Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1918-02-21
The Rose Of
"a Vishd
scspyrlsht isir western S-~spspsr unioa
D. ALvAH JORDAN GARTH

Bardsville was NIL agog when u was
known that the old Baythorne place
had been purchased by one Alan Tres
ham and that he and his sister, Mrs.
Eunice Woods, widow. were about TO
restore to the quiet little town some
of Its ancient social prestige.
Rumor had II that an uncle OF the
pair, who had made n vast fortune In |
India, had left them not only an In
comparable collection Of Eastern
treasures and curiosities, but also a
large cash fortune. "'rhe 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 a model Of loyalty TO the
family. They're high Jinks, tell you. |
and they won't mix much with us com
mon folks, Tn thinking" declared the
old gossip.
But never were cavillng critics more
agreeably disappointed. II seemed as
| n q typical spirit Of youth and beauty
came 70 the community with the adj
vent of Alan Tresham fnd his sister.
Marvellous stories were Sold OF the
unique oriental furnishings Of the new
home. Marion Deane was the first 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,
pieaser suggested Eunice Woods, and
went on TO explain that the strawber-
ries we're rotting away and were too
delicious to thus neglect. al
Marion was started f6f home with
four-quart basket filled to the brim
with the luscious fruit and an invita-
ton to come over again later In the
day. II was then that she met Alan
Tresham. II was then, too, that he
took her through the downstairs rooms
OF the house, showing her the curios-
files In the cabinets, the collections of
rarities and curiosities which his uncle
had acquired.
Within 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 ole
place, to which everybody was In
vited.
Then one day the whole town wal
startled by the report that burglar
had made a raid on the mansion. Dur
Ing the temporary absence Of Its In
mates every cabinet had been run
sacked.
"But not u single article taken away,
Alan explained 10 Marion. "See, evei
this basket filled with precious stones
has not one missing"
81 have discovered something" n
that moment reported old Singh, and
he handed to ais young master an oh
long piece composed OF bamboo fibeI
and rice paper. Across its face werS
a number of hleroglyphics.
"What does this signifyT inquired
Alan.
ut Is warning"
"From whomT
From some emissary of a secret or.
der Of the hill tribes of the upper
Gauges"
"But why should l be warnedf"
Because these tlreless fanatics be
lieve your uncle has sent you some
sacred memento, which they have beer
deputlzed TO recover at all hazards
Il wish they would simply come out
from under cover and tell what they
want. They are welcome 10 &C." oh.
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 anlma.
ton. 1--WE are all invited TO the fancy
dress ball and you and l will select
some unique dress for the Occaslon."
She selected for Marion beautiful
white robe made Of the finest silk, with
curious patterns worked In Il In pearls
and many cOlored gems. II was a de-
llghtful occasion. the function they at
tended. Alan was devoted I'm his serv-
ice TO Marion. She had never been 50
happy and his sister seemed TO smile
ON the budding hopes Of these two low
ers.
Marion had strolled into the Lanterns
III 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 hack 10 consciousness TO ind her
self I'm a lighted unfurnlshed room ly-
INK on a pallet OF straw. As she opened
her eyes one OF the men approached
her. He made low Obelsance with a
gesture ~ deep respect
"The dress" he said. pOlntlng 10 the