The Pioche record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1908-1925, 1915-06-05
(Copyright by Earold MacGrath)
CHAPTER XXI.
AIIaha's Real King Killed.


In the rear of ne temple Umballa
sought was a small chamber which
was used by the priests when they de-
sired to rest or converse privately
which was often. The burning temple
lamps of brass emphasized the dark
ness of the room rather than dis
PEELED it, A shadow occasionally flick
cred through the amber haze-an eX-
ploring bat A dozen or more priests
stood in one of the dim corners, from
which their own especial idol winked
at them with eyes like Goals blown
upon. The Krishna of the Ruby eyes,
an idol known far and wide but seen
by few.
In the temple itself there was a
handful of tardy worshipers. The
heat of the candles, the smell of the
eternal lotus flower and smoking in
eense sticks made even the huge vault
sitting. Many of the idols were be-
jeweled or patched with beaten gold
leaf. and many had been coveted by
wandering white men, who. when
their endeavor became known, dis
appeared mysteriously and were never
more known in the haunts Of men.
A man in tatters appeared suddenly
in the great arched doorway. His tur-
ban came down almost to his eyes
and a neckcloth covered his mouth.
| All that could be seen of him in the
matter of countenance was pair OF
brilliant eyes and predatory nose. He
threw quick, piercing glance about,
assured himself that such deyotees as
he saw were harmless, then strobe
boldly if 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 inn
pudence, when hand was thrust out
and they heheld upon a finger a great
green stone. They stopped as sud
denly as though they had met an in
visible electric current.
The curtain fell behind the man il
tatters, and he remained motionles:
for a space. A low murmuring anon;
the priests ensued, and presently on
of their number = the youngest =
passed out and stationed himself be
fore the curtain. Not even privilege
dancing girl might enter now.
The man in tatters stepped forward
! He became the center of the group
his gestures were quick, tense, al
thoritatiye. At length priest turned
priest, and the wrinkled faces becam
more wrinkled stills smiles.
"IIighness," said the eldest, "w
had thought Of this. but you did M
make US your conadant."
"Till an hour gone it had not 0
!. Cured to me. Shall Ramabai, the
: become your master, to set forth Il
: propaganda of the inlidel?"
mo-. The word was not spoke
loudly, but sibilantly, with somethii
8. resembling hiss. mol"
to "And shall king who has no min
10 no viii, no strength. resume his a
thority? Perhaps to bring more viii
people into Alfalfa, perhaps to give
We laha eventually to the British raj?"
ut Again the negative.
a But the method"
Umballa smiled. What brings t
worshiper here with candles and flc
US ers and incense? Is it love or r,
he erence or superstition?
he Tho hold vallOxx haodc uodded III
81 porcelain mandarins.
Superstition" went on Umbal
"the sword which bends the knees
ed the layman, has and always v
ay through the ages!"
be In the vault outside bcll tinkl
OF a gong doomed melodiously.
when l give the sign," contin,
the schemer. declare the curse VI