The L'Anse sentinel., 1905-05-06
READING OF
THE INK 8 8
Attest OF EAST INDIAN MAGIC

says that Johnny must
wv have believed, else he would never
have done 1t, 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. Nl
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.
''Yes; that is, all 'cept this thing Kirk
wood sent me, and I'm blessed II know
what to do with It. Seems to think there
are Indians in New York" And Johnny
held out for the rajah's inspection a SER
viceable looking revolver.
II 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 fearful duffer am"
"WilI you then not continue your
studies?"
NO." he answered, finally. THE vul-
gar truth is. Rajah, as Hal will tell you,
I 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 OF
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, I was deucedly
grieved to hear that you had been
plowed. cannot comprehend how II
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
long story, owe much to you. would
therefore desire you to accept from me
small token Of my appreciation.
This ring has some intrinsic worth,
but its sentimental value is great. Ac-
cording to an ancient legend It brings its
wearer good luck" And, drawing from
his finger a ring set with ruby of ex-
traordinary size, he held 1t out to Johnny.
But you know, Rajah." exclaimed the
latter. II 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! It is for the charm would
bestow It."
Charms" I 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 don't believe in
charms enough to forget the value Of that
stone, old chap"
"Ah, WELL" laughed Singh, replacing
the ring upon his finger. II suppose VIC
are silly. superstitious people. Very
childish, I'm sure. Eh, Halbeath?"
"very," said 1.
"You're not offended, Rajah, are your"
asked Johnny. Heaven only knows I've
use for all the luck can get. I'm not
funking, Hal, but I'd give f1OO, II had
It. to know what I'll be doing three years
from now"
sitting under your own fig tree with
m heiress by your side, probably, " sug-
gested. But maybe the Rajah has some
charm for telling the future" Ifear that
I showed my dislike Of the Indian too
plainly. CO.,
Il have, indeed-Singh smiled mirth-
lessly. Il have, but you will scoff as
all but your wisest r1en do-a little trick
you may know. II Is the reading OF the
ink" fs
Never mind" I exclaimed. We've
had enough Of that sort Of thing for to-
night 8t NJ :
.Ahal" laughed the Rajah; 81 see you
40 believe"
But what is TT" demanded Johnny.
Blamed nonsense, Johnpyi" I de-
-clared. vehemently. Let It alono!"
Again the Rajoh smiled nirthlsssly.
Taking bottle Of INK, which stood at