Argosy, Vol. 123, No. 2 — page 145: what you’re looking at

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

THE CARAVAN and the loss of her birthright. Now, it was a vague detail, between important spoon- fuls of delicious beans. A year ago Arthur Rand would have broken his own heart rather than confess as much to his daughter. Here, with Edith restored and quite evidently in possession of a tall, unshaven English officer, it was a matter of quite minor importance. Major Fraser-Carnie felt called upon to make a polite remark. He said something about it being quite the thing, after the war—that none of his friends cared much for pennies now. ‘“ My sister does, ” said Arthur Rand, his eyes on his. daughter. “¢ She is already or- ganizing a touring bureau for Americans in India, with the added attraction of a med- ical supply furnished free of charge.” Edith glanced at Donovan. “Do you think I would make a nice spellbinder?” she asked, and flushed as the major saw his chance and said some- thing about spells. “We must get away from this place,” put in Arthur Rand. “It is right inhos- pitable looking, and besides we must reach your aunt before she organizes her com- pany.” But the major was not to be shifted from the topic that had occurred to him. “TI fancy Captain Donovan will have something to say about the future of his wife,” he pointed out, dodging a overt kick launched by the individual in ques- tion. ‘“‘Oh, now, my dear young man. You will wish, of course, to take your wife to your estates in Kent—”’ } ‘“‘ Estates?” Edith paused uncomfort ably, a piece of biscuit held before her mouth. ‘Oh, dear! I thought you were broke, like me.” “Most probably I am,” Donovan as- sured her. “TI have been, generally.” ‘Then that’s settled.” Edith returned to her biscuit with relish. Upon the gathering of these four wan- derers, come to the world of the hills each for sufficient reason and just then happy beyond all telling and no longer hungry, advanced a smart Garhwali carrying a rifle. . He stood at attention by Major Fraser- Carnie. | Only. OF THE DEAD 277 “Sahib, the camels come hither, with riders.”’ They rose, and the major spoke a brief word to his men seated at their meal some distance away. The troopers took up their weapons instantly and mounted. In the silence that settled on the ravine, Edith heard the clink-clank of camel bells and the familiar pad of soft feet. Through the trees she saw the moving shapes of clumsy beasts. The camel bells came nearer. Major Fraser-Carnie stepped in front of the girl, but Donovan remained at her side, a cu- rious expression in his eyes. They saw 4 cloaked figure, head bent on chest, coming down the ravine from the kurgan. ‘‘ Tskander?” she whispered to Donovan. He shook his head, saying quietly that Iskander had died at the tower. She made a little, sorrowing sound. The Arab had, in many ways, been her friend, although of another race and faith. “Why,” she cried softly, “it is Mah- moud, leading the first camel.” Into their view came a long line of camels, tied nose to tail, walking patiently in the wake of their leader. The old phy- sician advanced along the side of the brook following a- slight trail, and seemed not to notice them. On the first camel of the caravan a man was seated. He was erect, in the heavily wadded seat between the humps of the beast, his hands braced before him, his features stolid. On the second camel an- other figure rested. ‘“ Monsey!” exclaimed Edith to Dono- van. ‘‘ And Abbas.” He drew her back a little, away from the stream, his face grave. The girl fol- lowed willingly, but turned to him a ques- tioning glance. ‘‘ What does it mean?” “A custom of the Sayaks with their ene- mies. Mahmoud makes them sit there, somehow. He will leave the caravan pres- ently and let it take its course through the villages of the hills.” They watched as the Garhwalis drew back, allowing the camels to pass through them. The rusty bells clanked, the beasts — —indifferent as ever — passed patiently COMICLOO© SS C©