The Huttig news., 1911-08-05


 held him with a sharp question
 Am I to wait here?"
 For moment. heaven .bornl" He disappeared
 Without sound door at Ambers elbow that had escaped his cursory notice. 90 eunningly was it fitted n the wall, swung open, and a reme n- bered voice booned In his ears, not without certain sardonie infection: Welcome, my lord. welcome to Khan dawar'"
 Amber swung uron the speaker with a snarl. "Sa,ig Sir gh!"
 Thy steward bids thee welcome to thy kingdom, hazoor!n
 Dominating the scene with his in'- posing presencc-a figure regal in the regimentals of his native arny-the Rajput humbled himself before the Virginian, dropping to his knee and offering his jeweled swordhit in token of his fealty
 "Oh, get up!" snapped Amber im- patiently I'm sick of all this damned tomfoolery Get up, d'you hear?--un- less you want me to take that pretty |
 sword of yours and spank you with l it!"
 quiver, as of self-reprcssion. moved the body of the man at his feet; then. with 8 jangle of spurs. Salig Singh leaped up and stood at distance of two paces. his head high, his black eyes glittering ominously with well-nigh the sinister brillianee of his vibrating emerald aigrette.
 My lordi" he cried angrily. Are these words to use to one who offei s thee his heart and hand? Is this inso- lence to be suffered by a Rajput, son of Kings?"
 AS for that" returned Amber steadily, giving him look for lock. your grandfather was bunia ard you know 1t. Whether or not you're going to suffer what you call my in- science. I don't know. and l don't much care. You've made a fool of me twice, now, and I'm tired of 1t. give you my word I don't understand why don't shoot you down here and now, for I believe in my heart you're the unholiest seoundrel unhung Is that language plain enough for you?"
 For an instant longer they faced ore another extensively, Amber cool enough outwardly and inwardly boil ing with rage that he should have walked into the trap with his eyes open, Salig Singh trembling with re- sentiment but holding himself in with splendid restraint.
 AS for me-" continued Amber. I suspect I'm the most hopeless ass in the three Presideneies. if that's any comfort to you, Salig Singh. Now what dyou want with me?
 A shadowy smile softened the black ness of the Rajput's wrath. He shrpg- ged and moved his hands slightly, ex- posing their palms. subtly signifying his submission.
 Thou art my overlord," he said quietly, with a silky deference. In time thou wilt see how thou hast wronged me. For the present, l re- main thy servant I harbor no re- sentiment. I owe thee naught but loyal ty. 1 await thy commands.
 The dickens you dol" Amber whistled inaudibly, his eyes narrowing as he pondered the man You protest a lot, Salig Singh. If you're so much at my service why, prove it . By way of reply Salg Sirgh lifted his sword in it's scsbbard from it's fastenings at his side and with mag nificent gesture. cast 1t clenking to the floor between them. heavy Eng fish army pattern revolver followed 1t. The Rajput spread out his hands. Thou art armed my lord he said. T, at thy mercy If thou dost mis- judge my purpose in causing thee to be brought hither, my life is in thy hands
 "Oh, yes" Amber nodded That's very pretty. But presuming I chcse to take it?"
 Thou art free as the winds of the morning. See, then" Salig Sngh strode to the outer door and threw it open. The way of escape is clear not even locked"
 The lamplight fell across the stone landing and made visible the waiting boat with Dulla Dad sitting patiently at the oar.
 q see." assented Amber. "Well?"
 Salig Singh shut the door gently, "Is there more to say?' he enquired. ''I have shown thee that thou art free"
 Well, then. what do you want? Why have you brought me here?"
 Why didst thou come? There was no force. used: thou didst come ot thine own will-thine own will. which is the will of the Body, hazoori"
 "Oh. damnation! Why dyou insist on beating round the bush forever? You know we'll why I came Now, what do you want?"
 My lord, move, 1t seems. fin the ways Of error. little time ago the words of the Voice were made known to thee in far land: thou didst an- swer, coming to this country. A few days agone I myself did repeat to you the message of the Bell; thou didst