The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1940-03-01

Inc MaudTdJdu IedU, SLdIc0' az Tic
Resident, stared at Rundhia, stared
at Norwood, reached for his foun-
tain pen and signed. 4 sas II
Rundhia recovered bit Of his in
science. "Are you satisfied" he de-
manded. ,.,,sg a,.,,
mo-" said Norwood. mot yet"
He reached for the goblet-raised
it, shifted it, smiled at Rundhia.
Then he looked straight at Lynn.
Lynn was watching the Mahara-
nee, but she seemed conscious Of
Norwood's stare Rundhia whis-
pered to her, but she took no notice.
"Rundhia," said Norwood, IT will
ask you two questions. Answer
whichever you please. What is in
this goblet?"
The Maharanee pulled herself to
her feet, picked up her cushion and
went and lmelt at the Maharajah's
left hand, so that she could watch
Rundhia:
"Rundhia," she said, answer"
Rundhia said nothing; he glared
at Norwood. Lynn turned in her
chair to watch Rundhia's face. Nor
wood spoke again:
"You don't answer the first one?
Very well, here's the other: why did
you sign that retraction? didn't ask
you for it. Who did,"
Rundhia was silent.
"Speak!' said the Maharanee.
She had unveiled her face. She was
looking at Lynn.
Rundhia glanced at Lynn. Lynn
looked suddenly straight at Nor
wood and spoke with such con-
strained emotion that her voice
sounded fercely angry: sb
Captain Norwood, I asked Run
dhia to write that. If it isn't what
you wanted, you may blame me-"
! Norwood's lips moved toward a
smile, but he saw her embarrass-
ment, SO he checked it. He looked
straight in her eyes for several Sec
onds before he looked at Rundhia
| again. a a3H sn4
Substitute question, Rundhia!
You didn't answer that one. How
much did you charge for this re-
traction of your accusation against
me?"
Rundhia had had time to consid-
er. He sneered: II wrote that as
an act of magnaninity. Was it
wasted on your"
Norwood glanced quickly at Lynn.
"No, no, Rundhia, it wasn't wasted.
But tell us all what is in this goblet.
could have it analysed. Perhaps
you would prefer to consult that
Bengal doctor before you answer?
Question bit awkward? Your trou-
BILE is that you can't guess how much
know, can you? Can you guess
why I let the Bengal leave the
room? Any chance that he betrayed
you? Rather drop the question?
Very well, answer the other: how
much or what did you charge, and
to whom, for the magnanimous re-
traction of your accusation against
me? I insist on an answer"
Rundhia spoke sullenly: Nothing.
No one. I don't even know what
you mean"
Norwood looked at Lynn. Her lips
moved. He was in time to check
her:
please say nothingi want Run
dhia to tell it-Rundhia, choose. ]
won't wait all night. Account for
the contents of this goblet-or else
answer: what promise have you ex-
acted-from whom?"
! The Maharanee spoke in a
strained voice: Answer him, Run
dhia."
Rundhia was silent. Lynn stared.
He avoided her eyes.
IF I should have to mention this
goblet again" said Norwood, II will
ask His Highness the Maharajah to
summon the guard. What promise
have you exacted from whom as
the price Of your signing that re-
traction?"
"There was no price"
The Maharanee was looking at
Lynn. She spoke suddenly: "Run-
{, -.sla- III. q. 3 .-rrtff - aa.l..sss