The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1890-07-24
A TALE OF THE ORIENT.
Strange, Weird Experience with a
Miracle Worker.

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India marshals many mysterious sects
among her sons. saw miracle" per-
formed by priest Of one Of these in the
semi-independent State Of Alwur during
the year 1877.
Harris Stanton and were visiting
Michael Bojardo, whom Stanton had met,
and to whom he had rendered slight
service, some few years before in En-
gland. Michael Boiardo was dealer in
precious stones, and he claimed to be OF
Spanish descent This was probably
true, in view Of his dark complexion,
jet-black hair and mustache, and bright,
black eyes. He had lived in India al
most all his life. Sometimes 1t was
whispered that he had forsaken the
Cross for the religion Of the three-faced
god. But few people knew him thor
oughly. He did not seem reserved, but
open and apparently of confding dis
position, yet after living under his roof
o week the impression was forced upon
me that did not really understand him,
and that he kept a strict watch over his
true thoughts, and in his fascinating
way only presented that side Of his
character to me which was congenial.
OF Stanton little need be said. He
was an American thoroughly donation
alized-a citizen of the world-to most
people Of a genial turn Of mind; yet, as
Stanton's private secretary, knew him
to have decided character under the
polish which association with every
class Of men had given him.
On the eighth day Of our stay we re-
mained indoors from sunrise to sunset.
The day had been uneventful, and in
the evening as sat alone in Boiardo's
reception-room, partaking Of sherbet
and smoking cigarette, the desire to
know the history Of the strange weap-
ons hanging in such graceful groups
around the walls came over me. What
was the story Of that dirk with the
curved blade? What dark-skinned hand,
grasping the bejeweled hilt, had made
1t the servant Of his passions? Had those
four curved cimeters ever struck that
embossed silver shield at which they
pointed? The light from the hammered
brass lamps, falling through curiously-
colored globes, threw shadows and
shapes on the walls. AS l half dozed I
thought what If, at the wand Of some
weird power, spirits should animate
those fantastic shadows, seize the be-
jeweled hilts and engage in melee?
While in this state Of mind, Bojardo
and my patron entered the room. Both
seemed to be considerably excited.
81 do not believe it," said Stanton,
emphatically.
"Pardon but you are mistaken; we
will convince you II you wish. Remem-
ber, my friend, you are in the land Of the
Brahma. What your ancestors call the
black art may not flourish where they
hanged witches. We have advanced far
beyond pulling globe of goldfish ont
of an empty hat" said Bojardo, with a
smiling face, yet his eye slightly be-
trayed the anger he felt at receiving the
almost direct lie to his statement.
"True," replied Stanton. "Your par
don, my host. did not intend to doubt
your word"-with increased vehemence.
81 will leave the statement you made to
Palmer, here, and see what he says"
"Ah, mol 1t is not necessary Allow
me to prove the miracle, or whatever
you may call it-but lack subject for
my conjurer. If use one of my serv-
ants you might say: 'Ah, bah! it was all
fixed Perhaps you would be willing
to have Senior Palmer try the expert
ment."
"Now, Bojardo, II / should try my
self would be convinced. But I was
wrong to allow myself to go SO far. Is
the return match at polo to be played
tomorrow"
Thus they drifted away from the dis
pute, and l thought the matter had
there ended.
When we were settled for the evening,
the black servant brought in the hubble.
bubble for our host, and by dint of Goals
and blowing, kept the fragrant mixture
alight. The black, squatted with legs
crossed and bent body before the pipe,
appeared among the strong shadows oi
the indistinctly lighted room more like
one Of the strange furnishings than O
human being.
For some time we had been smoking
in silence. Ny own thoughts were
wandering back to the broken portion
of the conversation had heard. What
could have made Stanton SO forget him.
self? ! had been with him two years
and had never seen him show so much
temper. As looked ct him realised
that be had evidently been busy with
the same subject that had excited or ir'
ritated him when he entered the room
BY the expression on his face could
see he had reached some decision. I'd
looked at Bojardo. and catching his ~,
saiA;
"The conturer may try the 'miraols
On mo-" N i afi
"Ahl = you please. " was the Only ~
sponse. Atthe time I did not IKE the ~
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