Page:The Strand Magazine (Volume 3).djvu/204

V.

Telegram of The New York Herald.

The Times report of the sinking of the Britannia as usual exaggerated. Passengers mostly saved.

"Clung to mast."

VI.

To Parker, Banker, Baltimore.

From George Duff, Funchal.

Wonderful escape. Just landed here. Britannia sunk through collision. Clung to mast, and drifted whole night on the sea. Following morning sailing-ship to Cape Town picked me up. Landed me at Madeira. Shall come first opportunity to Baltimore.

VII.

To George Duff, Funchal.

From Blackburn, Manager of Bankruptcy Court, Baltimore.

Parker, Banker, no longer exists. Partner forged and absconded. Other houses with capital shaky. Parker committed suicide. Letter from daughter awaits you here.

VIII.

To Blackburn, Baltimore.

From George Duff, Funchal.

Where is Alice Parker?

(Answer paid.)

IX.

To George Duff, Funchal.

From Blackburn, Baltimore.

Vanished!

X.

To Mrs. Duff, London.

From George, Baltimore.

Just arrived. No trace of Alice. Says in letter too proud to bind me under circumstances. Don't return till I find her.

XI.

To George Duff, Baltimore.

From Johnson, Captain of the Sultan, Liverpool.

Earnestly implored to return. On your evidence in re Britannia depend my honour and existence.

"Very miserable."

XII.

To Mrs. Duff, London.

From George, Baltimore.

Duty recalls me. Can find Alice nowhere. Go to-day to New York. Next day to England, per passenger steamer Victoria. Am very miserable.

"Very miserable."

XIII.

To George Duff, New York.

From Blackburn, Baltimore.

Miss Parker supposed to be in New York.