ON

THE

BOKDEKLAND.

BY

FREDERICK

AUTHOB

OF

"

OF

LEGENDS

"CAMP

LONDON

:"

BOYLE,
MY

"

BUNGALOW,"

NOTES,"

CHAPMAN

"C.

"C.

AND

LIMITED.
1884.

( All

rights reserved.}

THE

GOLDEN

"C.

HALL,

PRIME,"

WESTMINSTER

PRINTERS,
AND

NICHOLS

SONS,

25,
STREET.
PARLIAMENT

CONTENTS.

PAGE

STRANGE

THE

EOMANCE

LYING

.27

MIRAGE
.

.64

WAIT

IN

SEPOY

KAWDON

NOT

GO

TO

THE

WAR

.70
.

99

WRENCH'S

COURAGE

DID

ARAB

AND

CAPTAIN

OF

CAPTAIN

WHY

WOOING

CHAPTER

113

ILLUSION

OP

EXPERIENCE

147

....

TOAD

KAFFIR

163
.

STICK

POPO

SAPPHIRE

WOMAN'S

CARPET

CROSS

194

BEAD

213

234
KNIFE

253

273
'

'

SOME

FINGER-GLASSES

LIBERTY

PERSONAL
A

PUMA

BIT

BUNDLE

294
314

IN

ISLAM

332

BUG

OF

353

OLD

AN

OF

STORY

374

PHOTOGRAPHS
.

M3I3704

898

ON

THE

Somewhere

In

town,
hills

times

surf, and
That

and

has

hovels,

lofty

guns

eyes

water's
the

are

the

woods

caravans

lie

started

the

stand

that

blink
built

beating

of

honeycombed,

red

to

daily

for

and

towards

the

surf,

the

the

that
stands

before.

beyond

ride

inland

thatch

stranger
of

with

negro

win-

Down

ocean.

clang
a

the

wilds.

the

amaze

the

pavements
B

Low

sea

grey

crumbling,

rocks

upon

mud-built

sun-bleached

ragged,

walls

used

its ruins

but

story.

unwholesome.

it, and

fleets

past

stands

and

behind

this

of

scene

tropics
dirty,

departed,

edge,

the

name

mean,

rich

glory

do wless

very

long

Amidst

under

precisely

not

to-day.

the

WOOING.

betwixt

ruinous

green

STRANGE

not

DARE

BOBDEBLAND.

and

castle.

broken,

the

at

strain
The
walls

ON

bear
a

of

crop

marvel

of

When

storms

rainbow
of

have

reft

one

roll

high

the

its seaward

spans

and

and

it rises hoar

jungle-weeds; but

Neither

solid

siege,

another.

from

stone

without, a
lie hushed

winds

front ; when

white, its loftykeep

burn

surrounding galleriesthrow

stately,

time, nor

thundering surge

the rocks

afternoon,and

an

BOKDERLAND.

antique grandeur.

tempest

nor

THE

giant

shadow

the

on

strand.
The

jungle

and

oozes

scared

reeks

catch

and

belated

wild

stilltower

above

colonnades

and

rest

of it.

the

impoverished

those

Most

who

the wilderness

Rudger.

Her

his master's
but

her

business

not

them
heirs

the

pursuing
the

amongst
or

twelve

great

of thatch ; outside

within,

big gateways;

daughter fell
hand

are

tenanted

still occupy

family mansion

late husband

yellow

and

prey

floors,and the
balconies,parqueterie

of

keep

ten

velvet
of

beasts

But

lambs.

they have high garden-walls

cool

with

clamorous

night

make

streets.

of ancient

embankments

between

that

the

ditch, half-dry,sluggishly

ragged palms and dustyindia-rubbers

houses

in

graze

ditch, though mantled

creatures

poultry

softly. Lank

steadilyand

town

pistia. They

of
"

the

of

foul

"

therein

middle

the

Through

rosettes

crept in

sheep of peculiarbreed

goats and

masonry

has

had

been

in love.

but
by officials,
a

few.

is

She

brought Rudger

Amongst

widow

clerk, with
was

named
whom

half-caste,

this house

and

of
yet wholly destroyedby the vigilance

our

cruisers

The

lady

competition of

the

and

bore

third.

still such

were

enabled

as

he died whilst little

home,

and

for the

should

the

at

have

not

may

to

expense

have

well

very

herself had

been

she did
been

notable

who

never

her

share

"

had

she

know

not

she had

the

her

Yet

married

Mrs.

able

Her

great

in
aall

man

quadroon,with
do

superiorrace, might

She

English
what

read

to

success

young

Rudger

children.

slaves.

been

never

Mary

saw

learningis
to

pay

rival,whether

any

that

to

family," of

piano; but

complained; Mary,
of

meet

among

heart.

by

she

The

"

great trouble

brought up

shaky,and

was

the

thought

parents and

go from

Perhaps Mrs.

when

unconsoled

counting-houseor

to

girls
But

age.

young

begun.

was

to
position

family

scarcelyavailed

foreignschooling.

be in

of the

the proper

resources

not

several

the eldest

send

to

still too

was

education

girlswhose

course,

Mary

the widow's

Rudger'sgriefwas
could

Rudger

after

then,

circumstances

they reached

school when

to

away

The

settlements.

younger

and
daughters,

two

years'interval,a

WOOING.

STRANGE

as

life had

white,"
double

well, or

better.

Rudger naturallyoverlooked

Mrs.

Her

in the situation.

white
her

the

respect which

that

or

own

semi* white
flesh.

slaves towards

mother

had

resented

felt for her child

be

in

what

in
familiarity

daughter,took
B2

differences

instinctively
yieldsto

negress

blood,though it

She

her

own

certain

counsel

is else

nurses

with

and

her hus-

ON

and

band,

insisted

mind, should

quiet and

charms

older,and
Little
had

sole

her mother

at

habits.

native

had
the

same

which

had

these duties

dressing-gown

with

for

arms

pleasure.

slave

children

The

with

white

children

The

many-coloured,

calls,or

sometimes

distant

her

feathered

the

spot,
a

companion,

donned

received

of

gave

hat.

nothing underneath,

of the household, in

into

more

that

daughter meanwhile

own.

in the

then

reached

the mother

her
took

their

and

more

garments

and
jewellery,

her

negresses

after
spirit

fell

occasional

endured.

she grew

as

her

stockings,flounces,and

and

is negro

influences about

age.

no

returningfrom

head

she feared

of
pleasures

the

bright-eyedlittle girlwas

tea-party. The
silk

were

in

Rudger paid

Mrs.

full of

disappeared.

such

no

No

impressionswhilst

restraint

Arrayed

the latest fashion

was

through it

the household

settlement,and

brain

even

these

charge,and they moulded

that there

allow.

tale,all that

negro

they worked

however

pattern of

appreciated,though

necessityof

Mary

It chanced

in

traininghid

the

up

love-philtres
; that

never

lived,but

girlgrew

would

her

and
principles

were

her

usual

circumstances

song,

the

the

so

suspected that

negro

of

husband

as

life

veneer

And

resembling the
as

if not

girl'smanners,

white.

fetishes,
omens,

ethics; that

civilized
A

the

much

have

and

Obi, loved
in

that

demure,

would

one

BORDERLAND.

be pure

lady as

young

THE

But
an

ample

decked
native

played

her
ladies

with

shortest of

on

the

petti-

for her

coats

and

thus she

such

ideas

but

In

only raiment

the

of

life's

state

philosophyas

and
in

made

seminary

thrifty,
pious,and
home

at

person

shocked

the

ornaments;

noisy men

the

dirt,the untidiness,made

But

worst

of

of all

the

was

their mother

and

little

impressed by

came

on

dress

board
taste

or

They vowed,

Mrs.

did

as

angel disguisedin

all

silk

them

they called it,

girlshad

for

them;

her

stays, so

her

disguises.It

.good sisters
*

In

this

adorning
dispose

on

to

stockingsand

and

wept

country

her
her

female
own

Mrs.

speak,and
was

too

she

when

their

Mary

not

notions

hers.

than

little

was

flounces.

But

with

on

dismay

Rudger jumped

of

out

the little angel abandoned

early yet

to

of

interfere.

all

The

prayed that night.

the

mistress

slaves

with

person.

been

correct

present, that

transformation.

gold

ashamed.*
bitterly

reaching the big, shabby house, they saw

the usual

with

lightlyclothed;

scarcelymore

were

laden

Rudger's grandeur

welcome

to

terribly.The

but

more

The

had

Every single

as
degradation,

sister.

pline,
disci-

Cape Town,

them

still

young

Severe

proper.

three parts naked,

slave-girls,

saucy

of

girl,

school

old.

eight years

was

given,

lead

from

returned

They

"

entertain.

trainingwould

such

old-fashioned

them

thing and

her.

Mary

an

sometimes

self-indulgent,
lazy,

of negroes

which

to

the sisters found

women,

that

than

less

"

as
received,unconsciously
they were

race
ill-disposed

not

WOOING.

STRANGE

of
all

the
the

household

jewellery

takes
which

she

pride
cannot

in

THE

ON

No

later than

Mrs.

Rudger
but

"

and

morning they attacked

the

gave

sentences

no

meaning.

"

the

the

the

than

worse

neither

could

She

few

result

family." Going

to

of

her

the

other

metamorphosed

And

the child

stubbornlyrefused.

Mary

twenty-four

sobbing

was

passions.

She

tried

betrayed her.
the

girlwas
But

the

in
to

whipped

and

in at the

window, waylaid her

in

were

by

savagery

aglow.

means

fitted

no

Mary longed
the

rod,

she

Her

the

arrival,

full of

and

evil

faithless slaves

came

sisters could

old

and

corners,

excellent

she

and

sisters,
so
long removed

the

Rudger

disposition.

be

too

old for

hatred, always

their

earlier than

kept

Misses

would

cherished

people

not

companions crept

change such

meanwhile

of resistance

expected.

to

when

growing, against white

moment

The

for the time

and

sisters'

The

all outside.

was

perpetuallyin view,

spiritof

her

happened

into submission.

her

keep

instant.

an

it

but

away,

would

she

Whence

sore,

and

disgraced

It

in

punishment followed, and, in short,

More

change

run

alarmed

extreme,

of

very

nor

attached

she

was

all round

hours

bed,

write

neglect.

the child

they

worst

nor

which

herself

have

that, within

mised
pro-

and
expressions

common

Rudger

the

read

Catechism, to

Mrs.

learn

to

angry

of

system.

agreed,lamented,

once,

be

to

speak English,beyond
few

the

performed. Mary's condition, moral

never

expected.

at

way

spiritual,
proved

had

BORDERLAND.

ways.

might
from

have

The

been

the climate

of their

Her

mother, satisfied
And

She

teens.

From

it

but

the

day

once

raise

and

shame

to

The

the

long

companions.

spade.

they
is

in

did

very

without
After

to

laughed

Her

But

pretty

the

cannot

but

sports

of

The

fruit is

their

vicious

their kind,
who

live

words

two

bloom
as

for

savages
not

to

tithe

tolerate

best

have

not

lucky
or

of

always

morning

honestlyprofessto

the

coat.
petti-

the

in

from

was

frankness

mischief.

speak

to

the native

understand

the

together,and

after

courtyard was

choose

were

months

found

was

could

would

friends

real

Mary

been

have

book,

shrieked

and

Rudger

Mary

crowd

of tears, but

many

touch

The

disused.

they spoke with

always

For

conversation, which
that

not

peace;

might.

time, everything was

unceasing

Misses

loud

Learning

influence

the

victory.

habits

and

anything besides

wear

girls,who

night.

won

renewed.

was

sorrow.

refused

Amusement

life

After

triumph, Mary

full of

stood

strong fearless girl in her

off,but clothes

contempt.

gossipso

made,

progress

but, coming after severity,

they could

English,even

but

the

old

fits of fever.

ceaseless

Possiblyentreaties might

late.

too

yielded,in

of

was

be shuffled

to

successful

and

with

in despair,
tried
sisters,
was

her

under

resisted the chastisement, and

that

not

The

Mary

WOOING.

withered
birthplace,

neutral.

was

STRANGE

think
of

and

sweet

for

that

peach
pure

it.
awhile

Mary

tired

somewhat

of

her

freedom.

ON

The

earliest

Romping
Once
Then

could

visit such
herself.

For

and

learned

But

that the
not

was

it

stood
under-

well

was

Rudger,

Miss

of male-

addressed

be

sisters

they gradually

youngest
to

white

The

barbarism.

and
by experience,

by chance,

met

like

"

willinglyspeak with

brought her through this stage.

when

dress, and

coloured

were

not

into

back

in the settlement

private.

suggestionof meeting

the

tact

some

wholly.

in

to

"

family as

she would

years

drive her

would

had

persuaded sometimes

be

stir.

to

satisfied her

longer

shamefacedly,and
little,

friends of the

woman,

man

girlsno

read

she

she

white

other

began

womanhood

feelingsof

with

more

BORDERLAND.

THE

kind.

Mary
where

was

she

short

but

dwelt

became

anxious

war.

quartered the
met

eighteen

near

the elder

Misses

pair.

began
at

But

to

arrive,she

intimate, and

were

should

Abating

further

of her

none

persuasion,she
who
officers,

her

utmost

see

she

them

to

shyness for

fancied

trembled

if

keep

soon

the

of white

handsome

at

passion.

girl

itself.

young

She

in the streets.

they looked

to

troops

showed

mankind

looking at

with

the

When

frequent enough

were

only to

they might,

much

was

turned

and

noticed

be

development now

angry

gentlehostess feared,above

my

tried

where

house

the

town

operationsfor

of

by supercilioussubalterns.

home, but

wished

At

Rudger

everything,lest Mary
ridicule

base

our

the

when

old

years

her,

as

Never

well
had

the
time.
a

clothes

girl worn

It is true,

blush

and

ever

walk

should

brief

very

be

in

became
Mrs.

if I

was

broken

uniform

of

vowed

the

see

drowsy,
I

Suddenly

the
It

no.

thinking
roused

of

asked

one

was

it I dozed

off.

In the

vehemently lauding
a

"

burst

of

yellow,

pyrotechnistor

duty

my

again.

me

was

Indians

only

to

gone

voice, talkingeagerly,

English,it

blue, which

regiment was

sitting,
very

said

nearer,

the West

It

its way.

had

gathered that

whilst

each

that

verandah.

the other

but

fiercely

more

Indian

was

the

on

voice, much

same

and

fresh young

and

them,

scarlet,and

"

of

home,

at

could

chair

length the pleasure of

and

replying.

prettiestof
the

returned,

off

hostess,had

my

had

undeceive

The

Mrs.

them

West

at

afterwards, with

me

nature

at

me

acquaintance.

conscious

and

tore

But

last.
gave

long-armed

to

the

which

landing,and
show.

she

hours

many

so

told

Mrs.

as

returning indoors,

on

accident

was

often, or

so

laugh, that

than

WOOING.

STRANGE

negro

admire.
dispassionately
And

what

did

of

think

you

the

officers?"

asked

Mrs.
.

'*

And

Oh, beautiful !

and

sweet

match

of them

some

"

and

earnest

dark

Fine
will be

that

eyes,

little hands

wide

men

dead

I remember

with'

How

!"

brave

The

tones

imagining

pity,a

soft

mouth

outspreadfor emphasis.

they look
were

face

so

to

ing,
droop-

10

What

"

! all handsome

laughing.
Oh,

"

"

Mr.

Not

"

Oh,

that one,

Blank

Mr.

of course,
!

beautiful

and

brave

This

seemed

Then

either."
which

of

the last moment

all

of the

the

for decorous

taking tea
the cup

much

as

Upon
and

in

her

of

Mrs.

in

tall,and
itself in
and

the

fact,had

face

beauty that

mixed

breed.

shows

it.

velvet

Neither

Those

eyes.

shade, tone,

who

feature.
at

strain

is

seen

of

with

not

showed

complexion,
had

in

lose

the

girl

is meant

expression

its

ever

negress

mulatto

what

rose

pretty,

peculiar to

nor

imagine

did

in

Town

Cape

Rudger

woman

Mary
me

of

negro

which

matter

were

tacle.
recep-

girl,very

saw

not

cannot

that

enter

fashion

Miss

eye

have

ladies

unglossed,dark

white

It is less

scowled
positively

hair

with

introduction,she

The

mouth.

happiest type

velvet

delicatelyshaped.

full, tremulous

utmost

the

entered

suddenly buried

would

as

century.

crisplywaving

so

chair, came

The

's flurried

last

was

ping.
eavesdrop-

my

cdmmand.

primly curtseyed, after

ladies

the

could

the younger,

back

lit a cheroot, and

window,

surprise I

officers

the

"

Yawning loudly,I pushed

into view

"

Blank?"

indeed
so

!"

Blank

other

Mrs.

shrewd

asked

men?"

Surely not,
Mr.

not

"Nor
"

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

than

it when

of

by
of
she

bewitching ferocity.Her

face

crimson, her lipsquiveredwith

was

tried

Vainly I

to

she would
I could.

quicklyas

the

gently,and

off muslins

seek

no

The

friend

more

sisters came
wild

moaning

to

less fond, sought her

scarcely

out.

white

"

of
suspicion

man

the child's brain

friends,and
"

to

At

renewed

These

at

61

will
I

I do

wish

not

They

be
certainly

just as

am

are

not

enough
her

length,

for

good enough

are

"

natural enemy

was

collected

The

use.

no

to

set

little negress

the old racket.

But, darling,there

You

She

persuaded

be

"

clothes."

proper

replied.
"

going.

Mrs.

was

which

doated

They

was.

It

heard,

least,"said Mrs.

wear

"

have

might

"

she

confidence

rushed

she would

house.

our

as

hint of

I withdrew

the hateful whites.

among

little savage

Mary,

on

extreme

She

vowed

laces,and

and

ness.
shy-

reproached

then

blazed.

girl'stemper

home, threw

the

To

reply,and

not

hostess

My

and

anger

speak.

as

her

make

of Mrs.

annoyance

her

11

WOOING.

STRANGE

be

to

me," Mary

white

girl."

soldiers

are

sullenly

everywhere

now.

seen."

much

ashamed

dressed
if

as

of my

any

soldiers

see

real friends.

them.

don't

understand."
But

Mrs.

persistedfor
appear

The

in the

West

knew
sheer

that

pride and

courtyarduntil
Indian

she

did

Mary

temper.
she

regiment

saw

understand,
would

and
not

the gates closed.

which

had

indirectly

12

ON

these

caused

BORDERLAND.

THE

regrettableevents

quartered in

was

the

castle.
I

spent

guest of
A

good

those

pleasantevenings at

some

he

soldier

whom

and

was,

Indian

commission

fortune

Pickeringhad

help

man

times."
he

in

the

than

the

field,though

escaped the garrisonduty

kept back.
and

advance

du

He

himself

depart

had

which

"

his

his

copious; perhaps

been

hour

He
a

no

wandered,

house

the

when

but

one

crazy

doors

he burst them

girlsplayingabout

Pickeringtook

no

the

staircase,
which,

my

friend says, and

malicious

as

has

them,

but

he

Mary Rudger, who

on

the

said from
that

he

stir abroad.
came

ran

was

across

himself

bevy

against
of

native

screamed.

walked
the

was

sun

himself, at

togetherand

usual, opened

gossipdeclared

of Miss

of

open.

yard ran

notice

the

arms

poorest negroes

evidentlyEuropean. Throwing

day,

general's

the

lost

until
desperate,

and

angry

the

to

Perhaps the

after tiffin.

followed

hot; anyhow, Pickering

bewilderingly
an

day
the

to

traps

so

regiment was

expectedfrom

was

"piping

galopper,"and

which

on

always

can

useless in the

him

Pickeringhurriedlysent

quarters.
vin

The

tinguish.
dis-

not

family and

By

none.

influence

brigadiernamed

does

of

one

line,he accepteda West

for the

rather

the

Pickering.

good fellow, but

competitiveexamination
Failingeven

I will call

lieutenant,whom

young

there,

mess

towards

court.

beginning.
straightinto

So
But
the

attired in her usual

14

ON

THE

BORDERLAND.

leave-taking,
dining,and giving to dinner,
than

more

time

For

of

dressed
still,

and

prim
the

conscious

pretty visitor.

our

the chin and

to

months

in those six anxious

friendshipwhich

When

departurewas

own

my

would

outdone

be

not

the

chaplainand

the

night before,I

The

dined

carefullystored

descended

on

he

cried, u

with
to

me

On

introduce

without
said

inquiry.

that

Mary

jacket and
gave

Mary,
but
took

sat
a

white
me

who
red

was

and

We

had

at

to

Themes

policeand

For

for

lady !
she

absence

laughter

heaven's

sake/'

Where

does

resident in

was

present him, and I promised,

asking

the

banquet, it

trousers, as

beside

pay.

invited

our

the

so

Mrs.

soon

's leave

as

my

servant

drawing-room. Very

I led him

not

even

in his

to

up

reproach when

her, would

granted

was

Pickeringlooked,

of

to

Mrs.

of

On

entered

look

and

polishedin

descended

handsome

soldierlyand

She

friend

and

learning that

great hopes of fun.

contracted

Pickering's
regiment.

this young

see

quarters,he begged me

my

with

drearygarrison. "

her?"

meet

one

let

So

banquet.

hastened

chiefs

head.
guiltless

his

in that

few

were

he

the

very

civil authorities.

the

Witticisms

sat

military. They

judge,

doctor, all

the

customs,

She

had

fixed,Mr.

the

by

scarcely

and

bed
one

every

obligationsof

was

the knuckles.

in

consumed

passed,mostly

mess-

Mrs.
.

named

him.

glance at

us,

panting,a lovely little fury. Pickering

placeby her, and

chatted

gaily,askingno

reply.

when

And

dinner

know

not

If the

have

rude.

he

though

how

was

but the powers

face

of

that

to

of

No

of your

Mrs.

eyes,
"

movement.
"

answer.

Of

room,

shall

Is it

not

be

to

sudden

She's

not

charming!"

"

All

that?

"

Every singlebit

"

What?

was

of

wooing," I

no

"

You

It

it now!"

you

will

cry your

eyes

clean out

run

to

the

point

he

the

issue.

door,

quench

to

at

But

I feel easier !

"

those fires ! "

muttered, seatinghimself

by

asked, laughing.
that you

don't

business
said.

"

he

"

absolute

"

No

!
perfection

"

me

"

of man?

distinguish,
Pickering received

enough

tears

the

me

tell them."

to

learn

her

warnings

"For

sweetly,and whispered at
have

"

could

gaze

able

known

never

bed, and

enlightenment on

smiled
You

into

small

people ask

be

could"

at

temper

her

If

"

not

I shall

course

jump

If his dazzled

lost

would

bewitch-

it remained

began

slightthrill of emphatic assent.

your

look,

nor

if she

Gorgon

aid, and

not

retirement,he quietlysaid:

colour

word

neither

him

Pickering nearly

obstinacy. When

was
fast,the girl's

rather

was

gave

would

ingly pretty.

anger,

pleasantand respectful.She

very

changed her

with

resist.

to

She

calmly appropriated
trembled

Mary

youth's conduct

than

worse

he

served

was

her, talkingall the while.

but did

15

WOOING.

STRANGE

mean

of mine.

can

imagine."

seriously
"

You

have

"

He

nodded.

strange way

16

ON

the

glass,"that

when

room

Done
his

little

booked

"

laughed.

her

drawing-

speak?

"

CertainlyPickering scored

I lost!

"

is in the

that I make

the

whilst

escape

she

that

return, and

we

not

refreshment/'

tenner

even

an

you

will

prey

well-earned

takes

Bet

tame

to

It's somethinggained,"he said, slowlyfilling

wild-cat.

hunter

I have

exactlyfamiliar.

not

are

"

stances
the circum-

girl is strange, confoundedly,and

The

his

BORDERLAND.

THE

pointscleverly.

approached,cup
drawing-room he leisurely

In the

hand, and
have

we

that
but

have

we

I could

I have

before.

met

not.

There

"

Perhaps you

not

painfully,
yet
"

I'll

I will

evening

remarked

believe,

who
,

pause.
"

asked

not

Pickering.
me," the

see

this is

and

not;

I believe

finished.

that her

saving Mrs.

misapprehensionin

permit no

of honour

girlmurmured

ill-pleased.

I did

vow

beside her, and

the

did

word

my

sisters once,

your

amusement,

was

not

given

that

forgottenyou."

mistaken?

"

am

saw

have

never

All listened with

blushed.

They declare,Miss Rudger,

"

aloud,

said

in

teeth

she
I

were

as

subjecton

which

Then

he sat

several times

before

future."

spoke

know

she

smiled

pretty

as

once,

for

all the rest

I
of

her.
In the next

the house.

three

Mrs.

days Pickeringwas
and

her husband

about
constantly
liked the young

fellow

lie seemed

greatly,but

love affair.

So

it

in the

her

walking, but

was
u

I have

to

he

us, but

Some

me.

of the

cool

no

was

just presentedmyself

eccentric

the

parture
de-

Mrs.

visitor.

Mrs.

to

mission
com-

after my

called,

received

husband

perfectly

so

days

afternoon, he

in his

progress

length I sailed,an

at

entrusted

was

make

to

appeared to

that,when

content,

17

WOOING.

STRANGE

Rudger,"

he

began.
"

"A

curious

product

type!

If it

undertake

possiblethat

were

Europe,

to

voyage

country, isn't she ?

of the

old

could

lady

not

"

should

marry

her

daughter."
"

What?"

"

Love

Where
*'

might

little savage

is my
What

earth

on

Oh, haven't

"

that you

doubt

I don't

"

exclaimed

Allow

girl,you

modes
"

Yes

"

Worthy
his

forbid.

"

The

mother

are

serious

wife

will
as

I know

have

ever

"

brave

as

any
but

to

me

this

that

noticed

would

"

mean

you

Mary

decency

head

and

upon

me.

over

am

smiles

"
yet !

I feel it
"

do

you

with

in love

ears

it, but

to

run

lucky

she

is

not
c

honourable,"

say,

that, if

and

as

fellow

you

good

and

win
as

gained."

desperatelittle savage."

proceededin high

opinion. Pickeringis

and

excitement

to

distinguishedfor

deliver

endur-

18

THE

ON

BORDERLAND.
,

of

ance

are

Mrs.

give me
faults

Mrs.

of

know

you

if you,

but

So

and

jot for

with

and

womanhood

she

and

set, her

unconscious

The
he

man

will.

wins

You

it

know
do

not

help

cannot

that

me

her

show

to

after

no

wife

my

her

own

hear,

and

hand

resting

in doubt

good

and

heart

can

is,allow

me

to

heard

Mary

concerned, she

for
to

face

of the

bewilderment.

is all

who

was

But

desired

hesitated,not

proud

what

Pickering

surprise and

I retire ! "

"

the verdict.

heartily,"Mary

be

ever

sisters

as

Rudger

they

better.
tell

hand,

imagined
far

her

Mrs.

probation shall

speech.

sheer

think

training,and

temper
But

Mrs.

and

be

Mrs.

wife.

and

her

asked

of

It may

not

have

seized

to

mothers

my

"

way."

coloured

lady

loving her;

to

who

Mary,

this young

frightenme.

time

with

wicked

own

Pickering gravely advanced,

addressed

her

things my

You

Thanks.

"

yawned.

do

arrived

fumed.

to

I must

good.

very

and

he

platitude,and

this
cared

self-respect
waited, pale
in

her

lover's.
but

sentence,
Then

pure,

Mr.

make

her

she

in

cried

Pickering!
mind

say so, whom

what

might

doubt."

Then,

as

away
in the

than

was

the

natural, Mary
hand

face with

he had

that
even

yet admired.

reasserted

herself.

claspedhers, she
more

wild-cat

looked

in her

ing
Throwing
Picker-

expression

STRANGE

"

You

are

withdrew,
as

Of

his

He

Mrs.

Time

of

were

or

Lieutenant

Mary

to

him

is not
arrived

so

the

essential
a

unpack

them.
I had

whom
romance.

girl naturally,

All
been

house,

of boxes
he

She,

of

manner

with

C2

not

progress.

would
comfort.
to

with

stir

But

the address
to

Mrs.

secret, asked
pretty things

shoes,

entered

Mary glowed

mischief,
afraid.

commissioned
and

thing
Some-

"

forwarded
in the

home,

not

nor

creole

The

had

of

threat

gracefullyfashioned.
I confided

back

her !

was

number

one.

less
doubt-

wicked

to

dainty dresses, hats,

and

she would

go

Mrs.

in

with

let her

negro

Pickering, which

there, which

simply

our

see

Live

was

everybody !

affairs did
Pickering's

keeping back only

Funchal"

in

is

you

on, but

Exercise

month

was

disregarded. But

not

and

happen if they teased

"

happen

people!

herself

Mrs.

He

sisters,
awfullywhite

She

would

"

continue.

went

abroad.
in

would

Mary

kill

would

him

hated

all white

"

Oh, please,dear

be

so

ing,
witch-

as

treatment.

courteous

and

will
to

to

mother

of

something

not

And

wept when

and

him,

see

besides,she

"

rather, she

if this must

and

to

amongst

man,

spoke
!

claim

her

only mocking

or

!"

and
indignant,as stately

she refused

course

die !

impertinent boy

please. Pickeringlaughed softly.

you

white

and

hot and

as

urged

rude

19

WOOING.

French

buy

to

and

at

linen
modiste

enthusiasm

admiration, as

into
box

20

ON

after

displayed its girlish treasures.

box

"

pretty, pretty !

and

this!"

nearly
!"

wear

she

Could

"

thought
dress.

Then

"

"

My

The

her

at
"

to

is not

and

this,

colour

began

Mrs.

The

It is the

"

changed."

take

it ! "
go

off the

for

sent

Mrs.

cried

not

saw

not

you

softly.

Mary only said,

does
to

Pickering, when

Mrs.

asked

ladies

white

bright image.

own

Mr.

see

bleach

us

things are

"

blushed, and

and

things

her

at

resented.

heart

mirror.

The

bear
that ! ''

not

black

sighed,and

beautiful

What

not

let

how

them,

girl tried

like

was

Oh,

you

Mrs.

said

sighed,looking

dressed

are

!"

dear

The

cried.

cried.

she

this one,

Try

"

BORDERLAND.

THE

deep !

very

dress,with

"

Mary

sad

the

truth

might

me,

dear.

You

glances

be risked.

need

not

disguiseyourselfagain."
Mary's

colour

shivered

frowned,

sillyof him,"
I am."

what
her

to

and

came

she

there

But

keep

little,and

sobbed,

and

would

modest

English girl,was

did

She

not

one

been

began

sense

that
of

he

this

and

It is

knows

persuading
concession,

obtain

to

granted by

the

in

The

dresses.

inquiry,

cry.

when

trouble

difficult

an

"

to

wicked,

thought saving triumph

understand

felt no

no

the

which

without

was

wear

have

and

"

looked

She

went.

little

from

savage

pleasure.

She

giver might expect gratitude.

obligation. A present descended, as

it

22

fever is his

the

master

but he masters
have

would

had

She

youth

fever.

the

cholera;

Luckily

he resisted

announced

that

this

and

impulse,and

ing
Pickercase.

that

concern,

his

merits.

own

it

day

next
"

Pickering

Lieutenant

Mary

different

was

tempted to rely on

almost

was

dog,

whether

sure

pretty interest

be

may

if
description

this

but

man

not

am

agonies worth

suffered

taken

the coloured

displayedsuch

the

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

had

was

the

got

fever."
The
to

natural

to

her

see

waiting for

lover

pale and heavy-eyed,but

he

When

her, and

took

piteouskiss,she

bad

dinner

sign only, and

with

late

my

glassyeyes began
would
and

her

would

felt

shine,and he
of his

the

regard for

fever

she would

tend.

prepared,and

So

the

combat

Mrs.

the castle.

She

very

bed

and

be

patient moved
rather

than

things were

Pickering smoked

and

His

worse.

that

will

was

melancholy

lady

young

tearful entreaties,Pickering consented.

extreme

would

It

fast.

talked

When

and

much,

grew

returningto

him.

nurse

round

arm

very

filled. After

eyes

it
rightlyexplained her feeling,
no

his

tion.
conversa-

astonishment.

no

hosts,Pickering

hear

not

Mary

added

to

but

blushed

prised
sur-

promenade,

part in

take

to

suddenly,languidly,put

gently repulsedhim,
a

able

not

was

usual

the

itself

lends

malady

opening stages. Mary

the

deceptionat

this horrid

of

course

If I have

understood
her.

the

that
It

lover

brought, a
chuckled

was

she
room

through

half the
of

probably

Pickeringrecognisedwith
had

simulated.

boy,"

doctor

The
Mrs.

that

at

came

who

and

the

He

stage.

kissed

him.

The

again

she

neither

truth

manifest.

The

that looked

into

was

the eyes

life besides love.

creature,

young
took

her hands

in his

he leaned

his

heavy

in two

You
not

man's
my

days!
think
draw
soul

Love

had

had

head

her

on

Mary

me,

He

collected ?

and

alreadyshowed

veins

vanished

emotions

no

rule this fresh

and

master

the

pleading for

for

room

the

soughtsupport,

wan

cool

so

where

"

sun-dye

"

to

strong,

so

the

tears,

hers

the

repulsed

nor

her

round

arm

its first

but
suspected,

been

not

he

was

blue, and

with

blushed

disease,

entered

she

when

Pickeringhad

despair. Who

save

had

counterfeit

in

patientback

Mary

and
breakfast-room,

do

find her

greatlysurprisedto

was

groan.

blue-pill."

of

course

his

rouse

him

exhibited

"

the

well

so

to

made

movement

once,

knew

bed

of

Getting out
of

the agony

painswhich

thrill those

cold

dawn,

Before

be trifled with.

will not

Nemesis

But

"

he

died, as

die.

would

he

had

who

fellows

bright young

the number

sadly recalled

his hosts

night, whilst

23

WOOING.

STRANGE

in

single night;

shoulder,and murmured

only say it,for

I shall die

"

my
on

behaviour

friend's

fancy.

before it

experiencewhere

rots

The

his

contemptible?

body.

the sufferer did

crushes

fever

African

recall
not

mourn

no

case

his

I
a

in

life,

24

ON

and

die each

We

courage,

who

take

guerdon

BORDERLAND.

in

moment

has this effect.

the

THE

saw

cried like
of

hero,

sick

his

giant

disease

stature

of

as

home

went

died

He

bravery.

of

he

girl as

other

No

anticipation.

in

to

of

sight

land.
But
that

Pickering was
Mary's whisper
of

Days
weeks
of

not

pain

of

and

nor

his

had

been

felt the

Mary

Without

She

tellingherself

lost

and

consciousness,

soon

serious

should

tried

passion

so

him

that

When

Pickering was

danger, she suddenly went

the

sisters

followed

as

him

see

doctor

instructions
soon

as

alone,
ordered

to

go.

proper
"

Let

to

learn

to

answer.

her

walk,
listen

brought

Mary
for

decide

that."

to

begged

but
to

but
them

pale, but

was

you

and

to

long rejected.

England,

Mrs.

person
me

could

would

nor

him

by stratagem.
no

he

so

marry

!"

and

the sick

as

be, she

pronounced

home,

by

likeness

Mary
his

he

fully
wist-

be

of

out

from

her
lover

The
would

not

The

prayers.
would

of

ways

thought.

was.

absorbing;

that

saw

the

fatal.

are

became

what

Mrs.

it

as

to

never

give

must

him

that

half-affected

she

studied

he

signs

"

change.

recovered

man

love

now

says

unspeakable,followed

But

man.

He

untruthful

him,

impotent misery, reduced

mistook

which

saved

wretchedness

totteringold

evil-starred.

so

not

sent
con-

togetherat length
resolved.

et

am

"

do

cannot

There

so.

25

WOOING.

STRANGE

and

mother

is your

the

rest."
adore

would

11

They

"

It is absurd

Why

worse.

finish

to

faith.

sentence

Sudden

and

unless

this coast
But

be

"

"

Oh

But

Look

at

fall

them

lithe

body

it,and
at

"

I do

?
not

she

to

lash

her eye

in sad

is

returning even
away

Mary

her

raised

Her

herself

and

arguments

to

her

the
in
"

with

and

eyes

anger,

It vanished

surprise,

answered

life."

your

for

his
You

arms.

do

not

emphasis.

let
all

but

the

ever

in

shrinkingof

"

"

now.

"

blush.

Pickeringtook

leave

never

murder."

weakened.

flash of
as

I will

serious?

deeper

tried

murmured

all then

than

Shyly

spiritwas

the wrathful

me

England,

to

away

throw

to

not

are

!"

she

"

but

one

me.

fever

as

less crime
you

me

The

wicked

with

exhausted,
wild-cat

no

Oh, pleasego

it doesn't

you,

you."

so

is

Suicide

placed great

had

see

marry

accompany

will die !

you

cannot

"

you

without

courage

her.

can

"

not

"

back

come

"Not

You

did, you

changed.

tone

never

"

if I

had

she

didn't

if

Well,
and

Her

choked

ignorant,and

am

She

"

which

on

blushes

"I?_oh!

white, I

not

am

yourself

you

the

matter;

you."

He
love

her
felt
me

26

ON

He

let her

go

his

came

near,

with

downcast

head

perhaps

think

"

and

his

his

heart
and

arm,

breast
time

some

may

ment
disappoint-

woman's

took

upon

"

and

weakness

The

eyes.

She

But

of

tears

swelled.
her

BORDERLAND.

the

into

came

THE

ft

her

whispered,
It

in

true

was

"

*****

"

But

how

There

it while
from
"

"

sails?

steamer

"

can

asked

Mrs.

another

was

is

Mary

box

shall

things?

these

impudence
ordered

If

run

Yes
!

three

into

the

But

see

the

don't

Mary

within

would
"

shoes.

to

deceive

we

bush

what

Funchal.

from

needful

that

days

of

was

the

there
her

us

open

there,

exclaimed:

about

believe

knew

Let

Mrs.

child

the

distress.

Everything

away."

orange-blossoms

How

in

before

married

be

possibly

you

ever

such

was

wedding-dress
first

your

of

purchase

was

she

meeting,

again."
a

useful

quality

is conceit

times
some-

"

*****

Pickering
His
in

wife
the

has

is the

county.

exchanged
sweetest,

into

cavalry

brightest, quaintest

regiment.
little

lady

THE

THE

ROMANCE

encountered

romances

sketchy

and

tale

of

rather

think,

which

lay

going

the

observed

the
that

the

South

My

companion's

much
in

witnessed

saw

or

coming
be

heard
from

valuable

Mr.

an

to

Friar's

writer

in

Suez.

had
But

the

nowhere

duty

illusions

modesty

and

that

kept

desert,

Egyptian

authoritative
science

had

as

most

could

be

to

I
in

as

though

wide,
him

stationed

and

of

himself,
the

brought

had

he

eclipse all

like

curious
not

vivid

plain report

person

one

experience.

my
so

an

edge.

so

been

not

suggested

desert

to

by

me

slight mirage

the

of

outline

steamed

we

least

at

given

was

stories

true

so

or

The

on

ing
interest-

most

as

is

dreadfully

are

give

to

fictions

hills

surprising

of.

and

veldt, according

of

such

beet

of

bay

travels

parts

the

Service

phenomenon

profitable.

many

life

[to fill

blue

African

more

real

of invention.

glowing

the

in

up

Telegraph

across

beneath

build

faculty

am

is

MIRAGE.

imaginative
to

no

the

of

morning

the

than

having

official

It

incomplete.

function

shape

OF

ever

them,
would

public.
to

credit

28

ON

that

he

told

At
the

experience of

any

but

Himself,

Bedouins

Mr.

ten

orders

of the

leave the

days

would

turned

out, the
in

ship or

be

Sometimes
walked

behind

and
the

them

to

was

very

and

the

was

of

home

livelyscene.

stalked

caravans

visions

fantastic

But

became

one

"

an

and

mirage.
in many

when

they

Fishing

craft

great merchant-

along, men

changed

from

day

tinctly,
dis-

out

prayed
to

day.

grotesque; animals

ancient

flashed into

building

and

in comfort

pictureappeared always

frequently. It

station

standing

embark

stolidly
upside down, shipssailed

their trucks.

same,

the

one

arrive

not

appeared; villagesstood

These
the

did

thought impossible. Often,

desert

bring

to

possibleform, and

every

month

and

well

for the purpose.

boat

Jemal,

man-o'-war

marched.

men

enjoined

had

in

supply

appointed time,

its

el

is not

belonging to

pony

pellucid rivers; sometimes

camels
and

If this

little colony

station,Um

and

length.

Once

round.

the

were

of unknown
for there

way,

the word.

of

replenishthe kegs

to

of

station down

servants

two

miles

many

of
sense

radius

Friar's horse

which

on

for

displayeditself

sailed

extremest

that

come

place. They

That
It

the

clerks, Zohrab.

within

charge

had

clerks,and

vessel called

foragefor
the

not

herb

green

native

of

Friar

beings within
did

record,

of

worthy

be

might

follows.

native

two

human

Mr.

his

Sea, lonelyin

Red

nor

what

me

time

one

only

BORDERLAND.

THE

the

sightdirectly
of

great size,

30

rather

THE

have

as
lively,

the very

and

ON

unusual

BORDERLAND.

said.

People

proportionwho

and

came

Wherever

it

was

haunt

and

treason

loved

this fantastic
of

it.

When

might

therefore

Wahabis,

rebellion, and

observe

to

the

house

therefore
there

political

situate,

be

the clerks

visitors

no

mounted, their

ladies

astride,by

sat

ferijeh.

These

that

About

had

recognisedhim
of

in

the

tall

by

all males

the

wall and

the

elders.

motions

One
or

so

the

It

vision

clerks

one

hand

who

household

smoked

It

with

Amongst
and

the

others

could
privileged
;

and

they

had

evident

was

appeared
dis-

that

the

some

make

not

present when
the

on

deserted

of the

then,

women,

young,

only be

the clerk's

as

man

the husband

the

terrace,

as

of course,

beneath

sat

probably

bevy playing round,

quite

up

they thought they

was

came

was

could

suggested. They approached the

the eunuch

out, but

excepting this individual,who

children

were

rode

the

man

occasionally
happened.

ugly,shapeless

large harem.

the

Upon

the

dames

or

back.

personage

minds.

females

veil, and

they got

of the house

presently

and

probably because

And

use.

distinguishable,
though they

demoiselles

before
master

ladies

such

sex

trousers

returned

never

their

Arab

wealthy

the

on

terrace, donkeys often paradedthere,equipped with

housings as

of

home

of

one

were

all in

robed

were

white, the frequentprayingand preaching,told

secret.

went,

their

several

lively

familiarly.
and

father,

experiencenegatived this

THE

OF

ROMANCE

latter

supposition. But,

black

burnoos, coloured

handkerchief

the

of

leader of Wahabis
Where

this

Mr.

