quered up to the time of the Tai Ping rebellion, when . 
 Chinese Gordon, later hero of the Soudan, soundly 
 thrashed them. These fellows were always keen on»the 
 scent for plunder, and could not allow such a favorable 
 opportunity to pass by without taking advantage of it. 
 ' All of which was in favor of our friends at the time, 
 for had it npt been that these fellows had booty on the 
 brain they might have paid closer attention to the rather 
 questionable actions of this quartette that had apparently 
 been desirous of following the royal cortege, and been 
 balked in their design. 
 
 There appeared only one course open to our friends, 
 and this was to find some hole into which they could 
 
196 The Apartments of His Majesty. 
 
 crawl, a bomb-proof as it were, which might shelter them! 
 during the hot work certain to mark the coming day, and 
 from whence they could emerge when the welcome hurras 
 of the allies announced the fall of Peking. 
 
 What Kinkaid wanted above other things was a chance 
 to be alone with the dear girl at his side. He knew full 
 well Joyce must be almost dropping with fatigue and 
 alarm concerning their condition, always more or less 
 desperate, and yet he was debarred from comforting her 
 with so much as a single sentence or the natural support 
 of his ready arm. If Jinks, who seemed so almost om- 
 nipotent in some matters, would only strive to find them- 
 such a niche where they might be safe from public gaze^ 
 and where the girl could recuperate in snatches of slum- 
 ber, he felt it would be a good thing. 
 
 Singularly enough Jinks was of the same mind himself, 
 only he had another about whom he was materially inter- 
 ested, the pretty convert whose fortunes were bound up 
 apparently more or less with his own. At any rate, he 
 exerted himself to secure such comfort as might be found 
 in a house so sadly upset as was the royal palace. 
 
 This proved a serious business, for with each and every 
 passing minute the guards grew more tumultuous, and fell 
 to quarreling over the first fruits of the plunder search, so 
 that there could be no telling how the balance of the 
 night would be passed. 
 
 All that our friend knew was that his determination had 
 not suffered one jot of abatement, and that he was just 
 as grimly bent on defending Joyce against their united 
 enemies as at any earlier stage of the game. Nothing 
 could alter his mind in that particular, nor was the con- 
 tinued j>eril to which they were subjected inclined to 
 make her safety anything but more precious in his sight. , 
 
 Prowling about, hoping to strike it rich. Jinks by de- 
 grees led his little flock in what was a new quarter, for 
 the rest if not himself. 
 
 Kinkaid was still on deck, and able to put two and 
 two in line, so that he quickly came to the conclusion 
 that they were now in the private apartments of the Em- 
 peror of all China— his prison, as it were, seeing that the 
 poor fellow could never enjoy liberty like other men. 
 
The Apartments of His Majesty. 197 
 
 Gorgeous indeed were the tapestries and furnishings 
 with wliich these apartments were decorated, and accord- 
 ing to tlie hazy Eastern idea there was nothing lacking 
 here that the heart of a sybarite could wisli — unless, per- 
 chance, he longed for ^freedom. 
 
 While the others examined these curios with more or 
 less interest, Jinlcs on his part was paying attention to 
 quite another affair, and one that promised to be of more 
 value in the end. 
 
 This concerned the possibility of defense. Could these 
 rooms of the Chinese. Emperor be held against any force 
 that might be brought forward? , 
 
 With the -apartments of the Dowager Empr-ess they 
 formed a suite that appeared to possess many elements of 
 strengtli, as thqugh that remarkable woman, who sel- 
 dom neglected anything in -looking ahead — though she 
 had made a big blunder in coaching this Boxer move- 
 ment — had seen to "it that, should there be at any time 
 an uprising that brought the war hpme to the imperial 
 palace, a sturdy defense could be made by her faithful 
 guards before the last barrier was beaten down. 
 
 In that Jinks saw a possible salvation, and his smile 
 was therefore broad and comprehensive, such as becomes 
 a man when he feels the game is within his grasp. 
 
 As yet none of the hustling .guards had apparently had 
 the nerve to push on to the quarters of their royal master, 
 but of course it must be only a question of time when they 
 would show up here, and then the tug-af-war might be 
 said to loom above the horizon. 
 
 Jinks began to get ready, under the belief that it pays 
 to prepare for action in time of peace. 
 
 More men than the wise Jap have found this a good 
 policy. 
 
 There were only two of them to hold the fort — ^two 
 against many score, when it came to battle, and to make 
 a successful resistance it would be necessary that the 
 couple have many things at hand which they could take 
 -advantage of in the way of obstacles to throw in the 
 way of their enemies. 
 
 Kinkaid was out of it for the time being, for Joyce. 
 Jhung rather limply on his arm, and required considerable 
 
198 The Apartments of His Majesty. 
 
 attention in order that her overwrought nerves might not 
 give way. So the young man was whispering words of 
 love and encouragement in her ears, words that he had 
 been with difficulty keeping back this long time, and 
 which she had been yearning to hear. 
 
 It did give her new strength to feel his honest arm 
 about her, and have the magnetism of his presence dispel 
 some of the horrors that had been born of the peril hover- 
 ing above their heads. While he was at her side she 
 could never quite despair, never wholly lose hope, no 
 matter how dark the clouds that hovered around. 
 
 Presently Kinkaid began to remember that there was 
 work to do, and that if he were a sensible man he would 
 leave his wooing until a more favorable opportunity. 
 Such things were all very nice, and he hoped he appre- 
 ciated the favor of the gods as mucli as any living man; 
 but of prime importance came the task of carrying this 
 beloved one to a place of safety, and all else he had better 
 relegate to the rear. 
 
 He joined the Jap. 
 
 Long weary hours lay before them, and no man could 
 say what terrors might not be compassed within that time. 
 
 The palace no longer remained shrouded in a gloomy 
 silence, for in many quarters the angry voice of. the de- 
 spoiler was raised in disputation, such as invariably ac- 
 companies the seeker after loot. Presently it would be- 
 come still more grewsome, as perhaps the defenders of the 
 castle got to fighting among themselves, like a lot of Kil- 
 kenny cats. Wallis only fervently wished the simile could 
 be carried to the finish, so that 
 
 "Save the ends of their nails, and the tips of their tails, 
 There was naught left of those cats of Kilkenny." 
 
 Kinkaid, being practical, after his fashion, did not be- 
 lieve their cause would be advanced unless they did some- 
 thing to utilize the natural advantages opened by the situ- 
 ation. In other words, he, as a soldier, for he con- 
 sidered that he had some claim to this title in view of his 
 recent services, felt that the fortress ought to be strength- 
 . ened. 
 
 This door was closed, and doubly barred. Another was 
 
Tlie Apartments of His Majesty. 199 
 
 barricaded with all the pillows and tapestries upon .lyhich 
 they could lay hands; no doubt great sacrilege was com- 
 mitted in this quarter, as some of these were of priceless 
 value, but on occasion they only represented an equivalent 
 in sand bags, which would have been even more precious 
 to our two adventurers. Pearls and diamonds have no 
 glamour in the eyes of a wrecked and starving sailor, 
 who must appreciate a cask of biscuit above all the jewels 
 of the universie. 
 
 By this means the apartments of his mighty highness 
 presently began to assume a peculiar appearance, , indeed, 
 and one that must have given the royal owner a chill 
 could he have thrust his impassive face upon the scene, 
 for what with the impediments heaped up against the 
 passage leading out from the central chamber, it had 
 the look of a fort. 
 
 This done, the two worthies in charge set about look- , 
 ing for weapons with which to augment their scanty 
 store; but their search did not prove-productive of much 
 result, since it was evidently not the policy of the Dowager 
 Empress to leave anything near to the hand of her puppet 
 by means of which he could do damage either to himself 
 or her, so that this hunt was soon discontinued, with a 
 meager result, only a few cudgels being added to their 
 stock. 
 
 Jinks could not keep quiet, and continued to prowl 
 around as though he had other hopes of which he made 
 no mention. He poked behind the wainscoting, lifted up 
 each and every bit of tapestry that still hung on the walls, 
 and even examined the marble floor. Why, a veteran in 
 the line of treasure hunting might have taken lessons 
 from Jinks with profit,- so thorough was his procedure. 
 
 The Golconda he sought was not in the shape of gold 
 or even precious j;ewels, but, nevertheless, it represented 
 a wealth of untold value, if found. Plainly the long- 
 headed Jap had reasoned it out that so smart a woman as 
 the empress would not be apt to shut herself up in a trap 
 from which there was no possible escape. In plain words, 
 he believed there must be some secret passage leading 
 from these royal apartments, which could be utilized 
 
200 The Apartments of His Majesty. 
 
 should a desperate occasion arise in the affairs of China's 
 rulers. 
 
 Which stamped Jinks a genius of no meancaliber, for 
 sure enough, such a secret passage has always existed in 
 connection with the quarters of Tsu-Usi, that most won- 
 derful woman ruler in the world. The only question being 
 as to whether they could discover the same, being with- 
 out a hint concerning its precise location. 
 
 It would have to come quickly, if it was to serve them 
 a good turn, for events were certainly hastening to a crisis 
 under the royal roof. The outcries of the pillaging guartte 
 had not only increased in volume, as they grew bolder in 
 this prize hunt for loot, but, at the same time, they seemed 
 to be gradually drawing nearer, so that it was only a ques^ 
 tion of minutes ere they were pounding at the doors of 
 the sacred suite of rooms demoted to the person of their 
 heavenly master, the emperor, and which had never from 
 time immemorial been insulted by the rude gaze of an 
 upright man. But the new dispensation was in the air, 
 and these wildly hilarious soldiers appeared to be the first 
 to feel its invigorating and, perhaps, virile effect. Yes, 
 soon they would be demanding admission, and what an- 
 swer could be given to their threats save to stand out to 
 the bitter end? 
 
CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 JOYCE DONS SILKEN ATTIRE. 
 
 The suspense was almost unbearable, especially since 
 Ihey were so utterly powerless to lessen its horrors. 
 
 As he sat there on one of the royal divans, sustaining 
 the precious form of his beloved, and anon whispering low 
 words of reassurance in her ear, that as he well knew were 
 -but ar hollow mockery, Kinkaid was secretly listening to 
 the sounds without, and menf^ally calculating, as men will 
 do under the most dreadful conditions, just'abput how long 
 their reprieve might last. 
 
 By slow degrees the racket was surely approaching, 
 as the marauders thrust their inquisitive persons into each 
 .and every apartment by the way. It was coming as cer- 
 tainly as fate, this critical moment, when a rude summons 
 ■on the door would .precipitate trouble. 
 
