What says the Viceroy of Hupeh: 'They see a charge of bird-shot, and think they are tasting broiled owl.'-- Walk slowly!" "A safe walk, Your Excellency." The cymbals struck up, the cavalcade, headed by ragamuffin lictors with whips, went swaying past the gate.

Heywood, when he returned, was grinning.
"Wonderful old chap!" he exclaimed.

"Hates this station, I fancy, much as we hate it." "Anything to concern us ?" asked Gilly.
"Intimated he could beat me at chess," laughed the young man, "and will bet me a jar of peach wine to a box of Manila cigars!" Chantel, from a derisive dumb-show near the window, had turned to waddle solemnly down the room.

At sight of Heywood's face he stopped guiltily.
"Chantel!" All the laughter was gone from the voice and the hard gray eyes.

"Yesterday we humored you tin-soldier fashion, but to-day let's put away childish things .-- I like that magistrate, plainly, a damned deal better than I like you.