Wichita eagle., 1890-01-23
THE HINDO0'S MIRROR.

Onc evening as was IaklLS SnOIt SlrOu
along pleasant path in the suburbs of Cal
cutta / suddenly heard a child's scream.
Hurrying in the direction of the sound saw,
at the turn of the path, little stream, with
little bridge thrown over it. Struggling in
the water under the bridge was young child
The water was quite shallow, and by partly
wading and swimming, easily rescued the
child As gained the bank was met by a
Hindeo Of grave aspect, who came up painting
and thoroughly out of breath He was tie
father of the child, and his gratitude was
evidently heartfelt. Said he, Il thank you,
sir, and hope some day TO be able 70 repay
you"
This was the beginning of lasting friend
ship between US. The Hindoo was man of
great learning. His large, dome like forehead
and expressive eyes showed evidence OF a
mighty intellect; and l found his society ex-
tremely interesting.
l had been in Calcutta some years or there
abouts as resident partner of the house Of
Hawxhurst, Withess & Co., of London My
brother was the other Hawxhurst of the firm,
while Withers & Co. represented several gen.
tlemen of wealth and standing in the COM
mercial world, for our firm did a very ex-
tensive business.
On Tuesday afternoon-ah! how well re-
member that day-a cablegram was put into
my hands just as l was about to leave the
Office. Surprising that it had reference to
some important business transaction, !
opened it eagerly, but in an instant after
wards it fell f1uttering to the floor, while I
sank into the nearest seat wholly unnerved:
"Come home at once We fear that John
Hawxhurst is a defaulter.
GEORGE WrHERsn
My brother defaulter! Better that be
were dead! felt like one in dream. But
there was the fatal message. This was no
dream. l rushed at once to the shipping
Office, and found that could not leave for
London in less than two days. 1t seemed
two centuries And there was the long voy-
age home before could learn any particu-
lars.
As was returning from the Office I met
my Hindoo friend. He noticed at once there
was something unusual in my manner, but
with his usual grave courtesy refrained from
asking any questions. / at once told him of
my trouble, however. He listened attentvely
till had finished and then with an indescrib-
able expression of countenance said:
perhaps NAV now be able to repay you
for your former kindness. l might possibly
be able to put you out of your suspense at
least VIII you come with me to my house
to-nightf"
l readily accepted his invitation, though
his words sounded vague to me and knew
not what he meant. / accompanied him to
his residence, an elegant mansion luxuTiously
furnished, and he ordered some light refresh
ment set before me, but was too excited to
eat. Noticing this he led me into an inner
apartment lighted with perfumed lamps
breathing out strange odor, and gave strict
orders to his attendant that he was not to be
interrupted on any account
He then seated me opposite small, rather
dull looking mirror, saying:
"You would know your brothers fateT
~ would
''Then look" At these words he lighted q
small brazier, set it in front Of the mirror
and shock some sort Of powder over it.
A slight misty smoke Immediately arose
from the brazier and spread over the mir
ror. / looked mtentlv at the misty cloud,
when saw clearly before me, on the face of
the mirror, the interior of railway car
riage. It seemed to be coming to stand
still, as though nearing a railway station.
Everything was as distinct as though l were
actually present. could even hear the voice
of the guard as he called out the station,
''Cauington Tho train was evidently stop
ping. / now noticed that one of the passen-
gers leaned to the window attracted by some
one outside tapping thereon. AS he did so be
slightly turned his head. Great heavens! II
was my brother.
The person outside beckoned to him to
come out on the platform. He did Sc, and
was met by rather short, thin man, with
clean shaven face, and with nothing peculiar
about his appearance except Y shaped scar
on his chin. This man seemed to invite my
brother to accompany him, though l could
hear no words. Finally my brother axsented.
The small man led him out Of the lonely lit
tie station into the loneiier country. There
did not seem to be any habitation within
miles. As they were, passing under the shad-
ow Of a large tree he dropped behind my
brother and suddenly dealt him terrible
blow on the back of the head. Ny brother
droppedasif shot, while the murderer stopped
over him and drew from his inner pocket a
large wallet apparently filled with bank bills
The scene then gradually became indfStinct,
| and as looked saw nothing but a snail
mirror.
The Hindoo sat looking at me intently, but
as the pictures faded from the mirror be
started up and grasped my hand. MY poor
friend was ali ne said, but knew that had
his heartfelt sympathy. He held a snail
goblet to my lips, which l eagerly drained.
The next monnactI wss unconscious.
The mass Of conflicting emotions in my
| mind when awoke the next morning de-
spair Of putting into words Relief at find
ing that my brother was not defAniter was
succeeded by grief for his death, and that by
the stern desire Of vengeance upon tie mur-
derer
BIT two days later, as the ocean breeze
famed my brow on the deck of the steamer,
| the whole thing seemed Like the widest dream
Of sorcery i could come 10 DO conclusion at
al about the matter. At one time / believed
! firmly that what lad seen in the mirror was
| e true record Of what had happened: but the
next moment the utter imposssoiiity Of the
| whole thing presented isseH 70 my mind, ard
/ rejected II all as sort Of dream.
The first person 70 meet me Sc stepped
| ashore was George wsbers lis il trpsF
Yes be replied, ''weare forced 10 tee con-
victiea that John Eawxhurs. Is defazitsT.
| he left our London o.ice with large SUN Of
mccoy 70 invest in scxne mining property IN
/ cornwall He las never b-sn seen since rzs;
We beiiere that he must have gone a- oace &c
! America
accompanied NJ. Withers 20 cor London
/ Office We went throuyh the onter roam.
| filed With busy clerks, who locked q; ne IN
| quiriBgiy As we psssed- AID Gcorgs Titasrz
was just about 20 open the private ozi1os
| when the knob was turned FROM within, and
! the un whom I hsd SEEN nase. uy brotiser
AZ On r>cr s+xy,d bef-~z r,sf
| fess an almost unsovernzble irgULse 20
| spring upon hira Ike g tiger, bat controlling
/ myself By s-Eong effort ztood sss6s while