Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-09-04
By Michael White
Drawings by Wladyslaw T. Benda

this there sufficient reasons witness the case
of DIR. Ward of San Francisco. You may believe his
story or not Just as you please but those who know
best say it is than probable. 1t an lncipent
Stage that drew him the Pacific and eventually
landed him in Shivabad. He didn't care bacillus tor
occult yogs Jain temples ancient tombs but ne was
nightly interested in the Incpent Stage OF terror
which literally fyeth by night. That was why DIR. Ward
entirely satisfied to settle down IN Shivabad when
the chance tourist sped from its burning heat fever i'm
pregnated dirt and unhoy smells as fast ramshacke
tonga could travel. As as kismet the lncipent
Stage was there; for Shivabad the Capital OF ma.
tive State with ruler whose public health ideas and
much else, medieval 1t was picturesque OF course
when Close observe the street cleaning depart
ment of cur dogs and crows at work.
But that is all this story has do with the Incipent
Stage for very the doctor found himself involved
in other stirring matters ,
1t would that about the time OF DIR. Wards ar
rival the days of the old Maharaja Sahb were num-
bered At least the Maharaa thought not being de-
ceved by his astrologers, who predicted that ne would
live forever if he repeated certain mantras at SO ucn
antra; but he wanted be certain in order that he
might depart this world in accord with ancient custom
So he sent for the American hakim IN other words
Dr. Ward.
Thus it came about that the doctors professional
brethren might have opened their eyes rather wide on
beholdng him driving furiousy to the palace IN the
Maharaja'S silver mounted C-spring barouche, with
right Of way cleared by detachment of the MaharaJas
fierce ancers. He had received many hurry calls IN the
of his practce but never one attended by quite
so much STYLE dust and tumut Even at one point
he prepared for Jump when elephant doomed up not
twenty PAGES ahead. But somehow the huge beast was
showed aside half into coppersniths shop, and the
barouche ratified with shouts and curses following
THE Maharaja Sahb received Dr. Ward reclining
a rich couch, propped up by cushions The couch
had been moved a kind of balcony to catch any
breath of air stirring Nearby stood bronze vsaged at
"Reminiscences of ms, fly whisks, slippers, ETC.
The Aaharaa presented but the relic OF hne physical
human being much emaciated by sickness and old age
For all that he garments OF embroidered tusser silk
and several magnificent jewels. Also he preserved an
air of proud dignity, which, according to his lights be-
h;ub yralI rank Whpnft RI
marked that he had invariably declined to meet on an
equal footing low caste Kings with more official guns
and bigger treasure chests than himself nothing more
need be said. In his estimation he stood several
steps higher than the Viceroy, while as to European
sovereigns they all yesterday parvenus IN COM
parison That why he such stlckler tor ancient
forms and ceremonies.
In the cnrsory personal examination permitted, DIR.
Ward saw hope for the Maharaja and the Maharaja
was quick to discern that untavorabe OPINION written
on the physicians face.
Eyes, know what you going to tell me, he said.
"You like those astrologers afraid to speak the
truth. But from you what | want to know is the mo-
ment of my DEATH.
THAT cannot exactly foretell replied the doctor.
1T all depends upon your Highness' strength. You
may last for day or two pass away in few hours.
That is speaking frankly, | understand you wish"
look of dissatisfaction swept across the MaharaJas
face. Well he questioned after reflective pause you
would know the moment of my death when it comes?"
Eyes | may say | would acquiesced Dr. Ward,
holding back purely professional point OF argument
Vail Wah That is better spoken exclaimed the
GU shall stay mere 10 Icil
Narayan Rao the moment it happens 1t is important
that he should be informed More than that is not
for you to know.
"Or to inquire" returned the doctor rather coldly.
"My efforts do not extend into the region of state,
other secrets
ali AH" The Maharajas dark eyes cleaned with
all the vitality remaining in his body Il you
be trusted not like those English, always pryng
into matters that do not them. When you have
told Narayan Rao you will go away with hand your
mouth. For that you will be well recompensed.
The Maharaa drew from his finger ring containing
superb tablecut emerald and handed it to the doctor
"A present from Brahman King, he made gesture
off