The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1914-08-28
CHAPTER Ill.


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only ruthless and predatory after the
manner of his kind. A thrill of admi-
ration tingled his spine. The women
of his race were chattels, lazy and in
ert, without fire, merely drudges or
playthings. Here was one worth con-
Quering, a white fame to be controlled.
To bend her without breaking her,
that must be his method of procedure
The skin under her chin was as white
as the heart of mangosteen, and the
longing to sweep her into his arms was
almost irresistible.
A high priest spoke to Kathlyn.
What does he say?" she asked.
THAT you must marry me"
Tell him refuse"
Umballa shrugged and repeated her
words. Here the Council of Three in
terposed, warning Kathlyn that she
must submit to the law as it read.
There was no appeal from it.
Then shall appeal to the British
raj"
How" asked Umballa, urbanely.
Swiftly she stepped to the front of
the platform and extended her arms.
It, was an appeal. She pointed to Um-
balla and shook her head. Her arms
went out again. A low murmur rippled
over the pressing crowd; it grew in
volume; and frown of doubt fitted
over Umballa's brow The soldiers
were swaying restlessly Kathlyn saw
this sign and was quick to seize upon
| its possibilities. She renewed her ges
ture toward them. It seemed that
she must hurst forth in their mad
dening tongue: Il appeal to the
chiyalry of Alfalfa! :. Soldiers
YOU now wear my uniform! Liberate
mel" But her tongue was mute; ye'
her eyes, her face, her arms spoke
eloquently enough to the turbulent sol
diers. Besides, they welcomed the OPP
portunity to show the populace how
strong they were and how little they
feared Umballa. At a nod from thei
leader they came romping up the steps
to the dais and surrounded kathryn
Al roar came from the populace; al
| elephant trumpeted; the pariah dog'
barked.
Umballa stepped back, his hand OF
his ieWeled sword. He was quite IN
prepared for any such fragrant muffin,
-mutiny from his angle of vision
though in law the troopers had onl
responded toAhe desire of their queer
/ He turned questioningly to the Council
and the priests. He himself coul
move no further His confreres appre
ciated the danger in which their powe
stood They announced that it wa
decreed to give the queen respite c
seven days in which to yield.
would at least hold the bold trooper
on the leash till they could be brougE
to see the affair in its true light by tn
way of largess in rupees Umball
consented because he was at the BIO
tom of the sack. A priest read from
scroll the law, explaining that n
woman might rule unmarried. Becaus
the young queen was not conversar
with the laws of the state she woul
be given seven days. Thus the du
7 bar ended.
: With a diplomacy which would hay
graced a better man Umballa directe
: the troopers to escort Kathlyn to ht
: chamber in the zenana. He had
D mind seven days Many things cou
r be accomplished in that space of tim
Y "For the present" he said, smilir
0 at Kathlyn, the God of your father
n has proven strongest. But tomorrow
Y All, tomorrow! There will
e seven days. Think then, deeply al
wisely. Your khitmatgar Rao is
+ prisoner. It will be weeks ere yor
presence is known here. You a
l. helpless as bird in the net. Strugg
e IL you will; you will only bruise yo
9 wings. The British raj? The Britt
L raj does not want great border We
and / can bring down ten thousal
wild hill men outlaws between who
e and the British raj there is bic,
e feud; ten thousand from alland whc
Is there is never peace, only truce.