 So he spoke of hope even while his heart was chilled 
 with fear, and with each bounding pulsation marking a 
 degree downward in the thermometer of safety. 
 
 Verily, a man who loves much may even stoop to honest 
 deceit, if by so doing he can save the object of his affec- 
 tion more or less anxiety. There be times when to tell 
 •the truth is brutal, and the prevarication done for a noble 
 purpose will hardly be recorded as such in the Book of 
 Life. 
 
 Louder still, until even the one who rested in the shelter 
 of his arms could no longer deceive herself. When the 
 ■mask must be thrown aside, and a stern reality faced. 
 
 "Forgive me, sweetheart. It was to keep' the agony 
 irom you as long as ipossible. Mow we must fight for our 
 lives," he said, with such devotion in his voice that Joyce 
 threw her arms about his neck, kissed him passionately, 
 ■and then resolutely thrust him from her. 
 
 "Ah, you will find that I, too, may be brave, and can 
 assist in some way. ' We must put our faith in God, and 
 ^struggle to the end, dearest. Tell me if it is permitted a 
 
202 Joyce Dons Silken Attire. 
 
 poor, weak girl like me to do anything," she said, though 
 her dear voice trembled, for she had undergone a dreadful 
 strain of late. 
 
 "Your presence will be an inspiration for me to do 
 what three men might be proud to accomplish. Keep 
 back of the barricade as I arranged. Heaven bless you, 
 darling Joyce !" 
 
 Then he slipped over to where Jinks had taken up his 
 stand, ready to do all that might become a man in order 
 to keep the wolves from that 'precious lamb. 
 
 The "barricade" which he mentioned was fashioned 
 from a heap of Chinese furniture, such as one would ex- 
 pect to discover in the royal apartments of the Dowager 
 Empress, and with a dozen thick wadded pukais, which 
 are used as sleeping quilts in this Eastern country, as 
 padding. On the whole, quite an admirable protection 
 ■against ordinary weapons. 
 
 Voices without, voices that were high pitched and eager, 
 as of men broken away from authority, and burning with 
 the unholy zeal of those who are filled with a greed for 
 Matnman. Once soldiers begin to loot, and the lessons 
 of years, yes, a lifetime, are forgotten, so that they vie 
 with the vandals in the mad chase after gold. 
 
 Then a hand tried the door, shook it with some daring, 
 after which came a further clatter of tongues, as though 
 they were disputing what course it might be best to pursue 
 in the premises; while those who crouched on the other 
 side held their very breath with awe, well knowing that in 
 all probability their fate was being settled then and there. 
 
 Then Jinks concluded to take a hand. He had played 
 the high-and-mighty mandarin so successfully earlier in 
 the night, and there was a faint hoi)e as to results now. 
 
 Kinkaid did not understand one single word of what 
 his companion shouted out with much assumed anger; 
 but he could give a fair guess as to the nature of the 
 communicationr which bore the impress of authority, as 
 practiced in the land of Li Hung Chang. 
 
 Would these plunder-mad guards take heed, or had 
 they lost their senses entirely, so that the voice of au- 
 thority no longer appealed to their martial instincts. He 
 feared that a spirit of utter demoralization had entered 
 
Joyce Dons Silken Attire. 203 
 
 into the rank and file of the Chinese army, owing to the 
 appearance of the alHed hosts on the scene, and the flight 
 of those upon whom they had been accustomed to look 
 as sacred sources of authority; that they might con- 
 sider the reigning dynasty had come to a finish, and would 
 no longer be in a position to deal harshly with renegades. 
 
 And Kinkaid was exactly right, for it was this spirit 
 that animated the whole purpose of those soldiers now 
 roaming through apartments that up ^o tlje present hour 
 had never been seen by such base eyes^ searching for loot 
 everywhere, no crevice being too obscurq, or sanctified to 
 escape them. 
 
 At last they brought up in the section of the palace 
 hitherto devoted to the person of the emperor, whom they 
 had formerly worshiped as the elect of heaven, chief 
 above the gods of the temple, and whose person, was so 
 sacred that no man dared stand in his presence: Alas ! 
 how had the mighty fallen, since they now itched to 
 search his apartments for spoils. 
 
 The buzzing had temporarily ceased under the awful 
 threats launched forth by the self-constituted guardian 
 of the ' sacred chambers ; but this respite was short, for 
 others came pushing forward, and numbers made them 
 bold to a degree that marked an epoch in Chinese history. 
 
 Jinks was rummaging again, as if he believed himself 
 on the track of a discovery that it would pay to keep in- 
 vestigating; and in this he had the best wishes of the 
 American. 
 
 Once more hands from without were pressed rudely, 
 against the door, which protested at the defamation with 
 a creak and a groan, showing that force was being ap- 
 plied in the endeaivor to gain an entrance. 
 
 It was coming very soon. * 
 
 The man drew a long breath, like a gladiator sum- 
 moning his powers to meet the crucial issue. Perhaps 
 this was destined to be his very last appearance on the 
 stage of life. Perhaps he was doomed to die then, and, 
 there, pHing up his foes around him as did those immor- 
 tal heroes, Crockett, Bowie and their comrades at the 
 Alamo. Well, a man can die but once, and surely, his 
 cause was a good one. As for himself, pshaw, not by a 
 
204 Joyce Dons Silken Attire. 
 
 <juiver would he betray the fear that so easily besets a 
 man. It was Joyce that almost forced a groan from his 
 set lips. What in the name of Heaven -would become of 
 her when he had been beaten down, gory with many 
 wounds ? 
 
 Kinkaid suffered such tortures as few men experience 
 in this life, as he drew himself together to await the onset. 
 No wonder he breathed a prayer, still thinking of her. 
 No wonder he_ groiuid his teeth together until the sound 
 was like the gritting of steel on steel. 
 
 We have seeij this remarkable man in many perils, and 
 been forced to admire the splendid nerve with which he 
 faced danger as it hung over his head like a huge wave, 
 threatening to bring upon him the deluge; but this was 
 entirely different from everything he had previously met. 
 
 When the rocking ice pack of the mighty St. Law- 
 rence heaved under his slipping feet, he had Joyce in his 
 arms, and could at least take some satisfaction in the 
 thought that he would save her ^r die with her. Now, 
 lalas ! his death would only serve to leave her unprotected 
 amid a pack of fanatical demons, crazed with the smell 
 of blood. 
 
 So the brave lover suffered the tortures of Hades in 
 that brief interval while the soldiers on the other side of 
 the door were mustering up courage enough to assail it 
 with force. 
 
 Kinkaid had discovered" to his sorrow that the only 
 obstacle that kept the pillagers of the castle from bursting 
 into the emperor's private apartments was but an ordi- 
 nary door, and did net present the appearance of having 
 been put there to hold an enraged mob at bay. When 
 they got good and ready there would be little difficulty 
 in smashing this slight barrier down, and the mob would 
 be face to face with the two defenders of royalty's domain. 
 
 What a blessed thing it would have been had the Jap 
 found a goodly supply of modern bombs secreted m some 
 corner. With such backing, they might have hopes of 
 stunning the soldiery, and k-eeping them at bay until 
 some general clianced upon the scene, who might exercise 
 his authority in reducing the riotous assembly to its ordi- 
 nary meek character. 
 
Joyce Dons Silken Attire. 205 
 
 Something struck against the door with a tremendous 
 thud, under which it quivered and strained upon its- 
 hinges. Another such trial threatened to do the busi- 
 ness, and send it to the floor. 
 
 Jinks came running to the side of his friend. Kinkaid 
 gave buLone glance at the face of the Jap, a faint hope 
 still struggling in his heart; and he was electrified to 
 discover that his comrade was glowing, as though he 
 might be filled with the exhilaration of battle, or else 
 had made an interesting discoverj,- from which he had 
 been drawn by the exigency demanding his presence by 
 the door. 
 
 "Now 1" cried the Yankee, involuntarily, as another 
 heave at the entrance sent the door whirling back. 
 
 The sight that met their eyes was discouraging, to say 
 the least. A swarm of men, mostly in the garb of the 
 royal guard, filled the passage in front of the apartment. 
 Swarthy faces, all turned eagerly, half fearfully in the 
 one direction, as though almost expecting the fires of 
 Heaven to descend upon them because of this bold dese- 
 cration, yet, nevertheless, made hideous with the passions 
 of the hour. This was what Kinkaid saw as he at- 
 tempted to weigh their chances in the balance. 
 
 It did not unnerve him. Qn the contrary, his muscles 
 became more rigid, and his eye unblinking as the eagle's 
 when it soars aloft toward the sun, while his whole sys- 
 tem felt thrilled to know the crisis was at hand^ust as 
 the panther settles himself on the limb, with every fiber 
 of his body on edge, as he is about to launch himself upon 
 his prey. 
 
 The lovely tableau did not long hold. The, boldest 
 spirits among the mob failed to discover the dread ob- 
 ject they had half feared to find here, began to become 
 restless, and push forward. 
 
 Kinkaid would much rather they made a rush, i&t then 
 he could have known just when to open fire, while now 
 it seemed uncertain. 
 
 He had six shots, and there were scores of the Chinese 
 dare-devils. Not a deal of hope in that, nothing to inspire 
 a man with the belief that should he make each and every 
 bullet count, it would turn the tide in his favor. 
 
3o6 Joyce Dons Silken Attire. 
 
 Rather it inspired despair. Men can fight under a for- 
 lorn hope, grimly, obstinately, but never with the same 
 dash as characterizes the battle wherein the prospect of 
 reward nerves the arm. 
 
 Here he would struggle, endeavoring to keep back that 
 vengeful horde of yellow wasps, until some final stroke 
 brought him down, and a dozen blades, cruel as the grave, 
 were buried in his body. 
 
 A soldier's fate, and to be met with the stoicism that 
 distinguishes the warriors of the world. But, oh ! Joyce, 
 would that she had died when the icy breath of the North- 
 ern river king strove to embrace her. 
 
 One thing Kinkaid failed to count on, and this was 
 Joyce. 
 
 The wonderful Jap had conceived a sudden inspira- 
 tion. He wanted a few minutes to carry it into effect, 
 and believed he knew how to secure this time. 
 
 When the rude soldiers were about pushing into the 
 apartment, and Kinkaid was vaguely picking "out the fel- 
 low whom he would take as his first victim. Jinks sprang 
 forward, shouting something at the top of his lungs, 
 something that had more or less of magic in its wake, for 
 Kinkaid saw the outer line of rioters shrink involuntarily 
 back, as though appalled. The fears of a lifetime were 
 not to be shaken off so easily, and what the wily Jap an- 
 nounced as he waved them wildly back was that the 
 Dowager Empress was still in her sacred room, and that 
 the most awful curse of the gods would fall upon every 
 soul present if they so much as put one foot across the 
 threshold while she chose there to abide. 
 