Friar

He

looked

Um

el Jemal

the

quarter.

They

all of

was

experience of

more

them.

west,

points at
and

trees

and
villages

of

indeed

them,

they

Egyptian
It

in

desert,must

be

south-west,

if not

were

thrown

desert

hundreds

was

mighty bewildering,and

His

clerks

them
But

natural

the number

told that it must

the

two,

nothing of

feature
of

of

lie in Arabia

Mohammedan

and

phantom

on

my

must

all these

be, the

who

Sea

stance
sub-

unless

and

the

the westward.

friend

science.

the

pictureamong

from

landscapein

Wahabis

sailingon

the Red

miles

they

longerone's

exactly opposite;

across

of

the

which

caravans,

doubt

what

real boats, of which

directions

knew

the

guess

in

every

laws, no

to

they stood

gestion.
sug-

from

came

certain

no

of the Ked

puzzled

or

But

once.

shore

mirage
by

curiosity.

ture.
guide conjec-

to

framing; but

the

north-west,

or

hint

nature's

The

projectedinto

was

in

problem.

they gave

the Arabian

ruled

were

but

mild

indulgea

to

books,

on

reflections

immutable, like
one

lies

head-

should

made

situate

actuallyno

was

Sea, but

be

and

How

like that ?

be

time

his maps

There

could

found

wore

it, and

brightesttints.

dwellingcould

up

hand, he

clothes beneath

dress himself

himself

other

the

on

31

MIRAGE.

it up.

gave

Mirage
this lower

frequented

somewhere.
did
discreet,

The
not

was

for

world.

the house
elder of
want

to

32

ON

much

know

too

haunt

of rebels and

was

about

do

so

the

the

watched

He

the

He

bitterlyas

as

these

constructed

Zohrab

he

as

of the

it haunted

had

given

had

Sheikh, the

for the
He

He

mirage.

him

married

himself

on

Sultan

including the
Zohrab

Though

was

understand

not

Mixing
and

been
but
in

and

educated
to

on

the

distinct

with

him

Arab

independence

fiftythousand

Turks,

lost their heads.

learninghe

Ottoman.

present would

viduality
indi-

burnoos.

black

Frank

the

rence
recur-

every

incidents
thrilling

Pachas,

in

love,

have

His
been

did

most

the

false

head.

Khalifa
He

and

all his

and

mercy

wedding

cherished

that

grand

him.

very

after

day

proclaimed in Damascus,

was

think, as

to

provided

whom

the

in

and

lovely daughter,Ferideh,
he

made
man

name

his

fancied, a

tales of adventure

new

hate

they

politics,
togetherwar, patriotism,
romance,

up

the

bloodthirsty
desperadoes.

where,

house

hated

foe, the Turk, will only

supreme

aid of

Zohrab,

younger.

Christian.

brewing, until

conspiracywas

evidently the

was

inclined
reluctantly

was

the

that

many,

expelledby

be

But

almost

he

creed, but

own

spot which

heretics.

schismatics

Wahabi

BORDERLAND.

though
patriot,

fanatic

THE

was

said.

Syrian
I

Beyrout

and

Christian,

picturea tall,lithe youth,

muscular, with
short,

of

hero

composed.

largeeyes

after the
An

and

small

has

bone,

delicate moustache

school-girlfancy when

aesthetic barber

of

as

would

have

amiable

longed

for

had

of Zohrab

model

he

him

seen

of

well

great days past and

youth quiveredand

An

Arab

of
peculiarities
of the
an

instant

each.

drawing it

models; amongst
that

and

like what

stories he

castle and
man

and

they loved

tale.

Zohrab

But

made

in

youth,it

poor
was

in

was

had

while

dwelt

cause

"

other

no

who

make

phantom

they

the
was

so

became
in

in
inquiries
D

diversion,and

Zohrab

imaginationhad

employed himself

to
supply-ship

the

about

for Suleypleasantfooling

where

that

romance

had

been

all the

great

; for his

firsthe

of the

Charrington. But, if

did

and

trust

They

the

very

met, the Sheikh

ever

death

servants.

plottingfor

of

tions,
qualifica-

with

it admitted

of

score

eye

my

devised
incessantly

discover

threads

before

fanciful,of

half

is but

only.

to
seriously

of Ferideh

in

quiver

constant

to

its indwellers
the

steed

characteristic of

all savages

betrayed his

semblance

his

fire,are

that old traitor had

outward
The

have

tethered.

war-horse

muscles,
straining

take

them, be

Gill and

the

to

thrill of

Zohrab
I

grandestof

'Mteyer,who
Palmer

unconscious

portraitof

in

course;

like

curiouslylike

is

promptitudeto

My

alluded

or

expression. A

nervous

an
nostrils,

if in conversation

Turk,

flamed

blood

pure

window

shop

of the Arab,
present degradation

the

this

in his

But,

the

33

MIRAGE.

exhibit

to

in that mood.

somebody spoke

of

OF

ROMANCE

THE

chief

trying

was

who

also the
mixed
one.

father

the
From

urging the
all

was

twe

the
crew

quarters; had

34

The

hailed

vessel

only

channel

Arabs

the

of

of

savour

they brought
At

at

Sheikh

of

It

glance.

four

days'journey

With
had

Nasr?

Every

had

heard

any

of

The

Sheikh

in the

the

often,and
could

crew

had

been

empire had

Ibrahim

Pasha,

Nasr

collapseof
retired

Mecca,
the

to

thither, Mehemet

scrutiny.

with

fanatics

his fortress with

recalled

Who
Abou
Zohrab

names.

correction.
taken

broken

less

the

shrines

him

the

and
tigerish,
After

Sheikh
of

the

Abou

'1

spoilsof

plundered by

preparing to
for

part

up

less shrewd.

was

'1

particularswhich

his share

hundred

Ibrahim
Ali

Sheikh

have

been

lies

more.

youth, and

would

great movement,

When

no

furnish, subject to

that

fortress-palace

Suf.

those

asked

Arnaout, been

and

from

the

in

sketch

Victory),which

of

the

Medina,

Wahabis.

the

the

and

Wahabi

had

which

delight substantial

asked

he

which
grand struggles

Turkish

the

Husn

The

world.

bear

Reis

hand, the

is familiar

Arab

them

would

the desert

El

of

heard

was

succeedingmonths

for many

(Father

across

this fact in

not

the

matter

representedEl Husn,
'1 Nasr

Abou

it

callingat Suf, recognisedthe

Bedouin,

news.

in

reported with

Reis

the

length

port,

the

with

suggestion that

no

Arabian

visited ; but

course,

but

magic;

small

castle,

reward.

moderate

very

communication

of
interested,

were

seldom

Bedouins

desert

"which

Suf,

from

the

of

drawing

offered

notes, and

exhaustive

with

mirage, made

the

them

shown

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

graver

follow
work.

ROMANCE

THE

Abou

'1 Nasr

giving himself

was

proficientbeyond

wisdom.

God.

of

Remove
when

He

his
had

coffee,and

be

doing what
the

none

he

dared

quarrelwith

not

This

detailed

excitement.
the
visiting

of
"

His

and

Ferideh.

service.

Whilst

to

action, a

resolve

superiorsinvited
Egypt,

and

and

month
new

to

him

to

and

arrange

clerk arrived

by

were

creed

the

would

D2

no

as

bar

himself

up

His

events.

Service

of

acceptance that they

That

steamer,

be

day, giving

same

were

tolerant

as

Telegraph

of

sure

intense

for freedom

working

was

join

his affairs.

the

apostacy,

to

sword

by
precipitated

the

and

nightlydream

his
offering

so

successor

Zohrab

stirred

patriotchief

was

generally

great ally.

Zohrab

they made

despatchedhis

the

their

for

drinking

resentinghis

daily thought

to

here !

always,

and

that

declared,his
reluctantly

rumour

and

him

of

If the

!"

Arabs

information

Sheikh

oracle

an

Fight

"

smoking

in their hearts

though

as

pleased. The

worse

Wahabis,

supreme

followed, advantage ensued.

Wahabi,

said,

quiet there

was

to

Wahabis

the

him

'1 Nasr

Keep

he

devotion
patriotic

consulted

Abou

command

ceased

thought

people

man

When

men.

plans,

which

beyond counting, and

Sheikh

that

his

magic, in

of

ready, with

treasure

The

study

all

was

Arab

All

the

to

heart, he

unaffected,with

35

MIRAGE.

quiet awhile, maturing

rested

and

recovered

OF

the

decided

Zohrab

him.

When

supply-shipchanced

36

ON

be in port.

to

youth, his

Disguisedas
drew

Its

return

and

pony,

BORDERLAND.

THE

his

little notice.

Suf

Arab
is

for

of

Turkish

number

of

drawn

thither

Medhafe,
after

black

all

washed

to

have

fallen

this

return

bustlingin, and

came

boarded

assumed

air of

an

Medhafe.

stranger

\?as

When
Effendi

an

anxiously

impending
grave

had

to

the

to

windowless,

Coffee
that

is

coffee-house

little den.

in cups

be,

to

way

the

smoke.

Zohrab

months.

old officer

the

became

and

good

pensed
dis-

was

had

been

not

into

English

native

habits

him.

should

Zohrab

horrid

negro,

far,at least,that

sickened

he

was

dirt

one-eyed

for
so

An

with

over

by

ways

It

frugalmeal.

his

visited

and

his pony,

put up

found

He

pany
com-

seemed

Zohrab

as

business.

on

station

central

garrisons it, and

soldiers

people, such

attenuated

lighthouses. A

and

feeding telegraph posts

by fishing

live
most

it is

But

science.

recognisedby

place,inhabited

the

also grow

class he

lower

Bedouin, who

petty piracy. They

crops

the

of

miserable

by people callingthemselves
and

Suf.

carpet-bag to

well-to-do

romantic

this

carried

voyage

and

But

secret

vessel, but

the

dignity,and

Captain

in

Government

purposes

let
he

"

awkward
it be
was

he

papers;

asleep.

was

accompanied

the

deferential

Zohrab

demanded

read

that

employ

him
this
he

investigations

understood
instructed

that for
to

visit El

38

ON

the

earth

The

The

first stage

Nevertheless
shadow
his

horse

the

dawn

with

his

pause,

even

if

Um

dismounted,

his

to

rush

is

The

of

as

from

and

the

el Jemal
dawn

the
was

sharp,metallic

broke

it whilst

presseddown
rolled

that
the world

their

seemed

the

crests

flat.

horizon, at whose

vegetationwas

through

its

like

all burnt

either

comes

had

blended
No

into

landmarks

feet the
and

the

but

never

plovers.

strong fliers.
his

way,

higher

The

smoothly
one

the

signalsof

of zikzak

liquidheat.
so

hills
sandtonous
mono-

another, and
the

crags

mirage glistened.

sapless,
showing

spiky,brittle twigs.

No

of sand-

higher and

side

air.

in

up

resumed

climbed

sun

him
on

he

night is

makes

for those

even

last,and

at

on

away

barren

too

cry

the

solemn

darkness

Zohrab

arms.

feet.

mighty wind,

that

souorous,

which

still

forgotten the rustlingmurmur

and

geese

Not

waiting

That

hand.

taking their earlyflightin thousands;

followed

the

Then

start

dangerous.

not

mysterious,high
a

gate.

noiseless
shuffling,

threatens.

for

stirs.

had

or

The

and

sometimes

pass the

the traveller's own,

and

by

away

desert is terrible.

his

in

danger

no

watcher

known

wild

in the

clang, ringing

lonely

easy

Zohrab

bridle

breath

sudden

grouse

sank

sounds, soft

They gather
no

and

moon

busy with

stole

long, but

was

tramples wearily with

the

he
let him

landscape,save

When

but

Then

soldiers,
warned,

be alone

to

in

fleas.

the

among

moonlight.

BORDERLAND.

THE

colour

the
there

on

The
sand

but

ROMANCE

THE

and

greys
a

bone

gleamed white,
with

regardedit
It

was

reached

dug

had

been

commemorated

here

passed that

had

overthrown

and,

their benefactor's

modest

Zohrab

meal, he lay upon

chills

The

second

the

him

roused

stage

his

beside

sand

glowing

and

suddenly,

he

thought

reached

early, drank,

Wakened

in

horse, he
In

the

saw

the

The

well

desert

camp

camel

followed

they

in

beside

the

thought out
advanced
not

but

eat,

with

reply.

He

at

lost

into

the

after

the

off

set

again.

with

his

worse

He

way.

and

ate,

down.

lay

shrill

neigh of

Zohrab

him,

his

attending
two

Zohrab.

The

All

no

horses

quietly

men

vanished,

moon

fire torches

eyed

Wahabi

for

their

to

like

situation,rose
salaams.

dispersed to

armed

smouldering

tried

and

lay still.

Bedouins,

not

were

After

circle round

the

He

did

them.

for

approaching.

looked

They

themselves

sleep,and
but

up,

to

they

the

sleep. Evening

to

hide, and

cannot

duties.

down

sat

stationed

lit.

little cavalcade

strangers drew

their

but

moonlight by

one

Then,

had

alarms, for Zohrab

the

shrine

safelytraversed,but

was

Wely

after drinking,

plunged

horse.

muddy,

by

way,

monument.
superstitious

evil-smellingpond

restored

or

this

of

the termination

who

the Wahabis

again

thrill.
prescient

soul

puddle

and

now

high-strungnerves

pious

blessed

Zohrab's

he

The

had

and

when

noon

stage.

but

39

MIRAGE.

dusty yellows; but

and

browns

OF

him

man

were

from

gravely,

signal,which

40

ON

instant

gained
chief

recognition.

Sal

"

this chief, and

beside

sat

much

less eager

the

little to

their meal

proceeded,a frugalrepast of

the Wahabis

listened

all

with

rose

also.

rose

Zohrab

In

thrown
The

earth,and

did

not

own

and

the story should

formed

of
of

his hands

his

end

forehead, and

so

this

As

on.

nobody

morning they started,Zohrab

Indeed

has

on

cause

character.

contained

seems

be
That

stood, folded

Arabs

incredible,but

with

him

the heat
To

midst.

at

not

themselves, and
the

should
the

influence
be

silent

Wahabis

his

closely,

or
briefly

among

allegedof

not

was

ground

in the

their

refused,

hero

watched

replied very

they scarcelyspoke

stronger proof could

ing-prayer
morn-

harrowing

suspicion. In

the

Wahabis

tied,

to

have

to

and

the

touched

performance did

questionsthe

went

my

knelt

the

not

of

hour

pointwith
But

He

spread them,

manded.
com-

prisoner,brought the carpet

martyrdom.

martyr's stuff.
and

the

At

early.

at

Allah.

to

strippedand

was

ought, I know,

Zohrab

the end

chief

the

thoughtfullyprovided,and

devotions.

rice,

left there.

the

released

he had

narrative

stir

and

bread

"
spy !

Zohrab

the

and, whilst

thankfulness

that

instant

men

which

Bind

an

upon
camp

"

pat,

was

politeness.At

grave

ejaculationof

low

story

his creed ;

beside

with

of Allah.

name

His

for he had

conceal

the

said

questioningbegan,

is usual.

than

!"

Khayr

courteously,
piouslyavoiding the

Zohrab
but

BORDERLAND.

THE

of
his
all.
no

religion
and

self-

habitually

ROMANCE

THE

Now

and

then, after Lng

earthlywickedness

and

heavenly joys,a

display this phenomenon.

brooding over
warrior

cried

"

At
his

And

Abou

'1 Nasr,

give,but
The

the

tone

the

so

he

had

of his

truth,and
Husn

vision.

the

crags

yellow and
He

When

had

"

No

rose

to

re-appearedon

within

them

that

life,were

the very

So it

were

no

appearedin
El

visible but

mountains

in

the

foot of

plain,but

those

the

it

yellow

lay

barren

his life!

them, the
Arabs
and

party divergedtowards
who

had

vanished.

young

but

stance
sub-

was

horseback, gallopingfrom

them, whirling guns

the

the quarter where

In

away

their feet

which

visit
not

El

with

looked

place,to

after all !

there

some

he

of

view

Zohrab

this

sacrificed his

Two

furious pace

visit

to

would

words

more

declared.

still far from

its crest

heard

death.

thrown

mound.
solitary

brought

and

to

sciously.
uncon-

complaint.

of

cause

keenly scrutinised

bare

half

going

guides alleged,
nothing

completing

it up,

were

no

his heart sickened.

Zohrab

hills.

him

mirage dreams

lay,as

piles of

have

Suppose

probably

seldom

take

If you

you

Wahabis

all his
power.

At

meant

march

next

Husn,

to

you

"

approached the chief,who

icproachesunmoved.

I will conduct

others would

the halt Zohrab

Sheikh

Lah-Ullah

sharply

the formula.

41

MIRAGE.

OF

not

been

lying

on

Presentlythey
the further side.

Wahabis

firing.

rode
All

to

went

meet
on

42

ON

the

together to
Zohrab

in

well, talking eagerly. The

overheard

After

spending the night at

for

straightcourse

when

they reached
it

and

lay in

burnt

the

the

above
The

repeated.

mile

A
became

beyond

continuous.
and

palms

the

further
of

the house

of the

mirage, on

gasped !
and

black
the

and
miles

burnoos

children

perilin
whom

Men

It

away!

playing on

he

lay.

miracle

clothed

was

all in

the

the

the

came

nessed.
wit-

with

and

black

away,

shone

front
the

appeared
mountain.

eye !

gateway

daily
the

harm

In

real

and

the

beheld

Sheikh

Zohrab

could

vouchsafed

white

of

of

was

huts

in

terrace.

What

had

fortifications

handkerchief.

bright

were

interest,

gorge

miles

he had

There

stone

point of

every

the

terrace

stood

rough

valley opened,

trick

no

the windows

and

which

such

was

glowed

with

And
a

abrupt

them

mouth

mosque.

there

mortar,

battlements
hundred

so

defences

several

end,

dome

stone

its

high

such

at

Suddenly

the white

Zohrab

road

at

specks of fields,and

green

At

tents.

and

looked

of

works

legendsof fightthis

two

or

was

deep and

so

sungas,

winding

sun

rode

whilst the crags

cool

entrance,

Wahabis

the elders told

and

almost

hand.

at

was

The

hills.
gorge,

Massive

flanked

vantage

the

remarks

halt,the Wahabis

this

narrow

shadow

above.

piled up,

action

suggested that

that

BORDERLAND.

THE

four
in

There

his

were

forgot the
the

man

to

galloping from

the

tents, and

Wahabis

and

smoking by

Servants
whilst

took

the

seen

he

could

called

him.
at

chains.

eat

in

the gate

Zobrab

saw

last

house-shadow,

the

in

Zohrab

arch, the

roadway

portcullis
hung

Under

the

chiefs in their snowy

further

the

and

stalkyflowers

opened
threw

him

guardroom,

in.
used

meutrieres

Eight or
Their

In

ten

eyes,

Zohrab

door

narrow

The
as

for

few

scarecrows

thickness

dreary place

moments

them

the

of

he

channels

hours
in

on

Turkish

each

the

Wahabis

wall, and

in
did

was

dimly

side

uniform

eagerly,but they

the

sat

entered

prison. Light entered

few

arch

his conductors

But

feverishlybright, shone

addressed
a

in the

robes.

the

portcullis,

irrigation
; beyond it,paintedarcades,where

Wahabi

rusty

on

allowed

wall

either

but

blacks

burly

two

behind
resistance,

courtyard with

eating,

passed after hour,

inside
a

in,

went

time, had

Then

forced.

were

the

sleep.

steps

chiefs,who

Hour

meutrieres

make

the

so, many

rightangleswhere

though

the

lay

nor

few

Several

garrisonto

of

occupied.

neither

wheeled

for

the horses

sleeping;

terrace

the

this hour

el Jemal.

Um

their followers

dreaming, and

the

upon

watchingnow

was

About

the station door.

mirage appeared at

out

came

Suleyman

and

the
hill-side,

the

flat,up

whether

wondered

Sheikh

friends.

Zohrab

As

advanced.
he

the

Across

43

MIRAGE.

their

loudlywelcomed

girlsvanished.

terrace

OF

ROMANCE

THE

of

lay

from

noon.

round.

the

gloom.

not

reply.

passed,and

smiled

44

ON

grimly

they

as

BORDERLAND.

THE

looked

in.

through the archway.

den, though free
After

some

served.

Zohrab

his

"

It

suddenly famished.
prisonhad

bound

others

They

laughed

When

all

It is not

to

the

Zohrab, and

and

The
him

threw

for

each

hear

his

Turks

took

the

strange

night.

Under

had

moved

hopes

should
He

he

An

than

jovial
ness,
dark-

without
which

hunger

not

he

as

into

of

and

rice

and

food

for

done, the

first,
the

Then

"

cries

vants
ser-

entered

corner.

mess

when

mine

again.

answer

negroes

painfulfor

nor

slab

last.

the

curses.

unbound

slaves

Arab

an

ordinarycircumstances

here.
mean

could

not

endless

was

the

prisoner saving

But

That
fate

time

Zohrab's

to

fast

he

will

fervid

day

sleep

tion
imagina-

the realisation of his wildest

like

this

hideous,monstrous.

was

sleep. Standing by

implored each passer-byto

that.

food

lightaway.

through longerabstinence.
was

grew

live

to

would

black

torches.

bread

learn

Turks

brought in food, a tiny

of unleavened

afternoon.

the threat of starvation

at

been

long

Zohrab, and

fetid

fat and

been

rather

But

The

with

early

bitterlyfrom

here

enter

suffered.

arrived

had

who

excitement

was

it

went

the

over

when
fellow-prisoners

days,answered
who

crept

called

and

came

impotent storming, Zohrab

asked

other

had

The

outside

men

of

Those

eating!

dusk

big-boned Turk,

perhapsin
"

Then

hours

hungry, and

People

tell the

it seemed

Sheikh

before

the

loophole
this and
show

of

46

ON

feeble

heap

it,men

defend

to

with

came

they said,and
he followed

chief, warrior
the

took

them

be held.

The

But

crisis.

fly round,

divan, without

the

started

Sheikh
had

looked

Christian

and

pity,but

"

without

in

hear.

of

he felt

will

of

themselves, and

this

The
He

personage."

appear,
re-

would

not

revolt,Zohrab
shoes.

told

act

stranger
smiled

asked

tone

this

thoughts for

surprise. That

change

smiled,

kicking off' his

even

to

He

shapes. They

new

vigorous

!/

first effort

Frightened, awestruck, by

he

than

inch.

his

transform

in

but

same

Quietly

old but

an

Sit down

collect
the

on

him.

"

told the slaves to go.

and
lips,

son

my

sat

every

his

trying to

escape,

on

statesman

you,

was

the

fell

and

to

Zohrab
supreme

where

room,

you!

summons

calmed

near

courtyard,through dusky

moonlit

from
narguilleh

Health

"

the

inner

That

out.

midnight,or

Sheikh

The

led him

an

At

themselves.

lights.

across

alcoves,to

BORDERLAND.

THE

in

more

was

scornful

whence

Zohrab

came.

The

Arab

youth began

his

falsified.

described

had

He

reached

stage his attention

of

him

began

to

Jemal,

with

superior.

tell of
a

at

wandered.

home, of his mother

the

minute

slightlyand

story, very

and

how

Beyrout.

sisters

fame
But

found

He

mirage,
but

the

"

and

of the great
in

this

himself

pulledup

of

early

talking

confused

described

flightysketch

cently
inno-

his

Um

"

el

English

ROMANCE

THE

The

Sheikh

observed,
soul have

He

"

"

and

fightthe

me,

and

flame

I could

and

dying !

am

"

told you

The

Reis

house

and

and

him

Sheikh

of

me

Abou

lord !

my

Oh

passionately

I will go

Sheikh, they starve

!

get word

with

you

millstone

with

lightningin

'1

My

blood

is

it !

the way

hither ?

"

store-boat.

our

image,

the Wahabis

and

him

showed

who

your
and

came,

"

"You

showed

him

is Ferideh

?"

Who

Your

what

of

your

Ferideh

"

his

may

"

"

Who

"

"

head

my

father

Zohrab

!"

told

father

with

not

He

pleasantly.

your

Turks

the

is my

Turk

listened

mention

people

said,He

47

MIRAGE.

!"

by

When

and

not

peace

killed

was

do

found

shouted.

Nasr,

smoked

You

"

OF

?"

daughter!

Oh, pardon me

He

say!"

the Sheikh, astonished.

began

threw

himself

along

don't

know

the

divan,

hysterically
sobbing.
The

Sheikh

his hands

ordered

and

his garments

in

this semi-Frank
small

cake,

him

watched

the

bread
Oriental

since
and

chief commanded,

and

wine.

he

for

He

more.

swallowed

gulp.
"

Now

finish your

tale,my

son

Zohrab
not

manner,

childhood.

looked

and

then clapped
thoughtfully,

!"

kissed

by
practised
devoured

"

the

Drink
measure

the

"

in

the
one

48

ON

head

"

My

"

You

is

certain

the

in

I do
are

you

reach

invoked
"

they ?

are

Beyrout,

You

Porte.

What

me.

of

Christian

the

of

!"

remember

not

misunderstood, Sheikh,

You

Powers?

"

me

service

to

powers

BORDERLAND.

whirling!

told

have

employed

THE

I talked

or

foolishness."

Nay,

"

and

making
The

thought

struck

with

signs,he

youth

the

several essays,
What

"

your

I do

swear

Sheikh

commanded

the

through

gleamed at
the

Throw

"

and

of

me,

the
He

brass

resounded,

and

Turk
in

and

the

the

cliff!"

over

dragged out, yellingdefiance

archway

the

to

the

moonlit

negroes

was

and

the

the

powered
over-

entreaties,

platform. Lights

window, heads appeared far above.

heard

but

refer to, Sheikh."

you

instant Zohrab

an

son,

therefore ! "

what

brink, Zohrab

very

as

in bewilderment.

not, my

know

this
;

paused

is I know

Instruct

not

sharp clang

appeared.

alarm

giving way.

was

Sheikh

power

it is inferior to mine.
"

mind

unknown

an

of

deeper thrill

felt a

that his

him

in

spoke

dilated,panting.

eyes

After

looking fixedlyat Zohrab,

Then

strange

tongue.

sat

!"

son

my

Sheikh:

Upon

"Tell

the

truth ! "
"

the

By

God

both

we

worship, I

have

told

the

truth!"
"One
Throw

"

lift him

his feet

over.

on

the
Well

parapet!
?

"

Two

"

his

feet!

ROMANCE

THE

Zohrab

But
with

did

reply.He

not

Father

voice

from

father !

"

lay on

thousand

in

girl's

lovelyface

lined
out-

sleep." And

to

room

trembling in great shivers,

and
meat

and
slept,

dreadful

saw

cried

wine

his

dreams

deaths.

him.

It

first were

of

beside

and

Towards

at

he

morning

fell

heavy slumber.
Sheikh

The

beside

sat

him

Zohrab
perplexity

moment's
a

he

before

"
eyes !

our

window.

him

dazed

carpet, with

long

into

at

! Put

back

Zohrab,
presently

Heaven

looking to

was

Zohrab

And

above.

Lift him

before

not

in the moonbeams

was

49

MIRAGE.

prayers.

"

"

OF

when

sprang

After

he woke.
his feet

to

ready for

struggle.
I have

"

please,and
"

You

"

I know
and

me

taken

up

Zohrab's

spoke the

that and

house

In the sudden
to

lipswhy

mirage.

his

dwellingcould

The

marvels

you

he

how

his

spiedon

his defences?

Zohrab

powers

had

refrained,and

hundreds

cleared

not

told about
uneasy.

of miles

reassured him

Now, Sheikh,

"

saw

you

a questionrose
spirits

but
interested,

was

be

"

explain
"

the occult
But

"

rnagic?

not

was

chief

he said in conclusion:
infidel ?

But

of
brightness

the

not

truth?

more.

if it

this mystery also.

why

tell what

Now

I believe ! "

know

my

counsel.

If

away,

and
partly,

will you

enlist

an

50

THE

ON

BORDERLAND.

If I enlist the Wahabi

"

I refuse

Christian

those who

would

to

charge,for

The

of

other

poets,

the

Beyrout

of

his

creeds

was

no

capable

Fifty of

day

There
and

took

of

bearing

them

in

as

to

the

Turk;

for their

ranks, and

to

but

They

loose

the

the

Drill
men,

the
knew

keep it; they

notes

prophets of

all

beyond

them."

garrison.

dweller

at

dently
evi-

summarised

sway

retainer

these

though

devils

are

admiration

warfare.

would

the

of

intervals.

at

Ackbar.

be

may

just can

served

rotation

fight,performed

and

dozen

command

was

arms

graphies
autobio-

emperors,

one;

honorary charge. Every

the Arab

the

'

Zohrab

for review

necessary

but

wise

man

mustered

of

God

no

the

translator,had

In

Sheikh.

servants.

the

counting,but
Next

is

his

are

Moghul

expression,which

its

There

briefly:

characteristic:

and

orthodox

an

the

quiet

unintelligible
necromancy,

these

by

impressed
found

of

but

great descendants, Babar

timidly rendered

Zohrab

small,

Zenghis Khan,

philosophy of

Lie

time.

my

your

books."

you

works

campaigns

The

absorbs

selves
them-

garrisonin

put this

library was

some

of

But

yourself

Call

passion.

can

"

lower

must

men

and

business

Sheikh's

some

by

prejudice

good end, how

answered, smiling.

served

I will send

to-day.

he

dog?"
be

serve

Aghile Agha

tigerfor

in
of

the

the

It

valley
Sheikh.

castle,and
is abhorrent

all
to

mostly veterans

simple
their

would

tactics

place in

advance

or

THE

retire

ROMANCE

the

they got

as

Mechanical

word, obedient

movements

51

MIRAGE.

OF

though

pact.
com-

requiredin

not

are

not

the

desert.
For

awhile

the

armed

thickly. Every day

more

terrace

Wahabi

"

within.

counsel

they used
voices and

floor,that

the

his

His

of death
for

individual

an

and

if

that,if he

could

climb

to

awhile

day, then

two

desert

mound

they

drew

not

"

neat

Full

and

girlswhose

it

the

not

was

He

him.

speak.to

tainty
cer-

listened

his

heart,

Zohrab

see

him

less
was

frequent.

One

remembered

so

morning

he

ponderingand reckoningas
won

of honours

the
and
E2

name

renown

For

from
signalled

the

which

sought the
usual.

of the Victorious
you

painfully.

discussingthis change,from

men

at any

soldierlike.

cavalcade

days,no

My father,you

youth.

merry

playground. Zohrab

should

the visits became

was

heard

little

Ferideh, she could

see

conclusions.

Sheikh, who

knew

it. Remembering
thought to recognise

which

the

heard

He

Zohrab

windows, high above

checked

that

that side.

on

he

of

and

up,

caught that

time, he kept himself

After

wail

the harem

on

voice

he

sometimes

the

apartment had

looked

sorelytempted

was

and
airing,

sometimes

room

the

doubtless

out

came

for

space

and
scoldings,

boxed.

are

ears

In

it.

never

upon

their chiefs took

whilst

"

arrived

encamped

men

this invasion

to

household

another

had

They

other

or

Owing

of the

women

mysteriousvisitors

and

messengers

may

rest

in
at

52

ON

THE

ease,

directingthose

Give

me

the

BORDERLAND.

who

untried

But

fight.
in

warriors

young!

are

we

let

tents, and

your

go."

us

"

Take

have

opportunityto

an

Turks

reinforced

are

death, my
"

Do

Yes

the Turks
have

they

When

"

You

has

that

may

for

the

to

the

place

given

me

many

if

the

Why

do

as

"

fire I have

The

is in God's

certainlybe

?"
despair

know.

The

more

than

out

raised

peace."

would

cause

you

result

of

years

hold

the

out

put
Husn.

should

We

force ?

Aghile Agha.
intelligence,

despair,but

not

revealed.

Hold

El

speak

I do

day.

on

defeated, Sheikh!
"

yourselvesmen,

shrewd

they have

He

prove

projecta landingin

will march

hand.

to

You

Suf.

on

!"

son

"You

march

hundred, and

two

time
a

year

is

not

in the

South."
"

Then

field.Sheikh,"
"

No;

"

stone

There

son,

which
are

if you

ever

took

the

with

the

them,

Wahabis

they

nor

if you

But

from

with

me."

that

know,

distance,

with

such

victoryis impossible,why employ them,

I ask

My

for

Zohrab, timidly.

understand.

Sheikh?

out

command
serve

instruments

"

said

can

I cannot

but

hold

should

we

the foolish

the
he

mason

will

old guns

cut

questionof

takes

and

buried

rough

fashion
in

your

with

tool

wisdom."
to

splitthe

tempered

steel.

Suf; the peoplewill shew

54

have

broken
to

now,

In

the

secure

the

doors

carried

by

at

every

rush

of

he

wildly as

shade.

the

but
"

Oh

Oh,

"

dropped

older
"

"

when

and

for

But

it

was

not

fancied

your

of all ! "
be

must

the

scarf

gold

Her

loose

more

"

and
hair.

slipper has

others!

They

are

"

Oh, Sheikh,

me.

"

!"

the

Regard
!

coins in her

of

lovelyfoot

beautiful

more

the instant.

loveliest

laughing.

over

Ferideh?

Not

you

fallen

What

off.

the snood

in

in

tered,
bitterlymut-

You

"

languid

on

there

the

on

is the loveliest of all ?

She

mocking.

are

has

"That,

Sheikh

and

Younger

sat

is she"the

Which

parent.

you

she

That

Zohrab's

game.

humour

good

grated

seated

women

the

laughed softly.

trousers, with

blue
See

!"

son

if the

Sheikh

the

some

Effendi, is Ferideh

Sheikh

explicitto

at

in

were

ages

three

his

father.

yes,

The

one

recovered

he

Zohrab

Now,
"

Not

"

sages
pas-

valueless

close.

place behind

about, and

toddled

stone

but

out

came

sounded

ground, vociferouslyplaying
children

bare

Bedouins,

different

girls of

Five

looked.

love."

they

turning,useful

They

took

foolish

but

time,

through

girlishvoices

where

beat

those

way

disciplinedfoe.

chamber,
heart

led

massive

were

against

happinessof

he

speaking

walls

the

law, suited perhaps to

with

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

our

Ferideh

souls

who

yourselfalready dead

are

one

!"

called that
!"

night

THE

"

She

""No!
be

there

not

was

will not

you

ROMANCE

break

her

let

Sheikh
t(

little Zireh

My

betrothed

laughed

troubles

Oh,

how

see

is

absent

will

in the

me

not

wars.

would

choose

his

now

old

is

echoed.
re-

awake,

are

you

child

walls

when

yours

return/'

you

Will

father!

my

is

the

comfort;

past, and

are

that

loud

so

impossibleit

Take

Aghile Agha.

"

best.

if I could."

The

these

Oh, father,

!"

displeased. Believe

are

another

asleep!

go."

us

You

"

55

MIRAGE.

was

word

it is

Perhaps

she

or

your

impatient whilst

Then

OF

tell

you

her

she is destined

forme?"
"

No

for Zireh

is young,

tell his

can

no

man

are

flying.

But

too

fate

own

shall

you

trouble; and

another's

or

her

see

for

young

when
the

again

balls

day

you

are

so

kind

list

to

me."

leave."
"

to

When

men.

"

Choose

All

was

the

terrace

the

arm

first.
of

last

and

days.

parade, the
to

little figuresprang

Is this proper

"

three

led the way

hair, to throw
"

in

Sheikh, who

you,

companions

ready
after

to

shall I go

your

and
A

kind

will be

Allah

itself into
conduct

bring
As

Zohrab

his

stood

Sheikh

chamber
from

the

took

which

upon

him

he

by

entered

the divan, in

whirl

arms.

in the presence

of

stranger,

56

ON

"

wild

you

gazelle?

and

Pouting
covered

her

were

not

lean

and

said

the

"Put

chief, laughing.

that

the

on

fire that
looked
"

she

Zireh
of her

Three

her

discontentedly,
such

eager

angrily,and

raised it

and

gaze,

hips.

adjusted,with

was

expressionhad

man's

the

and

days
You

safety of

whose

upon

all may

us

under

ago

depend.

will

thick

with

the door

At

stranger.

touch

his eye

lashes,caught

out.

the

you
I

the

to

her

know,"
to

withdrew,

she

as

bow

hastilywent

dearer

Aghile Agha,

is

puzzled

up

I know"

secretly.

veil

the

upon

on

child."

us,

forehead

hostage

the

scarf

of

slender

the

silk, crossed

thinnest

by

and

dark

the facet

on

mouth

features,

the
so

as

girl

young

father, bewildered.

looked

again, and
"

the young

discretion

glanced

them

petulant childhood,

youth, Zireh,

leave

of

robe

when

dropped

and

courage

in

eyes

pink purple

him

of

her

to

This

Now

the

at

but

the

sharp,

not

Zireh

abashed,

again

saw

lightsparkled in

boldness

askance

Zohrab

tightlyswathed

looked

much

not

proprietiesbecoming

but

outlined

bosom,

Zireh

; the

diamond,

figuretoo,
the

face

clear

black

but

blushing,

yet familiar.

shadowed

she

BORDERLAND.

veil."

your

THE

than

dismissed
hear

ejaculated, I

Sheikh

from

"

life!
my

them

Now

to

Turkish
on

your

hold

business.

prisoners
road,

ROMANCE

THE

doubt

57

MIRAGE.

delivered

Suf

into

help them

liras and

five hundred

hands, give them

your

have

swine

the

When

not.

OF

get away."

to

Had

I dared

record

been

that
to

his

towards
characters

had

kindliness.

Arab

He

said,

of

Turks

Have

"

had

behaved

But

perhaps.

ways

the

given

have

would

personal foe

Arab, with

are

to

So
fellow-prisoners.

Christian

bitterest

Zohrab

error.

virtue

my
of

as

of

thought

no

they strength to

reach

"

Suf ?
u

or

gaining favour

after

act

the release of these

procure

Englishman

an

first

Zohrab's

liked

have

should

truth

violate

to

Oh,

I have

camels, and

fed

Turks

them

can

till

they

are

lustyas

young

the devil's

always find strengthfor

work."
Zohrab
received

started
a

communication.

the

commandant

day

the Arabs

and

carried

the

his

they found

gate which

The

town.

alarm

Before

post.

soldiers

Turkish

died; the superiorofficers surrendered, took

of their
Then
old

Zohrab

began

Fortunately,the
their vessels

Turks

were

only threw

passing. Zohrab

had

with

his work

fortifications,
building

and

he

greed,

dawn

next

unlocked,

fought and
the wages

in the afternoon.

embarked

treachery,and

halt

second

Yielding to

betrayed
crept to

the

At

day.

next

new,

and

zeal,repairingthe

mounting

occupied down
dozen

thousand

shells into
cares

and

guns.

south, and
the

placein

but
projects,

58

THE

BORDERLAND.

execute

his

ON

few hands

very

to

quickly,month
from

El

after

Husn,

followed

and

its usual

the cultivated

by

Turkish

garrisons,
swept
the

mastered

concentrated, yielding whole

Then

the

desert

reaction

tired, and

Wahabis,

them

face

by

district

small

so

to

be

his
was

with

their

the

the

long as

Then,

war.

agents

The

enemy
rush.

the

people of

The

plunder.

persecutedthe

orthodox.

force

no

remained

the

twelve
will

finished,nor

not

Sheikh

district

After

country.

ceased

lasts,it had
were

to

made

off,but

cut

dominion

if the

the

overthrew

strugglewas

well-advised

the peril of
spirits,

familiar

his

or

edge

mosques,

partieswere

Turkish

of

the

Desperate forays were

they regained

months, though
be

wilder

move,

face.

to

in their rear, and

to

oases.

The

priests,and
began

rebellion

provinces to

unrestrained, sacked

the Turks

oppose

off

made

shrines,murdered
When

in.

set

constantly

The

sea.

by

went

Arabs, mustering silently,

The

land, and

arrived

News
came

course.

small

overpowered

month.

rumours

Time

schemes.

El

by

Husn

nigh.
In his letters Zohrab

matter

nearest

liberal in his
mention
Turks

were

his

girl.

One

was

not

have

the

thought

army

Afre,
that

as

to

it

the

of

shocking

arrived.

reduce

they gave

hint

Sheikh, though

day pressingnews

an
collecting

assured

breathed

And

heart.

ideas,might

stronghold of Wady
'1 Nasr

had

out.

the

to

The

Wahabi

But

Abou

they purposed attackinghim.

ROMANCE

THE.

On

advance

an

land

by

had

He

counted.

had

nobody

O9

MIRAGE.

OF

behind
strong hopes of resistingsuccessfully

his

barrier,but

his harem

and

as

valuables
them

the

it

the ladies
and

tears

did

look

not

amongst

the

any

him

route

None
and

Turks
The

his

He

But

follow

had
for

retainers

getting into

generous

enthusiasm,

relieved

that he

but

the

the Sheikh

not

they

might

refusal
wrote

conquer

merest

to

his

priety
pro-

her, had

alarming.

wells

stood

back

the

motion.
Zohrab

die

by

failed.

had

by

the

upon

driven

diversion

peremptory.

was

see

reported almost

been

or

the

was

once

with

destroy the

to

schemes

did

Sheikh

were

enemy

exile it

roof,and the

The

sent

but his immediate

the

ters
quar-

still swollen

eyes,

though calmly told,was

must

all else in

time

hand.

party he had

Bedouins.

his

up

communication

seek

to

his news,

the

gave

Zohrab's

of

this event.

to

come

daily,and
The

months

sleepingunder

means

to

him.

followed

forbade

men

veterans

alarm, he recognised Zireh's.

at

girlnow

dren,
chil-

The

few

their dark

wards
after-

and

women

mended
com-

days

property.

