The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-18

NCtntyn Again REFUSES O1bdttd'S Hand.
key?'
Yes"
Hare Sahibs daughter. And Flare sahb?' with
twinkling eyes.
In dungeon mayhap There all avenues seemsd
closed up"
Umbala needs money" said Lal Singh, thoughtfully
" But he will not md it," in afterhought.
Tomorrow"
AT dawn"
These two spiders in that web of secret
service that the British Raj up and down and
Hind Persia Afghanstan to the borders of
the Bear.
Even as La Singh picked up his mouthpiece again and
Ahmed sailed forth into the bazaars had brought
to him in the armory that company of soldiers who had
shown such mutiny against the but against
him.
Gravey he questioned the captain
Pay wages, then heaven born," said the captain
with yeed nsolence. Pay us for have not so
much as betel money since the last big rains"
Money mused Umballa, marking down his gallant
captain for death when the time cane.
"Ai, money; bright rupees. or better still, yellow
British gold Pay US"
Let us be frank with each other," said Umballa
smiling to the fire in his eyes,
That is what DESIRE" replied the captain with
knowing look at his silent troopers
:" I must buy you"
The captain salaamed
But after have bought ou?" ironically
Heaven born, blood is yours to spill where and
when you will"
From under the teak table Umballa drew forth two
heavy bags of silver coin. These .e emptied upon the
table dramatically white shining metal, sparkling the
candle flames wavered Umballa arranged the coin
stacks, of them triple in size
Yours, captain" said Umballa, indicating the large
stack.
The captain pocketed it, and by his troopers
passed and helped themselves fell back along the wall
in military alignment, bright eyed and watchful
Thanks, heavsa born!"
The captain and his troopers filed UIlballa fn-
gered the empty bags, his brow wrinked. Gu off
cobras head and it could only wrgge till sunset. Umbala
the vanishing captain weeks. Then he should
vanish indeed.
The next morning while the council and Umbala were
in session relative what should be done with Kahlyn
in the event of her refusal bend soldiers entered
bringing with them beautiful native young woran
Pundita, wife of Ramabai, found in murder.
Umbaa wiped his betel stained lips and saaaned mock
ingly Not lons ago he had been attentive this
young woman--after her marriage he had sent him
about his business with burning and a hot cheek,
made by the contact of her strong oung hand Re
venge, great small, was always sweet to Jmballa.
To the slave girl who attended Pundta he said Go
the queen. 1t for her decide what shall be
done with this woman"
Through the veil Punditas black eyes sparked with
hatred.
When Kathl-n came in it at explained to her
that the womans husband had been taken for MURDER
by law his wife became the queens property dispose
of she willed The veil plucked from Pundta's
face. She ordered to salaam in submission to her
Pundita salaamed, but stoutly refused kneel
They proceeded to force her roughly, when Kathlyn
interviewed.
Tell her she is Free" said Kathlyn
Free?" from the amazed Pundita's lips
You speak English 2" cried Aathlyn exctedly
Yes, majesty"
Kathyn could embraced for the joy Of the
knowledge. woman who could talk English who could
understand, who perhaps could help Yes. the God
of her fathers good.
Umbala smiled. All this actly what he had
reason to expect Seven Gays of authority; it would
amuse him to watch her.
Tell msyour story" urged Kathlyn kindly. Be not
afraid Of these shall make you my lady in wait
hs 80 long as am queen" with searching