 Taking advantage of the momentary confusion which 
 his startling words had brought about, Jinks grappled 
 with the problem of settling the broken door back in its 
 position, and though he saw not the object which his 
 compa*)ion had in view, Kinkaid sprang to his assistance. 
 
 Almost in a twinkling the door was raised, and thrown 
 ■into place, being held in position by certain articles of 
 almost priceless value, which had never been intended to 
 serve so strange a purpose. 
 
 Kinkaid understood that there must be some deep de- 
 sigft in what the little Jap was doing, and since the situ- 
 
Joyce Dons Silken Attire. 207 
 
 ation had become so exceedingly desjberate, he was ready 
 to lend his assistance without a question. 
 
 He saw the other rush to a corner and drag forth an 
 armful of gorgeous garments that glittered in the light 
 as Chinese silk ever does — saw him fly to the side of 
 Joyce and gather this wonderful robe'about her, until she 
 had the appearance of one' to the manner born, a queen 
 among women; and then the spiciness of Jinks' plan 
 flashed upon the benighted mind of that obtuse American. 
 Joyce was to play thejpart of the amazing woman who 
 had so long ruled the land of the Dragoa. Well, she 
 could fill the role if any mortal might, so this lover con- 
 sidered. 
 
 It was all done with such magical swiftness that Kin- 
 kaid could hardly believe his eyes, or that his Joyce stood 
 there, her features screened from the vulgar gaze by a 
 gauzy veil, her whole aspect such as would become the 
 woman diplomat of the East. And before he had time to 
 say a word, the rush beyond the door was renewed with 
 such vigor that again the barrier fell down to once more 
 reveal those eager seekers after loot, the soldier guard. 
 
CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 "■way rdfe THE DOWAGER EMPRESS !" 
 
 The curtain had risen on another act in this most re- 
 Imaxkable of all dramas, and Wallis Kiiikaid understood 
 that he was expected to do his part toward making the 
 clever scheme of the Jap a success. 
 
 He immediately assumed a most devout manner, as be- 
 came one in the presence of the woman who carried the 
 destiny of China in the hollow of her hand, bending his 
 head in her direction with due humility. 
 
 The quick-witted convert had entered into the occasion 
 with a vim, and was already at the royal feet, prostrating 
 herself with that fluency which is the despair of a clumsy 
 Western nature. 
 
 Jinks, as the duly accredited herald of royalty, lifted 
 his voice again and wept. That is, he hurled maledic- 
 tions at the heads of those rash beings who would dare 
 block the way of her glorious majesty, as she was about 
 to quit her apartments in order to follow the emperor. 
 
 No doubt he laid it on pretty thick, for he had them 
 guessing, and one by one the soldiers either slipped away 
 from the spot or else fell down on their faces in the dust. 
 
 For had not the empress made a move toward them, 
 and was it not a part of their faith that the man who 
 dared look upon majesty would surely die? 
 
 Kinkaid had seen many stage dramas, but he never 
 looked on one that could hold a candle to this scene. The 
 howling herald, the cringing warriors, the imperious 
 figure of his beloved Joyce, looking so like a queen in 
 her amazing silken robes of priceless worth, the barbaric 
 surroundings, and, above all, the consciousness that it was 
 a bid for life and future happiness. All these things com- 
 bined to mark it as the prime event of his whole existence. 
 
 Never would he see this lovely girl walk proudly along 
 the thoroughfares of the world's capitals without shiver- 
 ing as he recalled how once upon a time this captivating 
 
"Way for the Dowager Empress !" 209 
 
 carriage was the only thing that lay between them and a 
 most dreadful death. 
 
 And Joyce! Well, she had not forgotten the glimpse 
 taken at the august ruler of the Orient as she swept by. 
 That surreptitious peep was now about to bear fruit, since 
 it enabled her to become an understudy to the empress. 
 
 Heroic treatment, they tell us, is often the only means 
 of grace. Sometimes it saves where all else falls useless 
 to the ground, and surely, so, energetic a soul asKirikaid 
 was a firm believer in its efficacy, since he had in his own 
 career proven its value; 
 
 He grasped the brilliant conception of the little Jap. It 
 was as bold in its way as the manner in which the sol- 
 diers of the Mikado had gone through the gates and over 
 the walls at Tientsin. Jinks meant to so impress these 
 rude warriors that they might offer no objection to the 
 retreat of the little party from the scene. 
 
 It seemed in a fair way to be realized, for not a soli- 
 tary man- jack among them had the temerity to remain 
 erect on his feet, though, perhaps, not all of them cov- 
 ered their faces as in the past, for, lo! the modern light 
 was beginning to penetrate their brains, and curiosity to 
 hold sway. Possibly some day they would be permitted 
 to actually gaze at their sovereign ruler like other people, 
 and even give a cheer. Who could say? 
 
 Again that wondrous rustle of silk, only this time it was 
 upon herself, and not another. Joyce was a Canadian 
 girl, a subject of the queen, but she 'had never had the 
 good fortune to be presented at court. Nevertheless, such 
 was her native ingenuousness that she carried her part ab- 
 solutely to perfection, so that poor Kinkaid was really, in 
 doubt as to whether he might have the exceeding nerve 
 to ever again encircle that royal waist with a daring arm. 
 
 Jinks stepped forth, still bellowing the virtues of his 
 illustrious ruler, as though he had been well tutored in 
 the part. Perhaps he had, since from the discoveries 
 made at various times Kinkaid believed the fellow had 
 been all things to all men in the Chinese calendar — Shinto 
 priest, devotee of Confucius, officer of the court of his 
 imperial majesty — why not herald to the crafty dowager 
 as well? 
 
■^210 "Way for the Dowager Empress!" 
 
 Anyhow, he carried his part to perfection, and was ably 
 seconded by his apt convert lassie, who at least knew 
 something of the customs which were in vogue where 
 royalty was concerned; while poor Kinkaid did the best 
 he could, and tried to imagine himself a puppet on the 
 comic opera stage, waving his arrns, bowing right and 
 left, gesturing with mysterious mien, and, as he believed, 
 making an ass of himself generally. 
 
 It all went. Everything does, when the poor people 
 grovel on their faces, and see only glimpses of the show. 
 "What to him was comical had a serious aspect in their 
 Eastern eyes, accustomed to incantations and mummery 
 all their lives. 
 
 Really, the scheme which had flashed upon the mind 
 of -the quick-witted Jap as the lightning leaves the clouds, 
 promised to prove a howling success, so far as quitting- 
 the royal apartments was concerned. What awaited them 
 beyond, of course no man could say. But, possibly, the 
 same master mind that had made this brave start toward 
 working out their salvation might be trusted to complete 
 the job. 
 
 On /either side lay sturdy warriors, writhing in the 
 dust, some of them at the last squinting one eye aloft 
 to catch a glimpse of the wonderful empress who could 
 appear in two places. Really, this was a small thing for 
 one of her absolute power to do ; and that the august lady 
 was supposed to have passed out of the palace before 
 the tunnel was destroyed did not appear to worry these 
 worthies in the least. ^ 
 
 One there was whose heart was very nearly in his 
 mouth, even though he continued to carry himself as he 
 imagined a Chinese mandarin of high degree must have 
 done under similar circumstances. Kinkaid dreaded lest 
 some trifling accident betray them, and show these fierce 
 bravos what a hollow mockery the whole estate was. 
 
 Few girls could have carried out the difficult • part as 
 did Joyce. Really, she seemed to have thrust aside her 
 womanly fears, and entered into the spirit of tlie thing 
 with all her zeal. Her lover remembered how, when he 
 had almost given up on the ice floes, her courage seemed 
 to arise to meet the crisis, and how it had been her words 
 
"Way for the Dowager Empress!" 211 
 
 of hope that had induced him to make one more supreme 
 effort, that was crowned with success. 
 
 Not^ a single sacrilegipus hand was outstretched to so 
 much as touch the hem of her silken robe. Beyond a sur- 
 reptitious peep, they did not venture to become familiar 
 with royalty. The homage of centuries could not be 
 wholly shattered in a breath. It would take tinie. 
 
 Jinks seemed never to weary of well doing, and if his 
 voice only held out, he promised to shout them to some 
 place of comparative safety. Kinkaid had seen bulls and 
 bears disputing in the New York Stock Exchange, where 
 sometimes the possession of a good volume of sotmd is 
 worth much to a member; but he could not recall an in- 
 stance where human lives depended on the vocal chord's 
 ability to do their duty. 
 
 It would not last long. Already there was an eager- 
 ness manifested on the part of the crouching soldiers to 
 make a run for it, some slinking out, of sight beyond, 
 others heading for the apartments lately quitted by the 
 royal cortege, as the prospect of plunder arose in the air. 
 
 If they could only get free from these interminable 
 passages, and quit the confines of the palace itself, for 
 even Jinks was now convinced that this place could not 
 offer them much in the way of an asylum, with the guards 
 on the rampage, seeking loot. 
 
 Lucky it was that he knew something about the interior 
 of the imperial palace, or they might never have found a 
 way out, such were the mazes that opened up before them 
 on all sides ; but the Jap kept his wits about him, and even 
 while' he shouted the loudest, he was laying out his plans 
 with the skill of a modern Bonaparte. 
 
 It was time a change came over the nature of their 
 dream, for, really, the voice of the herald was going fast. 
 He could only speak in hoarse tones, and was by de- 
 grees dropping to a whisper when the last soldier fell 
 away. 
 
 Words could never express the intehs,e admiration which 
 had filled the man from Gotham as he watched the match- 
 less manner in which Joyce carried out her ambitious 
 project. Not knowing just then of the double glimpse 
 which s-he had obtained of the passing dowager, he was 
 
312 "Way far tiie Dowager Bmpress!" 
 
 utterly in the dark how she could play the part of queen 
 to such perfection, and that without a single opportunity 
 to rehearse the role. Really, it began "to dawn upon him 
 that perhaps there might be royal blood in her veins, and 
 that in making so brilliant an alliance he was going be- 
 yond his class. 
 
 And there was Joyce, ready to declare that never since 
 the great wall of China had been constructed to keep the 
 aggressive Tartars out of the Flowery Kingdom, had 
 there existed a mandarin with so grand and impressive 
 and lofty a manner about him as this one courtier in her 
 train. Fancy that, when Kinkaid thought he was only 
 making a fool of himself, which goes to show what 
 Various opinions may be held upon the same subject. 
 
