Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1898-07-25
A STORY OF INDIA.

A group of British officers were seat
ed In the quarters of one of their num-
Der in the garrison of Calcutta. Chester
Ashby, captain of dragons, seemed the
most deeply interested.
1T Is certainly strange" observed q
young lieutenant, where Miss Blatch-
ford could have disappeared to. That
1t Is a case Of abduction there ia little
doubt in my mind, but who Is there
who would dare to perpetrate such q
crime?"
Il know not, WILL" returned Ashby,
but as sure as there Is heaven above
us l will find her, If have to search
through every palace and hovel in In
dia. Gentlemen, she is my afianced
bride, and dead or alive find her
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?"
"Sahib, 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 fiut-
ters 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 ALL and it
is they who have told him Of their
masters captive. Would Ashby sahib
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
er."
The native prince might have made
answer had 1t 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 timer"
Most mighty and powerful rajah,"
said the black. will 1t please the son
of king to look upon that which his
servant has brought him?"
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 a closed palanquin, which was
borne upon 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 hilt 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 a Christian | would award
you a moment to make your peace
with the Almighty! But, infidel dog
that you are, look your last upon
things earthly, for your time has
GOMEZ"
The rajah essayed to call for assist
ance, but the call died away upon his
lips, for his eyes fell upon 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 l 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.
disregardng the presence of his SOL
diers, the captain clasped her In his
arms.