Chapter 38
Sunday, May 17
Rupert was awakened by a telephone call from Swiss banker Jonathan
Slakinoff (who hasn't been heard from since the group arrived in
Shanghai nearly two weeks ago). Slakinoff explained that he
dropped out of sight in order to spend time examining the arcane books
taken from the "archeologists" the group fought beneath the Great
Sphinx. From his study of the Sussex Manuscript (and at
some cost to his sanity), Slakinoff has learned a spell that heals
wounds. Rupert explained that the group is planning on leaving
China in the next few days and invites him to the group's planning
meeting after lunch at the Astor House. He did not inform
Slakinoff about Jack Brady, since the telephone call might be monitored.
At the planning meeting, the group re-affirmed their decision to split
up. Oswald will stay in Shanghai until Sydney has fully recovered
from her wounds, then the two will return to Cairo to keep an eye on
Omar Shakti and the Brotherhood of the Dark Pharaoh. Brother Paul
will remain in Shanghai but keep a low profile. Rupert, Nell,
Lya, Alisa, Slakinoff, and Mr. Mutsu will travel to Australia.
Because of Australia's stringent anti-Asian immigration laws, Mr. Mutsu
will travel as Rupert's valet and bodyguard. Nell expressed her
desire to return to Shanghai after Australia and hire a yacht to follow
the Dark Mistress. But
for now, things are too dangerous to remain in Shanghai - especially
after learning so much from Jack Brady.
After some discussion about routes out of Shanghai (rail to Tientsin,
rail to Tsingtau, steamship to Yokohama, steamship to Hong Kong) the
group decided to travel via Hong Kong. Slakinoff sent a telegram
to his law firm in Geneva informing them that he is continuing his
vacation. Through the concierge, he booked four tickets under his
name for passage to Hong Kong on the steamship Sarawak of the China
Navigation Company (himself, Rupert, Mr.Mutsu, and
Alisa). He then checked out of the Palace Hotel and moves into
the Astor House Hotel. Nell booked separate accommodations on the
same steamship for herself and Lya. The ship is scheduled to
depart from Shanghai on Thursday.
Brother Paul took Lya to the Catholic school where she could meditate
and rest, in preparation for the trip.
Monday, May 18
The group (except for Lya and Brother Paul) remained at the Astor House
hotel. The newspapers described further labor agitation and
demonstrations. Mr. Mutsu closed his business and explained to
his employees that he would be away for several months on a purchasing
trip.
Tuesday,
May 19
The group (except for Lya and Brother Paul) remained at the Astor House
hotel. The newspapers described continued fighting in northern
China between rival warlords.
Wednesday,
May 20
The group (except for Lya and Brother Paul) remained at the Astor House
hotel. The newspapers described further labor agitation and
demonstrations. The "Arrivals and Departures" section
mentioned that Mr. Jonathan Slackinoff (of Geneva) and Mrs. George
Parker (of Cincinnati) will be leaving Shanghai on Thursday.
Thursday, May 21
A general strike was called! Most businesses are closed,
as well as the docks, streetcars, and ferries. Telephone service
is intermittent. The power plants are still operating but at
reduced levels. Steamship travel in or out of Shanghai is
cancelled until further notice. The only way to leave Shanghai is
by foot, automobile, train, or private boat.
Rupert visited the Cricket Club in hopes of finding a private yacht for
hire but nothing was available. Nell contacted the the American
consulate and learned that a contingent of American nationals will be
escorted to the northern rail station (outside the International
Settlement and under the control of a local warlord) and put on a train
to Peking. Unfortunately the guards cannot accompany the group on
the train.
Slakinoff contacted the French consulate and learned that a group of
French nationals will be escorted to the northern station tonight and
put on a train to Ningpo (up river) from which boats are still
departing. As a dual Swiss-French citizen, Slakinoff and his
friends can travel with the group.
The group discussed their options. Travel by foot would be
insane, given the turbulent state of affairs in China. Travel by
automobile would put the group at risk of being stopped at one of the
numerous checkpoints maintained by various warlords and crime
bosses. Nell recalled an incident several years ago in
which the Peking to Shanghai express was stopped by bandits and the
passengers held for ransom. Travel to Ningpo seemed the best
option, so Slakinoff called the French consulate and reserved 6 berths
on the train. Rupert retrieved Lya from the Catholic school.
That evening, Slakinoff, Rupert, Mr. Mutsu, Lya, Nell, and Alisa took
two taxis to the French consulate. A convoy (guarded by police
from the French Settlement) then traveled to the northern railway
station without incident. Accompanied by a French consular
officer, the group travelled by train 3 hours northwest to Ningpo,
where they were lodged overnight in rooms reserved by the French
consulate. Most of the other travellers were dependents or
technical experts due to travel home.
Friday,
May 22
Late that morning the group boarded a steamship for Hong Kong.
That evening the group reached the mouth of the Yangtze river and
observed many ships standing idle off Shanghai.
Saturday,
May 23
In transit to Hong Kong.
Sunday,
May 24
The group arrived in Hong Kong in the early afternoon. Lya kissed
the ground. After checking into the P&O Hotel, the group
rested.
Monday,
May 25
Nell investigated steamship departures for Panama, Calcutta, Singapore,
Manila, Yokohama, Perth, and Sydney, collecting as many schedules as
possible ( to confuse anyone trying to track them). After
discussion with the others, Rupert then booked passage for the group to
Sydney aboard the Euripides
of the Australian
Commonwealth Line. Alisa, and Lya went sightseeing.
Tuesday,
May 26
The group departed Hong Kong aboard the Euripides. Slakinoff
continued studying the Sussex Manuscript. Mr. Mutsu assumed the
role of Rupert's valet. Slakinoff and Rupert share one cabin, Lya
is by herself, and Alisa and Nell share a cabin.
Wednesday,
May 27
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Rupert began drafting his new book, "Memoirs of Gallipoli" (which reads
very much like all his previous books).
Thursday,
May 28
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Arrival at Manila. The group went ashore for a tour
of the picturesque Intramuros (the old walled city).
Friday,
May 29
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Slakinoff attempted to use his psycho-analysis skill on Lya but failed.
Saturday, May 30
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Arrival at Sandakan
(Borneo). Lya prevented from going ashore in search of
headhunters.
Sunday,
May 31
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Monday, June 1
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Tuesday, June 2
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Wednesday,
June 3
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Arrival at Thursday
Island, in the Torres Strait. Passage through the Great Barrier Reef.
Thursday,
June 4
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Arrival at Townsville.
Rupert telegraphed ahead to make hotel reservations in Sydney.
Friday,
June 5
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Arrival at Brisbane.
Saturday,
June 6
In transit aboard the Euripides.
Arrival at Sydney. Each
person received a 3 month tourist visa. Alisa was relieved to
learn that all type and calibre of firearms are legal in Australia,
although discharge is prohibited in settled areas. After a short
taxi ride the group arrived at the Lord Nelson Hotel and claimed their
rooms (a suite for Alisa, Nell, and Lya, and singles for Rupert,
Slakinoff, and Mr. Mutsu).
