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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Seaforth News, 1934-04-05, Page 6PAGE SIX. THE SEAFORTH NEWS, THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 1934. 1F'azil again narrated what be had seen, and, as well as he could re- member them, the contents of the let- ter which the 'Lana had repeated. But the Khan thought Tong and deeply on the whole matter ere he could see his way to action. At last he said to his San— "What I have determined upon ought to suit both parties. I will go instantly to the. King, and try if his purpose as to the Wuzeer can be dis- covered. I must take the papers he gave nae in any case. Do thou, ,Fazil, go to thy friend—it may •be that he knows all; but, if not, he can. be warned of the danger, Timely subs mission may alone avert it; but the peril is fearful," "Alla is just, and it will be as He wills, returned .his sat, devoutly; "but we must not forget that Lelia; his presence may be of moment, and it were well he were cared for; his wound was a mere scratch, and he' may be able to ride; let us send for him." r So a messenger was 'despatched to bring him, or to ascertain, at least, if he could rule; as, if not, a litter would be provided. To the vexation of Fazil, however, and his .father the messeng- er returned saying that a litter had already been sent by the Kotwal's or- hers.about the time of morning prayer and he had been taken away to that officer, "Jehander Beg is faithful," said the old Khan. •'He is as true to the Kings salt as I am myself, else a should have • feared the result; but who can hold the Lalla's tongue?—that is what I dread. Fazil." "And he did not appear over -dna- Greet either, father," replied Fazil; "however, the best thing we can do i to follow up the information and go to the Kotwallee; it is niy duty, too, to ,see the worthy old !Duffadar safe through the matter, for truly he did what he could." "True, son," returned Afzool Khan; "and I will accompany thee, Jehander Beg may not have forgotten some matters in which I have been able to befriend him now and then. No; that :Lalla must .not slip through aur hands, Fazil." By this time Ashruf had saddled his father's ambling pony, and stood waiting, without, so the cavalcade was soon ready. The Khan's men were all mounted, and a few of the Duffadar's guard attended as escort to the kullal, for whom his own pony had been pro- vided, so' that there was no delay; and as Fazil and his father stepped from the guardroom, the young man's ap- pearance was the signal for a shout of congratulation from all,which be- ing duly acknowledged, Fazil turned with a smile to the old Duffadar, and told Minn "his prisoners" were ready. "If I can but assist ye, noble gentle- men," the old man said respectfully, "in this matter it will be a happy thing; and if my son— "Bismillal" exclaimed 'Afzool Khan, mounting his horse, and interrupting hits; "we are no evil -doers to fear justice. Bove forward!" The building where the Kotwal's morning court was held, was at no tcry great distance, in the city itself; the other count was within the fort, not far from the King's palace; and they 'proceeded to the former at a ra- pid pace, ;By-and-by as they drew ,:ear the place of their destination, a horseman dashed on to give notice of the approach of the Khan, in order that he might be met and greeted in a manner due to his rank' "What can bring ,Afzool Khan, the pious and true here?" asked one of the under -officers of the entrance guardroom of the outer court, "He is no brawler or intriguer." "\Vho knows, Meer Sahib," replied the person addressed. 'In.these days the world is turning topsy turvy and one has to see and believe strange things. There is already a report that the young Kahan is in fault and has. wounded the man Who was brought in a little w^hille ago upon a bed, and killed another; for a body was found this morning near a temple beyond the fort. I was at the Bazar anosgte.at early prayer and they said there it Would be a had business, What mat- ter?' .Afzool Khan has plenty of cash. and a sharp fine .will set all straight." 'I pray it may be no worse, friend," returned the first speaker; "but I have heard Jehandar Beg swear upon the holy book to spare leo one if blood is: shed; and here is one nun dead and. one wounded to be accounted. for. A bad business, friend—a bad business; but we shall see: -God grant it may not lead to that!" y And he pointed to the corner of the court whore lay a hand in a pool of blooth—a ghastly evidence' of Sum - Mary justice on a criminal but -just. performed. "But we shall see; the Khan is 'heavily attended, and me- thinks it would .be as well to let:him alone." "Ay, friend, he is one of theold stock, well tried and arust:ecl;the peace of God and the 'Prophet be upon 'hirci and Isis; and that is a brave boy, 'tis a' pity he should he in any .trouble. Won id we had more of ,them about the King! Truth is lie, and lie is truth, friend, in these days; and men whisper that J'ehander Beg is no friend to Afzool Khan, nor the Wuz eer either, and they are of the same panty; but we shall see, What will be, will be." A few moments served to .bring the should be ever suspected of being an party to the spot, As his father strove linfidel, When—" to alight rapidly,Fazil sprang to aid "There, there, Fazilz' go!" inter- rupted ter- rupted the Khan, laughing; "I Have no eyes for thee in that abomination; let us see thee in tliy proper shape." "Then follow use, father, into this apartment," replied Fazil; "I have. that to say which will not bear wit Hess—snuck that is marvellous." "That I doubt not, son, I will follow when Bulwunt is cared for; I see they have brought up the palankeen." So saying, the Khan tried to raise the wounded titan, while he spoke cheerily to him, Again. at the sound of his lord's voice, the spirit of the retainer rallied, but it apparently hov- ered between life and death; for, af- ter another faint attempt to speak, he fell back exhausted. "It is of no use," muttered the Khan; "he will die, I fear, and we can ill spare him, Ho, withoutl bearers or spearmenl Conte in some of ye. And look ye," he added, as several enter- ed, "take up Bulwunt Rao, carefully, as he lies, by the corners of the blan- ket; put him into the palan'keen, and take hies hone at your easiest pace. He is to be lodged in the private. apartment of the Khilwut. Get a bed from the house, and send for our physician directly, and the surgeon of the palace. , , , Now, begone." Carefully and gently the men raised hien up, and bore hien out. He :groaned heavily as he reached the open air, yet it seemed to revive hien, for he looked around, Some of his comrades who crowded round spoke cheerily to him, and he recognized them and smiled. He was at once placed in the litter, and the bearers, at a rapid but easy pace, proceded homewards,. "I dare isot have spoken to thee, my son," said the old Khan, When he hart joined Fazil, who was busily en- gaged washing the ashes from his ace, necic, and arms, "before those people, though I was burning to do so. Si thou hast really discovered some- thing by the night's adventure.. 'This Tannajee,—what of him? Tell me quickly?" "Alas! father," returned the young man, sadly, "I know so much, and of such weighty matters, that my soul trembles under then. L would almost that I had not gone out last night, or that other lips than mine had to tell thee a tale of treachery and wrong- doing." "Sail I see it in thy face. The Wu. zeer!" exclaimed the Khan, starting. "He is false, father—false," contin- ued Fazil, "Ah, I feared so; but speak, boy, how is it? Who told thee?" cried Af- zool 'Khan, impatiently. "I need not say more to confirm it than that the King knows 'it," return- ed Fazil; "and that he has papers now in his possession which leave no doubt of Khan Jiahomed's treachery; Mirza .Anwur Ali and the Shah took them last night, and paid for them." "Ya Alla kureeml and where was this? 'By the Prophet, tell me, Fazil I My soul eats your words! ‘speak, boy, quickly." Then Fazil rapidly sketched the scene of w'hicli the reader already knows the detail, while the old Khan listened in silent amazement, his fare - finger between his teeth, "Ya Khubce-ol and hath all this been so easily found out?" he exlaim-' ecl. "Ah, Khan Mabom.edl often has your poor friend warned you; but in vain. Now you are lost, alas, alas! and' for that insane ambition which would not be repressed." "We must save him, father!" cried Fazil; "he must not perish. At the risk of my own life would .I do aught, possible to avert the danger' which threatens him, What can we do? Im- plore the King to spare the ancient friend of his house? or write' and warn him? Ali, father, you aro his most val- ued friend, and his son is as a brother to me! 'Speak: what can be done?" "Alas, .I kneiw not yet, son," he re sired ;adiy; 'but 'tell it again; all Fazil—all that the King said. I will think it over. Wishing t0 save, we mist not destroy." him with a loyfttl cry; and when the old Khan could disengage himself from his stirrup, a hearty embrace followed, to the no small wonder of a cro•,vd of neighbors, whom the unex- pected appearance of a well-known nobleman and his dashing escort had collected; and who could not under- •:and the warn -treeting and embrace between khat appeared to be a Hin- du beggar, still much besmeared with w ,,d ashes and paint. and so gallant a cavalier as Afzool Khan. Led by Fazil into the apartment we hare already mentioned, the Khan submitted to be seated upon a carpet; and the room being partially cleared, he proceeded to inquire into the cir- cumstances of his son's detention, and of the fray of which •Ashruf had in- foraped him. Upon 'Bulwunt, the sand of the old Khan's voice acted like a charm, Weakened by loss of hlc•od, he had fallen into a dreamy kind of doze rather than sleep, which the trampling of the horses, and ex- clamations from their riders as they arrived, had converted into an imag- inary battlefield, on which he lay w .iuufvd and helpless; but when the ie.: -known voice of his lord was no longer doubtful, he was aroused, and, raise^g 'himself feebly, earnestly re- quested his master to come to him to hear, as he thought them, his last words. "He is not in fault, nsy lord," he said faintly. and pointing to Fazil. Tiley u sold have made out that 'he w•+ uuded me --,may their tongues rot! He will tell you all that happened, .,ml hone the enemy of my house, Tanrajee Ifalraosray, has given me my death -blow." ".Not -,', brave Bulwunt,' said the Kls se. clic i slly; "there is no fear of trice me 1-. k-,, Thou art weak. and :-14151 fails thee; but keep a good heart, friend. thou will strike many a hitv yet for Afzool Khan; a few day= rest, and this trouble will be fps rotten." "Has he told you all?" asked Bul- wunt, "Not yet. not yet, friend; but I ,hall hear it ere long." "Track him, track him, my lord," continued Bulwunt; "Maloosray can- not be gone far. +He is even now in the city, at one of the Mutts or Serais. He could not escape if the gates were watched. He might even be found at-" But speech suddenly failed the poor fellow•, exhausted with 'his effort, he sank hack, fainting, on the pillow. "What did lie say, son?" asked the Khan, quickly; "what of Tannajee Maloosray? illim of Pertabgrh—the friend of Sivaji Bhoslay? Even so, father," replied Fazil, did not mention 'him, as there were so many listeners, and the matter was for your private ear; but, as !Bu'iwunt has said it, no matter now, Would that we knew his haunts! Perhaps he knows, but Is too exhausted to speak." "Aannajee Maloosray here 1 — in .Bsejapoor l" exelaitned the Khan, "and hath done this deed! 0 that we knew where the villain were hiding! Nevertheless, the gates shall be well guarded; that was a good thought of thine, Bulwunt, 'Ho, without there! One of ye ride to each gate of the city—tell those on guard there, that \laloo,ray hath been seen within the city last night, and all that pass out are to he well looked to. Do ye hear?" "Jo IHorkum," cried a number •of the men who heard the order;' and =after a brief consultation together, angle horsemen dashed away to the several places to which their errands tended. And now change thy dress, son," continued his father; "this disguise is hardly- seemly- to thee. Here is a suit, and there will be water outside.." "1d the Duffadar here 'have no ob- jection," returned the young man. "Yon forget, father; T am his_ prison- er of my own free will.'! "rhnt• saint, boy!" interposed the IDuffarlar, "ghat anyone of such ex- alted faith as' the son of Afzool Khan GHIAIP'f1EIR XiIIX ,Almost as they spolce, the Khan's retinue approached, and preceded by a band of spearman, some horsemen, and the party of the olcl 'Duffadar, swept around the corner of the ad- joining street. Very conspicuous am- ong the cavalcade• were the figures of the father and son riding together; the Khan in his morning suit of heavy cloth-of-eo'1d, Which glittered in the sun; Isis son, plainly dressed in white muslin, Fazil rode a led horse of his father's which he sat with perfect confidence and Control of the fiery animal; but his countenance expressed anxiety which he could not restrain. In truth, he felt, notwithstanding the assurance to his father, that if he were subjected to a strict examination, he should be ill able to account satisfactorily for various events of the night without compromising others, lin regard to Maloosray, he had one witness in the kallal; and there was nothing to imp- licate him in the occurrence at the temple incase it should form subject of inquiry. No, he could not now re- cede. As to the olcl Kaman himself, no thought of fear disquieted him. Ile considered that he Was only humoring a whist of his son's in accompanying him, that he might insure the Duffed- ar's being freed .front blame. Suspic- ion of aught affecting the safety or honour of his house had never entered his mind; and lie had ridden along gaily, causing his fine war-horse to caracole and bound, free from all thought of uneasiness, except what night result from the delay,. As the party entered the gate, they were met by several persons deputed to receive them .and returned the re- spectful and hearty greetings of the soldiery On duty, to whom they were well known, Dismounting at the end of the court, they passed through to the nest, where already many suitors and complainants were assembled. There, too, on a bed which had been placed in a side -room lay the Latta with a sheet drawn over him, which 'Fazil saw was stained with blood, The Leila had covered his face; but the pink colour of'his turban and its pe- collar tie were not to be mistaken.. So passing all, and receiving and return- ing salutations, they entered the room of audience, where surrounded by a few- .11utstiddees or scribes, sat the Kotwal himself. Jeltndar Beg was a Persian by birth, a man of same learning and much cunning but really intelligent. Those were times when the service of Ind- ian princes was eagerly sought for by Persians. Turks, Afghans, and even Abyssinians;; and adventurers often rose to princely rank and honour in their service. 'Jehandar Beg was one of these.. When young Ile had accom- panied a relative to the Dekhan court. the prince of which was a Sheea—his own faith—and where, among others of his countrymen, the historian Ma- hommed Kasim Ferishta had been. distinguished, He had risen steadily in the King's service, and proved himself brave in the field, as well as sagacious and trustworthy. Having at- tained to his present office, he was, in the main, respected, and was the dread of all night prowlers, brawlers, and thieves, whim he punished heavily; but he was 'fond of money and it was whispered that in grave offences he had his private price. After all, what nattered that? Occasionally a great person was fined or otherwise punish- ed, and so men's mouths were stopp- ed, and the :Kotwal believed to be a great man, Jehandar 'Beg's appearance was magnificent. He always wore the peaked lamb's -Wool cap of Kh'onassan, and the Persian robe; and this ,rich brown complexion and dark=brown curly beard, grave features, and large soft black eyes, combined to resider bis face a_remarkable one, not easitly forgotten. The expression seldom va- ried; nothing ever caused him to laugh in his court—rarely to smile— s-Pal-did mile— nar•did he ever express anger. 15.4nen what might, his habitual gravity never relaxed for a moment, and there was no' man who could tell a lie, conceal a fact, or change an opinion -or, in the course Of duty, order the torture, and loolc upon it, with such; perfect imper- turbability as he did. lIlis office was at once arduous and difficult, 'but he was restricted in power. an cases of life' and death, per- haps, and .if the criminal were of im- portance, reference might be made to the chief legal authority or to 'the Kin; but, as far as minor punish- ments were needed the lopping off of an arm, a baud, a foot,-tonture, and iMprisaninent, or the fke,—no one questioned the Kotwal's acts. As chief magistrate of a city which contained a large proportion of lawless popula- tiot, he often found it necessary to make sudden aiid_.severe examples ir order to''check ,disorder anti crime: and, recently, the city had been agita- ted by con;pirators; parties rani high: and duels and. brawls, generally at - tended by fatal consecluances were fre- quent. The old tlYuffad'tr was right when he told 'Fazil of the ilCotwel's oath to punish severely the first brawler who should be apprehended, and he tremb- led for the ,consequences o'f the inquiry into the night's • disturbances. Here were two mein wounded, and, as far as he knew, another who had been taken off, or wilt had .got away; and one dead body, found near the taut'+ple of B:howatui among the tamarind trees, was fresh, though torn by wild anim- als, .and the 'blood !rad .been traced from the temple wall, on the top of which stones had been displaced. iAltogebher, matters had an ugly ap- pearance; and the old pian could not help thinking that Fazi1 was concern- ed in both affairs. "May Cod be mer- ciful to him," he said to himself, "ford he is a brave youth, son, of a :gallant father; better a hundred battle=fields and a fair chance man to man, than the croaked ways of this court, and the merciless, character of 'Jeliandar ,Beg, Be wary, my lord," he .tvhisper- ed to Fazit, as having made his obei- sance and report, he Was falling ba,cic, to 'get free of his advancing .parties; "Jehanciar Beg'ss leaks are not pleas- ant this morning and you need to be. careful, I should dot warn you without there were need; be careful in what you day, and I will guide you by my look from time to time." taut IFezil had no fear. Unused to such scenes, he could only feel that his word would .pass him free from all suspicion, and that his father's rank and good faith were above ques- tion.. To the old Khan, the Kotwal's greeting was one of respectful defer- ence; and the seat of honour was as- signed to 'him, To ,Fazil, however, ;he maintained a stria reserve—so pointed that the Khan could dot but notice and remark upon it. "That is my son," he said, after en awkward pause which no one appar- ently Glared to break. "and I would PROFESS'IOINAL CARDS Medical DR, GILBERT •C. .JARROTT —• Graduate of Faculty of Medicine; Ui.. iversity of Western Ontario. Member of College' of Physicians.and Surgeoun of Ontario. Office 413 Goderich St. West, Phone 37. Hours 2-4.361 g.itt. 7,30-9.00 p.m, Other hours by appoint-• siiCct. Successor to Dr, Chas. Mackay., DR. H. HUGH ROSS, PhYtickaa and Surgeon. Late of London Hao- pita!, London, England, Seecial attention to diseases of the eye, ear, nose and throat: Office and eat.- denee behind Dominion Bank. Wits ercial Hotel, Seaforth, 3rd Monday its Phone No, 5; Residence Phone 115.4. DR. F. J. BUIRIROIWIS, Seaford. Office and residence, Goder'ieh s eeat east of the United Church. Cowsaec for the County of Huron. ,Telepiznars No, 46. DR. F. J. R. FO'RISITER--Em,e, Row Nose and Throat. Graduate in t:d&' cine, University of Toronto Late. Assistant New York Opiiclufi- mie- and Aural Institute, Ivfoorcffelac Eye, and Golden Square throat hodpil tals, London, England. At Comae- ercial IIotel, Seaforth, 3rd Wednes- day in each month from 1;30 p,rte, to 5 p,tn, have you acquainted with hen, Meer- za Sahib. Sookr Ullal he is not utterly -unknown among the ranks of those who are true to the King in Beeia- poor, though he is but a youth." There was no reply, however, given to this speech, and the embarrassment of all •grew more painful. The clerk's and guards looked from one to anoth- ther, end 'the old Khan to them in succession with increasing indigna- tion• at their demeanour. "By the Prophet!" he exclaimed at length, ironically, "ye seem marvell- ously engaged, gentlemen," as, on hearing hips speak, every one looked away, or into the papers before them, "that a civil greeting does not obtain a civil answer. Your politeness, Meer- za'Sahib, is proverbial in the city; but it seems to have deserted you on this occasion, or is reserved for thieves and loose women, Come, my son come; we intrude here. Jehandar .Beg has ,his own private work to do, no doubt and does not need our comp- any." "Hold!" cried the :Kotwal; and, as he spoke, several of the armed at- tendants closed up the doorway with their long broad spears, while others without blew the matches of their guts. "Hold! Thou nsayst go, Afzlool Khian, for what niay follow may grieve thy brave heart; batt there 'is blood on thy son's sword, and it most be inquired ilio. Young' man, what is this they say .against thee? !A man killed in a drunken brawl in the worst ,quarter of the city? Was this to be expected from the son •of .Afzool Khan speak, and speak truly, before God and the Prophet" The Meerza's eyes ,flashed and dilated as he spoke; and as they rested upon the young scan, who had not seated himself, they were met by a glaze as bold and fearless es his own. am no (brawler, Meerza Sahib," he exclaimed in reply. "Astagh-fur- oolhal--'nor drunkard either. Peace, :fa therl sit quiet; let me answer for my- self.. I aril not afraid," he 'added, as the !Kahan attempted to rise, and was evidently provoked beyond endurance,, "Aisk the Duffadar Who accompanied' ,ane, and the mean in whose house it. haplpeaned, Whether I 'ant to blame. 'Their statements will suffice." "There are two matters to answer for, Meah Sahib," said the Kotwal: "Were you not .in the drag's of a Go- sai last night and another with you? INlay; no .deniall" "I have nothing to deny, Meerza Sa- hib," returned Fazih "My father knew of it and I went by his permis- cion." "Good. Now, Peer Sahib, w'hat'hap- pcned to you?" asked the Kotwal of :another officer present.' '`ldy lord, it w1as just before mid- night,", he replied, "when two men. IGosais, brought a third person who was slightly w'ounided but consptained much of his neck: He is a foreigner for he speaks the Delhi language "They said he had been robbed and Fold us to'keep hsps safe till the mor- ning when they would .come for Mina: and as the mean was very helpless we put him to heel in the gu'ard-room, ane' have hrouaht hini here:. Again a' dawn; some of the men were •goinp towards the temple of Toolja P,how- D.R. W. C. SPRO:A'T.-=Graduae oft Faculty of Medicine, University eO Western Ontario, London. ?deraa&ce of College of Physicians and Stu peons of Ontario. Office in rear of Aberhart's drug store, Seifec*. Phone 90. Hours 1.30-4 p.m., r.IB -9 p.m. Other hours by appointnsasa.. Dental DIR J. A. MU 'N, Suceeasee tut Dr. R, R, Ross, graduate of Isterl. western University, Chicago, Il? V,w centiate Royal College of Dental St - goons, Toronto. Office over Sills° hardware, Main St., Seaforth. Phew. 151. DR. F. J. B'EOHELY, gratittck', Royal College of Dental Ssergeo=e, Toronto. Office over W. R. Scuffles grocery, Main St., Seaforth. Plume, offiice 185W, residence 185[. -- Auctioneer. GEOIRGE ELLIOTT, Licensed Auctioneer for the County of llama. 'Arrangements can be made for " Date at The Seaforth News. Charge moderate and satisfaction gurantee'a. WATSON AND REI REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE AGENCY (Succssors to James 'Watsoe5 MAIiN ST., SEAFORTH, ON'I. All kinds of Insurance risks efface - ed at lowest rates in First-C[era Companies. TIE McK.11.LOP Insurance C . Mutual Fire in HEAD ,OFFICE-SE'AFORTH, Oat OFR CERS President --Alex. Broadtoo+t, Seafert li Vice -President, j'ames Connolly; Gatf"- erich 'Secretary- Treasurer, M. A. Reid, Seaforkh. AJGEINTs W. E. Hinchley, .Seaforth; jam Murray, R. R. 3, Seaforth; E. IL G. jarmouth, Brodhagen; James Wzltk 'Blyth, C. F. Hewitt, Kincart1ins Wm. Yeo, Hahnesville. DIIRtECTIOR!S Alex. Broadfoot,' Seaforth No .c3; James Shoidice, Walton; Wm. Knar„ L o n d es boyo; George Leonharcrr Bornholm No, 11; John Pepper, 'Brta.. liield; James Connally, Gotle:rich; Ro- bert Ferris, . Blyth; •Thomas'Iayfssn„ ,Seaforth No. 5; W'tn. R. Archibald; !Seaforth No, 4, Parties desirous to effect 'insurance or transact o't'her business, will he promptly attended to by appiicatisats",° to any of the above named officers an -- dressed to their respective post offices. ani ani wheal they saw the dead'botly ail• a pian with a deep wound ' in his bad and a stab in his breast --a Hindu, for he had on. a Brahmuti's thread, set ire may be a IRaiipoot; but no one knew hint. Several Mo'hurs .were picked rcP_• by hien and ot'hers between this."place:' and the ternple:--tike Mtitsuilee has there -eleven, I think—and there Has Hood all the way along. It was ar des-, perste cot and how the Man could` ,have • rtvi at all with those wounds it is hard to say." (To be Continued.)