The Press., 1890-04-24
TIn3 HINDOO'S MIRROR.

One evening as was taking short stroll along pleasant path in the suburbs of Cal cutta I suddenly heard childs scream Hurrying in the direction of the sound saw, at the turn of the path, little stream, with Q little bridge thrown over it. Struggling ill 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 1 was met by Hindoo of grave aspect, who came up painting and thoroughly out of breath. He was the father of the child, and his gratitude was evidently heartfelt. Said he, 1T thank you, sir, and hope some day to be able to repay you"
 This was the beginning of a 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 found his society ex- trelnely interesting.
 had been in Calcutta some years or there abouts as resident partner of the house of Hawxhurst Withers & Co.,, of London. My brother was the other Hawxhurst of the firm, while Withers &J Co. represented several gen tlemen of wealth and standing in the com mercial world, for our firm did very ex- tensive business
 On Tuesday afternoon-ah! how well re- member that day-a cablegram was put into my hands just as 1 was about to leave the office. Supposing 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 sank into the nearest seat wholly unnerved:
 "Come home at once. We fear that John Hawxhurst is defaulter.
 GEORGE WITHERs."
 My brother defaulter! Better that he eo1% TO,,A there was the fatal message. This was no dream. I rushed at once to the shipping office, and found that could not leave for London in less than two days. It seemed two centuries. And there was the long voy- ago home before I 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 I at once told him of my trouble, however. He listened attentively till had finished and then with an indescrib- able expression of countenance said:
 Perhaps I may now be able to repay you for your former kindness. I might possibly be able to put you out of your suspense at least Will you come with me to my house to-night?'
 I readily accepted his invitation, though his words sounded vague to me and knew not what he meant. l accompanied him to his residence, an elegant mansion luxuriously 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 fate?" ''I would.n
 'Then look" At these words he lighted a small brazier, set it in front of the miro: and shook some sort of powder over it. A slight misty smoke immediately arose from the brazier and spread over the mir TOT. I looked intently at the misty cloud when I saw clearly before me, on the face ot the mirror, the interior of a railway car riage. It seemed to be coming to stand still, as though nearing 8 railway station Everything was as distinct as though I were actually present. I could even hear the voice of the guard as he called out the station ''Callington!' The 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
 
 | was my brother.
 The person outside beckoned to him tc come out on the platform. He did so, and was met by a rather short, thin man, witt | clean shaven face, and with nothing peculiar about his appearance except V shaped scal | on his chin. This man seemed to invite my brother to accompany him, though I could hear no words. Finally my brother assented | The small man led him out of the lonely lit | tie station into the lonelier 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. My brother | dropped asif shot, while the murderer stopped l over him and drew from his inner pocket 6 large wallet apparently filled with bank bills l The scene then gradually became indistinct and as looked saw nothing but a smal mirror.
 The Hindoo sat looking at me intently, but as the pictures faded from the mirror ht started up and grasped my hand. My pool l friend" was all he said, but knew that haC l his heartfelt sympathy. He held a small | goblet to my lips, which I eagerly drained | The next moment was unconscious
 The mass of conflicting emotions in my mind when awoke the next morning de l spalr Of putting into words. Relief at find I ing that my brother was not defaulter wa succeeded by grief for his death, and that by the stern desire of vengeance upon the mur derer.
 But two days later, as the ocean breezt famed my brow on the deck of the steamer the whole thing seemed like the widest dream of sorcery. could come to no conclusion 6, all about the matter. At one time believed l firmly that what had seen in the mirror wa. a true record of what had happened; but tn. next moment the utter impossibtlity of tn. whole thing presented itself to my mind, and | rejected it all as sort of dream
 The first person to meet me as I stepped ashore was George Withers. ''Is it truea' ''Yes, he replied, i've are forced to the con victioD that John Hawxhurst isa defaulter He Jeff; our London office with large sum ot money 10 invest in some mining property ir JUST ARRlVED!
 | eD ANOTHER LARGE CARGO OF