Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1918-03-27
The Rose of
Vislla

By ALvAH JORDAN GARTH


Eunice Woods, a widow, were about to
restore to the quiet little town some
of its ancient social prestige
Rumor had it that an uncle OF the
pair, who had made vast fortune in
India, had left them not only an in
comparable collection Of Eastern
treasures and curiosities, but also
large cash fortune. 1.-THE uncle was a
regular rajah they say" village wise
acre announced. HE sent this fortune
over by an old family servant, one
Singh, who is model of loyalty to the
family. They're high jinks, tel you.
and they won't mix much with US COM
mon folks, I'm thinking" declared the
old gossip.
But never were caviling critics more
agreeably disappointed. 1t seemed as
IL typical spirit of youth and beauty
came to the community with the aa-
vent of Alan Tresham Fnd his sister.
Marvellous stories We're told of the
unique oriental furnishings of the new
home. Marion Deane was the nrst to
be invited as a visitor. The Deanes
lived next door to the beautiful old
mansion. Marion was hanging out
some strips of lace and ribbon to dry
near the dividing wall, when sweet
voice hailed her and a sweet face
smiled over at her.
could you come over for little
chat and bring a basket with you,
pleaseT suggested Eunice Woods, and
went on to explain that the strawber-
ries were rotting away and were too
delicious to thus neglect
Marion was started for home with a
four-quart basket filed to the brim
with the luscious fruit and an invita-.
ton to come over again later in the
day. 1t was then that she met Alan
Tresham. 1t was then, too, that he
took her through the downstairs rooms
of the house, showing her the curios-
tiles in the cabinets. the collections of
rarities and curiosities which his uncle
had acquired.
Within n week Marion was the
chosen friend of brother and sister.
The newcomers encouraged local trade
generously and programs were outlined
for various fetes at the grand old
place, to which everybody was In
vited.
Then one day the whole town was
startled by the report that burglars
had made raid on the mansion. Dur
ing the temporary absence of its in
mates every cabinet had been ram
sacked.
But not a single article taken away"
Alan explained to Marion. See. even
this basket filed with precious stones
has not one missing"
81 have discovered something" al
that moment reported old Singh, and
he handed to his young master an OBJ
long piece composed of bamboo fiber
and rice paper. Across its face were
a number of hieroglyphics.
what does this signify?" inquired
Alan.
at is warning"
From whom?"
From some emissary of secret Or
der of the hill tribes of the upper
Gauges"
But why should I be warnedr
Because these tireless fanatics be-
lieve your uncle has sent you some
sacred memento. which they have been
deputized to recover at all hazards"
Il wish they would simply come out
from under cover and tell what they
want. They are welcome to it." OBJ
served Alan In his generous, light
spirited way.
''They did not visit my ROOM" Mrs,
Woods told Marion. There was a chest
there holding some rare costumes be-
longing to his uncle's collection. "Oh,
you must see some of them. The very
thing!" added the lady with ANNA.
ton. ave are all invited to the fancy
dress ball and you and l will select
some unique dress for the occasion"
She selected for Marion a beautiful
white robe made of the finest silk, with
curious patterns worked In it in pearls
and many colored gems. 1t was q de-
hghtful occasion, the function they at
tended. Alan was devoted In his serv-
ice to Marion. She had never been so
happy and his sister seemed to smile
on the budding hopes of these two low
ers.
Marion had strolled into the lantern
lit garden for GOODNESS after a waltz.
Suddenly she was seized by two tawny-
skinned, Strengthening men, and a
handkerchief saturated with some pun.
gent liquid pressed over her face. She
came back to consciousness to find her
self in lighted unfurnished room ly-
ing on a pallet of straw. As she opened
her eyes one of the men approached
her. He made low obeisance with a
gesture Of deep respect.
"The Dress" he said, pointing to the
one Marion wore. "The sacred robe of
vishti. Lady, you will remove from
our people far away in India curse,
you win save the peace of mind, per-
haps the life of Sahib Tresham and
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