Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1904-07-21

him, and would even be so were 1t any
other than themselves thus placed IN
danger. AT the same time. Joe makes
no rhetorical flourishes In his narra-
tive, but gives 1t In plain, everyday
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 1t appear more
romantic. This ia clearly possible, be-
cause the bright costumes, the strange
language, the bizarre contents Of the
shelf-like shops where the proprieto"s
sit cross legged, smoking calmly and
awaiting the advent of customers. AIT
these things, seen and heard under
the numerous colored lights that make
Bhendy Bazaar Road seem like
glimpse Of fairyland, must have their
effect upon the sensitive nerves, ana
cause one to look upon the affair in
quite another humor than might he
the case were it all done under the
garish light of day and amid other les'
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 It's details
discussed, as the anticipated thunder
bolt falls upon our friends.
Sandy :atis 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. II is no accl'
dent but an intentional dig that carries
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 An,
you sly dog, always working In your
little pun! It's beastly shame to im-
pose on an unsophisticated Yankee like
myself. Never mind, III have my eye
teeth cut If remain long In such dis
reputable company, I'll warran1 YOU
While thus delivering himself Sandy
is casting his eyes around in the hope
of discovering the cause of Jce'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. 1t Is
not very difficult task for native to
mingle In the crowd and lose him
self but 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
II by mere accident, several ugly-look-
ing HindOos are near them. They 90
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 or
Thugs in India, but he knows much
OF their past history and has I'm aibed
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 n gen
eral 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 tho
pa,f of the Government to stamp out
: the Curse of India.
1t strikes Sandy very broadly, MS he
notes the presence of these fellows.
that they nre 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, 1t does not seem as though
he need fear all the combination OF
evil that can be brought to bear
against them. Joe Is natural borr
leader, and needs nothing beyond the
occasion to develop his powers.
"Keep close at my side. Sandy; we
have here an enemy somewhat differ
cnt from any you may have met-ccr
tnnly as unlike the cowardly Arab
who tackled you in the dark street.
of Cairo as day is from night. OF
course, you are armed-don't answer
simply nod. That's good. l feared
YOU might have overlooked the little
gun. If the worst comes. remember
we are marked men, and let every
bullet find its 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:
II 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.
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