The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1885-12-17
POOR CHALI.
A Story of India and the Admi-
rails Only Love.

The old Admiral leaned back in his
chair. and in shrill, piping voice, said:
Il once had little love adventure, q
very singular one; would you like me
to tell it to you?"
He spoke, without moving, from the
depths of his great armchair, still
keeping upon his lips that derisive
smile which never left them, the smile
q Ia Voltaire, which made him pass for
a frightful sceptic.
Twas thirty-three and Lieutenant
in the navy when 1 was charged with
an astronomical mission to Central In
dia. The English Government fur
nished me with all the means neces-
sary for carrying out the enterprise,
and l presently found myself, with a
corps of assistants, in that strange, sur
prising and wonderful country.
| finally reached the objective point
of my voyage, the city Ganhara, for
merly one of the most prosperous in
Central India, and at that time gov
erned by the Rajah Madam, n rich
Prince, who was tyrannical and violent
in the extreme, true oriental sover-
eign, generous and cruel, afable and
sanguinary, with feminine grace and
pitiless ferocity.
) The city is situated in deep valley
on the border of small lake. From a
distance it resembles white spot, in
creasingin size as one approaches, and,
little by little, domeS, spires and min
aretS greet the travellers eve.
At about an hours journey from the
gates l found an elephant superbly ca
,Darisoned, surrounded by an escort of
honor which the sovereign had sent to
meet me, and l was conducted in great
pomp TO the palace.
| should have liked to have had time
TO dress myself properly, but the royal
impatience would not allow it. | was
introduced into great hall surrounded
by galleries which were filled with men
clothed in the most magnificent gar
mentS.
Upon Il bench, like one of our garden
benches. but covered with rich velvet, |
perceived glittering mass, a sort of
sitting, dazzling sunlight; it was the
Rajah who awaited me. He had upon
his person ten or fifteen million dia-
monds. and upon his forehead shone
the famous star of Delhi, which has al
ways belonged to the illustrous dynasty
of the PaIiharas of Mundore, from which
nv host was descended.
He was a Young man of about twen-
tv-tive years, who seemed TO have negro
blood in his veins. although he belonged
to the purest Hindoo race. He had
large, eXpressionlesS eyes, high cheeks,
thick lips and coarse beard; his fore
head was low and his teeth were sharp
and white.
He arose and came toward me, ex-
tending his hand. Then he made me
sit beside him upon seat which was so
high that my feet scarcely touched the
ground.
He at once proposed tiger hunt for
the next day. He was evidently per-
Suaded that | had come a long distance
simply to amuse myself and join in his
sports.
As he could be of the greatest assist
ance to me 1 thought it best to conform
to his desires. He was so pleased with
my ready assent to his plans that he
wished to show me at once combat of
gladiators, and dragged me to sort of
arena situated in the interior of the
palace.
Upon his order two men appeared,
armed with steel spears, who at once
attacked each other. The struggle was
long and desperate. The Rajah watched
the contest with a ferocious, passionate
Joy. He trembled with excitement.
uttered bowls of satisfaction and cried
increasingly: Strike; keep striking
One of them at length fell uncon-
scious; he had to be carried from the
arena, and the Rajah heaved deep
sigh of regret, or grief that it was so
soon over.
Then he turned TO me and asked me
what | thought of it. l was disguised,
but l pretended to be greatly pleased.
Then he ordered me to be conducted
at once to the Couch Mahal (the pleas
ure palace, where was to reside.