Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1918-05-07
CHAPTER XXI.
(Continued1

SQUARE foot of floor as did HanJoof
singh on his. IL was the fact that
he did not finch and did not strut
about. but stood in one spot win
his arms behind him that confirmed
Ranfoor Singh in his reading OF the
generals eye.
<4You may leave the house, then,
and take your trooper. | accept your
promise. Before you go, though,
I'll tell you something. The order
ing of troops for the front - for
Francis in my hands. Your regi-
ment is slated for tomorrow. But II
can't go unless you'll see TINS
through The whole regiment Will
be needed, instead, 10 mount guard
over Delhi"
"The regiment is to go. sahib, and
my squadron, and--and ! not? /
am not to go?"
THAT is tho sacrifice you are
asked to make!'
nave L made no sacrifices for
the Raj? How has my life been
The Sikh's voice broke and he
ceased speaking, but the general,
too, seemed at a loss for words.
B SdH1D-uO uHuSi oLdhh. A.
do this-this rat-business, whatever
it is-Coionel Kirby and the regi-
ment go, and another, leads my
squadron? And unless L do this,
whatever it is. the regiment will
not go?"
The general nodded. He felt and
looked ashamed.
HAS war been declared, sahib?"
Eyes. Germany has invaded Bel
gum"
For a second the Sikh's eyes
blazed, but the fire died down
again. He clasped his hands in
front of him and hung his head. u
will do this thing that l am asked
to do" he said; but his words were
scarcely audible. His trooper came
a step closer, to be nearer to him in
his minute of acutest agony.
Thou and l, Jagut Singh! We
both stay behind'
mo, Risaldar- Major, / want you
to listen! You've promised like a
man." said the general. iii make
you the best promise I can in re-
turn. Mines conditional, but it's
none the less emphatic. If possible,
yOu Sudl1 NdI1L yOLA w
fore it puts to sea. If that's impos-
sible, you shall take passage on
another ship, and try TO overtake it.
If that again is impossible, you
shall follow your regiment and be
in France to lead your squad
ron. 1 think l may say you are
sure to be there before the regi-
ment goes into action. But, under
stand-I said, If possible.
Ranjoor Singh's eye frightened
and he Strengthened perceptibly.
This trooper. sahib-"
"My promise is for him as we'll"
1--WE accept, sahib! What is the
duty?"
First, write a note to Colonel
Kirby-Ill see that it's delivered
asking him to put your name in Or
ders as assigned TO special duty.
Here's paper and fountain pen"
why should all this be secret
from Colonel Kirby?" asked Ran
joor Singh. There is no wiser and
no more loyal officer!"
Nor any officer more pugnacious
on his juniors account, I assure
you! I can't imagine his agreeing
to the use I'm making of you. I've
no time to listen to his protests.
Write man, write!"
Give me the paper and the pen,
sahib!"
Ranjoor Singh wrote by the light
of a pickering oil lamp, using his
troopers shoulder for support. He
passed the finished note back to
the general.
Now some token, please, Risal
dar-Major that Colonel Kirby will
be sure to recognize - something
to prove that the note is not forg-
ed"
Ranjoor Singh pulled ring from
his finger and held it out.
Colonel @kirby sahib gave me
this" he said simply
Thanks. Shake hands, will you?
I've been talking to a man tonight
to two men-if / ever did in my
lifei ! shall go now and give this
letter to somebody to deliver to
Colonel Kirby and l shall not see
you again probably until all this is
over. Please do what Yasmini di-
reefs until you hear from me or can
see for yourself that your task is
finished. Depend on me to remem-
Der my promise!"
Ranjoor Singh saluted, military
wise, although he was not in uni
form. The general answered his
by a maid, who took the note and
the ring from him.. Five minutes