Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-09-07
CHAPTER XI.

Uttering these words, DJella aP
preached table in the center OF the
room and touched bell.
Saugor Immediately appeared, in all
accustomed reverence, waiting for the
princess to question him.
Cali the English masters and SER
wants have left the palace?" she asked.
tAll mistress"
"FOm whence. come our brothers
who bring the flowers of the lotus?"
'From the east, the west, the south,
the north"
''Do you know their names? Have
you seen their faces?"
81 do not know their faces, and their
countenances are hidden under a thick
veil. Only before you may this veil be
lifted Am to bring them hither?'
Eyes. I am ready to receive them."
Snugor went away.
"NNhat news do they bring me?'
murmured the princess. 'What are
Siva's wishes? Does he demand more
English blood? His commands, what
ever they may be, will find me obedi-
ent. All, they are here! 1 shall soon
know ALP
The door opened, and fur men, in
troduced by Saugor, who stood aside
to permit them to- pass, entered the
salon. and bowed low before the prin-
cess"
Long folds of black crepe fell from
ders. throught which no feature could
be distinguished.
Djella welcomed them with q GEES
+,r nd sold 70 in q SOLEMN
voice:
"The messengers of the god are in
the presence of the Queen of the Phan-
Sugars and the Thugs. No curious eve
may spy upon them, no indiscreet ear
listen to them. Let them speak with
uncovered faces"
The newcomers, obeying her, who
doubtless had the right to command
lifted their veils and Djella could not
reDress an exclamation of surprise as
she recognized them.
''The Fal1ir Souniancy" she cried.
"Askbar! Djaal! Holcar."
Next to yourself. those highest in
power among the chiefs of the Thugs"
answered the fallir, Il sort of repulsive
gorilla in appearance.
"Rrothers," replied the princess, "be
welcome to the palace of your queen.
Glory to silva and to Bowhanie. who
have led you here! You have sent to
me, through Saugor. the lotus flowers,
which hold for us language of their
own. There is danger, then, in stort
for us?'
Eyes" responded Askbar.
"From what quarter?"
"From an Englishman."
"Who is this Englishman?"
"A civilian Of the East India compa.
ny-a chief Judge"
ga chief judge?' repeated the prime
ess. Explain yourself, Asllbar-L
watt
"The Englishman has made an
OATH" said the Fakir Souniancy. in his
turn. He has sworn. should his litt
be saved. to discover all the secrets Of
the terrible and mysterious association
Of Thugs, and to paralyZe the work Of
the Sons of Bowhanie, by striking at
it's heart"
"Abw murmured Diella; "since he
! has sworn. he seeks the truth. What
matters it?' she continued, with a GEES
ture of disdain. Let him seek! He
will discover nothing"
"He has already discovered much,
! answered the fair, ina sort of rage.
II is lllDUSSlDle.
cit is. however, true"
! "What does he know
Many things. False brothers have
betrayed or sold most dangerous Sc
crets. He is on the scent-yes, he is
on the track-and the cursed blood
hound will not cowardly forsake it.
Let him advance one step further. and
the heart Of our association will be
! threatened"
'The roads through which he travels
are still in shadow" said Holcar. "He
; knows no names, no faces; but the
light is ready to fall, dissipating the
darkness, which envelopes and con-
ceals us from him. Tomorrow, per-
haps, he will know all-to-morrow, per-
haps, the chiefs of the Queen will, in
his eyes, be unmasked!'
Djella stamped her foot, her nostrils
dilated, her lips were dry and parched.
A fierce light shot from her eyes.
"And England would triumph she
cried, In strindent tone, "and we