Rocky Ford enterprise., 1915-10-15

elephants trumpeted and the rnahouts
rose in terror. Kathlyn ran for her
rifle. but the trumpeting OF the ele-
plants was sufficient to send the
striped cat to other hunting grounds.
Wild ape and pig abounded, and oc-
casionally caha wriggled out of the
sun into the brittle grasses. Very few
beasts or reptiles are aggressive; it
Is only when they feel cornered that
they turn. Even the black panther. the
most savage of all cats. will rarely
offer battle except when attacked.
Meantime the man who had followed
kathlyn arrived at the city.
Five hours later Kathlyn stepped
out OF her howdah, gave Rao the
money for the mahouts, and looked
about. This was the gate to the capi-
tai. How many times had her father
passed through 1t? Her Jaw set and
her eyes flashed. Whatever dangers
beset her she was determined to meet
them with courage and patience.
"Rao, you had better return to Cal
cutta. What l have to do must be
done alone
''iS SOOu. pul SndIl Tellldlu ueTG
till the memsahib returns" Rao sa-
laamed.
And If should not return?" affect.
ed by this strange loyalty.
Then I shall seek Bruce Sahib. who
has camp 20 miles east"
Bruce? But he is in Singapore"
"a quickening of her pulses.
who can say where Bruce Sahib is?
| He is like a shadow, there today, here
| tomorrow. l have been his servant.
memsahib. and that is how l am today
yours. received telegram to call
at your hotel and apply to you for
service. Very good. ! shall wait. The
mahout here will take you directly to
| Hare Sahib's bungalow. You will find
your fathers servants there, and all
will be well. A week. then. If you
do not send for me / seek Bruce Sahib.
| and we shall return with many. Some
will speak English at the bungalow
Thank you, Rao. shall not for
get"
Neither will Bruce Sahib." mysteri-
ously. Rao salaamed.
kathlyn got into the howdah and
passed through the gates. bruce Sa-
hib. the quiet man, whose hand had
reached out over seas thus strangely
| to reassure her! A hardness came
into her throat and she swallowed des-
perately. She was only twenty-four.
Except for herself there might not be
a white person in all this sprawling.
| rugged principality. From time to
time the new mahout turned and
smiled at her curiously. but she was
too absorbed to note his attentions.
Durga Ram. called lightly Umballa.
went directly to the palace. where he
knew the Council of Three solemnly
awaited his arrival. He dashed up the
| imposing fight of marble steps. eXult-
ant. lie had fulfilled his promise; the
golden daughter of Hare Sahlb was
but few miles away. The soldiers,
guarding the entrance, presented their
arms respectfully: but Instantly after
Umballa disappeared the expression
on their faces was not pleasing
Umballa hurried along through the
deep corridor, supported by exquisite
| ly carved marble columns. Beauty in
stone was in evidence everywhere and
magnificent brass lamps hung from
the ceiling. There was shrine topped
by an idol In black marble, incrusted
with sapphires and turquoises. Durga
Ram, who shall be called umballa,
nodded slightly as he passed it. Force
of habit. since in his heart there was
only one reiigion-self.
lie stopped at q door guarded by a
single soldier. who saluted but spat
rs soon as Umballa had passed into
The throneroom. The throne itself
was vacant. The Council of Three rose
al the approach of Umballa.
She is here" he said haughtily.
The Council salaamed.
Umballa stroked his chin as he
gaZed at the huge candles ilickering
at each side of the throne. lie smiled
the Tibetan incense. and shrugged. 1t
was written. Go" he said. ito Hare
Sahib's bungalow and await me.
shall be there presently. There is
plenty of time. And remember our
four heads depend upon the next few
hours. The soldiers are on the verge
OF mutiny, and only success can pacify
them"
He turned without ceremony and
left them. With oriental philosophy
they accepted the situation. They had
sought to overturn him, and he held