 The coast seemed ckar at last — that is, all the soldiers 
 had managed to slip around in some manner, and were 
 doubtless busily engaged disputing with one another over 
 the glorious collection of spoils which their audacious hunt 
 had unearthed in the royal quarter of the palace. 
 
 Kinkaid gave a hasty glance around, and then, horrible 
 to relate, actually embraced the august empress as though 
 she had been but an ordinary mortal ; seeing which, Jinks 
 followed suit, with regard to the little convert. No doubt 
 it was his opinion ttiat her work had been their redemp- 
 tion. Such is the glamour of love: 
 
 After all, an empress must be very much like ctlier 
 people, for it may be remarked that this one made no out- 
 cry, and really seemed to like being held tightly in a pair 
 of eager masculine arms, while burning words whispered 
 in her ears a little more of the tale that never grows old. 
 
 Of course they were far from being safe. Indeed, that 
 would not be until they found themselves surrounded by 
 the allies, and Peking, with its legends of centuries, had 
 fallen. 
 
 It was merely a breathing spell, and at least gave them 
 reason for being exceedingly grateful toward Providence 
 for such a narrow escape. Kinkaid was of the opinion 
 that no man had ever experienced a closer call, not tven 
 excepting Daniel in the lion's den, or Shadrach, Meshach 
 and Abednego, in King Nebuchadnezzar's fiery furnace, 
 heated seven, times over, and he was quite willing to let 
 
"Way for the Dowager Empress!" 313 
 
 it go at that and cry quits. If any man longed to reacli 
 still greater heights, he was welcome to the glory; as for 
 him, he knew when he had had enough, even of spectacu- 
 lar honors. 
 
 "And now?" was what he said unto Jinks, when he 
 could catch that busy gentleman's eye above the little 
 convert's robe ; whereupon. Jinks came up smiling for an- 
 other round, not a bit disturbed by this constant strain on 
 his resources. 
 
 Indeed, they had reason to believe they were in good' 
 hands, and that their destiny was being shaped by a power 
 beyond mortal control. What they had accomplished was 
 certainly next door to a miracle, and time would hardly 
 obliterate its wonderful features. 
 
 It was agreed that the palace offered them few induce- 
 ments for prolonging their stay. They had expected 
 great things of their coming, but these had turned tb Dead 
 Sea fruit on their hands. Indeed, the yellow boys were 
 becoming more and more- boisterous over their new job 
 of investigating the secrets of the royal quarters, and it 
 might be dangerous to come in touch with them a few 
 more times, as the novelty would gradually wear off, and 
 some bolder soul than his fellows put a sacrilegious hand 
 on the person of the once-revered ruler. 
 
 "I wonder if there's anything else we could play. If 
 you've got other cards up your sleeve, trot 'em out, Jinks, 
 my boy, while we're in the humor. Priest and emperor 
 ■in One night. Jove ! that^'s what I call laying it on pretty 
 thick; but don't mistake me, for I'm right in the swim 
 now, and don't mind trying any old role under heaven. 
 D'ye suppose I could be rigged up to represent that won- 
 derful ancient statesman, Li Hung Chang? Saw him in 
 New York a few years ago, and I might make a stunning 
 success of the part — be called before the curtain a few 
 times. Tell me what's in the wind." . 
 
 Apparently our Kinkaid had recovered from his attack 
 of horrors at the appalling prospect that confronted them 
 when the soldiers broke open the door of the royal apart- 
 ments, and it looked as though their fate must be sealed. 
 But then, when nature is young, the rebound is speedy, 
 espfecially when one has just had an opportunity to hold 
 
214 "Way for the Dowager Empress!" 
 
 his "nearest -and dearest" close to his heart. What was 
 the use worrying over the past, with all its alarms, since 
 they were only interested in the present and immediate 
 future ? 
 
 At least, it was a time for serious consideration, and not 
 levity. Kinkaid was naturally addicted to more or less 
 joking, and a man thus constituted is apt to disclose his 
 prevailing weakness at the most excru.ciating times. It 
 has even been known of one to jest with, a rope around 
 his neck, and his feet on the borderland of eternity. 
 
 Jinks again took up the burden of leadership, and with 
 such tenacity did he stick to his task, that in a short time 
 they found themselves near an exit where the lights of the 
 city smiled in their faces, just as innocently as though they 
 did not also shine upon a tumultuous throng of Boxer 
 fiends, madly rushing hither and thither, murdering 
 Christians wherever found, and making the Mogul capital 
 a monstrous shambles that would horrity the world. 
 
CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 HIDDEN BY THE IDOL MERCHANT. 
 
 It was now only about one by the clock. 
 
 Many weary hours must elapse ere the sun would show 
 his smiling face, and even then it would take the allies 
 some portion of the day, if not its entire length, to rush 
 the Chinese defences. 
 
 What were the fugitives of the night to do meanwhile ? 
 That was the burning question of the hour with them. 
 
 To think that in all this vast city there should be no 
 refuge, that every man's hand was turned against them, 
 eager to destroy. The thought gave Kinkaid a sad 
 feeling. , • 
 
 Still, he gloried in the fact that just without those 
 cold, ijcppassive walls, around which the history of cen- 
 turies clung, there camped a host of brave souls that, 
 "obeying the call of duty, had trampled over the barriers 
 of superstition and idolatry, fighting their vfSy to the 
 rescue of their imperiled countrymen. This was a cru- 
 sade of which history might well be proud. There- was 
 no visionary scheme to redeem the Holy City, to, find the 
 Holy Grail, or search for the Golden Fleece; but a stern 
 duty which Christianity owed its valprous representa- 
 tives, and at the same time deal a staggering blow to the 
 monstrous pride of the bigoted Chinese nation. 
 
 Yes, strange to say, this was the burden of Kinkaid's 
 thoughts as he stood there and gazed upon the myriad 
 of lights reflected upon the passing clouds and proceeding 
 from those blessed camp-fires beyond the walls. 
 
 Harshly would they smite the^'^guilty ones when the 
 hour came, and the crime of the last two months would 
 be amply avenged. There was always a grim satisfaction 
 about that. 
 
 Meanwhile, what of themselves? 
 
 .Had the wonderful Mr. Jinks reached the end of his 
 tether, or were there a few more shafts in his quiver, 
 
2i6 Hidden by the Idol Merchant. 
 
 shafts of the same caliber as those which he had lately 
 been shooting with such skill ? 
 
 Kinkaid turned upon him eagerly. 
 
 Like himself, the little Jap had been snuffing the fresh 
 ,air with considerable satisfaction, and surveying the 
 panorama spread before them, since the exit of the em- 
 peror's palace chanced to be on rising ground. 
 
 The plundering guards could still be heard rattling 
 through the corridors of the place, but there seemed no 
 immediate danger of the fugitives being discovered, so 
 that it was not absolutely necessary for them to kave with- 
 out some plan concerning their destination. 
 
 All had now recovered, in a measure, from the recent 
 scare, and Joyce was busily engaged in stripping off the 
 gorgeous robe that had served them so well in. deceiving 
 the guards. 
 
 Kinkaid undA"stood her reason for doing this. While 
 the disguise had served its purpose within the confines of 
 the palace, it might only direct undue attention toward 
 them upon the streets of Peking. It had been a natural 
 thing for the empress to appear in the apartments of the 
 royal resiaence, but she was never seen parading the 
 thoroughfares of her capital. When she did move about 
 it must be in a wonderful palanquin with yellow silk cur- 
 tains, before which all good Chinamen might prostrate 
 themselves, and believe that it had been a grand thing 
 to be so near the sacred person of their ruler. 
 
 Now, Kinkaid had a fancy for that particular robe. Per- 
 haps because Joyce had looked so distractingly queenly 
 when wrapped in its rich folds, or it might be on account 
 of some sentimental idea connected with the fact that it 
 had been the means of saving all their lives. 
 
 Be that as it may, be was desirous of keeping it for an 
 heirloom, something that could be handed down to pos- 
 terity as a thing of wonder, sometliing that he could him- 
 self look at in future years when he had become a staid 
 family man, and dream sweet visions of this exciting 
 period in their lives. 
 
 Accordingly, he took the article from Joyce, rolled it up 
 in a rude wad that horrified the girl, because it seemed so 
 
Hidden by the Idol Merchant. 217 
 
 like sacrilege, and finding some sort of a hiding place, 
 thrust it away, remarking quietly : 
 
 "I shall come again to secure that robe. Perhaps it 
 may be your pleasure gown during your first season in 
 New York. At any rate, it is better where I have stowed 
 it away than on your shoulders while we perambulate 
 the city. Now, let's consider what's next on the pro- 
 gramme." 
 
 Jinks had meanwhile been reflecting. 
 
 He desired, above all things, to please this American 
 iriend, for it was his intention to pay a visit to the great 
 republic across the ocean, and under such circumstances 
 to have a good ally would mean something. 
 
 "Let us go from here, friends," was all he said, but 
 Kinkaid knew he had conceived a plan. 
 
 Once more they passed across the marble bridge. The 
 guards were still on deck, and they scrutinized the pil- 
 grims closely; but, as their .duty lay more in the line of 
 keeping people out of tlie Forbidden City than preventing 
 any one from leaving the same, they made no murmur as 
 to the crossing of our four friends. 
 
 Once more they found themselves adrift in the riotous 
 city. 
 
 Again they rubbed elbows with the excited saff ron-hued 
 inhabitants who, in the fever of the hour, rushed this way 
 and that, hardly knowing whether the end of the world 
 had come, or not, and conscious, in a vague way, of tre- 
 meiidous events being on the, tapis. 
 
 Kinkaid noticed readily enough that his Japanese friend 
 did not saunter in the direction where their former ad- 
 venture had taken place. Possibly he had more or less 
 fear of a vengeful priest and his followers^ who might be 
 on the warpath, looking for a fellow of his stripe, and 
 what they would do with him after finding him might 
 hardly be pleasant reading. 
 
 Jinks had taken leave of that particular temple forever 
 and ay, just as he had thrown off the vestments of the 
 Confucian religion, embracing the tenets of Christianity, 
 as well as one of its pretty converts. 
 
 Peking was a large place, luckily enough, and they were 
 not confined to a single locality. Perchance this same 
 
2i8 Hidden by the Idol Mercliaiit. 
 
 wonderful Yamura Jinksha had been familiar with other 
 regions as well as those in which they had already dis- 
 ported. 
 
 Kinkaid was in love with himself for having run across 
 such a treasure of a chap, and wondered what he should 
 have done without him. Of course, in the end it would 
 have been the same, for Joyce at this time might have 
 been safe in the compound, and as for himself, he would 
 have slept in some tent outside the walls of Jericho, among 
 the boys in blue. But then, had these adventures not 
 taken place, something would have been missing, a void 
 in the history of their courtship. The danger shared in 
 common draws hearts into a close communion, such as 
 nothing else on earth may. 
 
