The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1901-07-24
MYNHEER JOE,
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BY ST. GEORGE RATHBoRNE.
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BosEERs soNa


Bhendy Bazar Road seem like a
glimpse of fairyland, must have their
effect upon the sensitive nerves, and
cause one to look upon the affair IN
quite another humor than might be
the case were it all done under the
garish light of day and amid other less
powerful surroundings.
What the full text of Mynheer Joe's
narrative may be does not concern US
at present. In good time its nature
must be laid bare, and all Its details
discussed, as the anticipated thunder
bolt falls upon our friends.
Sandy feels that the situation Is
grave and realizes his position in the
matter. Before he can give an express
sion to his feelings, however, the trav!-
eler steps on his foot. 1t is no acci-
dent but an intentional dig that carries
a warning with it, and quick to heed
these things the little man bubbles out
with a laugh, that causes the last of
the serious look to fly from his face.
Capital joke, that Of yours, Joe. All,
you sly dog. always working in your
little pun! It's beastly shame to im-
pose on an unsophisticated Yankee like
myself. Never mind, I'll have my eye
teeth cut If remain long in such dis
reputable company, I'll warrant you"
While thus delivering himself Sandy
is casting his eyes around in the hope
of discovering the cause Of Joe's sud
den new departure. What enemy has
approached near enough to give the
wary explorer alarm?
The first discovery that candy
makes, is that Kassee, faithful Kassee,
no longer stands near the elbows Of
his master, but has vanished as COM
pletely as though the earth has opened
and swallowed him. Of course, it is
not very difficult task for native to
mingle in the crowd and lose him
self, but a white man would have
much trouble, as he must he one
among dozens, and his identity can be
detected even some distance away.
Looking further Sandy believes he
can place the threatening danger. AS
if by mere accident, several ugly-look-
ing Hindoos are near them. They do
not move on with the crowd but lin
ger in that one spot, which IN itself
seems to indicate an intention to do
mischief.
Sandy has not had any actual eX-
perience with the dreaded society Of
Thugs in India, but he Knows much
of their past history and has imoibed
numerous stories concerning their evil
deeds. He is also aware Of the fact
that although Great Britain has dealt
very severely with all members Of this
dreaded society, whenever their guilt
could be proven, her strict laws have
had little effect in intimidatingi the
braves of cord and creese. AS a gen
eral rule, their work is carried Oh
among the people Of their own nation
atty, but there have been timees when
foreigners have come under the ban,
although the secret order is chary of
fndulging in such pastime as 1t always
results in additional energy on the
part Of the Government to stamp out
the Curse Of India.
1t strikes Sandy very broadly, as he
notes the presence Of these fellows,
that they are standing upon the brink
of precipice, where 1t will not require
much of an effort to hurl them over.
At such critical time, it is wonderful
what confidence he has in the mag
netic man beside him. With Myn-
heer Joe to hold up the other end Of
the log, it does not seem as though
he need fear all the combination Of
evil that can be brought to bear
against them. Joe is a natural-born
leader, and needs nothing beyond the
occasion to develop his powers.
Keep close at my side, Sandy; we
have here an enemy somewhat differ
ent from any you may have met-cer-
tainly as unlike the cowardly Arabs
who tackled you in the dark streets
of Cairo, as day is from night. Of
course, you are armed-don't answer,
simply nod. That's good. I feared
you might have overlooked the little
gun. If the worst comes, remember
we are marked men, and let every
bullet find it's billet. In plain words.
Sandy, shoot to kill. Savvy"
The other grunts a response thai
seems to satisfy Joe, who continues In
the same low voice:
Il am in hopes that may be able
to ward off this threatened attack.
Much depends upon the branch Of the
secret order these Thugs belong to.
At any rate, be ready to do your duty.
I must fire the first shot, and, when
that sounds, let 60 all. When these
fellows get ready for business, you
will hear q peculiar call, loud and
shrill. That cry is known to every
Hindoo, and means that If they know
what it good for themselves and fami-
lies, they will keep shy of the spot and
leave the worthy Thugs to carry out
their own sweet will Hence you see,
Sandy" removing his cigar for n NO.
ment in a nonchalant way, 1--WE need
expect no assistance from this crowd y
Luckily, I hadn't counted on it.
joe remarks the other, in something
OF the same humor.
1T will be sight worth looking nj
when the signal is given. Keep your
eyes open, friend. You will receive q
sensatioE--that of being perhaps the
first man for whose benefit the signal
has been given and who lives to tell