Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-24

procedure. He led Latham in and out through
malodorous. dusty back streets. stumbling over
things in the darkness it best not to pause
to investigate. and Colliding with Stealthy figures
suggestive of suspicious errands.
At last Golab Dat turned into a narrow lane
between high walls. which apparently termi-
mated in a coward. Midway in one wall there
was high arched stoutly barred gate: but.
except for the outline of roof above the wall.
that was all there was to be seen of Parah Singh's
house. A deep bass growl on the other side of
the gate warned them that it would be hazard
Gus to attempt an entrance.
That is Rampur hound, Sahib, very
fierce dog'' remarked Golab Dat in a whisper
So should imagine" said Latham dryly
I ATTAIN was surveying what little there was
to be seen of the house, with dawnng con-
viction that he had come on a frultless errand,
when old woman came down the lane, weep
ing and wringing her hands in evident distress.
Ask the old woman what her trouble is.
Latham instructed Golab Dat.
Golab Dat spoke to the woman, and pres
emily interpreted She says, Sahib, that she
is maid to Parah Singh's daughter. and that
her Young mistress is to 60 to the white cobra"
Go to the white cobra' repeated Latham
Tell her to explain what that means"
- If the Heaven Born Wishes, went on the
old woman. my Young mistress has fallen into
great error Alas it was in the Garden of the
Fish God that she listened to the talk of white
sahib. No good ever comes of such talk with
white sahib, and my young mistress gave him
more than was prudent"
That's not the TRUTH promptly asserted
Latham.
"Ah. Sahibl' protested the old woman.
Who is to know? The white sahib talked with
her there on many mornings and took away
her face piece of cloth That was the magic
tress asserts her innocence but who can be
lieve. Not her father. Parah Singh. Parah
Singh is very proud man. Sahib, and he sits
overcome with the shame of her disgrace. That
is WHY Alfalfa must 60 to the white cobra
his responsibility in what now looked like
tragedy swept in upon his understanding.
Why. IL was the sahib. and can swear to
her innocence by all the gods of her countryl
Just take me in to see Parah Singh. and III ex-
plain the whole thing-more than he imagines.
The old woman drew back step and stared
vindictively at Latham. For a moment she
clenched her hands and raised them as if to call
down a curse on his head but she changed to
course WHO would believe the sahib? Surely
not Parah Singh. He knows the white sahibs
well. The sahib may speak the truth: but he
could do no good"
But. Great Scott" calculated Latham with
tenseness. :" can't allow the girl to suffer pun
ishment on nv account-to 60 to Just tell
me what is going to happen"
The old woman again gave way to fit of
weeping as she explained that Alfalfa was to
be taken out that night to the Temple of Kali.
the serpent crowned one. and submit her arm
to the tooth of the white cobra. Such was the
fate of indiscreet women of her caste"
My Heaven hoarsely cried Latham.
60 That's HORRIBLE can't stand for that Some
thing must be done to stop iti'
Latham'S earneStneSS seemed to impress the
old woman for she moved closer at the same
time restraining her emotion. Has the sahib
great courage?" she asked.
In case like this l can face anything"
And money to spend?"
"All that is necessary"
The old woman drew her veil over her wrin-
killed. face and spoke for some moments in
muff1ed undertone. Latham listened intently
and then interposing questions.
- see," he said at last. Other litter
Yes. it seems practical idea"
But the sahib must not forget the other
SIDE" warned the old woman. else the tooth
of the white cobra"
Yes I'll take mighty good care of that"
returned Latham. love! we haven't much
time to put the scheme into operation"
He handed the old woman a roll of paper