 Finally Jinks brought up. 
 
 They stood in front of what appeared to be a shop- of 
 some sort, although no lights could be seen to indicate 
 that the proprietor was awake to the exceeding gravity of 
 the hour. Few in Peking slept on the night before the 
 attack on the city by the allies, for the air was charged 
 with a species of electricity, that permeated every quar- 
 ter, and once let Chinamen become fully aroused, and 
 they are the most wide-awake fellows on the face of the 
 earth. 
 
 Jinks cast a glance up and down the street, as though 
 there was need of extra caution. Then he rapped on the 
 door of this shop. ^ ^ 
 
 Some one came and opened, whereupon there ensued 
 a murmuring discourse, as though the Jap were giving 
 an account of his stewardship, or, rather, recounting some 
 of the adventures that had befallen himself and companion 
 since the hour when they quitted the camp of the advan- 
 cing allies. 
 
 At least, this "argument" seemed to capture his audi- 
 ence, for, presently, he turned to the others and said, 
 cheerily : 
 
 "It's all right, friends. This is to be our abode until 
 the end comes." By which he probably meant the fall of 
 Babylon, rather than any personal finish on their part. 
 
 No one was sorry, least of all Kinkaid, who had been 
 worrying in his mind over the exhaustion of his sweet- 
 
Hidden by the Idol Merchant. 219 
 
 heart. Now, perhaps, she might find rest, as well as 
 safety from the Philistines. 
 
 They passed through the doorway, and found them- 
 selves in darkness. 
 
 Jinks spoke up, requesting that they stand still while 
 his friend went for a light — he would be" with them 
 shortly. 
 
 Now, Kinkaid, in entering, had somehow managed to 
 lose his sweetheart, who chanced tofbe holding fast to 
 the little convert at the time; and, upon hearing they were 
 to be temporarily left in the dark, it was only natural for 
 the New Yorker to desire to be alongside Joyce. Why, 
 even the affinity of friendly buoys in quiet harbor waters 
 has been noticed, since they often shift quarters and are 
 discovered hobnobbing together. 
 
 Accordingly, he proceeded to utterly disregard the 
 polite request of Jinks with regard to their remaining sta- 
 tionary, and began to move in the quarter he fancied Joyce 
 to be. 
 
 Perhaps he imagined some subtle inner sense would 
 guide him ; but it so happens that this monitor sometimes 
 goes wrong. 
 
 It did in this case, at least. 
 
 Kinkaid had taken, perhaps, four halting steps. 
 
 His arms were held before him, after the customary 
 manner of a man who walks in the dark, and he fully ex- 
 pected to have the object of his search in his arms with 
 another step. 
 
 Ahl his hand touched something, and he involuntarily 
 felt of it in a cautious manner ere embracing. Just then 
 light appeared, and to the horror of Kinkaid, he found 
 himself f#ce to face with the ugliest old idol that had up 
 to that time crossed his path. 
 
 Why, the room was full of them, and he heard Joyce 
 utter a low exclamation, but whether bf alarm at discover- 
 ing herself in the midst of such a grinning company, or 
 because of her lover's attitude with regard to that choice 
 one in particular, it would be hard to say. 
 
 What was this; another joss-house? 
 
 Kinkaid thought he had seen quite enough of this par- 
 ticular brand ; but when he came to look around him more 
 
Z20 Hidden by the Idol Merchant. 
 
 carefully, he changed his mind with regard to the charac- 
 ter of the place. 
 
 It was a shop, after all, only a bazaar where idols were 
 on sale. All one needed was a certain number of coins of 
 the realm, from petty cash to lordly taels, and it were 
 possible here to gratify the various tastes of mankind for 
 the especial brand of god he wished to worship ; for with 
 the Chinese it is, after all, pretty much a matter of like 
 with regard to therir daily religious ceremonies. 
 
 Really, our friends were filled with awe lest they might 
 be compelled to once more sefek lodgings within the in- 
 terior of the gods. One experience of this sort was 
 enough to last a lifetime, Kinkaid thought, as he stepped 
 briskly away from his latest charmer, and eagerly sought 
 the side of the girl who had robbed him of his heart. 
 
 But it transpired that this friend of Jinks had not con- 
 sidered giving them such beatific or heavenly quarters. 
 
 He led the way to another part of the humble abode, 
 and they followed at his heels, anxious to forget the 
 monstrous deities that squatted in his shop, and mounted 
 guard over his various goods. 
 
 The room into which he showed them was^plain enough, 
 goodness knows, but then Joyce found satisfaction in the 
 fact that it was not the workshop where these amazing 
 images were graven. She felt sure the one Kinkaid had 
 faced would haunt her memory for months to come, it had 
 been so very excruciatingly hideous. 
 
 Here they found a chance to rest. 
 
 Chairs there were none, but the friendly native fetched 
 a number of quilts which, tossed upon the floor in a way 
 the Jap knew full well how to manage, afforded them as 
 good couches as their weary frames could ask. ' 
 
 Of course, Kinkaid saw his betrothed comfortable be- 
 fore consenting to drop down himself. 
 
 He felt more or Ifcss curiosity concerning the ovraer of 
 this unique establishment, and forthwith fired a few select 
 questions at Jinks, the answers to which did something to- 
 ward reassuring him. 
 
 This Chinaman was an old acquaintance of the islander, 
 at the time he manipulated matters in the kiosk, where his 
 little party had found temporary refuge. In fact. Jinks 
 
Hidden by the Idol Merchant. 221 
 
 had purchased more than one lot of idols from the mer- 
 chant at the time he dwelt in the darkness of paganism. 
 
 While the man was, perhaps, hardly to be trusted with 
 their lives, upon any ordinary occasion, still, in view of 
 the fact that the allies were about the walls of Peking 
 and ready to overwhelm the city, it represented a neat bit 
 of business for the fellow to make friends with the in- 
 vaders. 
 
 Jinks declared there was no danger in the least, and so 
 Kinkaid persuaded himself that Providence had found a 
 shelter for the poor pilgrims, even as the birds covered 
 with leaves the babes in the woods. 
 
 And then, wearied with the tasks of the night, before 
 which the vaunted labors of Hercules might have seemed 
 a trifle, Kinkaid slept. 
 
CHAPTER XXXII. 
 
 WHEN THE JAPS BROKE THROUGH THE WALLS. 
 
 When Kinkaid awoke, it was to hear confused sounds 
 that told of battle. 
 
 He could not understand just where he was immedi- 
 ately, for the apartment was but dimly lighted. 
 
 Then the truth dawned upon his mind, and he sprang 
 to his feet. 
 
 Was Joyce still there and unharmed? Thank Heaven 
 for that, at least! 
 
 This, then, was the opening of the supreme day, and the 
 eager allies were at it good and early. Old Peking would 
 see something that had never before occurred in all her 
 ragged history, where steel bolts crashed through her de- 
 fenses, making breaches in the walls that would serve as 
 an inlet to the strangely assorted soldiers without. 
 
 Talk of tlie millennium coming! Of the wolf and the 
 lamb lying down together ! Some people considered that 
 wonderful day had already arrived when Briton and Rus- 
 sian, French and German, fought shoulder to shoulder like 
 brothers. 
 
 The rest had been awakened, also, and were solki up, 
 chattering volubly over the chances of the city being taken 
 by nightfall. 
 
 Jinks bethought himself of breakfast, and rushed off to 
 find the old merchant, but, lo! the worthy man had van- 
 ished, doubtless overcome by the reflection of what awful 
 fate would be meted out to him in case these fugitives 
 from the legations were discovered under his roof. 
 
 Of course, in his absence they might have taken posses- 
 sion of his dwelling without his knowledge, for which he 
 would not be to blame. 
 
 Yes, the heathen Chinee is indeed peculiar when it 
 comes to "ways that are dark, and tricks that are vain." 
 
 Jinks did not care, not he. 
 
 Well had he proven his title as a champion forager in 
 
When the Japs Broke Through, 223 
 
 times past, and it toQj< him but a few minutes to discover 
 the' larder, as well as appropriate everything in sight. 
 
 He double barred the doors, and calmly awaited events. 
 
 The breakfast was not fastidious, but it appeaspd their 
 hunger, which was the main consideration. 
 
 After a time had passed, with no sign of alarm, Kin- 
 kaid began to feel easier in his mind about the absent 
 master of the ranch, for upon first hearing of his flight 
 he had feared the fellow had some dark design on foot, 
 looking to their betrayal. 
 
 Why, he even took a survey of their feudal castle, in 
 company with Jinks, and wound up with a critical exanj- 
 ination of the prize collection of ugly images for sale in 
 the shop. 
 
 Perhaps they were not quite so romantically hideous 
 when seen in the garish light of day, for a flickering can- 
 dle is apt to hide defects in the manufacture, as well as 
 give a decidedly weird effect to such curios. Neverthe- 
 less, Kinkaid did not fancy them very much, and con- 
 cluded that after all there would be no necessity for" se- 
 curing any one of these assets of Chinese faith and su- 
 perstition in order to fasten the night's adventure securely 
 in his mind. 
 
 Meanwhile, he was deeply interested in what transpired 
 without. 
 
 The boom of insistent cannon declared that the allies 
 had CQjjimenced to batter down the old Peking wall, and 
 there seemed fair promise'lhat they would be in the city 
 ere darkness came again. 
 
 How Kinkaid wished he could mount upon some lofty 
 temple and be a witness to this memorable historic scene. 
 How it would thrill his nerves to see the dearly beloved 
 flag of his country as well as that Union Jack, which 
 Joyce held most sacred, advancing through the smoke. 
 
 But, alas ! it was-'not to. be.. 
 
 Jinks could go out. He would be safe upon the streets 
 among the terrified and excited Mongolians, and might 
 be able to gather some points as to how affairs were pro- 
 gressing. 
 
 To please his friend. Jinks made several trips, and what 
 news he picked up proved a comfort to the impatient 
 
224 When the Japs Broke Through. 
 
 Kinkaid, who chafed like a hound held in the leash when 
 the pack is in full cry. 
 
 It appeared that the Japs had selected the gates of the 
 Tartar city for the object of their assault, knowing they 
 would meet with more desperate resistance here than at 
 any other point, and they were hourly whanging away 
 with their guns, getting nearer and nearer to the object 
 which they wished to attain. 
 
