The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-05-07

danger. At the same time, Joe InaheS
no rhetorical fiourishes in his nara
tive, but gives it in plaip, every day
style, such as appears to be part Of
his nature.
Perhaps their unique surroundings
have something to do with lending the
story color and making it appear more
romantic. This is clearly possible, be-
cause the bright costumes, the strange
language, the bizarre contents OF the
shelf-like shops where the proprietors
sit cross-legged. smoking calmly and
awaiting the advent Of customers. All
these things. seen and heard under
the numerous colored lights that make
Bhendy Bazaar Road seem like n
glimpse of fairyland. must have their
effect upon the sensitive nerves, and
cause one to look upon the affair in
quite another humer 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 ont
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 I'M
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 .-nndy
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, 1t is
not a very difficult task for native to
mingle in the crowd and lose him
self, but q white man would have
much trouble, as he must he one
among dozens, and his identity can he
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 eS-
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 intimidating the
bravos Of cord and creese. AS a gen
eraI rule, their work is carried on
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
indulging 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, rs he
notes the presence Of these fellows.
that they are standing upon the brink
of a precipice, where it will not require
much Of an effort to hurl them over.
AT such critical time, it is wonderful
what confidence lie 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 rs though
he need fear all the combination Of
evil that can he brought to bear
against them. Joe Is natural-born
leader. aad 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. Or
course, you are armed-don't answer
simply nod That's good. I feared
You might have overlooked the lit.i.
gun. If the worst comes. remember
we are marked men, and let every
bullet find it's billet. In plain words.