Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, October 28, 1899, Page 6

CHAPTER XXVI-(Continued.) . “No one. But just now, when I went out to obtain food, I learned that the princess had departed since evening for Aliabahad, where the rajah was to re- join her in the morning. Rest ssured the princess would not return to her summer residence but to be near her prisoners.” “Doubtless you are right!” exclaimed George. “But by what ruse may we penetrate, unrecognized, this palace, so perfectly guarded?” “Master!” he exclaimed, “I have dis- covered a way to introduce you boldly, and by day, into the palace of Allahab- ad, to rejoin the young girls, and to ob- tain from the princess fullest avowals of all that she has done and hopes to do.” “And this mea “It is dangerou. “What matters it, if it is sure?” certain to me, hing- hings.”” “Success appe: ing on three “And they . courage and money. kill nor courage are want- nd we have here much gold. . then! I burn to know, and time es!” sten. master,” said the child, and developed his plan, to which George Malcolm listened with ardent curiosity. approving as it grew. “All is possible!” he cried, when Ka- zil paused, ‘and with God’s aid, all will be accomplished. To work, Kazil—to work! This instant we must begin our preparations!” Without losing a minute, Kazil emp- tied one of the sacks, filled his pockets with gold, and went out to do all that was necessary to secure the success of the strange comedy about to be enact- ed. CHAPTER XXVIII. Twelve hours had elapsed before the @eep slumber induced by the narcotie given Agnes and Hera terminated. Agnes was the first from whom the stupor passed. She made a light move- ment, which served to awaken Hera. The two sisters opened their eyes at the same moment, and raised them- selves on the bed, where they rested side by side. At the bungalow same chamber, beds. they shared the but slept in separate ding themselves almost in ey looked at each aze, their minds still be- wildered by the narcotic, and forgetful of all that had taken place. Their astonishment increased when they discovered that they were fully dressed, and a rapid glance about the chamber revealed its strangeness. “Where are we?’ asked Hera. “T do not know,” replied Agnes. And, springing from the bed, she hur- ried to the window and quickly parted the curtains with her impatient hands. Immerse disappointment awaited her, The landscape, which offered to her view the splendid horizon of a princely park. was entirely unknown to her. “Where are we?” repeated Agnes. “How have we left the bungalo asked Hera, at the same time. “And by what miracle do we find ourselves here. where we are strangers?” But memory had not yet awakened ‘to answer them. “We must know,” said Agnes, turn- Ing toward the door. “This house must be irhabited. Let us go out. We shall meet some one. We will ask, and they must answer.” “Yes, my sister, you are right,” as- sented Hera. “Let us go out.” Already Agnes had her kanil upon the knob, and tried to turn it. It resisted ber effort. “Ls ed ii se SOnETS s dropped, discouraged and trembling, upon a divan. “My Ged! my God!” exclaimed Ag- nes. “In whose hands have we fallen? ‘What danger threatens us?” “How have we left the bungalow?” sobbed He “Where is Edward? Where is George?” The utterance of these names was to Agnes as the lightuing-flash in the eloud lighting up its darkness. With them memory returned. “My sister!” she cried, “remember! It was yesterday. The night was fall- ing. Edward made us tremble for George's life, and already our tears flowed, when he appeared before us, Hera, do you remem- alive—saved! —yes, but like a dream, “George had bid us adieu. kneeling by our friends, when, sudden- ly, violent hands seized us, a bandage dlinded us, another stifled us. We were lifted up and borne aw: From afar off sounded pistol shots. A slow agony ‘began for us. Then nothing more, Night, almost death, and now the res. urrection Do you not, too, remember We were “Yes, all; but is it possible and real? And those who brought us here, they obeyed some order. Who could have given it?” “11!” spoke an unlooked-for voice. The two girls shivered. A secret door, concealed by the Persian hanging, opened noiselessly, and on its threshold stood a woman, head erect and arms crossed on her chest. “The Princess Djella!” exclaimed Ag- nes and Hera, recoiling in terror. “Yes, I—the Princess Djella! Do you not recollect that yesterday I said to au revoir?” Where, then, are we?” asked Agnes. “In my house. Not at Benares, but at Allahabad. You see, sterday in repulsing ice to-day you musv kc ame, of hospitality,” red Agnes, firmly, “and yet it is through violence that you have on of us.” ary to resort to force, sel When I resolve to accomplish any’ thing, it is ae- complished. I go straight to my goal, but by any road. What matters the method, provided one is successful? You see, sinee ye 1 are in my house, that Ihave s Ar a, with a singular smile, she ada ed: “And I bid you walcome, my guests!” “Your guests?’ repeated Agnes. “Would it not be more truthful, more just, to call us your prisoners?” Djella made an ironical gesture, again smiling. “Be it so,” she said. “We will not discuss terms. You have refused to follow me under the title of friends. You are rot less in my power, and it is you alone who are responsible if my hospitality must change its name.” Madame,” asked Agnes, “what do! you expect to do with us “A very near future will reply to this questio’ “Do you intend to keep us here, spite of our will?” “T must confess to you that such is my intentien,” “You will use violence, then, to detain as you have already done to bring answ only gained posse “It was n¢ should not hesitate.” “You, then, are our enemy?” Ha let her mask drop—useless hereafter. “Do you doubt it?’ she cried, in a fierce tone, throwing on the trembling girls a look of concentrated hatred. “I doubted it—yes, madame,” an- swered Agnes, not lowering her ey under this baneful glance, “and even yet I doubt it; for, questioning my con- science, it tells me that we have done nothing to deserve your hate.” “You think so?” asked the princess, with fierce violence. “I do more than think, madame—l am certain of it.” “You decieve yourself.” “Tell us, then, what we have dore.” For a few seconds Djella seemed to hesitate, but her impetuous nature was incapable of restraint or self-govern- ment, “You wish to know what you have ?’ she repeated, with a frightful sion of rage. “You wish to we wish it.” .”’ said Djella, “then have the lge. Before knowing you, Sir » Malcolm was my lover!” uttered a stifled ery, more like n, and became pale as death. The princess went on: ; “T adored him—do you hear me?—and ple from me his heart. For you spised and trampled me beneath yet you ask why I hate you!” A vivid blush replaced on ‘Agnes’ cheeks the livid pallor. “Madame,” she murmured, “I pity you with all my heart, for you have suffered much.” Djella made one step backward, as under the whiplash of an insult. “You pity me?” she replied; then, with a burst of diabolical laughter. “Yes, madame, from the depths of my heart.’ “IT repulse your pity. Keep it for yourself. You will have need of it.” “Not as much as you, madame; for, spite of your title of princess, it is you whom he scorns, and I whom he loves. Ah, well! punish me for my involuntary crime. I am in your hands. Revenge yourself upon your rival. But my sis- ter has done nothing, and your jealous anger cannot recoil upon her. Spare her! Restore to her her liberty!” Hera threw her arms about Agnes’ neck, “Why ask liberty for me?” she sob- bed. “You well know that I would not leave you—” “Reassure yourself,” interrupted the princess.. “You will remain here. As well as your sister, I have reason to hate you. Do you remember that yes- terday your fiance, Edward Malcolm, offered me the most mortal insult a wo man can receive, when he ordered me, like a dog, from his presence and yours?” “Ah, madame,” answered Hera, with courageous firmness, “was he not right? His instinct revealed to him in you the mest implacable and deadly enemy.” For 2 moment the princess was si- lent; then she slowly uttered these words “Gecrge Malcolm has offended me, and whoever offends me is condemned. George Malcolm yesterday fell dead, mortally shot by the Rajah Doorgal Sa- hib, to whom I said: ‘This man is Ag- nes Burtell’s betrothed husband—Ag- nes, whom you love! He must die, and his fiancee will be free.’ His pistol shot rendered to George Malcolm just- ice!” Agnes could not guess the error of the princess. She supposed that George had, indeed, been killed after the at- tack upon the bungalcw. Uttering a piercing cry, she fell upon her knees, hiding her face in her hands and sobbing convulsively. “Edward Malcolm also insulted me!” continued Djella. “His sentence is pronounced. He must fall as his broth- er fell. If he is still living, which I do not believe, he will be dead before night.” The unhappy Hera, mute and wring- ing her hands, resembled a statue of grief and despair. “And this ia but the beginning,” pur- sued the princess. “In a few hours, young girls, you will know how I