The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1898-05-12
As 4 STORY | OF INDIA

1T is certainly strange" observed a
young lieutenant. where Miss Blatch-
ford could have disappeared to. That
1t is a case of abduction there Is little
/ doubt in my mind, but who Is there
who would dare to perpetrate such a
crime"
II know not, WILL" returned Ashby.
"but as sure as there is heaven above
us l will find her, II l have to search
through every palace and howell in In
dia. Gentlemen. she is my affianced
bride, and dead Or alive find her l
will"
AS the young soldier crossed the par
ade ground white robed, dusky form
followed closely behind him. When the
two reached spot where the light
which streamed from the barrack win
dows did not penetrate, the native
touched the European gently and whIs-
pered
would Ashby sahib find the lost
maiden? II so, Ali can direct him to
where she fingers"
what? You?"
"Sahlb, she is even now prisoner IN
the palace Of the rapah of Judpore."
What! In the power of that heather
prince! BY my sword, I'll go to the
colonel at once and ask permission to
order out my dragons and tear his
glittering abode down about his ears"
Stay. sahib!" quickly rejoined the
faithful servant. "If English soldiers
were seen about the palace Of the rajah
the feeble spark Of life which still flut-
tiers in the bosom OF the white maiden
would die"
What! Would the villain murder
herr"
"Sahib! Ali has said the maiden
would die and leave no trace Of her
death. Listen, sahib. The slaves Of
the rajah are the friends of Ali, and it
is they who have told him of their
masters captive. Would Ashby sahlb
enter the palace Of the rajah unaccom-
panied. save by ALP"
"Why does the light of the rajah's
eyes weep? 1t should bring joy to the
heart to be the chosen one of so great
lord" and lovely Hindoo girl knelt
at the feet Of Agnes Blatchford, who
was sobbing bitterly.
She offered no reply to the kindly
meant speech of her companion. Pres
emily the damask portiere at one end
of the salon was lifted and the rajah
himself entered.
When will the light of my life cease
weeping? And when will smile adorn
the face of her who is loved by the
rajah of Judpore?"
Agnes Blatchford sprang to her feet,
and, turning upon her prosecutor, ex-
claimed, Never, wretch, never, until
she is restored to the home of her faith
en-"
The native prince might have made
answer had it not been for the entrance
Of sable Nubian, who, falling fiat up
on his face, begged forgiveness for the
intrusion.
Speak, slave. What would you at
this tme?"
Most mighty and powerful rajah,"
said the black. will it please the son
of king to look upon that which his
servant has brought him."
1.-THE curiosity of the rajah is arous-
ed. Let him see."
The Nubian arose and left the apart
ment but reappeared in moment, ush-
ering in closed palanquin, which was
borne upol the shoulders of four blacks
like himself.
A sardonic smile played about the
lips Of the rajah as he stepped forward
to lift the rich curtain of the litter.
The next moment he started back In
horror with his right hand clasping
the hit Of his scimeter.
But before he could draw the blade
the sword Of Capt. Ashby was at his
throat.
wretch" exclaimed the soldier,
Were you Christian I would award
you moment to make your peace
with the Almighty! But, infidel dog
that you are, look your last upon
things earthly, for your time has
comet"
The rajah essayed to call for assist
ance, but the call died away upon his
lips for his eyes fell upon a body of
dragons that were rapidly filling the
apartment. Lieut.. Carleton sprang
forward and struck up the blade of his
captain.
Your pardon, sir! Do not forget
and overstep your authority This ra-
jah is man Of high position. The
British Government should deal with
him."
Lieutenant, thank you" returned
the captain, with more composure.
Secure our royal prisoner well. hold
you responsible for his safety"
1t was now that Capt. Ashby first
seemed to take notice of the girl whom
he had rescued. Springing to her side,
disregarding the presence of his SOL
diers, the captain clasped her in his
arms.
The faithful Ali had as he said, OBJ
tanned the information as to the where
abouts of the young English girl from
the servants Of the native prince, who
without exception, hated the tyrannical
despot. 1t was he who suggested to the
captain to effect the rescue Of Miss
Blatchford by entering the abode in a
palanquin, for he felt that If his mas
ter could reach the side of the young
lady he could protect her from the fury
OF the rajah until his soldiers could
gain an entrance and come to the sup
port.
To-day the happiest woman in India
is the young wife Of the captain of dra-
goons while the rajah of Judpore has
been deposed from his high rank and
made to pay an enorlaous sum for his
audacity in abducting from her home
an English lady.-Omaha WCrld-Her-
aid.