Zohrab

family.

Of all the weary

longestthat

of

returned,leaving

their master's

to

with

camel-loads

many

of

score

chief

Two

his friend.

arrived,a

guarded

guard

and

sent

old

the

Solemnly

Allah

to

caravan

with
who

Suf.

to

precautionhe

of

measure

desert

Sheikh,

Forgetting
begged
with
At

head-wife, Zireh's

to

be

his benefactor,
the

same

mother.

60

ON

She

the

to

came

put into

to

enjoined

upon

and

his

should
You

here in
the

Sheikh

did

with

which

for female

baggage,
At

had
was

week

two

been

thore

commanded
if

The

Then

passengers.
in

of

charge

forced.
into

the

take

to

by

Whilst

But

to

valley.

ship

miracle

them

he wrote,

the

at

the
and

the merciful

the

supplied
store-ship,

treasure

and

brief

Turkish
was

God.

all

and

waited.
letter.
passes
column

solemnly

sail for

escaped,he

them

his

equipped it

and

Sheikh

he bade

with

Zohrab

once

obey.

made

reported,the

Sheikh

days' fight,the

the

despatched

had

the

he loaded

in

that

Zohrab

Jemal,

rode

So

demoralized, and

trusty veterans,

horsemen

two

Scouts

Sheikh

el

"

she would

chartered

He

life !

sobs

sake

silence.

worst.

funds.

rejoinhis family.
commended

with

desertions.

were

keeps

read all the letters

owned

was

family.

strugglingfor

garrison became

for the

pouring

where,

she

there

ample

length

After

is

band,
hus-

Zireh's

as

stranger who

"

self,
him-

did

she

of the

Zohrab

longersuppliedUm

no

he,

Sheikh

The

as

head

on.

length

The

arrangements
him

the

lord

my

Zohrab

He

read.

not

heart.

; for

You

went

return.

night

every

son

and

son

weeping, and

and

could

wise ; for the children's

whole

not

our

at

was

For

her

recognisedas

dame

and

she

obey

to

as

safetywhilst

her,

to

him

be

fieryold

letter

his wife

be

to

the

and brow,
lips,

love

to

BORDERLAND.

lieutenant,veiled

his hand

pressed it

"

THE

Aden,
would

good-bye,and

62

which
than

commands

and

die

There

shore.

dozen

of the

of

body

The

and

Zohrab

gained the ship,which

He

Zireh

There
before her

the

riot, but

Zireh's eyes

had

of life in this world

himself

and

Christian.

experience
Christians

his

of

The

not

So

soon

Zireh
religion,

long time

she

to

their

was

professed herself

their

ardour.

Zohrab

When
ideas

girl that

the

Sheikh

the
and

content;

Christian

of

outcasts

that

her

confessed

painful;for

not

miserable

quite

some
hand-

liked to raise

shown

and

elementary

some

had

ways

ladies

mission

have

would

he assured

as

umphant.
tri-

back.

way

comforted

treasure

was
surprise

unclean

to

and

doing.

that to come,

English

are

humanity.
knew

opened

his

of

was

police damped
been

returned

sail for Aden.

what

They

their souls.

bodies, not

half-a-

now

fought

Sheikh's

the

on

knew

to

ran

desperate.With

placed in charge

was

bodyguard

draft

set

with

armed

brief and

strugglewas

carried

they

four, and

townsmen,

survivingcomrade,

one

took

stronger

Zohrab

waiting,

was

Zohrab

guard.

the whole

meet

boat

be

must

fieryblood.

in the Arab's

is found

the

refuse

to

back, lifted her through a window,

her

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

bad

"

in

nc

one.

but gentle,compassionate,
fear,regarded dogmatically,

and

pure.

They
came

remained

twelve

of the Sheikh

passed^ Zohrab

or

spoke

months

his
of

at

family.

Aden

When

marriage,and

; but

no

that date

he met

no

news

was

pleafor

that

delay

not

The

amid

military
event

of

India,

and

Service

of

with

universal

bride

display

the

and

was

from

as

the

their

is

Nizam,

where

to

avoid.

maiden

such

highest

quarters,

he

garrison

the

they
the

in

and

it

afterwards

finds

speak

attentions

made

high

now

to

the

in

interest,

have

if, by

left

were

performed

week

lives.

Zohrab

many

she

alone

would

Arab

an

this,

as

ceremony

such

pretty

to

occur

63

MIRAGE.

OF

chance

herself.

the

talk

would

unheard-of

church,

for

ROMANCE

"

such

for

THE

few

to

such

piest
hapsailed

Telegraph
Arabs

to

64

LYING

This

description of

path

was

News

in

Your

quality

furnished

to

explanation

of

drawing

is

feline attitude
below

the

and

that, if

the

waving

at

the

tail

the

Illustrated

ambush

Sporting

made

artist has

observed

one

reference

an

accurate?
one

learned

the
I

head

who
how

has

not

raise

the

as

ment
excite-

teeth, the

should

we

but

right

the

I feel

beautiful.

it

see

of

course,

there

are

avail

to

belly.

the
had

tions,
excep-

himself.

forward

Are

sure

gently

So much

diffidently
put

has

they quite

objection,nevertheless, for

tried to draw
unfaithful

with

lamps, the hind-quarters

Pliny'sday ;

which

study of

down-pressed

colour, mangy.

artist has

rarer

"

careful

general rule,

stripesupon

do

as

true

of

Dramatic

and

the front

over

hidden,

As

in

even

criticism
to

clear

not

jungle-

engaving.

spring,are

were

on

and
admirably spirited,

and

tip.

of which

has

in

expression. The

is old, faded

man-eater

every

crouched

jowl, rigidlycurled

gathered for

The

an

The

shininground

been

The

WAIT.

strainingshoulders, the lips pendent

at

eyes

"

Man-eater

"

correct.

"

IN

tiger

is memory

idea to recall its gracefulmarking.

without

or

model

preconceived

LYING

**

No

One

less

happy

would

not

what

pronounce

these

are

runners,

type

path

that

the

burra

hand.

bagh

Not

poor fellow

He

will

push

on

At

crash, and

but

return

Unless

the

same

it befall him

the

on

dak-runner

slavish

his

Nay,
the

those

as

way,

is

and

well assured from

dead

with

fingers,
his lati.

his

bag

more

is

he

terrors,

same

her

which

the

limb

artist has
His
of

peopleof

her

But
go

wife,

tongue

village

of Brahma's

hours

stilldelaysbeyond his time.

F

sordid, harsh

canny

when

your
man

claim their illustrious descent.

compassionfor

husband

with

fate.

probably,despisedby

be

yelling

ground, and

undergoing

dry.

goes,

while

dak-office.

next

soul, is unromantic

they may

demon

the

the

over

to-morrow,

That
represented.

are

and

agape

heart stops,as

his

All

running

sweat

he

as

at

steadilyand

and

moaning

close

trembling,jinglethe rings upon

at
safely

bravingthe

who

tears

falls prone.

he

delivered

poor

the

noise

sudden

Still,
somehow, he gets

"

"

the
again, propitiating

prayers.

will

ideas,but

inarticulate

an

and

cramped

our

him

warns

victim

mouth
pallidface,eyes rolling,

his

makes

now

latelymade

sahib has

before

sees

pole,which

upon

rag

manfully by

honestlyhe
down

white

caste, such

caught. Trottingand
truthfully

is

shuffling
through the jungle,this
his

-runner.

is
nationality

or

of low

man

the dak

of

is the delineation

of
intended, but the expression
as

65

WAIT.

IN

body

there will

by, and

her

Presently,
strangers

66

ON

arrivingin
white

the
of

THE

the dusk

flag"blood

have

darkness

moist

dragged through
that have

but

children

her

tears

her.

them.

they displaytheir feelingsso

the

patel

prints
foot-

marks

widow

bursts

ing
affrightedscream-

will

they

find

holy rites,and

his

kindly people sympathise

with

neighbours smitten

And, meantime,

the

the

those

All

round

the

heavy object

Never

with

to burn

shreds

headlong, are

The

face.

about

swarm

haunt

with

bushes

significance.Then

parent'scorpse

ghost will

corinda

and

deep

trail of

that

evil under

look, whilst

to

those

But

earth,

the

one

and

howling

their

delayed

not

gathered round.

in the

branches

broken

and

signsof

fresh

will report

clothing. They

out

BORDERLAND.

far

his

up

and

curse,

will

caste

as

draws

awful

an

permit.

report for the

Zillah-Collector-Sahib.
"

The

Everybody

knows

dak-runner

snatched

thereon
instant

it

his

the

tigerpaused.
it had

But

the

had

he

him

that

saw

lion's,but

as

Then, with

not.

terrible

harm.

rightpaw,

the

man's

As

he tumbled, another

tigerlay along

hear, he

upon

his

the

claws

pat broke

He

roar,

not

as

an

outstretched
in

the

rings
an

sound
let the
tended
dis-

eyes

grand
A

sprang.

we.

For

that

left with

quick as thought,heavy

the

head

to

the

soil.

heard

hurry by, glancingrightand

postman

do

so

clashed

it upon

wrought

not

and

happened,

staff,and

incessantly,
pounding

before,and

how

axe,
to

like

blow

of

dashed
catch

skull,and

it.

the

prostrate body growling,lashinghis

IN

LYING

tail from
*

side

ai ! ' he

Ai,

darkest

by

in

cried

Presently,when
his prey

No

side.

to

all

had

word

the victim
the

as

agony,

uttered"

death-blow

fell.

quiet,the tigermoved, gripping

was

convenient, and

limb

any

67

WAIT.

shade, whence

the

came

the

and raspingof
rustling

of

noise

bones

with

the

it to
trailing

crunchingand
and

starts

snarls

of fierce alarm.
I

"

saw

once

brought in,

corpse

tiger. It

shuddering,so

hideouslystrange.

out

went

Attended

in the road.

the

body

wretched

that
equalled

The

unmutilated.

and, knotted

risingfrom

hope

nerve

When
"

to

and

hideous

we

rightpaw

with

long

chin

to

make

came

found

to

that

sloped back

examine
the

"

the
curl

In

placeof

I could

effect of that

I, at least,had

tigerhad

carryingaway
outspread,
F2

out

of all laws.

shockingreversal
we

plastered

they stood

the

prise.
sur-

ghastliness.

shoulders !

it

then,

passed behind

understand

reader

since

had its accustomed

than the

forehead

cloth.

Dark

features,but

moustache

natives,

horrified

in unnatural

the crown,

on

beheld

injured.

not

was

lay lower

but the head

"

face

wretch

procession

charpoy, under

man

poor

small

throng of awe-struck

traversed the

lines of blood

not

met

sightshave

dreadful

nothingwhich

ears,

on

This

coveringand started,sick

Many

The

by

carried

was

raised the

but

track the brute.

to

of

recollect with

sightto

knew, killed by

was

that

the

struck

back

not

the

with

his

part of the

68

ON

skull,and

descended
left paw

had

of the

righthand

convention, why

strike

the

given by

the

was

steadied

threw

in

when

the smaller

three

whilst

times

would

that both

use
instinctively

No

the

class of

the

with

the

furnishes

and

think

right side,
and

in

this be

If

much

so

of prey

beasts

placeswhere

If he

man-eater.

of this sort, he

suspectedthat
an

to

animal, twice

downwards
nose.

the left

by

so, it

biting creatures

food for

have

the instinct

meal

wells

tigersas

may

to

be secured

by lonelyvillages,

favoured
are
by jungle-cutters,
particularly

stupid,or decrepidto

than

whilst

the

striking and

regularityand safety. The

the roads used

by

the

on

recorded, the

an

on

two

righthand.

All

the time

observe

leap upon

or

grasp

I incline

object.

know,

think, in

been

neck

as

and

should

head

the

men

dak-runner.

have

the

victim's

of the left paw

seem

the

bite

far

so

right limb,

felines

they

forcing the

pressure

"

back

purelymatter

right paw,

facts

blow
telling
or

the

where

cases

be

man

animals,

the left?

objectwith

of three

that

all

by preference with

return
out

do

by

the

surface.

its upper

on

had

blow

habit,for

is the

sideways,as

not

structure,

The

claws.

the shoulder

torn

use

the

Hindoo

the

fragileis

between

plumb,

If the

of

BORDERLAND.

leaving,so

intervals

jagged

"

THE

alarm

find

lies in wait
the

be

an

after

awhile.

old,

unmolested

for

jinglingof

too

the
the

or

indolent, or

hunting-ground

postman.

It may

lati is rather

Frank

Buckland

be

signal
some-

70

CAPTAIN

WHY

EAWDON

TO

You

If

last

could

that

hour,

in

any

there

is

help
but

way
no

would
for

room

We

give

from

my

you

anybody's

have

may

him

lady sees

appointment is gazetted.

my

least of all mine.

Darner, but

GO

WAE.

THE

know, Clem,

NOT

BID

ference,
inter-

opinionof

our

point of

different

view."
"

You

love

have

with

father.
child.

been

not

the

fellow.

Though

of

She

age,

Lassalle died

I say

attending.

admitted

and

within

widow,
of

is not

much

as

month

Lucy

in

to

my

she

is

the

wedding,

only

know."

you
"

"

no

Leaving
Not

her

no

enough

to

fortune, I understand
be

talking about

use

object with

an

it

under

Arriving only yesterday,I

fortune.
?

start
"

come

to

see

the

"

Darner.

it's

But

present circumstances.
not

heard

good

your

before

governor

you

"

Pll

Peg"

You'll

had

come

to

tiffin to-morrow.

Now

let

us

have

The

two

the club
the

heels,bridle

past touched
vanished

the

Far

Between

highesttip of

Jacko

hung

scalytrunk;

the

like

by
on

and

lamps

and

earth

of

darkness

the

sat

syces

twinkled

below

Ik

lightstreaming

of

rays

pine-bough,there

abyss.

of the bazaar.

The

of

score

of

balcony

below,

terrace

dining-room,a

in hand.

here

in the

small

the

On

of the

the

leaning over

been

Simla.

at

windows

their

had

men

71

RAWDON.

CAPTAIN

sky

jewel,silveringin

the first moonbeams.

The

elder of the

pair,Sir

good-looking.

too

and

eyes,

its

knew

soft

kept

rich,his

have

led

youth

spoony

sacrificed

to

of

some

and
eyelids,

his voice

smile
Indian
out

sunshine

decided
effort of

that
the

charms

Sharp

learned

creased

young

his

lines

the

tones

brow,

Before

good
But

fool.

development

if

from

nate
fasci-

they

more

her

formed

about

meaning.

in

gained

and

burned

the

himself

had

teens

is not

the

colour

he

quite

supreme

youthful partners

dearly handsome,

his
The

of decision.

it

Rawdon

lady in

Creator, his

that, though

him

which,

but
great facility,

of his fair skin.

his

and

Rawdon
captain of artillery,

pretty.

lost its too

if this young

indolence

ot

hair

maidens, prejudice a cruel world

bread-and-butter
too

golden

every

think

almost

was

had, large blue

imagine that

in the process

those

againstmen

natural

smart

he

of which

people to

necessitydrove, and,

Rawdon,

features

it.

been

would

looks

Girlish

moustache,

place and

had

baronet

Arthur

was

mured
mur-

not

72

ON

No

entirelynice.

hair,and

grey

"

as

had

their

gettingold

was

anomalous

man,

Clement

of

functions

he

and

in his thirtieth year,

was

the

to

dissatisfaction

vague

that Sir Arthur

of fact he

attained

they espied a

afterwards

time

long

assurance

matter

BORDERLAND.

explained all

the mutual

by

THE

artillery

an

captain.
The

other

civilian.

young
their

The

his

rely upon

advice

about

young

widowed

the

had

an

just gazettedA.D.C.

to

Euefully the

where,
look

as

of

out

When

if he did

three, to

bath, the

usual

not

say there

Honest
the

found

"

not

He

engagement
the

Fernery,
would

Koda

fled in

for

Mem

all out, and

is

the

for

haste

stable

in
two

message

acceptedwith

dining-roomand

Unlucky day
Koda;

B.C.

100th

sadlyand

water

no

was

was

like

carry

defer their little bills that

"

tiffin at

came

the frontier.
his

mind

to

his bearer

formula

good temper.
of
colleagues

meant

it,of

silentlyunderstood, bright eyes

was

as

had

He

for him.

concern,

generalon
to

give

unanswerable.

excuse

to

called

he

tomed
accus-

now

officer of the

an

latter called

morning.

next

him

comrade, wished

with

cousin

Dawson,

India.

in

pleasant

was

schoolfellows,and

been

entanglement,"as

"

Eawdon, however,
was

had

two

renewed

was
friendship

to

Dawson,

the

to

that

warn

great

days
sahib's
usual
his

theyshould

day.

presentinglittle bills,"says imaginative

sah'b writes

going to

cut

that husband
off her hair ! "

sah'b has

Bents

in Simla

consult

to

It

loose

so

it for two

occupy
stout

nerves,

upon

every

and

and

another,

Eawdon
and

he

As

usage.

little shriek.

picked
I

up

busilyengaged, with
got that

they

all there."

are

looked

up

The

lady had

bottom

the

his head

name

except

two

she

met

of ill-

of

lady

dropped

down,

spot,

sense

he

corner,

down.

to

"

with

and

course,

Eawdon

sign ;

but

said, whilst

stupidly for-

in this dust.
restore

the corner,

rhododendrons,

or

growing

unheard

are

Turning

vanished.

this secluded

done," he

harm

the road, round

amongst

pebble

leaves,the lady standing silent.

much

horse's hoofs

and

seeking a

jumped

the scattered
is not

to

ferns,which

of

Rawdon

there

hope

round

trotted

the Colosseum.

as

path

thither,with

and

basket

carrying a

it firm

above

from

crevice, threw

one

find the

not

hither

into

stick

had

opinions

own

rock

surveyed the

He

declared

and

could

rode

his

in

to

Dawson

Judge

belief

limitless

subject.

below, poked

into

"

But

rock

ventured

had

one

no

past.

seasons

beneath

Annandale,

that

shattered

and

and

drawbacks.

had

length

at

of

bottom

the very

lay at

had

pagoda-tree always aquiver.

the

discovered

pretty house

Dawson

Judge

sons-in-law, tutors,

and

Sons

economy.

school-masters, kept
The

and

monstrous,

are

73

RAWDON.

CAPTAIN

but

the

no

was

precipice,

was

one

turned
there

basket, he

the

over

out

1 think

there !

the ferns,

nothing at

pretty little gloves. He

folded

the

them

74

ON

carefullyand

up

and

prints

of

hoofs
A

sign."

"

had

left its

the

track

path

and

hidden

led him

garden, full

to

of

couple

twisted

of

It's

Clem

Don't

"Like
has

and

curious

conceited

just been

named

Well,

marks,"

Mrs.

very

expects
"

trouble

surprisedat

to

be

I'm

he

saw

narrow

very

Winding

bushes.

and

gloves,

followed

Rawdon
to

came

little

presently

found

bungalow.

An

ill-kept
before

and

scarlet.

wooden

the

about

road

turbans,

They

and
and

rose

out,
to

and

governor

he

Rawdon,"

come,

mater

are

said,
round

I know

Dawson,

question.
and

do

How

will

you

I look?

impertinentyoung

aide-de-camp

to

not
"

gunner

General

Blank

congratulated."

glad

muttered

chair, as

those

that basket."

take

me

the

Among

coats, trencher

of you

The

"

Let

red

bustled

way.

the

for

rocks

orange

awfullygood

leadingthe
here.

long

of

out

speedily discovered

chuprassieslounged
in

be

flowering shrubs, stood

and

roses

will

he

there.

long, low

girdles of

salaamed.

who

he

amongst

portico,brilliant

be

and

precipitousincline,he

which

feet

yards, until

some

"

naked

fun

some

the dust.

in

impressionhere

almost

for marks

get

It

c"

pocket.

little boot, fit match

along

it.

if I don't

"

looked

in his

them

put

hard," he thought,

joke;"

BORDERLAND.

THE

it has

Rawdon,
a

young

not

produced

quietlyputting

any
the

lady approaching.

outward
basket

on

CAPTAIN

What

"

do you

Sir Arthur

and

this

Lucy,

mean

Rawdon,

75

RAWDON.

he is

is my

talkingthe

hero,

pet

ful
delight-

most

nonsense."
I shall

"

campaign, it

on

To

"

laugh it off,but, when

to

try

is

unpleasant to
"

what, Arthur?

see

these

see

asked

is

man

going

things."
judge, who

the grave

approached.
I dare

"

sir.

Dear

I have

seen

ject,
sub-

spirit."

the road
said

me"

Mr.

above

house."

your

who

Dawson, anxiously,
"

is

doctor?"

your

I must

tell the story.

the

missed

having

I rode

As

direct

to

way

I heard

"

My

which

dared

myself

on

my

not

look.

knees

in

before, behind

whether
rustling,
could

not

say

that
and

indeed

all this

the

on

I turned

"

on

the road

passedin

spot where

it rested

"

earthlylimbs

"

were

was

in

or

the

found
soft

air,

stand
Under-

I looked

I traced

at

the

empty

about,

stood

"

if

impress of

say, hoofs !

!
sheep's perhaps a spirit's
"

denly
sud-

me

apparitionhad

delicate little feet,or, I should

they

was

moment.

the

before

There

me,

the

at

"

followed?

dust.

the

"

awfully sweet.

stood

What

path

stopped

horse

form

dazzled.

were

eyes

the

house

alarming, but

not

cry,

along

your

something happened. My

corner

two

friends.

such

curiosityon

your

the club?"

at

No, here, on

"

"

dear

My

"What,

"

trifle with

not

That

Perhaps
is all.

76

ON

When
ridicule

for

tongue about
Mrs.

the basket.

down,

"

"

judge

Let

us

What

looked

whether

to

amused, glancing at

his head

cocked

side, preparing

one

on

which

her dress.

beneath

the Snows

of

view

Sir Arthur.

it,"observed

about

more

no

say

her

bent

Lucy

cross-examination.

charming

his

gravely contemplated a tiny boot

and

thrust from

she

open-eyed, uncertain
Clem

solemn

hold

cannot

man

not

"

stood

The

for

will

you

"

!
experiences

such

console.

to

down

came

tellingyou?

Dawson

laugh or

face

myself I

recovered
me

BORDERLAND.

THE

have

you

here,

Judge."
Every

article of faith that

a

focus

proper

of their
and

this

why

Lucy

Not

was

watched

from

air

to

speak.

Sir Arthur

would

not

laugh

the
and

the

at

The

in

and

speciality

explaininghow
that
of

corner

search

looked

his eye.

with

Rawdon

caught

his

moved

Mrs.

resolutely
tiffin,
his arm,

Dawson

her, since Rawdon,

that

saw

of

glance.

opportunity passed,and

regret it; for she

He

the ferns.

among

at

she

of everyone

kitmutgar announced

promptly offered

talking volubly.
perhaps did

course,

But

make

were

hesitation,and

her, of

decided

forward

of

they

superiorto

prospect

an

as

alone, gets the Snows

the elders

Whilst

it

this side holds

end

findingher gloves she

That

and

the other

take up the basket

bewitching

on

he

he, and

at

"

Pines.

else,Rawdon
saw

in Simla

householder

Lucy

everyone

course,

would

78

THE

ON

Mrs.

ties.

life,so

Dawson,

which

things.
of

out

I cannot

sight
Mrs.

the two

are

you

her

passed

creature,

the best," continued

that

say

of

both

are

you

I like

always

excellent

an

speak, outside

to

When

"

BORDERLAND.

decide
"

Dawson.

charming

most

We

young

in India."

"xien

"

I insist

of the ladies of
I

"Oh,

so

she

and

I don't

But

"

could

and

Lucy

this very

before

you

for

minute,

usual."

as

not

is

nonsense,

it,

E-oad

Heaven

nobler

them

might

them,

Road

kept

silence.

Mrs.
me

as

understand

think

elsewhere."

What

we

many

why

the

persons

Judge

is

spirit?A

comfort

to

aims,

and

senger
mes-

and

men

them,

met

give
One

hopes.
on

the

Annan-

Lucy coloured, hesitated,and

placidlyreturned

Dawson
that

charged

or

talkingof spirits

is nonsense."

thoughts, sweeter

meet

dale

is,and

nonsense

flattery
though.

It is not

"

you?"

what

I know

from

tell

speaking

is
flattery

what

the Annandale

on

the multitude?"

up

is
judiciousflattery

know
How

"No!
"

saw

never

of

Which

we.3

Lassalle?"

Mrs.
"

habit

make

to

go

talking nonsense,

was

Delicate

"

Harrypur

get into

myself, but

that

explanation of

an

upon

to

dislike
does

not

her

subject.

Mr.

Darner.

take

to

him,

"

They
I
for

can

he

is

little noisy

fellow, and

everybody

Arthur

back

will

will

get

The

days

Judge

several

had

"

and

amongst

propose

to

tested,and
"

that

mean

is
come

0 ! of

not

of

or

his

gambler ;

not

gambling,

stake
that I
and

Simla

!"

Chicken

Mrs.

Dawson,

with
I

believe, that

heedless

India.

You

and

honourable

could

officer
like

matched,

"

Clem
had

myself

Harry pur

out,

not

money

dear.
all he

in

unfortunately

are

be trotted

for

for

"prisoner-

employing

were

in

his

friendshipby treatinghim

not, John
would

Club

sir,nay,

you

publiclyexhibited

he

Clem

coursing-dog,to

course

we

frontier."

the meritorious

with

"

preparing a weighty speech

men

young

degrade

flatters you

racehorse

the

I trust,

to

Clem."

dear

expressions,which

current

who

forget,my

of yours

unmeaning

likes

people in

the

You

on

would

Dawson

of yours,

against

"

late remarks

some

idea

addressed

swell.

best

Pet

been
He

Darner

Mrs.

all the

I shall be

minutes.

at-the-bar

Arthur.

"

bet."

exclaimed

charming

Annandale

in five

beat

to

seems

Clem.

said

the

take

and

matches,
It is

muttered

He

anything

at

"

come.

that

he wouldn't

up

The

"

all I have

!
delightful

how

Oh

"

for

but

propose;

clever

manly,

everything."

at

everybody, mother,"

Not

"

society!

in all

amusing

so

such

But

that.

I admit

"

79

RAWDON.

CAPTAIN

on

have
is

an

did
a

seen

not

chance.
much

awful

really
He
harm

place for

80

ON

cards, you
the

know.

losses of

ladies.

much

dislike

those

mean

"

"

Miss
cried

hear

to

knew,

one

"

was

shocked

quite

was

people people

Oh, aunt!"

"

Indeed

some

There

BORDERLAND.

THE

Mrs.

"

stories!

old

I do

Lassalle,excitedly,
No

doubt

she

was

they

so

are

dreadfullyexaggerated."
"No

doubt, dear,
I

yours.

and

just going

was

all this

gambling

because

excitement

that

to

cards

dirtyat

that

say

heard

It

of.

is

"

and

the eyes,

I don't

know

strongly disapproved it, but

of

came

of

unlady-like,

is

indeed

an

people'shands
I have

why.

there

friend

mischief

no

gives a disagreeableand

objectionableexpressionto
get

forgot

always

nothing

to

monise
ser-

about."
The
with

dear, dull, honest

shocked

old

surprise.

Judge

Do

"

understand, Martha," he

said, slowly, " that

ladies

whom

who

house

perhaps, are

to

come

playing
"

cards
of

Oh,
knows

our

course,

it.

an

Judge

instant

husband's,

or

at

in

the

Harry pur,
habit

of

must

Don't

be

so

themselves

amuse

one
Every-

severe.

somehow

country."
continued

whither

rule, she has

know

we

"

John

People

in this wretched
The

for money

positivelypale

was

not

her

this

solemnly,

"

lead

practicemay

money

within

Will

her

children's,which

you
a

female

reach.
she

think
?

for

As

It is her

risks, and,

of

CAPTAIN

loses

course,

what

to

vicious

this leads to, and

painfulin

There!"

"

left the
could

bear

Which

"

Take

the recollection is

for
listen,

play an

to

of them?

seen

of the

most

Mrs.

Lassalle

serious,John.

Lucy

of

some

innocent

I insist on

the evidence

one

I have

"

always so

are

you
to

Harrypur used
u

counsel

Mrs. Dawson,
interrupted

table,"

not

As

man.

experience. I

my

81

KAWDON.

as

her

friends

own

cards."

at

game

in

knowing."
sir ! "

in camera,

cried

Rawdon,

laughing.
Your

"

much

delicacyrebukes

disturbed

by

againbefore

you
"

often

As

as

thing or

one

leave ?

you

Arthur

me,

another.

But
We

shall

am

see

"

!"

like,Judge

you

Rawdon

answered,

heartily.
The

Clem, after
"

be

shame

child,as

anything with

do

It is

"

mighty

What

!
yourself

her
"

Aren't

me

"

you

"to
colouring,

Tell

if any

what

"

sort

of

trap for
a

man

Well

"

said

was

stop it.

Your

she loved

could

use

mighty

be if you

some

I" cried

ashamed
a

must

would

Clem, with

said

man

and

mouth,

tender

bait

The
he

her, but

could

one

say.

you

happy thing it

smoke.

to

pause.

It would

cousin is

retired

men

young

silken
restive

bit.

position.
dis-

could break

embarrassment.

Rawdon,

friend in your
Lassalle."

laughingand
own

house?

82

ON

noble

"

Lucy, who,
of

be

fellow !
short of

health

hot-house, with
head.

It

his

own

had

no

all

idea

how

deserved, but
"

believe,

did

you

her

been

loving

as

Lassalle died in

his way

Italyon

the

at

farthing.

happy

as

for

as

sacrifice

not

and

if I know

Here

sake

no

had

she

flighty

sailing. He

before
made

Lucy
that

her

for

just

Indian

live in this

much

as

was.

recollect

sad story !

as

girlto

married

ill he

have

would

They

much

the

remember

way.

such terms,

on

marry

can

woman

as

and
impulsive disposition

Lassalle

will

you

gave

not

was

her
I

was,

that

to

talkingof Lucy

said she

He

now.

fond

as

intend

suddenly

old fellow

dear

that,was

excepting

him

loved

Everyone

did not

He

man.

his

but

BOKDERLANDe

THE

they

as

home."
his

voice, comes

successor."
"

Absit

song

would

looked

interest.

Familiar

voice

well-cut

the

down

pluck!" murmured

the
at
to

breakneck

khud

the
him

as

man

for

the
features,

soon

as

eyes

sought

was

the token

of

mind

which

old-

quicklycame
path.
Clem.

"

No

**

He

not."

years

clear and

hawk's, and the light,vigorousframe.

one

no

liltingan

approaching
several

!"

usual

alive,as

approach,where

mellow

the fellow's

gallopdown

thin,

the

; all

who
preceded the visitor,

Eawdon

the

towards

sight, riding

questionof

it's Darner

But

But

visible.

was

fashioned
into

study looked

The

yet

omen

What
would

with

new

past

were

keen

as

Eawdon

guide

and

the

control

He

sought

call he

made

interest

seldom

personal advantage

life of

gallingbecause

blank

sullen
surprise,

But

athlete.

concerned

he

when
capable
in-

seemed

being,all vivacityand

passionand

more

operations

Imagination easilypicturesthe

soulless

to

the cleverest schemers

noisy

not

was

thought.

fits of eager

the

this

over

where

see

such

him

"With

to

every

securingit,and

of

means

and
instinctive,

triumphed

married

shrewd

more

adversary.

seemed

of

None
the

grasp

the

of the brain

it.

upon

high-spirited
girl.

intellect answered

Darner's

vain.

lay,to

circumvent

impulses of

wayward
in

83

RAWDON.

CAPTAIN

then

"

"

go

"

forgetfulness,
neglect the

unconscious, reproachesmet
and

anger

How

passion-fit
again.

of

impatience;worst
would

long

Lucy

by
all,

endure

this?
"Sell
his

leg over

do !

Here,
and

pony,

saddle

off!

Rawdon!

myself

and

arms

'em!

like

the

pommel.

you

nigger,take
him

worship
So

old

What

at

the

made

should

for how

don't

have

take

his

you

Pathans!

d'ye

blessed
precious,

stable,but

has

Blank

this

away

in the

Darner, throwing
Arabic

That's

"

luck!

first spear

"cried

the

A.D.C.,

liked

back

to

Where's

Lucy,

Clem?"
'*

Listeningfor

You're
"

No

the echo

trainingher
chance

for

Lucy

of

your

no
footsteps,

aren't
steeplechase,

could
G2

sit in

you

saddle

doubt.
?

"

before

84

ON

knew

TI1E

her, but she

understand

will

Too

ride.

never

jumpy

Doesn't

!"

horse

BOltDEKLAND.

"How?"

Well,

"

thinks
You
to

he is

but

up

the

saws

Lucy!

ic

round

might

teach

Mrs.

what

would

Arthur

do

you
"

"

You

you

little

widow

the

"

duty,"

time

could

to

almost

murmured

to

Smith,

not

the

are

you

I'm

say.

for

Sir

sure

lady'snervousness."

angrily.

ride with
the

The

the

upon

the

as

me

wish

Rawdon,

us

club, it

her

late

my

help

ever

latter

spot

that

justice."

curled

knowledge,

that

prove

towards

go

publiclyretract

spare

teachers

I cannot

going

that

ride, but

to

men

like

taking off,and

Dawson

baronet

than

more

not

are

the

at

sorry

no

Unless

The
I

me

if she'd

Assheton

he's

again,

had."

ever

allowance

make

I'm

replied:

stupid

glanced

Darner

is off

her

as

as

just tellingthese

was

That's

Ask

bold

as

goes,

head

hopeless pupil

most

later she

horse's

One

squalls.

Lucy squeals!

then

and

earnest,

brute

poor

everything,the biggest

it she

At

The

away.

performance.

above

Oh,

runs

five minutes

"

same

faced.

was

"

gallopin

to

the

renew

she

start

bring him

jump?

the

at

"

is

impossible."

lip scornfully,saying:

opinion, advanced

Judge

to

mount

you
as

set

would
?

say.

upon

Can

sufficie
inyou

"

me

he offered

less
his arm,

pleasant
Darner

86

ON

When

he

first

enthusiastic
with

THE

BORDERLAND.

playerat

all

those artistic and

living,he

him, but he

had

from

won

sad

event,

sudden

had

became

he had

such

As

which

whist

was

tasted

drunken

sauce

man

generationtired

Upon awakening
found
?

new
"

"

News

again.
you

he

?o

Clem

at

the

sittingby

whole,
A

very

that

hour

bet,

and

Darner's

challenge

the

of

e'carte till

fered.
inter-

committee

and

large amount,

though

the

break-up

They played
of

he

the

at

he

in his life had

never

soda-water

drink, which

Simla

took

very
;

stimulatingthan

more

"

the

before.

From

when,

room.

lost

in very

mastered

upon

made

nor

member

had

aught

Worcester
to

and

up,

his

grand joueur.

years

play.

card

whole

the

that

never

as

more

innocentlyconcerned, put

was

considerable

Damer
reeled like

some

party, Rawdon

to

sun

was

he

India

man,

are

came

on,

often,and,

Rawdon's

to

was

addressed

he

this

so

an

poor

found

soon

gambling

over

Damer

touched

never

the

the

him

end

of

known

met

with

excitement
of

fascination

was

which

tastes

e'carte,and
gainsat whist, billiards,

usefully. The

Rawdon

of skill.

games

luxurious

rakish

expensive than

service

the

joined

and

mend
earnestlycom-

lemon-squeezes."

unholy hour
his bed.

"

of

9 a.m.,

Is there

don
Raw-

anything

asked.

enough
I've heard

wideawake

Arthur

when

of your

yet

as

to

Rawdon

tournament

talk with

takes
last
a

man

to

night.
who

cards
Are

has

hours

three

from

returned

remember

and

we

an

opportunityto

on

her

mind, and

"

"

Wait.

she burst

offered

the

played

something
should

in her

yesterday

as

you

had

anything

good,

too

I think

are

you

you.
was

Rawdon,

me.

not

you

all of
There

pay.'

must

suppose,

may

you

alarmed

this had

did.

I took

"

are

that

manner

that

way

tears."

you

fool,and

tell you

not

No,

"

Lucy

dinner

she

consolation, as

only sobbed,

have

into

After

whether

quarrel,perhaps!

lover's

she

but

dignifiedin

again

they

When

sulks, and

the

children.

were

ask

had

Well, then,

you

placelast night.

riding,Darner

when

of

start

took

absurdly upright

was

the

day

what

tell you

to

want

in the

87

RAWDON.

CAPTAIN

taken

words

my

in

interested

our

trouble."
His

face

could

not

showed

appeared

in

me

with

away

put

it all
don't

on

talk

girl so

lovely.

trembling,hot hand,
myself!
about

for her

me

good."

went

It is not
to

dare

How

to

and

your

Sir Arthur?'

doubt,

no

the

'

fault!
I

'

she
I

room.

something, I
she

There

door.

said,

you

the

in

muttered

"I

on,

suddenly,pushing

rose

asleep

was

what, followingher

know
out

Lucy

strength.

mother

My

the

saw

don't

all her

Clem

was.

suspected. Something,

face, for

my

whispered.
never

what

say

he

that

I have
But

break

brought
don't
my

"

mise
pro-

88

ON

Rawdon

lay silent
the

interest

THE

of

the

He

pleasure.
I have

be

is that

to

glad

know

to

the cards

have

length,

right,you

am

"

but

will

you

take

up

night's

one

me.

can

conversation

my

only fancy.

how

see

tion
operatrated
concen-

before

through myself;
I

the

fancy, Clem,

it is

little time

so

with

in

This
and

"

but

departure there,

deteriorated

shirt.

extreme

something ;

that,if

after my

relapse has
before

into

at

observing

bearer, engaged

baronet

this affair

carry

his

said

discovered

worst

hope

little while,

putting studs

apparently gave

The

for

proceedings of

absorbingtask

that

BORDERLAND.

will

call

tiffin."

arranged that

Clem

She

drawing-room.

stood

that Rawdon

thought
Snows

his cousin

the

or

should

at

fixed

so

unheard.

admiring

are

you

in

alone

window,

approached

roses

be

the
in

it the

"Is

intently?"he

so

asked.
"

don't

much

care

for

either.

Both

are

common

here!"
16

the

One

exhausts

soon

the

novelties

of

life.

How

did

progress?"
riding-lesson
"

Darner

Mr.

lost

his

temper.

not

have

liked

He

says

have

no

courage."
*'

see

Would
a

honour

score

of

you
of

you,

wretches

poor
as

the Queen

to

break

sit
each

of Beauty

balcony

on

other's
'

"

heads

and
in

CAPTAIN

"

Dearly!

"

know

would

hand

give your

you
I

is,they needn't

make-believe

good

would
"

That

I will order

Thank

"

know

"I?

tells

If so,

Kawdon
"

that
"

"

"

Sir

Oh, the

my

lost my

And

fancy you

the

read

spirityou

hands

her

yesterday

saw

like

"

wish,"

he

said,

heart."

my

gloves

my

them?"

return

breast-pocket."

your

of

gloves are

there !

"

she

child,and

they?

exclaimed,

withdrawing

Describe

thingspossible!

commonest

Arthur

Eawdon,

is it?

have

you

them."

Only

fit to

be

Seriously,
Captain
right to keep

no

my

"

It is

And

gloves.'5

own.

I not

hoofs, hooves, what

gloves.
"

in

find

sort

on

afterwards.

blush.

What

And

Phelps."

But

spiritcould

would

with

worn

should

why

are

out
stretching

them

I have

displayedthe lining.

sweet

It

enough ?

near

might repent

prefer my

imagine.

they

me

be

heads."

they are."

I cannot

"

you.

where

from

some

actuallybreak

the victor?"

to

should, but

By-the-bye,Sir Arthur,
"

89

EAWDON.

!
stealing

Mrs.
seriously,

Lassalle,I

will

not

part with

talisman."

Lucy

turned
And

vexed.

misfortune
him

away,
Mr.

could

with

new

vexed

Dawson

to

find

entered

that
with

she

was

not

Darner.

No

ing
depressthat buoyant spirit. Watch-

interest,Rawdon

saw

that he

was

not

90

ON

THE

BORDERLAND.

proprietythan
That

has

that

Kawdon

night

club.

hawk

duel

As

entrance.

stakes

named

unusuallyhigh
Rawdon

community.
Needless

adversary'sskill

his

which

fell back

Darner
profit,
he

chit

to

grew

the
"

with paper

largerand

At
u

Enough,"

your

private."
was

an

Rawdon
down

he said;

button
Darner's

"

if you

but

face

looked
was

of

Chit

after

turned
the

very

like

purple,and

he

of
of

on.

the

cards.

gallery

settle

can

they

dull

bunch

and

white,

chance

the

of

gentlemen

out

to Rawdon's

down

afterwards

carpet

exchanged

looked

put

the

the

chit

seized

crumpled shirt-front, and

hole

minimum

When

more

luck

until

up,

Darner

ugly picturewhich

of

run

always the

Rawdon

minutes

calm

tore

three

or

accounts,

Five

was

the

but

to

began.

ill-fate pursuedhim

two

o'clock

seven

will square

It

and

Clem

and

high-playing

evil vein.

gambler

breakinghis luck," but

bedroom.

After

his

was

meant

match

the

larger sum.

maddened

club, the

that

reduced

into

drew, withdrew,

whitened

was

its chances.

It

ecarte, the former

in
and

the

early,and

Rawdon
to

even

bowed,

follow

to

and

the

at

card-room.

the

down

they sat

of

sense

dinner

left

attended

Darner

that

more

farewell

remaining convives adjourned to

silentlyunderstood

no

all.

was

gave

who
dignitaries

The

had

He

bad.

or
wantonly
consciously

in

alone.

were

morning lighted.

his

tie

the
of

Bowers

withered

rested it

loose

hung

on

at

his

leaves.

closed

fists,

black

with

said

dust.
and

dischargethe
but,

if

the trouble
Shall

of

would

to

no!"

is

"

You

if you
"

mercy,

it,sir?
cannot

woman

but

certain

chits,

fallen into your

session.
pos-

absence

Dawson

those

cried

men

Simla

usual

will
in

paid

act

the

swag

day

steps before
for

will be

me.

devoted

papers."

