Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1894-04-04
But his uneas1ness only Increased Till
IL finally took tbe form of a flisap1eeable

But his uneas1nesS only Increased TILL
it finally took the form of a disagreeable
presentment of forebcding of impend
ing evil. Evil to whom? He sprang up,
and going to the entrance looked out
into the clear starlit night. Not sound
broke the stiffness. The very silence was
oppressive to him. In the open space ir
the center of the camp he could see tht
single tent. A smile broke over his face.
Poor little thingl" he murmured.
''Hers has been an unhappy lott What
has the future i'll store for her? How
contented she appears to be herel How
her beautiful eyes light up every time
we meet! And what delightful lcok
comes iEto her bewitching face! Egad1
major, verify believe if you weren't a
confirmed old bachelor you would be
falling madly i'll love with old Raha.
doors little''-
He cut himself short, his eyes glow
ing like live Goals.
Heavens, what was that? He had just
seen against the shimmering white can
vas of Natalie's tent something like a
fitting shadow human form gliding
along close to the ground and vanishing
at the entrance
Whipping out his pistol-a trusty
friend that never left him in that treach
erous land-he sped silently over tho
ground in his slippered feet to Natalie's
tent and was about to tear aside the cur
tain when low voice-a man 's-struck
his ear. He paused and listened
awake, awake, daughter Of the
faithfulp' said the voice in Hindoo-
stance ''Rouse yourself, for time is
precious, if you would escape this night
from the accursed dogs who hold you in
bondageP'
At these words the major set his teeth
hard together to keep from uttering a
great oath and clutched his pistol more
firmly.
fShe sleeps soundly," continued the
voice, which sounded familiar to the
officer, ''as though she had an easy con-
science. But doubtless she is kept under
the influence of powerful drug that
she may not realize her shame. Natalie,
Natalie, awake! 1t is true friend who
speaks to you-Punjo, who used to serve
your father
fPunjor' repeated the major to him.
self, with start. ''By heavens, he is
playing now into the hands of the Brah-
mans 1t shall cost the traitor dearl"
Now there came little cry of alarm
from Natalie, and her soft voice asked:
"Who is there? Who speaks to Nata-
lie?''
'sPunio, your fathers old servant,
who would save you from your disgrace.
Listen The handsome Brahman priest
who led you to the funeral pile and
your people-your friends-sent me to
you''-
81 have no friends but the English"
broke in Natalie's voice.
"Ah," said the spy, 'fwhat has the
cunning Englishman been telling you?
He has been beguiling you with false
words that he might make you blind to
your shame and make you his slave"
'tSlavep' murmured the young widow
in scornful tone "It were better to be
his slave than return to the people who
deceived mef'
return to your people if you do not wish
to. The handsome young Brahman priest
charged me to tell you that he would
protect you from them"-
II hate him and the rest Of the priests
now that my eyes are open to their per-
fidy. I shall not return to them!' said
Natalie
"Ah, you, woman, dare defy the
priestsl" hissed the spy. "Hark you,
womanl Go with me you shall in spite
of yourself! Punjo has not risked his
life for nothing''-
A heavy hand fell upon the speakers
neck, there was a loud report, and the
Hindoo, bounding backward, fell in a
heap at the entrance to the tent.
Natalie, terrified, flung herself at the
majors feet, and clasping his knees
tightly with her soft, round arms cried
out:
''Oh, know you even in the dark!
You have saved Natalie once more! Ma
talie shall be your slave-your willing
slave!"
STOPPING quickly, the major lifted her
trembling form in his strong arms and
said in solemn voice:
mo- not .Ey slave sweet little Nata-
lie, but my wife-in EnglandP'-Dud
ley Winthrop Moore in Washington
Post