The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-06-20
Copyright: 1914: BY Harold MacGrath.l
CHAPTER XXI.

LCopyElgnt: LULA: by Harold MacGrdthl
CHAPTER XXI.
7 N the rear Of the temple Umballah sought was a
small chamber which was used by the priests when
they desired to rest or converse privately, which was
often. The burning temple lamps of brass en-
phasized the darkness of the room rather than dispelled
1t. A shadow occasionally fickered through the amber
haEe-an exploring bat. A dozen or more priests stood
in one Of the dim corners, from which their own espe-
cial idol winked at them with eyes like Goals blown
upon. The Krishns Of the Ruby Eyes, an idol known
far and wide but seen by few.
In the temple itself there was a handful of tardy
w%orshipers. The heat Of the candles, the smell Of the
eternal lotus flower and smoking incense sticks made
even the huge vault sitting. Many of the idols were be-
jewel or patched with beaten gold leaf, and many
had been coveted by wandering white men, who, when
their sndeaVor became known disappeared mysteriously
and were never more known in the haunts of men.
A man in tatters appeared suddenly in the great
Rrched doorway. His turban came down almost to his
eyes and a neckcloth covered his mouth. All that could
DO seen of him IN the matter Of countenance was a pair
OF brilliant eyes and a predatory nose. He threw a
quick, piercing glance about, assured himself that such
dsvotees as he saw were harmless, then strobe boldly
II hurriedly toward the rear chamber, which he entered
without ado. Instantly the indignant priests rushed
toward him to expel him and give him a tongue lashing
for his impudence, when a hand was thrust out, and
they beheld upon a finger a great green stone. They
&EOppeO a BuuQeuly Is ClOuSl Lley laQ met an Invisible
electric current.
The curtain fell behind the man in tatters, and he
remained motionless for a space. A low %murmuring
among the priests ensued, and presently one Of their
number-the youngest-passed out and stationed him
SELF before the curtain. Not even a privileged dancing
girl might enter now.
The man in tatters stepped forward. He became the
center Of the group; his gestures were quick, tense, au.
thortative. At length priest turned to priest, and the
~{nk1ad Ronoz hanaroo roora ~;.bJo rt;l1. ~No
"Highness," said the eldest, we had thought Of this,
but you did not make Us your confdant."
TIL an hour gone it had not occurred to me. Shall
Ramabai then, become your master, to set forth the
propaganda Of the infdel?"
"No" The word was not spoken loudly, but aibilant-
l, with something resembling a hiss. "No"
And shall a king who has no mind, no viii, no
strength, resume his authority? Perhaps to bring more
white people into Alfalfa, perhaps to give Alfalfa event
ually TO the British rajT'
Again the negative.
"But the method"
Umballah smiled. What brings the worshiper here
with candles and flowers and incense?' Is it love or
reverence or superstition p
y The bald yellow heads nodded like porcelain man.
darins.
Superstition" went on Umballah, the sword which
bends the knees of the layman, has and always will
through the ages!' -.
In the vault outside a bell tinkled, a gong doomed
melodiously.
When I give. the sign" continued the schemer, de
clare the curse upon all those who do not bend. A word
from your lips, and Ramabais troops vanish, reform, and
become yours and MINER %
While the king lives?' asked the chief priest
curiously.
"AhI' And Umballah smiled again.
" But you, Durga Ramp
= There Is Ramabai, a senile king, and I. Which for
your purposes will you chooseT'
There was a conference. The priests drifted away
from Umballah. He did not stir. His mien was proud
ana naughty, but for all that his knees shook and his
heart Numbered. He understood that it was to be all
or nothing, no middle course, no half methods. He
waited. wetting his cracked and swollen lips. When