 Jinks gloried in their valor. His eyes sparkled, and he 
 looked like a man who could hardly restrain his enthus- 
 iasm. ^ 
 
 "They will blow up those gates by nightfall. You shall 
 see if I am a true prophet. Do I not know the principles 
 under which they were trained when the Alarquis Ito was 
 in command. Nothing can hold them back, once they 
 start. It will be like the resistless tide of the ocean. I 
 am proud to be a Japanese to-day." 
 
 They all agreed that he had cause to glory in that title. 
 
 Kinkaid felt a little that way with regard to being an 
 American. Indeed, they were all brothers and sisters, 
 united in the cause of civilization against the powers of 
 evil and darkness. 
 
 Somewhere about noon Jinks managed to provide them 
 with some fruit that served in lieu of a lunch. 
 
 He had secured it from an industrious merchant who 
 did business in a street near by, apparently perfectly ob- 
 livious to the astonishing change that was aBout to sweep 
 over his city. '^ 
 
 Really, Kinkaid said he would like to see the man who 
 could thus calmly proceed along the even tenor of his way 
 while shells burst in the streets and riotous mobs chased 
 this way and that. He was sure the fellow must either 
 be a philosopher beside whom old Socrates could not hold 
 forth, or else the celebrated Egyptian Sphinx come to 
 town; but Jinks laughed and declared he was only an or- 
 dinary type of tlie Chinese merchant, unable to let pass any 
 opportunity for gain. 
 
 As the afternoon waned, the racket grew more tre- 
 mendous, and they felt positive the little Jap's prediction 
 about his countrymen gaining a footing in the city ere 
 nightfall would be fulfilleji. 
 
When tlie Japs Broke Througli. 225 
 
 Joyce held sweet communion with her lover. 
 
 They talked over old times, and a thousand things that 
 were of intense interest to them. He described all he had 
 seen and endured, with modesty such as became a brave 
 man, of course, from the hour he said "good-by" in old 
 Montreal, down to the night when she came out at the 
 summons of good Sir George, to fall into her lover's 
 arms. 
 
 And she, on her part, explained all about her strange 
 actions. 
 
 It was very simple, and Joyce confessed that it seemed 
 silly in her, looking back with the Hght s^e now possessed. 
 
 The relative whom she had believed a thief and a forger 
 was a bright, honest chap, serving his country in an offi- 
 cial capacity in Peking. The old writing which she had 
 supposed a confession of his wrongdoing, was a portiori 
 of an ill-fated romance he had once labored over, before 
 realizing that he lacked that literary qualification which, 
 in these days, brings in the only reward. 
 
 When the facts were explained, he had laughed heartily 
 at the ogres conjured up by this very scrupulous maid, 
 and had himself urged her to send the telegram that, 
 catching Kinkaid at Yokohama, had hustled him over to 
 China just too late to enter Peking ere the gates were 
 closed to all foreigners, and the attack on the legations 
 commenced. 
 
 Well, it was all over. 
 
 Sight had come after darkness. 
 
 Kinkaid could not say he had reason to regret anything, 
 for he entertained a shrewd suspicion that by his actions 
 he had endeared himself to this charming maid of Mon- 
 treal more than might have been the case had the course 
 of their love run smoothly. 
 
 When the storm is past, and our gallant bark lies 
 snugly in a safe harbor, with not a soul lost, why should 
 we wish the past had never been, especially when it has 
 afforded us a chance to play a hero's part in the service of 
 one beloved ? 
 
 . The noise and confusion had grown to such proportions 
 that Kinkaid felt positive some of the allies must be inside 
 the walls. 
 
226 When the Japs Broke Through. 
 
 He was wild to go out, but Jinks advised against it, for 
 until Peking had been wholly subdued, it would be but 
 inviting death for a foreigner to appear anywhere on her 
 streets. 
 
 As for him, he could pass muster for a Chinaman. All 
 he had to do was to fasten a queue to his head, muffle his 
 face a little, and to all appearances he represented the real 
 article. 
 
 So he launched forth again to hunt for news. 
 
 Kinkaid wandered about the dwelling, now snatching a 
 glimpse of the street through an upper window in the loft, 
 and anon pausing in the doorway of the room to feast his 
 eyes upon the charming picture which Joyce presented, 
 seated upon the rugs, her head supported by her hand, a 
 look of happiness upon her dear face where of late fear 
 had marked shadows under her glorious eyes. 
 
 Yes, Walli^ Kinkaid thought himself a mighty fortu- 
 nate man to have won the imperishable love of so queenly 
 a girl, and his thoughts went out in sympathy wilii poor 
 Sir George, who had found himself holding the small end 
 of the stick when it came to a showing of hands. 
 
 Sir George was all right, a clever, whole-souled fellow, 
 and he deserved better luck next time. Indeed, so that it 
 was not Joyce who was at stake, Kinkaid could be gen- 
 erous and wish him evety measure of success. 
 
 Then Jinks came" back. 
 
 As soon as the little Jap appeared, Kinkaid scented 
 trouble. The sparks were flying upward again, ap- 
 parently. 
 
 The face of the little Jap gave him away, for it had a 
 wild expression ; and the other noted how his hands 
 trembled as he personally looked after the bars' that se- 
 cured the door. 
 
 "What's gone wrong?" demanded the American, 
 hastily. 
 
 "Everything, I fear. Our hiding place is known. I 
 thought I had given them the slip, or never should I have 
 returned here to bring danger, perhaps death, to all pres- 
 ent," said Jinks, huskily, taking out hi? pistol with the 
 desperate air of a man who has been driven into the last 
 ditch. 
 
When the Japs Broke Through. 227 
 
 Joyce went white once more. • 
 
 It was hard to face danger again, they who had supped 
 so heartily of the same fare so long. And Kinkaid muttered 
 something not very complimentary about himself, because, 
 forsooth, he had not been willing to wait until the proper 
 time came for a rescue, when the streets were filled with 
 squads of the allies. 
 
 Now, while the Boxers scented, defeat, they were in the 
 worst possible humor and ready to do any manner of evil 
 if they could be allowed the inestimable boon of dragging 
 a fresh victim with them into the other world. 
 
 "Who was it? I bet you ran across one of those 
 blessed old humbugs, of tlie temple. Tell me, was it not 
 so?" demanded the New Yorker, only I must be excused 
 from repeating just what he said in connection with the 
 priests of Confucius. It was hardly "blessed," however. 
 
 Jinks nodded his head quickly. 
 
 "Yes, yes, he took hold of me and began to shout for 
 help. Of course, when I found I could not break away, 
 I had to knock him down. After which I dodged through 
 many streets and thought myself free; but just as I 
 reached this place and started to enter, a shout down the 
 street told me my enemies had discovered me; and they 
 are coming now on the run, led by this priest, who will 
 not be satisfied until he burns my body." 
 I Kinkaid hurried to his lookout above. 
 
 It was quite as bad as Jinks had said. 
 
 A constantly increasing crowd was coming down the 
 street, shouting mad imprecations, and waving all manner 
 of deadly weapons. 
 
 Further off in the distance Kinkaid beheld the walls of 
 the Tartar City, and as he looked eagerly that' way he 
 saw a swarm of human figures come tumbling over the 
 top, hurling themselves upon the Chinese soldiers and en- 
 gaging in the fiercest of hand-to-hand fights. His heart 
 -leaped for joy, for well he knew these must be the sturdy 
 Japanese who had broken through at last and were in 
 Peking. Oh ! for half an hour more of time, and all 
 would have been well. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 THE BATTLE OF THE GRAVEN IMAGES. 
 
 There was no reason for them to be in doubt one single 
 minute with regard to the party to whom they could feel 
 themselves under obligations for this last clamorous- so- 
 licitude. 
 
 For, at the head of the running crowd, turning to urge 
 them on by burning incantation and- gesture, was one of 
 the priests of the joss-house, perhaps the same fellow 
 whom Jinks had treated so shabbily when they first en- 
 tered the temple. 
 
 His hour had come. 
 
 The eyes of hate are keener than a two-edged sword, 
 and having looked into the face of the little Jap when the 
 latter pinned him by the throat, he was not apt to ever 
 forget while he lived. 
 
 It had been a piece of great misfortune, apparently, for 
 Jinks to run across this fellow, of all men, in the streets. 
 
 Kinkaid felt a deep chagrin struggling in his breast. 
 
 The spectacle of those daring Japanese soldiers scaling 
 the walls like monkeys and hurling themselves upon the 
 astounded Boxers, had been quite an inspiration, and it 
 made him sad to think that the rescue might come too late 
 to do them any good. 
 
 Nevertheless, this man, as we have seen upon various 
 occasions, was not the one to give way to despair. 
 
 His nature was buoyant and optimistic. 
 
 Besides, he had everything to fight for that may en- 
 courage a fellow to do all in his power — money, good 
 health and a charming sweetheart, whom he had won 
 through strenuous endeavor. 
 
 Yes, Kinkaid could not lose hope. 
 
 He hastened to join the others below. 
 
 Perhaps he had some faint idea that clever Jinks might 
 yet suggest a means of outwitting the enemy. Could they 
 by any possibility slip out at the back of the shop, and es- 
 
The Battle of the Graven Images. 229 
 
 cape that way? Kinkaid shook his head in the negative, 
 knowing that such a course would carry them from the 
 frying pan into the fire, since, by flight, they would be 
 going deeper into the city and further away from the com- 
 ing Japs. 
 
 Evidently there was nothing for it but to take their 
 stand just where they were,, and give as good an account 
 of themselves as they knew how. 
 
 Ere the Boxers succeeded in their object, that shop of 
 idols would be turned into a veritable butcher's shambles, 
 for two desperate men could do terrible execution when 
 forced to it. 
 
 Kinkaid was born for a soldier, though somehow he 
 had never chanced to discover this interesting fact until 
 recently. 
 
 When he joined the others in the shop, he swept his 
 eyes around the place as though he might in that one 
 comprehensive glance discover its cardinal points of 
 strength and weakness. 
 
 A general could not have sized up the situation better. 
 
 He saw where they could give the crowd the full value 
 of their money, and make it extremely iiiterestin'g for those 
 who were bold or maddened enough to try and enter 
 through the doorway. 
 
 Of course, Jinks had seen to it that this means of in- 
 gress was barricaded as well as possible — Jinks, who 
 had been in it up to his eyes every second of time while 
 Kinkaid was upstairs. 
 
 He had flown to the work as though in his newly en- 
 lightened condition of mind it were a labor of love to 
 demolish and treat with exceeding want of respect the 
 various august deities he had been wont to katozv before, 
 once upon a time. 
 
