The Brookings register. [volume] (Brookings, Brookings County, S.D.) 1903-1971, 1911-08-10

"You Can Figure My Relief When
You Dropped Out Of That TIcca-
Gharl."
There was then nothing to do but
strike back to the hotel and wait for a
clew. You can figure my relief when
you dropped out Of that ticca ghari!
l gave you the word to go on to Oar
feeling, intending to join you en- route.
But you know why that jaunt never
came off. l found out my mistake be-
fore morning, wired you. and left Cal
outta before you. by the same train
that conveyed the maharana OF Khan
dawar. Fortunately enough we had
Ram Nath already on the ground,
working UP another case-Ill tell you
about It some time. He's one of our
best men-a native, but loyal to the
core, and wrapped up In his work.
He'd contrived to get a billet as tonga
wallah to the K%uttapur bunia who has
the dak-service contract. myself
had arranged to have the telegraph
babu here transferred, and myself ap-
pointed in his place. So | was able to
attach myself to the tail of the ma
harana without exciting comment.
Miss Farrell came by the same train,
but Salig Singh was in too great a
hurry to get home to pay any atten-
tion to her, and |, knowing you'd be
along. arranged that tonga accident
with Ram Nath. He bribed his broth
er tonga-wallah to bring It about"
Thank you" said Amber, from his
heart.
Labertouche impatiently waved the
interruption aside. Il looked for you
at the telegraph Office this morning,
but of course when you didn't appear
| knew something was up. So | con-
cocted a message to you for an ex-
cuse, came down, engaged the khansa-
nah In conversation 0 think he had
some idea | was an agent of the other
side) and he is an old man.
not very strong. Once indoors, | had
little trouble with him. He's now en-
joying perfect peace, with a gag to In
sure 1t, beneath his own charpoy.
Ram Nath happened along opportune-
ly and created q diversion with his
gin bottle. That seems to be all, and
I'm afraid we mayn't talk much longer.
! must be going-and SO must you"
He glanced ~anxiously at his watch
"a cheap and snowy thing, such as
natives delight In. Both men rose.
you return to the telegraph sta
ton, l presume?" said Amber.
mot at all. 1t wouldn't be worth
my while"
"How's thatf"
1.-The wires haven't been working
since ten this morning" said Laber>
touche, quietly.
Amber steadied himself with the
back Of his chair. You mean they've
been cut?"
Something of that sort"
And that means"
THAT this Internal conspiracy is
scheduled to come to a head tonight
as you must have inferred, my dear
fellow; this is the last night of your
probation. The cutting off OF Khanda-
war from all British India Is a bold
move and shows Salig Singh's conf
dence. 1t means simply: Govern
mental Interference not desired.
Hands Off He knows we'll that we've
spies here, that enough has leaked out,
unavoidably, to bring an army corps
down on his back within ~twenty-four
hours, If he permitted even the most
innocent-seeming message to get out OF
tho city"
Amber whistled with dlsmay. And
you"
I'm going to find out for myself
what's towards Ka%thiapur."
You're going there-alone?"
Not exactly; l shall have company.
A gentleman Of the Mohammedan per-
suasion Is going to change places with
me for the night. No; he doesn't
know 1t yet, but | have reaso to be-
lieve that he got an r. s. V. p. for the
festive occasion and intends to put in
a midnight appearance. So I purpose
saving him the trouble. It's only q
two-hour ride"
"But the risk"
Labertouche chuckled grimly. Its
the days work, my boy. I'm not sure
/ shan't enjoy 1t. Besides, | mustn't
hang back where my subord!nates
have not feared to go. We've had a
man In Kathiapur since day before
yesterday"
And /? WHAT am I to do?"
your place is at Miss Farrells side.
No; you'd be only a hindrance to me.
Get that out of your thoughts. Three
years ago l found time to make a
pretty thorough exploration OF kath'
iapur, and. being blessed with an en-
cellent memory, / shall be quite at
! home"