Walker Lake bulletin. (Hawthorne, Nev.) 1883-1926, 1896-07-15

a Il er passage from Ceylon to In
dla l should have probably continued
my journey eastward round the world
without stopping at the Land of the
Rajahs." In blissful ignorance, how
ever, landed at Calcutta.
The time of year was that when the
climate most fayors up-country travel
ing, and so, after a brief visit with
friends, l started north by rail. | was
the richer by half-a dozen Introductory
letters to men of more or less promin-
ence in the chief cities of the empire.
l went first to Benares-the sacred
city on the mighty Ganges, and sought
the house of Sta Ram, to whom one of
my letters was addressed. Sita Ram
was a wealthy and cultured Hlndoo
banker, and my friends had pictured
In glowing colors the hospitality that
would receive.
Before my ride through the city was
over l felt that hospitality of any sort
! from anyone would be doubly welcome.
To my surprise most Of the bazars and
business places were closed, though 1t
was nearly afternoon. Groups of evil
faced natives stood about In the
squares and streets, while police and
soldiers appeared to be unusually plen-
tiful l was made a target for sullen
glances from all sides, and l could not
help recalling the stirring times of the
great mutiny, more than thirty years
| back.
found Sita Rams house to be pala-
tial cream-colored building, not far
from the river. Its owner proved to be
absent, but his private secretary re-
ceivcd me and opened the letter of In
/ PRODUCTION.
Baboo Das was n sleek, mahogany
faced gentleman, who spoke English
perfectly, and wore European garments
of faultless cut.
my honored master is in Allahabad
on a matter of business" he explained.
''He will return in day or two, and
meanwhile the house and servants are
at your disposal"
| | thanked Baboo Das, and inquired
the meaning Of the strange sights had
witnessed in the city.
'There has been danger of a riot dur
ing the past twenty-four hours" he re-
piled gravely; 'but it is believed to be
past now. The most ignorant of the
Hindoo population are angry because
the municipality have acquired the
Ramjee temple for the purpose of erect
| ing new Waterworks on its site. The
Mohammedans have taken part in the
disturbance because of the dearness
of provisions, for which the municipal
ity is also responsible. My honored
master belongs to the Board of Govern
ment and helped to purchase the TEN.
pie"
suspected that Sita Rams departure
might be more in the order of a Hight
than of business trip.
"Are you sure that the danger Is
oyerW asked, for had some notion OF
going to ii hotel.
"Yes," replied Baboo Das, "the riot
ers are cowed and submissive. My
masters house was under the protec
ton of the police, but they withdrew
| this morning.
! His manner was so calm and decided
that | quite forgot my fears. was
shown n luxurious bed chamber, and q
little later dined in solitude off dishes
of gold and silver. The entire house
was furnished in n costly and sump
tuous style that showed Its bachelor
! owner to possess n sense of European
taste as we'll as of barbaric splendor.
During the evening | was left pretty
much to myself, and as | did not care tt
venture into the street | passed the
time with n cigar and magazine, ano
when | signified my wish to retire he
preceded me upstairs.
Squatted on rug in the hall, J"a'
outside my room, was bright-faceo
Hindoo lad, about II years old. a cord
dangled by his side, and, passing
through the door, communicated witt
the fans that were attached to the cell
ing of the apartment. The lad was evi
dently the 'punky wallah," or fan pull
er. His name was Gunpat, Baboo DaS
informed me, and his duty was to keel
me cool during the sultry hours of the
night.
chatted with the boy for few mo
ments, and found him to be intelligent
and fairly conversant with English
Then | entered my room and lowered
the square of rice mating that was
furled above the doorway. There was
also a door of heavy teak-wood, but
did not think it necessary to close it
The apartment had two windows, over
looking small courtyard that con
tanned shrubs and a fountain. Aftel
riding most of the day In stuffy an6
jolting railway carriage / was weary
1t did not take me long to undress ant
fall asleep. The last thing remembel
was the soft whirling of the fans ant
their refreshing current Of air.
was awakened by hand tuggin:
ut the bedclothes. Rouse, Sahib, ther'