Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Seaforth News, 1934-01-25, Page 6PAGE 'SIX. THE SEAFORTH NEWS. r ' s'..1414*. -, '•' seas, ,: s4 u`� �` .i..: n. - •tet: a�'�.n "He has got it," replied the hunch tOutside, the front of the mosque backs pointing with his thumb back- was composed of the dark-coloured wards. '`Metter he, then I or my basalt used .in all the 'buildings of the brothers we should only speed it --he city, beautifully finished as to the At - won't Thy star is bright tu-night, ting of the stones, on which bold Lellajee 'When ;hint art set free do e"'rniees and rosettes had been execu.t- not forget u_, that's all, Conte, cd round the entrance arch, and about They cell IMeted him to 0 510011 the projecting portion which support - chamber within, where two decently ed the small minarets, -Immediately above the archway, broad stone eaves crossed the face of the building, resting upon deep and richly carved brackets of black basalt, surmounted by a hold cornice, over which were fleurs-de-lis, forming the upper orna- ment. Under the projecting eaves, and on the crest of .the entrance arch, were bright flowers in coloured en - met, bordered by frames of delicate white stucco work, which relieved the effect of the whole, 'In the centre of the terrace, before the mosque, was prehension that he went; but he was a small fountain, for the purpose of now- received kindly, though with a ablution, which threw up a tiny thread rough sort of civility, and motioned to sit near Gopal Singh, So assured, the Laila's habitual con- fidence soon returned. and he took his part, with much ability, in the dis- cussion that followed, in which his in- formation in regard to the Emperor's designs was most valuable, How the consultation ended will hereafter appear in another locality, to which we trust now transport our readers. CHAPTER XVIL The •Azan, or evening call to -pray- ers, had just ceased throughout Bee japoor. Front mosque to mosque, and minaret to minaret, the sonorous and musical voices of the %Muezzins had proclaimed the evening invitation to worship. It was still light, though the vivid hues of sunset were fading fast, and the warm red and orange tints, which had rested upon the minarets, dome: and gilded pinnacles of the pal- ace,., mosques and mausoleums of the superb city, were giving place to a sober gray, Here and there a star already twinkled its the heavens, and a few rosy clouds, nn which the sun's ray. rested lingeringly, floated away eastwards before a gentle breeze, that rustled among the tall pian trees. 'Fee a time the busy hunt of the -popu- lous city seemed to be hushed, and the stillness and seclusion of the spot ne have to describe, prompted those feta',„; of devotion which the litre regt:irerl. It was one of those small yet ele- gant mosques, which are found scat- tered eryw here ab _,ut the ruins that now ei=t, surrounded by enclosures that were once gardens, in which bro- ken foneteins and dry watercourses new only snt,eet visions of their for- mer elegance a rl comfort, and where clad wotren awaited them—slaves or servant,- a: 1 in:c'rmmed the Lalla that a bath tarn been prepared for him, and food ,v .n•d be served to hits in the eatin-r....m. We are a-,ur•d, therefore, that the Lelia was left in good hands, There • w a- perhaps .t sh:ule to,, much ;garlic -iti the cookery. . he thought; but he was not partleu:ar, and appetite re- writes! whit a;isence of fear. When he had finished. he was summoned to the chief, and it was not without ap- :nw brnshtva,d and tangled grass have displaced the fragrant flowers and useful fruit trees of former days. Her l there a jessamine, n,w will, trail; over ruined walls and once trine garden terraces, or a long-lived hardy line tree struggles for existence in the unwatered soil. At the period of our tale, however. the biulding uveas in its full freshness and beauty. A single arch, of low Saracenic form, led into a square room. vaulted by delicate groins, lead- ing from the corners to the base of a cupola above. The floor was formed of chequers of black and white marble highly polished; and the sides of the room, steeply indented by arched niches, were finished with stucco, which rivalled the marble in polish and purity of colour. Around the larg- est niche, at the end opposite to the entrance, and the arch in which the pulpit