St. Tammany farmer. [volume] (Covington, La.) 1874-current, 1914-09-19

perately. She was only twenty-four
Except for herself there might not be
q white person In all this sprawling
rugged principality. From time to
time the new mahout turned and
smiled at her curiously, but she was
too absorbed to note his attentions.
Durga Ram, called lightly Umballa.
went directly to the palace, where he
knew the Council Of Three solemnly
awaited his arrival. He dashed up the
imposing flight Of marble steps, exult-
ant. He had fulfilled his promise; the
golden daughter of Hare Sahib was
but few miles away. The soldiers,
guarding the entrance. presented their
arms respectfully: but instantly after
Umballa disappeared the expression
on their faces was not pleasing.
Umballa hurried along through the
deep corridor. supported by exquisite
~ carved marble columns. Beauty in
stone was in evidence everywhere and
magnificent brass lamps hung from
the ceiling. There was a shrine topped
by ansidol in black marble, incrusted
with sapphires and turquoises. Durga
Ram, who shall be called Umba1la,
nodded slightly as he passed 1t. Force
Of habit. since In his heart there was
only one religior-sef.
He stopped at door guarded by q
single soldier. who saluted but spat
as soon as Umballa had passed into
the throneroom. The throne itself
was vacant. The Council Of Three rose
ct the approach Of Umballa.
"She is here" he said haughtily.
The Council salaamed.
Umballa stroked his chin as he
gazed at the huge candles Pickering
at each side Of the throne. He smiled
the Tibetan incense, and shrugged. It
was written. Co." he said, ito Hare
Sahib's bungalow and await me. I
shall be there presently. There Is
plenty of time. And remember our
four heads depend upon the next few
hours The soldiers are on the verge
Of mutiny, and only success can pacify
them"
He turned without ceremony and
left them. With oriental philosophy
they accepted the situation. They had
sought to overturn him. and he held
them in the hollow of his hand. Dur
ing the weeks Of his absence in Amer.
lea his spies had hung about them like
bees about honey. They were the fowl
ers shared.
Umballa proceeded along the corri.
dor to q flight Of stairs leading be-
meath the palace hoor. Here the sol.
diers were agreeable enough; they
had reason to be. Umballa gave them
new minted rupees for their work,
many rupees. For they knew secrets.
Before the door Of dungeon Umballa
paused and listened. There was no
sound. He returned upstairs and
sought q chamber near the harem.
This he entered, and stood with folded
arms near the door.
"Ah, Colonel Sahib!"
"Umballa?" Colonel Hare. bearded,
unkempt, tried to stand erect and face
his enemy. you black scoundrel!"
"Durga Ram, sabib. Words, words;
the patter Of rain on stone roofs. Our
king lives no more, alasl"
"You lie!"
HE is dead. Dying, he LETT you this
throne-you, a white man, knowing
It was a legacy Of terror and confu.
sion. You knew. Why did you re.
turn? All, pearls and sapphires and
emeralds! What? I offer you this
throne upon conditions"
And those conditions I have re.
fused"
You have, yes, but now" Umballa
smiled. Then he suddenly blazed forth:
Think you white man shall sit upon
this throne while live? It is mine,
! was his heir" 4
Then why didn't you save him from
the leopard? I'll tell you why. You
expected to inherit on the spot, and
I spoiled the game. Is that not true?"
And what II admit it," trucu.
lently.
'Umballa. or Durga Ram, II you
wish, listen. Take the throne. What's
to hinder you? You want 1t. Take 1t
and let me BECOME"
Yes. want It; and by all the gods
Of Hind I'll have it-but safely. All!
It would be fine to proclaim myself
when mutiny and rebellion stalk about.
Am pig to play a game like that?
Tch! Tch!" He clicked his tongue
against the roof of his mouth in de-
rision. mo: need buckler till all
his roily water subsidies and clears"
And then. some fine night, Hare
Sahib's throat? am not afraid of
leath. Umballa. have faced It too
many times. Make an end OF me at
once or leave me to rot here, my an
'wer will always be the same. l will
lot become dishonorable tool. You
,ave offered me freedom and jewels.
No; repeat. I will free all slaves, abol-
sh the harems, the buying and selling
II flesh; will make q man Of every
'oor devil of coolie who carries
'tones from your Quarries."
Umbalia laughed. Then remain
lere like dog while put your golden
laughter on the throne and become
What the British Raj calls prince con-
'ort. She'll rebel, I know; but have
! way" He stepped outside and closed
he door.
"Umballa?"
''Well?" /
I