Evening star., 1914-08-16
By MICHAEL WHITE

the girl turned DAILY look SO fraught with
ing that anyone of slight perception could hardly
have mistaken it. Further, gesture indicated the
food.
aWhat nonsense is ths9" cried the Raja, when he
had heard both sides of the quarrel @What do
which of you trod elbowed the other2 Is this the
way you expect to win shower of silver? Go back to
your places!"
The girl and musician salaamed their obedience; but
she rereated the girl cast another look of the
burden DAILY.
@Now eat" the Raja urged. @That is Kings dish.
well seasoned"
But DAILY had taken heed of the dancers significant
act, and merely tried with his fork. Grim tales of
such hospitality plentiful enough for hint of
that kind not be discarded Why the girl had thus
interested herself in him mystery though, some
how, her features hovered in his memory
Il you do not like that dish, said the Raja
every WE'LL let the Sab try others; he beckoned the
servants
But Daily equally sparng of the Others Except
few grains of obviously 3unseasoned rice, food
went down his throat.
II appreciate your hospitality, Raja," said DAILY,
lodging further pressure that lne but I'm not
hungry
1Then the Sahb shall drink of the wine which comes
the Black Water!' cried the Raja.
A servant entered with bottle which DAILY noticed
was uncorked The Raja's cupbearer stood waiting
with crystal goblet.
@Let the goblet be filled with wine and given that
girl to present. ordered the Raja. 4Sahib, he turned
to DAY. @s it said of your people that they
refuse the graceful act of wofnan?"
Wine was poured into the goblet and handed to the
dancer. She forward dropped one knee be-
fore DAILY, and held up the goblet. But her face
the warning look, only more intensified. This she CO.
verify emphasized by shaking her head and express
sive movement of her lips. Where had he her be-
fore, Daily asked himself again. and what motive lay
back of her acts? At the moment he could answer
neither question.
II sorry indeed to refuse from such hands,"
Daily politely decned @but like yourself, Raja, as
say I'm the water wagon. l mean don't
drink it.'
The Raja drew back with expression of sui
len humor, as if Unexpectedly baked in some pur-
pose.
3Begone!" he cried abruptly to the girl aYou have
not found favor with the Sahib Go, you and those
musicians You are not wanted. l the Sahib is
sick tired he addressed DAILY with the touch of
sneer. @He shall not be further detained pleased
for him to depart"
ITALY got upon his feet at the same time the Raja
- rose. He felt ntuitively that the atmosphere had
suddenly become tense. The Raja bowed formally.
Daily returned it stiy. The Raja turned his back to
leave. In a few moments the chamber emptied of
his servants. DAILY strobe to the door by which he
thought he entered; but another one adjacent was
locked he wasn't quite certain. Anyway, he passed
out by the open door into dim corridor which
wise differed from many such in native palaces. He
went along for some distance until convinced he had
mistaken the way of exit.
He was about to retrace his steps when he thought
he heard stealthy foot treads following He stopped
The other steps ceased Also He peered backward but
saw no one. 1t bit uncanny. Then he caught
shade of light round turn ahead Perhaps he on
the right trail after all; he went forward. Pres
emily he stepped into small inner court open the
NIGHT slsy above whence was illuminated by a QUAR-