stood, were borders of delicate arabesque foliage, into which texts' 'irons the tKoran, in coloured enamel letters, were skilfully and elegantly iinterirovenrwhile above the pulpit it- self, in gold letters on a black ground, was the .Arabic text, "La Alla, it Alla, 3tahomed russoal Alla;" "There is no. 1Goc1 but one God, and Mahomed, is the phophet of 'God,' Two plain cot- ton carpets, striped -red and white, had 'been placed before the pulpit, to be tisect by those who night corseto the evening prayer. lip was raised higher than usual, dis- closing a rosy month, w.it'h teeth which glistened like pearl's, even and, small; and ,from the abesnce :of any ornament in Ithe nostril, it was .evid- ent that, as yet, 00 marriage rite had been performed, Her age might ,be fourteen, or -even less; but her .figure, from its rounded proportions and grace, would have induced a presump- tion that she was older. Yet it 'would have been only a passing thought. One look at that innocent, almost childish face—where, though full of 'bright intelligence, the world had at yet !fixed no stamp of care to check the natural oyousness of her spiriattinvould have dispelled it in- stand'tly; and if 'the habitual bright- ness was sometimes dinned, it was but as the breath upon a 'mirror - a passing shadow of sprue gentle disap- pointment, which, enhanced 'the beent- ty as it passed away, There was no mark of rank or wealth about her, except in the solid gold .anklets of heavy ecltainwork she wore. which ifitted • closely over -her high bare instep; a ring of gold bang- ing loosely about her neck, and a rosary of large pearls usually horn there, but which were now passing rapidly, and apparently mechanically, through-her'fingers, as if the thoughts that urged therm were somewhat .agi- tated. There was, too, a alight knit- ting of the brow while she idly, and perhaps somewhat impatiently, dab- bled with one naked foot in 'the 'water which was welling aver the rime of the fountain, sending circles ;of small wavelets over its otherwise unruffled nsrface, as she looked eagerly to the entrance -door of the garden as 11 in expectation of same one. 'As she stood thus upon a step, her foot rest- ing upon the raised ei m of the :foun- tain—the vivid scarlet of her satin petticoat, and the w'hi'te of -.the fine muslin scarf which, n'ound about her person, and passed over her 'heacl— w'ere reflected in ite trembling waters; and, with the mosque 'and dark trees behind her, and the -figure of the old nurse sitting on the step at 'her feet, a picture was 'formed such as no man could have looked on without emo- tion, and admiration of a being so eminently lovely. "You are my witness, 'Goolab." she said at length, looking down on the nurse, "that he said he would come to evening 'prayer, and that 11 have waited thus long, 'The time is passing fast, and you know this is the second night he has disappointed me, 0, that he may not be careless to !God's ser- vice! He used ort to be so, IBut;I ani not angry with hint, nurse," she con- tinued, looking down to time attendant, and as she spoke, every trace of dis- pleasure, if it had ever existed, dis- appeared at once 'before her habitual gond humour and sweet smile; "he never disappointed me, that he had not some very good reason for staying away—and yet—" "Nay, my soul," returned the wo- man, "the ':\zam, is 'but just said, and there is yet ample time for prayer; the carpets have not been half spread in -the ',lumina Mosque yet, \Vhy should yon be impatient? But listen, was I not right? My young lord comes, so think hint faithless ne longer." As she spoke the door- of the gar- den court opened and with a cry of my .Zyna sprang to meet her brother, as, with rapid steps he traversed the garden, and ascended the low terrace before the mosque. !Still of 'tender age, Fazil 'khan was already a remarkable 'figure. The down of youth had not yet hardened upon leis IM and chin; but his tall etlrletic frame, and erect and con- fident carriage, proved 'hint to have been engaged in the -action, if not :he strife of the world. His animated features strongly resembled his sis- ter's, but with a sterner and holder cast of expression •while his colour was much darker. A large grey eye. with remarkably long lashes, -which he had from his 'father, increased their grave, thoughtful, Net tender, and perhaps