The Eastern Question was ablaze. Mr. Gladstone had published his "bag
and baggage" pamphlet, and made his Blackheath speech in September
1876. Both are memorable for the strong feelings they generated for
and against the object of his attack. Benjamin Disraeli had become the
Earl of Beaconsfield, and had made his bellicose and Judaical speech
at the Lord Mayor's Banquet. The fleet had been ordered to Besika Bay,
and the metropolitan Press was busy backing Turkish saintliness for
all it was worth. The Black Sea ports were crowded with steamers, and
a great rush was made to get them loaded before hostilities broke out.
In a few days there were but two vessels left in ---- Harbour. The
last cart-loads of grain in bags were being shipped. The vessel was
held by a slip-rope at bow and stern, and as soon as she was loaded
they let go, and the pilot took her to the outer harbour and anchored.
The captain went to the town to clear his ship and sign bills of
lading, and great exertions were made by his agents and himself to
have this smartly done so that he could sail before darkness set in.
After his business was done, he came to the landing and was about to
get into his boat when a gentleman stepped up to him, and in an
undertone said--
"Come to my office; I have something important to communicate to you.
Don't, for God's sake, open your lips here. The very stones feel as if
they were spying at me."