Bridgeton pioneer., 1917-10-04

EngllSn.
Thank you for coming. stranger"
she said in u rich, musical voice.
II am at your highncss' serc!ce." said
Barclay clumsily.
you know who ann
"The rance of Obdurah. She Is said
to be the most beautiful rs we'll as the
~isest among the women rulers Of In
dia," was Barclays quick respon =.
The rance shrugged her shapely
shoulders.
"And the most miserable, they might
have added" she said bitterly.
Il am at your service" reminded
John Barclay.
''Thank you"
The rance took from her girdle q
tiny box, half inch square, of ivory.
From this she extracted something pale
and cleaning and held it toward him.
what Is this, stranger?" she asked
John Barclay examined it. "a bit of
polished rock crystal" he announced.
Right" she murmured complacent-
ly. Your errand for me is to take
this to very high official in London
If should die before you reach your
destination you need go no farther
Turn about and go home and keep the
crystal in memory of a most unhappy
ruler" The rance closed her eyes and
shuddered.
81 trust your fears are groundless,"
said Barclay cheerfully.
"PprhaDS who kpOUcS Won NAV
bring me luck" mHttered the woman.
Now, will you do this errand for me?"
II WILL" said Barclay. without hesi-
tation.
Good! The reward for your accom-
plishment of this mission will be paid
in London. If my death occurs before
you reach that city turn about and go
to your home and keep the crystal"
Things were beginning to sound pret.
ty grewsome to Barclay by this time
and he began to wish he were well
out of the palace. However, to all
outward appearances he was still as
calm and unnerved as If he We're talk
ing to an ordinary companion in his
club In New York, and his answer was
made In perfectly cool, calm voice.
Yes, your highness. And the mis-
sion am to fulfill"
Simply deliver this to the high off,
cial. He will understand 1t bears a
message, last appeal. Take it,
The rance thrust the tiny box into
Barclays hand and he turned to 60.
"Hide it," she hissed sharply, and
his fingers tucked it into his waist
coat pocket and fumbled there, finally
bringing forth cigarette box and
some matches.
The rance shot swift glance of ap-
proval at this maneuver on Barclays
part, for the roof was filing now with
gay company of guests and attend
ants.
Farewell, stranger" smiled the ra-
nee wearily'
THE name. highness-you forgot the
name of the official in London" re-
minded Barclay in an undertone.
The rance leaned forward and beck
oned him nearer
Let ire whisper" she murmered.
Barclay inclined his head to listen to
a name that caused his eyes to flash
excitement and incredulity.
"As your highness Dictates" he said
when she had finished.
Many curious eyes regarded the
handsome face and well knit form of
the American who had just received
a confidence from q noble rance of
India.
John Barclay salaamed once more
and turned to leave the roof. AS be
looked around for the Hindu guide
who had conducted him from TEMPLE
Hill to the roof he heard sounds of
confusion. There was stifled shrek
from the ranee's silken canopy, and
even as Barclay gazed doubtfully in
the direction of the commotion dark
hands drew the silllen curtains close
ly about the divan where the rance
had been sitting.
Then for moment Barclay felt that
his fears We're to be realized and that
he was caught in a most dangerous
trap. The feeling passed in moment,
however, for Barclay was a man of
iron nerve and, moreover, realized that
he was too important an American
citizen to make it safe for them to
endanger his life. In an instant he
was his cool, calm self.
He glanced around on the gayly
dressed men and women who had en-
tered but few minutes previous and
at the obseGuio.,s attendants Nj stood
mute and impassive as statues.
What has happened?" asked Bar
clay of sharp featured Brahmin.
Our rance is dead" said the man
suavely.
Il must see Let me pass. l am
agent for the ranee.'
Barclay stopped suddenly at the look
in the mans face, look of malig-
nant hatred and bitter suspicion.
murderous look. that brought the Amer
leans hand to his hip pocket.