almost mournful, expression; the same sweet smile as Zyne's play- ed about his mouth as he returned -her joyous welcome, while his glistening eye and excited manner proved that something 'unusual had occurred, not only to delay him, but to cause an e- motion he could 'not repress. "Ah, thou art a sad. truant, Fazil," said Zyna, after their !first greeting, he laid aside bis sword' and shield loosened his w:ais't-band, and prepared to perform hisablutions; 'armed, too, more heavily than usual, while thy face tells Inc thou has met with some recent .adventure. Thou hast not been !n danger Fiazil, my brother!" "Danger!" echoed the youth; "if to walk the streets of fl3eejal oor amidst contending factions, where 'one can hardly tell a friend from an enemy, be danger, why then, dear sister, 4 have' had 'any share :even now, But, 'trust nc, there is no 'real danger to me. Came then• to .prayer, for the Agan is said, .and the light already nail's us." So saying, 'finely ascended the `mmios clue steps • together. . Their carpets were already spread, andthey 'at once engaged in the service of the evening, well ]mown to the youth, but in the of water to some ehight in the air, de- scending in a shower of light spray, sod producing a faint, plashing sound, very grateful to the ear. Above the mosque, and mingling with its slende r minarets and thin gilded spires, a few cocoa -nut trees waved their graceful pendant leaves; and with them the heavy foliage of the fragrant moulserry, and the broad leaf of the. plantain, with its tender yet vivid green, formed an 'harmoni- ous contrast, 'Nearer the terrace was a group of orange trees, some weigh- ed down by clusters of golden fruit, others covered with blossom, which, with the tuberoses around the foun- tain, and the evening jessamine now opening, gave forth to the cool even- ing air a fragrance almost over- pc,w'cring. By day, the sun hardly ever reached the mosque, and it always ap- peared invitingly cool and quiet; but at this evening hour, shadow was ra- pidly deepening into gloom, adding a solemn effect which enhanced the beauty of this seceded spot. Two persons ,toad by the foun- tain, They had just performed their ablutions, as the last quivering chant of the :Muezzin, "La ills, fl Ulla," is- suing from the tall minaret of one of the mei,ghboring mosques, floated to them on the soft breeze: yet they ap- reared to hesitate ere they entered the mosgt;e far the evening prayer. One f therm was an elderly woman, clad as befitted the position of the favour- ite nurse and confidential female ser- vant of a wealthy home, in a blue cotton petticoat of thick but 'fine text- ure, ever which, and around her 1, •:Ir and head, was a white muslin scarf. Her fcatures were homely, yet d-mttnte i and she evidently re- ,ardrd her c' npaniot,—w'ho merits a fuller de.eriptioa,—withpride ming- led with deep affection, And, in truth, there were few fairer maidens dim fleejapoor, even among the wealthy and high -horn nobles, than Zyna, the only daughter of Af- zoo! .KtKham, II-Ier features might be called irregular according to any !Eur- npean standard, but they were soft and inexpressibly charming; and in Iter 'large lustrous eyes, of the deep- est brown, there -lurked a world of deep feeling which the excitement of life would call into action, About her -.minded chin and small mouth, whose full and bow -shaped lips !had come what of •a voluptuous expression, there played a thousand charms, w••hlch, though -they mmight not dis- close themselves or be observed :while. Inver deatures were at rest, yet, as her first timid reserve gave place to the excitement of conversation or passing. incident, .exercised a strange but ir- resistible fascination over those about eihr. She was very fair for her country. Her another's bright !Georgian corn-, -lexion was but little deepened ,in her laughter's richer and browner cast of colour; the skin appeared' to possess `hat transparent softness which gave n bewitching charm to the delicate yet •lecided features; and her cheecks,'and necks flushed, under any excitement, a-ith a warmth which tad of her sou- ,kern and more excitable tempera- ment. Whenever she spoke, the -upper merfarmtince of: which, his sister was as yet only his gentle and docile pupil. It would •seem that 'their ' appear- ance, as they descended the steps. .of the mosque