Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1905-05-12
READING OF
THE INK 8 8
# -
TEST OF EAST INDIAN MAGIC

M In II lItOI says IndV JonHhy hiuo'
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 you
chaps to come"
"All packed?" asked.
"Yes; that is, all 'cept this thing Kirk
wood sent me, and I'm blessed il know
what to do with it. Seems to think there
are Indians in New York" And Johnny
held out for the raiah'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 a bloated
plutocrat. But he seems to forget what
well, what fearful duffer am"
will you then not continue your
studies?"
mo" 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 OF
the offer. 1t was too Indian.
MIR. Meicklejohn," he began, leaning
with the tips Of his fingers against the
table, in the fashion of an after dinner
speaker, "Meickleiohn, l 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, | 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 its sentimental value is great. Ac-
cording to an ancient legend it brings its
wearer good luck" And. drawing from
his finger ring set with ruby of ex
traordinary size, he held it out to Johnny
But you know, Rajah, exclaimed the
latter. II can't take that. Why, til
worth mint of money. I'm really awful
ly obliged old chap, but couldn't think
of depriving you"
THE stone!" scoffed Singh; bah tina
Is nothing! 1t is for the charm l would
Destow it,"
Charms" | remarked, are bit GU
OF date-in Edinburgh
Then you refuse, Mr. Meicklejohn?
"1'm sorry, I'll have to-" Johnny re
Piled I'm afraid don't believe il
charms enough to forget the value of tina
. stone, old chap"
"Ah, we'll" laughed Singh. replacin
the ring upon his finger q suppose "
are silly, superstitious people. Yer
childish, I'm sure. Eli, Helbeath?"
very" said l.
"You're not offended, Rajah. are you?
asked Johnny. Heaven only knows ~
use for all the luck can get. I'm nc
funking, Hail. but I'd give G100, if ha
it, TO know what I'll be doing three year
from now"
Sitting under your own fig tree wit
an heiress by your side, probably, su2
gested. "But maybe the Rajah has som
charm for telling the future" fear tht
| showed my dislike of the Indian to
plainly.
"a have, indeed-Singh smiled mirtl
= lessly. Il have. but you will scott
a all but your wisest men do--a little trio
B. you may know. 1t is the reading of Il
q ink"
n Never mind" | exclaimed I'VE,
= had enough of that sort of thing for t
d night
Q "Aha!" laughed the Rajah; 81 see yo
|, do believe"
Il But what is it," demanded Johnn
Blamed nonsense, Johnny" ! d
% clared vehemently. LET 1t alone!"
n Again the Rajah smiled mirthlessl
Taking a bottle of ink, which stood