Evening star., 1915-04-18


- border, was that any reason why
nothing should ever happen there to make
people look dccently wise when you were
introduced in other parts as the Deputy
Commissioner, Station Doctor, or Civil
Engineer of llassanbad9 True there was
the local Mad Mullah, who had stirred up
things bit by rampaging across the bor-
der; but a price of five thousand rupees set
on his capture had driven him apparently
to u retreat among the hills.
Consequently llassanbad, or the white
mems small quarter of it, had dropped
back into wondering what could be done
to put Ilassanbad on the map. 1t i'm
pressed the majority as rather good idea
when someone suggested inaugurating
a llassanbad Handicap race meeting.
With lenicnt rules of entry and Il purse of
two thousand rupees for the principal
event, it was thought that people even as
far off as Bombay might at least hear OF
llassanbad.
The plan was especially supported by
one Donin, but for reasons otherwise than
pure llassanbad glory Donlin was an
American who had wandered up to Has
sanbad on the chance of survey work
across the border. When waiting for the
government to vote supplies he fell in love
with the Deputy Commissioner most
attractive daughter. Considering that
Vivian Lestrange had been up to Simla
and could number among her captiveS
there one old General, two young aides
de-camp, and a tea planter fat in both
person and .pocketbook. it was seemingly
unaccountable that she should take up
with Donn, who had little more than
half II dozen rupees to jingle together
How the two managed to keep the affair
Il secret in place like IIassanbad, where
your khitmutgar could pretty accurately
inform YOU what your neighbor kept in
his padlocked despatch box. was another
mystery hard to comprehend. But it is
said that sometimes-Very rare y-the
natives love a Sahib. Then a burglars
jimmy would not pry out of them any
thing prejudicial to his interests
QUITE openly, without shred of re-
serve, Donlin calmly stated at the
club that he meant to win the Handicap.
simply because he needed the two thou
sand rupees to help along private matter.
Such brazen assurance was received as a
mighty good joke.
IL say, listen. you fellows" grinned
Peyton of the police. "Donlin says he's
going to win the Handicap. Ever see him
on a horse?"
\ shout of laughter went up amid the
tinke of ice in long glasses.
Laugh all you want now" Donlin
merely said. MY turn will come later
by Jove!" put in young subaltern on
detachment duty at llassanbad. Il be- /
leve Donlin is actually serious. Picked
out your nag yet, old chap?'
NO, | haven't. replied Donlin quietly.
why not borrow an elephant The
Handicap is free to all comcrs.
At this sally the laugh went round again; ,
while the subaltern winked facetousy at t
Bradley, the Station Doctor, elected chief !
steward of the course.
"lIow about entering Donlin on an ele- |
phanto' he questioned of Bradley.
"Well-er- presume in Donlin 5 par
ticular ease" spoke Bradley with an as 5
sumed judicial manner, we should have /;
to enter him if he rode on the course on !
top of IL water buffalo.
Donlin's hand came down on Il table v
with thump that halted further fun at 5
his expense. rs that just fooishness or IL i