The Thin Red Line; and Blue Blood

ing of every kind-coal-hulks, black and grimy; H.M.S. Samarang, receiving-ship, and home of the captain of the port; British vessels, steamers and sailing-

with a red sash round his waist, and a velvet cap, round as a cartwheel, on his head, with a boatful of vegetables and early fruit. There was a grave and sedate Moor, in green turban and white flowing robes, with an assortment of gold-braided slippers and large brass trays. Next a Maltese milk-

the owner and his guests. Lord Lydstone, cigar in mouth, lounged lazily upon a heap of rugs and cu

than lost; her manner was more commanding, her look more haughty. Her fine eyes flashed insolently, or were ve

of Gibraltar," she was saying. "Wh

ess, when you get on sh

o see?" she asked. "Is it w

eral sent some hours ago to say he proposed to pay his

tyled-the title Countess was only used by intimate friends-in a

t now?" inquired Lord Lyds

e part of the deck beyond the awning. "Trying to ge

you know. He wants to harden his cranium,

to action. If he does, I s

for

granted," she replied,

t devoted affection! It's luc

for the pro

relatives?" asked Lydst

hem deserve

ess; and I should so va

ot try to make love to me; it would be wrong

me a single kin

you astray, poor innocent lamb! A fine thing! What would y

other than with the coldest contempt. Lord Lydstone knew this, and knew too that his mother was right; yet he could

sgracefully to me-that you

th peculiar straitlaced notions of her own.

ing me, flouting me, insulting me! Am I not your near re

es that all four will long interpose between him and the

rm, of course; still it

at present in E

future Earl o

ely on that. But, I say, here is a smart gig coming off from the shore. I b

Wilders

st clothes, general; they are

n only, you will wear a hat

dear; we ought not to keep the gig," said th

hall go on shore at a

"Throw the general over,

ders, as she moved towards the companion-ladder.

er across the deck. When he was quite close to her si

think you care for me; sometimes that y

y much displeased. "I have given you no right to speak to me in

and smiling to everyone but Lord Lydstone. She was especially gracious to young Mr. Wilde

only orthodox articles of apparel were his twisted general's scimitar and a forage-cap with a broad gold band. His coat and waistcoat were of white clo

intended to annoy Lydstone. "The future head of the house is k

oint with him that he had not been permitted-in defer

said his young brother, greatly disappoi

write. I hope you will enjoy yourself, Countess,"

w we have left you behind,"

etter friends?" said General Wilde

d Mrs. Wilders, rather petulantly. "Did you ever quarrel with

t I wanted to: we three brothers

I have long been convinced of that," said Mrs.

dow of the frowning batteries of the Devil's Tongue. High above them rose the sheer straight wall of the rock,

rs of all nations, soldiers of the garrison, Spanish peasants from the neig

s like a scene in a play!" cried M

y approached there was a cry of "Guard, turn out!" and the Waterport Guard, under its officer, fell in with open ranks to give the general a salute

orderl

y considerate of Sir Thomas," he went on. "One of the Royal Picts,

th his own hands he altered the hang of the knapsacks and the position of the belts; he measured in the re

ouches. I don't approve of that. And yo

to his mind, summed up the whole duty of a general officer,

all day! How can you wast

regiment is to form part of my brigade"-McKay pricked up his ear

sn't amuse me," and the general discreetly abandone

" and went back to the guard-room. Only Sergeant Hyde remained

he saw me. Not that she would have recognised me; I am not what I was. No one here has made me out, although a dozen years ago I was well known all over the Rock. Besides, how could she