Gilpin observer., 1911-11-30

cutta 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 1t 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 billet as tonga
wallah to the Kuttapur 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 I was able to
attach myself to the tall of the ma
harana without exciting comment.
Miss Farrell came by the same train,
but Salig Singh was in too great
hurry to get home to pay any atten-
tion to her, and I, knowing you'd be
along. arranged that tonga accident
with Ram Nath. He bribed his broth.
er tonga-wallah to bring 1t about"
Thank you," said Amber, from his
heart
Labertouche impatiently waved the
interruption aside. II looked for you
at the telegraph ONCE this morning,
but Of course when you didn't appear
knew something was up. So con-
cocted message to you for an ex-
cuse, came down, engaged the khansa-
nah in conversation Il think he had
some idea was an agent of the other
side) and he Is an old man,
not very strong. Once indoors, l had
little trouble with him. He's now en-
sure it, beneath his own charpoy.
Ram Nath happened along opportune-
ly and created a 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, presume?" said Amber.
mot at all. 1t wouldn't be worth
my while"
Flows that?"
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 head tonight
as you must have inferred, my dear
fellow; this is the last night of your
probation. The cutting of 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 or 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 dismay. And
you"
I'm going to find out for myself
what's towards Kathiapur.'
You're going there-alone?"
Not exactly; 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 reason to be-
lieve that he got an r. 8. V. P. for the
festive occasion and intends to put in
a midnight appearance. So purpose
saving him the trouble. It's only a
two-hour ride"
But the risk"
Labertouche chuckled grimly. "It's
the days work, my boy. I'm not sure
I shan't enjoy it. Besides, l mustn't
hang back where my subordinates
have not feared to go. We've had a
man in Kathiapur since day before
yesterday"
And I? What am to do!"
Your place is at Miss Farrell's 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 ex.
cellent memory, l shall be quite at
home"
Amber made a gesture OF surrender.
"Of course you're right" he said.
You're always right, confound you!"
Exactly" agreed Labertouche'
smiling. I'm only here to help you
escape to the residency. Raikes and
Colonel Farrell have already been ad'
vised to make preparations for siege
or for instant flight, II l give the
word. They need you far more than
! shall. 1t would be simple madness
for you to venture to Kathiapur to
night. The case is clear enough for
you to see the folly of doing anything
of the sort"
1T may be clear to you
See here" said Labertouche, with
pardonable impatience; I'm pre-
suming that you know enough of In
dian history to be aware that the
Rutton dynasty in Khandawar is the