Clem, snatching out

the

You

!"

that I leave
the

"

the

with

and

Never

shall take

shall pay

press me,

The

hope

Dawson, here present, and

me.

know

in my

"

much

from

You

redemption of

"No,

have

that

Damer, springingup.

that the first moneys

you

of all I possess,

out

me

to-morrow.

the

to

over

screamed

well!

going, and

with

quivered so

Harrypur,

buy Lucy

"Very

warn

mouth

continued,

them

"

cheated

after

notice.

papers."

I refuse!

you

His

ladies of

these

I burn

escape

short

at

money

suppose;
to

means

can

speak.

not

Hand

have

much

raisingso

inconvenience,

lost/'

You

night'schit.

it, I will suggest

believe,"Eawdon

signedby

"

is last

nodded.

that he could
I

here

have

you

on?"

go

Darner

"

is the amount

without

sum

desire

you

This

"

"

Rawdon,

91

RAWDON.

CAPTAIN

amount

his

book.
cheque-

this instant.

How

"

mean

I must
you

this, Rawdon
leave

have

will not."

am

ruined, and,

the service ! "

persecuted may

show

you

92

ON

Then

"

to

though
If

or

both

we

Damer

and
with

And

died

that

took

threw

free !

it

Kawdon

in

flaxen hair about

gave

Her

her

joy

the
did

Rawdon

bed,

have

here
u

He

This

his

pocket-book,

oath.

an

!"

tation
hesi-

moment's

one

Debit

"

me

he cried,and

Clem

could

not

went

shoulders.

the

she

form

her, and

opened, trembling.

expected.

whispered:

beautiful

her

kissed

Clem
she

sleeptill he

Wondering,

her deliverance.

dressing-gown,with

things?

or

"

him

see

came

you,

"

faced
shame-

Too

How

did

he

made

you

get

"

secret, and

Damer

up."

died

never

to

use

more

from

Rawdon

but

with

her

up,

burst

Lucy

no

are

with

guessed your

give them

"

envelope

take

not

these shameful
"

it,

to

Clem, disdainfully,why

envelope,which

look

to

They

Captain

to

him

to

her

true

into the rain.

went

came

hold

would

be

to

sworn

instant."

said

table

acquaintedLucy

she

instantly.After

the

on

bareheaded

had

her,"

sealed

the amount,

out

the

on

has

Lucy

is known."

saw

he

like !

the chits ?

the truth

now

you

trust

can

you

give up

not

what

bound

me,

"

do

BORDERLAND.

THE

into

tears.

married

that

again!

When

"

Oh!

Clem,

man,"

she

did

he

first day he

saw

rather

would

sobbed.

guess?

"

Before

can

he

"

guessed it
assurance

the

evidentlygave

you."

comfort.

*'

But

can

94

ON

from
forgiveness

her cousin.

dressed

THE

BORDERLAND.

made

and
elaborately,
until

began

guests

to

donned

excuse,

she

peignoir,and

Everything is
the

Dawsons

of

power

the

and

pretty

her

put

that

of

note

slipperedfeet

than

lady present,
that small

pale

was

withdrew

tort

et

!"

Oh

"

myself.
At

said

There

this

instant

threw

few

themselves

last,ran

up

the

one

with

even

the

gentlemen

only

retired

and
pattered,
softly

such

din,
of

path,with

dwelling.

examined

rattle

upon

alarm.
of

the rock
secure."

more

blow

the

roof

Quick

been

opened.

another.
a

roar

as

pebbles falling,

breaking timbers.

had
on

unseasonable

unsafe

in Simla

windows
out,

an

smart

great rocks, crash

before, the

rain

feet,pale with

awful

an

pened
nothing hap-

Dawson,

I have

house

sudden
his

to

"

sum

both

watched

travers

more

bungalow

Judge,

is not

man

thought began
of

the

moment

called every

thud

the

make

would

days

that

observed

porch already mentioned.

the

they laughed and talked,the

Rawdon

lost

hollow-eyed, but

and

the

early,and

beside

room

had

They

volubility. Mrs.

usual

present saving

but
great curiosity,

quite himself, laughing

more

all

Darner

payment.

Darner

all.

at

the

sent

Simla, and

at

aware

loser with

and

winner

known

were

his

beyond

As

her,

left

scending
de-

of

the fender.

upon

to

had

Then

arrive.

show

ostentatious

Dawson

Mrs.

faithless littlewidow

That

As

and

An

Men

Rawdon,

heave

as

of

95

KAWDON.

CAPTAIN

him

pebblesknocked
and

bruised

he

"Lucy?"
Clem's

cried,
the

above

ear

scarcelyaudible.

The

your

fallen

had

dining-room,and lay above

made

he
From

volleyof

the
his

of the

the summit

small

flightof

shells.

Again

had

five minutes

the

aperture, and
The

up

the

behind

the

the

Using

blows
the

he

all his

caught

her

upon

looked

door, white

way

and

crevices.
visible

party-wall.

slackened, but

boulders

the

rock
it

Hours

fell.

he

and

ran

and

like

seemed,

stood

beneath

He

snatched

dust.
The

lifeless. No

with

came

the roof

corridor.

the

in

gap

round.

strength,Rawdon

up,

and

roots

passedbefore

full of smoke
and

candle

mostly overhead,

splinteredon

not

the

entered.

was

room

down

again Rawdon

and

but

had

stones

tumbling headlong

Pressingto

was
pilethe candle-light

again,shiningthrough a rugged
The

porticoand

their ruins.
flew

the

towards

solidly over

stones

in

reply was

again

ran

clinging to

way,

shouting

light through

saw

missiles,and

rock

cliff,where

he

seized

tree.

bewildered

The

crash.

moment,

Clem

mother?5'

"

Turning,

of

hurtlingstorm
house.

behind

springingfrom

in his arms,

him

after

rose,

yards further

Ten

bleeding.

he

but

down,

Flying

fell outwards.

earthquake,the ponderousreef

an

down

that

distracted him.

hope

the

door

Letting the girldrop,he

arms

open,

Ominous

passage.
Black

close

of returning

in his

burden

forced
the

girllay

as

rushed

pitwas
back.

y6

ON

Little flames
embers

had

began

the

it

somehow,

slopedrapidly.
soil

clash

danger

go

of

few

another
threw

shock,

which

in

wake

kept
whilst
had

your

Lucy passed her

All

her sob.
am

hand

made

! The

it

not
on

was

"

Dead

my

ceased, and

the

watched

ruin, the outline

lipsand

rest

Another

where

!"

the

wood.

fallen.
are,

test

for

that instinct

says

said

his face.

over

"

nothing,
The

noise

Dead!"

he

!"

me

Rawdon

revive

roar,

you

throat,is

conscious, he

save

growing

of the cliffhad

He
stoically.

to

the

by

on,

the

charge, still

his

up

pine-treestremble, and

your

still in

in

then

lightedby

was

knowing

hands

dead, Lucy

her

the

quiet. Though

ceased.

heard
"

him

bore

the

suddenly.

fingersabout

Rawdon

nerves.

scene

darkness, not

feel human

and

him

failed

not

the

over

picked

headlong down

him

To

had

hastilycarried

They

from

and
shaped itself,

Rawdon

unconscious, and

pieces,and

to

But, whilst Rawdon

windows

house.

ground

in that darkness.

further

all that wretched

moments

flames.

no

them

Fiftyyards

rain.

glow spread

shattered

burning

dash

by

out

"

The

pine-wood.

slipmight

undiminished.

was

the

the

candle's
tumbled

resumed

light burden

into

the

and
staircase,

fallingstones

a dim
painfully,

of

his

boards,where

fireplace.By

back

slipperywith

was

house, he dared
The

the
the

and

the

play amongst

to

found

cook-house,

the

BORDERLAND.

from

sprung

light Rawdon
down

THE

me."

murmured.

"

Put

Arthur!"

"Sir

was

Never

and

mind

I can't stir
If you

"

"

No

"

"

If you

Put

It

She

made

answer?"
She

he

Kiss

give,it

to

enough.

is not

mine, darling. Will

let it rest

you

"

reply,but

softly. "

cried

Will

not

you

asked.
Am

"

me,

She

in

whispered,

You

"

mood

the

in

no

"

you."

to

heart, Lucy,

my

stealing."

hand
ever

On

keep them

like to

was

are

glovesare

limb."

give them

there for

Your

would

your

"I

little scream;

"

thought it
"

with

cried

she

97

RAWDON.

CAPTAIN

shall

have

flatteryfrom

no

?"

worthy,Arthur

husband.

your

I hear voices ! "

darling!

put her

face to

wet

his,u

1 will be

worthy of

my

hero!"
Torches

gleamed

little Ghoorkas, tall

the

Clem, the Judge, and

to

"

them, Lucy

is

to

!"

above.

Active

mountaineers

of

scramblingbravelydown.

were

Darner,

pretenda hope he

ventured

trees

Pathan

Sikhs, and

Viceroy'sbodyguard

Call

the

among

heard

were

did

not

feel

but

none

by shouting.

whispered Rawdon,

voice

"

my

gone."
"

Oh, Arthur, I

of my
"

poor
I

am

aunt

almost

have

!
sure

How

asked, I

not

selfish and

she is saved.
H

have

wicked

not

Cry out,

am

thought,
!"

dear !

"

98

ON

His

the

So

In

day,

in

and

his

the

through

small

and

he

calls

Lucy

Ladies'

though

gambling
Mrs.

of

put

her

it.

Dawson

He

vows,

A.,

not

was

And

in

aflame

the

Lieut.

ring

recommended

of

fire

the

for

that

since

to

go

on

Afghanistan,

news

into

significance

new

did

Lucy.

is

to

moans.

valley

stood

for

carried

his

the

baggage-guard

has

R.

in

gorge

forenoon.

long

husband

when

bleak

being

restrain

all

screamed

she

was

married

he

to

when

spring,

Cross

Victoria

came

the

he

Rawdon,

rhododendrons,

Darner

and

Arthur

Sir

and

her,

unable

bungalow,

war.

same

her

alarmed

more,

Captain

with

BORDERLAND.

minutes

Five

nearest

the

voice

fainting

help.

THE

came,

his

accent

dear."

has

been

declares

suppressed
that

no

at

Harrypur,

mischief

ever

99

AND

SEPOY

little has

VERY
that

been

truth,far

sustained

the

check

new

and
experience,

than

victoryin

had

left India

specialthing
sightof

the

for

and

Perak

affair.

Malay

was

for

inferior
The

name

his
a

to

But

service,but
the

of creed

traditional

an

Indian

the

under

of the

civilisation is
It

land

was

would

stake

H2

he
is

war

The
carried

loses

influence

of

onlyother
for

on

feel that

not

he get up

the

was

siasm
enthu-

conspicuously

all otherwise

in

Egypt.

familiar,sanctified in

was

all

was

Sepoy

the

so

he

first time

Mahomedans
would

it

Afghan

wrongs.

could
nor
co-religionist,

own.

Though

layat

Moslem

operationswere

peoplewhose
his

soldier will

Sepoy

the

not

was

against Sunni

time

of

British

important matters
It

It

campaign.

for the

Even

community

troops

questionis,in

his ancestry.

But

more

him.

the

gather,

Tel-el-Kebir,the issue

at

for active

I recollect where

length

of

the field.

inherited hatred
case

that

deeds

this

issue of

mere

only deferred.

been

have

the

as

Indian

our

But

war.

hoped

reasonablybe

always emulate
had

late

than

graver

far

published,so

suggests the point of view

even

adopted during the

may

ARAB.

some

100

ON

degree by

the

the foe is

people are
of

modified

mystery

conspicuousas

descended

irritate the

Prophet.

the

Their

Indian

It

loyaltythe Sepoy underwent,

the

circumstances

from

Faithful.

might

the

to

Faithful,
the

from

Frangistan

was

and

which

trial of

great

under

his behaviour

well claim the notice of

panions
com-

Moslem,

civilisation is

influences

same

The

pious legends.

sacred

the

by

in

allusion

constant

language of

BORDERLAND.

THE

ful
thought-

men.

Government,

doubt, has

no

the

and

estimate

the

public,as

lack is
nor,

owing

we

have

army

had

not

Ismailia.
allowed

to

chroniclers
to

accept, and

Lord

use

the
"

information.

no

"

enterprise in
in
ability
of

Lord

He

those

the

the

words,
The

Wolseley's direct
actions

and

press,

"

was

phrase he

the press

of

the

enjoined

the

one

correspondent

one

members

to

the

ents.
correspond-

Contingent," if
went

But

which
"Wolseley,

which

desert,were

see

This

recognisedbut

Contingent

Indian

behind.

the
detailing

to

own,

subject.

expresslyto join it, in

across

The

of

want

Indian

left London

marching

"

reports in

qualifiedto
the

upon

criticise.

to

"

of

best

has

the action

to

field,his

in the

would

want

to

need

no

allotted.

was

understand,

not

It is due

thought

facts

hope, to

may

those

what

abundance, showing

confidential

to

who

hope
stay
may

of
at

be

front, leavingits

singlecorrespondentattached
command

feelingsof

had
the

work

enough,

English troops.

102

ON

For

BORDERLAND.

THE

that I did

reasons

understand, the Khedive

not

that

suggested

intriguesin

this

thought that

introduced

to

Cairo

and

order

but

their minds

the

at

made

were

Sepoys

otherwise

place. Though they delightin show,

the visit which

remember
to

Colonel

come

Sir Owen
whilst

up

of

the

fringes,and
round,

what

with

high

than

that

trotted

coming

six

regret
into

to

The

to

the sentiments

traverse

look !

"

but

laugh !

least observant

Indians

it

suppress

an

To

"

of

their

when

they

if
the

stood

feet

"

horse

Ameer

was

our

gives a keynote

and

What

truth

that

its rider

saw

observation

whole

silver

seven

spectators felt,as

tell the

and

forciblydramatic

say

throng,

pings
trap-

ing
faces,mak-

nearer

before
prevailing

Arab

to

especially

Sepoys

swear

should

paid

Their

gold

so

lt

"

That

of

his suite

eyes,

with

oath

an

I chanced

our

sergeant,

village we

durbar

to

Afridi

an

feet,with

our

would

women

they

Said

to

curiosityin

contemptuous

remarks.

and

number

not.

that

respect costly

outside.

velvet

palaces,

impressed;

in Ismailia.

if eccentric

chief; blue

been

impress them.

not

stood

horses

the

and

Pasha

Sultan

Lanyon

handsome,

were

those

magnificencedid

Arab

appearance,

had

they reached

before

up

have

its wealth, and

"

been

have

possible.

Moslem

outset

Turkish

of

outcome

is

it

if the

they might

"

and

Hindustan,

sometimes

the

be

might

officer

An

regardedwith especial
contempt.

was

sonally
per-

after.
he

saw

the

gentlemen

here, the

same

SEPOY

remark

arose

when

the

our

men,

But

soldiery.

unserviceable

has

at

"

Disregard of

that

forbids

to

man

carelessness
world

them.
among

by

over

sword.

who

men

Egyptian

the
has

Arab

within, to guide him.

is
to

more

me,

of his

The

and

it is

astonished

all

roughest of

check

no

His

play.
of

when
of

soul.

than

And

animals, but he

wilds,
has

to make

is a brother.

day

We

The

the

ideas.

or

his

the

more

But

the

instinct

no

acquirednature,

that of any

peopleknown

the restraint of fear. None

cut

he

so

More

must
religion

this creature

be.

in his native

outside, and

nature,

use

courtesy universal

than

him

be
an

down, whatever

dances

their

on

that,he

susceptible
peoplecry

this

it could

mere

whole

the

ranks, among

our

unmitigated by

may

bond

in

ready to

are

plain,enlargeshis

anywhere at

as

much

so

neighbourshave spiritto

in cheerfulness

and

Sepoy.

others,which

resented

be

Pathan,

offensive

selfish and

vagarieshe

The

find

brief service in
of

polishedraces

the

Arab

limited by
suggested and strictly

manners,

very

offended

neighbour'stoes

arms,

carry

fightingraces.

his

brutality,must

Accordingly,we

of

The

for

of

stamp

looks.

good

point he

every

English

the hideous

the

bore

elementary respect

the very
is,perhaps,
code

than

tramp upon

and

of

was

in
dirtyand pallid,

important

of them

none

traversed

throng

supplied them,

dress

qualitiesmore

103

ARAB.

AND

is

Indian

hourly observed

sincerely

out.

stronger than

contrast

corns

Moslem

was

we

see

it

feel that

justas striking

working party

of

104

ON

BORDERLAND.

THE

Sepoys pushing through

loose

jacketsand
martial

more

or

night-gown of
with

But

loose end

reproach

the

to

pushing

are

regiment, the
of

their

lithe
their

Perhaps they belong

puggris, stately Sikhs,

Rajputs. They
is

energy

where

expended

is martial

of

are

and

the humour

another.

one

decorous

he

has gone,

without
the

more

the

strong

flank,

jestbreaks
than

to

shove

sordid, leering,hideous

maim, one-eyed, foul,bestial

crowd
of

fun

the

witty,they

by,

comes

disengaged,salute

and

of

task.

the

again.

out

to

respect themselves

Those
hands

the

show

officer-Sahib

an

both

dentist

very

who

men

When

notice

either

drive

refined,nor

not

gravelyput

Half

light. Though

clear

their

quiet supervenes.

the others

hard.

their handsome

back

"

are

of

on

large,well- opened

"

spiritedschoolboysin

jokes they bandy

or

teeth to

snow-white
heads, displaying
eyes

very

or

everywhere. They laugh

wit

long and open-mouthed, throwing

despair. Their

tips

fling banter, manly, though

passing comrades

indecorous, as

the rear,

on

black

giant Pathans,

or

working

not

are

grand

that

to

the

N.I., distinguished
by

20th

cruel

Sepoys yonder

Half-a-dozen

African.

cart.

were
expression,

the

manner,

ragged

waist, is always superb.

the

to
fluttering

the faces, the

the

turban, indeed, or puggri,

The

the Arab.

scarcely

were

picturesque than

more

even

fatiguedress

of

trousers

Their

natives.

of

crowd

So

When

they sweep,

frown, through

Arabs,

expression.

halt

and

SEPOY

Observe
their task

that

N.I.

join the
in

up

had

They
twelve

the

side

of

knowledge

Aryan.
whole
but

trimmer

jetty

and

up

our

Khyber,
hear

to

emulation

undertake

in

the

them

we

silent lurch

might

scale,

black

square

better

no

are

nor

majorityspeak English,

Afghan

not

When

war,

few

our

they
native

be

good

fellows

remarked

the

Aryan Sepoys
I fear it is

English.
these

of

easilyconversingwith

stirred

watched

the

company

fluent.

are

many

looks like

eyes, of the

uniform, with

brows,

There

They

too.

smaller

dark

army.

fitful study of

possiblethat,if
and

in

the

Sahibs, and

grave

in the desert

less, and

troops stared

to

In

on

sturdy-

negro's,and

African

their

about

or

more

confess
half-a-dozen

go

largeclear

like

chess-board, moving.

pleasantersoldiers

went

the

brighter.

handkerchief

the

the

served

broad-chested,and

is black

skin

Sappersmarching
on

There

men,

resembles

type

would

2 6th

Afridi.

had

inch,and kindlyfellows

every

Their

of the

and

neither

when

once,

Sikh

time,

name.

the fine features,nor

not

other, but

file-fellow,an

same

; but

other's

Sappers, small

limbed, soldiers
have

side

by

the

the

at

his

of

name

each

I remember

jokes.

in

hand, talkingamong

in

Kojak Pass, that

the

enlisted

years

Madras

hand

walk

Pathan

asked

was

Sepoys returningfrom

They laugh readilywith

themselves.

snowed

of

these,probably Sikhs, superb

men

manly beauty. They

seldom

105

ARAB.

little group

grave

"

AND

from

quite

a
closely,

time

to

106

ON

time,

for the evil

with

in

there

in dark
has

that

have

We
is

too

broken

hair of

frontier
has

in

drapery of

would

one

Beloochi, wild

hips.

For

the

armies

of

that marks

the

; but

And

work,

amongst

there

them

justice.

yellow

and

trousers

frippery of

neighbourhood
droll incident

Scindh,
and

our

explained,as
the

the

The

is

recurs

favourite

mind.

party had

rode

Faith, making

to

two

to

streams

the

flowing

along,certain
delicious

hash

folded

in

does
round

sash, tight

shame

the

their

tastic
fan-

ranks,
for

the

recruiting-ground.
once

chief

escort.

abstruse
of

equal

Moslem,

local

troopers for

waist

costume

Marching
a

of

no

In

devoted

long

and

scarlet

tailors.

most

of Delhi

with
we

with

coat

European

little

Jemadhar

blue

jack-boots,put

find

generally,we

blue-striped
puggri

The

peak, the long

scarlet

their fine

and

world,

from

troopers of the

go

bearing they have

martial

half-

natives

all.

the heat of

escaped in

turban.

of

fightingmen

"

He

pline
ranks, disci-

our

crowd

turesqu
pic-

only

savage

in

real Beloochis

clans

the

stand

and

Bengal cavalry,tall,broad-shouldered, slender

and

man's

Sappers.

glossyringlets,twisted
the

white

scarlet breeches.

eye

few

excellent

puggri and

strict for them

some

behind

green

wandering

tamed.

the

the Madras

and

the

troops whom

few

are

different type is the

very

docile

for
partiality

as
confidently

so

But

BORDERLAND.

correlatingtheir

shown

qualitiesis

liquor.

THE

law

through
for

guide,

The

guide

questionsof
and

prophets.

Our

Jemadhar
he

Arab

the

was

of

indignation.

The

all

they

Colonel

understood

that he

little diversion
he

fell behind

instant's
their

I don't

about.

But,

in

man

and
not

up

"We

believers

did

not

the Sowar

the

Sahib,

recognisehis
opinion

regiment had

that

if

cut

of

or,

should

the
up

ranks

many

for
not

pathy
sym-

anywhere
almost

him
admit

they

stared

mosques

within

in

us

few

and
burning question,

tell;he

One

trace

it existed

such
possibly,

fellows.

respectable

no

praying

were

on

been

more."

contempt

I cannot

meant

possiblyShiah;
to

insist

said

talking

trooper questionedwould

two

gutturalin

subjectwe've

co-religionists,
though

face,and

yards.

feel

an

he

Moslem,

they

but

was

guide rejoinedus,

passing,one

Arab
But

One

his

Colonel

Sowars

the

ranks.

were

what

I swear,

those

with

furious.

of the

much

It

murmurs,

neighbourhood knows

our

Among

our

our

our

path narrowing,

The

heard

then

and

Jemadhar.

emphasis,and, when
"

the

the

with

in

back

puzzled Scindhi

until the

end.

an

interruption.We

frankly,

in

to

carne

and

becoming

them

talking nonsense,

was

his

stirred

horses

very

ordered

retire

not

the

less angry,

not

Tucker

lovely

Islam, and

Scindhi

were

their

us,

what

"

he loved

But

troopers

would

They

men

this unorthodox

pressed upon

unmanageable.
vain.

of
polite

most

rode, by-the-by!

ignorant rattle

107

ARAB.

AND

SEPOY

was

bad

Pathan,

Moslem

of the 6th B.C.

concisely.Asked

as

summed
if

his

after Tel-el-Kebir,
fugitives

108

he

answered

men

use

with

!"

be

may

The

all in full

at

like

very

by

I had

Swiss
if he

friend,who

comparison

with

And
I believe

M.

their

he

pins

Ninet

to

enthusiast

stay

at

the

better

to
inclination,

brutal

of

possible,
yet
decency

as

more

is

and

the

acquainted

the

faith upon

not

the

are

the

fellaheen.

join issue
these

good people
the

publicnotice.

As

the

bad
for
titude
mul-

dumb
Rustics

virtuous.

they have

they are

townspeople, and

strangelyunconscious

as

this

on

whilst

But

where.
else-

conscientious

little time, if

animal

bear

class

same

anathema,

and

well-bred

is

of

account,

own

Arabi's

respects, would

villany.

than

manner

truth

all

I would

fed, find

concoct

The

sympathised,

and

truthful and

toilers,perhapsthey

hard-worked,

foaming,

Ninet,

the undistinguishable
fellahs,
mass,
of

if

as

home, cryingwoe

monopolise the sunshine

in

all his

be

his

question. For, by

crowd,

simple

uprising. He

fellows

be, and

can

its

counselled

avowedly

Egyptians who,

many

Arab

jackals.

Monsieur

with

suggest, the

not

of

pack

an

visited

noses.

talks
interesting

did

with

dullest of

of

have

snarlingand

explanation;

no

the

of

that

who

barking
shrill

the

once,

adjective needs
certified

and

screaming

cry

din

those

description

the

justiceof
peculiar

rode

We

againststinking jackals?
The

could

"
strongest disgust, How

appreciated only by

Egypt.

make

BORDERLAND.

the

sword

down

many

an

THE

ON

not

they

of such

exhibits.

less

the
less
are,

tive
primido

not

1 10

ON

that

the native

the

into

!"

He

despisethe

not

of

One

gallantdash

kana, Sahib

BORDERLAND.

infantrydid

the Sowar.

did

as

THE

these latter

exclaimed,
What

Zagazig station,

4"

regarded the

soldier

Arab

business

as

after

gym-

series

of

militarylarks.
So
to

far

as

Egypt

we

can

all

was

prudent

to

exposed

to

be

would

feel

that

henceforward

and

would

peopleimmediately
hul

Empire.

the

fall of

cavalry,who

time

Arabic

make

are

very

themselves

allowed, at

were

in

abundance

Hyderabads

and

had

the

with

few,

few

understood
some

might

elsewhere.

in

expense
be

it when
all those

of the

Mog-

town,

after

Those

exist.

who

More

can

Arabs

Hindustani,
and

of

sort

some

brought

Persian

among

mostly belonging

men,

established

if any

class

native

populace.

may

amongst

and

the downfall

we

welcome

Mohammadans,

by

in

increasingzeal

important

an

them

remarks

of solidarite

sense

was

peace-time

war,

with

likelyto

not

saw

From

the

strolling
through the

relations
intelligible

speak

be

affected

Cairo, one

the

to

In

made

is

I refer to the Delhi

offered.

before

the

there

leave

the country in

of

be

To

those

it

But

Empire.

experiment.

inculcate

which

Sepoys

themselves,for

speedily.

Stamboul

And

despatchingSepoys

men

for the

efforts will
to

all Moslems.

can

and

hazardous

Cairo

sure

for the

"

influences

the
a

effect of

them

remove

print at

our

good

stayed at home,

who

the

see,

and

if

preters
trouble, interfrom

is another

the

two

link,for

it

However

less.

to

days in

Cairo.

means

and

rude

not

to

be

harm,

and

no

this

does

not

give

offence.

the

on,

would

by

The

departed.

of

to

cause

be

vague

plant,if teacher

and

tian
Egyp-

his

day, I

one

he

less
guile-

observed

with

but

evident

enough, but

broke

in

away

such

the

College and
It
the

well

was

before

long

the

fight for, side by

fixed

Panislamism

taught had

rectified

diplomatic

Sepoys

beyond

thought
side

with

in their minds.

would

easy

passion,

our

field lies

not

means

standing
misunder-

perceived and

El-Azar

be
jackals,"could seriously

the seeds of

the

tages.
great disadvan-

grave

been

loyaltyin

would

gaping

in
laughed uproariously

Stamboul.

Their

It

was

the

to

until the Cairenes

under

Sowars

have

soon

from

emissaries

"

But

earnestness,
He

to

why

Sayyid following. But

zealots

shrewd

common

understand

around

throng crowded

went

native

motive, since

any

Bazaar

Shoe

talking with

sympathetictone.

many

our

of

manners

did

townspeople,

them

on

boisterous

to a Sayyid.
difficulty,

and

of

knots

discoverythey laboured

Sowars

little

observe

or

Sepoy

established

'been

repressedby

Opposite the
two

and

Arab

commented

and

brutalityshould
made

language more

Obsequiouslythey listened

the Bazaar.

The

are

had

we

might

strangers'remarks,
crowd.

that

dressed,surrounding a couple of

well

soldiery in

We

speak

managed,

was

talk before

contrive

mostly

Pathans

of

large number

Ill

ARAB.

AND

SEPOY

picion.
sus-

of

the
But

be difficult to
of communi-

112

ON

cation.

And,
and

contempt

they

if

might

harvest.

But

have

they

proved
which

disgust
ripen
I

been

BORDERLAND.

THE

slowly
feel

quite

the

feeble

to

other

skies

other

under

the

roused,

to

influences

sort

the

overcome

Moslem

Egyptian

that

sure

too

up

of

to

now.

perilous
the

paign
cam-

113

CAPTAIN

WRENCH'S

friend

Captain Wrench

MY

when

some

allows

me

and

to

did

as

trifler

India

in

"

pleawas

to

have

of

hotels,each
old

short,a

man

the

fiction.

no

was

so

whose

must

be

met

ceaseless

the best and

highlyesteemed
the

river,than

the

at
at

almost
the
the

are,

around

tryinga

in

the

pleasingpossibility

round

biggestof
the

chambers.

those

enemies

the

men,

door

fellow,
schoolwas

more

and
cricket-field,

Temple Treasury
"

score

Temple.

vigilance.Wrench's

cover-side,on

long

it needful

encompassed by

the

from

another,he accepted

rooms

it were,

was

rience
expe-

had

season

he found

movements
strategic

by

"nerves"

returned

After

than

offer of his

therein

dwelt

active

urgent private affairs."

London.

less comfortable

been

unlikelyto

had

Although

unexpected,clung

unseen,

very

"

he

unfriends described

pressingthat

in
pied-d-terre

schoolfellow's

who

man

for

as
Something of camp-life,

of

what

imagination. He

years'leave

two

on

passed,business

an

understand

not

old

place which

life to that age had

His

recount.

tricks of

The

took

quiteincapableof poetry, and

was

him

thirty-five
years

was

events
extraordinary

he
stirring;

he

ILLUSION.

more

warmly

114

ON

welcomed

THE

in boudoirs

proceedingsof

the

the

include

to

franklystated
tyrannous

As

distrust all raps

to

such

treacherous

then

the

The

rooms

were

which
When

of

build, they

raised

floods would

and

had

like

and

years

that

secret,

not

againstwhich

notice, amidst

at

was

least

by

upon

the little hall,a

choose
three

time

life Wrench

novelty.
an-hour

client

"

though

escape,

that

it; and
let

us

frivolous

displayof virtue,

of which, if

even

suspicious

they all

as

say

massive

two

doors, one

contrived

so

hundred

two

client

"

gave

could

any

two

rooms

of

the

freshness

from

the

occupied.

were

The

to

hurricanes

relief for the

this

two

might easilyoverlook

woman

to

panels matched

started in

quite a

was

and

beams

jointhad

led into another

"

oaks

they did.

commission

of the three inclosed behind

room

every

defeat

to

in all

forefathers

Their
a

It
to

advised

prevail. Contemporary carpenters

Not

more.

and

in

ness
that conscientious-

of

example

structure

monopoly

oak,"

"

period received

that

honesty.

mind

modern

fine

not

solid walls.

the

the

our
distinguished

masons

forbade

company

his way.

went

gas

able
unreason-

some

and
by masterlyinactivity;

ambuscades

fellow

good

that

general rule,he

at

Before

his bank.

at

their overrated

of

use

advantages offered.

Wrench

clubs than

and

he

inductingWrench,

him

BORDERLAND.

as

it

had

led rubs

strange placewas
was

likelyto

as

be in

familiar

to

month

and

him
he

all

in half-

sleptin

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

bed he

never

before

saw

used these chambers

He

habit
he

dress there

to

was

twice

or

he

after

business,and

in those

meet

window.

chatted

in

had

felt it
left the

felt.

with
Wrench

and

sat

the

cheerful

soul did he

glistened
any

wondered

why

smoked

men

The
firelight.

and

question

for

candle

in darkness

that

found, its feeble sparkvainlycontended

Disgustedwith himself,

where
sitting-room,
from

awhile.

read

its usual lament

groan

and

ing
even-

lightin

no

club, where

the black shadows.

his book

to

was

summer

October

pavement

dull,very,

searched

When

entered

laid,chose

there

return, if

to

Not

wet

His

greater strengthwhilst,after unlocking

heavy door, he

might be

of

glow

with

recurred
the

the gas, but

Wrench

earth he

on

The

lonelycourts.

in reflection of

for two

So the

One

earlier than usual.

home

went

own.

thought regardingthem.

days shortened.

autumn

his

week

stayedin town, long after midnight.

passed,and

in

as
comfortably

as

once

further

months, without

115

ILLUSION.

the

dusty pileupon

The

before

Temple

fire

no

clock

another
striking

was

floor,

began
hour

to

from

eternity.
Some

instants afterwards

awfullyto

window

unheard.

summons

closed stood open

he

saw

in the littlehall.

hung

black

there,swallowed

Wrench

looked
The

room-door

the faint blue

On

up,

thrilling
he had

glimmer of

either side that

the

tion
pale reflec-

fell dead
nothingness.The candle-light
up,

though it touched
12

the

and
pictures

116

furniture
nor

each

on

mist

blank.

the

down.

lower

fear,his eyebrows raised,he

waitingwhat
It did

should

rest, but

not

closed

in

sat

cloud
sable

think

this

wrinkled

and

an

wet

speechless
trance,

that

from

emerge

door, but

forehead

His

eye.

not

was

Wrench

did

moment

It

the

around

drooped

for

illusion of
with

hand

that

Not

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

unearthlyvoid.

gathered in, shuttingout

and

the stilltransparence of the casement,

and

like

malignant,flashed

Two

wings.

and

vanished

have

luminous.
he

had

later

learned.

Memory

Some

there

burned

whitely

firefly
glows
The

closed

for

"

the

contracted, took
on

his very

him.
soul.

aching of

the

passed

since

could

have

did

whose

youth

had

fate he

seek

not

of

recognised each

pulse-beatand

one

baleful
of

an

exclamation

an

had

his

but

eye,

went

out,

as

disappears.

showed, those

uttered

down

visions

processionceased,and

wings
faces

and

were

way
door-

shone, pallidly

followed, friends

all dead.

These

the

features,Wrench

Others

forgottenghost.
not

child's face

dead

name.

years,

Then, where

twenty-fiveyears

those

seen

blank.

been,

Though

given them
and

the

above

should

and

sparks,keen

opened again,

all

gleams
old

of

And

dismay,

and

again
"

Then

girl.
the

Wrench

black

swiftlyround,

then,
in

all

his

was

face

finished !
told

void

crushed
into

Only

Wrench

the
two

burned
sparks intensified,

two

muscles

dark

returned.
and

man

shape, closed
The

was

the

what

118

ON

home, where
and

the

and

won

he

inconsiderable

no

recalled

him

he made

his way,

not

though he

the creed

girl,also

heiress.

an

nominated

not

and

Mutiny,
became

very
to

active

keep

which

he

and

made

an

Government

fortune

for

the

Company

Besides

and

gave

he had

service.

love with

young

the

begun,

qualities

family,saving that
in

joined

not

chiefs

did

lady whom

With

services

peace

all his

Colonel

regularemployment.

Innes
He

ously
strenu-

the command

England

the

army,

his

ledge
know-

the

English

he rescued

him, swarthy though

recognisedhis

the

superb regiment

officer,whilst

native

Bahadur

aiding

raised

of the

brilliant

the

Sahib

came

religion. Educated

regiment.
well

Then

youth possessedall

honorary colonelcy when

so

of

expense,

about

skill with

perilfell in

his
career

the

himself

generalsmuch

the

own

Armenian

an

died, Innes

Court.

at

quiet,he

militarylife,though

showed

from

his

This

indifference

easy
for

at

nies
ceremo-

him, but he maintained

useful.

the Nizam

only son.
had

and

married

the father

soldier

also

did
born; opposition

He

influence

parent

Court

join the

never

was

succeed

this old

of horse

his

he

When
to

positionof great

to

would

which

to

his

before

the Nizam's

At

Hyderabad.

to

Company's service,

the

honours

however.
beyond this,

go

was

entered

He

study

alike in the

himself
distinguished

playground.

of

BORDERLAND.

THE

he

was

by grantinghim

returned,

longing to
knew

and

bodied
em-

pursue

himself

fitted
un-

married, and with-

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

drew

his

of

complicatedmatters
died, giving birth

to

the

arrange

heritage,his

made

this

the
and

mighty
wife

young

also

circumstances

The

daughter.

decease

her

attending

could

he

before

And,

year.

within

died

father

his

where

Hyderabad,

to

119

ILLUSION.

calamity yet

more

dreadful.
her

In

and

Hagar,
a

last

The

baby.

allowance.

then

Five

intricate

years

the

Mrs

did

Wrench

he

straightlimbs
time

he

saw

by

time

piid the

rounded

them,

and

in

sides grew

settled his

had

friendshipof

Hagar's growth

little

or

the old

beauty

with

himself

more

Wrench

as

in supportinghis
difficulty

role.

feeling

fraternal

gracefulsymmetry
found

soldier

long visit,

Colonel

to

his

ever
When-

absence.

girl'sfleshless features, and

to

five

Europe, taking

to

described
persistently
The

interest.

about

both

Innes

he withdrew

cool

the

of

constantly.

was

liking on

later,Colonel

not

extravagant

them

see

Hagar

The

The

nursing

charge
an

on

not

was

acquaintance of Wrench,

the

got leave he

watched

he

which

made

Kalph.

young

to

up

time, when

and
affairs,

and

child

ran

subaltern.

young

warm.

and

this

Simla

it at

of

sake
took

comrade

Colonel

old, that he

years

and

The

during

was

of

widow

the

rights for

his

Innes

Colonel

child

the

named

had

wife

baptized.

was

settled with

infant,and

It

she

so

sacrifice

to

man

his

moments,

lean,
each

greater and greater

120

ON

Colonel

The

lick

"

of

his

of

be

enthusiasm,
did

without

and

then

free.

After

Bucharest.

The

the

two

several

but

daughter's instincts.

fancy some

miles

it for three

years.

and

from

His

him.

to

At

with

"

not

Innes

accomplishments

Without

that

saving the

exalted

an

odd

like birds
to

came

city

eternal

mended
com-

bill-and-

vulgar luxury appealed

They

the town,

found
and

as

the
difficulty

escaped,joying

life in

the

length

Miss

wanderings, they

of

mode

its ostentatious

unanimously

"presentation" by

itself to the father

that vain

occur

effect.

her

arranged

personage,

coo;

not

the

tortures, but

suffered

he

with

At

them.

him

he

But

live neither

could

professorsdeclared

the

could

resources

of

and

Arab

shame.

elected

thoroughly primed

Colonel

set

All

relief.

as

their

had

which

joining another

the

came

to

of

moment

idea

the

He

his

in

than

romance

seeking it.

militaryclub

from

class

that

seen

Anglo-Indian colleaguesnor

great
at

rather

of

him

haunted

commanded

have

India, would

thought

never

bitterly.

nected
amiable, which, being discon-

more

blood

education

suffered

He

had

have

might

society,larger and

Armenian

"

tar-brush

the

school-days. He

with

quit England.

to

patience
im-

extreme

Hagar's completed

when

him

allow

with

waited

meanwhile

Innes
the moment

should

BORDERLAND.

THE

chateau

the

to

Colonel

expenditure,lavish

improvident nobility,attracted

even

to

their
leased

among

notice

from

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

the

and
first,
his

to

left

had

Wrench

fierce Roumanian

when

the

wind
and

the copses

surprisedby

this dull view

checked

talkingeagerlyof

India

laughinglydeclared
Hagar.

the

"

see

you

ask

Roumania

are

will

we

where
Carpathians,

abundant.

Ab

for

they predict,we
even

dangerous,and
night.

Two

years

school.

cadets
ago,

What

through the

do
copse

to

deer

between

the

think

there.

the

We

we

is excellent

the

chalet

I have

and

wolves

bears

be

season

earlyas

sport here, for

careful

devoured

were

and

month

villages.They
be

to

small

host*

Towards

you.

some

the

on

you

move

have

has

one

show

in

in the

barrier

have

really

are

Chaussee

My
a

the

travellingat

and

of that?

remarking

there

But

will

red

In

worst.

wolves, if

may

descend

brutes

some

as

now,

November

in the

its very

at

as

repliedhis

Yes,"

opinion again.

your

shootingeven
of

"

them.

Colonel

the

forbear

not

been

the dream

leave

could

Wrench

had

They

times, for

old

that he would

about

scene

Mogosoi,but

Podoi

enthusiasm.

and

the

of
general brilliancy

and

along the

his

of

delighted

been

had

Wrench

sheets

slopes,and

sheltered

crowds

the

they drove

end

they

in, but,

set

yet

not

bye-road,small

the

and

Bucharest,as

tale for

into

alreadybitter.

was

had

winter

carriageturned

lay in

snow

will

since

them

visited

not

society

England.

The

on

all

glimpse of Hagar brought

one

feet.

121

ILLUSION.

the

itself

military

house

is

just

gipsy villageat

122

ON

gates, with

our

cherishes

They
a

of

'*

of

its

Is there
I had

of

the

Isn't this

it.

they

live

Hagar they love

in

himself.

You'll

Wrench

wondered

why.

roads
women,

had

gained

crossed.
better

were

Here

with

and

little below

able

be

stood

protectedby

the

!
to

of the

little

than

legs,the

knee.

their shoulders, from

build !
siastically
enthu-

be

to

the

wide

the

don't
comes

him."

where
village,
of

others.

and

They

wore

swarthy chests,

white
hair

handkerchief, or

two

men

of linen.

black

understand

the

of

assistance

Egad, here

throng

garment

Long

Hindustani

Latin, and

mixture

the middle

dressed

their feet and

building?"
is house-

they

seem

sheepskincoats, unfastened,showing
fringed,not

extraordinary

an

remembers

them,

abominable

Si Miliu

They

She

Italian

and

an

"

and

half-a-dozen

houses

the

They

talk to

to

Roumanian
what

blazed

!"

of you

just well enough

know

on

gipsy'sspecialhandicraft

picturesqueruffians!

broken

had

came

singlewindow.

where

It's

bonfires

stragglinghamlet

heard

fond
"

suddenly

fete?"

not

And

What

but Hagar
dispense,

little wood, and

the

small

country, where

*'

well

popular rejoicing.Big

in
rushlights
"

I could

the rascals."

hut

every

which

traversed

scene

BORDERLAND.

