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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Seaforth News, 1934-04-12, Page 6PAGE SIX. THE SEAFORTH NEWS; ai it . 3N s but "He was murdered, then," thought misfortunes, Fazil; "would I had not struck him! yet -there is one traitor and robber • the less "And the man Who was brought in, what of him?" asked the Kotwal. • 'He iu,'an ed and groaned, my lord. wc.rse than ti woman; said- he had been robbed at the -temple, spoke of Pahar Singh who had wounded him, llaun Sin gh who had throttled him, then of the Shah's secretary -may his name he honored! -and sonic ten • thousand rupees. In short, noble ssir, we could make nothing of the matter, for he began to weep if we :poke to him, and told us to take hint to the King without delay. So we brought him here and must speak for himself, It a?peared to hie like the dream of some opium -smoker," continued -the speaker to those about him; "we could • not understand it at all." "Shouldst thou know the men who brought hint?" "Wel:. my lord, I can't say for cer- tain," replied the officer, "but -one of our people said they were not what they seemed; and he thought one was iBulwunt Rao who is. a Silladar of the noble Khan yonder, and who goes about bazaars at night, sometimes; the other's face was tied up and he did not speak," "I was• the other, Meerza Sahib," interposed Fazil, quietly. "I thought as much," said the Kot - wad drily. "Were they armed, Peer ,Sahib? - "Yes, to be sure, my lard," he re- plied; "would any one go about in those quarters at night without being armed? Yes, they had sword and -shield," 'Where are the weapons?" "Here, my lord." replied the other 'Duffadar, who now interposed; "in my keeping; tate young Khan gave them up to Inc. "He has another sword "Yes, there is blood on the blade, and here are cuts, fresh upon the shield,' said Jehandar Beg, examining Fazi!'s weapons, "How, young sir, do y,se account for these?" "I will reserve what I have to say; it is no use speaking now," returned Fazil, who had observed his old again friend shake anis head, and who a g nodded approvingly. "Bring in the wounded man," tried the Kotwal; and the bed on which our poor friend the Lalla lay, was carried in and set down; "we must confront the parties." "Get up, good man," said the at- tendant Mutsuddee; "this is the Kot- wal; make your reverence, and tell what happened to you." "Ah, protect me, befriend me. I have been robbed and murdered -4 cannot get up --I ant a poor ratan and a stranger. Look at my blood," gasp- ed the Lelia by turns to all about. him. "Who did it? and who art thou? cried the Kotwall. "Where hast thou come from?" • Now it might be awkward for the Lalla to answer these questions. HIe knew he had a few gold coins left, enough to keep him for some time- for he had been used to poverty and could endure it -if he could .only get free. Any man with quick wits could do something for himself in the city; and had he not done good service ? These thoughts passed rapidly through his mind ere he spoke. "Asylum of justice!" he said in his most humble tones, "I don't know tvlio -did it. but I was robbed in the temple." "01 tee thousand 'rupees? Speak truly." "Ash no, sirs. What would a poor T'ihayet ;ike hie do with ten thousand rupees? No, but of what I had in my hn meana. ^:\id Pahar Singh? they tell inc he was mentioned by thee." 'eh; 'noble sir: "I ant' a stranger and a foreigner; what do I know about Pahar Singh, or anybody? I nm very weak," added the Lalla, in 0 feeble .voice; ''wr!I no one help 'me?" anis he lay cl ivti, as Well to escape further questioning as to excite pity for his himself he was ?' replied the man. "He changed his dress when his fath- er came. Even now the ashesmay he on his body." "What said the young Khan to Malaosray?" asked the Kotwal of the Kobel 'Speak truly, or I will have thee flogged through the bazaar, and ail thy property confiscated for its regular hours in thy shop," This ,was wshat the man feared from the first, Had T'azil appeared in fav- or the would have appealed to Mini for explanations in regard to the affray, for which he dreaded he should be Punished; but Fazil