together after the 'prayer was finished, and came out again upon the terrace by the fountain, had more Chan ordinarily attracted .the nurse's attention, for she advanced, etncl pass- ieg her hand rapidly over Cheat from head "to foot, pressed her knuckles against her temples, and as they; cracked loudly, ejaculated a fervent. wish for a thousand years' life and prosperity to ea -ch. :Such acts are common to the privileged native ser- vants of 'India, and old IGoolab 'had bean their faithful attendant since they were born, and had carefully watched their growth. (Both loved her warmly, and there was 'nothing either would have grudged, to soothe the declining years of their old favourite. "Enough, otnough, lGoola'b," cried Fazil, as, alter several rep!titions of the ceremony we have .just mentioned, she stroked his chin with her fingers, and kissed their tips; "what evil do v,ou think has come 'to me that you take it on yourseluf ?" "Alas, 1 know not 1' said the nurse, sighing; .and as she spoke her eyes Milled with tears; "but my lord said there had been 'danger, and I wouldl not have it so. 'And what evcil glances may not have been cast on my beau- tiful child all through the streets to- day' ?" Tine youth made a slight gesture of impatience, but it was 'lost on the fond old w,otnan. 'Checking the feeling which had prompted it, he criec cheerfully, '"No, tips IGoolab, believe ane, I meant 110 more than ordinary danger; are w•e not always in it? Amu who can tell the hour of his `death?' he added after a pause, and looking reverently upwards; "or whether it is to come by a bullet or a sword -cut long wasting- fever or sudden sick ness; nay, here as we stated 1 Whet the message comes we cannot stay.' "Hush, say not so, 'brother," saic 'Zyna, gently Saying her hand upot his mouth; "talk not so of death, "Nay, my rose, he says but the truth," added Goolab; "and who knew it better, than .•the pure saint you] mother, who sleeps gander? Well, i was tGod's will, and who shall gainsay it ? Alvah is right, my pet, but death should not be sent to the like cif you only to the old servant who is ripe for the harvest---' "We linger," said 'Fazil to his sis- ter, intedcluliting her; "and the dark- ness is fast spreading. 4 have much to do ere midnight, and I must go to prepare for it. I will meet thee at .the evening meal before 'I start-- Ye once more to take, leave of thee, 0 mother !" he said to himself; "there may be danger to -night, and if i should be--- Conte, .Zyna,' he re- sumed, ."a few Bowers for the tomb and 1 rust go. Get alight, Goolab— Lite lamp may as well be lighted now.' "1 had placed them before yea cause, Fazil but come; again may she look down on her children to gether," said his sister. So saying, she gathered a few jes saniine and moulserry flowers and with her brother following, passed to the end of the garden court, where among some others, stood a higl tomb of polished black stone, with a pillar at the back in which was a niche for lamps that were ligthec every evening. Reverently and tenderly were the fresh flowers laid at the head and feet of the tomb by booth. 'One could see no morbid motive in the act, and there were no tears or vain regret Their creed, imbued as it 15 with fat- alism, had taught then submission; and 'the offering up of flowers eveery evening after the Azar, as the lamps were lighted, had become a simple duty, never committed to others. If those two loving and simple hearts believed that their mother's spirit was thus rejoiced, it will account to us for that constant remembrance of the dead which is so affecting, and generally so sincere, among theMa- h•mpedan families of India, "Come," said Fazil, "we must not delay; though indeed, 0, sweet moth- er! I could stay long with thee to- night," he added, touching the foot of the grave gently, and. raising : his hand to his 'head. "I kiss thy feet, 0 mother! may thy blessing rest upon me. Be not far frons us, O' beloved I Come, 'Goolab, give Inc the lamp, and I will place it myself to -night." "What ails the boy?" said the nurse to herself, as Fazil advanced with the lamp, lighted the others, and placed it its the niche with the customary prayer. "What ails him to -:night ? Truly there is danger, and :he has clone all those- things himself that he may meet her --'If it he the will of Alba,' who can gainsay •it? but