Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-08-09


"You think so? Well, have It your
own way. But suppose I decline the
invitation?"
Salig Singh looked bored. Since
thou hast come so far" he said, thou
wilt go farther. hazoor"
Meaning-by force?"
"Of thine own will. Those whom
the Voice calleth are not led to the
Gateway by their noses"
But" Amber persisted, suppose
they won't go?'
Then, hazoor, doth the Council of
the Hand sit in judgment upon them"
The significance was savagely obvi-
Gus, but Amber merely laughed. And
the Hand strikes, l presume?' Salig
Singh nodded. Bless your heart, I'm
not afraid of your Hand! But am I
to understand that conir alsion is not
to be used in order to get me to the
observation-disclosures that is? l mean,
I'm free to exercise my Judgment,
whether or not shall go-free to
leave this place and return to my
hotel?"
Gravely the Rajput inclined his
head. Even So" he assented. II
caused thee to be brought thither sole
ly to make certain what thou hast out
Of thine own mouth confrmed-the
report that thou hadst become alto
gether traitor to the Bell. So be IT,
There remains but the warning that
for four days more, and four days
only, the Gateway remains open to
those summoned. On the fifth II
closes"
And to those who remain in the
outer darkness on the fifth day. Salig
Singh"
God is merciful." said the Raiput
piously.
Very well. II that is all, think
will now leave you, Salig Singh"
said Amber. fondling his pistol mean
ingly.
zone word more" Salig Singh in
terposed, very much alive to Amber's
attitude: Il were unfaithful to the
trust thou didst once repose in me
were l not to warn thee that whittier
thou goest, the Mind will know; what
thou dost, the Eye will see; the words
thou shalt utter, the Ear will hear.
To all things there is an end, also
even to the patience of the Body,
Shabashl"
Thank you most to death, Salig
Singh Now will you be good enough
to order a ghari TO take me back TO
the Great Easteru?"
my lords will is his servants"
Salig Singh started for the door the
least trace too eagerly.
"One moment" said Amber sharply.
Not so fast, my friend" He tapped
his palm with the barrel of the pistol
to add weight to his peremptory man.
Ter. 81 think if you will lift, your
voice and call, some one will answer.
I've taken a great fancy to you, II
you don't know 1t, and l don't pur-
pose letting you out of my sight until
I'm safely out of this house
With a sullen air the Rajput yield
ed From his expression Amber
would have wagered much that there
was bad quarter of an hour in store
for those who had neglected TO disarm
him when the opportunity was theirs.
"As you will" conceded Salig Singh;
and he clapped his hands smartly,
crying: "Ohe, Motol"
Almost instantly the iron door
swung open and the lamp-bearer ap-
peared, salaaming.
Tell him." ordered Amber, ITO
bring me a cloak Of some sort--not
too conspicuous. I've no fancy to
Kick up a scandal at the hotel by re-
turning with these buds visible. You
can charge it UP 70 profit and loss;
if it hadn't been for the tender treat
ment your assasslns gave me, I'd be
less disreputable.
A faint smile fickered in Salig
| Singh's eyes-a look that was not
wholly devoid of admiration for the
man who had turned the tables on
him with such ease. Indeed" he
said, Il was lacking in courtesy did
l refuse thee that" And turning to
the servant he issued instructions in
accordance with Amber's demands,
adding gratuitously an order that the
way of exit should be kept clear.
AS the man bowed and withdrew
Amber grinned cheerfully. 1T wasn't
bad afterthought. Salig Singh" he
observed; precautions like that re-
lieve the mind wonderfully some
| times"
But the humor of the situation
seemed to be lost upon the Rajput
Without undue delay the servant
returned with light cloak and the
announcement that the ghari was In
waiting.
His offer to help the American don
| the garment was graciously declined.
'Tve a fancy to have my arms free
for the present" Amber explained;
Il can get 1t on by myself in the
ghari" He took the cloak over his
/ left arm. I'm ready; lead on" be
said, and with a graceful wave Of the
pistol bowed Salig Singh out o. the
cellar.
Amber civiIly insisted that both the
servant and his master leave the
house before him, but, ONCE outside,
he made a wary detour and got be
tween them and the waiting convey
ance. Then, Its kind Of you, Salig
Singh" he said; I'm properly CRATE
full. III say this for you; you play
the game fairly when anybody calls
your attention to the rules. Good
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