Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-09-14

At this moment Lord Singleton, CIV
ing some instructions to his servants,
descended the great staircase, n au-
dressing the young officers.
40 YOU know, gentlemen" he asked,
"if our friend. Sir John Malcolm, mas
arrived at the %palace!'
'We have not yet seen him, an
swered Midley. -,
"And | dare affirm to your lordship
that he is not present" added another.
"Doubtless he is Immersed In one OF
those mysterious judicial invesuga-
lions whose end no II exactly under
stands, but which SO completely aD-
sorb him."
.Doubtless, my lord" affirmed Lieut..
Midley.
But. as he spoke, on the highest step
of the staircase appeared Sir johns
Youngest son. accompanying his fan
Gee Hera Burtell, and her sister Agnes.
Lord Singleton was the first to dis
cover them.
.Ahv" he exclaimed, there is Sir Ed
ward with Sir Johns wards! He VIII
be able to bring us news of his father.
You bring us Sir John?' he asked, after
"a formal interchange of cuurtes1es.
mo. my lord" answered the young
man. 81 hoped to find him here"
.We have awaited him." replied the
Governor. land are surprised at his alb
sence." !.
..But 1t more than astonishes me-"
murmured Edward. 1T causes me
great Cneasiness."
"And why?'
"Why? My lord" repeated Edward,
81 will explain. My father neither
breakfasted nor supped with us. he
left the bungalow before daybreak, and
on entering his room, | found his bed
untouched"
"Indeed." said the Governor. 1T APP
pears very strange"
zone thing treasures us" added AZ
mes. timidly. MY guardian was not
alone. His eldest son accompanied
him and also Stop, a most faithful
man, and Sir Georges valet. In that
case, you must put aside all thought OF
danger"
YES" added Edward. ''and it must
also be said that my father has had
the habit of absenting himself in this
fashion. without forewarning anyone"
"Ah, it is doubtless one of these jour-
neys he las made. | am convinced we
shall soon press his hand"
"We share your hope, my lord"
At this instant a hussar announced,
in ringing tones:
''The Rajah Doorgal Sahib."
Quite a movement of curiosity was
apparent among the guests to see the
newcomer, whose reputation had pre-
coded him as Ii of the wealthiest n
most civilized of the Hindoo princes
and English allies.
The Governor advanced several steps
to meet him. He was costumed in the
Oriental habit, his dress sparkling with
precious stones, and he descended the
staircase surrounded by a numerous
ami brilliant suite. Agnes seized He
ra's arm and tremblingly whispered:
Look, H~era-look! 1t is the man we
so constantly meet, and whose gaze,
" hen fixed on my face, burns like a
fame, and makes me redden in spite of
myself. Hera, / am afraid of him. In
some way this man brings me misfor-
tuner
Hera, in answer, pressed her hand.
Nonsense, dear" she said. IF we
meet the prince, it is by accident, and
if he looks at you, it is because you are
so beautiful that l cannot be aston
ished at his admiration. | think him
charming. Besides, our guardian knows
him. Why, then, are you afraid?'
II do not know" murmured Agnes.
81 shIdder-cannot help it! / am, per-
haps, weak and foolish, but it is not
my fault. One cannot control PRESENT.
ments."
The Governor and the rajah had now
met.
welcome, Doorgal Sahibf' said the
former. I'm this palace. which is En-
glish territory, I am proud and happy
to reckon you among my guests
My lord" responded the raiah 81
offer to you my hand, and my heart fol-
lows it. Our countries are not the
same, u gods are different, but we
are brothers."
ut could not be otherwise" replied
Lord Singleton, ''since England and
India are sisters"
Doorgal then, perceiving the two sis
tiers, FASTENED towards them.
Miss Agnes-Miss Hera." he said,
with the most profound respect. 'let
me bend the knee before you as before
one Of the smiling divinities of the
temple. Sir Edward, / salute you.
Shall we not see. this evening, Sir
John, your fatherg"
DOUBTLESS, prince, since we expect
him." answered Edward.
Il shall await his coming. since l
rave n favor to ask of him."
"A favor, princes" echoed Hera.
what may it bey'
"To be permitted to offer each of o
one of those ~trifies, pleasing to young
gi-ls, whose sole value in my eyes will
be that 1t may enhance your beauty"
What Is it, them"
A magnificent belt Of embroidered
cachemire encircled the rajah's waist.
and held his silver-handled dagger, in
crusted with jewels. Doorgal thrust
his right hand into it's ample folds and
drew therefrom two caskets. similar in
shape, which he handed the young
girls, slightly bending the knee before
them. in Eastern fashion.
With marked hesitation. Agnes re-
ceived hers; but Hera opened the
spring with child-like impotence. and.
with a gesture Of astonished admira-
ton. cried.