AN EASTERN STORY.

Oamaru Mail, Volume IX, Issue 2840, 2 March 1885, Page 4

AN EASTERN STORY.

One day, it is said, three Khyberees, caught red-hand«d in "removing" a baggaga camel out at graze, were brought prisoners before Mr Merk. _He blew them ap in choice Pushtoo, forcibly pointlog out tho heinousness of their misdeed. Then came a pause. The great Empress of-India was kind and compassionate; even inch wretches as they were cared for. If they would solemnly promise to refrain from any act of aggression in the future, »ac a one would receive 10 rupees and a blanket. There was a consensus of salaams and promises and invocations of Allah. The men were led into Mr Merk'a inner tent. No one else was admitted. Then tho political officer hauled forth from a treasure chest e huge network bag of some 3000 glittering; rupees. Probably this was meant to impress the un-

tutored Khyberee mind. The political officer was proceeding to count out the 10 rupees each, when one ferocious tribesman drew hia glistening tulwar, concealed under his robe, and dared Mr Merk to stir" an inch. Tha other two men walked off with the bag. Teh minutes later the man standing over the political officer suddenly turned from him and dashed away. The alarm was raised at once, and scouting parties sent out; bnt the end of the business was that Mr Merk had to mako good 3000 rupees to the Simla Treasury. This story si non e vero e ben trow.to.