Adventure Magazine Cover, December 10, 1922 — page 17: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Benefit of Doubt jam-pots filled with insect-poison. The dogs came and flopped down on the floor with their legs out straight, panting. In his own house at last Ommony opened up. “Here I am,” he said. “Now. Tell me first why you left the army.” “Too many things a soldier can’t do. Too - many over you. They spoil every game by wanting to know at the wrong moment,” King answered. “How did you solve the money problem?” “Found an American millionaire, whose passion is pulling plugs. To use his own term, he hired me. I’ve a free hand.”’ ‘You didn’t come all this way just to tell me that,” said Ommony. “Do you want some good advice? There isn’t any! I can show you what I consider a good example, but you'll have to be the judge of it.” “T want information.” “‘Ask and it shall be lied unto you. I can give you my opinions about alleged facts. I believe ’em, but I may be as wide of the mark as the pigs that perish.” “Who’s running the ructions here in Moplah country?” King asked. ‘Who is at the bottom of the chimney, making smoke?” “Whoever it is has made fire,’ Ommony answered. ‘‘Moplahs are fanatics. Fire’s under ’em. I turned in.a report a year ago, and was told to mind my forest. I hate to be obedient as much as any man, but I like the forest and don’t like politics. Besides, I had broken my own rule, which is never to offer advice. I lay down. If a man comes all this way and asks, he either wants to hear me talk or has something of his own to say; that’s different. There’s fire under the Moplahs. They’ll cut loose soon.”’ “Did you go to Poonah to say that?” “T went on leave because short leave was due. Chose Poonah, although I hate the place, because I knew Fludd would be there. He could do more than any one else to remedy this situation. Accepted dinner at the brute’s house. Talked with his wife and daughter, who belong to all the societies for restricting other people. Hoping of course that he would ask for my opinion. He didn’t. Here I am again, minus my leave and eight hundred rupees for expenses. All he said on the subject of the Moplahs was that they’re sending Judge Wilmshurst to investigate the rumored persecution of Hindus. He thought I’d be pleased to hear it. I didn’t try to look pleased, so he changed the subject.” Il “And Wilmshurst will bring his wife,” King suggested. “Undoubtedly. Daren’t leave her!” “D’you care if I use this as head-quar- ters?” King asked. ‘‘Wilmshurst will be intensely legal. He'll hang so many, and imprison so many, adjusting the proportions nicely a ‘And brother Moplah will do the rest!” Ommony agreed. ‘‘Headquarters what for? Reception committee? I forbid Mrs. Wilms- hurst the house!” “Plug-pulling campaign. I want to keep the peace in spite of Wilmshurst.” Ommony laughed, genuinely, making almost no noise but throwing his head back. “All right. What else?” “What is the matter with Mahone Babar?” “Nothing. He’s a first-class man. Be- tween the devil and the deep sea. As the son of his father he wants to stand with us. As a pious Moslem owing money to a Hindu shroff he naturally believes death is the dose for Hindus and now’s the time. Why? Has he said anything?” King repeated what the northerner had said when they arrived. Ommony nodde1. “He’s all right. He’s being tempted al- most beyond endurance, but I’d rather trust him than Wilmshurst. Have you seen him out with tiger?” The nearest to tiger-hunting that King had done for years was stalking greased Afridis in the northern mist. “All right,” said Ommony, “T’ll prove to you there’s not much wrong with Mahom- med Babar. Do us all good. You and I need exercise. Mahommed’s nerve may be going if he thinks he needs speaking for— moral nerve. Physically he’s harder than either of us. Have to interview Shere Ali anyhow. Fancy any gun from that rack?” od That is as exciting as being invited to - choose your own horse out of a bunch. There followed five minutes of absolute delight, Ommony remarking on the virtues of each weapon as King lifted them down in turn. He selected an express. “Good,” said Ommony with one of his curt nods. “I’d sooner you’d take that than any. Precaution—self-defense; that’s all. Stop him if you have to. Shere Ali’s in his prime. Preserves the jungle balance. Be a shame to kill him. Are you ready? No, no dogs this trip. No, no sikarris. No, 900 COMIC CS (ef)