& Fry._]

And the inhabitants of "Babies' Castle" congregate on the steps of their
home. We are saying "Good-bye." "Jim Crow" is held up to the window
inside, and little Ernest, the blind boy, waves his hands with the
others and shouts in concert. I drive away. But one can hear their
voices just as sweet to-night as on one day last summer!

HARRY HOW.

_Beauties:--Children._

[Illustration: MISS CROSS. _From a Photo. by A. Bassano._

MISS WATERLOW. _From a Photo by A. Bassano._

MISS IRIS MARGUERITE FOSTER. _From it Photo. by J. S. Catford,
Ilfracombe._]

[Illustration: MISS WHITE.

MISS WINSTEAD.

MISS SERJEANT.

_From Photographs by Alex. Basanno._]

[Illustration: MISS DUNLOP. _From a Photo. by A. Bassano._]

[Illustration: MISS BEAUMONT. _From a Photo. by Pentney._]

[Illustration: THE MISSES WHITE. _From a Photo. by A. Bassano._]

_Shafts from an Eastern Quiver._

VIII.--THE MASKED RULER OF THE BLACK WRECKERS

BY CHARLES J. MANSFORD, B.A.

I.

"Hassan," called Denviers to our guide in an imperative tone, as the
latter was looking longingly at the wide expanse of sea over which our
boat was helplessly drifting, "lie down yonder immediately!" The Arab
rose slowly and reluctantly, and then extended himself at the bottom of
the boat out of sight of the tempting waters.

"How much longer are these torments to last, Frank?" I asked wearily, as
I looked into the gaunt, haggard face of my companion as we sat in the
prow of our frail craft and gazed anxiously but almost hopelessly onward
to see if land might even yet loom up in the distance.

"Can't say, Harold," he responded; "but I think we can hold out for two
more days, and surely by that time we shall either reach some island or
else be rescued by a passing vessel." Two more days--forty-eight more
hours of this burning heat and thirst! I glanced most uneasily at our
guide as he lay impassively in the boat, then I continued:--

"Do you think that Hassan will be able to resist the temptation of these
maddening waters round us for so long as that?" There was a serious look
which crossed Denviers' face as he quietly replied:--

"I hope so, Harold; we are doing our best for him. The Arab gets a
double share now of our pitifully slender stock, although, happily, he
doesn't know it; if he did he would certainly refuse to take his dole of
rice and scanty draught of water, and then I'm afraid that it would be
all over with him. He b