The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1899-08-23

40
the Invaders, and as we walked we
talked. Evidences were abundant
that the strange people among whom
Mr.. Avery had lived so long fully
merited his unstinted praise as to
their industry and refinement.
We passed many houses that would
have reflected credit upon an English
or American occupant, so scrupu-
lously clean and neat we're they kept.
Many of them boasted Of gardens,
and these were kept with great care.
The houses, almost invariably, were
of the low, wide porticoed and piazza
style that was so conducive to COM
fort in that salubrious climate, where
most of the time man lived out-of-
doors. In some of them the women
could be seen at their work. The
Jumsrs had no idlers. Every man
and woman seemed to be busy.
"Now, there is house I like" 1
said, pointing to one a little larger
than the others. cit is, in its way,
imposing"
"That," said Mr.. Avery, els the
residence of the greatest living Jumar
none other than our friend Garu-
Saak. He is now at the mines. See
those mountains beyond? There he
is at work. But his wife must be at
home. She is never anywhere else.
Let US 60 in."
Mr.. Avery assembled the steps lead
ing to the wide porch, and without
ceremony opened the door.
"Come, my good woman," he called
out in Jumarese. ''You have guest. "
At first there was no answer.
"She is probably in the garden.
Come, Anna Bac," he called out in a
louder tone, eve want to see your
face"
"Ah, the oodteacher! Is it you?'
asked gentle voice.
The woman came in and bade us be
seated.
IT was busy she said. Then,
looking at me, she said, curiously:
"But our friend-he is lunar, and
I do not know him? Whence came
he? Perhaps he is Kalek and away
from his task. If so, the soldiers Of
the governor will be pleased to find
him."
"He is a Jumar-and heis Kalek, +"
replied Mr.. Avery.
"How? That is not easy. Can you
explain, good teacher, how he is a
Jumar of Galneor and a Kalek Of
Bromporrah in one?"
"Listen, Anna Bac! Can you keep
a secret until we say to you: Spread
the news?'"
"sire, the wife of Garu-saak can
keep many secrets. In her bosom
there are locked many now. You can
tell"
"That is SO. Well, you remember
you came to me one day and told ME
that the women, when at prayer one
day, saw a man dressed in gold, beck
oning to them"
"It is so. I remember WE'LL" she
said.
"This is he."
"Ah! This is the Oolek. I know.
Garu-Saak has told me, but has bid
me seal my lips"
She threw herself on the floor and
kissed the polished wood before me.
"Look here, Mr.. Avery" ] said in
English. "This is very embarrass-
ing. don't know what to do with 80
much worship"
"Tell her to rise," he said gravely.
"Rise, my good woman," I said, in
the native tongue. 81 do not want
the homage of my people, but their
love and obedience.
"Oolek, you will have them both.
Rely upon Anna Bac. The wife of
Garu-Saak gives you promise that the
women of Galneor will serve you and
help you as we can"
'That is well-and all that can be
asked" said Mr.. Avery. "Now let
US go on
In this way we went through Gal
neor, meeting and speaking only to
those who were considered by Mr..
Avery to be the safest custodians of
our secret.
We passed out into the country and
saw many beautiful farms. They were
all we'll cared for. The people had
every means to promote prosperity, if
the iron grasp of the tyrant could once
be shaken. The ground was ready to
give forth in great abundance. The
mountains hid vast fortunes not yet
mir Cd or discovered.
On our way back, we stopped at the
farm of Oso-Bark. The big Jnmar
saw US as we were entering the gate.
He looked ugly. He was carrying two
pals of milk from the cowsheds into
tho house. He said nothing to us,
but we followed him inside. I appre-
hended that something was going
wrong.
In the living-room of Oso-Bark's
house there sat Chinese officer and
half-a-dozen soldiers. Drawn up to
the porch was q wagon, to which
a horse was harnessed. In the
wagon were several u large cans.
The daily rounds were being made to
collect the milk and honey of tho ISL
and for the garrison at Quiental. When
Oso-B Bark had poured the milk into the
nearest can, the tax x-gatherer prepared
to leave. AS he passed US, he drew
his sword and wantonly pricked Mr..
Avery's arm. I made a motion for
ward. I was going to knock the mis-
creant down. Mr.. Avery held me
back.
"You would ruin ALL" he said. sDo