Freeland tribune. (Freeland, Pa.) 1888-1921, 1902-11-17
AN A DUO ITO N

the most deeply interested.
"It is certainly strange" observed a
young lieutenant, "where Miss Blatch-
ford could have disappeared to. That
it is a case of abduction there is little
doubt in my mind, but who is there
who would dare to perpetrate such a
crime?"
81 know not, WILL" returned Ashby,
"but as sure as there is a heaven above
my affianced BRIDE"
AS the young soldier crossed the pa
rade ground white robed dusky form
followed closely behind him. When
the two reached a spot where the light
which streamed from the barrack WIN
dows did not penetrate, the native
touched the European gently and whis-
pered:
"Would Ashby sahib find the lost
maiden? If so, Ali can direct him to
where she fingers"
"What! Your
"Sahib, she is even now prisoner in
the palace of the rajah of Judpore'
what! In the power of that heather
prince! By my sword, Ill go to the
order out my Dragons and tear his
glittering abode down about his ears"
"Stay, sahibw quickly rejoined the
faithful servant. ''If English soldiers
We're seen about the palace of the ra-
jah, the feeble spark of life which still
flutters in the bosom of the white
maiden would die"
what! Would the villain murder
her?
"Sahib, Ali has said the maiden
would die and leave no trace of her
death. Listen, sahib. The slaves of the
rajah are friends of Ali, and it is they
who have told him of their masters
captive. Would Ashby sahib enter the
palace Of the rajah unaccompanied
save by Ali?"
"Why does the light of the rajah's
eyes weep? 1t should bring joy to the
heart to be chosen one of so great n
lordw And lovely Hindoo girl knelt
at the feet of Agnes Blatchford, who
was sobbing bitterly.
She offered no reply to the kindly
meant speech of her companion. Pres
emily the damask portiere at one end
of the saloon was lifted, and the rajah
himself entered.
"When will the light of my life cease
weeping and when will a smile adorn
the face of her who is loved by the
rajah of JudporeT'
Agnes Blatchford sprang to her feet
and, turning upon her prosecutor, eX-
claimed, "Never, wretch, never, until
she is restored to the home of her fa-
ther."
The native prince might have made
answer had it not been for the en-
trance of a sable Nubian, who, falling
fiat upon his face, begged forgiveness
for the intrusion.
''Speak, slave. What would you at
this timer
Most mighty and powerful rajah,"
said the black, will it please the son
of a king to look upon that which his
servant has brought him?"
"The curiosity of the rajah is aroused.
Let him see"
The Nubian arose and left the apart
ment, but reappeared in moment,
ushering in a closed palanquin. which
was borne upon the shoulders of four
blacks like himself.
A sardonic smile played about the
lips of the rajah as he stepped forward
to lift the rich curtain of the litter.
The next moment he started back in
horror, with his right hand clasping
the hilt of his scimiter.
But before he could draw the blade
the sword Of Captain Ashby was at
his throat.
"Wretchw exclaimed the soldier
"Were you a Christian / would award
you a moment to make your peace
with the Almighty. But, infidel dog
that you are, look your last upon
things earthly, for your time has
Gomez
The rajah essayed to call for as
sstance, but the call died away on his
lips, for his eyes fell upon body of
dragons that were rapidly filling the
apartments. Lieutenant Carleton
sprang forward and struck up the
blade of his captain.
Your pardon, sir! Do not forget
and overstep your authority. This
rajah is a man in high position. The
British government should deal with
him."
Lieutenant, l thank you," returned
the captain, with more composure.
1t was now that Captain Ashby first
seemed to take notice of the girl whom
he had rescued. Springing to her side,
disregarding the presence of his sol
diers, the captain clasped her in his
arms.
The faithful Ali had, as he said,
obtained the information as TO the
whereabouts of the young English girl
from the servants of the native prince,
who, without exception, hated the ty-
rannical despot. 1t was he who sug-
gested to the captain to effect the res
cue of Miss Blatchford by entering the
abode in a palanquin, for he felt that
~ his mn stpr couIl rpnch tha side of