The Rajah’s Vengeance.

Western Star, Issue 1548, 28 March 1891, Page 1 (Supplement)

The Rajah’s Vengeance.

TRoveUst.

A STORY OF INDIA-

CHAPTER 111.- -Contijoted.

While seemingly frank and confident with me, there were some points upon which he was extremely reticent. He told me that he belonged to one of the Rajpootran sects, and was allied to the house of a powerful KajaVwho only remained friendly with the British rule so long as it left him undisturbed in his own possessions. The Rajah Nahmaaha was a direct descendant of a long line of princes, and, according to Simrha's description, was marvellously rich, proud as Lucifer, arrogant and cruel. His domain was of large extent, and was situated in the district known as Odeypore. 1 Can you tell me,' I asked of Simrha,' if you have ever, known of a Hindoo prince called Ravaua?'

' Yes, sahib,' he replied. The Rajah Ravana was the father of the Rajah Nahmanda.' It was only my strong self-control and power to suppress sudden emotions which prevented me from leaping to my feet with a cry of joy. As it was, I started a little, for the answer he had given told me that, through some strange circumstance, I had engaged as my servant one who was already connected with the household of the very Rajah to whom I must look for the information I sought in behalf of Cogswell's request. It was then I began to question Simrha, and found him so extremely reticent and so loth to give me any details regarding the things I most wished to know.

On the fourth day of our trip I resolved that I would b 3, in a measure, frank with him, and thus ascertain if ft were possible to persuade him to tell me more concerning the Rajah's immediate surroundings. ' Simrha,' I said, quietly, 'I, too, am going to India.' * To India ?' he cried. ' Yes,' I continued ; ' and am so well pleased with you and your services that if you desire it you may continue with me—on one condition.' 'Yes, sahib?' 1 The condition is you remain in my service during the time I am in your country, and give me what aid you can in an undertaking which I am determined to accomplish.' He was silent for several moments. l lf the sahib does not intend to remain long, and will not visit Odeypore during his stay, I will readily consent to the first part of the condition," he said, finally. ' But it is to Odeypore that I most desire to go.' 'ln that case, sahib, I cannot remain in your service,' ' Why not ?' ' Because I belong to the household of the Bajah Nahmanda.' ' In what capacity do you serve him ?' ' That which in your country you would term secretary.' ' But can you not secure his consent to my plan? I asked, ' Impossible, sahib ?' The tone in which he answered me was so decided that I plainly saw the futility of arguing with him further. 'Will you tell m 3 of his household?' I asked. ' What more do you desire to know sahib?' ' Has he any family ? Would he entertain mo for a few days at his palace ?' ' He would not ref asa you if you applied to him, sahib; but, if you will allow me to advise you, do not go there.' ' Wl <E simrha ? ' ' ThtrKajah knows you.' ' Knows mo !' I cried in wonder. ' Yes, sahib. That is, he will know you by the time you reach his palaco, and he wiil suspect the cause of your visit.' ' But ray visit has no cause beyond a natural curiosity, I returned. 'Pardon me, sahib, but it has. You were for many years the confidential friend of Sahib Reuben Cogswell, who is now dead, and the Rajah will suspect that it is upon his affairs that you make the visit.'

I was astounded. ' Who are you, Simrha ?' I cried. ' And how do you know these things?' 'lam Simrha, a Hindoo,' ho replied, calmly, 1 and I know whereof I speak, because it became my duty to know all that concerned the Sahib Reuben Cogswell when I left India.' ' Then you were sent here by the Rajtb. ?' ' I was, sahib.' ' In company with another ?' He bowed an affirmative. ' How long ago, Simrha?' ' Two years.' ' Did you see the old man before he died ?' ' r did, Bahio, but he did not see me.' 'Ahl' ' I visited his house many times,' he continued. ' Without his knowledge?' • Without his knowledge.' • i.\ I what purpose ?'

By FREDERICK M. DEY.