THE

Bare

trouser

falling

streamed
a

also

rough

on

fur

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

Their

cap.
women's

wild

shirt at

the

fiction to

preserve

loose, and

in

the

at

same

than

even

sleeves,which,

undergarment

delivered
folk

and

they drove

and

tumult.
How

"I

well

am

Hyderabad
to

be

here

lean

In

his

father

his

might

gipsy folk

the

keep

surprised,said
on,

the

in

name

that strange old

he

suspect.

fact,my

few

not

comed
wel-

mind,

words,

courteous

torches

villagersfollowing with

is

He

understood, they tell

long.

He

children.

certain
I

that

ever

poor

seigneur'sfriend.

Therefore

on.

The

tongue.

same

he

fashion,

Hindustani

their

see

would

much

and

the

in

loose

leather

and

too,

and

breast

elbow, displayeda

the

distant land

and

their

Wrench,

"

staff to

him,

they

other

the

the

on

high boots,

after

rejoiced to
from

the

village chief,who

embroidery

Tiad

he

address

an

come

want

of

stare

from

sex

the

was

short at the

cut

Saluting

trousers.

had

the rest

sheepskin with

gipsy

distinguishone

not

streamed

also

hair

Their

age.

Darker
wore

waist, supposed by

and

decency.

the

in

seeming, only

feature,in the bold, laughing

could

one

eyes,

neck

torch-light. The

the

all

differed,to

costume

gatheringof

glistenedin

eyes

123

ILLUSION.

dear

speaks Hindustani?"

man

gipsy

of

Hindustan

scarcelyspeaks
me,

and

boy,

he

Si Miliu

"

from

Roumanian

has

not

is the

been
most

124

ON

mysterious

At

Father,

word

noisy crowd
of

prime

and

ceased, in

voices.
I

"

young

tossing,hurrying,

chief, the
of

sort

Six

order.

men

carrying violins,pushed

formed

to

the

youths,and

of

music

suddenly

in and

struck

the

of

parts, distributed

in

was

in

number

storm

sing?"

to

men

saying

raised it

to

after
burst

bass,

among

ecstatic,

frenzyof

very

as
suddenly, it paused and dropped
inspiration;

audacious
and

your

is

that

and

alto, rising higher,thrilling more

the chorus

until

met,

their

children.
air

ever

were

them

The

tenor,

from

life,who

the

forth.

tell

fell into

front,behind
these

personage

deal.

great

BORDERLAND.

THE

Again
heard

never

swift,short
and

again

music

of

movement

weird

the

melody poured

that ! "

like

children's

the

Wrench

out.

exclaimed,

thrilling.
It's like

"

That

is

compositionof

of

one

the

gipsy tradition.
The

chateau

battle-songsof
Here

was

we

outhouses.

from

the

as

well

stout

would
for

fa9ade,were

as

the central

iron

delay a
the

Two

the

Michel

massive

of

structure,

surrounded

it?

Brave, by

by

tural
architec-

no

substantial

barns

wings, protruding boldly

evidentlydesigned to protect these,

building,in

grillerunning
barbarous

inhabitants

djins,isn't

are."

big, low

pretensions,almost
and

harmonious

to

take

from

across

enemy

of

case

the

few

refuge

in

sudden

one

to

moments

the

foray.

the

other

needful

wings.

Its

126

ON

ciouslybroken

cream-white

black

eyes,

the native
and

golden hair, English;

of

contrast

skin, Armenian

Arab.

and

BORDERLAND.

the

by

with

women,

THE

Bucharest

nowhere

is

poets had

Moslem,

public taste

find

to

beauty of

its

But

critical.

more

tian
heaven, Chris-

and

earth

objectsto

large,eager,

in the

excels

exhausted

and

with

compare

Hagar

Innes.
She

ran

else

obtained

hard

put

word

it

to

Wrench

to

up

"

remember

engaged

Si Miliu

necromancer

upon

things
!

us

had
to

old

dreadful

awful

We

have

is afraid

has he told

What

me

"

Oh, he doesn't tell me

Si Miliu

Wrench

You

of"

know

Miliu

I have

fully
delight-

most

heard

Si

and

scandal.
of which

information, some

your

is the

ever

month

you

did

we

can

real

peach

you?"

was
My great-grandmother

and

He

make

to

"

"

lots of

was

father,Hagar

awful

of him.

Hyderabad,

at

her

for

have

you

Colonel

absorbingquestionof

heard

not

one

spoke only French

very

it.
interpret

man

Papa

been

No

arm.

the

Unlike

interests to the

It must
!

us

his

and
willingly,

tongue.

Indian

the dream.

took

entertaining
guests who

besides their mother

subordinated

and

dream

declares her mother

?

papa

Arab

an

he has

But

was

owns

given me

to

princess,
you
a

gipsy.

be true.

know,
But

tell

"

protestedthere

being pressed began

some

was

nothing

lame

to

tell,and

story, which

on

Hagar

127

interrupted. Keep
"

offended.
well

My

necromancer

that's
frightened,
The

attention

gave

specialoffence

who

did

but
certainly,
called

him

friend,addressed
into discreet

however,

him

him

and

with
white

The

each

Then

when

Miss

he

others

been

few

words

Her

of the Prince

at

plunged
passed,

soon

smiling apology she

her

with

up, and

irritation

sumed
re-

glared and

Innes,vexed

warmed

he

handsome

politecompulsion,she

on

wrath

hand,

tall fellow

expression.

kindly,he

left

eyebrow,

the stranger.

But

guest

one

her

on

that, after

found

love-making.

The

again.

of

to

anxiety to pleasehad

His

he

gave

in silence.

and

sullen

her talk with

fumed

be

Don't

me.

hostess

the

gentleman

Prince."

Hagar

tell

his vexation.

rather

*'

of

moustache

of

undisguiseduntil
which

to

conceal

profuse

was,

will

as

all."

exclusive

not

He

thoughts

read

can

interpretdreams.

as

like," she said,

secret, if you

your

turned

away

this treatment

homicidal.

was

Coffee
where

and

Si

Miliu

legged upon

sofa ; his

either

and

in the

already installed

had

shoes of felt. He
eyes

served

cigarswere

high
and

rose

breast.

boots

"

one

peculiarities,"
Hagar whispered,

"

come

to

you

summoned.5'

"

you

must

go

to

himself,

exchanged

bowed

It is

drawing-room,

him,

very

of
that
even

cross-

for spotless

low, touching
our

he

magician's
will

though

never

he

be

128

ON

Wrench

now

type, but

the old

saw

struck.

not

The

face

unbecoming
the
The
find
The
"

Stand

Miliu
as

in
"

and

forgetthat

this old

with

sheepskin,and

deeply

were

scandalised

with

room

to

themselves.

present !

great peopleare
hands

"

Si

pressedcloselytogether

and

you

"

the

beg

This

is

stupid

not

dream,

pardon, Si

friend of my
"

which

Now

he will

not

will read

the

secret.

1 will do

what

is

tell

me.

Don't

This

you

are

always

coffee,and

great questionfor your

to

gently

Miliu.

is your

here

father's

induced

was

where

speechless.
and

gipsy'sarm,

your

it I have

drunk

skill.

host."

stood

reproof,and

upon

honoured

have

passion,uyou

is the guest of your

man

hand

-down.

red with

Hagar,

the keen

at

her

him

welcome

61

large

summer.

English gentleman'shouse,

when

the

dyed

were

his

doffed

gipsy-

feelingsby exclaimingroughly,

exclaimed

started

an

you

beard

and

same

stood, with

"

Hagar put

is

his

in

was

attitude of prayer.

Prince!

forced

the

slave,when

up,

an

He

had

in

relieved

rose

He

officers

gipsy seated

Prince

hair

peasant dress of

common

Hindoo

common

dwelt
intensity

of

he

and
plainly,

more

of

The

effect.

Roumanian

man

was

certain look

heavy-liddedeyes.

wore

BORDERLAND.

THE

"

and
come

of mine

here

I have

when

by

he
bad

promised him

disgraceme,

Si Miliu."

missy-baba. Beg
possible,

him

to

approach me."
"

Now,

Captain Wrench, imagine

that

the

bugle has

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

sounded,

and

leading a

are

you

129

ILLUSION.

forlorn

hope.

Draw

near."
Wrench
I

obeyed,saying,

going to

am

in hand

cup

photographed. Will

Whatever

being !

be deserved

With

be

for

sips,like

have

it

know

"You
read

whilst

and

turned

already?"

if the

dear

Wrench,
Give
I

"

Must

"

I don't

this
cross

Wrench

steadilyin
with

Hagar

eagerlycried.

hide the

old
delightful
it with

smile.
"You

allow

me,

I will

because

of
faltering

your

Wrench's
"It is

man,

length.

be

heard

"

though

brave

creature

he asked

how

ignorantyou

remarks

are

only intended

Now, Si Miliu/'
with
man

your

intense

tiny
scru-

!" he exclaimed

Colonel-sahib.

Worthy

greatest treasure

gipsylooked meaningly at Hagar, who

K

hand."

I know

good

for

yourselfa

"

hand

show
your

courage.

long time.

at

coffee-cup." Now, Captain

silver?

humorous

gipsystudied

for

the

Captain Wrench,

hate you,

that your

are, and

The

Miliu

his coffee in

to

she

Si

drank

will
Captain-sahib

Hagar swiftlyremoved

The

he

hand

his secret."

discover

to

the

it."

No; but,

man.

of

Turk, he looked

face,then bowed,

the

"

fate will

idol ! "

blasphemingmy

and
apologisedfor staring,

small

he operate coffee-

happens,your

deprecatinggesture

imagine that

"

Profane

"

I shall rather

"

returned

to

!"
the

130

exclaimed,
to

did

He

in

said,

Si Miliu

so.

Listen

"

dark

his

He

for

'*

"

What

tell

can

4"

see

ter.
daugh-

there

was

watching. They

He

and

rose

cried.

"

out."

came

Tell

me

more.''

know."

then?

"

how

understand,

convinced

should

your

!"

the Colonel-sahib
are

you

you

had

who
his

instant

were

Wrench

not

Ask

drogman

!"

awfully

up

friends

an

pause

reading

man

looked

He

for

powers

mean

do

you

the Colonel- sahib and

what

only

does it

If

"

enough

not

saw

many

nerres.
strengthenedhis failing

It is

his neck, and

on

darker.

good

down."

firmly. After

I dreamed

remembered

the

peril. But

hand

one

pulse stopped,and

His

"

nothing

kneel

to

man

righthand

It grew

he feared

died, and

put

now.

room.

door.

the

at

this young

Beg

the other held

with
he

dream?

The

"

has

character

CaptainWrench's

But

"

his dream."

with

do

suddenly blushed, and

bewilderment; she

with

glance

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

now,"

said

Hagar

in

frightenedvoice.
"

I tell all to the Colonel

May

else have

"

Why

"

Brought by

"

By

0,

be

Danger

old

you

dream,
frank
is

gipsy rose

as

come

you

here

"

"

I understand.*'
Is the

danger

always imminent
and

"

stretched

imminent?
over

out

"

this house."
his hand,

whilst

The
the

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

looked

deep eyes

sahib, I knew
Let

those who

As

if in

roared
the
sent

blew

towards
threw

Si

It may

to

imagined

by

them.

her

what

But

who

in

to

father's

that

had

that

my

of

in

second

house

and

their

to

was

their volcanic

the

was

her

were

gipsy had

threatened
Innes

burnt

made

Si

kept

the

down,

his presence

nified
sig-

it is in

brought, liqueurs
their

appearance.

have

Eoumanian

Tranquillity
was

panic,and

Miliu,

dream

your

the strains which

nature,

been

natures
superstitious

Lights were

offence of Si Miliu.

at

be

the laotorei

listeningto

Hagar laughed at

officers

"

effect

Si Miliu

room

excitement,

But

arms.

said,laughing, If

in

his alarm

with

hearth

the

across

sweep

deprecation. Colonel

Absorbed

forgotthe

the

alreadypassed,incomprehensible

fulfilment."

round,

on

shook,

on

the Roumanian

art, and

He

of mind.

fair way

all !

blast of wind

window-frames

Crowding together,
they

bowed

handed

The

they guessed that

practising some
thrilled.

and

you

passed.

be

bewildered

a furious
challenge,

Hagar, screaming

into

the commotion

to

warning."

that seemed

Miliu.

herself

frank

am

of yours,

dream

out, the logs blazing

fierytongue

take

without.

suddenly

candles

the

to

answer

of it !

understand

This

"

into vacancy.

nothing

131

ILLUSION.

bantered

such

an

officers
restored.

the Prince

on

gust of wind.
first to

with
leave, risingstealthily
K2

132

for

?
explanations

more

it is necessary

When

"

Colonel

and

all his

soft tap
and

gown

bewitching

by,

when

Wrench

that

she would
I could

"

Please

"

tell

"

there.

bear

have

wishes

the

would

ill,papa

not

the

in years

shock

study
to

find

liberty.
said

Hagar

talkingto

you.

to

protect

us.

But

"

darling,as

other

were

Hagar thoughtfully.

here

summoned

feet

again.

murmured

now,"

been
us

his story

be

dressing-

time

papa,"

suspense,

over

in

innocent

same

went

grandfatherhad
was

the

concluded,

father's

her
him

gave

it all means."

I will tell you,

Princess

It

what

I understand

You

who

me

Wrench

So

was

many

the

of

Her

lace.

to

Captain Wrench

I knew

and

slippers. So,

silence ;

the barbaric

Hagar,
of

told

screams

Wrench

as

little cap

slipped down

not

listeningin

announced

still take

Wrench

quarters, and

she

had

gone

"

little

in their

naked

off,on

went

his den.

eldritch

the

Just

voices.
door

the

at

by

servants'

the

of their fine

chant

"

filled

fiddle in

gypsy

to

old soldier

the

once,

was

pause

every

at

Koumanians

the

led the way

Innes

story

told,I suppose."

will be

well-appointedcarriages.Hagar retired,

in

horseback, or

shall I

When

"

"

you

midnight

little before

stopped him,

Wrench

generalsalaam.
ask

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

sons

and

mother.

it has

come

to

this.

My

whom

the

daughters,of
He

provided

for

them

134

ON

and

frostysky

less beautiful

not

told

of

above

This

into

Bucharest

to

had

frankly,"You
Wrench.

dull !

was

The

You

words

were

"Oh!"

she

answered

as

young

just what

was

In the

and

After
"

make

laugh when

me

he

old

so

if

with

in

Colonel

the

but

Hagar

me

followed

her

at

the

That

learned

been

at

They

he had

nothing.
fortunate.

more

Miliu

talked

as

information."

no

for

will

gipsy village

confessed

had

had

furs.

day, and nothinghappened.

deep enough

"

the Colonel

in the

hut

it,I

that's

example !

an

slip past

morning,

gave

Miss

then,

do.

not

entered

till dusk

set

stood

Hagar

the

not

was

No," she answered, colouring. "Si

assembled

as

remembered,

what

said

Hagar

"if
carelessly,

could

dinner, he asked

Day

such

sleighwhich

the

Vienna.

to

like,only

She

in

usual, but he

was

"

afternoon, as

after.

there

used

Wrench

remained

been

had

fool who

younger."

you

window, they saw

hurried

that

was

night,that

about

all like

stung him.

you

as

which

"

Innes, and

be

was

despondency deepened

from

at

not

are

she

old

the

ask

ordered

her eyes

beautiful

of

be his.

Colonel

Captain

watches

might

they rode

lines round

presumptuous

the

spirits.Hagar

their

so

"

felt himself

creature

the

raised

for the dark

thought,in

even

BORDERLAND.

sleeplessnight

Wrench

THE

sleighing,and

house, or

followed

from

merry

The

snow

parties

the Chaussee

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

for

dinner

was

always

with

and

dismay.

Colonel,

of her

unbiassed

not

so

To

The

like that.

man

devoted

to

his

daughter,was
in

being lightly esteemed

After

himself

his, he hated

be

not

contemplated

complacency.
be

and

here.

he

England,

marriage with

shrewd

so

his flirtation

watched

could

Though Hagar

Prince

The

dance.

Wrench

and

hand,

on

the notion

unceremonious

an

135

ILLUSION.

match

the

illustrious

so

Prince

with

all that could

was

His

wished, respectful,attentive, loftilymodest.

family had

been

his
his

Innes

might

often
and

down,

the

One

immense,

was

trusted

his

went

Wrench

I cannot

as

came

endure

fall of

his

person

all hands.

on

check

to

Si Miliu, who

met

the

his

stantinopl
Consome,
hand-

Colonel

daughter's

case.

afternoon,

copse,
"

be

not

in such

Wrench

talk.

wealth

intelligence
regarded

inclination

cast

distinguishedbefore

strolled
the

across

this, Si

eyes

obviously unwilling

way,

he

with

salaamed

moodily through

gipsy face

Miliu.

to

When

face.

to

is the

danger

coming?"
told the truth,sahib !

"I

do

we

your
"

"

But

know.

not

Why

there

is

you
a

have

been

danger, if

you

brought,
will

use

eyes."
Here
You

"

where?"
think

yourselftoo

respectfully
contemptuous.

old, and

"

he

paused,

136

ON

"You

read

can

THE

BORDERLAND.

thoughts,Si

my

Miliu!

Do

guess

right?"
You

"

Si

are

Miliu

good

laughed

and

man,

with

brave, but

quiet

Too

"

sarcasm.

!
We
Listen, Captain-sahib

protect only the

the

of

son's

concern

of

I would

see

"

"

What
Too

The

her

I love

But

ours

danger

old !

is

lady

young

and

son,

no

her, I, the poor gipsy,and

!"

happy

I to do?

am

this

Tell

sake ! "

for Heaven's

me,

old, this Captain-sahib.

deal in
"

son

old ! "

too

Too

old !

Miliu

went

do

not

sir."
philtres,

implore

"

you

But

Si

off

chuckling.
From

that interview

his tactics.
beaten

Since

without

satisfied him

there

that it

he

that
title,

undertook.

off his

His

His

laziness,and

looking idol.

He

the

field.

She

set

himself

found

did

instant those easy

in times

past.

excel

with
not

her,
hide

position
dis-

as

which

birthright,
in what

men

Wrench

shook

this

good-

which
spirits
the

met

her

it

be

character

humility

overthrow

the

not

masterful

gone,

to

again

would

all other

despondency

Hagar laugh,danced
own

Prince's

Highness took

he should

changed

Hagar's

of

respect and

the

all

chance, he

study

the

was

impressedthe girl.

hope, and

took
a

was

trying.

underlying

like his

Wrench

Prince

made
on

his

pleasure,resuming on

relations which

had

been

so

able
agree-

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

Then
A

past, with
held

faces and

the

the

chateau

In

evening.

victorious

of

As

not

endure

win

the

the

saddle, sustainingan
this

he

in

close

the sport.

The

is
"

the

rode

Prince

the

practised at

not

cropper," supported

fury.

Si Miliu

by, muddy
barouche.

His

After

dinner

ridden

had

but

with

was

fall.

with

passing

demure

that
such

smile

night

as
spirit

Hagar

virtuallyalone

"

Will

whilst
you

her

the

father

cutting
in

the

of

score

ugly

of

he

had

pluck

very

another
inward

and

came

in

Hagar

her

kindly magic.
fell

an

see

thing

Wrench

as

Colonel

becomes

the

sort

gate

had

and

this

heroic, laughing with

obstacle, but

Wrench,

the

he

could

outward

of

out

the ladies
but

well;

to

When

on,

school, and

shirking no
was

whence

could

himself

twisted

ignominious

road,

was

desperateeffort

shaking, a paper-chasewas

to

ball

Prince

expected,the

and,
superiority,

was

Wrench

skill

of

trial

lovely

surpassed

there

and

gipsy fox, cunningly directed, found

places,all

of

show

fine

prizefor tent-pegging,he

recovered

noblesse,was

bored

lunch

the

every

course.

this

of

there ; the Colonel

was

at
hospitality

preparingfor days

been

gates.

costlytoilettes

his famous
in

hearty goodwill

the

before

had

Wrench

which

gymkhana

sleighing.

eternal

interruptedthe

brief thaw

137

ILLUSION.

old

off all

asleep.

He

gentleman,

ugly

corners.

drawing-room

with

slept.

confess, Captain-sahib?

All

those

sports

138

ON

and

exercises
!

THE

"I

Because

love

anything

criminal

couldn't

"

ments
accomplish-

"

distrust

Why

off your

show

designed to

were

I will confess

"

BORDERLAND.

the

Prince

offences.

in his

happy

jealous,Hagar.

am

more."

glib in admittinghis

so

leave

you

like,and

you

ceit?"
con-

presumed

have

to

you."

"

but

Well,

(i

You

do

that

is

no

reason."

understand

not

me.

ask

be

to

you

my

wife."
"

Oh

"

Say

!"

at

so

Too

old !

I cannot

to

You

want

The

any

misery."

to-night

more

"

laugh."
have

till you

us

to

marry

Give

spoken.

from

me?

danger ?

me

an

could

not

love

understood

came

you

"

greatest danger for

who

man

say

bright youth?

your

of my

out

me

! don't

us

laugh

preserve
"

Let

for

worn

Hagar."

answer,
"

put

There

"

too

and

once,

please don't
4"

old and

too

am

you

you

as

be

would
you

are

to

marry

worthy

to

be

loved."
"

Would

befall

me?

colouring.

that

be

And

the very
who

most

is the

terrible fate that could

man?"

asked

Hagar,

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

"

Any

have

done

She
have

; for

man

thoughtfulfor

been

through

have

Next

day

comrades.

visit to

grandest scale
of the

after

Colonel's

Neither

daughterexcited.
in

the

wolf-hunt.

kissed

her

promise !

heard

them.

The

wished

to

That
for the

had

Prince

words,

early.

As

Kemember

"

she
your

night the
great

Prince

did

long

as

command

not

of

course,

possible.

then
surprised,

looked

frost

himself

A
to

offended.

returned, and preparations

began

From

clank
not

could

He

event.

with

on
put his intepretation

and

feelingsas

grief;Hagar

taken

interest

more

accepted,and Hagar,

was

his

spare

resounded
The

the

evening.

hide his

withdrew

his

grave,

"

Wrench

wretched

looked

Innes

whispered,

father, she

the

on

got home,

professedany

Hagar

paid

wolf-hunt

Wrench

hospitality.When

details,Colonel
discussing

an

as

in requital
officers,

the

projectedby

was

"

bruises

his

barracks.

the

ready !

indoors, while Wiench

stay the afternoon

expected

an

tell how

not

lunch, with several

for

arrived

laughingly pleaded

He

to

excuse

is

you

performance

could

Tea

failed.

Prince

the

laotorei

us

oh ! words

and

nose,

conspicuously
you

as

"Papa, dear,

time.

give

trying to

your

do,

as

you

!"

for years

was

love

could

one

no

139

ILLUSION.

of

appear,

leave of absence

noon

sword
and
on

to

the

house

jinglingof

spurs.

midnight

and
Wrench

learned

that he

urgent privateaffairs ;

to

140

ON

arrange

for the

away.

Wrench
with

THE

BORDERLAND.

Si Miliu

marriage,doubtless.
did

his best

Hagar

but

to

his

resume

frank

was

course
inter-

cool, sarcastic

remained

she

also

sometimes, quitepitiless.
It

had

though

been

wilfulness

announced,

with

to

home.

at

stay

breakfast

poor

with

invalids
could

miles

be

would

Roumanian

great

hostess
Wrench.

all but

chateau, where

None
the

but

when

officer who

halloingtold

Towards

the

from
and

one

black

trunk

speaking with

sportsmen

The

hour

and
passed,

kept

watch

beaters
his
a

with

party

second.
Wrench

clapped his
and

fur-

distant

astir.

were

gipsy boy

valley,

and

Colonel

he

out,

children,and

women,

three o'clock, faint

that the beaters

this moment

been

the

gipsy village.

positions.An

gloved hands.

had

beaters

as
strange oaths unceasingly,

Wrench,

she

resolve

the

converging towards

the

yet be heard

The

snow,

and

left in

taken their

At

the

morning,

to

drew

pretty jests.

the

hours

ambushed.

had

swore

grace

day

length

at

hunters, and

and

smiles

from

were

not

the

battue,

fellow,received the coolest good wishes, whilst

twenty-four

ten

the

as

fatal

the

charming

searching the woods,

some

but

the

at

vehemence,

Upon

for all others she had

For

her;

unnecessary

all

assist

to

fainter, and

grew

assembled

played her part

He,

intention

dissuaded

one

every

her

near

her

came

to

stealingacross
another.

as
one
difficulty,

the
called

He
who

has

142

I will

But

she

save

it.

or

her

laid

in his

station

by

the

where

the

rather

visible

voice

answered

it from

the

armed

men

of

clad

yell they

fight burst

medley.
other

the

breathless

instinct of

him

the
in

surged

"Do

Oh, what

the

din

battle
barrier

frenzied
not

leave

is it?"

the

on

than

of

of

gunshot

saw

and

the

tumult

By

fray began

firearms, cries

and

soul.
soft

upon

shouts,

and

The

encounters.

raised, but

the

able
indistinguish-

an

instant

scene.

hall-door, all

stillness.

hand-to-hand

had

the shoulders.

upon

the

thrilled Wrench's
he

the

lawn

his eyes.

to

flash lit the

forward,

same

took

glimmering

round

upon

and

and

arms,

made

tangled hair

bounded

blocked

the front expanse,

on

That

house!

the

to

excitement

his consciousness

suddenly

side, crash

the

away

At

and

movements

shots, Wrench

random

of

glare

door

his

to

untrodden,

sheepskin,with

in

Raising
of

was

"

panic clinging,

raised,speakingangrily;

score

her

with

gave

confused

to

Suddenly

the

looked

her

carried

by

senseless

which

still
and

Dim

twilight.

before

down,

window,

snow,

and

arms

hindered

almost

her

yourself,darling!

Nerve

fear.

furniture

became

He

die !

Whilst

dragged

fear.

BORDERLAND.

with

room.

Hagar

were

you

took

inner

he

THE

wild

was

Wrench
small

ON

He

dragged

arms

caught

clutch.
me,

do

not

leave

me

shall

die !

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

Our

44

calls

defenders
!

me

No,

"

Not

will die

We

no

no,

I live shall any

while

Stay with

She

together!"

will

we

his

Wrench
head

led her

to

his chest,her

upon

outside diminished,
disturbed

them

for

hour.

Hagar

steps, and

hall below

length the

the

Colonel's voice

sat

trembling,her
The

the distance,but
sat

of

heedless
fear,convulsivelyshivering,
At

ling,
dar-

My

"

his neck.

about

arms

passedinto
an

you

lipsto his;

her
arms.

couch, and she

with

go

!"

you

together!"

die but live

not

me

put up

gathered her triumphantlyin

he

reach

one

let

or

me,

honour

below, and

fightingdown

are

143

ILLUSION.

her

heard

no

one

paralysedwith
lover's
with

resounded

was

noise

solation.
con-

hasty

shoutingfor

his

daughter'sname.
sir, here!"

"Here,

Wrench

the

answered; and

old

soldier burst in.

When
reassured

them,

to

been

brigand troop

said,however, that
attack,with

dead.
the
Not

They

to

bed, and the doctor had

the

had

which

half-dozen

find

to

the slain

of the strangers
or

the

was

captured.

descended

their

the

from

to

the

They

joined

chief,who

chateau
it in

was

themselves

strangers had

approval of

expected

events

Englishman'swealth.

the

gipsies,
secretlyrecalled,held
one

these

prisonersconfessed

hearing of
Carpathians,

the

put

explanationof

some

Two

forthcoming.
belong

had

Hagar

in

was

empty, but

superiorforce.

either amongst
identified,

144

The

Colonel

Hindustani,
home!"

and

the

number

would

In the

of ruffians
He

Not

till next

weak, but
his

avoided
of

and

did

boded

found

him

gravelycourteous

and

he

the gap,

in

faint

glimmering of

and

marble

their

pale

appear,

ill. After
had

broken

her

but

knew

the
that

retirement,
since

the

chair,cross-legged,
and

short

he

and

She

eyes.

shown

not

their thanks

saw

saw

bullets whizzed

speakingto him,

questions
scarcely

and

deep

talk, he

in

ment.
excite-

started

"

blackness,
again that shapeless

malignant sparksabove.
in

tion
atten-

the Colonel

Wrench's

in his usual

half-an-hour's

Wrench
thrill,

the

length the

fusillade.

Hagar

no

got reply; the gipsy breathed

After

At

passed by, and

announced;

fight. They

heed.

Several

in the

but

quickening,and

was

not

whilst

glanceeven

this pretty confusion

with

fun

divinelybeautiful

was

boy,

repeating his words,

ran.

evening

Go
this

The

over.

gatheringdusk

self-distrust had

Si Miliu

it

approaching,with treacheryin

turned

in

at

his
hard, volubly directing

his ears, unnoticed

about

and

the

him

rear.

movements.

time

that

sportsman
shook

the

to

told

proached
ap-

muttered

prowling by

rolled
arm,

and

beaters

place is dangerous.

came

the

by

the

As
him

to

up

Colonel

him

excited

messenger

story.

says this

first wolf

after shot

the

his

Si Miliu

"

excited,took
shot

also had

The

moment,

BORDERLAND.

gipsy boy crept

THE

ON

tremulous

It divided.

outline,he

columns, with

Through
beheld

the

rich stuffs between,

WRENCH'S

CAPTAIN

ceilingfretted

bits of mirror

table

and

came

moulded

marble
a

to

undimmed,

from

that

which

on

with

sat

hung

littlecrowd

with

sat

of

in front

moved

tremulously,as

dozen

armed

feet, and

true

He

went

diamonds, and

around
old

in

them

**

while

to

the throne.

about

Their

men.

chief

It is

raised hands
their

his hand.

waved

A
their

roughlyto

!"

over

or

the

on

Glimmering palace
said

Si

and

Miliu.

all ! "

they sat

and
sobbing hysterically,

the shawls

him; prostrate

out.

bless them

out

On

neck

supplication;
they beat

The

vanished.

God

fixed

scene

from

gems

advanced, lifted them

men

sable curtain

in

splendidfolds

lay three

dragged

The

in

the floor.

upon

The

the

dignitaries,
superblyrobed, stood

ground

heads

with

downcast

eyes

lightof

colours, sat, cross-legged,

many

flamed

turban

the

on

they watched; figures

appeared.

as

he

all the

opening.

swarthychief,bearded, clothed
His

sparklingwith

the candles

Although

burn

seat, inlaid

waist.

""

hues, and

gorgeous

therein.

set

seemed

apartment

in

145

ILLUSION.

entranced.

threw

Hagar

herself in

rose,

the Colonel's

arms.
"

You

*'

Hush

saw

themselves
The
and

next

that?"
Never

Wrench

began.

speakof

it

again!

the girlto
restoring

morning

they heard

Si Miliu

of him

no

And

they busied

composure.
was

gone

more.

beyond their
gipsy-defenders

"

dreams

from

After

the

village,

rewarding his

of peasant

wealth,

146

ON

the

Colonel

hastened

India

to

Of

by

the

he

Hagar,

believe,

by

some

and

man

been

them.

killed

Some

is

mystery.

morning

in

he

found

the

there

before

this

ing
brood-

he

was

fact

of

escaping
that

man

both

found

animals

unfortunate

but

bones

the

opinion
the

adduced

living;
The

of

left

reason

is

be

track

an

refusal

house,

conclusion.

in

that

his

still

may

sabre-cuts

suspect

After

This

pronounced

by

died.

wolf-hunt

as

gold.

opposite

doctors

the

of

there

his

at

taking,

that

were

and

wife,

returned

He

solitary

sum

the

horse

The

wolves.

had

large

just

draw

all

servants,

evidence

as

others

the

two

his

remained

On

with

to

fate

had

revenge.
home

and

Prince's

Roumania.

leave

to

Wrench

with

BORDERLAND.

THE

was

the

Prince.

Long
and

have

years

his

wife.

convinced

instincts,

that

passed

have

They

talk

their

they

were

quiet

in

of

now

brains,
all

an

if

happiness
those

not

illusion.

for

events,
their

Wrench

and

they

superstitious

147

COURAGE

is

THIS
heard

his

of

own

no

that

my

the sailor's

to

of

bold, a sergeant

jumped

from

crowd.
a

he

an

native

amputated

marched
Under

and

limb

nearlytwo
custodyat

miles

duty as

shredding

state

that the

which

to

the

in

an

the fort when

L2

ago,

argue

or

and

rise,
theo-

drives.

that of Grim-

was

police.

his way

his forearm.

at

occurred

When

the

he
gallantresistance,

cut

sword, with which

his

deed

Brooke's

embrasure,

bullet shattered

for

whilst memory

his post, after

attacked

Chinese

such

going

plucky

Rajah

for

twenty years

not

am

hold the pen

simplyto

"

discovered,this

was

incident

an

than

knowledge more

match

of

fingers

up

latelyused

day

it off.

cut

suggestedothers.
but

turned

been

me

other

wounded

mutilation

they must

RIENCE.
EXPE-

the

two

fallen into

had

story reminded

within

off

cut

the

arm

doctors feared
The

Alexandria

jack-knifehad

fellow's

OF

and
jack-knife,

tobacco; and, when

poor

At

who

seaman

The

usual.

CHAPTER

essay.

with

"

and

Grimbold
a

elbow,
effort

through the

to

small
tied

rowed
bor-

pen-knife
it up,

and

join the Rajah.

the Chinese

appeared was

148

ON

Him

madman.

maniac

refused

to

hide

in

the

verandah, alone
like the

away

When

Grimbold

madman,
from

This

with

thick
a

the awful

gentleman

days in
did
young

not

man.
gentle-

to

coolness

several

lessness
reck-

when

the

watched
bereft

of

quarter of the peril,

of battle affected him

din

nerve.

who

Turks,

recogniseone

not

did

danger,but

great aids

fire and

under

at all.

not

campaigns,and

This

killed in

was

I believe.

imaginationplayson
often

kindly, more
is recent
a

are

to

eagerly

like

superstitiousfeeling. Wholly

made

tricks

the date

left him

the

impressed the

could

hearing,he

sometimes

others

refused

he

But

might sallyforth

infirmities

pushing

bullets flew

The

call.

the

place, the

correspondent,stone-deaf,whose

war

in

Armenia,

his

evidentlyunderstood
Some

epicheroes.

the

evacuate

to

and

that he

door

man

remember

and

window,

feel it.

him

decided

he

There

thousand.

of invulnerable

sanest

that

swore

plantedhimself

and

man,

against a

unhurt, obeyed

unbarringa

not

brave

He

shelter.

under

crouch

to

the

posted;but

and

armed

Grimbold

unworthy

was

blazed

jump

BORDERLAND.

THE

"

small

cruel.

endless,

are

courage
Once

on

time

English force lay for

"

some

terriblyexposed position.Experienced officers

talk

publiclyof

fellows shared

the

tent;

in little time, the other

ugly
the
was

chances

one

had

round.
seen

Two

much

quitefresh,full

of

vice
ser-

con-

150

ON

peoplenowadays.
readiness

of

dog

Not

risk

to

stakes
and

with

1 have

the
Kussian

from

the

all

scorns

Before

peril.

and

worst,

is

the

of

affects

not

his

to

I cannot

Hill, the morning

regiment

of

colonel

at

into that

descend
thud

stood

and

and

Paris

with

with

crackle

there, though the

and
the

then

battle

musicallyspun

precisestory

of

of

say,

equallybrave,

man,

instance

Radi-

on

An

infantry

men

above

to

smoke, echoing with

of

musketry.

to

whose

raged closer,and

scandal

sitions
dispo-

not

asked
be

heads.

The
to

us

forwarded

they stood chattingof

warmth

the

After

rain,waiting the order

the

Then

deadlydanger

captainapproached and

of accident.

case

I do

be that

accept charge of letters for their wives,

in

as

lightest-hearted

great attack.

valleyblind

staff

the

hastens.

well

of the

angry

far

the needful

forget an

in

ease

and

guns

feels

of it.

think

it stirs another

as

self-commune.

sovo

he

which

to

mirth,

man
English-

arrangements.

even

becomes

become, for it may

to

stirs him
to

made, he

company

the

more

contemplating
quiet,thoughtful,

making

that,does

been

desperate

meeting it,so

assuring himself,rather roughly,that

have

ranks;

own

our

absurdity. But

examples,he

seen

out, when

tion.
provoca-

another, a grander spirit.He

his life in

reckons

libertyupon

rush

than

mathematical

unreasoning,irresponsible

life and

volunteers

more

all is

the

mean

enterpriseis mooted,
than

BORDERLAND.

THE

London

hearts
a

ball

were

now

They

asked

half-forgotten
now,

and

our

COURAGE

their shrewd
when

aide

an

minutes
down

told

comments

Baker

Pasha
we

courage

the

used

to

declared

"

it became

master-work,"

large Bulgar village. Baker

work.

Time

another

he

passed, but

sent

delay; none

his

aide-de-camp: Go, Alix,"

he

"

doing !

are

behind.

appearedin
another

sent

the

Bulgars,was
the middle

from

hut

So the
that

and

of

troops; but

was
village

saved

I do not

the

hive.

the Chirkess
in

saved

England
know

the

them
from

"

of

They pushed on.

throng,was
alightwith

Turks
retreating

saved

At

dead,

orderlies

two

village,full

maddened

cassian
Cir-

smoke

the

stood, holding two

burnt, and

what

see

English officer.

another

to

pressed.Baker

moment

hut, settingthe thatch

delaywhich
so

with

of

cause

gallop,a

back, but

come

Every

buzzing like
space

to

not

the

and

full

went

after

generalturned

said,"

villagethey found

Alix, alone

Colonel

Alix

did

company

sign

no

"

thin wreaths.

of the

entrance

and

He

the

Then

returned.

ask

the

One

arose.

to

fire
do

to

company

orderlies

dispatchedfour

fools

his

soldiers
to

necessary

smoke

no

the

those

During

living

greatest of

the

the

of

instance

an

trulyBritish.

think

retreat, which

grand

filed away

regiment

recount

to

Three

the mist.

death.

valleyof
loves

are

doomed

the

afterwards

towards

attendingclosely,

they were

gallopingthrough

came

151

EXPERIENCE.

OF

CHAPTER

lusty
In

horses;

moving
matches.

gained

perhaps Stamboul,

desperatewar.

that this story has been

printed,though

152

ON

to

heard

have

many

singleout
has

name

deeds

cepted from
Of

Gifford

class

Gifford
the

the

the

We

Ashanti

the

paid us

reward

him
of

visit,and

the

the

he

guards, creeping

round

the

awful

Amanquattiah.

Lord

West

rightly,two
and

his

most

recommendation

fires

long

of

the

Gifford
Indian

extinct

entanglements of

in

his
the

day.

and

circlet of
least

gallant

advance-

him,

if I

of

ber
remem-

Kossus,

of

at

burial

two

barbarians,

obtained

be

off

the bush

from

bloody

with

to

But

foe, cutting

devilry.

lonely camps

vines, the

at

course,

outposts and

collection

woodcraft

march

of

two
soldiers,

ferocious

the

Hills, Lord

he led his

the

had

such

V.C., nominally,for

savage

as

as

entered

Bequoi next

our

miscellaneous

and

wildest

scenes

had

up,

to get information, watching

stragglers

such

the

unlike

as

Adansi

that,when

in front of

miles

of Lord

undertook

he

turned

assault of

before

won

was

passedupon

ex-

are

usually attend

after

Amoaful, gaming

little company

the

duty

conditions

which

passage

displayedin

Houssas,

his

He

war.

those

to

scarcelysaw

At

midnight

the

but the valiant

the fine devotion

was

advance, under

our

battle of

valour

than

tale,when

my

performance of

in

possiblybe

woods.

adorning

quitedifferent

during

duties.

for

disinclined

more

the rule.

scoutingfor
could

is

one

announced
officially

been

soldier

No

it.

persons

not

of

BORDERLAND.

THE

on

As

the
we

deserted, the

piled boughs

and

imaginative felt

COURAGE

shock
the

all

classes,the

of life from

way
be

all who

have

of
that
a

admitted

it
But

for

and

reason,

sailor, the

it is

he

down

sweeps

coming

out

all; an
of

fighting for

time
one

which

may
man;

few

or

The

life.
on

it were,

as

the

if there
none

on

the

am

and

threaten

safetyof

of

I know
the

better
is

more

him

at

warning
the

an

hour

all in

in

on

idea

same

on

appear
and

down

sure

the

not

instances

The

insufficient
may

enemy

space

depend
and,

with

look

be.

can

that

than

more

self has

fewer

it.

studied,

dangers

it

navies

because

as

soldiers feel in

could

and

simple

as

But

unanalysed,causes

pride of

soldier

suggested

has

more

at

be

to

istic
character-

entertain

careless

only

have

the

warning

fearless,to

purview,

remark

and

officers

Jack, his

acquainted with
storm

His

sailor.

be

to

nearly all

foreign armies

service

common

be

which

less extent

the

securing them.

in

undiscussed

possiblethat
in

ourselves.

limited

ashore

him

confidence

as

prevails,to

the

with

brigade. English

others

him.

resolute

and

served

of

want

him

trains
certain

sailors,
which,

naval

do

interests

own

certainlyis

of

conscious
to be instinctively
superfluities,

of

open-handed
of his

within

and

enemy

bravest

childhood

shrewd

very

in the shadow

seemed

they

the savage

forest,between
Of

lost

153

EXPERIENCE.

OF

CHAPTER

lonely and

so

"

he
sea.

or

no

horizon,
he

may

troublous

wakefulness, the judgment

be

board

flaw
have

in

arrangements

control,all

of

over

is lost.

154

Trained
sailor

He

as

sees,

one

alarm.

may

not

preconceived

with

sailors could

studied

the

advance

from

watching
without

days

look-out

active

means,

safety.