seemed already unable to help himself, so he had de- termined to take his own course in opposite direction, "Why should I tell- a lie?" he re- plied, holding up his hands humbly and with a gesture of supplication, "I swear by your feet. it is true," Point- ing' to 'Fazil, he continued, "He said he knew ,Pahar Singh was at the tem- ple, and they sent a man for hint; and if he did not come, that they should meet again. Then \laloo.ray said something about .Sivaji Bhoslayt, and the \'loghuls, and the S'hah':\ur- uugzeeb, and armies, and there was a1 diet message to (Pahar Singh. Then another man struck a blow at Maloosray, and they fought, and I screamed out for the guard, and Mal- ousray ran cif; but I secured him," and he pointed to Fazil, "0 base-boru1" exclaimed Fazil. "thy mouth is full of lies--" "Bear hint," interrupted the man; "he had me tied uyi till the blood near- ly burst from my fingers, and made me promise not to .reveal this. Behold, my lord, the marks of the cords, and how my arms are swelled, By my child's head, it is true. noble sir, it is all true. 'Flow could 1, a poor seller of ganja and biting, have dreamed such thing; of Tannajee and Sivaji? 1')o not men tremble at their nines Search the young Khan, he has pap- ers Which \laloosray gave hint. I saw tltent myself--" "Alas, it is but too clear to me," said the Kotwal, interrupting Afzool Khan, who was about to sepals, "that there is steep treachery here. Deep plots are being laid, but this poor servant of God has a clue to one at least. Inshallal it will be sifted to the bottom. Enough of suspicion was there against you, young sir, on the other matter, but this is graver still.. Yield, therefore, 'Afzool Khan, and you, Meth, resistance is vain and I would fain spare blood," As he spoke, the soldiers and at- tendants, who had gradually gather- ed ratted then; closed in so near that they could have been seized or over- powered at once, if the old :Khan's sword had not been drawn by him the instant their movement was made. Now, as he stood prepared to meet any attack, his eyes flashing and hi. tall figure drawn up to its full height no one ventured a step towards thein. nor offered -to .seize his son, who, an hde mart made no attempt at resistance, "'Draw, Fazil, drawl" cried the Khan; "let us see which of these sons of vile mothers will first die, 0 that we 'had a score of our fellows with us, this insult would not have happened, Draw, 'boyl a few good strokes will see us clear of this gang of executioners, au'd there are enough men without to carry us through the city. Come on, in the name of God Bisntillal" Saying this, the od man advanced a step, while those before him, so sudden and determined was his movement, fell back as though they would have allowed him egress, 'Fazil saw his father's danger, not only from the chance of a sword -thrust or blow in the struggle which must ensue, and the certainty of an attempt at rescue 'by the mem without if they heard of it, but in the disgrace and suspicion which .would ' fall upon them if the inquiry were forcibly in- terrupted. "Father, father!" he cried :passion- ately, "do not stir. I implore you, prove not. You know 'how lfalse this base charge is, and II be'seech you not to let it be said that we feared to meet it, and evaded justice. Yes,' let it be ,first done on thy dying dog, who has misled Jehandar Beg. See, for one, II surrender myself and my. weapons;" and, as he spoke, Inc threw his sword and dagger on :the floor, which were eagerly secured by an attendant, "Degenerate 1" cried` his father. "Dost thou- fear death, boy? When did an Affghen ever surrender his weapons but with his lifer"Fie on thee for a coward, to 'hesitate to strike a blow for mei" "Khan Sahib," said Jehandar IBeg. who had risen With the others; and now advanced, "listen to your son's word of peace and reason. You are alone, and, though one or two might Faln there. would be no escape. The Hood of A,fzool'K'han, or bis' son hoeld not, flow in a court of justice, but against the .'King's enemies. Put Up your weapon, and wear 'it, Khan; and you, noble youth, yours. Appear- ances are against you both; 'and :hese plots have been' so long hidden from us, that your', poor servant, the F1ave r.f the King-rray his splendour "This will not serve thee, whoever thou art," returned the Kotwal; "ans- wer truly, where art thou conte from, and what tools thee to that lonely temple at night?" "My lord, I ant a poor Khayet from the north, seeking service; and I fell among thieves who decoyed me thith- er and robbed me. See, they wounded rue also, and tried to strangle nae. What more can 3 say?" "That is not enough, friend," re- sumed the Kotwal; "we must know how it happened, for others appear to he concerned in the 'natter and murd- er hath been done.," "Murder, my lord!" cried the .Lalla, again raising himself; "there was no murder, though perhaps they thought they bad ]tilled me when they took what I had." "\'\''ho, Lalla? be not afraid," said Jehandar Beg soothingly. "A seeming Jogi and another. They ran away and left me senseless. Then two Gosaie carte and raised me up, and gave me water, and took me to the guard -room, May the gods rec- ompense them, for they bound up my wound!" "Two Gosais-ah, this may be sortie duel" said the Kotwal; "this agrees with the other statement, Then thou art one of them,,Meah Sahib?" "I have already said so," replied Fa- zil; "and my retainer, iriudw'un'1 Rao was the other," "\\'hat took you there?" 'Fazil considered for a moment. \\'hat he had been witness of could not now be related, and he replied, "It was a natter, Meerza Sahib, in which I ant not bound to answer von If those it concerns are to hear of it, they shall know otherwise." "Beware, young sir!" said the Kot- wal. gravely; "there can he no sec- rets here," "Nevertheless, ,I cannot answer. It is enough that I have told nay father of it," returned Fazil. "Les, Jehandar 'Beg," said Afzool Khan, "he has said enough to prove lie was Inc robber, and that ought ,to content you." "Yet there was murder done, my friend," replied the official, quickly; court, "blood rias. ai the wall of the. and a corpse not far from it, and ,there is blood on this sword of your son's. He should clear himself of this hor- rible suspicion. Bait stay; there is the other affray to be accounted for, - that in the wine shop - a drunken brawl, I fear." "I am no brawler, Meerza Sahib, nor drunkard," exclaimed Fazil, in- dignantly. "The Mao is present lit whose house it occurred; let him say what happened." "'Let him be brought •iorwand, and let Pureed ;Duffadar state what hap- pened," said the Kowtal, authoritat- ively. "Till then be silent, Meah," CHIA'PTEIR XXX The old 'Duffadar's account was clear and circumstantial, and the S{afetal :listened attentively. When it was finished, the (Knifed was called, and prostrating himself, began by imploring protection, which was granted. "It is a weighty matter, m.y lords," 'he said, "and needs much inquiry. May it please you to listen," he con- tinued, after a pause, as if to collect his thoughts. "Y•osr slave would rep- resent that he heard a conversation between the young Khan there and a man whose .name may hardly be men- tioned in Beejapoor, Tannajee \Lal- oosray." "\Ialoosrayl" echoed the Kotwal. "Protection of God 1 thou art not mad to say this? or drunk?" "May I he your sacrifice!" continu- ed the man, evidently observing that his words had made an impression., "T tilt not mad, and T have an oath against wine.'? swear by the King's salt, that he spoke with Maloocray:''. "Aid lie was disguisedl'ike a Gosai. Fureed? asked the Kotwal of the old Duffader. 'Kb adacvtncl 1 what did he tell yol increased -has no alternative but to detain you till 'the pleasure of the. \Vuzeer is known." 'Father, 1 beseech yon :to listen to. reason -to advise kindly given, and well meant," cried Fazil; "consider' What is at stake, and that tlue'm'onteut the have speech 'of tine King there will be no fear;" Afzool Khan looked from one to the other ,and around ;him irresolute- ly, and the tears rose, to his eyes, and fell over in large drops. Any ad- vance would have decided him to an act. ,of, desperation; but his son saw the struggle in his mind, and, throw- ing himself before him, grasped his feet. - "Fat'her, save your honour," he cried, earnestly; "save your life 'by my example. Shall it he said that Ad zool Kilian' died a traitor, or that a breath of suspicion rested upon the truest, most loyal name in Beejap- oor?" �A anoment the old Khan hesitated, but his sword -point dropped, and he.. dashed his hand across his eyes im- patiently. "My spirit chafes at the thought of restraint, Fazil," he said; "yet for thy salve, boy, I submit, 'But 1 pray thee, Jehandar IBeg, let thine errand to the Wuceer be done swiftly. or, by the .Prophet, there be those in my service who would reck little of a rescue. Stay, I had better write; that will assure them aiiore," Sew limes were hastily written by nail, and sealed with the .Khan's pri- rate signet. One of the escort was called up, and the note given to him by Fazil 'himself, with an order to talei the then home, and a cannon to he discreet. The soldier looked about him incredulously, "Da you remain of your own pleasure, my lord?" he asked, "Yes," replied the Khan; 'we have business here for to -day which can- not be deferred, Keep quiet, all of ye; but be ready," lie added, inan undertone; "when I need ye I will send word," "Very ,good," cried the man in, a loud T01ce, .in order to cover the Khan's whisper, "very good; I un- derstand; it shall be done." "You had better withdraw to the private apartments, 'Khan." said the Kotwal, respectfully, "I know too well the honour of a tPuttats to ques- tion you. Stay there till I return. Re- freshment, too, shall be provided; and 1 pray you to consider this poor house as your own while you stay in it. The Wnzeer was at Alniella yes- teulay, and is expected this evening." \,fzool Khan Hesitated, but his son whispered, "We shall be better there, father, than amidst these curious gaz- ers.'" az- ers." and drew him along gently. Ile did not resist, but followed passively. "Say. however," added Fazil to the Kotwal; "where is Fureed Duffadar? 1 woo! speak with 'him." The man advanced a few steps. "I am here, my lord; what are your or- ders?" "Note from rate," returned Fazil! "hut Ioolc you, \feezra Sahib -for the salve of justice ask of this good man what that Kulial told us; for it is in: the law that the word of a true be- liever is better than the oath of a Kaifir. And, pardon ine, Meerza, but any father as myself, in the :name of the King, hold you responsible for the custody of that man:ullow came Malorsray into 'his shop, or tel re- main there while a 'King's guard was within ear -shot? Ah, liar," added the young roan, as the Ttullal wa's ad- vancing, with ,joined hand, and about to speak, "no more; thou hast to'lel enough lies for the present; by-and- by there will be other questions. Be- ware of them." So saying, he passed with his father into the door which the Ko'twal him- self held open. It was a quiet, scent- ed place -a small apartment enpport- ed upon wooden pillars anti arches. which opened into a court shaded with trees. Carpents and pillows were there Inc abundance, and the place was cool and neatly furnished, "The papers, whatever they are, Meah, remain with you," said the Meerza, 'Shall we examine deem 'here 'private'ly?" "They will be shown to the King only," said !Fazi,1 dryly, "for bhey concern no one :else; meanwhile I am respon'si'ble for them." "T,hen I will leave ye, noble sirs,". returned the other; "be pleased to rest yourselves," "0 for a moment's speech of the Kingl" ceded the Khan, as they were alone. 'Now it is too late, and ,Khan --\Iahouied is lost. Nay, 'son, 'tis a pretty court, and not ,unlike 'our own K hit wut; but I cannot breathe: freely. Canst thou, Fazid? it chokes nee:" "Fear not, °father; all will be well. I trust," replied his son, "Unobserved. I gave a message to the lad Ashrnf who seems faithful, to be delivered t Xmas `Than, If •lie conies, all will be well, for One can warn :his father. No harm can happen to us except from the Wnzeer, and he may--" " i -I :dare aunt," cried Afzool Khan - "he dare not tdt!nk of us, he will have enough to do to save himself. 11 the Shah acts - acts firmly -as -as -f would sou, were .I in his place and were it my nearest friend --die shoo'-' lie, 0 'K'han Maliotnecl I 0 friend!" smonisaitimi THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 1934. exclaimed the -old tarn: bitterly, "how often have I renmoamtsratted Wad inn-' plored; bust you ,have, trot listened! He spoke mate fair, Fazil; always -!set what is in .his heart, But what isl written, is written.. Let it be; we can- not prevent it." "'Armen, faker! we can only do' what is possible to save—" "I tell thee, boy," resumed the Ishan, .interrupting . him, "I doubt, Whether it would be meet in us to in- terfere with. God's designs, and to help treachery to escape its deserts. The danger is too great the King,' and, next to God 'and the Prophet, he is to ass dear and honoured. I tell thee, son, we had better not inter- fere; it may not be good 'for us." Nay 'rather," said Fazil, "so long as we .speak friendly truth and warn- ing, there can be no fear; and what is written in the 'v\ruzeer's destiny will be fulfilled." "Thou 'wilt see to that door with thy life, INasir," whispered the Kot- wal to one of ,his ch'ief .attendants, a burly ,A'byssian slave, "See. that 510 Due passes croft or in without my orders. If violence is atteniptecl, strike -dost thou hear ?-to the death Proud as Alcoa! Khan is, he may yet lower his head, perhaps with his life. ,Aod they have papers, which we must take, N:asir-forcibly, if we cannot other- wise get them; --ere the sun sets, too, or he passes hence Are we strong enough to 'keep ,the Khan, nay lord?" 'asked the man doubtingly. "Ay, itrue, the need be stronger; send this ring," and he took off his signet, "to t'h'e I\\' uzeer's son. Say we need live 'hundred Wren to reinforce the guard, Yes, we should otherwise be too weak, i£ those Mad Alifghan's were to attempt a rescue. 'Return Isere when the messenger goes." '!.On my head and eyes be ft," re- plied the slave; "no one shall pass hence save over my dead body." PROFESSIONAL CARDS Medical DR. GILBERT C. JARROTT - Graditate' of Faculty of Medicine, Un- iversity sof Western Ontario. Member' of College of Physicians and Surgeons, of Ontario, Office 413 God'erich St. West. Phone 37. Hours 2-4.30 p.m. 7.30-9.100 p.m. Other hours by appoint- ment. Successor to Dr. Chas. Mackay. CHsAPTEP- XXXI 'DR. H. HUGH ROSS, •Physician and Surgeon, Late of London Hos- pital, London, England. Special attention to diseases of the eye, ears nose and throat, Office' and reef- dense be'hind Dominion Bank. Office. ercial Hotel, 'Seaforth, 3rd Monday its 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. Telephone' No, 46, DR. F, J, R. FO'RS'TER-Eye, Ear Nose and Throat. Graduate in Meth - cine, University of. Toronto 1097, Late Assistant New York Ophthal- mic and Aural Institute, Moorefield's Eye, and Golden Sgtta're throat hospi- tals, London, England, At Comm- ercial hotel, 'Seaforth, 3rd ,Wednes- day in each month from 1.30 p.m, to• 5 p,n1. \laloost ay had too munch at stake to tisk aught by delay, and he and his compandous Fled from the hack door of the house already described, screened by the rain and thick dark- ness, 'lea'v'ing" however, one of the scouts to inform their companion of what had happened, and with ,direo- tions for both to join 'him at their place of concealment as quickly as Possible, They proceeded at a rapid pace, leaving the suburb, and strik- ieg across the open plain, eastwards, in the direction of the small hamlet of Allapoor, bearing the wounded man with them. 'Heretofore, in his stealthy visits to the city, 'Maloosrav had found shelter and concealment in a Mutt or monastery of Jogis, who. in 'their annual pilgrimages, had be- come known to hint, and assenting their garb, and even joining then in thein morning perambulations it search of alms, he had been enabled to visit those persons in the city with whom his intrigues were being car- ried on, Now, however, the 'Jogis 'warned him that their Mutt was no longer safe. 