The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1915-05-09

Edited by MARY MARSHALL

where the priest, standing on the
steps, was scattering grain to the
birds. A thousand birds and more be
sieged the temple. a sight worth trav.
cling across the world to see, anc
Saraswati, the calm-eyed goddess seat.
ed on her marble peacock, surveyed
the scene.
But there was that which arrested
Alec's eye even more than the many
hued crowd scrambling for the grain
and that was the white peacock
standing below the shrine with wide.
spread tail like a carved image OF
ivory and shining silver. How he
| longed to have such a bird at home
| among the other pets. But it was no
use longing for what was so entirely
out of reach
Soon they were attracted by another
sight. A white peahen came shyly into
the open space before the temple, and
after picking up some grain, began TO
return toward the jungle.
II expect that bird is on the nest
odiu -alcC III EIlS lSH.
"Oh. no. it would be fine thing we
get white pcafowl egg" replied Tip
poo.
The boys strolled carelessly out of
| peahen. AS it neared the jungle, it
grew suspicious of the boys, so they
had to pretend to be going another
way. Then they saw it dive under a
small plum bush. Going straight TO
the bush Alec found the nest with
two eggs in it and took them
When Alec looked up he saw the priest
coming toward them, apparently an
cry at their being near the white pea
fowls nest. The boys strolled along
carelessly plucking wild plums, while
the priest came on with long strides.
evidently prepared 10 do battle.
Alec, looking quickly al the face OF
the priest. saw the craftiest of ex-
pressions lurking in his eyes But he
faced the position boldly and said.
What is it you want: Speak plainly"
1T is well the sahib sees things so
clearly; there will be little difficulty
Then the man added, who killed the
peacock"
Alec started. Then the secret was
out The figure OH the skyline was no
illusion. lie FELT their lives were In
danger. but he spoke out braveIy. II
did. And why shouldn't /? 1t is not
against the laws of the land. Tho
bird was wild. and the game is his
who can shoot it,"
When Alec and Tippoo were about
To the rtPn of be ba1
noticed several men gathered together
4 short distance away. armed with
heavy bamboos and geSticulatinE
sngrily. 1t was no uncommon sight,
and ould have left no impression. but
the next moment the boys caught sight
of the dead peacock lying near the
men. and guessed what the trouble
was. The villagers caught sight of
them at the same time. and with yells
of anger, rushed at the lads with their
loaded bamboos. held above their
heads. shouting, vengeance for Sar-
aswati!"
In another moment. no doubt, they
would have been dubbed to death,
hut the priest raised hand with an
imperious gesture.
The time has not yet come" he
said calmly. ASSEMBLE the Others"
Then he led the boys into the tenn
Pile garden.
In the next few minutes the crowd
had increased ten-fold. the men leav-
ing their work in the fields and
hurrying into the village.
You must know" said the priest
quietly. that the village community
is gathering outside with it's clubs to
put you to death But l will not let
them kill you. As that wild thing died
at your hands, so will you be slain