Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-10-26
CHAPTER XVIII.

as we have said. all the supcrstitions OF
the old HindGO caste.
She had most perfect faith in its alb
surd beliefs. and carried the blindness
of religious fanaticism as far as the
miserable wretches who sacrificed
themselves to render homage to the
borne in mind to fully comprehend all
that is to follow
| A short distance from the palace. on
the edge of a pool of water and be-
meath dome of green. rose a temple in
miniature, constructed in honor OF the
god silva. and fivalling in richness, de-
spite it's small proportions. the most
fan GUS temples CT BcnareS and Calcut-
ia.
1t was toward this pagoda that Djel-
Ia directed her steps. AS she was
about to ascend tina back marble steps.
leading to the entrance. the door
opened. and the hidcous figure of the
fakir appeared.
The princess inclined before him with
supreme respect. for with the brothers
Cf the terrible work Souniancy passed
almost for a prophet.
He descended the steps and stopped
/ before her.
"Well:" she asked.
! 1T is finished princess. he replied.
II have obeyed your wish. | have uurs-
toned the gods. and they answer tina,
in the future. as in the past. they will
smile on the Queen of indians aveng-
| ers.'
"Have YOU spoken to them of the
new victims | desire to offer to them
to-day!'
eyes"
will they accept:
"They will accept"
sit is well. The gods favor the last
of rhe Tamcrlides Have they revealed
nothing concerning the future:"
Either have lily understood their
mysterious language. or You are about
| to receive news OF Importance
''When:"
every soon-perhapS to-day
At this moment one of the servants OF
the palace approached, announcing the
J arrival of Doorgal Salib at the palace.
"Conduct him hitlcr!!" commanded
his mistress. But, in tic moment OF
the mans withdrawal. she detained
him. HAS Saugor returned from Be
nares:" she asked.
NO. princess.
IL "
turn
ut shall be done"
Il did not expect the rajall until this
evening" she continued. addressing the
fakir the man having departed on his
errand Some powerful motive must
have FASTENED him. Perhaps he comes
as a messenger of great tillings-bu,,
. here he is to answer for himself. You
bring us news. rajah:" she cried. rs he
approached.
important news" he answered.
'First, that which concerns all Of us
who desire the liberty of India. and is
the best Of all happy tidings: and. sec
ond. that which is of interest only TO
me. at which know not whether to re-
joice or to be grieved-'
Begin by telling us the first.
sit is this: The prophecy prophesled
for centuries by our prophets ana sa-
cred books has been to-day realized
"A prophecy" repeated Djella.
"Whichy'
1.-The chosen of the goddess Bowllanie
has appeared in India. y
The fakir Sounancy raised his long
arms to heaven and his DrOnZed y!Sage
lighted.
Djella made 4 gesture of utter aston
ishment and incredulity.
"You are sure:" she questioned.
doubt is impossible
''Speak. then. What has passed:"
yesterday. i short time after we had
left the temple. the messenger of Bow
hanie penetrated into the sanctuary
who saw him:'
''rhe priestesseS and the Bruhmills.
"By what sign have they recognized
them:"
"By the most infallible signs. The
goddess despoiled herself for him of
the veil which annihilates and the ring
which slays.''
"You have proof Of this. Doorgal?''
"Jubbee. chief priestess. has sworn
to it, and Jubbee cannot lie
"Ah!' cried the fallir. with all the
emulat icn CT supreme pride. 1.-The gods
do not deceive those whom tlley.love.
But if it is thus said Della. radi-
ant with triumph. ''our victory is as
sured-the holy cause is gained in adj
vance.
do not doubt it, princess" answered
Doorgal and the fakir together.
Tomorrow night continued Diel-
la-''glorious night. whose memory will
live in future years-wiu hear given
the signal IOf Ine great struggle. anu
on the battle field. the veil of Bowhanie
as an invincible shield about his head.
will appear to us. midst blood ano
smoke of carnage. the eldest son of the
god silva.
India will then be free" exclaimed
Doorgal, carried away by the contagion
of her enthusiasm: land English pow
er will be destroyed among US"
Forever finished the fakir.
Already" resumed the rajah. 'the
English, trembling. grow pale. and all
their troop are being drawn up i'll line
in Benares.'
"What"' asked the princess: ''alrcady
they know of this apparition, SO terri
BILE to thenl?"
.'They are ignorant of it,
'Why, then, do they fear?'
"This is the moment answered
Doorgal. when you must learn the
news which touches and interests me
so deeply"
Speak. rajah. listen to you..''
Last evening Sir John Ialcolm's
bungalow was set on fire by ineendia-
| ries."
"Ah. said the princess: and the mon
/