re- | leading After pronouncing these terrible words, Djella left the chamber, closing the deor after her. venge myself!” ! CHAPTER XXVIII. Notwithstanding the brilliant educa- tion of the princess, her travels and knowledge of the world, she preservea, as we have said, all the superstitions of the old Hindco caste. She had most perfect faith in its ab- surd beliefs, and carried the blindness of religious fanaticism as far as the m le wretches who sacrificed themselves to render homage to the fierce gods. This singularity must be borne in mind to fully comprehend all that is to follow. A short distance from the palace, on the edge of a pool of water and be- neatha dome of green, rose atemple in miniature, constructed in honor of the god Siva; and rivalling in richness, de. spite its small proportions, the most fan ous temples cf Benares and Calcut- ta. It was toward this pagoda that Djel- la directed her steps. As she Ww about to ascend the biack marble steps, to the entrance, the door opened, and the hideous figure of the fakir appeared, The princess inclined before him with supreme respect, for with the brothers of the terrible work ‘Souniancy passed almost for a prophet. He descended the steps and stopped before her. “Well?” she asked. “It is finished, princess.” he replied. “I have obeyed your wish. I have ques- tioned the gods, and they answer thar in the future, as in the past, they will smile on the Queen of India’s aveng- “Have you sppken to them of the new victims I desire to offer to them “Will they accept?* “They will accept.” “It is well. The gods favor the last of the Tamerlides, Have they revealed nothing concerning the future?’ “Hither I have illy understood their mysterious language, or you are about to receive news of importance.” “When? “Very soon—perhaps to-day.” At this moment one of the servants of the palace approached, announcing the } arrival of Doorgal Sahib at the palace. “Condect him hither!” commandea his mistress. But, in the moment of the man’s withdrawal, she detained him. “Has ugor returned from Be- nares?” she ked. “No, princess.” “Let me know the instant of his re- turn.” “It shall be done.” “J did not expect the rajah until this evening,” she continued, addressing the fakir, the man having departed on his errand, “Some powerful motive must have hastened him. Perhaps he comes as a messenger of great tidings—bu, here he is to answer for himself. You bring us news, rajah?” she cried, as he appr oached. mportant news,” he answered. “First, that which concerns all of us who desire the liberty of India, and the best of all happy tidings; and, sec- ond, that which is of interest only to me, at which I know not whether to re- joice or to be grieved.” “Begin by telling us the first.” “It is th The prophecy prophesied for centuries by our prophets and sa- cred books has been to-day realized.” “A prophecy?” repeated Djella. “Which?” “The chosen of the goddess Bowhanic bas appeared in India,” The fakir Souniancy raised his long armis to heaven and his bronzed visage lighted. Djella made a gesture of utter aston- ishment and incredulity. “You are sure?” she questioned. “Doubt is impossible.” “Speak, then. What has passed?” “esterday, a short time after we had left the temple, the messenger of Bow- hanie penetrated into the sanctuary.” “Who saw him?” e priestesses and the Brahmins.” what sign have they recognized the most. infallible: signs. The goddess despoiled herself for him of the veil which annihilates and the ring which elays.”, “You have proof of this, Doorgal?” “Jubbee, chief priestess, has sworn to it, and Jubbee cannot lie,” “Ah!” cried the fakir, with all the emulation of supreme pride, “the gods do not deceive those whom they love.” * “But if it is thus,” said Djella, radi- ant with triumph, “our victory is as- sured—the holy cause is gained in ad- vance!” “Do not doubt it, princess,” answered Doorgal and the fakir together. “To-morrow night,” continued Djel- la—“glorious night,;whose memory will live in future years—will hear given the signal for the great struggle, and on the battle field, the veil of Bow! a as an invincible shield about his h will appear to us. ’midst blood smoke of carnage, the eldest son of a god Siva. " “India will then be free!” exelaimed Doorgal, carried away by the contagion of her enthusiasm; “and English pow- er will be destroyed among us—” i “Forever!” finished the fakir. “Already,” resumed the rajah, “the Cuglish, trembling, grow pale, and all their troop are being drawn up in ie in Benares.” “What!” asked the princess; ‘ ‘alreatiy they know of this