He

the

and

ground

direction

the

zealously,an

so

be

less
no

which

unsuspected.

nor

to

foe who

carries

with

fellows

must

march

three

heads

that, although

employing

are

the

insure

general
him

teaches

powers

of hostile
him

to

good

short, he is

appearance

them

instance, having

experience which

unseen,

the sudden

only

as

observes

confidence

danger continually from

to

gnomes;

those

enemy

expect

nor

for

to
efficient,

In

itself.

upon

like

are

circumstances, that,

visible, shrewd

not

has

has

He

water.

case

fashion

militaryofficer
knows,

less

they keep sentry

sense,

extravagant

He

politederision.

with

the

or

such

they dig

injured

The

more

depend

ship must

such

endure.

all

brigade in

works;

an

picket-guard in

and

no

and

redoubts

cheerfully,
yet

are

that the

convinced

raise

They

naval

should

With

the post ?
are

lie in

to

Why

about.

to

isolated,or

is known

enemy

soldiers
a

is

hold

to

overwhelm

officers of

incapable,the

The

that

idea

is set

mast-head

the

at

somewhere

and

down

come

doubly

side.

instinct,the

an

military operations.

man

positionhe

numbers

overwhelming

no

say,

one

on

become

they

part in

take

to

The

least open

he

ideas until

ashore

goes

give
at

in such

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

not

and

wherever

accidents

used

forces

to

to

out

he

storms,
of space,
goes

all

COURAGE:

things
seldom
the

CHAPTER

for

needful

OP

and

combat

reflects upon

Io5

EXPERIENCE.

and

subsistence;

he

difference of his education

the

and

sailor's.
No

of

has

one

naval

that of soldiers.

the

betrays itself.

I have

but I
pent of sailors,
than
believe

take

that

for,

so;

the

to

of

keeps order

tendencyof

and

every

The
I have

to

bravest

Black

Mountain

his

mind.

has

its

and

to

is

of

wandering
European

any

bard.

fleets and

holding it,a

dense

Whilst

ditions
con-

is

which

suppress

free

control,

the many
I

but, whilst

foot

square

write,
of

the

under

came

the

stories

Dulcigno

arose

one

of

little instance

my

own

recounted
was

day

in

eyes,

by

the

threatened

by

Montenegrin armies, the

smoke

to

legend of desperatefight,often

which

as

the

under

think, amongst

Every

Montenegrin courage,
pretty

inclined

be

safety.

own

disastrous,but always honourable.

as

less
hope-

more

individualitywhich

Montenegrin

to

qui

sauve

obtains
training,

of savages,

is the

competitorsrecur

to

instinct

which
discipline

is absent

sea

The

the soldier's

race

known,

at

come,

obviously lost, men

is

familiar

that

encourage,

looks

man

ship

service.

sailor's life tends

the

the

boats, and

I should

and

army,

when

land

personallyseen

told that it is much

in emergency

of

rout

best, their

their

never

am

an

countries,I think,is

again,if the

But

done

have

seamen

fightingzeal

supreme

all

in

brigade, which

superiorto
after

questionedthe

ever

Albanians

that

quarter.

156

ON

The
a

of this

news

At
much

that

of

down

get

when

in

gone

the

boat

come

said

He

Dulcigno,

to

of your

Send

country?

general,tellinghim

inquire.

to

had

language

the

Petrovitch,the

your

going

your

know

for the

Antivari

Sutormans.

at

town.

people being

officer

young

of

use

don't

you

Buko

to

message

the

Pristan

acquainted with

not

and

boatmen,

at

the camp

from
is the

are

you

boat

and

the

of

papers

fired their

had

news,

reconnoitring.

What

"

tome:

morning

Albanians

to

business

on

all the

the

excited, I hired

purpose

have

in

unable

sunset,

caused

phenomenon spread widely,and

positivestatement

civilised world

BORDERLAND.

THE

will

bring

you

news."
So

I sent

note

the

to

officer started.

young
without

him,

Dulcigno

the

but

stood

just as

general,and

At
men

morning

laughing.

He

said

made

fools of

He

wanted

Dulcigno, and
land.
I don't
return

Buko

If the
know
whilst

whether
I

"

catch

sent

is

In

Effendi,
to

boat

see

drew

to

ask

commandant

that

youth

sweetheart

he

near

about

undeniable;

but

him,

but

headlong charge
"

it

ten

has
in
to

swam

he

rejoin the

he

that

me

him, they'll
flayhim

did

this

returned,

tell

to

his

they caught him,

stayed,nor

courage

class.

the

Ghegghes

Petrovitch

Afghan
fervid

when

boat

Presentlythe

usual.

came,

us.

the

charged

were

forthwith

alive."
did

army,

days

for

wards.
after-

belongs to

for resistance

not

to

the
the

158

ON

perly described
Heroded.
the

essential

as

without
a

do

murder

vows

is

easilydeterred

not

he

will

which

desperateact

displays great

officers

by

riding through

They quickened their

into

ran

at

them

and

behind

from

attacked

hurried

up

rushed

they
It
the

and

could

speak.

came

out

This
Maude's

well,

when

much
Before

the

at

profit,

or

of retribution.

not

banditti.

men

English

the

of

two

them

goods

number

The

former

ugly

pushed

General

Maude

peaceful
hiding and

some

first

these

unfortunates

were

the

fillinghis

from

his

first,and

of

me

was

Lundi

escort.

Pathans

reached

three

before

yards

general passed with

on

killing all

tale reminds

hundred

frequented,and

latter left

cattle,looted

bheestie,who

fired

who

down,

that
and

defile

defending

were

story; whereupon the

cut

shots.

heard

equal

The

And

Some

turn

Three

afterwards

of the

owners

General

and

the rocks.

tell their

to

murdered.

the

by

them

at

Afghan who,

protection,declaring themselves

claimed

traders

accept death

Khyber

donkeys againstan

loaded

some

the Khurd

pace,

for

martyrs

pleasure

mind.

of

skirmish.

brisk

him

danger

presence

out-

opportunityto perform,

an

bring

the

"

or

The

deed.

of the

be

not

and

heaven,

illusions,
sees

or

will

Ghazis,

win

to

the merit

to

of

speak

not

faith," who

Pathan

devilry,the

as

BORDERLAND.

THE

the

were

tents

death
masak

Kotal

The

then

at

camp,

well

seated

of

was

there.

his bheestie

COURAGE

into bits. An

they had

and

I do
of

it

allowed

play.

Egyptians. But, though

feat

tried

skill and

drive

to

performed

it;

some

had

but

of course,

taken
prisoners

28th

seen

the oxen,

and

the Bedouins'
made

was

English

stand
For

dwellers
these
of

and

on

skill

make

it in

frailtieswhich
processes

is to

always

stabled

is

sickness

with

of

well

the

attack

representedthat
the troops
that

were

could

they

They

through
a

country

the
so

have

other

ingenuity of
knowledge

scientific attention,

worth

conjunction with

cut

The

of

race

and

Harris

Sindh.

equallyminute.

in

the

lootingcattle,no

uncanny.

character

bovine

they use

show

frontier

peopleis almost

the

in
.

the

it

as

onslaught.

and

can

for

"

by

out

worn

serious

later

them

agreed, also,
of

cause

unguarded, that

was

so

the

All

true.

they described

was

days

two

courage

scoundrels

scouts

September declared

of

Egyptian. They

report

camp

scattered,and
not

and

Kassassin

at

the Bedouin

That

the

on

"

the

lines

plucky

afraid the story is

am

foreign certainly not

which

the

was

feat,as they boasted,has been vehemently

this

the

that

bestow, it

into Tel-el- Kebir.

bring them

denied,

will

from

fortyoxen

all the confidence

admit

we

success

Bedouins, still less

of

believe in the courage

not

which

had seized the Pathans,

homicide

impulseof

road, cut literally

the

him, and fell headlong in

overtook

159

EXPERIENCE.

OF

CHAPTER

The

study

of

human

simplestof

stable wall

"

perilousfor

their

cattle
them

"

are

and

160

THE

ON

lead

the animals.

out

with

business

of

watcher's

cattle

tale

of

beasts

this

rounds.

engineering work

But

it is wanted.

from

to

the

springto

without

arts

unholy

observe

very

tunnelled
Such

ruins.
who

cattle
furnace

conduct

place where
descend

to

nearly,and

suspicioussound, requireseither
influence

such

or

proper,

neither

a brave
distinctly

not

as

would

one

Egyptian
in

man

believe that his part in

few

years

will

he

the

like

sons
enterprising

will

civilisation may

free

be

to

feelingsare
During

strong in them
the

Russian

war

European

of
to

his
his

appear.

All

is

Bedouin,

sense.

In

incubus, the
active

most

terriblynarrowed,

be

again

nor

historyis played out.

Turk, the field of emigration open

Arab

had

the

in action.
Arab

The

as

go-

of

secret

the

the

frequent

more

people

half-wild

induce

making

that

and

distracted

and

to

pitch dark, hot

steep incline,

do

the

Thieves

out.

familiar

is

underground

water

vain

either exit behind

the wall, shielding

under

very

inclosure,which

accident,the

mere

missariat
com-

Every morning

sentries

more

step

oxen

posts the

our

ruin.

expected to
the

walled

In

nightlydisappearancescame

of

entrusted

are

are

make

to

in

of

length,by

At

boys

they

one

short.

applied for

master

At

masses

was

and

needful

lodged

were

three

or

kind,

body.

several

contained

Two

it be

succeed, though
over

BORDERLAND.

the

and

an

soldierly

now.

young

Arab

officer

was

taken

CHAPTER

COURAGE:

the Lorn.

on

OP

in
gallantry

His

observed

by admiringenemies,and

tried

get him

to

liberated,and

it

seized

was

received

but

he

refused

generalwould
shoot

him,

to

as

Turkish

the

promoted

then

it

binding,and

told

youth

I believe

might

one

(not Egyptians)who

lines he

and

there,;

would

find

shot

he

than

to
was.

tinople.
Constan-

at

Arab

many

die rather

The

threatened

this story

me

The

recountinghis promise.

admit

the

the

fightagain

not

coward, in the back; and

relation of

In

away.

serve,

not

asked

presenteditself.

escape

joy. and

with

He

given. Shortly afterwards

was

it,and got

been

high in authority

one

that he would

desperateopportunityof
Arab

tlie action had

exchanged.

or

of honour

word
prisoner's
if

freed

161

EXPERIENCE.

soldiers

break

their

plightedword.
the

In

as

and
no

militaryhonour

of

sum

the German.

upheld by
other

That

people would

the Kussian

their rules

are

of them.

The

the

of

been

pronounced not

some

terrible

Central

Asia.

with

corps

still

nor

once,

so

been
in

held

inquiry upon

an

as
severity

regimentsin
serve
pre-

but
vigilance,
the

execution

passed upon
Russia

hundred

scandal,a cavalryregiment
It

tilious
punc-

is braced

and

strict

true, but

are

so

together,and

more

of suicide has

doom

if stories
officer,

German

themselves

and
fantastic,

machine

Crack

out.

is

army

minuteness

carry

service hold

the honour

superb

of such

code

no

it has

times.
was

For

exiled
the

to

officers

162

ON

the

and
implicated,

told that

found

one

of

bringingdisgraceupon

German

the

parade

and

sword,

It is

his

with

sure

this is

But

shout.

as

are

we

brave

other nations have

we

will

not

regardsthe
England
men

chance

at

new

power.

but

hold

forward

not

am

so,

for

measure,

Unfortunately,
battles

nowadays,

acquaintedwith

am

in

privatethat

strugglewith panic.

abroad, what

bringabout

arbiter of

before this

same

win

admit

home

to

rush

courage.

in the

serious

traveller

forefathers,
but, if

our

not

right,whichever

the side of
and

of

service

that force would

individual

the

them, and they

of

enough

by force,and

maintained

ready for

be

will

men

state, nor

does

authoritywho

in time

be trained

can

man

were

drawn

told that

been

they held.
position

save

On

sort.

with

soldier and

deteriorated

unless it be backed
no

as

the relative

keep

courage

not

life

own

violent death

case

cosmopolitan
philosophy,

most

fellows,if there

their

the

The

ranks, and

the

colonel

I have

die

Nearly every

better.

the

is enormous.
stations,

is brave.

man

placein

Asian

of
clap-trap

common

that every
know

officerswho

in Central

of peace,

his

nothing of

promptly shot.

was

of
proportion

the

taken

charged the

he

day

next

In such

his uniform.

did

Russian

survive the shame

not

would, perhaps,have

but
quietly,

significantly

was
guiltiest

would

honour

of

man

BORDERLAND.

THE

Free

it were,

Europe,which

hundred

he
If

thousand

blessed revolution
to

ally herself

she
would

would
needs

be

on

tress
mis-

disarm

163

KAFFIR

THE
who

of Wisden

name

dwelt

before

gratefulto

the diamond-fields

on

the

"

is

TOAD.

twenty thousand

bid for fruit and

on

diggerson

the

the elders

do

struck

master

announced

was

his stand

Dutoitspan. How
dale about
ever

clamorously

divided

Not

week

his

by
and

cares

supper-

scions

Happier maidens

one.

succeeded.

with

air when

an

the

table

at

"

the

not

half-a-dozen

speech and

Wisden
market-

Kimberley or

ladies dwelt

story I do

less than
of

new

always

young

of my

quick

pretty. Until

ship
town-

busier, for they constantly

upon

many

the time

knew.

fair,young,

girlsevery

"

ideas, which

took

side

daughtersinto partnership,

earth,nor

on

"

produce

Dutoitspan.

married, he brought from home

dwell
new

and

brisk young

at

and garden,and,
dairy,poultry-yard,

stock
pleasant

not

his

years

settled

greater allowance

farmer,a thoughtful
man,

assigningthem

of his

one

whilst
vegetables,

He took
responsibilities.

as

For

time.

Hopetown

the other demanded

the

week,

in my

of those

many

rush," a familyso-called had been

Yarrodale,half-waybetwixt
When

very

at

Yarro-

if
recollect,

all
certainly"

smile, more

or

time, at five o'clock, they

M2

less
were

164

be invisible

supposed to
glimpse

white

bare;

skirts

heard

one

One

guests.

cotton

fitfully
caught

pinned back,

musical

busy

not

was

all

at

slender

cries and

of song.

snatches

and
laughter,

She

brush.

One

girlish

time

I met

scrubbing-

embarrassed, but

much

too

for chat.

The

house

stood

pools, formed,

outflow

of

fifteen

feet

fever

the

and

In
have

made

with

Here,

at

and

morn

with

dewy

less

wholesome,
in Yarro-

these

darns

along the

ran

sat

eve,

armed

grooms,

drovers, diggers on
Totty servant-girls,

of the

the

shaded

were

and

without
sunshine

gossip at

in

the

patriarchbombarded

with

bucketsful

the
and

flower,

as

it

seemed

peach-trees;vines

of grapes

might

formality of asking.

always shade,

faces at Yarrodale.

cool

house-

shepherds and

building lay a garden, hedged

always
walks

the

pools,where

right of

for

rendezvous

made

tramp,

For

catapult.

to

Grandfather

Wisden,

stood

door, sadly

their home

that

creepers

banks

front

country

by stopping an

Their

against the

over

would

stoop mantled

front.

drainage.

largedams,

two

between
approach led straight

The

dale.

between

by digging,but

not

outlook.

ague

and

behind

natural

high

the

blocking

clean

to

eldest,Grace, carrying a milk-pailand

the

or

of

arms

bursts of

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

the

shallow

end

them.

To

with
to

grew

granates,
pomeIts

us.

where,
every-

be commandeered

There

drinks,

was

and

always
glowing

166

ON

did

glee rather
bank-notes
Forthwith

is

"

stone

positionin

took

he
a

night,in

us

roll of

!
pounds they represented

hundred

just nine

"

fellow showed

triumph, the

than

that

dinner

suspect his ignorance. At

not

carat

BORDERLAND.

THE

the

that

set

tizzy." Pray

understand

at

called

six-

this tale

that

true.
literally

Hutchinson
in

subaltern

he did

mole
the

known

Lancer

drove
but

had

not

regiment.
into

our

find

luck

there.

unsuccessful

digger cannot

unwholesome
despair,
the

deserted

him, and

harder, the work

has

rheumatism,

and

boil

its

months

later,Hutchinson

own

what

but

"

hideous

not

on

gave

lad who

came

from

But

the

fare

miseries,riverless

I left the

had

ills

those

they

painfulif

When

dry digging.

scenery

attendant

own

more

those of

his

like

fell back

sweltering,lime- white, thirstyveldt.

the
is

for

forgotten,

by

Hutchinson

medicine

this at first was

fortunes
mis-

or

filth,exposure,

"

Pleasant

was

working

broken

escape

living.

river-camps.

have

After

was

he

follies

What

societyI

him

Bultfontein,his health

on

home, when

deadly than

fields,
eighteen
a

seen

of

diamond

other

heaps belonging to

people!
So
not

far

as

disinterested

we

for either in

care

however,
He

came

and

from
he

could

judge, Grace

especial.Hutchinson

besides
the

ones

good

looks

and

neighbourhood

brought

an

introduction

of

had

did

tages,
advan-

pleasantmanner.
Wisden's
very

place,
birth-

different to

KAFFIR

those

Town

supplied by Cape
wool-dealers.

Grace

bankers

elder

month

economise

to

Hopetown,

and

the

but

in

or

love

three

blissful

it

disappointment
"

been

in

gave

love, and

What

courage.

pleasurethat
Wisden
To

in

did

work

not

knee-deepin

his

care

to

in

to

nearest

horse

be

must

After

for the back

found

with

Boer

lift,

drove

of

got

sister.

After

tell who

can

not

repeated; the

waggon

that

has

not

despairing
"

disorder

he

quelled his
oneself

torment

the

enjoyment!

for

Miss

for him.

the stream,
head

the river is
The

rheumatism.

then, drippingfrom

the

veldt

ill,and
and

pain

for

anyhow.

useful

good, after all,to

on
single-handed

of the demon

nobody

and
penniless,

turned

be
the

visitinga

Physicalweakness

up.

from

not

coach-ticket

across

himself

hard

until

over

starved

later Hutchinson
and

in

eccentricity
might

lent him

absent

how

he

for

Such

by making
was

enthusiastic

miserablypoor

weeks

Grace

sheep.

the less for that.

Then

it could

passed Yarrodale,

paying for

the old

Yarrodale

to

days,Wisden

Some

journey.

and

"

nothingof

familywere

fifteen miles

walks

beth
Eliza-

none

money

tramped

suspicion
once,

mad

who

the

road.

who

Port

constantlyrode

high

point on

man

it

horses, going home.

my

cause

the

Hutchinson

and

welcome,
sold

generationof

and

remembered

country, but perhapsshe loved

The

167

TOAD.

the
to

bucket

cradle

must

mere

must

tempting
be

filled

be sluiced,and

foot,the digger must

seat

168

ON

himself

mate.
as

the

at

his

BORDERLAND.

THE

Kaffir

he

kept,such

could

means

badness

of his teeth.

oddity of Stump's

I could

showed

But

Stump

attached

two

years,

Dull

and

people

said.

record

of

The

time

in

now

was

Hutchinson's
lie down

dragged

He

die.

its

had

ill-matched,

after

month, their

length along.

would
would

be

not

spent, and

return

to

murmuring

starve

sat

in

To

that

trees.

brought him
He

here

at

table

hopelessly. Stump
shallow, poured
rocked,

threw

residuum,

wet

it
out

and

Lovely pebbles were

blurred white

ragged

pointhad

by

the

brought

must

pitiless,
him.

carry

the

beneath

wasting of

ness
sick-

despairinglove.

brink,

sorted

and

dripping-pailfrom

the

cradle, rocked

trays, and

on
glistening,

there,

the

river

clashingin
successive

tent

called it

Hutchinson

his

his

he

the

to

feverish, dry diggings,though his legs could

Better-

served

friendship.

not

miserable

huge

sight,hourly approaching, when

last penny

to

he

were

his

discoloured.

dumb

day, month

after

failure

and

his

man

unpleasant

opening

master

valued

scarecrow

Day

describe the

the

longer.

and
irregularity

jaws gapped

Hutchinson

and

master

the

when,

to

no

fellow,distinguished

by

not

appearance

had

little while

saw

ever

lipsto laugh,he
was

for

this poor

blacks

all young

Hutchinson

wretch
poverty-stricken

support

Very ugly and stupidwas

from

But

sorting-board.

of

of the river diamond.

his

every

hue

and

emptied

master's

the

board.

saving

Hutchinson

the

the

worked

the

mechanically,scraping from
shingle,and

the

smoothing

Gems
chances

found

not

are

of

by

the

trays, he
In

leap.

the

pulse it
he

But

visit that claim?

gasping,hugged it,and
diamond

showed

Stump
with

to

coach

found

into

ran

edge,

boy

throw

his

made

the

certain

his

heart

did

luck

object,stared

glintof

sunshine.

shape,weighing

twenty

some

clothes

and

to

carry

the

to

tramp
him

ragged

weekly

son
Hutchin-

Pniel,whence

Hopetown.

to

tent, the worthless

store
fortnight's

offal for the

ing,
howl-

of

mealies,and
Forthwith

feast.

started.

Hutchinson

borders

chargeof

When

his brow.

upon

tools,with

to buy
shilling

Before

frown

post-cart would

left in

he

and
joy by dancing,whirling,

himself,he resolved

or

Stump

his

awful

an

came

On

for when

"

the

carats

sickened
rose,

last,of made

at

that

heap,

this,but the

as

endless.

something

the

dered.
thoughts wan-

watched
listleesly

saw

next

over

method

diamond-digging are

afternoon,as Hutchinson
out

it

and

eyes

such

of

margin

dropping

Meanwhile

his knees.

between

169

TOAD.

KAFFIR

emerging
the

Yaal

river, he
In

singularappearance.
panelledwalls,adorned
colouring. Wild
with

black

the

from

narrow

came

place of
with

beasts

warriors

fringeof
upon

tilt it had

picturesof
were

and

there
white

the

trees

waggon
a

roof
most

that
of
and
liant
bril-

nately
depictedalter-

beauties, alike

170

ON

feathers

arrayed in

Boer

huge

and

nothing else.

and

smoking,

sat

bush-boy

"

small

declared

camp

dwarfed,

"

returning

trader

Kaffir

the

alongside

Everything

about.

naked, misshapen restlessly

pried
in the

whirling

little tent

of

works

These

sunshine, and

By

of the bush.

sand, and thorns

a

BORDERLAND.

shockinglyfrom

suffered

had

art

THE

homewards.
In ten

minutes

outspread,a
and

the

in

pallid sky.
man's

excepting a
the

the

though
form

wind

African

made

not

"

smoothly

is
and

slightblow
apart.

blew, the

sand

as

those

floor

shining bars
and

Now

indeed

to

those

who

out,

again*

lifted,whirled

experience,I

This

formed

shape
of

exactlyon
on

stains

up

to

yards,and

few

in

traverse

the

summer.

trader's

stone.

rare,

of

invisible.

wave

comprehension of

digger'snor
"

each

like

stood

scene

Smooth

shadow.

melancholy land

the

of

the

object in

own

them,

above

of

pools of

be, stretched

danced
dusky pillar,

little

dropped.

For

crest

no

glareof

should

appeared,though

waste

marked

No

white

stripesof

distance,fading out

topped hills hung

Flat-

with

near

the horizon

Where

mirage.

the

in

blazingveldt

the

saw

barred

expanse

grey

yellow blossom

sight.

Hutchinson

more

the

the

large made,

neither

must

tell what

diamond,

unusual

the
triangles,

two

line of

of

have

is

but

lying

one

other, adhering firmly;a

junction will

make

them

unflawed, is commonly

fly

worth

than

more

there is small
this

than

Four
had

plumper

far,and

weight, since

same

do

Diggers

top and

on

by

bottom,

his hail.

paused at

mount

on

hotel

by

gem

was

They

sold

once

Wisden

shocked
should

hesitations

his mind

up

pounds

luck
wait

had
a

he had

broken.
few

displayof
supper.

He

fool.

how
knew

less than
If Grace

months,

gems

which

he

two

horse,

certain

so

that he

of

doubts

and

he

had

arrival

he loved
that

Miss

Wisden's

hear

outshine
laid upon

The

thousand

would

only

her.

two

sum.

often

him,

quiterestored,that

tithe of that

would
was

see

anxious

to
pretension
hardlyjustify

would

hand, and

for

minutes

tell Grace

to
not

was

man

young

strengthwas

five

Within

delightedto

thinness,so

reproached himself

Hutchinson

made

so

pallorand
till his

remain

for

clothes,hired

some

his

Yarrodale.

at

familywere

his

at

bought

dismounted

more

The

He

Jardine's

Schlessinger,of Hopetown,

to

pounds.

him

gave

afterwards

Forty-eighthours

o'clock.

burly,

as

reached

he

he

Dutch-

were

shillingthey

horses,and

of the led

one

nine

hundred
and

For

ill-natured.

not

servant

before

Hutchinson

speaking Battapins,of Jantje'sKraal, rough

but

made

dishonest

like

not

stone.

Kaffirs overtook

mounted

gone

Flat

easilyconcealed

more

is the

cuttingit.

in

waste

form, however.

is much

the

single crystalof

171

TOAD.

KAFFIR

Skinner

But

him,
in

his
and

the

the table after

172

ON

That

favourite

BORDERLAND.

THE

of

had

fortune

been

Yarrodale, but he left early on

at

Hutchinson

arrived.

speak

to

arose

Grace,

to

happily,but anxiously.

him

the stoop

on
"

made
"

"

dear

My

stone

Yes,
I

in my

was

claim.

Confound

"

Keep

mistakes
But

it

should

be

his

will

occur

was

too

What's

"

I tell you
client.

washed

some

macle.

Mr.

his

"

Why?

Well,

so.

Schlessingerhas

that

he

found

it,the

evening, and

Where

is he ?
These

boy.

my

that his

it

was

"

unfortunate

at

singlestroke

Hutchinson

went

of

owner

of

fortune

in

raging.

that ornamental

the river.

de

Ruyter

outspannednear
Kaffir

Ruyter

your

produce.

stuff,just
de

that

sometimes."
much

of

arm.

yourselffind

this,Schlessinger?"he

He

met

night."

flat,
sir,Mr.

pack

Wisden

man

"

recognisedthe

all

"

plovers.

did you

impudence !

left behind

his

that

suspected thus.
he

young

Monday

on

after

day passed by,

the

took

swears

temper,

your

In the Boer
waggon

who

his tent

"

of ?

said

you

diamond,

same

with

own

Dutchman

stolen from

and

us

sure

brought a
very

told

you

day

opportunity

no

morning,

and
returning,

boy," said he,

time

shoot

to

second

another

and

Next

before breakfast

out

went

the

that

During

week

stayinga

for
is

In

asked

roughly.

is my
claim

old
on

evening

pleasure,and
trader,not

he

friend

Monday,
time

he

found

prudent.

He

,174

'*

To

'*

And

sundown."
lost it after

you

At

say.

'

I suppose

Jardine

"Not

don't want

you

with

at

you

Mr.

de

why

and

high

and

Mr,

how

bar

"

than

said

the

incident

to

But

sir.

Stump,

begin

so

out

know

to

Arguing

far

as

should

are

you
be

in

almost

quiteout."

through

man

I should

off.

not

was

business

oaths,

many

pairrode

"

should

departed, dragging

settled.

droll

do

to

thus

were

Wisden.

suspect

honest

an

He

ing,
morn-

there

ill-will

no

apologise,

Good

inquire.

wanted, with

German,

worse

I won't

there's

matters

low

No

times.

times

hard

fear for

has

He

"

stood

by

terrible

myself almost

if

me

hard

Stump

wrong."
I

"Well,
the

We

didn't

theft.

detectives.
u

the

stronger alibi than that?

will

time."

any

afraid the Dutchman

seen

in

men

Hutchinson, happy

Ruyter, who

concerned,"

went

we

Where

grudge.

no

form

of

matter

gentlemen.

like

twenty

o'clock,
Jardine's

all," said Schlessingerhastily;"I

at

As

sir.

"

and

reached

Wisden,

nine

at

Wisden.

asked

"

bed,

to

testify."

"

be

going

o'clock, Mr.

ten

hotel, in Pniel, as
will

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

Still,those

I should

don't

even

that

understand

look

know

up

imps

the
are

bush-boy
born

had

spies and

Stump."
that

De

Ruyter

ever

had

diamond.
Rush

The

when

they hear

had

They

fresh face

and

White

seated themselves
his

round

arms

intend

you

If so, it

hungry

I laid them

those

Wisden's

house
the

neck,

reply.
Hutchinin

one

any

them

leave

injudiciousto

was

on

ploversfor

New

to

scrats."

morning, father; good morning, Mr.

Did

'*

brads

pressedto his, obstructed

"Good

in such

Gong Gong

garden,and

into the

bench.

from

roar

of his broke

wandered

upon

son.

will

camps

175

TOAD.

KAFFIR

ticular
par-

about

this."

as

stoop for

general benefit,"

our

said he.
"

yes,

Then

won't

you

father,I have

suspect
been

girlsdon't listen,which
I

tell you

can

here
*'

"

them
stealing

of

me

at
listening

is almost

something,Mr.

Oh

the window.

Good
For

pity sometimes.

Hutchinson.

Stump

was

yesterdaymorning."
Are
Oh

quitesure

you

yes;

talkingto

him

saw

Skinner's

Mr.

"

from

my

window
If you

groom.

while
doubt

dressed,
me,

ask

father."
This

was

Wisden
said
61

own

littlehousehold

would

always

back

sayingwhich
his

imputed

that

Grace.

He

daughter

now:

She
case,

may

be wrong,

I should

Hutchinson, but, if

believe

her

right until

it

the

were

my

contrary

proved."

was
"

It's very

strange, certainly.Stump has

no

business

176

ON

here, and

I meant

continued

with

I've

not

him

seen

we'll ask

But

since.

with

dam

the

from

away

Grace
forgot,"

Totty girls."

She

ran

African

away,

and

eager

household
Grace

is

soon

terriblyobservant

The

when

turned
servant-girls

the

with

toothless

him, Sinclair

the

Stump
After

My

whole

series of

his

this

Wisden

hour

Pniel

wards
after-

alone.

story, Hutchinson

odd

had

dam

horses,and

master's

acquaintances.An

over

the

they chatted

Whilst

out.

called

been

opinion is, that, in justiceto

find

the stockyard.

to

all

parties,
you

Stump."

I will start

I should

"

It is

"

its purview.

:
replied

know

within

restingat

was

with

going towards

seen

Grace

She

should

old

thinking

appealed to

"

was

Kaffir

arrived

like

met

men

with

back

came

South

The

Iris.

gracefulas

reports.

and

but
yesterday,

walked

Stump

"

without

explanation."

beats all

me

tell you

to

Sinclair,and
the

stop twenty-fourhours

that he should

communicating
"

BORDERLAND.

THE

to-morrow."

start

hard

so

to-day."
to

break

one's

up

holiday.

You

cannot

how

I have picturedthis brightscene,

despairingly

and

your

bright

face

"

hour

by hour,

week

after

week."
"

But

you

leadinghim

will

come

towards

back

in three

the house,

"

days,"she answered,

with

an

easy

mind,

to

stay

long as

as

to

sorry

see

"You
u

"

was

as

than

more

I dreamed

make

What

of your

any

No

it

"

of

use

that it is no

though one

bear
*'

You

liked

to

it's no

hear it if
have

no

need

Hutchinson?

If you

if you

say

had

thingsthat

do it.

annoyed

me

Because

right to
and

not

tell

me

like

that !

ask.

But

truth that I do not

rich,I

were

"

Because

you

never

hear

to

Could

should

will

answer

know.

and

"

you

have

which

I have

he

to

I do now."
N

think
there

not
certainly

said,bitterly.

used this tone

in
Don't

which
to myself,
put questions

poor ?

am

be, even

never

otherwise?"

thingswere

to

can

I do

And

Oh,

use?

for now,

"

But

she

that,I will

thoughtof."

"

"

Hutchinson."

If you

observe,and
no

this,Mr.

you.

talk of

to

use

misunderstand.

is

I fancied."

is the use;

perfectfrankness

and

than

spoken differently.
Working-girlslearn

Because
to

placeso bright,

not
steadily,
severely.

in this tone, Mr.

u

It

it again."

what

have

Grace.

you,

the

made

who

if it annoys

use

I asked

should

you

will be

one

friends."

brightereven

is the

speak of

never

every

friendshipfrom

of,you

asked, lookingat him

"

and

go."

you

want

who
"

please.Father

you

much

you

you

177

TOAD.

also?"

As

KAFFIB

before."

178

ON

"

And

All

I say

now

replying."

THE

there

while

the

conscience

the

the

were

pointof

her

father*

distress,but

some

hinted

that

the

that
strongly,
when

Grace's

Hutchinson

destined

sir.

Miss

"

to

"

No,

He

small;

not

was

gently

at

Skinner

in

more

length,
the

was

marry

any

not
one

boy,"

my

have

beg

said

answered

she did

as

the

father, laughing
So

impudence!

Well,

pardon,

your

present."

at

your

Grace?

is

can

venture

you've

to

stand

daughter'swords."

They

Very
1

this, sir, as I understood,

to

came

might

proper

are

good

is

good

the matter

think

but

supposed not.

Skinner
how

listened

prospects; then,

no

That

confound

"but

rich she

were

have

better

astonishment.

fortune

would

you,

talking to

my
"

But, if prudence

Wisden

persisted, that

Wisden

like

grimly;
been

sibly
spoken sen-

much

did.

that

husband.

if she meant

You

had

I don't believe it!

"

he

greater

lover

had

believe

to

had

she chose.

So

these words

turned

Grace

question, he

before

into the house.

him.

view

think

to

girlspretended

merry

first

addressed

need

no

Hutchinson

preying on

was

from

is

walked
resolutely

She

through breakfast

over,

by

BORDERLAND.

not

if I

of it."

put in those words, I think ?

Well, what

Grace

young

fellow, but

young

fellow,and

stands.

that

Now

you

says
you

he

can't

I stick

aren't
is

to.

rich;

rich, that's

alter

that, can

KAFFIR

Then

you

what's

which
quarrel,

the

would

good, if such

No

wretched
Wisden

the

were

direction he rode

Rush

with

the

Pniel.
visiting

good, and by
first

The

blacks had

at
a

but

had

he

him

by

to

round

the table in

handsomely
the

had
fire-place

the absence

of

Yarrodale

from

with

man's

elbow.

"

Are

with

you

his

Pniel.

Pictures

Heaps

cards

set

of

out

held

Sinclair,

Half-

excitement,

hung

this

gold
before

pack

sat

baize,carpeted,

green

mantel, a glass,and

piledwith sovereigns.He
covered

for,travelling

and

ceilingbetrayedthat

The

cies,
dependen-

in the visitor.

drink

furnished.

drawing-room.

tent,

in
driving-cart

"

at

lined with

room

into camp.

canvas

the

stayed the night

flushed

were

usual, though his

wash

big,fat-faced half-breed,showed
men,

horses

servant's quarters, store-room.

just begun

had

New

to

Skinner's

to

under

Sinclair before

early,the

surrounded

returned

leisure,he

a-dozen

the veldt

entertainingfriends,as

was

at noon.

they brought him

passer-bydirected

Very

Hottentot,

examining
rose

stable,cook-house,

which

mounted

moon

fabric of three rooms,

Bang

he rode away

of

o'clock

nine

in

"

all?

across
straight

purpose

end

feelings
appealedto.

as

his guest

lent

of talk that may

deeplygrieveus

whose

The

good

Hutchinson

was

179

TOAD.

upon

clock
not

was

stood

at

Skinner

walls;
;
a

only
stantial
sub-

every
were

in his left hand,

right.

all on?

Eh,
N2

who

is

it?"

to

Sinclair.

180

"

ON

You're

bank
As

welcome

as

entered

they

the

Take

drink, Hutchinson.

as

Spud."

moment,

BORDERLAND.

THE

the

Skinner

bedroom

comfortable

said:
I'm

"

drivingcare
What

change.

well

at

Hutchinson

heard

never

Yarrodale

they

of

been

his way

went

The
at that

turned

Stump

had

walked

probablyarrived
though

he had

stillhave

if

had

Stump

Pniel
at

out

left the

at

till now,

though

Sinclair

arrived

nothing to

not

were

was

tell. Each

at

abodes
and

weak

dawn, and

at

thither

about

to

rode

of
nightfall

the

worried
to

comfortable

of peace
and

Pniel.

rate

If

he had

day before; and,

place,peoplewho

him

saw

would

clear recollection of the toothless Kaffir. But,

travelled

miles
fifty

evening.

trooper in

the

frontier

at

behind.

In the bar

late

would

Rush

time, but Hutchinson

He

had

gossip.

of New

tired.

could

Sinclair,who

since

the rest, he had

"

Skinner

name

acquaintedever

after that

hotels

"

his

knew

Never

called

"

is it then?

Oh, the Kaffir he talked

Stump,

the fields. For

on

He

All

Golgotha ?

What

which

purpose,

to-nightfor

faro

this

to

right!

That's
his

mild

brings you

way.

any

dam

had

told

assist in

not

is it

Yarrodale

with

away

his

sat

own

the

speed,he might

Hutchinson

police. Most

understand

full

an

reached

have

left

Jardine's

acquaintance,Mr. Bean,

regiment, now
fortunate

Inspectorof

an

it

situation, and

was.

would

Mr.

Bean
follow

182

ON

and

mistaken,

six hours
I

"

"

that I

form

can

would

he

his grave

in

be

Experienceas yet
is

boy's skull

got

he

long

"

Mind

you,

doesn't

I have

clothes

what

been

two

not

found

three

or

killing

surprisedif

all

at

Your

he'll

one

the

will

"

recovers

die; but, if

happen."

Inspectorto
and

wore,

he

Pniel.

whether

He

anything

him.

I tell you,

Oh, didn't

to

with

Stump

about

he

idea what

no

returned

Hutchinson
asked

before

will it be

it's a hundred

then

"

Kaffir.

ignorance.

my

has
be

diagnosea

not

it."

over

How

"

only proved

white
I've

but

time;

to

country

fractured,and

"

had

has

the

besides; but I should

wounds
he

in

the doctor.

on

patientwere

this

by

thirty-

pleasant gentleman,

If the

opinion.

no

long enough

been

waited

frankly," replied that

eay

for

insensible

lain

Hutchinson

more.

or

had

Stump

lipsshowed

of the

withdrawal

strained

fullest.

it to the

BORDERLAND,

THE

sir?

He

hadn't

rag

his

on

body."
**

Then

"

Well,

nakedness

of

course

he

had

didn't know

we

not

was

been

he

robbed."

anybody'sboy, so

was

noticed.
particularly

strange thing in this camp

if

hour

robbed.

at

night

can

and

talk

vofmaking your
Kaffir found

by

was

to

you

not

free,for

man

It would

lay senseless
Now,

I didn't

have

acquaintanceyesterday.
a

chap

we

have

Mr.

the

be
for

an

son,
Hutchin-

the honour

Here's

naked

nothing against,who

tells his

story straightforward.Have
"

mind

you

than

Why,

to

stole that
hundred

two

battle with

as

Next

day

said, it
Behind

was

the

board, on

sleeping-gearof
A

stretched

tresselswhich

crossed

he did

"I

want

Kaffir.
Mr.
mixed
held
"

may
"

look

not

He

is my

Davy

had

out

drink

Here's

q,

work

out

This

is a

harm
"

"Yes,
afternoon

you

told

all he

knew

that

about

the

police.

another
inquirer,

for

himself, and

change if you

camps.

"

know

to

Hutchinson.

like:

He

after

don't know

I can't lie.

is it you

that Kaffir before ?

He

came

hereto

"

dark, though it's

nothin'

What

You

"

oath

on

"

lonelyplace,mate,

I had.

brutal,

for the money.

the

seen

width, the

boy."

anybody, an3
Had

all you

said
half-sovereign,"

'twixt the two

its

he, cunning and

me

tell

for the

his hand

boughs.

on

murderer.

to

you

I have

Davy lay hideouslyconspicuous.

towsled giant was

blear-eyed,

but

here,sir."
As

canvas

Mr.

there

fought a pitched

visited the canteen.

of

rag

of

worth

store, and

It's devil take the hindmost

Hutchinson

nigger?

yesterdaymorning, besides

Basutos

smaller business.

dead

pounds

Kaffirs

Barolpng

ment,
employ-

in
particular

nightfrom Angus's

many

such

thousand

ten

was

worked
over-

poor

nothing more

we

on
crowner-questing

go

sir, there

diamonds
was

have

"

us

enlist for any

didn't

who

police

hand

183

TOAD.

KAFFIR

as

would

want

"

ask

drink

in

the

184

ON

BORDERLAND.

THE

In the afternoon

"

As

near

o'clock

tumbled

out

asks

him

what

of

drink, I

black

violence

of

adherence

But,"

smart

when

means

by showing

he

Mr.

one

he

again,just at dark,

This

serving black people.

his drink
; for

two

or

in

was

enthusiastic

Davy's

forbids

more'n

I asks

'spectablecanteen."

continued, f* the nigger got

he

He

dinner.

away

blank

which

the law

to

just

arter

showed

language

I'd

for

I take

cuts

inside

nose

blackguardhole, an'
him

he

say, an'

"

might be,

as

which

snooze

hour

what

blank, blank,

the

his blank

"

three

At

at

some

when

deep water,

see

they

as

say."
"

And

"

that's all ?

Have

"Yes,
"

if you

Well,

broke

"

roar.

they deserve

I say

can't say

drift
u

to

You

""No,

Hutchinson
about
three

Stump.

do

that
to

one

no

him,

was

And

swear.

unless

hanging

round

coloured

with

harm

any

Kaffir

"

they

man"

crossed

I
the

There, I've done."

wouldn't
mate

"

Davy's

my

eh ?

"

can't

that,

Pniel.

things,mate

meaning myself

"

came

man

more'n

little

davy, though

my

When

it.

a
nightfall,

at

of them

broke

enough

What

"

oath ?

it!"

earn

never

often

your

another

ere

ye

On

the coloured

know

I tell
you

paid
Not

the

fair I would

days he employed

change

himself

and

!"

not

sovereign,and

the least

again?"

man

to

went

was

inquire

reported.

Bean

in

For

seeking a

clue
of

his

to

Hutchinson

satisfied
of

thought

the doctor

turned

none

that

now

in

deposita

to

suggestion

this

At

and

Bean

there.

for the burial.

and

thief,

was

friendlyway

Out

up.

Stump

him

leaving

him

counselled

for expenses

sum

but

boy's movements,

patience,and

185

TOAD.

