Evening star., 1911-06-05

ture OF the world, a picture which after
all might not be the true one. did not
believe that I could bear the reality"
He bent his head wearily on his hand.
and there followed an instants silence, In
which Trayers thoughtfully studied his
companion. He was wondering what
cross current of influence had flowed into
the stream on which he meant TO sweep
the prince toward his purpose. Any idea
OF relinquishing his plans had evaporated:
the very suggestion OF another influence
having been sufficient to put him on his
mettle and call TO life the full energy of
his headstrong ambition. lie had tire
tact. however 10 remain silent. and 10
leave Nehafs train of thought urinter
rupted. And this required considerable
patience and seif-control. for the ralah
seemed 10 forget his existence, and sat
staring vacantly in front OF him. his
head still resting on his hand
Yes he went on. suddenly. but with
out changing his position. that is what
1 felt two nights ago. The practical.
hard side OF me seemed lacking. | felt
that I was a dreamer like the rest of my
unfortunate race, and that to enter into
battle with the world. as you suggested.
could only bring misfortune. l did not
realize then that, at whatever cost. Il
was my duty"
"Duty?"
Yes A dreamer has no right to his
dreams. be they ever SO beautiful, unless
he changes them into substance. In my
dreams Il nave loved the wOrld ana my
fellow-creatures. But what does that
avail me IL | do nothing for the suffering
and sorrow with which the world ia
filled? l must go out and help. i mus
put my whole wealth and strength 10 the
task even III 1 lose thereby my peace.
must sell all that / have Is not that
the advice your Great Teacher gave TO
the young man seeking to do his duty?"
Travers started and then smiled.
rs there anything you do not know or
hox oiul hn Sat1 xsfTh IN,
amused admiration.
Il have read a great deal was the
earnest answer but il seems to me as
though / had known nothing until yester-
day. Yesterday, in an hour. a new world
was revealed to me-" He leaned forward.
extending his hand. II ask you as a man
of honor he said, "before you show me
your plans. before definitely engage my
self in this great work. tell me. do YOU
believe that IL will be for my people what
you say? Will IL lift them from their
misery: will 1t make them prosperous ami
happy"
Travers took the hand In his own. For
a moment he studied il intently. curious
ly. as though it had been the sole topic
Of their conversation. Then his eyes met
those of the rajah with unflinching calm
and decision.
las far as / can be sure of anything.
1t will do for your country all that /
have said." he answered. And therein he
was sincere-as sincere, that is. as man
can be whose retreat is already secured.
With q sigh Of relief Nehal Singh drew
the table closer.
Show me your plans" he said
For three uninterrupted hours the two
men sat over the papers which Travers
had brought. Now and again he lifted
his head and glanced toward the doorway
through which the strange apparition
had disappeared. half expecting To see
once more the white extended hand, half
believing that he had been the victim OF
a delusion. q phantasy born OF the mys-
terious veil with which the whole palace
seemed shrouded. Then he glanced at the
ring, which sparkled on his own finger.
and he knew that IL was no delusion. but
that corner OF the veil lay. perhaps,
within his grasp.
(To be continued tomorrow.)