Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-08-07

desert ramShaCkle stage, the most part enter
tanning your mind with what might happen Immediately
subsequent to the bursting of string bound axle you
will appreciate the relief Harding felt when the ancient
tonga which had borne him the waste of Rajpu
tana Crawled to the bright splash OF shade trees and
Towering shrubs surrounding the British Resdency at
Rahmabad. letter of urgent invitation had caught
him Bombay, and diverted his from the usual
overland Calcutta thence by way of Singapore
a scientific trip to the Philippines.
Mrs Mansel wife of the British Political Resident
and Harding had been old friends in their American
home town, which partly explains his invitation to
Rahmabad 1t was Mrs. Mansel who fastened thro1g /
the compound to greet him. while he made hopeless
effort to shake the dust of Raputana from his ducks
realizing the disastrous effect of night in tonga
his general appearance. But the warmth of Mrs. Man
sells welcome made him obivious his outward state
"You can't imagine how glad l am to you Bert"
she exclaimed, with unrestrained pleasure in tone and
expression
'And how delighted am to be here with you" he
responded retaining the hand she extended for
ment At first the idea occurred to him that the climate
of India had not agreed with Mrs Mansel He noticed
physical change in her that hardly for the better
since they last met in New York.
Il have surprise for you she presently went on,
leading toward the Resdency bungalow. Guess what
it is, Bert?"
solve chemical and other probles but for the
time being that awful tonga has shaken every particle
of out of me. But anyway I'd take forty tonga
rides to you again.
WELL, she smiled appreciatively II won't keep you
in suspense. Grace is visiting me. She came out two
months ago from Europe"
What Your sister Grace here? Great Scott! that
is an unexpected pleasure!'
A glance toward the veranda moved him to few
hasty strides in that direction his objective being
girl in trim riding habit with pth helmet partly
shading attractive features. She had just returned from
early morning canter, and the color in her cheeks
that of the pinned to the breast of her habit
The heartiness of a meeting between Americans in
such circumstances was presently interrupted by the
appearance of Colonel Manse sun tanned we'll set
up figure in undress military uniform. While Hard
ing reciprocaed the COlonel's friendly advances it
seemed to him there something in the Resi-
dents manner than the Engishman's habtual reserve
vein somewhere back of him almost suggestive of
visionary abstraction. He also noticed that whenever
Mrs. Mansels eyes rested on her husband her face
sumed an anxious look. But, presumng that Colonel
Mansels position entailed serious responsibility, Hard
ing dismissed further speculation regarding his host
character with the estimate that he of strongly
preoccuped disposition perhaps natural to man forced
to penetrate the wiles of a native court.
7 ATER after bath, change of clothes, and ex-
~ cellent titfln the subject of Colonel Mansefs
serve introduced by Grace. She had led Harding
to seat in the shade of tree; but had barely
toned Colonel Manses when she turned i'm
patiently to gardener who had crept up silently with
the apparent object of trimming flower border which
manestly did not require his attention.
Jdo! Be of! she cried, emphasizing the order with
a stamp of her foot.
The gardener salaamed and moved away obedientlv
THAT is the first word you learn here, she informed
Harding, and necessary when you can't turn your
head without finding one of these creatures at your
But to return to Colonel Mansel Did YOU notice any
ling peculiar about hm?'
why, l thought perhaps he a trae absent
minded" replied Harding.
Grace withdrew into pensive mood for some mo-
mens. and at last spoke seriously with her eyes fixed
downward IF it only that, it would matter;
but Marion is dreadfully worried about him.
81 am sorry to hear such news" remarked Harding
synpathetically Won't you tell about it, :"
Sne looked up and searched his face penetratingly.
know can trust you. l know can rely upon you
to help me if | ask.
"You certainly can he assured her. Il think told
you long ago there nothing on earth"
Yes" she interrupted; "but that was in reference
to another matter. This is to help my sister.