The Elbert County tribune., 1911-11-03

praiseworthy of our followers. Ali
mad tracked the man for days He
said he was as familiar with his face
as with that of his own father. How
could they have been mistaken"
Easily enough" said the Swami.
The men went into Mrs. Missioner's
home about the same time. There is
slight resemblance in their general
puild, and-the wrong man came outi"
Then we have lost twelve hours
said Kananda.
You have lost more than that"
said the priest, opportunity. These
occidentals are singularly fraternal.
1t is not probable that the man you
searched will let the other go un-
warned"
The Prince tossed his cigarette into
the fire. and with the springing glide
OF panther. and as silently, crossed
to the string of gongs that hung oppo-
site the divan. and struck them smart
ly. Almost at the same instant the
heavy portieres at the other end of the
room parted, and Ali's immobile face
appeared between them. The servant
advanced with salaams that increased
In profundity as he noted the storm
cloud on Kananda's brow.
Son of a pig. and fool OF a thou
sand fools!" cried the Prince, his eyes
blazing at the low-caste Hindoo.
What misguided dotard told you that
you were fit to be intrusted with a
mans task. Your place is among the
women. and. even there. you would
require guardian to see that you did
not exchange rupees for copper coins"
Ali remained motionless, as one
about whom lightning has flashed, and
who feels his only chance of safety
lies In escaping the notice OF the next
bolt. The Swami signaled to Kanan-
da. and the Prince. following the hab-
Its Of the Occident, seated himself on
the divan in Oriental fashion, and
Gained himself with deep draughts
from the pipe that bubbled on a low
table. AS he smoked, the severity
OF his features relaxed little, and at
length he recovered his composure SO
far as to take pity on the exceedingly
uncomfortable ALI
Rise. dog!" he said, "and give us,
II you can. an explanation of the dis
graceful bungling on this simple mis-
sion"
What explanation the servant might
have mustered is a problem. Before
he could collect his thoughts, the cleo
tric bell of the outer door burr-r-rd
sharply. Kananda, the stem of the
pipe in his hand, looked toward the
curtains expectantly. and the Swami
signaled to ALI to answer the sum-
mons without. The servant glided.
ghost-like. from the room, returning
shortly with the announcement that
visitor desired audience with the
famed Oriental scholar. The Prince
disappeared between the portieres OF
a small door opposite the main en-
trance OF the room. the priest nodded
slowly to the servant, and the next
moment Ali ushed into the presence
OF the sage the man who had had the
temerity to let himself be attacked
in place of him the Fasteners had de-
sired to search.
Il am special reporter for The
Times.'" said Britt. II understand
you are a scholar of distinction in
your native land. would like to have
a talk with you for a Sunday story"
The Swami's face wreathed into an
Interrogation point.
My good friend" he said. you
have come to the wrong person. 1 am
not in the least interested In fiction.
Scientific research. with perhaps a
glimpse now and then of the psychic,
limits my activity In literature"
You don't understand" said Britz.
Newspaper men call everything
story should have said an article
-an interview, you know"
Well" said the Oriental indulgent-
ly. 1T is not the policy of the propa-
ganda to seek publicity through the
columns OF the press; but. II can
serve you In any way. command me-"