KAFFIR

he revolted.
If I have

"

under

own

my

I don't

You'll

So

to

take him

in

of

senseless

mockery

the Kaffir stomach.

to

Yarrodale, a

at

of

group

huts

building, a pensioned old

take

charge of Stump,

bring him
did

who
sick

or

objectin

not

well,made

Stump's adventure

problem

of

leaving

Yarrodale

party.

It

he

his

was

"

One

was

quarters
the

near

very

sought
Kaffir

main

glad to

Mr.

Wisden,
or

more

met
at

when
interesting,

very
with

his

Pniel

lonelyroad

less,

it

nine

wit

of

but

hours

the

all
the
of

supper

travel,and, besides,what

to

trader,would

that's what

deserts

within

challenged the

give

neighbours has

of my

said Wisden

least.

not

was

arrival

farmer, digger,or

too

confidentlypromised to

Hutchinson

the

had

that

she

is

spoon-meat

difference.

no

believed

not

Hottentot

and

Then

round.

for

interesting

the

the servant's

In

badly.

"

off

bones,

"

his bed

want

carried

patient,a

bag

We

of course?

waggon,

Hutchinson

day

travel,doctor

he

that he can't.

know

one

Can

eye.

him

have

fellow,I'd rather

for the

pay

lost

comes

seat

to

black ?

horse, I expect,"

to."

186

ON

And

"4

The

night,when

alone
This

44

have

Then

44

said

in the

one

father, that

much,

so

which

study, in

chair, she

me

added.

hood
neighbour-

horse."

all !

that's

When

he

recovers

the trick, perhaps."

us

Half-an-hour

afterwards

Grace

asked

Sinclair

By-the-bye,father, has

"

in the

inquire. No

to

Stump flew,

he'll tell

take

to

interests

all round

has lost

Hutchinson

they sat

allowed

was

matter

sent

BORDERLAND.

neighbour,too,"

near

next

Grace

THE

Cherry

back

sent

Ripe?"
One

44

of Jardine's

Hutchinson
"

Skinner
His

here.

Ripe
"

to

had

left his cart

ask, sir,whether

you

took
see

it.

Your

horse, takes him

plainas

his

Yes
own

"

and

I lent

they
him

rode

Cherry

horse

see

! this suggests

boy
to

forget,sir,that Bang

; I

Sinclair's

saw

has

"

commoner

diamond

Pniel,and

horse, or

"

then

Sinclair
robs him

could be."

Sinclair start, leading his

"

for its lameness

Egad

borrows

you

his word

flying!

You

yesterday."

thought.

Pniel,

at

fell lame, and

trick than

44

sudden

horseback, then

on

boy's horse

I didn't

It's as

by

in

return."

May

whether
44

Sinclair go

Did

"

startled

was

her

peoplebrought

the

own

Skinner
horse

difficulty.He

somewhere,

expect."

was

there.

Did

"

pretended to

leave

KAFFIR

".Sinclair didn't
said

leave him

the

anywhere along

roadj,"

Grace, quietly.
You

"

have

astonished.
the

187

TOAD.

"

sent

Well,

fellow deceived
And

"

he

Hutchinson
that

is

have

travelled

very

observed

him

horse

had

have

been

as

hard

you

ridden, seems

the

time,
That

quick.
that

on

that

notice

floor,nor

that

trick either,"

reckon

must
not

granted

the

working

clear,if

smooth

as

in

long

rather

somehow."

master

"It's

should

which

his

it for

take

may

said.

Stump

Skinner

we

not

was

Wisden,

inquire?" asked

to

veldt,

his lame

strange."
^

"

What

do you

Hutchinson,
could

name
"

"

with
can

I hint
As

that look?

by

mean

I would

not

hint such

as

you

make

don't
my

must

do

and

talked

then
constrainedly;

he said Good

just before

were

the bolts

clothes from
it
ceived.

was

When

spread his

rug

Sleepwould
he had

to

lain

on

on

not

my

boy,

sit

your

friends

gone

to

come

rose-leaves

the

for

few

moments

hour

later,

front

lay down.

without

him
a

that

of

hold
largehouse-

that

door

their rooms,

to

down;

the same."

In

window.

the stoop and

have

insult

-night. An

slip through

all had

of

drawn, he dropped his pack

the bedroom
easy

one

inquire."

to

mean

There,
you

down,

sat

please;but

allowance, but

Hutchinson

that

honour,

charge."

jealousfancies!

your

my

believed

have

nothing,sir,but

deep

Upon

unper-

Hutchinson
,

night though

crumpled,petalin

188

ON

came

white

vision

But

return.

to

never

go,

Skinner

Since

of thickness.

yard

BORDERLAND.

THE

the

distracted,

and

him, feverish

to

in

chosen, he would

was

beautiful

moonbeams,

as

love.
"

to

Dear

Mr.

beneath

return

"

There

to

is

Miss
to

of

nothing I

his

You

have

in his

Can

walk, but

vehemence

of heated

! I'm
me

"I
the

Don't

make

would

the

the rug, but

sittingon

racking

of

aware

sight,and singularindecision
falter,and

him

saw

you

speak.

blood.

"

it
out

give him

was

bless you
not

he will
more

own

and

there

it

Let

jealousy.
is

with

the

die in the veldt

I would

Oh,

me."

on

indoors," he answered

not

God

Lean

in ?

walk

Hutchinson

fever,Mr.

honest, Miss Wisden,

know

matter

been

Grace

the

taken

can

made

hour

an

you

arm.

dreadful

sooner

Pray,

listen to me."

Please

became
instantly

of his limbs.

use

caught

had

He

got up, and

the

refused

felt that his host's arrival

pains,of phantasma

"

ill!

are

spot is dangerous, I beg you

I will fetch father.

he

how

You

you

sleep here

Kaffir to

have

could

If this

situation ridiculous.

"

even

beg

stay."

Hutchinson

in

"

dams.

the

pleaded,

room."

your

Wisden.

Then

now

Grace

allow

don't

level

the

pray

not

We

in.

come

ago,

Hutchinson,"

was

me

When
cause

pain, Oh, pleasecome

jealousy

not
"
go !

father
for

thinks

suspicion.
in ! "

190

ON

When

Wisden

all cried

made

it was

his hard

mattress.

report downstairs, the girls

They picked wool

finished Hutchinson
The
To

medicine.

doctor

treat

be to kill him

would

his

their work.

over

but when

no

BORDERLAND.

THE

in

sheer

that

adjured,the girlspleaded and wept

and

and

that mood

In
as

relief from

that agony

he

Grace

evening
If

"

to

"

Hutchinson

her

to

came

argued

no

purpose.

wanted

by hopes

She

be

to

die,

to

his wish.

have

father.

Hutchinson

Mr.

ask

likelyto

was

take

forcibly

state

uncheered
present sufferings

for the future ; and

At

would

Wisden

pain.

bed,

exchange

to

but he

came,

man

with

refused

for

said

he

patient

will

submit."
"

Then

"

If he

l(

That's

but
"

absurd
to

I will

beg

Manage

However,

that, father

do

Hutchinson

Mr.

it your
He's

own

worth

dear.

way,

Hopetown

doctor

"Why

is that

examined
Kaffir

began, enteringthe

room.

Why

in

even

house, and

that

him
a

do,

not

that;

is the

lad

so

after all."
agony

the sick

Then

she had

him

carefully. The

nursed

like

patient."

Skinners

twenty

cleared at her words.

the

be

to

brow
to

him."

boy's life,and

whatever

"

appealed,and

removed

marry

the

save

Grace

man's

to

me

me."

will not

unlucky?
So

he will expect

recovers

refer him
"I

once."

at

go

and

Stump

reported.

toad, Miss Grace?"

he

Is he like

"

Because

"

fine

made

broken
for
in

day

frbres

of

Grace

went

stroll in the

wondering, led
"What

as

to

you

look

had

left him

New

to

came

at

up

at

and

which
him

found

"whilst

and

you,

his

and
But

boy, and

he

we

Skinner,

At

groom
to

Hutchinson

mount

the

is

c'

taking

was

Mr.

began,
your

Mr.

him

you,
you

told

that

offered

finish !

to

with

the dam."

said,

that he

says

assured

me

seen

wandering

just arrived.

brother," she

diamond

his diamond.

never

the

wondering,

my

He

Rush,

Allow

prediction.

out.

given

Sinclair

Pniel.

Stump

have

found

his master.
gone

Grace

con-

"

paper

declaration.

he had

had

that, Jack," she

the

his

than

eldest brother, and

her

seek

garden ?

received

Stump's

happened

fulfilled his

doctor

Skinner, who

read

you

Jack

had

to

chattingwith

to-morrow

has

attentive

more

transcribed
laboriously

had

narrative,she

how

and

Klipdrift,the

"Will

tools

all that

us

his

two."

or

experienced

When

take

he'll tell

displayed

between

jammed

bring my

precious

doctor

The

was

Fll

the back.

at

why."

he bears

that !"

at

know

I don't

sure

"It

operation,and

More

him

Look

diamond.

teeth

an

I'm

awfully ugly, and

he's

in his head.

jewel
a

toad?

191

TOAD.

KAFFIR

far

as

first outspan

Skinner, asked

told Mr.
Sinclair

Hutchinson
said

he

had

192

ON

"

do,

Mr.

not

that

day, but

And

he will

you

does

"He

"

charge me

with

and

made

the

time

from

brute?
he

"

accuses

and

warrant

conies

Yarrodale."

But

for

business

my

The

day.

execute

cheap.

It's useless

Mr.

confess,
I

and

Wisden

borrow

Grace,

now,

rest

understood.

he

to

was

now

nothing

knew

money,

as
speculation

Wisden, that

sell the diamond

is up !

game

when

that.

of

I wanted

matter;

loan

all lost, and

Miss

you,

no

would

me

you

him

father will issue

tillnext
villainy

it makes

Stump

saw

waylaying this

you

before

never

with

he

For

minutes."
to

of Sinclair's

accuse

my

ten

swear

he

identifyyou
rode

will.

everybody

now,

who

not

Sinclair,and
it within

name

your

Sinclair's master
"

and

Skinner,

know

does

as

Kaffir's

this drunken

take

you

before mine."

word

had
It's
The

more.

to

hoped

that

say

-"

loved

that

I can't believe

"

BORDERLAND.

THE

"

"

Quite useless.

"

I can't

with

this

go

back

What
to

shall you

the

charge over

do?

"

fields,"he answered, sullenly,

I

me.

shall

run

to

the

Free

State."
claims

"

Are

"*

Yes, except

your

some

clear?"
business

debts

and

your

father's

loan."
"

Will

hundred

you

transfer them

pounds

down

"

to

Mr.

Hutchinson

for five

'"

Yes."

"

Wait

Jack

in the arbour

him,

for ten

minutes."

Grace

grave.

and

met

writingmaterials.

whilst she fetched

Now, Mr. Skinner,here is a chequefor five hundred

pounds,and
He
"

It's

it and

annexed

priceof

the

might spare

pile. Good-bye,Jack
later

minutes

Twenty

to try his
uncheerfully,

Mr. Wisden

does

Hutchinson

did

understood

that

not

Skinner,in

what

encumbrance,for

it was

but
off,not gaily,

in other

this

to

day,and

needful

was

to free

debts

Mr. Wisden

his claims.

over

They

with

broken

remorse,

not

scenes.

it tilllong afterwards.

know

of

clear of the cards."

the truth

know

not

advanced
readily

rode

fortune

out
wedding-ring

Keep

Bang

embarrassments,made

and

the licences.

good day for Hutchinson," he said,viciously.

man

that

brother will witness the transfer.'7

my

wrote

"

193

TOAD.

approaching,
very

was

turned

KAFFIR

them

of lawful

gambling that swamped

the first

owner.

In

months'

twelve

final

proof that

not

to

in

some

be

De

The

last

in

time,

Ruyter

persuadedthat

mysterious
way,

that talisman.
news

married, and,

his vein of ill-luck had

realised his claims

Yarrodale.

Hutchinson

time

Stump
of Skinner

and

received

bought
his

Hutchinson's
to

near

is

due,

of
possession

much

to be

losingfortunes dailyat Pilgrim's

Eest,on
o

farm

fortune is not

very

him
reported

macle, but he

his temporary

is fat and

he

passedaway,

married.

winningand

the

gold-fields

194

STICK.

the

RECORDING
in

mentioned,

and

an

thorn-stick

of

that I

the

stick

the Khoord

from

Afghan

L.

Major

reminds

where

General

round

keeping watch
prohibited.

"

As

stick in

the

claimed, as

never

it

night

this

tion.
descrip-

the

almond-

of

the kiosk

cut

the

for

damage

he

identifies the

to

I did

trees

ously
rigor-

was

object,I
cut

an

chances, to have

secured

submit

almond-

apparentlyis lost; and

which

Arx,

rade
com-

quarters,whilst I strolled

correction,observingonly that

to

he

that

his

had

Stewart

A
last

me

others,in the garden

to, with

stick referred

Candahar,

at

to

lay

moment

the facts in

me

casually

Khyber."*

pointed out

war

of
forgetful
slightly

was

that

at

in the Arx

cut

Gun-rack,"

list of articles which

almond

"

it,

across

"

story of my

this

that

trophy

in person.
The

too

scene

my

pleasant controversy

own

long

familiar

to

General

part, I left it after

*

Legends

of my

recalled

some

Bungalow""

every

Stewart's
weeks'

detail of
staff.

For

stay, rode back

Gunrack."

India, crossed

to

Browne's

force

During

our

the

foe

the

first halt

Candahar

Ghuzni.

descendingfrom

be

at

danger

feared, and

the

the

and

Candahar

neighbourhoodof

recollection

crowded

of it adds

round

comfortable

more

before the

nowhere
be

stood

pretty.

circuit

naked

walls

roofed

villages,
among

grey

gnarled

orchards.

mile

the

cityit is

all

space

of

field of
of

waste

the

clamorouslysearch

of cypress

inhabited

But

by

of

flat-

For

the

Thousands

large and

earlymorning

wild

new-made

dogs

and

all

hyenas

Each

graves.

rapid stream, muddy

generalappearance

funereal.

of grey

few

with human

with bones.

clay,embanked

groves

the

jump

must

of them

and

night jackals and

my

processionsmeander

Funeral

at afternoon

But

Golgotha,a

one

generation.

place,many

all ruinous.

through the

The

the

dot

costly,but

yards one

grey

bones, generationon

monuments

through

about

the

cruel,

the mind's

the

rocks

beneath,

stones

more

naked

longer

no

pleasingpictureto

no

gallery. All

point was

may

in camp

occupationof

the

earlysummer,

the earth shrivels in heat

lived

to repela
position

in

sought

army

quarters. In springand
crack

this

line.

we

After

from

Sam

Sir

joined

Khyber

side of the town,

Khelat-i-Ghilzai
to

and

Punjab,

operatingon

the north-east

on

195

STICK.

in

which

of

rise here

effect those

merchants

cemetery

trees

of the town
02

and

there,dark

mark
or

is enhanced

by
and

villa-gardens,

officers.

Colonel

196

ON

St. John

we

should

been

have

they did

not

marched

the

that

After
much
A

several

aimless

for

coursed
a

the

one

and

servants'

of

all the

Beyond

that

brook

"

The

three

feet

armed
the

found

our

broad

and

substantial

an

whole

irrigation

bridge. Entering

right,in

the

angle, upon

and

outer

filth.

this

By

wall

inner

lined

terrace

stables

circuit,
were

inner

arrangement,

another

ran

with

the

Hewn

household

in

It

within
was

the walls

divided

by
flat

or

have

its flank-

on

carefully

stream,

sturdy
dam,

mob

would

willows

beyond

fact, of this swift

tions.
it? founda-

garden sloped gently from

space

acres.

"

the

of

retainers

the

and

abode.

new

dwellings, strongly-built,pitch-dark,

and

broad

escort

direction, and

wrong

deep

wide, shallow, paved with

masonry.

brigands forcingthe singleentrance

embanked,

to

the

with

band

at

gateway

venomous

in

"

"larked

anathema.

unanimous

channel, .traversed by

between

who

ing
amus-

it,perfectly
rectangular,along the

inclosed

space

An

walls, but the infantryof the

excursions

top side of which

quarters, but

new

horsemen,

we
steeple-chasing,

solid wall

narrow

our

lost ourselves.

languagesa

many

general and

Khelat-i-Ghilzai,guides

show

we

was

and

streams

in

swore

and

appear,

promenade

in from

waiting to

for the

them

of

requisitionedone

his staff. As

over

BORDERLAND.

THE

may

have

been

canal, some

twenty

blocks, banked

crossed
stepping-stones

it

two

here

with
and

198

ON

symmetricallyframed,
Pathan
I do
the

BORDERLAND.

THE

which

architecture

that

ever
less,wher-

or

more

Hindostan.

itself in

established

know, however,

not

is seen,

from

borrowed

it is not

Persian.
Furniture
of

splendour

the

For

this

of his
In

When

family.
well-built
an

area,

attempt

to

burn

"

chambers
In

one

In
those

the

in

fact

the

when

day

waterworks

evidentlyreigned

when

time

In

readilyidentified,the
all
clothed
cared
and

the

glass

themselves
for.

jasmine

At
as

in
every

never

an

walls
had

at

Candahar.

But

corner

stood

saw,

the

the
the

without

diameter, spreading fifteen feet

more

pair,
re-

had

had

been

clumps

of stems
on

not

fountains

garden

such

mass

cissus,
nar-

public

I know

crumbled

moss.

of

happy, but

less

vanished,

summer.

raised, and

degree

epoch

an

room.
gardener'sstore-

some

had

of

bulbs, mostly

the

constructed,

of

subterranean

buildings were

those

was.

level of the

heat

of

been

confidence
that

the

stock

looted.

was

evidence

These

house.

ladies

two

to

the

saw

we

"

It had

seeds.

residence

beneath

rooms

I found

them

and

occupied during

are

of

as

it
fled,therefore,

he

suite of

ground

it

Afzul, the

Mir

to

as

their

worked

had

populace

given

arrived, here

we

dwelling belonged

had

who

governor,

when

but

Candahar

elsewhere, the
will.

walls;

this

matched

carpets possiblyhad

and

every

of

rose

three feet
side.

The

beds
irrigated
with

were

iris and

199

STICK.

spinach,the

with

green

with

overhung

lined

orchard-trees

the

cypress,

walks

well- trained.
is

This
be

Memory

recalls

had

dwell

the

mind, but

they

hours, going
in

served

and

that

will

in

recollections

stopped

but

my

few

officers who
the

remember

their first halt, I

"

of

there

scene

returning. Many

campaign

villa.

Ghilzai

great

For

vague.

Pathan

of the

Details

charming

most

up

I refer to

mansion

side, which

Cabul

are

of

may

magnificent,that

more

just completed.

among

fancy readers

sketch

the

much

one

the

Rosarbad, on
chief

in

uninterested

not

long introduction,but

graceful

think,after leaving

Jellalabad.
We

rode
the

and

What
on

into

our

is

courage

the meal

Before

gathered

Molloy,

on

our

the

terrace,

staff

embroidered

breeches,and

Oliver

St.
St.

John,
John,

fine

and

check

small

under

in

the

on

Persian

with

digression

of

group

of

natives

Captain
people

were

style long
"

coats

of
of

tifully
gold cord, beauand

high yellow boots.

chest
To

officer,now
political
K.S.I.

preparations.

sanction

narrow

shoulders

appetite,

manners

interpreter.They

pushmina cloth,edged

Colonel

ways

ready, a

was

condition,dressed

wide

required to

mess-cooks, their

our

leisurely began their

mess-cooks

moral

quarters with

new

; fur

them

caps,

arrived

Colonel

Sir

Presently the general ap-

200

ON

for

peared,eager
their

to

The

force.

by

of that
the

brother

of

it does

in

event

grave

filled is

other

occupied by

those

impossibleI

recollection,

be

to

such

that

ago,

The

facts

in

by him,

How

slip my

outline

colourless

abiding only in

nephew,

painfulstory,

brief years

history would

his

all the

matter.

not

him

partisan

place,but

the

and

names

was

killed

was

the

to

it from

killed

who

and

thought it,three

have

claimant

the

son,

claim

taken

know
Afghan politics

in

others

tor

had

Air's

Shere

forget the

lodged

Afzul

Mir

them.

courteouslydismissed

visitors

favourite

interested

should

these

terest
in-

with

listened

He

breakfast.

appeared that

It

action.

of

Ameer's

and

his

occupied,

we

BORDERLAND.

and
petition,

chief

house

THE

place it

then

in

turn

their

dismissed.
When
the widow
forthwith

Khan

Yacoob

uncle, with

of his

imprisoned
there till

touched

was

interview

this

young

whether

he still lives.
His

plantsgrown

Arx,

St.

Every

in

the
"

painfulsense

dark.

born,
to

as

were

one

at

mained
re-

mess

described

John

prince,

and

They

citadel,and

or

free.

there

found

baby boy.

twelve

now

infancy.

I know

solitude had

limbs, his complexion,

daylightworld,
in

Terror

city,he

the

old, a captivefrom

years

lad.

them

Colonel

when

with

the

in

set

we

fourteen

the

took

reminded

at

an

age

understand, the million

to

of

or

not

crushed
one

Suddenly brought into

it were,

his

of

the

see, and

strange

there

thingsaround,

"

would
I

of

aware

this

of
feelings

he had

this

who

sirdar

that

spared on

claimed
account,

and

This

spread through

news

litigants. The

dozen

for

once,

though

had

he

all

with
and
the

the

of

successive

governors.

he

appealed

hand,

wife

the

and

and

his

child

His

of

life

was

should

case

if it

city,and

title than

be

proved just.

forthwith

arose

Afzul's

St. John

ladies,

was

secuted
per-

historyof Candahar-, its

alliances

property, and

Having
the

Mir

Colonel

modern

real

to

stepped into

widow

made,

confiscations,the

laws

the door

originalpretender collapsedat

earlier in date.

one

invasions

that

the

better

no

the

absolutelydeprived

the

arrangement

an

The

he lost his property.

but

examined,

been

quarters.

our

ordered

Stewart

General

have

he

uncle's

confined

Khan

cousin,Yacoob

his

With

companion.

been

not

this.

of Candahar.

world

savage

like

nature, when

opened, and

princehad

young

must

of
boy, intelligent

anxious,
bustling,

The

what

fancy

passed was

never

instance

modern

no

imagination cannot

of

great danger that his intellect

was

fail.
am

the

201

STICK.

other

of

the

bitants,
its inha-

decrees

of

complications in

general, and

stout

our

old

chief, laughing heartily,

relegatedthis questionto the
native

courts.

I don't

with

There

it would

still be

doubt, if the prospect of rupees

the sircar.

And

meanwhile

we

disputinghotly,
had

paid no

not

vanished

rent.

202

THE

ON

I heard

It

BORDERLAND.

outline

an

of

several

mighty dull,that long

was

had

left the

in

the

was

no

tout

potage.

arctic

drink

but

is here

garden, as
I

whom

largelyin

will

the

licence

of

falls upon

governor

of

and

of

Bokhara,
No

robber

chieftains

had

trader

so

market

on

little

loss

and

goods.

Persian
I

(may

here

use

Haidar
in

long

of

accent

the

against Cabul,

presents

tact

from

pean
Euro-

saltpetre,

tea,

rebellion

such

traded

syllable?).When

second
in

chant
mer-

and

suggest that the

to

that

to

He

back

silks, and

letters

mind.

my

Khan.

naturallychose

them.

suffered

the

send

he

in

belonged

bringing

Candahar,

fit to

tot" of that, pour

dwelt

Haidar

call

expert

an

sit

down.

set

favourite

this word

thought

"

stories

turquoises, cheap gaudy

his

We

could

we

Asia, transportingIndian

manufactures,

was

and

rear,

once
alleged,

was

Central

Bokhara

our

only a

these

of

I remember

Our

and

rum,

One

in

Candahar.

at

dinner, chatting; though there

after

mess-tent

What

climate

wait

claims.

these

amongst

Khan

of

disease

with
one

no

bear

to

dealing

route

Ameer

the

to

beasts

the
had
and

slaves.
For

some

past, Haidar

years

Khan,

now

had

ceased

His

town-house, jealously protected by

to

walls, contained
alone.

Very

accompany

many

his

treasure

thousand

in

kafilas.

its

growing old,
He

was

high

plate and

golden

coins

rich.
blank

jewellery
lay

stored

in

place which

secret

slave
of makes

slaves and

fair

One

alone

care

had

yet been

had

had

southern

still reason

The
first

to

in

would
a

can

be in

charge
and

when

of

the

at

His

In the

compromise
much

not

authorities

the

along

the

But

road

the

least,and*

But

the

Haidar

would

away,

be

guild would
dishes

trusted
and

to

his wild

and

guard
sons

at

felt

journey
left
safe

be

guild" as safe,that is,as

could
was

not

him, Haidar

was

money

silver
personaleffects,

master

had

boys

to

There

Governor.

behind.

Who

the

neighbours

annoying.
likes

clans

months

Afghanistan.

jewels.
the

the
or

twelve

of
protection

the

murder

was

since

score,

Ameer

cares

and

un-

thankful.

this

on

in

occupy

thousand

under

be

of his

since

conspiracyto

friendly,and

were

to

sort

Shiraz

of

few

But

politicalintrigue.

interest

no

wine

muddy

respectabletrader

danger truly

of

was

ill,extravagant,

of the governor

place, no

it

and

leisure.

man's

old

the

out

infidels.

in

command

himself

Herat

turned
the

to

detected

Accomplished

age.

every

pleasanter
experience,and,

sequins,

used.

are

sons

of

and

oppressed him,

dutiful,addicted

bhang

think

to

English sovereigns,
imperials,

daughters amused

Pathans

Haidar's

pieces,which

Venetian
tigrish,

feel

race

every

dential
except his confi-

knew

one

Bactrian

and

ducats, Russian

spoilof

which

no

the numismatist

Austrian

the

Darics

^03

STICK.

money

not

take

gold

cups

his

slaves

skirmished

204

ON

round

Haidar

take the young

Do

BORDERLAND.

THE

resolved

think, be it said

not

that
history

funds

thousand
the

pounds

through Candahar
half

two

confiscation,
no

gold which

half

been

misfortune

Haidar

for

can

the road

Khan

His

him

the road.

The

acceptedtheir

the
a

house

After

and

trade,whilst

For

usual
most

He

return.

servants;
the Ameer

dahar
Can-

ages
the

only

recovery

is

savage

without
;

prepared for

what presents to
considering

at
a

tains
chief-

armed
complaint,dis-

the

made

him

letters and

the serai

; took

long and profitable

thinkingout
return.

attended

of robber

they even

delivered

his

journeying

fortune

good

his merchandize

was

sons, and

two

months'

many

black-mail

; unloaded

no

stop the supply of

his

shrewdness
pleasant

giftsin

nuzzur

disturbance,

delay its

while

out, with

set

Bokhara.

valuable

villagein

mere

No

ago.

now

above.

he reached

his

placeeven

flows

that

but
plunderedsystematically,

of camels.

by

Asia

that channel.

down

hundred

one

Pactolus

wealthy,a

so

years

long train

along

the

misgovernment can

which

blockingof

and

night. Shikarpore is

before

Central

score

pours

has

So

from

call for

thirtythousand

ago,

hours,

two

speak,of

to

large nor

so

comparison

the

in

offered

bridge,so

next

not

Englishgeneralmade

the

furnished

was

It is recorded

merchant.

Shikarpore,
forty years

on

pounds

when

I exaggerate

that
parenthesis,

in

the riches of this Pathan

in

to

him.

with

men

wealth, and

his

bury

to

his

and
policy,

206

Ameer's

The

so

The

heads

camels

\V hat

aghast,

"

"

In

truth

think

animals

of

usual breeds

to

their

as

gree;
pedicould

fleece of the

silken

The

lashes,shone

lion's.

possess.

swept the ground ; and their beautiful eyes,

thick curled

by

not

superblythey

necks

their

does

long

were

their chests.

flyupon

statelyas

arched

Shah

Persian

limb, the

they

almost

shaded

so
velvety of
punchy, so large-eyed,

of the Yarkhundi's

when
bite

of

clean

coat,

so

highestclass.

the

all of

were
offerings

horses

Turkestan

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

the

horses

hear

the

But

camel.

as

venting
is in-

Legender

would
descriptions
or

mane

murmuring

critic

these

are

through a

apply

not

they

true

are

nevertheless.
Led
gorgeous
But
and

their

by

each

saddles

and

camel

bore

in each

needful
destined

for

The

to

But

own.

kind

slave
Moslem

and

He

or

himself
mounted

servants

his
especially

two

thought

not

since

they
with

kept

were

this

night.

guard

at

sons,

were

bidden
for-

approach.

Pathan

less

no,

had

away.

curtains,

silk

with

Haidar

elderlytravellers sleepsound

march.
not

men,

young

"

loose, their

safelystored

gilded litter

superiors.

his trustiest

bevy, and

marched

whether

his

steeds

accoutrements

litter rode
ask

to

the

syces,

youths

are

after the

day'slong

enterprising
; Eastern

girls

than
inquisitive,capricious,
thoughtless,

The

effect of

is to make

the

seclusion

practisedupon

liable
prisonerespecially

to

our

female
sudden

gusts of

admiration.

she is not

more

siste rs ; but
that

it is

Oriental

be

by

these get

earlyused

girl has

has

nor

she

of
jailor,

young

impulse

is

naturallyfelt

slave-maiden

than

bitter enemies
I

by

of

Moslem

such

rule.

and

travel

prevails I
"

the

and

pros

facts ; and

they

know

on

one

him,

or,

savage

In

noted

sort

Such

relations

of

in

the

the

on

essay

womankind

twenty

is

years

and

of

gamy
poly-

hearing,

the

actual

those who

think

can

chargewas
It is not
criminal

were

eyes

believe

that

compromising relations

of

so
bowing acquaintance,

punishment

over
More-

speak out.

considerations

the

purpose

part, where

most

rather, againstHaidar.

imagine that

subject whatsoever

no

topicso intenselygrave

of the slaves.

with

brief

learned,by dailyuse

some

their

pampered

something, at least,of

"

established

Haroun

mere

cheat

secret.

anatomy

the

the truth should

the

From

have

cons

keep

current.

through lands,for

"

this

to

self-restraint.

such

For

indite

Upon

ignorant nonsense

herself

use

The

fun.

stronglyby

day

feeling

This
againstdiscipline.

more

conditions, sentiments, moral

under

household

the free-born.

one

English

the

prisonersto

rebel

will combine

reallymust

check

practiceof

any

to

women

her

are

to

opportunityto

no

it is the instinctive bent

"

than

nature

so

perhaps,

quite accurate,

regarded generallyas

phenomenon,
Also

To

liable

207

STICK.

to

made

necessary
in

put it,would

of the

against

Candahar

any

to

sort

justifya
gover-

208

Haidar

nor.

ON

THE

Khan

was

for he threatened

amend.

Some

Haroun

where

with

facts attributed

midst

enough,
Farah

the

garrisonof

held

was

the Ameer.

at

He

the

this

by

moment

the

sort

can

no
telegraph,

other

But

be
penny
his

road, and

caravan

the

come

which

government

partisanof

land

able
treason-

what

"

secret

has

which

who

from

distance
dwelt

between

For

them.

amongst

intelligible

zealous

carried

some

space

tribes,Atahzai, Alizai,Durani,
to

to

no

specialor
correspondents,

no

quarters lay
in

Owing

doubt, of the

no

in

maintained
press,

Haidar

correspondencewhich

lateral
quadri-

place is generally loyal.

informed,

was

is

Farah

that

of

detail, but

to
uninteresting

many

that

"

Ghuzni, Cabul.

Herat, Candahar,

circumstances

knows

he

as

omniscience

to his

positionin the
great strategic
"

of

well

quite as

"

Every

Asia.

Central

and

point

great t-ade

the

gives upon

Hindostan

school-boy knows

the

that

reached

the kafila

Farah

from

between

other

not

day perhaps,

next

personal followers

his

time

of

process

the road

route

afterwards,

did

if he

death

with

son

ing,
pass-

was

remained.

son

due

In

his

what

ignorantof

not

time

vanished

younger

BORDERLAND.

will admit

they

officials would

live

no

by

the

lawless
rity
autho-

mail,
black-

appropriateto

themselves.
did
Haidar, therefore,
governor

of Farah.

At

not

the

dream

of

junction of

perilfrom
the

the

roads,never-

theless,his
force.

Without

seized

him

no

marched

the kafila

Farah, the

at

evidence

and

defence.

The

slave

the

Nothing

on

remained

but

facts

to

side,could

every

Cabul

may

one

rupee

have

that

"

doubts

our

benefit from

Nothing

is to

whether

all this
said

is

more

Our

tale henceforth

brother.

The

theoryof

Governor

of

the
so

the

deals

with

tedla

prize,whatever

one's

knowledge

of

so,

it

of

have

Afghans, one
p

his

fatal

younger

towards
on

the
the

plot,negotiated

free passage

perhaps,he

might

the

is based

all the

troops, persuaded the Commandant

And

derived

and

innocence

concocted

secured
chieftains,

dangerous coup.

spatched
de-

the decree.

ran

Haroun

Haidar's

Haroun

rest, were

's
of

presents

the Ameer

Candahar, his employer,

suppositionthat

him.

plunder.

of

beauty.

with

say,

no

Haidar

All

The

Bokhara, slaves,camels, horses, and

to

make

damn

to

sentence.

confiscated.

was

with

produced. Every

were

enough

pass

tried

perceptionthat

the

by

treasonable letters
kafila knew

and

Khan, overwhelmed

bewildered

personal property

We

of their due

cheated

held durbar

governor

treacheryenvelopedhim

in

credible
In-

the hills.

across

clans

relate,the robber

prisoners
publicly.Haidar

the

officials

resistance.

Arrived
his

by overwhelming
intercepted

was

discussion of terms, the Ameer's

and

to

made

caravan

209

STICK.

Farah
won

been.

is inclined

to

the

for the

try

stipu-

But, from
to

think

210

it

ON

BORDERLAND.

probable that

more

by cutting off
that
still,

he

the

granted that

with

her

with

all

looted

goods

death.

the

but

serious

inconvenience.

his

upon

one

to

persons

Candahar.

at

fetch

to

individuals.
his

He

"

afford

for
was

without

drew

cash, since the

the

have

would

length the

went,

was

bill

in findingtrustworthy
difficulty

was

it, under

Khan
ransom

Accordingly, he

governor

At

high

large sum

could

great trader

receive

of the Farah

to

his

and

Haidar

him

nominally.

There

guild.

already

been

not

community,

Ameer,

named,

transferred*

character

captor held

His

the

profitof

had

that

of his virtuous

not

the

take

almost

may

servants.

the mercantile

to

one

governor's harem, together

treasures

his faithful

probable

more

of this strife was

the

to

positionin
put

And

the Helen

and

consideration

him.

much

"

him

rewarded

Commandant

traitor's head

comrades,

by

the

poisoned

it for

In

THE

and

did

not

sioned
commis-

was

of

surveillance

neutral

some

return

rents
adhe-

massacred

been
son

younger

best

neither

did

colleagues.
After

wrote

In

waiting

to

the

the

an

guild direct,tellingall

course
leisurely

the

cash

the

but

of

Farah.

painfulprocesses

captive's ingenuity.

the

Khan

circumstances.

istan,
thingsprevailingin Afghan-

arrived, under

tradingwith
shrewd

time, Haidar

unreasonable

In
had

The

charge
the
been

of

honest

meanwhile,
tried

to

chants
mer-

various

stimulate

guild explained

that

Haidar's

son

received

the

211

STICK.

and

had

receipt

was

duly presented himself,

had
money

his

of

copy

inclosed.
It
the

acknowledged

addition
all

nearly
into

of

cypher this

father's

his

the

youth had

dutiful

fortune,

demanded;

sum

obtained
with

vanished

and

road,

be

to

main

the

before

this,the governor

mind

and

that

for the silver dishes and

yet,

treasure

had

the Russians

to

Haidar

swarm

make

the

engaged

governor

of

and

tried

was

found

governor
in the

of

Durani

Farah

capitulated.This

was

the

rest.

be buried
when

imperialcity.
prison, Haidar

in

innocent.

The

next

step

disgorge,if possible. Whilst

this

beginning of
inarched

tribesmen, who

loyal. They fought some

his

up

more,

many

months

languishingsome

After
Khan

this

Long

made

gold cups, they may

Haussmannise

the

left,town-house,

was

with
disinterred,

be

to

on

them.

villa,accomplishedslaves,fair daughters, and

As

the

argued, by

with

of Candahar

sequestratedall

capture

accusers

strong personal influence

Haidar's

his

to

the

explainedonly, as

in

suspicionlay

sirdars

turned
re-

instantly arrested

was

of

cause

the Durani

of
acquiescence

he

There

Candahar.

traitor ;

the

it

Khan

anxiety, Haidar

and

distress

terrible
to

was

by

space.

In

as

times

ten

final ruin.

Candahar, with

on

had

successful

hopelesstask,
a

suddenly turned

battles,and
From

the

the

city

Ameer's

212

ON

lieutenant

Haidar

the

But

of

the

was

claim

of

the

only

crime

legal
not

was

Stewart

But

had

sentence

guiltless

rashly
there

incline

been

interesting

task.

which

he

of

paying

pretensions,
that,

been

had

his

if

the

lost

his

his

on

heirs

for

both

older

title

harmlessly

of

some

The

General

quarters.

our

that

property

case.

when

rent

through,

him

pronounced

bearing
by

died.

He

expect.

which

court

gone
have

to

mercy

instrument

talked

believe,

would

the

forgotten

exhaustively

lawyers

no

for

other

were

to

BORDERLAND.

THE

and

newer.

had

garden

generations
consumed

in

of

the

214

ON

jungle,wreathed
wail

of

in

wrenched

rumoured

in

fixed
six

all

generationsof

spot

we

expected an

fightnext

day,

one

curious
had

was

past when

the

column.

lie buried

not

beneath

such

things as

many

pence

in

they

of the

London

objectssold
which

Popo beads, jewels

there
on

well
at

Midnight

hear

behind

my

the

issued, and

was

in

And

touch

to

time, there

of the
our

treating
re-

would

cottage that

of Coomassie.

the ruins

secured

halt.

side.

flames

but

despairing

even

it in

prize-agents
certainlydid

Very

and

deep

not

loot

gracefulcostly ornaments

some

Our
of

in

I known

Had

behold,

to

every
to

their

mysterious

blessed

on

lay

town

That

fated

of

did

greedily

were

march, and

order

twenty

where
itself,

buried, with

his honour

general

lie

not

most

put upon

officers in

permission till

now

the

were

treasure-house, where

them.

arduous

under

only

cases

eyes

kings

were

made

two

our

battle-

the

trodden

Coomassie

At

thingslying masterless

nineteen

be

But

around

of

corpse

sacred

Ashanti

those who

every

the

wealth

dreadful

some

around,

Bantama,

accumulated

on

hearing.

my

musketry,and

ringing snatches

it off.

spoillay

upon

and

and

bracelet

foot, and

valuable

BORDERLAND.

smoke, echoing with

cow-horns,

marked

song,

THE

to

hold

Cape

would

fetched
the West

not

an

Coast
have

pounds.

auction

Castle.
fetched

Aggry

Coast,would

be

despisedby English

children

concerned

African

trade, might contemplate

with

the

though

their parents, if

them

with

of

sense

215

BEAD.

POPO

silks,though superbly wrought,

The

Ashanti

they reach
much

ran

there
the

knacks
have

as

our

best

stuff

set

them

little army

who

enthusiasts

could
scene-painters

of

romantic, more

fantastic

I do

who

know

not

but

period of

was

golden knickcould

possibly

bastions

huge

walls

and

main

and

and

clever man,

central

date

that

battlements,

its

Castle.

I have
was

architecture.
tower,

From

Our
Palaver
suppose,

and

turrets

curtains,

its shadow.

courtyard,protectedby portcullisand

verandahs

sale

Hall
to

held

was

its

in

former

in

in

jut out
the

huge windows,

triumphs

and

mount

Transport office,called

times

originalpurpose.

and

huge

charming irregularity.

and

since

This

spacious balcony

the

restored, I

great

fiftyfeet long, perhaps,by thirty broad

Great

the

angles rounded

beneath
roofs,standing pell-mell

it,and

gotten
for-

happy

gate-towers, is triangularin shape. Staircases

from

more

Coast

Cape

the

built it, and

plan

not

edifice than

picturesquein

beholds

one

The

he

the

off; with

is

price

Oriental

the thousand

home

any

the

at

gone.

The

-sea

in

colour,

purposes.

could

object we

men

antiqueplateand

our

might buy

one

rich

were

high

as

coast

for

native

of

vague

merit, but

every

effect for any

richer of

up

have

the

upon

And

to.

cloths

are

useless

design, and

in

meaningless

The

despairingmystery.

chamber

it has

eight

either

side.

on

councils
panic-stricken

that

hall

216

ON

had
I

and

seen,

its
in

fear,though

months

THE

their

and

through,
divided
this

the

by

stringof

distributor of metal
of

shouts
replies,
clash

of

money-bags,
It

tables.

In the

and

and

attired,more
them

combs

the

of

town,

the

women

superbly
in their

about

Aggry

and

bead

the clamorous

the

filed in

and

out,

streams

the

to

and

angry

giggling of girls,

auction, mounted

beneath,

the

aloft

their

At

as

on

of

rank,

to

ungracefully

not

Street.

Regent

They
up

stood

rear

paint, but

can

you

costumes

wool, rolled

their

officers strolled round

chatted.

of

of

till dusk.

dawn

black

"

"

massive

wore

cushion

brow, half-a-dozen

on

the

gold

neck, earrings,bracelets,anklets,rings

and

and

day

excuses

out,

ornamented.

over

hot

prize-mastersarranged

the
row

head, gold butterflies

chains

the

less,in the

or

dressed,and

gold

front

laughed
of

merchants

Behind

that

most

ponderous bunch, jingle

from

not

conducted

stock, and

bid

in

ceased

here

was

forciblyled

men

the

that
registrar,

Voluble

wits

their

smaller

into

the

to

tickets.

tied

labels

carriers

policemen

neat

of

long

the

Here,

pay-desk,that

the

to

labour.

endless

an

keep

to

cheerful, under

tempers

For

then.

all,in emulation

officer,strove

of

so

yet closed,

headquartersof Captain

busy staff,who

their

form
irritating

thought

we

the

been

his

is not

revolution

haste

our

commanding

bright, and

of

era

past it had

O'Connor

BORDERLAND.

gold.

