The Cooperstown courier. (Cooperstown, Griggs Co., N.D.) 1902-1913, 1905-05-18
READING OF
THE INK 8 8
Attest OF. EAST INDIAN MAGIC :

N7INTHROP says that Johnny must
wv have believed, else he would never
have done it, while hold that he could
not have believed, for the very same rea-
son. What the rajah thought we have
not learned. as neither of us ever spoke
to him thereafter of that or of any other
thing
met Mr.. Gunga Singh-..the .rajah"
by discourtesy-at Johnny's door that
evening. and together we went upstairs.
Hello. Hall" Johnny called from the
midst of pile of bags, boxes and other
impedimenta. Good evening. rajah.
say, you know, it's awfully decent of you
chaps to come"
"All packed?" asked.
eyes; that is, all 'cept this thing Kirk
wood sent me, and I'm blessed If know
what to do with it. Seems to think there
are Indians in New York" And Johnny
held out for the rajah's inspection ser
viceable looking revolver.
Il presume the so-called Indians OF
America are no longer to be feared" sug-
gested Singh, ,conversationally, laying
the revolver on the table. Shall you
be gone long, Mr.. Meicklejohn?"
Il don't know, really" laughed
Johnny. ruefully. Winthrop says I've
got to stay until come back bloated
plutocrat. But he seems to forget what
well. what a fearful duffer am
will you then not continue your
studies?"
NO" he answered, finally. The vul-
gar truth is. Rajah, as Hal will tell you,
l can't afford it."
There followed an awkward silence,
during which. observed with anxiety.
Singh turned something over in his
mind. feared that he was considering
how he could offer Johnny money. My
fear was only too well founded, but
could never have guessed the manner oil
the offer. 1t was too Indian.
Mr.. Meicklejohn,'' he began, leaning
with the tips Of his fingers against the
table. in the fashion of an after dinner
speaker, ''Meicklejohn, was deucedly
grieved to hear that you had been
plowed. cannot comprehend how it
came to be. You coached me. and. |
passed. How could you yourself fail?
However, be that as it may, l am
blooming sorry. Now, you were of great
assistance to me, and to make short a
| long story, owe much to you. would
| therefore desire you to accept from me a
small token Of my appreciation.
This ring has some intrinsic worth,
but it's sentimental value is great. Ac-
cording to an ancient legend it brings it's
wearer good luck" And. drawing from
his finger a ring set with ruby of ex-
traordinary size, he held it out to Johnny.
But you know. Rajah," exclaimed the
latter. Il can't take that. Why, it's
worth mint of money. I'm really awful
ly obliged, old chap. but couldn't think
of depriving YOU"
THE stone!" scoffed Singh; "bah, that
Is nothing! 1t is for the charm would
bestow it,
Charms" l remarked, "are bit out
Of date--in Edinburgh"
Then you refuse, Mr.. Meicklejohn %
"I'm sorry, I'll have to-" johnny re-
piled. I'm afraid l don't believe in
charms enough to forget the value of tina.
stone, old chap"
"Ah, WE'LL" laughed Singh, replacine
the ring upon his finger. Il suppose VIC
are silly, superstitious people. Very
childish, Pm sure. Eth, Halbeath?"
every" said l.
you're not offended, Rajah, are YOU ~
asked Johnny. Heaven only knows i've
use for all the luck can get. I'm not
funking, Hal, but I'd give s1OO, il had
it, to know what I'll be doing three years
from now"
Sitting under your own fig tree with
an heiress by your side, probably. J" sug-
gested. "But maybe the Rajah has some
charm for telling the future" Ifear that
showed my dislike of the Indian too
plainly.
Il have, indeed-Singh smiled mirth-
lessly. Il have. but you will scofG as
all but your wisest men do-a little trick
you may know. 1t is the reading of the
ink"
Never MIND" l exclaimed. We've
had enough of that sort of thing for to.
night"
"Aha!" laughed the Rajah; 81 see yo,,
do believe"
But what is it?" demanded Johnny
blamed nonsense, Johnny!" l de-
clared vehemently. .'Let it alone!"
Again the Rajah smiled mirthlessly
Taking a bottle of ink. which stood al
his elbow, he poured from it few drops
into an old china ash tray.
"That Is all it is, said he; "yet in oul
foolish east we believe that one may read
the future in those drops-if one is
worthy and will"
But how; but how?" Johnny per
sistec.
"Jnst gaze fxedly upon the little poo
of black, and you will see what you will
see."
Johnny" cried l, now thoroughly in
dignant, don't believe it. It's all non
sense, tell you. At best it's an illusion;
you think of some person or place, ant
think You see them. What time does tn,
train leave. in the morning."
. "Ah. pardon me-" said the Rajah, i'm