apparition, so textl- ble to them?” “They are ignorant of it.” “Why, then, do they fear?” “This is the moment,” answered Doorgal, “when you must learn the news which touches and interests me sd’ deeply.” “Speak, rajah! I listen to you!” “Last evening Sir John Malcolin’s bungalow was set on fire by incendia- ries.” “Ah!” said the princess; and the mon- osyllable escaped her lips without the slightest astonishment depicting itself upon her countenance. “Miss Agnes and Hera Burtell have disappeared, carried away in the midst of the flames, by those unknewn. De ; you know anything of it, princess?” “Perhaps,” replied Djella. “Byetyw here they seek the ravag- ers, “They will not find theni.” “You thigk 0?” “T am sure of it.” “Then, princess, in this cireumstane: there is nothing, you think, to render my love uneasy?” “Absolutely nothing. I may, in fact, almost promise You that, far from in- juring your plans, it may,aid you,” “She knows all,” thought Doorgal, de- lightedly. “It is she who has orderea all. In working for herself, she has worked for me.” But aloud he added: “Now, princess, command me—what shall I do? Return to Benares?”’ “Remain, Doorgal, I beg you.” “You need me?” “Yes,” “Why?” “A fete is being prepared here. { wish you to assist at it, and I promise you a surprise,” Dering this interview the three per- sons interested had slowly approached the palace. Just before reaching it, the rapid gallop of a horse was heard on the stones in the court yard, “It must be Saugor,” thought the princess, “and I must ces with him alone.” ‘Turning toward her pea she gra- ciously begged to be excused, promising to rejoin them in a few moments; anu, rapidly ascending the white marble steps, she entered the palace to meet Saugor face to face on his way to find her in the gardens. “Mistress,” he said, “I am here.” “You return late.” ‘I have had a long search.” ‘But it has been successful? Did Ed- ward Malcolm perish in the ruins of the bungalow?” “No, mistress. Edward Malcolm is alive—I have seen him.” “Then you gave my message?” “Yes, I placed your letter in his hands. He read it in my presence.” “And,” she asked, with fervent patience, “he gave you an answer? Saugor made an affirmative sign. “And his response—what is it?” “He will come.” “Alone?” “I think so. These are his words: “Tell the princess that her wishes shah be accomplished, and that in one hour I set out for the palace of Allahabad.’ ” “Where was Sir Edward when he gave you this reply?” “He was leaving the palace of my lord the governor.” “And, after separating from you, he did rot return there?” “No; for I followed him some dis- tance unperceived by him. He made several turnings to the city, and finally entered the house of the French phys!- cian.” “He will come, and he will come alone!” murmured Djella, with an ex-’ pression of fierce joy. “All favors me, and as soon as my will purposes the im- possible becomes easy, Have you,” she continued, “questioned the boatmen and fishermen ordered by me to ex- plore the banks of the Ganges?” “I have done so, All have the same answer. Tbe river has kept its prey. The body has not reappeared.” “George Malcolm is, indeed, dead!” she murmured to herself; adding, aloud: “Do the people of Benares speak of the apmaricion of the envoy of the goddess in the temple of Bowhanie?” “Under their breath, mistress, and joy reigns in every heart, and the brothers of the sacred work gather to- gether, whispering that the supreme heur must be at hand.” “They de not deceive themselves,” swered the princess. “Ihe hour of truggle and of victory is, indeed, very Now, Saugor, go transmit my or- to the officer on guard. Let all the to the palace and gardens be rded, and have me warned in ad- ‘ance of the approach of any visitor, whoever it may be.” “I obey,” murmured Saugor, bowed and went out. Scarcely had Djella rejoined Doorga] and the fakir than the valet who had announced the visit of the rajah again appr hed her. “Djeri@,” she said, wish?” “A very young boy, princess, almost a child, has just arrived at the palac He is wounded and appears very weak; but he has some communication for you, he says, which is of the highest impertance.” “His name?” “Kazil.” “One of our brothers,” she mur- mured., “The child who yesterday, at Lord Singleton’s gave against George Malcolm most crushing testimony. Let him come—Iet him come! I await him!” A few minutes later the servant led Kazil before the princess. The young Hindoo was of a mortal pallor. He wore one of his arms in a sling, and appeared to sustain himself with diffi- culty. Spite of her marble heart, Djel- la, glancing at the child, felt herself moved, “Child,” she cca “you are pale an! staggering! re suffering!” “Princess,” replied Kazil, “I have lost much blood!” “Who wounded you?” “An English dagger.” “When?” “Last evening.” “Where?” “At the attack on the bungalow of the Malcolms.” Djella made a movement of surprise. “You were taere?” “Yes, princess.” “How is that possible?” _ “You shall learn. Samid, your ser- yant, knowing he might depend upon me, enrolled me for the expedition. 