 Several good-sized images had been dragged over and 
 piled up back of the entrance, and at the time Kinkaid ap- 
 peared on the scene, the vandal was hastily filling in the 
 chinks with a score or more of the smaller and cheaper 
 varieties of gods, some of whom sufifered abominably in 
 the rough transaction, here a prize beauty losing his head, 
 yonder another rendered armless, while perhaps a third 
 was minus his legs. It mattered nothing to this master 
 
230 The Battle of the Graven Images. 
 
 mason, whose sole purpose was to create a good, stiff 
 barricade, and who evidently looked upon these reverend 
 figures as representing just so much base material for his 
 laudable purpose. 
 
 Kinkaid nodded his head. Evidently he was in full 
 sympathy with the ta,sk which his comrade had about com- 
 pleted. 
 
 When he glanced around in that comprehensive manner, 
 his thoughts were connected with Joyce more than aught 
 else, for Jinks had relieved him of the burden of consid- 
 ering defense. 
 
 Where could the women be hidden in order to secure 
 them against the possible flight of vengeful lead ? 
 
 They say when one has contracted the habit of trusting 
 in these gods of the Celestials,- it is' difficult to break 
 away. 
 
 Kinkaid proved it. 
 
 He saw a most promising subject that reminded him 
 very much of the great joss in the temple. 
 
 Springing over to the squatting chap, he found, sure 
 enough, that it was a hollow mockery,jvith an abundance 
 of room in his interior to serve Joyce as a hiding place. 
 
 Accordingly, he lost no time in persuading her to ac- 
 cept what the gods had so generously provided, since the 
 metal figure would offer valiant protection against any 
 random missiles that might be going kround. 
 
 Now, Joyce had undoubtedly played hide-and-seek 
 many times as a girl, and may have secreted herself in 
 some very strange places, but it was safe to declare she 
 had never, up to this night, found lodgment in a royal joss. 
 
 Strange to say, she did not appear to be in the least 
 overcome with a sense of the great honor done her. In- 
 deed, she could not have been more unconcerned had it 
 been one of the cheap sixty "cash" images that gave her 
 refuge. 
 
 Some people are insensible to the indulgent favors of 
 Fortune. 
 
 But, then, Joyce might be excused on the plea that she 
 was so deeply interested in what her lover meant to do, 
 that she had little time or inclination to think of her own 
 personal affairs. 
 
The Battle of the Graven Images. 231 
 
 At another time, perhaps, she might have been overcome 
 by a conviction of the h6nor which her royal residence 
 must bring in its train. 
 
 Kinkaid was in a hurry. 
 
 Not that he felt particularly anxious to meet the 'des- 
 perate onslaught of the furious Boxers, for he knew full 
 well what that involved.; but the crisis was near at hand, 
 and nothing could keep it back. It was his duty to be 
 on deck and interpose his body between the yelling fiends 
 of Tophet, eager in their lust for Hew victims, and that 
 gentle girl who belonged to him. 
 
 So he hurried over to the vicinity of the door. 
 
 Mentally, he was figuring just 'about how long it should 
 take the gallant sons of Japan to rush the crowd that 
 gathered to menace them after they had broken through 
 the Tartar walls, and clear the streets thus far in their 
 march toward the legations. 
 
 When he hastened to inform Jinks with regard to the 
 cheerful spectacle he had witnessed, that individual, who 
 had also found a stray god with a hollow interior capable 
 of accommodating the little convert, whom he lodged 
 there, showed his white teeth in appreciation. 
 
 He had faith to believe all might yet come out well, and 
 that they would owe their liberation to his fellow country- 
 men. 
 
 Little Kinkaid cared to whom credit was due, so long as 
 the glorious result might be attained. ■ 
 
 He was entirely vtnprejudiced in the matter. 
 
 From the astonishing confusion just beyond the door, 
 it was evident that the Boxers had come to time. 
 
 Having arrived in front of the house where the priest 
 of the joss declared some of their enemies had taken 
 refuge, the crowd took occasion to express new surprise 
 and wrath because, forsooth, of all places in Peking, these 
 impudent foreign dogs should again select holy ground for 
 a hiding place. 
 
 No wonder they howled madly. 
 
 Although graven images may not represent a full de- 
 gree of omnipotent power in the eyes of a wretched idola- 
 ter until such time as they have been properly sanctified 
 and placed in a sacred edifice, still, it is an act of sacrilege 
 
233 The Battle of the Graven Images. 
 
 on the part of an infidel to come into rude contact with 
 these various deities even in the shop of a merchant who 
 deals in household gods. 
 
 Hence those shrieks, those imprecations in Chinese, that 
 wild desire to tear the insulting dogs to pieces. ^ 
 
 Eager hands tried the door. 
 
 Of course, it failed to open. 
 
 Then some force was used, with no better result, for 
 Jinks had builded wisely, albeit his time was so short, and 
 there had been but a weird assortment of cheerful mon- 
 strosities out of which to fashion his rampart. 
 
 By this time those at the door had made positive their 
 intended victims were inmates of the shop, and when they 
 communicated this pleasing intelligence to the balance of 
 the crowd, it created a sensation. 
 
 Perhaps, now that the allies had broken through the 
 vvalls — for the British and Americans had gained entrance 
 on their side same time before, and were already at the 
 legation, though, of course, our friends did not know it-»- 
 perhaps this might be the very last opportunity the Boxers 
 would have to accomplish their bloody business ere Neme- 
 sis overtook them. 
 
 Accordingly, they went to work with a will to make a 
 clean sweep, ere melting away before the rush of the allied 
 troops, 
 
 Kinkaid was a thoughtful man. 
 
 He saw that his friend had made a good use of that 
 portion of the merchant's stock upon which he could lay 
 hands, and this gave him a happy idea that possibly a few 
 of those same stone images, of a size to conveniently hurl 
 with all the power at his command, might prove valuable 
 weapons when he could no longer rely upon the charges 
 in his revolver. 
 
 Already the Boxers were batiging madly upon the door 
 with some weighty objects that promised to serve as bat- 
 tering rams. Before such drastic treatment the frail bar- 
 rier must speedily give way, for such a thing as thieves 
 breaking in to steal any of his stock in trade had, ap- 
 parently, never occurred to the merchant, so that in the 
 construction of his door he had used material that was 
 rather of the bamboo order. 
 
The Battle of the Graven Images. 233 
 
 Those fellows outside were surely bent on mischief. 
 
 They beat the devil's own tattoo upon the barrier that 
 kept them from gaining entrance, and with each repeated 
 blow the resistance became less. 
 
 Finally, as many bands as eould seize upon the splint- 
 ered door, took hold and gave a grand puU all together. 
 
 The result was astonishing in more ways than one. 
 
 It seemed that the object of their tender solicitude had 
 less of a hold than they figured on, or else their united 
 strength was greater than anticipated. It is a good thing 
 to have a "pull," but there may be occasions when it 
 seems to react upon the head of the artist himself. 
 
 This was a case in kind. 
 
 Lack of resistance caused the whole savage group to 
 tumble in a confused heap, with remnants of the shattered 
 door in their several possession. 
 
 At the same time, to the horror and dismay of the 
 crowd, the hideous faces of the merchant's delectable 
 stock in trade were disclosed in the gaping fissure. 
 
 It was as though the collection of gods had pushed to 
 the opening in order to discover what all this racket 
 meant. 
 
 Of course, these people grow accustomed to the strange 
 features of their brazen images. What to an outsider 
 may be' an expression bordering on that of hideous idiocy 
 is doubtless, in the eyes of the faithful, a benignant, fath- 
 erly look. It all -depends on the way one has been 
 brought up. 
 
 Nevertheless, it must be rather confusing to_ discover a 
 group af these same objects of reverence apparently clus- 
 ered in wrath about the opening through which an 
 entrance is intended to be made into the shop where lurk 
 foreign dogs whose blood must be spilled. 
 
 This feeling quickly gave way to the spirit of riot and 
 murder, and a scramble began, to see who might be first 
 to push a way over the barricade. 
 
CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 THE CONCLUSION OF THE WHOLE MATTER. 
 
 Kinkaid opened the ball. 
 
 He discovered one earnest chap who, by virtue of su- 
 perior agility, gave promise of being the Moses who would 
 lead his fellows through the desert — at least, like that im- 
 mortal of old, he got as far as the border of the Promised 
 Land, and then stopped short. 
 
 Apparently, it only required a bit of lead about the size 
 of a pea to change the sentiments in a six-foot biped, if so 
 be it is properly delivered; and Kinkaid paid particular 
 attention to this part of the business, for lead was having 
 a bullish tendency on the stock market just then, on ac- 
 count of the exceedingly limited supply in sight. 
 
 Well, he potted that Boxer in first-class style, and this 
 left a gap , for another of the same ilk to fill, which he 
 speedily did. 
 
 Truth to tell, these fellows were in somewhat of a hurry, 
 for they could hear the sounds of battle not far away, and 
 knew the ferocious little Japs, as well as others of the al- 
 lies, had come to town, and were bent on making a clean 
 sweep of any and all resistance. 
 
 There was plenty of work for the two valiant defenders. 
 
 Indeed, after Kinkaid's revolver ' barked for the first 
 time, there was not a second that both of them were not 
 engaged. 
 
 The doorway itself might be readily defended — indeed, 
 a rattling volley of the lesser gods, delivered by the New 
 Yorker with a precision and force that would have won 
 him renown upon the baseball field, served to keep the 
 Boxer element from clambering over Jinks' barricade. 
 
 This, however, was not the sum total of their woes. 
 
 There chanced to be e-nother door. 
 
 It led to the main part of the house, perhaps to the 
 workshops, where many of these beautiful images were 
 molded and chipped out and cast, according to whether 
 
The Conclusion of the Whole Matter. 235 
 
 the material composing their fundamental principles con- 
 sisted of clay or stone or metal. 
 
 At any rate, a segment of the crowd had drifted around 
 to the rear and gained admittance to the merchant's 
 building. 
 
 When these worthies appeared in the second opening, 
 Kinkaid jumped to the conclusion that, after all, he and 
 his friend had not made as good use of the assembled 
 deities as the occasion might have warranted. There were 
 several that would have very comfortably filled this gap, 
 and stood between themselves and the danger of foreign 
 invasion with which they were now threatened. 
 
 Thus beset on both sides, Kinkaid was certainly in a 
 good position to realize what the "yellow peril" signified. 
 
 He applied himself industriously to the task of dis- 
 seminating literature in the shape of heathen gods, among 
 the masses, with a prodigality that must always shed a 
 luster on his name. 
 
 If the supply held out, Kinkaid had hopes of exhausting 
 the ambition of his assailants, for few cared to make a 
 second attempt, once they had come in violent collision 
 with a flying image that was no respecter of persons, but 
 battered noses and eyes into a hideous caricature. 
 
