Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-08-02

u VI Ia .>
you Can Figure My Relief When
You Dropped out of That Ticca-
Ghaire.'
There was then nothing to do but
strike back to the hotel and wait for
clew You can figure my relief when
you dropped out of that ticca ghari!
! gave you the word to go on to OAR
feeling, intending to join you en- route.
But you know why that jaunt never
came OFF | found out my mistake be-
fore morning. wired you, and left Cal
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-I'll tell you
about It 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 APP
pointed in his place. So ! was able to
attach myself to the tall Of tbe ma
harana without exciting comment.
Miss Farrell came by the same train,
but Salig Singh was in too great a
hurry to get home to pay any atten-
ton to her, and ], knowing you'd be
along arranged that tonga accident
with Ram Nath. He bribed his broth
er tonga-wallah TO bring It about"
Thank you," said Amber, from his
heart
Labertouche impatieBtiy waved the
interruption aside. 81 looked for you
at the telegraph Office this morning
but of course when you didn't appear
knew something was up. SO con
cocted a message to vo1 tnr az eI-
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, | had
little trouble with him. He's now en-
joying perfect peace, with a gag to in
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 gong-and SO must you"
He glanced anxiously at his watch
"a cheap and snowy thing, such as
natives delight in. Both men rose.
"Aou return to the telegraph S a
ton, presumed" said Amber.
Not at all. 1t wouldn't De worth
my while
"How's 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 20 a head tonight
as you must have inferred. my dear
fellow; this is the last night of your
probation. The cutting off 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 Off lie knows well 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 10 get out OF
the 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 It yet. but have reason TO be-
lieYe that he got an r. s V. p for the
festive occasion and intends to put in
a midnight appearance. So purpose
saving him the trouble It's only q
twohour ride"
But the risk"
Labertouche chuckled grimly. "It's
the days work, my boy. I'm not sure
! shant enjoy it, Besides, I mustn't
hang back where my subordinates
have not feared to go We've had a
man in Kathiapur since day before
yesterday"
And II What am to do"
Your place is at Miss Farrelrs side.
No; you'd be only hindrance 10 me.
Get that out of your thoughts. Three
years ago | found time to make a
pretty thorough exploration Of Kath-
iapur, and. being blessed with an ex-
cellent memory. l shall be quite At
hama"