taint.' They passed on, but I could not rest. I rose and
followed blue-eyes about the ship like a loving dog, at a respectful
distance. I tried to find out her name, but failed--her address, but
failed again. Then they left, and she vanished from my sight--for
ever.

"But enough of this. Adieu, my dear Jeffry, till we meet.--Yours
affectionately, U.B.

"P.S.--I mentioned you to the captain as a friend of mine, and an
enthusiastic torpedoist. Be sure you call on him if you should ever
find yourself in the neighbourhood of the mighty _Thunderer_."

CHAPTER NINETEEN.

DESCRIBES A STIRRING FIGHT.

It was late when I folded this letter, about the surprising effects of
which I have yet to speak.

Having been very much overwrought in the hospitals that day, I flung
myself on my bed and fell into a sound sleep, having previously
cautioned my assistant, who occupied a couch opposite mine, not to
disturb me except in a case of necessity.

It could not have been long afterwards when I was awakened by him
violently, and told that a telegram had just arrived summoning me home!
I sprang up and read it anxiously. There was no explanation. The
telegram was simple but urgent. My mother, my sister, Nicholas,
illness, death, disaster of some sort, filled my mind as I huddled on my
clothes and made hurried preparations to obey the summons. Of course no
inquiries could be made. The telegram was peremptory. I crushed a few
things into a portmanteau, and, obtaining permission, left the hospital
without a moment's delay.

The distance to the coast was considerable, but I had ample means, and
found no difficulties in the way. It is always so in this life--at
least in regard to ordinary things--when one possesses unlimited means.

Now I must pause at this point, and beg the reader to bear with me while
I relate a few things that may appear at first sight overdrawn. Let
judgment be suspended until all has been told.

There was no difficulty whatever, I repeat, in reaching Varna. From
thence to Constantinople was merely a matter of a few hours' in an
ordinary steamer. My personal acquaintance with several European
ambassadors enabled me to pass the lines and travel in the enemy's
country without obstruction or delay. My position as occasional
war-correspondent of the _Scottish Bawbee_ would have procured me
interviews with many celebrities, but anxiety prevented my taking
advantage of this.

In