 So the man whose good baseball arm delivered these 
 hot shot straight from the shoulder, took his time, wish- 
 ing to make the limited amount of ammunition go as far 
 as possible, and each shot down the alley be a "ten strike." 
 
 He knew a pair of wondering eyes observed every 
 movement he made, for although the light in the room 
 was but a dim taper, crude in its construction, it gave 
 them all the opportunity they needed to see what was on 
 the carpet — yes, Joyce could not crouch within her joss 
 lodgings, knowing that he was in deadly danger, so that 
 she peeped around the old fellow's crossed knees, and her 
 face was as white as chalk, while fear glowed in her eyes. 
 
 Kinkaid was holding the bullets he still possessed in 
 reserve, and the poor girl could guess what the last two 
 were intended for. She had asked him just as she had 
 •begged Sir George, not to let her fall alive into the 
 frenzied hands of these fiends incarnate. 
 
 The merry war went on. 
 
236 The Conclusion of the Whole Matter. 
 
 If anything, Kinkaid's proficiency advanced with prac- 
 tice, and he rarel}- had to waste two missiles upon the same 
 head. 
 
 He would no doubt have been sopnewhat astonished, as 
 well as proud of his labors, could he have seen the whole 
 prize collection of his battered victims in a line. Some 
 of them did not get up after falling, and by degrees the 
 second doorway was becoming almost as encumbered as 
 the outer one, only in this case it was with animate bodies, 
 not vessels made of stone or sounding brass. 
 
 Had those desperate fellows outside only held off for 
 a respite or breathing spell, and thus allowed our indus- 
 trious friend the opportunity he craved to gather up 
 many of his spent missiles, for second use, he would have 
 been deeply gratified. 
 
 But they were not so obliging. 
 
 In fact, they were by this time so bent upon getting in 
 close touch with the parties who persisted in defying 
 them, and firing such weird ammunition at their de- 
 voted heads, that they seemed crazed and perfectly reck- 
 less of consequences, crawling over the bodies of stricken 
 comrades, attempting to dodge the battery, and thus con- 
 stantly presenting a mark for the amiable athlete who 
 renewed the successes of liis college days upon the dia- 
 mond, in this wonderfully realistic way. 
 
 All of which goes to prove that athletics are as im- 
 portant in the college curriculum as the study of mathe- 
 matics or science. Perhaps this is not the first occasion 
 that a man who stood higher in the role of sport than in 
 his studies has had occasion to bless the love of outdoor 
 exercise that at the time appeared to make such inroads on 
 his preparations for graduation. 
 
 It was really too bad that merchant did not stock up 
 more heavily with those small, everyday, cheap sixty 
 "cash" idols, for they were having a tremendous run, 
 and proved very convincing arguments. The manner 
 of their delivery was original, perhaps, but it has long 
 been recognized that a certain type of people will never 
 get religion until it is pounded into their heads. Kin- 
 kaid's method was better than pulpit orator}- — his converts 
 averaged one every three seconds, and given time, with an 
 
The Conclusion of the Whole Matter. 237 
 
 abundance of theological oracles with which to continue 
 the good work, he actually felt able to revolutionize the 
 whole of pagan Peking. 
 
 Alas ! he held in his hands the very last two of the 
 collection. Perhaps they had no more claims on distinc- 
 tion than those that had gone before, save the fact that 
 they entirely exhausted the stock, and brought the ener- 
 getic disciple of the new method of dispensing religion 
 face to face with another crisis. 
 
 He called out to Jinks and bade him buttress the outer 
 door as long as a breath remained in his body, to which 
 the dauntless Jap, wl^ajgqd been using a select image 
 in lieu of a cudgel, ^l^^mat'he was equal to the task. 
 
 Then Kinkaid let fly with the last of the bargain-coun- 
 ter idols, and as usual felt that he was justified in having 
 'any umpire call it a fair ball, since he rolled another 
 Boxer in a heap. 
 
 A change in tactics must now take place. 
 
 How far could the Japs have advanced by this time? 
 
 Would they arrive before the defenders of the shop had 
 been slashed into ghastly ribbons by the knives and great 
 swords of the Boxers ? 
 
 He prayed so in his heart, remembering that sweet girl 
 who crouched near by, and whom he sought to save, 
 though he dared not even glance that way for fear lest 
 the sight of her terror unman him. 
 
 Really, what happened after that could only be in the 
 light of a confused memory to Kinkaid. 
 
 He saw the yellow-faced rascals climbing over the 
 bodies of those who lay in the doorway, and having imi- 
 tated Jinks' example, set to work as though the image 
 he wielded were a common, everyday flail and he were 
 beating out wheat or rye upon the barn threshing floor! 
 instead of pounding human heads. 
 
 They rushed him at times when his weapon was in the 
 act of being recovered after a sweep, and in this way 
 managed to break in upon his guard. 
 
 That seemed to be the beginning of the end. 
 
 Kinkaid snatched up one of their clumsy swords that 
 had fallen near his' feet when the fellow who tried to lop 
 
238 The Conclusion of the Whole Matter. 
 
 pflf his arm ran up against the pile driver the New Yorker 
 had been working so assiduously. 
 
 With this in one hand and his revolver in the other he 
 stood at bay between the saffron-hued devils and the girl. 
 
 Again and again he slashed and stabbed and struck 
 out, until he had performed prodigies of valor. 
 
 They pressed him hard, thirsting for the blood of this 
 brave man who could not be daunted by anything on 
 earth. 
 
 Guns crashed. Kinkaid knew he had been touched in 
 various places, just how seriously he had no means of 
 finding out, but so long as his strength did not falter he 
 would not believe his hurts fatal. 
 
 There came a moment when it looked as though it were 
 all up, for some crafty son of Belial turned the tables by 
 heaving one of the cheap cash idols at the American. 
 Lack of proper practice only allowed him to strike the 
 object of his regard upon the arm, but to Kinkaid's con- 
 sternation the blow knocked the revolver from his grasp 
 and sent it flying. 
 
 Just then he became hotly engaged, so that it was out of 
 the question to even think of recovering the lost weapon. 
 
 And while endeavoring to cut down one dusky pirate 
 who had designs on his cranium with a sword he was 
 flourishing, Kinkaid saw another like buccaneer bearing 
 down up him with a huge rock in his hands. 
 
 He was in no position to defend himself, and could only 
 anticipate making some sort of frantic leap at the right 
 instant, hoping to escape punishment. 
 
 Just then he heard a scream, and then from close be- 
 hind him, over his shoulder in fact, shot a stream of fire, 
 accompanied by the stunning report of a revolver. 
 
 It was a question always in Kinkaid's mind whether the 
 stone or the fellow who had carried it landed on the 
 earthen, blood-soaked floor first. 
 
 Joyce had fired that shot. 
 
 It gave him new nerve to realize it, and he speedily 
 spitted his antagonist on the point of his Boxer sword. 
 
 Truly, that good blade should be hung upon the wall 
 of his home in company with the wonderful Empress' 
 
The Conclusion of the Whole Matter. 239 
 
 gown Joyce admired so much, as valued relics of the 
 night they two spent as fugitives in Peking. 
 
 Other Boxers there were, and plainly of a number that 
 must have eventually proven the undoing of our friends. 
 
 Just in the nick of time — of course the reader has an- 
 ticipated this, as how else could Kinkaid and his wife 
 have a home in which to glorify these objects of their 
 fetish worship — help came. 
 
 The men were all but snowed under, and their weary 
 arms could strike but with a modicum of their former 
 vigor, when a rattle of firearms without electrified them, 
 though the hearty Anglo-Saxon cheers that followed did 
 even more to put new life and hope in their exhausted 
 frames. 
 
 Of course the Boxers got out in a hurry, all who were 
 able. 
 
 Kinkaid, bleeding from a dozen wounds, had thought 
 only of the girl whom he had defended almost with his 
 life. 
 
 He turned to her, but she was already at his side, her 
 arms around him, steadying him, while she wildly begged 
 him to say he was not dying. 
 
 Kinkaid knew all was well, that his wounds were not 
 serious, and he was in the act of reassuring his sweet- 
 heart when who should come tumbling over the sacred 
 barricade \fbt Sir George, accompanied by an officer in 
 the uniform of the United States Army — Sir George, 
 who seized upon Kinkaid like a brother, and shouted and 
 cheered until he was hoarse, so great an admiration did 
 he feel for this hero of Peking who had held his own 
 against the Boxer horde. 
 
 Outside were boys in blue fraternizing with the active 
 Japs, and chasing into dwellings from which some of the 
 dispersed Chinese "sniped," always getting their man. 
 
 It was about all over but the shouting. 
 
 Kinkaid bemoaned the fact that his gentle nurse would 
 not allow him to join in the attack on the Forbidden City 
 later on, but when he could get around he and Jinks went 
 across the marble bridge to the royal palace, and found a 
 little personal loot where it had been hidden. Kinkaid 
 got his coveted gown for his little woman, and the keen 
 
240 The Conclusion of the Whole Matter. 
 
 9'ap a handful of jewels which he had secreted on that 
 terrible night, enough to make him independent for some 
 time, and enable him to support a wife in Tokio. 
 
 Thither our friends made haste to go, since they had 
 too many enemies in the Mongol capital ; and in that Japa- 
 nese metropolis Joyce was given into the keeping of Kin- 
 kaid for all time, given by that relative whose supposed 
 yillainy had once threatened to be an eternal barrier be- 
 tween those who loved. 
 
 THE END. 
 
JACK SERIES No. 8 NEW STORY 
 
 |C!l^i.!l,i|:'ll'lil[illllllllll|i||lllliUllllllllllllir[|!IIJill1il|ii[illlllilllltllll!lil||l|ll|ll|li|ll|ll|i||iliaiBli,Bil!itlllBllllllll!lllll^ 
 
 |iliii':i .'"!! :i'm i i !. iiiiiariiiiiiiiiaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiriiriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiriJiiiiiiiiliiiiililliliiiiiiiiiiiiriiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ 
 
 Never before published in any form 
 
 KINKAID, FROM PEKING 
 
 A MOVEL 
 
 BY 
 
 ST. GEORGE RATHBORNE 
 
 Author at " Doctor Jactt " 
 
 NEIV YORK 
 STREET <a SMITH, Publishers 
 
 238 William Street 
 
 jimiU'iiiiiUM i»]i'i'i'ii''ii; •I'Mv i"iiii'iii'i in i iiiiiiiii'iiHiiii'iiJiiiiiiiiiii'i'iiiiiiiiiiiBiiiiiiiaiwiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiimt