The Argosy — page 181: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

166 The Mysteries of Heron Dyke. the plantation beyond, and reached the sand-hills, where they sat down for a few moments. Before them lay the sea, touched in mid- distance with faint broken bars of silvery light: for by this time the moon had risen, and all the vast spaces of the sky were growing brighter with her presence. ‘* How this scene will dwell in my memory when I am far away !” exclaimed Conroy at length. ‘‘ Are you going far away?” asked Ella, in a low voice. ‘“‘T received a letter from head-quarters this morning, bidding me hold myself in readiness to start for Africa at a few hours’ notice.” ‘For Africa! That is indeed a long way off. Why should you be required to go to Africa ?” “The King of Ashantee is growing troublesome. We are likely before long to get from words to blows. War may be declared at any moment.” ‘‘ And the moment war is wetita you must be ready to start?” ‘“Even so. Wherever I am sent, there I must go.’ ‘‘VYours is a dangerous vocation, Mr. Conroy. You run many risks.” ‘‘ A few—not many. As for danger, there is just enough of it to make the life a fascinating one.” ‘Ves; 1f I were a man I don’t think I could settle down into a quiet country gentleman. I should crave for a wider horizon, for a more adventurous life, for change, for rf She ended abruptly. Once again her enthusiasm was running away with her. ‘There was a moment’s silence, and then she went on, laughing. ‘‘ But I am content to be as I am, and to leave such wild rovings to you gentlemen! And now we must go back to my uncle, or he will wonder what has become of us.” Little was said during the walk back. Despite herself, Ella’s heart sank at the thought of Conroy’s going so far away. She asked, mentally and impatiently, what it could matter to her where he went. Had she not said twenty times that to-morrow all this would seem like a dream, and that in all likelihood she and Conroy would never meet again? What matter, then, so long as they did not see each other, whether they were separated by five miles or five thousand ? ‘‘ Body o’ me! I thought you were lost,” exclaimed the Squire, as they re-entered the room. ‘‘ Been for a ramble, eh? seen the sea! Fine evening for it. And when do you come down into this part of the country again, Mr. Sketcher ? ” ‘That is more than I can say, sir. My movements are most erratic and uncertain.” ‘Mr. Conroy thinks it not unlikely he may be sent to Africa —to Ashantee,” said Ella, a little ring of pathos in her voice. ‘* Ah—-ah—nothing like plenty of change when you are young. Bad climate though, Ashantee, isn’t it. You'll have to be careful ECORNICLOOKS (Eo) im °