The herald., 1918-03-07
The Rose of
Vishti
1917. Western Newspaper Union-)
8, ALVAH JORDAN GARTH

Eunice Woods, u widow, were about 10
restore TO the quiet little town some
of its ancient pcial prestige.
Rumor had IT that an uncle of the
pair, who had made a vast fortune IN
India. had left them not only an IN
comparable collection of Eastern
treasures and curiosities, but also
large cash fortune. 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 a model of loyalty 10 the
family. They're high jinks, tell 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
If a typical spirit of youth ana beauty
came to the community with the au-
vent of Alan TreSham fnd his sister.
Marvellous stories were told of the
uni0ue oriental furnishings of the new
home. Marion Deane was the hrst 10
be invited as 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.
Gould you come over for little
chat and bring a basket with you,
please? suggested Eunice Woods, ana
went on to explain that the straWDer-
ries were rotting away and were TOO
delicious to thus neglect.
Marion was started for home with a
fOur-duart basket filled to the Drlm
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-
| titles 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 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 ran
sacked.
But not single article taken away
Alan explained to Marion. "See, ever
this basket filled with precious stone:
has not one missing"
81 have discovered something" a
that moment reported old Singh, anC
he handed to his young master an OBJ
dong piece composed of bamboo fibel
and rice paper. Across it's face wer'
a number of hieroglyphics.
what does this signify?" inquired
Alan.
at is a warning"
From whomT
'From some emissary of secret or
der of the hill tribes of the uppe
Ganges."
"But why should be warnedT'
Because these tireless fanatics be
lieve your uncle has sent you som
sacred memento, which they have bee
deputized to recover at all hazards.
81 wish they would simply come on
from under cover and tell what the
want. They are welcome to it," OF
served Alan In his generous, light
spirited way.
"They did not visit my ROOM" Mr.!
Woods told Marion. There was ches
there holding some rare costumes bt
longing to his uncle's collection. "Ol
you must see some of them. The yer
thingI" added the lady with amin;
ton. 1--WE are all invited to the fame
dress ball and you and 1 will selet
some unique dress for the OCCASION
She selected for Marion beautifl
white robe made of the finest silk, wit
curious patterns worked in 1t in pear
and many colored gems. 1t was a d.
lightful occasion, the function they a
tended. Alan was devoted in his SER
ice to Marion. She had never been s
q happy and his sister seemed to smi
on the budding hopes of these two To-
II ers.
Marion had strolled into the lanterl
lit garden for GOODNESS after q walt
Suddenly she was seized by two tawn
skinned, Strengthening men, and
handkerchief saturated with some pu
gent liquid pressed over her face. 81
came back to consciousness to find he
self in lighted unfurnished room l.
ing on pallet of straw. AS she Opene
her eyes one of the men apprOache
her. He made low Obeisance with
gesture of deep respect.
''The DRESS" he said, pointing to Il
one Marion wore. "The sacred robe
Vishti. Lady, you will remove fro
our people far away in India a ours
you will save the peace of mind, pc
haps the life of Sahib Tresham ar
his sister, by giving it over to US.
was taken from our looted temple,
precious relic for centuries. We trace
it here. See. here is long cloak. "