Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-10-26
CHAPTER

as we have said, all the superstitions of
the old Hindoo 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
fierce gods. This singularity must be
borne in mind to fully comprehend ali
that is TO follow.
A short distance from the palace, on
the edge of a pool of water and be-
meath a dome Of green, rose a temple in
miniature, constructed in honor of the
god silva, and riyalling in richness, de
spite its small proportions, the most
fan Gus temples Of Benares and Calcdt-
tn.
1t was toward this pagoda that Djel-
la directed her steps. As h was
about TO ascend the black marble steps,
leading to the entrance, the door
opened, and the hideOus figure Of the
fakir appeared.
The princess inclined before him with
supreme respect, for with the brothers
Of the terrible work S%ouniancy passed
almost for a prophet.
He descended the steps and stopped
before her.
"Well?" sheasked.
1T is finished, princess" he replied.
Il have obeyed your wish. | have ques-
toned the gods, and they answer thai
in the future, as in the past, they Will
smile ON the Queen of midas aveng-
ers."
s'Have you spoken to them Of the
new victims 1 desire to offer to them
to-day"
EYES,"
.Will they accept?'
''They will accept"
'1t is well. The gods favor the last
| of the Tamerlides 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 me of the servants Of
the palace approached, announcing the
] arrival of Doorgal Sahib at h palace.
Conduct him hither!l" commanded
his mistress. But, in the moment OF
the mans withdrawal, she detained
him. Has Saugor returned from Be
nareS?" she asked.
mo, princess"
IeL me KNOW tHe lHSIdnI VI LIS "
turn"
1T shall be DONE"
81 did not expect the rajah until this
evening" she continued, addressing the
fakir. the man having departed on his
errand .'Some powerful motive must
| have FASTENED him. Perhaps he ONE
as a messenger of great tidings--but,
+, here he is to answer for himself. You
bring us news, rajah?'' she cried, as 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 1 know not whether to re-
joice or to be grieved."
Begin by telling us the first"
ut is this: The prophecy p~rophesied
for centuries by u prophets and sa-
cred books has been to-day realized"
"A prophecy" repeated Djella.
"Which?"
'The chosen of the goddess Bowhanie
has appeared in India"
The fakir Souniancy raised his long
arms to heaven and his bronzed visage
| lighted.
Djella made a gesture Of utter aston
ishment and iucredulity.
"You are sure?' she questioned.
doubt is impossible"
Speak, then. What has passed?"
yesterday, a short time after we had
left the temple, the messenger Of Bow
hanie penetrated into the sanctuary"
who saw himg'
"rrhe priestesses and the Brahmins."
SPY 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 Stays"
You have proof of this, Doorgal?'
"Jubbee, chief priestess, has sworn
to 1t, and Jubbee cannot lie"
"Ah!" cried the fakir, with ali the
emulation Of supreme pride, "the gods
do not deceive those whom they love-"
But if 1t Is thus" said Djella, radi-
ant with triumph, "our victory is as
sured-the holy cause Is gained in adj
vance!"
do not doubt Ii, princess" answered
Doorgal and the fakir together.
Tomorrow night" continued Djel-
la-"glorious night, whose memory win
| live in future years-wiil hear given
4 AZ oiShuA " thS SiNct III heetts ahN
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 c%ontagion
of her enthusiasts; "and English pow
er will be destroyed among us"
Forever finished the fakir.
Already" resumed the ratah, "the
| English, trembling, grow pale, and all
their troop are being drawn up in line
in Benares."
WHAT" asked the princess; already
they know Of this apparition, so terri
BILE to them?"
'frhey 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 your
last evening Sir John Malcolm's
bungalow was set on fire by incendia-
RES"
8. 4 Il ", rot1 <ha rrypoocu. opH <ho MON