The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1920-02-12
The Rose of
Vshti
By ALVAH JORDAN GARTH
1917. Western Newspaper Union.

Copyright. 1917. Western Newspaper Union)
Bardsville was all agog when 1t Was
known that the old BaythOrne place
had been purchased by one Alan Tres
ham and that he and his sister, Mrs.
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 a vast fortune in
India, had left them not only an in
comparable collection of Eastern
treasures and curiosities, but also a
rye cash fortune. 1.-The uncle was q
ocular 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, / 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 typical spirit of youth and beauty
came to the community with the adj
vent of Alan Tresham md his sister.
Marvellous stories were told Of the
unique oriental furnishings OF the new
home. Marion Deane was the first to
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 a little
chat and bring 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 filled to the brim
with the luscious fruit and an invita-
ton to come over again later I'm the
day. It 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 curiositles which his uncle
had acquired.
Within a 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 it's in
mates every cabinet had been ram
sacked.
But not a single article taken away"
Alan explained to Marion. "See, even
this basket filled with precious stones
has not one missing"
II 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 It's face were
number Of hieroglyphlcs.
What does this signlfy7" inquired
Alan.
1T is n warming"
From whomT
From some emissary Of n secret or
der Of the hill tribes of the upper
Ganges."
But why should I be warned7"
Because these tireless fanatics be-
lieVe your uncle has sent you some
sacred mcmento, which they have been
deputizcd To recover at all hazards"
II 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.