Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1886-12-14
"HE PLENTY SORRY"
Why an Indian Rsjah made a Big
Dinner"

Why an Indian Rsjah made a Big
Dinner"
Some time ago, being then an In
significant member of the army head
quarters staff ut Simla, the hill-capital
OF India, II became desirable to in
crease the number OF hill stations for
the summer accommodation Of British
troops. 1t was thought that the Chor
mountain, the most prominent peak of
which is some sixty miles from Simla,
would on its lower ridges afford suit
able sites; and accordingly, commit
tee Of officers was formed for the pur-
pose Of accommodating and making Il
report. This committee consisted of u
well known General, a Major of Engi-
ncers, and myself. humble sub,
Somewhat trying work 1t was to get TO
the Chor, the road being of the most
breukncck description, and the mon
soon rains showing symptoms of burst
ing. for our especial delectation. How
ever, we nudgcd on manfully, climbed
to the very topmost peak of the Chor,
which by our aneroid we made
over twelve thousand feet, and saw
nothing; for, by evil chance, one of the
most magnificent views in Asia was
La sol a., a., la. cloud, ,vhtob .h,,g n,t
every thing except the first mile or two
Of the hog-backed ridges below US. Dis
appointed, we descended; and that
night 1t was arranged we should sepa-
rate and return TO Simla by different
routes, so as to make the presidents
report us comprehensive as possible.
In the execution Of this idea, | found
myself the next day Mt u place called
Bhairogh, whence lproceeded-on foot,
for we had been obliged 10 send our
ponies back, owing to the state Of the
road to village called Tall. Here at
first ] thought of camping, rs ! had
come eleven miles up hill and down
dale; but the place was so bare was so
anxious to push on, being short of pro-
visions, that suddenly determined to
double my march and make for fort
called Rajgarh, and described as being
| twelve miles farther on. Unfortunate
". | was dilatory in starting; the
march, as usual, was longer than had
been led to suppose the road was hilly,
aud u was not until nine p. N. that !
found myself pecring through the dark
ness in the vicinity of my destined
camp.
Camp. did / sayP 1t was very soon
evident that there was TO be no camp
for me that evening, and, what was still
more objectionable, no supper. Slowly
rs | had walked, my servant with whom
was all my money, and tho coolies with
my tent aud kit, were miles behind. 1t
was too late for such an unkempt raga.
muffin as | undoubtedly WIS to disturb
the garrison. so shortly made up my
mind to bivouac peacefully under .
tree. Just outside the fort, however.
and close to the spot had marked out
for my resting place, two natives, by
the light of II fire, were hammering
some metal vessel with such animation
as to wholly preclude the possibility ol
sleep. To these enthusiasts explained
that | was sahib, and suggested they
should postpone their operations till
next morning. They, naturally enough
perhaps, demurred and | wranglod
and they continued their metallic fan.
tasia until could stand il no longer
Thinking, perhaps, l could persuade
the local head man to assist me in get
ting nights rest, presented myself
ut the gate of the fort, square walled
enclosure of no strength and demanded
admittance, After much palavcrins
with the sleepy sentry, was let il
past the outer wall. but not into tn,
inner part; whereupon, ! asked tha
head man should DO sent for, ant
further clamored for a chair. Seatef
upon this, and curiously scrutinizet
BY. q few promiscuous hill folk, l waitet
for some five minutes, wondering why
nobody came. At last gate in tn,
inner wall has thrown open, and on
poured procession, lit with torches
and headed by an evidently high elias
native in flowing white robes
After the interchange of salaams
this individual, who subsequent,
turned out to be the tehslda
administrator of n districD, said Il
me with much humility. ''Is you
Honor sent by the government to see !
troops can be encamped on our hillsP
: | admitted the soft impeachment
whereupon tho tehsildar smiled be
nignly, and succession of happ,
grunts and at Is hes,," ran round th
rest of the assembly, who had grouped
themselves in an admirlng circle roun'
h my chair.
"Ah, your Honor, we are made YER,
happy by seeing you! The deput
commissioner of Simla wrote to ou
] rajah to say that you and two othe
sahibs were coming; but we feared yo
had gone by another way"
This was gratifying, but not to th
purpose. ! accordingly explained /
/, my friend my situation, begged him t
discourage the metal-workers, an
asked that my servants whom the
arrived might be directed to m
whereabouts. At this, consternatio
reigned on every side, and the tehsildn
nearly tainted.
"Your Honor sleep under tree!
he gasped. ut is not to be though
of. have given orders for banqut
10 be prepared for your Honor; an
your sleeping-room is by this tim
ready. VIII your Honor be pleased
p, come and see itPn
= ! followed the obsequious tehsilda
and inspected my proposed sleepin
apartment, small room, with no ou