not so, 0 P'rofectorl" she :muttered; "not so.: I vow F'.atehas at the mosque next Friday if he is spared," she said in- wardly weeping. iFazil's errand was done, and as he, turned he saw the old nurse wiping her eyes. "Al,'weeping, IGoolab? he said. "No, no, that is of no use now.'" "No, Meah, truly of no use," she replied; "bud memory is often, too ranch for me when I think upon her. Yet 1 will not •weep—of what use viottld it be?" `None, old nurse, none; come, get me my dinner, for I have much to do erre midnight." DR. a HUGH ROSS, 'Plhysicioa `Well oar father join us?" asked I and Surgeon. Late of London Hoe - "I think not; I left himit engaged with affairs of importance with the King's secretary -in ,the :Durbar, and he did not speak of return. I will wait a little for 'him, but should ;I not see him, thou must tell hien, Zyna, that I art gone on the l:Cing's-bu•siness.- But hurry the dinner; d go only to give a few orders,'and I +will• be with thee presently," So say he left them, and 'quitted the garden by another door which led to the outer court, where the, guard- houses allotted to the retainers of ihis father's house were situated. Goolab followed to .bar the door after him, which was kept closed on the inside, and returning to Zyna, said, "Did tell thee what he was going to do, my life ?" "No" said Zyna sadly; "he would not tell me, .nurse; and i1 dare not asic him. He said lee would explain all by- and-by, and he will, I know 'he' will," she added, clapping her hands; "he al- ways trusts me," "1 only hope he is in'not'te of these plots that they say are going on," re- turned the nurse_ "What plots, 'Goolab?" asked Zyna with apprehension. "0, 'I know •not," replied the old woman, with a puzzled air, and pass- ing her hand across her eyes; "only people in the bazaar say so; and the Bangle woman, after she had put an your new set the other day said. something about the Mahrattas and Sivaji Bhaslay" "0. the 'K'eflrs! cried Zyna, laugh- ing; "I have no efar for them, If that is all, I was afraid of worse, But come, or we shall keep him waiting," CHAPTER XVIII Entering .another small court, in which there was a stone porch form - cd of pillars connected by arches, sup- porting a dome in the shape of hall an octagon, projecting from a side- wall, which served as a private place of audience—Fazil 'passed through a farther door into one of the large ex- terior courts of the mansion, which. contained en open hall composed of a triple row^ of pointed arches covering a large space, 'Generally, it was filled with the better classes of horse- soldiers; 'Silladars, or cavaliers who rode their own horses and sat there -when not -on duty; also by tine officers and: men of the young 'Khan's own guard; and occasionally was used by his father when were held great cert.- monnies, festivals, or rejoicings in the house. On the three other sides of the court were arches or cloisters, slight- ly raised from the ground, in which lounged or slept soldiers of all •classes, on duty or otherwise, generally col- lected into groups, playing at chess, or pacheese, or cards, singing, or telling •tsories. Just then, however, most were idle; for the lamps, whic,h stood in niches in the centre of each areh, ,had not been lighted. The large hall was nearly empty;• but in one corner a group of Karkoons, or clerks, sat with a large brass lamp in the midst of • then, occupied with ac- counts, and malting fair copies of let- ters to be despatched by that night's PROFESSIONAL CARDS Medical pital, London, England. Specie/ attention to diseases of the eye, ear, ' nose and throat Office and rant deuce behind Dominion Bank, Office ercial Hotel, Seaforth, 3rd Monday'ia Phone No, 5; Residence Phone 104, DR, F. J. BURROWS, Seaforth, Office and residence, Goderich street, east of the United Church. Coroner for the County of Huron. Tele'p'hone No. 46; DR. F. J, R. FO'RISTER sEye, Ear Nose and Throat, Graduate in Medi- cine, University" of Toronto 1890. Late Assistant" New York Ophthal- mic and Aural Institute, Moorefield's Eye, and Golden Square throat 'hospi- tals, London, England. At Comm- ercial Hotel, 'Seaforth, 3rd iWednes- day in each month from 1'.10 p.m. to 5 p.m. DE. W. C, SDi.ZO'AT,—Graduate al Faculty of Medicine, Universlbty of Western Ontario, London, Member of College of Physicians and 'Sur- geons of Ontario. Office in rear ad Aberhapt's drug store, Seaforth. Phone 90. Hours 1,30.4 p.m., 7.30 -9 p;m. Other hours by appointment. lAll the men assembled here were strictly the retainers of the "house, for the guard of troopsbelonging to the King had auoth'er post in a dif- ferent court, and were comparaticely few in number, :\3zool Khan's house- hold force, or mPaegah, as it was call- ed, was supported out of royal es- tates, granted or assigned for the .pur- pose. It •belonged strictly to the royal service, but the nen,lookecl to their own lord for employment and main- tenance, followed him to the field, and were for the most part hereditary retainers, with 110 claim upon, Or ex- pectation front, royal favour. Such w -as the condition and constitution of the greater portion 'of native armies at the .period of our tale, and such it continues to be in native -states where troops arc maintained. IFaxil Khan was the idol of his men, both IAlos'lemns and Hindus. His mar- tial exercises had begun early, and he had proved an apt scholar: Any of the .men who particularly excelled in, the use of a particular weapon had, in turn, the young noble for this pupil; and in all field accomplishments nec- essary to the soldier and gentleman of 'those days, the young Khan was well skilled • No doubt these, and his daily systematic exercises, had devel- oped leveroped a frame always strongly knit; and his broad deep chest, round nuts- cular• arms, and thin flanks, amply testitfied strength and activity.. On horseback with the M•ahratta spear or matchlock, it was no hyper- bole to say that, at full gallop, he could pick up a tent -peg driven into the ground 'with the former, or shat- ter one at a fair distance with a bullet from the other. Such: martial accom-' plishments never fail to gain the re- spect and attachment of an inferior'' soldiery; and when; to, these were -add- ed a disposition, open and cheerful,' somewhat 'hasty perhaprs at tinges,, but% ala 2u 1 Dental DR. J. A, MUNN, Successor to Dr. R. R. Ross, graduate of North- western University, Chicago, Ill, Li- centiate Royal College of. Dental Sur- geons, Toronto. Office over Sills' hardware, Main St., Seaforth, Phone 151. DR. F, J. B'EOHtELY,. graduate Royal College 'of Dental Surgeons, Toronto, Office over W. R. Smith's grocery, Main St., Seaforth. Phones, office 185'W, residence 185J, Auctioneer. 'GEORGE ELLIOTT, Licensed Auctioneer for the County of Huron. 'Arrangements can be made for Sale Date at The Seaforth News. Charges Moderate and satisfaction guranteed WATSON AND REID16 REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE AGENCY (Succssors to James Watson) dMAIIN ST., SEAPORTS, ONT, All kinds of Insurance risks effect- ed at lowest rates in First -Class Companies. THE 1lIcKILLOP Mutual Fire Insurance Co, HEAD OFFICE—SEAFORTH, Ont OFFICERS Geo. R. McCartney, Seaforth Pres. Janes Connolly, Goderich - Vice -!Pres. Merton A. Reid, Seaforth—Sec.- Treas. AGENTS: W. E. Hinchley, Seaforth; John Murray, R. R. 3, Seaforth; E. R. G. Jarmouth, Brod'hagen; James, Watt, Blyth; C. T. Hewitt, Kincardine; Wm. Yeo, Holtnest"ille, DIRECTORS; William Knox; Londesboro; George Leonhardt, Brodhagen; James Con- nolly, Goderich; Alex. Broadfoot, No. 3, Seaforth; Robert Ferris, Blyth; George McCartney, No. 3, Seaforth; John Pepper, Brucoheld; James Shot- dice, 'Walton; Thomas Moylan, No. 5, Seaforth, Parties desirous to effect insurance or transact other • business, will be promptly attended to by applications to any of the above named officers ad- dressed to their respective post ofdices, in reality generous aind affectionate, --a hearty frank manner, which few could .resist, and a counteance, not strictly hanclsotne, but w'hic'h 'express- ed all this and even more,—it will not be thought tsrange that the young Ishan should have beoome a universal favourite with his• retainers, and the especial darling and idol of a 'few. Chief, perhaps, among -the latter, was tBalwunt ao (Bihosbay, who 'held rank in the Paegah es Duffador, or leader of a small "duffa," or sub- divisioln, olf inep. He was a Mtahraltta of good, nay, originally noble. family —a 1Silladar, or cavalier who main- tained -'not only his owmm: horse but five .others, with which, ,mounted by dependants of Inc own, he had orig- inally "visited the capital and _joined the service of •Afzool :Khan, (To be 'Continued.)