The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1940-02-23

have news. Since I saw you, my
secretary has found a document
which seems to me to make the
priests case so ridiculous that"
ooh, I expect to find in the favor
of the priests, Your Highness. Those
documents may interest lawyers. ]
am only concerned with the bound
airy line. / have been accused of
accepting bride from the
priests"
"Oh! Captain Norwood, you aston
ish me. Who is your accuser?"
81 supposed you already knew. He
will tell you. AS a matter of fact, /
called on Her Highness the Mahara-
nee. / want to speak to Miss Lynn
Harding. I have reason to believe
that without the Maharanee's advice
she might refuse to see me until
perhaps tomorrow. ! need to see
her tonight. I hoped to persuade
the Maharanee to arrange the inter-
view, but she refused, so came to
you instead"
SIS it urgent? Won't you please be
seated? Won't you read this docu-
ment?"
"Your Highness, do you think I
would disturb you at this time OF
night if it wasn't Urgent"
"Oh, well, possibly an interview
can be arranged. will enquire
presently. Won't you read that doc
unent?"
Norwood smiled agreeably: 81
will. AS you have reason to know,
sir, I'm bit slow at reading this
ancient script"
ssI wouldn't care to let that out of
my possession" said the Mahara-
jah.
ssSuits me-" Norwood answered.
81 ask nothing better than to sit
here for the time being. You will
learn why, later"
The Maharajah looked up sharply,
but Norwood raised the document
between them. He couldn't see Nor
woods face:
"You fatter me-" he said after a
moment.
At last came a knock at the door.
The Maharajah tapped the gong
| with his fingers and the Bengal doc
tor entered, making his suavest pro-
fessional bow. He was followed by
the Maharajah's personal attendant,
carrying a big blue goblet on a sill
yer tray. The Bengal eyed Nor
wood with horror.
"You are late" said the Mahara-
JAN. 'Why are you late?"
81 was delayed, your Highness.
l."
Norwood had laid down the docu-
ment. He rose from his chair. He
stepped behind the Bengal. He held
his right fist ready for emergency
and seized the goblet in his left hand.
The Bengal stepped back, out Of
reach Of the fist. The Maharajah
made a sudden exclamation, not UNI
like sleeps bleat. The white-clad
servant backed away, showing the
whites of his eyes. Norwood held
the goblet toward the Bengal:
Drink it'll" he commanded.
The Bengal was speeches.. Il
was several seconds before he could
stammer: "Sir, are you mad?"
The Maharajah, with his elbows
on the desk, and one hand within
reach of the drumstick of the golden
gong, leaned forward, staring.
Norwood spoke again quite calm
ly. But it was a deadly calm. II
| frightened the Bengali:
"You are, aren't you, the doctor
who poisoned Mrs. Harding's
| toast?"
"Sir, beware whom you slander!"
The Bengal appealed to the Maha-
, rajah: SIS Your Highness pleased
to hear me slandered by a mad
man who is known to have been
bribed by"
Norwood interrupted: "Cut that
You heard me. Drink It'll"
"That.is His Highness' tonic"
"Drink i'll" said the Maharajah.
He looked almost happy. He sound
ed quite calm. But his fingernails
drummed on the desk. Not a sign
of humor.
no BE CONTINUED)