Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-01

kathlyn's eyes were feverishly dry
and bright. It was only matter OF
time when the howdah would slip
down the brutes side. She prayed
that she might die instantly. Strange
fancies fitted through her mind. dis
ordered by all these days of suspense
and terror.
And suddenly the jungle came to an
end. and long. plowed field opened
into view. Beyond this field rose q
ruined wall broken by crumbling
gate, and lounging in the gateway
we're soldiers. Nearby were two ele-
plants employed in piiing logs.
Rajah. perforce. slackened his gait
The soldiers became animated. Imme-
diateyy the two mahouts charged their
brutes toward Rajah, who stopped. He
had had his sport. He swayed to ahd
fro. One of the mahouts reached for
ward and clouted Rajah on the knee.
He slowly kneeled. The soldiers ran
forward to help Kathlyn out of the
howdah At the sight of her skin
their astonishment was great
She was very weak and faint, and the
increasing babel Of tongues was like
little triphammers beating upon her
aching head. One Of the soldiers gave
her a drink OF water. He held his can
teen high. SO that the water trickled
into her mouth: no lips but his own
must touch the nozzle. otherwise, be-
ing a Brahmin. he would be defiled.
Natives instantly hocked about. jab-
bering in wonder. Some OF the holder
touched her bare arms The soldiers
drove them back angrily. Through the
rider stared at the strange captive.
started. and uttered an astonished cry.
The white queen of Alfalfa whom
mine own eyes saw crowned at the
durbar there" he murmured. by the
shroud Of the prophet, what can this
mean? Stop" he called to the soldiers.
Kathlyn looked up DULY. Convey her
to his highness the Kumor" The
prince should decide what should be
done with her.
The Kumor was big and lazy and
sensual He gazed upon Kathlyn with
eyes which sparkled evilly. like cats.
who is this woman" he demanded.
"Highness, she is the white queen Of
Allaha, but who may say that she is
here?' with smile as evil as his
masters.
But how came she here?r
The horseman briefly recounted the
events as he had seen them in the
capital of Alfalfa.
Who are you. maiden?" the kumor
asked in English. for like all poten-
tates, little or great. In India, he spoke
English. It presented the delectable
pastime OF conspiring in two Ian
guages; for. from Bombay to Calcutta,
from Peshawar to Madras, India
seethes. conspires and takes an occa-
sional pot shot at some poor devil Of
commissioner whose only desire is
to have them combine religion and
sanitation.
Il am an American. Please take me
to the English commissioner" Some
how instinct told her that she might
not expect succor from this man with
the pearls about his gross neck.
I regret that his excellency the
commissioner has gone to Bombay. Be-
sides. I do not know that you tell the
truth. STILL I can offer you what
pearls and emeralds you may find to
your liking"
Your highness. there are those
whose coming shortly will cause you
much annoyance il you refuse to give
me proper aid. There is no possible way
for you to cover up my appearance here.
Send me to the commissioners bungalow,
where I may avail, the coming of my
friends
Indeed" The Kumor saw here con-
flict not altogether to his liking. He was
lazy. and there was the damna bic. un-e-
lenting hand Of the British Rel looming
In the distance. He shrugged ..Achmot.
call the captain OF the guard and have him
convey this runaway queen to Alfalfa
Surely. may not NEEDLE with the affairs
Of friendly state" With a wave OF his
fat, bejeweled hand he appeared to dig
miss the matter from his mind.
Kathlyn was led away. The human
mind can stand only SO many shocks.
Outside the palace courtyard stood
Rajah, the howdah securely attached once
more. Kathlyn was hidden to mount. A
water bottle and some cakes we're placed
In the howdah beside her Then a drunken
uahout mounted behind Rajah's ears.
The elephant did not like the feel of the
mans legs. and he began to sway omi-
nously. Nevertheless. he permitted the
nahout to direct him to one of the city
gates, the soldiers trooping alongside.
Il