Yet it all seems like a fairy tale to me, for I've never been in any other country than the United States since I made my first voyage here from Sangoa--the island where my eyes first opened to the world." "It isn't a fairy tale," said Beth with a shudder.

"It's more like a horrible nightmare." "I can't bear to read about it any more," he returned, musingly.

"In fact, I've only been able to catch rumors of the progress of the war in the various ports at which I've touched, and I came right here from my ship.

But I've no sympathy with either side.

The whole thing annoys me, somehow--the utter uselessness and folly of it all." "Maubeuge has fallen," said Beth, and went on to give him the latest tidings.