Evening star., 1911-06-03

every other consideration. Was 1t to
these that his hero worship was dedi-
Gated? Were these the men from whom
he was to learn greatness Of thought,
heroism of action, purity In life. idealism
these blatant, coarse-worded, coarse
minded cynics, to whom duty WAS a
I bore" and pleasure an excuse to plunge
into the lowest dregs of existence? In
vain his young enthusiasm. his almost
passionate desire to honor greatness in
others fought his contemptuous convic-
tion OF their unworthiness. Gradually,
1t is true. he grew calmer. and, like
climber wko has been flung from a high
peak, gathered himself from his fall,
ready to climb again. He told himself
that as an outsider he did not understand
either the words or the actions which he
had heard and witnessed, that he judged
them by the narrow standard OF life
the world. He repeated to himself Bea-
trice Cary's assurance-"AIl men do not
carry their heart on their sleeve" He
told himself that behind the jarring flip
pancy there still could lurk a hidden
depth and greatness. Nevertheless the
received impression was stronger than all
argument. The climber, apparently un-
hurt, had sustained vital injury.
Nehai Singh was about to turn away.
desirous only to be alone. when a sound
fell on his ears which sent q sudden
sharp thrill through his troubled heart.
1t was a groan, a single. half-smothered
groan, breaking through compressed lips
by the very force OF an ovefpewering
misery. Nehal looked back. The blank
stare was gone. tho boy lay with his face
buried in his arms
In that moment the dreamer In Nehal
died. the man Of instant, impulsive action
took his place. He hurried up the steps
OF the veranda and laid his hand on the
bowed shoulder.
"You are in trouble" he said. What
is the matter?"
As though he had been struck by a
shock OF electricity. Geonries half sprang
to his feet, and then, as he saw the dark
face so close to his own. he sank back
again, speechlsss and white to the lips.
For q moment the two men looked at
each other in unbroken silence.
hal said at length, but I could not see
you in such distress. do not know
what it is. but II you will confide in me I
may be able to help you."
fellow. in helpless confusion. III had
known you were there"
"You would not have revealed your
trouble to me?' Nehal finished, with a
faint smile. And that, l think. would
help YOU perhaps you can help me-" He
paused and then added, slowiy: Il have
been standing watching you a long time."
!. "A long time!" A curious fear crept
over the boyish face You saw us play
Iu8s tuch~-01i0 bASOso "AAeS "O S1s~A'
Yes"
And you wish to help me?'
''If can"
Geoflries turned his head away. avoid
ing the direct gaze.
'Y0u are very kind. Rajah Sahib. I'm
afraid I'm not to be helped"
The sight of that awkward shame and
misery drove all personal grief from Ne
hats mind. He drew forward q chair
and seated himself opposite his COM
panion. clasping his sinewy, we'll shaped
hands on the table before him.
LET US try and put all fornalties
aside." he said. "If you can treat me as
q friend. let nothing prevent You. We
are strangers to each other. but then the
whole world is stranger to me. Yet
would be glad to help and understand
the world. as would be glad to help and
understand you II you will let me-"
GeOhIries looked shyiy at this strange
deus ex machina, troubled by perplexing
considerations How much had the rajah
heard Of the previous conversation. how
much had he UNDERSTOOD Above all,
what would his comrades say II they
found him pouring out his heart to 'this
fellow" who had been the constant butt
for their arrogant contempt? And yet,
as often happens. amid hts many friends
he was intensely alone. There was no
single one TO whom he could turn with
the burden Of his conscience, no one to
whom he did not systematically play
himself or % something other than he
was. And opposite he looked into face