'Jehandar tBeg had receiv- .ed information which led to several visits by his men at night; and though 1101 interfered with, or syn aware of the reason of suspicion, the Jogis knew they were watched. But they were true to his interests, and had prepared a place more secure, because without the walls, and more secluded, than their own 'Mutt, which was the resort of travellers and de- votees from all parts of the country. This was the .cloister of an old IIIin- d'u temple which stood by itself in en unfrequented, .part of the plain, and.which, either' by some .act of de- secrations or because of its incon'ven- ietit situation, had been long neglect- ed. The cloister round it was, how- ever, in good repair, and a little plas- tering with clay, and cleansing the chamber from the accumulated dust of years, made the place comfortable enough; and one of the Jogis attend- ed' in iturn, brought provisions, and acted as coolc to .the .party, IIt was easy .from thence to reach the city unobserved. INot far distant was the small hamlet of 'Allapoor, yet sufficiently far to deter prying per- sons frons `conning to see who lived in the deserted temple; and .if any one were ob'serve'd, it was, to all appear- ance, only a J'ogi. 'When, therefore, the !Patel; or chief 'elder of ,the vdllage of.IA'1'lap,00r, was told by the shepherd boys that some mendicants were -ire - Pairing the cloister- of the olcl temple and staying there, he 'bade iio,• ogleA'T,•-Graduate Faculthem; and liis good -will was by-and-by 'lsecured. by ani 'oc- casional present ,from time to time. INo one suspected the place or its in- habitants; ,.aucl few 'frequented the pladti ahotut it, w'iiich, being 'hard 'and stony, was tuncuftivated, as it still re- n1'ahi>, 'ancl was uaed hel•e. alt! there for cemeteries; batt the greater part ivas deft to tiedure, ,and •to • flocks. of 'hard'y sheep and goads, which picked up- a scanty subsistence. tit was not"•without some apprehen- sion than 'Maloosray.diad first trusted himself to the meta abetter; brut in the course of several visits'he 'had become accustomed In it, and 'found that he was at once freer and safer there, than DIR, W. C. SPROA'T,-Graduate ol. Faculty of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London. Member of College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Ontario, Office in rear ,;f Aberhart's drug store, Seaforth. Phone 90, Hours 1,30-4 p.m., 7:30- 9 p.m, Other hours by appointment, r0 Dental ID!R. J. A. ML?'N'N, Successor to. Dr. R, R. Ross, graduate of 1Vettu western University, Chicago, Ill. Lo' centiate Royal College of Dental Sur- geons, Toronto. Office over Side hardware, Main St., Seaforth Phone 151. DR. F. J. B'ECH'ELY, 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, Chart._ Moderate and satisfaction guranteed WAY'soN AND RI!L,ts. REAL ESTATE AND INSURANCE AGENCY (Succssors to James Watson) MAUN ST., SEAFORTH, ONT. All kinds of Insurance risks effect- ed at lowest rates in First -Class Companies. THE NIcKILLOP Mutual Fire Insurance Go t � ante r HEAD ,OFFICE-SEAFORTH, Ont OF'FIICERS President -Alex. Br:oadioot, Seaforth; Vice -President, J'ames _Connolly, ,God- erich; Secretary - Treasurer, M. A. Reid, Seaforth. AIGFJNTiS W. E. H'inohley, •Seaforth; John Murray, R. R. 3, Seaforth; E. R. G. Jarmouth, Brodhagen; James Watt, Blyth; C. F. Hewitt, Kincardine; -Wm, Yeo, Halmesville, DIRECTORS Alex. B'roadfoot,' Seaforth No. 3; James Shoidice, Walton; W'rm Knox, IL o st d e s bore; George Leonhardt, Bornholm :No, 11; J'ahn Pepper, Bruce - field; James Connolly, God'erfch; Ro- bert Ferris, Blyth; Thomas Moylan, Sdaforth No. 5; Wm. R. Archibald, Seaforth No. 4. Parties desirous to effect insurance or transact other business, will be promptly attended to by applications to any of the above panted officers ad- dressed to their respective post - offices. in, lois -old •ga•arters inside the 'w'al'ls. The horses, too, were excellently pro-• vided'for in the crypt of all adjoining 'Maliotnedaii. "'tomb, which _ ihacl never been, 'finished, nor had any use been .mad'e of it. tBeloiw- the foundation ter- race was a spacious 'ar'ched vault, above which the walls ,of the mausol- eum ,had 'been partly •carried; and the •entrance so overgrown with matted creepers .and bushes, that it could iiot he seen unilesS examined vary clhosely. Within, three horses, and as many stout ponies, found excellent shelter and 'conceai'ment; and Ma'loosray's scouts -who were, in fact, his retain- ers and escort -lived ,with, t'h'eaai and tended thcm. (To be Continued.)