Charlevoix county herald., 1914-10-31

portant papers round your rooms" he
said. at is not safe in hotel"
"Oh, we have not done SO" replied
Jacques.
They walked down the street to-
ward the quays.
INV villa is on the other side of
the river" said Smith. eve will
cross in my boat. have it here"
When they reached the quays he
pointed out to them an elegant little
Junk covered with an awning, upon
which the letter as" stood out in a
decorative motive in red and gold
Hindus in white costumes held the
oars. Standing in the bow OF the boat
was a man giving orders: They rec
ognized him as the man who had been
with Smith the night before. They
took their seats along the comfort
able cushions and began to chat upon
the customs and habits of the Hindus.
The junk glided between the numer-
Gus boats on the river.
"You see | live outside Calcutta"
said Smith; "here We are now"
He got up so suddenly that the can
opv under which they were sitting
turned completely over and fell on
Jacques AMI his companion. Smith
was outside the awning, but the two
friends found themselves entwined in
canvas, cord, and silk hangings.
wait a lnjnute-l'll get you out|
cried Smith.
But suddenly the boat began to
rock violently. Jacques and Paul
both tried to throw off the canvas
that covered them; then there was a
cry md the boat capsized. The
oarsmen anI the two passengers
were soon struggling in the water.
The two friends could hear the
to his men in the Hindu patois. Then
it seemed to them that their arms
and legs were seized beneath the
water.
what the deucep cried jacques.
He kicked out violently and struck
with his fist. Merseino did the same
to the Hindu who seemed to be trying
to pull him down.
"Strike out to midstreanl" cried
Jacques. In few swift strokes, which
did them credit, they reached deep
water Here here was rothing to pull
at their hands and feet.
THAT was an odd sort of accident"
said Merseins. "Td like to know what
has become of Smith"
There he is, coming out of the
water"
1t was so. The commission agent
was just emerging from the water
He looked about him end questioned
his men. who began to gather about
him. Then he caught sight Of his
two guests in midstream. He quickly
gave orders for the men to row out
to them. He got into the boat. Mer-
seins and Velizay saw him coming to-
ward them with some little apprehen-
sion.
When they were near the commits
sion agent called cut gaily:
What are you two playing at out
there? You know I'm responsible
for your lives When my boat cap
sizes you go and swim out at large,
II the current had drawn you in we
should never have seen you again"
He held out an oar to each Of
them; in few seconds they were
hack in the boat
"This reed grass on the river is
terrible" said Smith.
The two friends made no reply
This time they landed without mis-
haps.
"You see" remarked Smith, there
was no occasion for you to have
changed your suits; now you will
have to wear what you can get 1t is
too late for you to return to your
hotel. III lend you something to put
on"
He pushed open a large iron gate
which was covered with climbing
plants. In the Instance .hey could see
the mouse. 1t was a curious mixture
of English and Hindu architecture.
Before the wide veranda stretched
a beautiful green lawn; the garden
sloped gently from the house down to
the Gauges. 1t was ornamented with
rare flowers and plants. In stream
which came from the river, winding
in and out of the grounds, were some
aquatic birds ducking their guady
plumage
"Why, you live like a rajaw ex-
claimed Jacques.
pretty place, isn't it ?" said Smith
carelessly. 81 couil not have this if
| lived in the city. That is why pre-
fer to live outside. ! am not married,
so prefer to live like an Indian
prince. My life is free When bust
ness is over ] come down here. am
never dull, | assure you. Everything
is to my taste here"
He pointed to a row of windows
that were entirely enclosed by NIT
ting.
Owe will dine there presently
true Indian STYLE" he said; NOV We
, must change our wet clothes"
He took them to his private rooms,
which were handsomely furnished.
He opened closet filled with Hindu
costumes.
Select which you like" he said;
help yourselves to anything you
want"
They were in hurry to get out of
their wet clothes, so their host left
them. As soon as hey were alone
Jacques took the receipt out of his
waistcoat pocket.
"The roguev he said
The water had commenced to eff
face the ink; if their receipt for ten
thousand francs had remained little
longer under water it would have
been nothing but piece Of pulp.