The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1893-09-13
II.

I learned further particulars later. but
more by putting casually dropped state
ments together than by the speeches of
the deputation and the sheikh himself at
the drawing room meeting. This last was
a great success. Some forty or fifty men,
women and clergymen were present Ny
aunt and Rhoda did the honors without
business. and Uncle Simeon was in his
glory In the glossiest Of broadcloth and
the largest white necktie 1 had ever be-
held he dominated the entire scene. until
q must be accUrate) the rising of the Man
with the Green Turban.
He had kept behind and in shadow dur
ing the speeches of my uncle and the depu-
tatiOn, but when he stepped forward in an
eastern costume which was a gem of har-
monious coloring we felt the hero of the
day would not disappoint Us.
He began by a compliment to his host,
then to England-the only land that con
quered without cruelty and converted with
out coercion''-and after a few norid SEN
fences told US what professed TO be the
story Of his life in a style wonderfully
adapted to his audience. The story-when
with a certain verlsimilitude.
He was a native of Calcutta; his father,
a descendant of the PrOphet-hence his
green turban-had been a wealthy mer-
chant who had been Of service to the gov
eminent in the mutiny, and would have re-
ceived the star Of India on the institution
Of the order in 1851. but he died just be-
fore the first DurOar. Though outwardly
conforming TO Mohammedanisrn, the sheiSh
said, with tears in his voice, that he be-
HeVed him to have been secretly n be-
lever. Though his father was so rich a
man, the speaker, for some mysterious rea-
son unstated was apparently brought up
al a charity school. where he received his
knowledge Of the truth and where he was
baptized. Then followed narratives of
70 ne IT Of nR1a
cousins and aunts before named These
drove him 10 take refuge in Egypt, where
for time teacher. In Cairo he made the
acquaintance of Christian lady of title
CIhe last two words were uttered in a tone
which convinced me of his thorough knowl-
edge of our na tion) She had brought him
70 London, maintained him and had him
educated and now he was going forth 70
brave fire and sword that he might tell
out to his countrymen the precious news
etc / am willing to write down the solemn
words which were poured forth so gliby at
the meeting. The speaker knew his audi
ence, and I imagined every word was re-
ceived as absolutely true by every one pres
ent except myself. RhOda's eyes were fixed
on the face of the speaker as her name
Sake's might have been on the coun tenance
of St. Peter when he told her Of his escape
from prison. She sat in rapt attention, and
as his voice faltered with emotion and his
eyes kindled with enthusiasm l saw the
faint flush on her cheek and the culver of
her lower lip, which revealed how deeply
her spirit was stirred. To such nature, /
thought. the appeal to choose between
Diana and Christ could have only one re-
Spouse. If one wanted model for the
Virgin Martyr. she was here
The speech ended. Uncle Simeon
summed Up in sentences that sounded more
platitudinous than ever. Then followed
prayer and hymn and the dismissal The
audience was loud in its praise and liberal
IN its donation, but the meeting had ex-
ceeded the usual time, and as trains had to
be caught by some, and billy country roads
to be encountered by others. the adieux
We're hurried. over and the room quickly
cleared. assisted divers old ladies' and
gentlemen into wraps and overcOats. and
heard on all sides murmurs of satisfaction
"A blessed opportunity" How thankful
we ought to be for the privilegei'' 'sNIav
1t be fruitful indeed to all of usr' What
an outpouring in the latter days!"
such was the chorus of praise that re-
sounded on all sides There was only one
jarring note. 1t came from an old Indian
general. Sir Lake Hastings who did not
reside in the neighborhood. but was visit
ing at the house of one of my uncles IN IT,
mate friends. He grunted out the remark
in soliloduy as he was struggling into his
ulster. and had no idea that ne was over
heard: Il have seen that black chap
somewhere 1 am certain, but 1 cannot
recollect where"