1 was the first to enter the bungalow, by climbing upon the verandah. Sir George Malcolm’s valet was within, and struck me with his dagger.” “Ah, I understand! Your blood has flowed in my service, and each drop shali be largely rewarded. But this is not all. You have, they tell me, im- portant news for me. What is its na- ture?” ‘ “The visit of a great personage.” “A great personage?” repeated Djel- la. M “Yes, madame. Departing from Be- nares this morning, on a wretched horse—for I was too weak to make the journey on foot—I came to ask from your generosity, shelter and assist- ance.” “Neither one nor the other shal} fail you,” murmured the princess, (To be Continued.) who “what do you The respect due to old age is always dealt out with a ladle to the wealthy grandparent. SKUNK IN BANK CELLAR. Causes Customers to Transact Busi- ness With Unusual Celerity. For the past two days business at the Union Bank, Ninety-second street and Erie avenue, South Chicago, has been conducted with a celerity and dispatch on the part of both employes and callers never before witnessed. Depositors during this time have been known to come into the bank with a careless step, approach the teller’s win- dow, suddenly pause, glance suspi- ciously around, and, slipping bank book and contents through the iron grating, say: “Here; just fix that up; I'll drop in again to-morrow,” as they hurriedly made their exit. The cause of this unseemly haste was not a new rule of the bank nor an economy of time on the part of the de- positor, but a small and active animal in the basement of the building known | to science as the putorious feotidus, more commonly the American polecat, or skunk. Every effort to dislodge the anima) has thus far failed. A bull terrier be- longing to a neighboring saloonkeeper, was put into the basement on a prom- ise of a $10 reward if the dog killed the smaller animal. A terrible howling and scratching at the coor, a few minutes later, led the bank officials to hope the constmmation of their hopes had been reached. When the janitor opened the | door the dog sprang into the bank ana out of the front door like a thing pos- sessed. Now its owner says the bull dog must take a vacation of a week or two for its health. A Wolf Lake duck hunter and trap- per has been engaged to free the base- ment of the unwelcome tenant, and will make the attempt before banking hours. He claims to be able to clarify the atmosphere without any inconven- } ience to its residents. Should he prove as good as his word, a $50 bill will be his reward.—Chicago Inter Ocean. A Tale of Valor. Longshorman—Yes, young gentle- men, when I was in the royal navee the enemy soon cleared, I can tell yer. I was an ugly chap to deal with, I was. Young Bertie—Oh, yes; that, captain.—Ally Sloper. I can see No Room. The Monkey—The hippopotamus daren’t open his mouth in his own house. The Ostrich—Ah! Henpeécked at bad as that? The Monkey—Oh, no! lives in a flat.—Puck. You see, he QUALITY AND NEWS. FAME AND EXCELLENCE ARE DETERMINING FACTORS IN SUCCESSFUL DEVELOP. MENT. One of the Important Functions of Wigh-Class Newspapers, In presenting interesting phases of scientific and economic problems, high-class newspapers frequently give information of as great value in their advertising ,columns as in those de- voted to the-publication of the prin- cipal events of the day; and wien the fame of a product is extended be- yond its natural limits into foreign lands, and a large demand created throughout Great Britain and her cal- onies and the principal seaports and cities of Europe, Asia and Africa, it becomes a pleasant duty to note the fact and to tell of the points of ex- cellence on which so great a success is based. We refer to the now world- famed laxative remedy, Syrup of Figs, the product of the California Fig Syrup Company. The merits of this | well-known excellent laxative were first made known to the world through | the medical journals and newspapers of the United States; and is one of the distinct achievements of the press. 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