At

excited

crew

their back
of

"

common

rail

repressed

niggers."

POPO

Bidding was
fair"

In the pause
of

and-ends
lost.
form.

which

another

fine old

legend

ascribes

The

that he
head

we

great drum
other

sideboard

defeated

did

not

which

luckless

heroes

be

to

kept

hinge.

an

Mounted

afternoon

on

to

and

as

few

surprised,that

are

the

the

admired
;

in

or

away

mutilated
many

which

the tankard

Macarthy. Every

and

lost his head

though

tankard

one

in 1817.

found

we

fixed with

been

be

the

those

of

But

it

bought.

its

weight

old-fashioned
Doulton
the
seem

of silver ; but

high-shouldered

jug, this fragmentary

round

claret-cup
goes

upon

question,though they

to

Ashanti

the venerable

repaired. So

length,for

at

lid and

relic is much

given

palace,with

the

it had
;

sessor
pos-

and
fragileand holey as interesting,

as

sold

the

been

recover,

got tired of sendingit

objectwas

in

was

on

proved

have

Charles

Sir

be

collection,expensiveodds-

piece of plate,stood
to

of the
means.

my

myself to

still cherish

object only

"fun

beyond

discovered

since

long

Upon

knows

rather

miscellaneous

very

One

I went

lunch, I

for

the

and
spiritedat first,

so

that
enticing,

so

217

BEAD.

artificers

should

rival

Lambeth.
As
a

these

tales

few

other

shells of

massy

are

nothing

if not

thingsbought
gold,weighing

on

near

bracelet of nuggets, strung without

an

armlet

of snowy

shell,very

gossipy,I
that

may

tion
men-

occasion"two

half
fashion

on

singularand

pound
a

cord

beautiful,

218

ON

which

with

passed

BORDERLAND.

times

several

golden tags

solid but

THE

and

round

tassels ;

of

bracelet

some

knobbed, strung through the

These

sympathisinghostess
I

will

give

centre.

to

discs,eight-

forget the

rest.

and

admiration.

My

:
confidentially

hint.

facture
manu-

pretty sum,

rueful

observed

you

tees

little

purchases with

my

Fan

the

hundred

pretty trifles mounted

surveyed

limb, fastening

more
golden butterfly,

less elegantthan
infinitely

"

the

Buy

the

of

some

royal

ornaments."
I

"Why?"
their hideous
u

Just

exclaimed

"

weight in gold."

so," she answered,

that is the

and

"

But

if you

necklace, all the Aggry

beads

in

nothing. Every

in the town

peoplecannot

as

she

purchase.

woman

afford,and

can

sellingfor

aghast, they are

given

are

will take

price.

It is

which

accident

you
as

the

will be left with

you
mint

considerably beneath

it

example,a

for

buy,

our

reason

for

many

gold very

buying

money

cheap."
superciliouspride

Any

birth,and
out

of

"

^dignitary,who
time

to

thing

see

of

"

prince

the

been

the sale

to

extravagance.

my

the

fostered,had

I returned

me.

retrieve

well,

Oxford

On

return.

splendour was

too

What
he

me

late
a

at

to

way,
a

"

see

gorgeous

the

since

Russian

war,

and

review

to

remember

young

the

at

knocked

determined

room,

the

overtook

arrived

long

planted

but

in

incredible
in

Windsor

Great
also

modest

Et

this

largely,and

very

retrieve

project to

he
my

repliedvery coldly:

marchand, monsieur."

suis pas

ne

bought

I told him

he

219

BEAD.

also had

fortune, and

Je

"

He

rueful.

was

"

Park

POPO

moi, altesse,"I

answered,

"je

suis

ne

pas

prince."
Russian

The

I carried

through

mayed,
that, but, undis-

after

cordial

less

was

lent
excel-

little speculation
to

my

result.
It doesn't

sold

Mrs.

wholesale

of

other
beads

Popo

who

odd

an

"

before

of

sort

band,

that

and

neat

very

had

one

credit

not

beads,

Both

as

the

and

Aggry

latter clear but

Aggry,
Popo,

some

more

I believe.

bracelet

purchased a

bunchy

the

button

at

ornament

golden

to

the

secure

with

encircled

ornamental,

gold,

golden

prevent

to

placed on

value

preservedthis

mounted

now,

understand.

crack

Foreseeingthat people in England

extending further.
would

been

to the

accrues

retail, as

unstringingthem,

In

night,leaving

commonly

things,however,

aperture.

I remarked

the

sells

for
indeed, I forget,

held by
suspendedlengthwise,

beads
one

profitwhich

buyer

Amongst

bought

everythingagain

handsome

that

me

what

matter

and

Aggry

bit of evidence

Popo

I have

and

it

pin.
Popo

are

rough.
treasured
Both

are

glass,the
There
than

dug

are

former

from

varieties of

many

others
the

opaque,

only

one

of

earth, where

220

ON

the corpse with

have

long

which

since

circumstances
recorded

by

say, all

Popo

they

of

such

any

white

frequentnear

and

It

Lagos.

that either

pricesshow.

is

sort

Our

and
superficial
the

untrained
is not

have

they

They
The
of

imitation, but I speak with

This

the

them,

sort

glasslooks

beads
for

fetches.
I

with

less
To

coloured

that is all.

surface,but

all attempts

Its

peculiarity

light,yellow in

craftyworkmen,

than

sum

conclude

hope, to

any

the African

this dissertation

reader, though
trade"

it may

he

shadow.

could

who

turn

thousand
of the real

singletinycube

tern
pat-

exacted.

yellow, exactlylike it,ten

or

"

kind

same

substance

diffidence.
in

blue

change puzzles our

blue

out

opaque

informed, has defied

am

many

For all their science

running

fac-simile of the

Popo bead,

is that

of

make

can

more

transparent glass,our

in

through and through the

as

but
perfect,

is

effects of the

of

secret

more

English eye

an

success

deceived.

produced

find the

people cannot

their

"

The

reverse,

trying these

To

bead.

all the wondrous

study,for

which

been

they

ever,
understood, how-

quite the

have

Aggry

youngest negro

and

be

Birmingham manufacturers, and

imitate the

to

found, as

into the interior.

not

common

the Venetian,
especially
years

been

Fanti-land, becoming

must

the

that

aware

have

is

Aggry

Coast, far

West

not

am

treasure-trove

The

men.

in Ashanti

rare

thought to

is

interred

were

but
perished,

along the

is

BORDERLAND.

THE

"

be

be added

not
not

teresting,
uninnected
con-

that the

222

ON

covered

At

date

King

I don't

thing,a

house

Coast

Cape

BORDERLAND.

know,

but

suggest

can

easilyidentified,though

Ashanti

of

THE

resolved

of

build

to

such

stone

Castle and

masons

trained

such

to

work

it.

Certain

me

palace!

These

"

in the

this.

it
hills,

there

Shortlybefore

this

to

fortifyCormantin,

of

Accra,

if I remember

of

presume

that the

coast

than

Cormantin,
the vessels
The

to

now

and
were

to

said

not

was

the

"

royal
Raise

had

resolved

the coast, south

upon

the

hewn

know

magnificent

stone, and
not

educated
more

pure-blooded white

began

the

clearingof

in

the

was

Europe

He

men.

The

works

healthful

in

ficers
arti-

whence.

superintendthese

Elmina,

skill

nor

them
distinguished

of

kind, gatheredI

mulatto

young

time

patiencewhich

commissioned

king

rightly. With

they shipped cargoes

architect

tools

able
suitvered,
disco-

been

not

least

in obedience.

settlement

that age,

at
stone

time, the Portuguese

and

of every

the

real merit

ambition

the

had

culties
diffitects
archi-

none

enhanced

When

was

Neither

were

neither

circumstances

idea.

obvious

realm,

If there

sovereign had

of the

grandeur

as

the Adansi

the

and
to

work

than

nearer

found

real

Europeans occupiedat

as

elsewhere.

were

forgetit, the

palace,the

challengedhis imperialproject.
nor

tion.
explana-

an

at

that

reached

ground,

while

unloading.

generalsand

chiefs

of

Ashanti, who

had

it in

POPO

their honourable
watched

these

numbered

the
the

charge

doings with

of

labourers

skilled
under

encamped

Forthwith

of stone

almost
bush, travelling

time, they

lay on

the beach, where

and
a

thousand

wide

ming
alarm, swim-

the

Portugueseturned
in

wrapped
Ashanti
taken
A

their

blankets

yell rang

out

large force

bore

this

The

war-drums

It

country, and

By

beat

decked

advance.

swift

with

none

runners

taking

the

mistydawn,

they all

side,and

the

confines

posted along
breath.

All

hands

fan- wise,

ready.

marches
have

appeared in

army

overrunning all

it advanced, for

endangered

time.

the

and
the

called

the

the track

sweeping the populationtogether*as

forced

were

of

was

thigh-bone whistles

skeleton

spreadout

ship arriving would

But

morning,

on

shot.

the

"

behind

the
smoking papelitos,

and

waiting on

was

And

shiveringin

every

without

news

cow-horns

net.

on

without
prisoners

and
royal territory,

to

out

verging
night, con-

rendezvoused

warriors.

Cormantin, five thousand

as

They

slaves

crept through the

singly,giving no

circle.

ported
re-

of soldiers.

company

rivers,skulking past the villagesat

from

ing
increas-

the

of

Ashantis

of

picked body

culated
cal-

course

of

guard

scouts

the cargo,
and

of materials
In

Their

interest.

keen

artisans.

mountain

hundred

were

king'scommand,

inventoried
shipsarriving,

multitude

two

the

execute

to

growing heap

that

223

BEAD.

the

into

Portuguese

all the

Reaching

the

scheme.

coast

with

224

ON

hundred

many

THE

Fanti

BORDERLAND.

slaves,it loaded

at

and
prisoners,

Coast

their

plunder,had

building
was

Ashantis, their

Castle, the

Cape

the

kidnapping

this audacious

materials; and, before

rumoured

up

the silent

in

vanished

bush.
dreadful

journey

Their

comrades.

captors lacked

skilled artificers upon

be treated
any

gently ;

risk.

Naked

each

sent

So
heads

into

Coomassie.

of

Manuele

odd

was

Whilst

the

as

all the
sent

to

so

that

royal favour, whilst

long procession,they

fellow

who

never

for

and

stood

favourite

very

caravan

of

they

wife,

of

wonderful

indeed

stone

paired
re-

had

monarchs

score

high

of furniture

Then

European

his

inquired
set

seen.

the

rode

execute

to

out

on

knew

skilful workmen

had

the

warded
for-

be

hastilyprepared,and

brother, made

they

ing
carry-

died, and

prisoners should

knick-knacks

their black

things;

kiosk

ornamental

an

at

king, impatient,

majestyconsulted

Ashanti

the

preliminary operations with

had

his

that

them

spare

Several

palace,his prisonersturned

such
built

he

to

the

not

bright young

well, and

jobs.

about

had

discuss

see

dependent should

were

beam.

or

these

slaves, in

his

they struggledon,

man-carriageswere

the

business

that

to

once

the blacks

escaped

to

brutal

too

were

and

Manuele

for
sense

they

of stone

orders

at

him.

as

have

down

whom
or

his block

would

none

that

was

was

in

the

toiling

POPO

The
to

yokes but

questionof

build upon

the

His councillors
Not

where

houseless
tree

"

the

that

the site

was

tree

falls

it ;

on

chose the

bottom

at
staple,

that

Manuele

the innumerable

set

Meanwhile
which

genii.

The

the

were

king

ordered

at

and

Manuele

their

his victorious

on

were

for the twelve

grand

is

As

the

this

bloody rite

and

all

danced

months

his

they

drainage

usual,the king received

due
;

order

that of

in front of all.

The

great chief

representedin

solid

task

him.

market-square.Twelve

caboceers

It

assaults of evil

Five

out.

un-

bush.

providedfor

silk,and gold
was

and

upon

just completed

planted,in

like umbrellas

"

majesty

forayinto Denkera,

set

had

return.

army

His

for that

the

miserable

who
paraded their retainers,

monarch

gone;

system

it, and

sat

of anything

densest

protect the buildingfrom

the chiefs summoned

before

should

advanced
preparations

should

be robbed

the

slaves

had

under

slope,ground muddy

drain

to

projector.

"

desecrate.

occupied by

first

necessary

rash

means

there

warmth.

monarchy

holy to

too

not

of the

time

of the

dig and

to

the

at

gravelly

with

idea

Coomassie

"

the earth is

stranger be suffered

was

askance

and

smooth

a
market-place,

wished

Manuele

grave.

great founder

under

where

"

an

looked

load.

abandoned

never

king rejectedthis

the

but

slope;

bodies and

trail of human

through the forest,

leavinga
abandoned

225

BEAD.

of

tent-

precedence,

royalty velvet,
"

familytotem
gold on

of each

the apex

of

226

his umbrella.

state

of

either

fine

procession it

side

the

occupy
in

ornaments,

carryingeach

and

preceded by

Great

square.

decorated

lord beneath

outstretched

with

his

All

arm.

shouted

people

their

In

gold.

shoulders,
followed

were

tumultuous
of

have

been

king

himself

comment,

used

as

do

to

not,

they

populace,who

the

butts,

free-born

in

what

array

favourites, jeered their

uproarious

weight

domestics,in charge of stool,

state

pressed through thronging ranks

applauded

officers

the

pipe,spittoon,calabash, toddy-jar,and

gun,

left the

one
supported by slave-pages,

or

their

that

was

silk,stoopingunder

grippingtheir

one

all

BORDERLAND.

clad
first,

went

golden

on

palaceto

temporary
of

THE

ON

every

age

and

martial

and

every

clime.
The

bearingthe
a

sword

useless cumbersome

four

it

legs, as

objects.

their chests.

carriage,fitted

advanced

around

honoured

with

in

with

and

about

several

gold
by

rode

silken

him.

Behind

invitation

of

The
a

the

gold,with
these

royal

his

of

king, in

favourite

came

to

take

heralds

plaque

awnings

odd

less fantastically

silver,covered

and

of

of

tormentors,

them

tioner,
execu-

office ; the former

block

him.

hundred

the

long staff,and

After

shaded
leopard-skin,
stanchions.

aides

marched

followed, carrying a
upon

belt of

took

We
of

crowd

armed,

and

blade, set

were.

his chief

preceded by

was

gold
man-

with

upon

golden

wives

noisily

inferior personages,

refuge under

the

royal umbrella.

POPO

227

BEAD.

his

had

Manuele

Men

decked
whirlingguns, paintedscarlet,

skin

and

down

bits
fluttering

the

behind

that

dreadful
one

has

;
"

which

from

the

had,

in the

king

time

sat

kept
slave-girl
dead

chiefs

box, carried
on

dancers
for

as

a-brim

golden cup

with

the

tomb

head
at

it would

have

taken

the feats

critically

its

the

another
Q2

had

kneeling

own

of

square

slave,to

men,

hand

the bones

nightfall.Another

plunder next,

yet again ; had

which

favourite

assortment, for Denkera

againand

looked

in

mass

followed,nobly-bornyoung

gallantry.The

head-

people roared

Then

toddy.

of

to

ghastlyspectacle

image, stretchinghis

an

piled

have, distinguished

to

great caboceers

for the

the

on

the

that

nerve

curvetingthe

and

claimed

or

paraded,each

were

had

past campaign. The

mute

time

to

lie

performing again in mimicry

the
approvalor derision,
on,

sightlike

Dancing

"

along

who

of us,

one

any

there
displayed
chiefs sallied out,

troops lay waiting

The

of headless victims

bodies

his

cow-horns

blast of

wailing

approach that spot, beheld

each of them

and

up

chair, beneath

his

loftyreeds, echelloned

of

ditch where

of valour

leopard-

cloth,scurried

in

incident.

happy

another

on

hoarse

screen

seated

king was

huge umbrella,
unounced

with

outskirts of the cavalcade.

along the

When

of scarlet

them.

place among

be immolated

series of

recommended

poor

and

been

laneous
miscel-

swept

bare

expeditionsought booty

road.

Spoilsmore

valuable

228

THE

ON

followed,hundreds

the

should
Then

should

be

of

poured

the foundations

on

spiritsshould

watch

had

well

well fed

whose

kept

and

clothing had

their

had

wool

they had

Pretty many

foray,two

and

pretty

as

of them

in

were

the

up

less

country, where

doom,

step carried
but

pure

allow.

smooth,

means

un-

advances

one

has

blood

negro

it is

Manuele

The
but

no

terror, had

face

among

features
tears

no

were

flowed

vision.

portedher, swaying
As

creatures

less and

this wretched

and

young

had

the

gone

The

Comrades

and

on

suddenly

that

dabbled

eyes,

drugged,

he

when

their

stupid girls

been

listless ranks

swollen
now.

like

had

by

to

nearer

them,

thought they

possible. Half

perceiveda
him.

these poor

they gazed idly about

show.

and

general as

more

flowers

that

any

the negroid.
disfigured

Each

at

coast, and

the

frequenton

redressed

would

truth, with

by

Those

with

nature

round, large-eyed comeliness, not

They

march.

decked

as

blood

ever.

neatly

were

combed

made

the

three

or

palace,whose

it for

on

tioner
execu-

whose

of the

over

suffered

been

been

the

at

own.

marriageableyears,

unsullied
been

life till the

for his

them

of
trophies

sacrificed

be

to

out

wear

mark

the real

maidens

to

or

wounded,

slaves,many

privation;

and

catch

came

hundred

and

Customs,"

"

next

of wretched

of disease

dying

or

BORDERLAND.

startled

with

ing,
cry-

with
distraught

either

hand

sup

stumbling.
victim

passedthe royalstand,

230

ON

left

the

Wild

but

and

of

not

madness

delaythe tragedywas

to

Manuele
earth

of
spades-full

alone.

His

observe
neither

longer

be

invited

the

edge

his

bucket.

waving

The

toddy,

took

it

Thereupon

upset him

arms,

the

him, pushed him, jerked him

over

Manuele

pipe, and

his

flesh.

warm

from

rolled

amongst

But

most

in

an

regal mind

was

The

dischargedthe
up

above

the

bucket, pulled at

instant their

clear, his

limbs

uttered

robes
fluttering

thither,screaming,

uncomfortably in

was

earth

with

hither and

early jar

pit's

pressedhis spade

bed

panicof soft

royal lord,waking

dropped
spellof stupefaction,
them.

few

the

on

jabbering. Manuele,
laughing,quarreling,
stricken,was

not

majesty turned

his

ladies

leaped down

cry,

heart

their station

full,and

could

day

heavy

dawn

he

that

ing
passed,bring-

time

Manuele
seriously

raised

ground,

At

of

royal party

simultaneous

and

assist.

to

slowly and

with

proofof loyal

declare

to

hope.

himself

by

this

proceedings. But

earlyjar

The

into the
into

king

removed

be

the

king that

the

informed

nor

In solemn

difficult.

condescended

incident

and

been.

pleasedwith

postponed,and

out, with
wives.

the

fellow's

young

desperatedeed,

not

must

majesty was

and
thoughtfulness,
would

good

that attempt had

mysterioustones

last

for

courage

yearningsympathy.

the

crossed

rescue

he had

desperateto
But

with

dreary prison filled

schemes

mind,

BORDERLAND.

THE

like

an

aerolith

yet untouched, the

comparativelyall

his

this

with

damaged

kick, the

with

other

bald

escaped,

limping from

that

nose,

dames

forward

yelpingthose

and

Howling

own.

231

BEAD.

POPO

all

scalp,and

her

place on

master

wofullydishevelled.
"

his

Let

approach!

one

no

royal

own

hands

bringingto lighta
Dig, dig !

"

and

Manuele
of

"

he

the pages
turned
to

danced

"

and

this

the

ring

to

forthwith

all

had

the

flyingto

assist

charged down

strong, crashed
that it gave

from

way

the

ecstatic,all the

the

blessed

had

stoppeddancing.

spot.

But

off

and

their

official
pause

quarter many

all the

So,

in

And
Those

The

royal

hundreds

phalanx so

pact
com-

loyal populace burst

a

mass

tumultuous

king's loving subjectspoured

before

they

of

through the gates,

barrier in

gap.

it,galloping,

running.

glorious occasion.

againstthe

headlong through
and

this

at

moment's

dashed

entree

bore

their instruments.

on

population set

who

royalheralds.

capital. Their

the

caboceers

wives

concerto

laughed

stupendous phenomenon

and

His

colours.

the

news,

robe;

ful
shovel-

every

wiped, and

clapperstoiled behind, findingnot

silence

all

fled,screamingfor

quarter of the

every

of

Upon

out, received

earth,

his

with

with

up

Aggrys

grabbed

and

he
again, finally

These

and

soil, Popos

with

beads.

Popo

turned

Beads

the

among

roared, wiping them

dug.

majesty laughed

of

king, and

the

cried

scratched

he

mass

"

arrived

his

to

majesty

322

ON

Many
has

readers

may

with

him

bolted

this is

as

BORDERLAND.

THE

that

imagine
here"

that

Christmas-time.

But

I do

had

beheld

not

walls

go

traveller's pen

incident

an

the

possibleoutside

not

the

of

absurd

so

theatre

actual

the

beyond

at

truth of fact.
Few

caboceers

happinessand

supreme

The

man.

hole and

addressed

of

shall

first class !

thousand

of

ounces

household!

royal

my

the

of

out

"I

he.

give you

name

thousand

gold, fiftywomen

Before

apportioned. And

be

said

is rewarded!"

of the

caboceer

on

Manuele.

devotion

slaves, a

rarelybestowed

are

king, quite breathless,climbed

"Your
you

fortune

for

auspiciousevent,

the

out

lands

nightfall
your

grant whateve

rask

you

now!"
Manuele

tore

waist, and

fell

"

I had

king

"

shirt,baring his shoulders

the

Powers

by

your

said; "they obeyed.

am

the

to

prostrate.

sworn

he

name,"

off his

slave !

I ask

one

To

majesty's strong
the

you

glory,

of the

girlscapturedin

beads

and

bring

but

he

Denkera."
"

She

is yours.

Gather

the

them

in."
Manuele

never

great honour

by
amongst

the

freedom,

recovered

and

renown

the

Denkera

foremost

at

Coomassie;
slave

of Ashanti

are

and

lived

in

his descendant

still reckoned

caboceers.

I should

like

have

up.

all

to

233

BEAD.

the

other

that

effect

girls

Gold

surprising

Coast

structure

mulatto.

He

it

was

not

built

before

the

we

but

spared,

were

must

one

"

of

that

evidence

no

much

and

add

to

POPO

ask

too

palace,
blew

it

234

SAPPHIRE.

IN

travellingthrough

picks up

did

needs

must

in

all

zealous

like

not

be

not

to

care

travel in

dinner.

attraction

is

brain
loved

the

thinks
in the
At

never

of

his

of

strong
and

on

heart

that I do

records

of

wears

it,that

different

business

not

and

Nights

for

of the local

him,

I should

sit beside

to

of

speak

all

on

I have
when

wearing

Curious
such

an

persons

respect.

young,

fairyland,imbibed

had

He

habits,a

admiring jewels.

combined

away.
gems

mythology

and

myself

Arabian

man

jewels.

own

long

or

company,

owning

fancy,excellent maybe

fascination

no

Observe

the

dainty

which

and

efficient chairman

an

have

if gems

who

handle

without

creature

jewellery but

whose

and

see

churchwarden,
But,

at

to

companionship of

the

one

cally.
metaphori-

and
literally

of thorough
prosaiccapacities,

board.

him

value

not

Barbaric,

of

realm

precious stones,

many
I should

who

the

it

and

That
for
He
all

glamour

is, when

one

insignificant
part

of Greece.

times

of

my

life,returning

from

one

country

another,

or

235

SAPPHIRE.

owned

have

for

not

"

present, I think, my

small

handful

only

brought
turquoises,

of

value.
trifling

largeston

fatal afternoon

that

murdered.

hurried

sowar

counting

was

by, shouting to

standingback

were

their

lives.

What

hustling crowd,
of

eight

were

Norman

as

us

clung like

least,exists

no

others

very

handsome

when

Log

fightingfor
the

through

was

them

to

There
Lieut.

Finden,

Dr.

was

Sahib

street,

way

four

time

it

whom

But

forget.

for

it is worth

roughly
which

since

it,but
several

traveller

it

which

to

all

spiteof

bought

from

tation/'
temp-

the

me

and
not

well

that

gem

has

that
a

story with

At

voyage.

gave

at

fellow-

quarter

been

figure,I

vanserai,
cara-

polishedin

at

which,

young

Nile

the

smoothed

very

was

Cairo,

in

it not?

was

vendor

exposed

times

gave

in

"

down,

The

recollect

stone,

uncomfortable
old, historic,

burnt

more.

was

years.
the

"

was

manner,

beauties.

Englishman,

just returned

countryman,

pounds

the

Capt. Molloy,

twenty

which

native

how

that

push

forced

we

"

an

Hotel
Shepheard's

young

fierce

a
sapphire,

for

that

money

the

of

digression.

own

have

back

Willis

poor

the

us

down

to

Stewart, and

this is

out

bazaar, the

the

when

is

sort

Candahar,

from

in

them

purchased

this

of

treasure

"

diamonds.

pretty little heap of pearls,emeralds, and

At

long

him

twice
believe.

it, which

of

the
its

nine
re-cut

This
has

236

ON

almost

slippedmy

did

not

say

how

much

own

much

have

under

is

sunset

tinsel

the

lay

cafes

about

bank,

with

and

off

evening

one

Osioot, I

or

walls

boy

one

to

the

when

Ezbekieh,

the

beginning

are

domes

town

not

am

it, which

to

and

gleam

best

to

dissuade

them

rosy

that

worthy

know

enough, you
in the

narrow

sunset

but

my

I have

could

be

seen

Cairo

see

suggested, he

those
cannot

to

once

be

and

guide

was

more

gold along

the

did

his

danger,

of

being

nothing

the

"

of

real

belated

stirred after
But

mosques

longed
seemed

sought,and presently

from

written.

was

what

lights

under

the

at

loss than

the habit

the
"

river-

decliningsun,

was

since this

more

the

to

outcasts.

understand

"tinsel

white

dragoman,

1863

shore, and

on

So

puzzled

in

was

robbers

legs

were

with

on

streets, where

dogs and

rather handsome.

reader

this

"

unlit

stretch

insisted

He

There

landing,as

from

man.

either

in the

Francisco, our

me

was

almost

fretted
dark-green palm-trees,
their leaves.

which

sure.

descended

above

edges of

one

by

Shepheard'sHotel,

of

fadingduskily over

lightsof

Manfaloot

story told

the acacias.*

We

it

suppose

verandah

in the

golden
the

may

you

another

to

for convenience

put the legend into the first person

sake;

unconsciouslyadded.

imagination has

own

how

his,and

is

followingnarrative

of the

impossibleto

be

it would

times

happy

those

In

memory.

note-book, and

my

BORDERLAND.

THE

point

If

of view

circumstances
was.

238

THE

ON

met

breast

me

donkey-boys:
and

tried

thud

to

and

the

man,

very

and

face

to

and

his

officer

spoke

with

embarrassed.

Turk

seized
that

put it?

The

by

few

low

words,

his

most

treated

my

Copt

salute,
the

eager,
the

young

beard,

how

shall I

"

Antonio

as

back,

venerable

his, and

to

over,

me

unfinished
seemed

countenance

lace.

shrank

One

saw

patrol,

silver

looked

Copt
an

moment.

After

ancient
He

with

passed me

follower

my

and

tunic

orderlydisplayed he

him

other

drew

his blue

and
the

was

halt.

officer,a fair-haired

the

glanced beyond.

the

It

troops.

the

to

me

suddenly,

out

with

face

soldierlyin

lantern

smiled,

full of

!"

command,

of

grounded, brought
flashed

trie

Shumalek, oh Sheikh

sharp word

arms

passage

I stood

whilst

of

lanterns

and

the

But

humorously, like

I cried

Riglak,Effendi

"

rattle

narrow

By

breast.

to

pass.

Half-a-dozen

BOUDEULAND.

treated

the

Jew.

The

action

Without

men

fell

Copt

offered

my

turned.

droll
insolently

snatched

the

At

word

back, saluted, and

upon

muttered

his nation.

that I

laughed out.

lantern,
lighteda cigar
from

the

officer his
The

passed through.

we

explanationof

no

questionshe

hard

and

so

apology,I

thereat, and

to

was

this incident.
that

Next

Turks

morning

are

In

answer

very

cruel

the wind

was

fair.
Several
remembered

weeks
the

afterwards,haltingat the

pasha'sgarden, and

the

same

marvels

town,
to

I
be

therein.

seen

so

Some

scandals

at
suspected,

the

did

Copt

the effendi's
could

be

issued

the

Konak.

not

know.

He

the

from

presentlyinformed
such
had

insolent eunuch
a

bottle

peered

"

that

him.

on

not

the

Taking
guished
distin-

rail,and

within

board

on

come

I will throw

minutes," I cried,

three

some

converse.

the

over

or

his slaves below.

does

Aga

attend

to

amidst

creature

Kislar

If the

neck,

Aga,

presentlyappeared

expectedme

the

by
the

"

it

man
drago-

My

moments'

few

objection,but

no

that the Kisla

me

desired

personage,

halted.

and

supped

lantern-bearers

processionof
street

narrow

what

see

night-time,whilst

At

small

retire,to

now

with

and

man,

poor

would

permissionhe

poop,

was

were

asked, but

? I

scandals

What

not

permit.

discovered, he hinted, or

been

arranged.

the

upon

had

did

obtaining a

about

confidence

much

show

he

guide arrived,but

former

My

239

SAPPHIRE.

this bottle

at

his

head."

within

the time

being,with

the

herself airs.

jewels on

I took

His

every

saw

face of

before
a

me

tall,lean, wrinkled

peevish old

flowingdress
finger,and

his offered hand

Francisco
"

His

of

with

delivered, but

Francisco

message

peculiarsign,less

the

was

what

knows

Heaven

was

who

woman

handsome,

conspicuousin
office than
repugnance

of
"

gives

he

his

wore

turban

degradation.
poor

wretch

translated.

lordshipthe pasha

sends

compliments.

If you

240

wish

to

the harem

see

"

What

"

To

he

did

was

The

lira for baksheesh."

soldiers

morning

stood

the

at

traversed

We

There

intersected
statue

It

to

the

have

of

the

but

bridge leadingto

to

and

of

art

the

of the

and

locked

stood

the

rose

were

gates.

comes

ladies'
the

bear

not

grounds

clumps

ran

down

wooden

closed,
Some

of bamboo.
with

embanked

childhood,

figuresin

pool,

tank

The

for the

Steps led

its shutters

it had

of

thickets,

there

here

at

stained.

In the middle

the earth.

and

out

midst

in

grew

dinner-knife,

fine trees

centre

marble, chipped and

eunuchs.

three

shrubberies

with

entered

and

Petersburg,but they do
the

by

ragged suitors,

of

moistened

The

Nubian

presentedarms.

Flowers

Here

one

pay

of

guard

or

course.

laughed

St.

canal, shaded

gaily painted:

to

thing
some-

two.

the corner,

styleof thing set

at

asked

two

walks.

turnip

Garden

widened

water.

of

ditches

comparison. Through
turbid

at

surprisingdeformity.

of

delectation.
Winter

of

see,

by winding

displayedupon
nearest

door

mostly occupied by

was

had

Gate, and

charge

shallow

tanglewhere
space

small

little to

was

Konak

been

agreed

punctual.

was

under

gardens

There's

have

Copt

gate

of Francisco.

dingy courtyard,full

passedthrough
the

the

at

Aga departed.

Kislar

sir.

square,

be

must

I asked

in the harem.

wrong

Next

the

for?"

come

if all

see

gardens,you

forthwith

And

sunrise."

by

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

to

the

kiosk,
and

the

windows

the

on

sparselybut

and

goldembroidery.

of the

this

the walls

had

been

Glass chandeliers
lined with

were

opened

to

atoned

ladies

the

Those

with

glimpse
that

well

very

the

in

wretchedness

sordid

by

displayed. The

not

apartments

satin

mirrors.

knew

saw

from

hung

impressme

magnificencewithin, but

luxury was

open.

handsomely furnished, in

rooms

windows

palacestood

the

ground-floorof

ceiling,and

241

SAPPHIRE.

of
invisible,

were

course.

Not

disappointed for
"

had

expected

returned,after leaving a card and

for the
upon

table

my

Turkish

uniform

"I

dare

venture

In

and

to

pasha has

There

life is worth

is

man

handsome

the

man

in

cabin, and

inner

protection,sir!
in

If you

desperate straits,I

delightI

gave

all aboard.

the

order, and
few minutes

scudding brisklydown

were

we

I returned

"

were
fortunately,

afterwards

The

help

your

cisco
Fran-

summoned

hoist sail."

astonishment

men,

"

appeared from

to
to

and

slender

put myself under

imploreyou

and

box,

in perfect
French
earnestly,

said

my

iron

But

explain.

to

found

pasha. Reaching the dabeah, I

small

"

ledgment
acknow-

courteous

little

the river,

the saloon.
a

chance

steamboat," I said,"and

that he

struggle. What
R

may

have

not

pursue
not

gone

the

me,

graph."
tele-

and

through

242

ON

in these last hours

a

thread

Your
in

of sunshine

"But

Cairo,"

at

BORDERLAND.

THE

black

flag to

crimson

me

like

was

sky."

observed,

will

"

you

certainlybe

taken."
No.

"

My

reach

we

Cairo,

if

served

me.

demanded

would

be

before

extendingyour

kindness

the story

heart, which

sticks in my

day

and

watching

the

Instead

of

rapid

He

one-eyed

kept

baksheesh.

When

the

back
"

with

jests.
unintelligible

ways

could

"

"

am

but call
"

Have

"

have
you
if you

me

Yusoof

we

not

thought
to

do

met

before ?
would

you

know

the

the forenoon

slapped

song,

my

the

other

most

futile valet

less Turkish

in his

his nation.

I asked

colouring;

Agha.

apologisefor
not

villages.
urging

on,

said,laughingand

he

Genoese,"

my

the poop,

on

reises,and

being

protege recovered

convulsed

imagined,and

be

of

all

"

and

one-eyed

not

my

snatches

into

reis upon

sat

mud-built

the

alarm,

it

soldier,but
swallowed

we

without

broke

Egyptians,are

and

head

questions

no

poor

guest

my

once

present."

at

dusk,

at

promise of

followingpassed
heart.

night

river

anchoring

with

crew

all that

I have

as

throat

pasha's

asked

to

soon

as

Besides,

the

have

You

will tell
you

All

order.

all in

are

papers

like,I will tell you

of

treatment
a

villain he

why

Yes,

recognise me.

not

my

what

"

am

your

is.

guide, but

After

escaping."

dinner,

did

He

how

learnt

never

with

so,

243

SAPPHIRE.

Yusoof

that his

confessed
to

take

an

should

like

now

me

this
"

I
of

end

the

beginningand

fancy," he began,

cannot

misery

virtuous

Islam.

am

"

had

these

delights,and

week

in

But

nail drives

one

bored

yonder garrisonI

to

Two

three

or

afternoon, I
of

sort

met

be

Before

had

die

to

and

bred

to

been

was

quite

amusement.

certain

thing,arid,as

soon

sure,

was

that

knows

One

negress.

in the

I went

days running, wherever

a

by

!
oh, seriously

"

another, and before I

out

I found

death

the world

to

wanted

and

smoke

fortune

they pall.

nothing

here he winked

"

the

not

is

and

pray

Mussulman"

good

monotonous

There

towns.
save

the

"

foretell the re-conquest of

"but

laughed

do

to

man

again,and

pray

Nile

these

of life in

the

"

lead

not

renegade.
You

for

the

hear

to

did

history;but

in his

absorbing interest

It may

adventure.

it
telling

of

manner

Islam, nor

embrace

to

came

anythingabout him, exceptingthis

be

reservations,doubtless.

many

her

I gave

an

opportunityto speak.
"

she

Effendi.'

her soul is

and
"

and

beautiful

melting like wax,'

expressedpoliteregrets

asked

charms

said,

if the

like those

were

I recalled

lady

as

much

was

to

you

"

hear

married.

of the

has

seen

of this
No

to

you,

know.

disaster,

her

plane-tree.And

poetry suited
R2

"c.

lady

the occasion

young
so

on.

as

my

244

studies

could

hear

to

"

who

!'

sends

"

The

"

"

have

might

with

unmarried

whom

it is

bearingin
of

in

The

secrets.

he crushes

"

every
that

This

such

know,

ask

tions
ques-

to

remembered

your

wretch

as

kind
woman-

Copt,

could be found

guide, but

by acting as

The

lucrative.

which

abominable

family in

the upper

betwixt

I did

not

him

know

and

he

is

most

imports
trade

to

in

the

town.

his way

bonne

There
would

fortune

was

come

was

nether

the

mill-

then.

delightedto give

was

something in
my

spare

the

live

most

Very

game.

degree upon

vastlymore

the

not

know

to

poorest fallaheen all stand in his debt, and

rascal

that

vile

well

that could

is to sell antiquegems,

them

But

tone.

length I
as

to

I suppose.'

proper,

always

you

remote

is

you,

pursuitsare

Paris,and

from

most

At

thinks

place like

mistress ?'

is your

sits down

one

pretendsto

of them

honest

He

Egypt.

his real

the

tell

me

she

but it is

am.

saucily.

dangerous,as

family.

who, let

waited

kefaji'sdaughter

no

Who

when

girlsin

But

jewels.

it is

herself away

will tell you

She

exclaimed,

retiring

d'amour, which

little gage

cooler fellow than

slave drew

before

But

present like that !

beforehand
few

produced

hoped

notice, and

moment's

convenient.

warmed

Allah

when

Hebe

have

would

supply at

again

black

my

BORDERLAND,

THE

ON

me

more

details about
than

of it.

unmarried

The

chance
ledge
know-

simplified

246

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

tilesse

oblige!

some

slightgift of caution, since

limited.

But

meantime

And

Allah

prayed

I did

beauty

grant my

to

share

own

my

lounge beneath

not

is

the

wall again.
palace-

could

hours

Some

"

read

not

the

swore

ruled

after the negress

half of

one

Copt

Egypt, and

in

book

and

wrote

came

for

it she

in clearer
I

weeks.

with

was

tell her

of

rather

made

evening

dreams

at

and

is

with

pleasuregreater

her

dangerous.

would

replyat all,but

no

and

would
I

began

at

have
to

be

for

of date.

for

she

Nuzleh

But
than

an

her

droll had

The

ran

notes

did

writing

as

not

verses.

let the slave

interview

transmitted

bored.

several

out

harmless

midnight, with
been

edition,

by correspondence,

morning raptures,

visions

messenger

things could

But

eyes,

for
suggestions

tained
con-

suppose,

compelled than persuadedto

my

ever

poetry-

for

fashion

my

second

love

konak.

got

on

jewel.

neck,

the

into

volubilitywhich
so

matters

To

name.

sillychild

noon

came

you

who

letter

the

things went

great danger carrying these

as

think

She

So

point. Making

saw

introducingme
even

when

impatientas

so

this

at

but

brought another,just a

not

negress

almost

reply;

the risk of your

at

The

the

help me.

not

gods

note.

The

girlishnonsense.

other letter

every

all the

decipheredit.

writing.

was

remain

not

he

me

she could

by

secrecy

and

only verses

but

to

it,and

handed

me

the
her

impressions
an

obstinate

it not

volumes

been
of

poetry which

would

receive

whole

Then

there

the

cruel

be

brought

that

For

poisons.

of

poetry I
how

obey, but

her

about

guard,

my

and

reams

that

her.

kept on

she would

seen

in

up

innocent

mind

incapableof devising."

was

The

autobiographicalform

shown

The
It is

maid

proved to

wit

more

and

here.

so

be

of

for

If

the

of

foreigners who
suffered

Yusoof

no

For

would

"

native

resolved

to

the

the

his

enter

to

let the

matter

terriblymischievous
his wit's

The

if she

succeed

Yusoof,

in

of course*

premisesand

gratefully
report

pretext for stoppingthem.

At

not

pasha,

letters still arrived, and

violence.

did

interview, and

harem.

women

their lovers, but it.was

than

they tried, they

the

the mistress.

of this sort

cases

absolutelyunacquainted with

habits

having

tellinghis story,

uningeniousas

as

courage

devisinga plan for

was

wearisome;

drop it.

generallysupposedthat

have

is

guest's cynicalmanner

my

I will

be

abstraction

an

Amidst

so

used

plainprose

naturallyto daggers

was

meeting could

to

silence,and

was

answer.

that if I

in

wrote

letters until I had

more

pique runs

came

learned

the

no

week

for female

"

So

nearlyall

were

gets tired of making love

man

not

borrow

correspondence.

our

I could

247

SAPPHIRE.

the

liberal

so

of him

at

to

Cairo

gardens.

Once

more

drop,but

those

promising
com-

he

had

no

lover-like

pasha'sdaughter could
liked, without

end, Yusoof

appliedto

resort

the

to

Copt,

248

ON

keeping back
saw

that he had

'"

only the lady'sname.

Can

and

That

useful

uncharitable
similar

being

might suppose
the

inquiry;

pasha

slaves.
"

swim?

you

Like

The

often answered
wives

many

"

BORDERLAND.

at all.
difficulty

no

had

THE

said he.

fish."

"Underwater?"
Like

"

!"

moor-hen

Thereupon

the

Copt

revealed

the canal ; that the eunuchs'

If the

lady did

mere

lover

risked

Suspiciousof

one
every-

Cairo, the pasha thought himself

at

Yusoof

did
He

danger.

by

not

told his

assent.

apartment, where

day

and

night.

Pandarus
which

was

plan and

once

He

ready.

but

nurse

Consulted

too

named

the

the

On

garden

visited

was

the first moonless

of the

canal, dived
under

swam

breathe

where

long

stretches

most

sheltered

water

the shadows
he

reached

Coptic
in the

Sir

tank,

occasions

rare

by foreigners.

night,Yusoof

far

place in

faithful attended

kiosk

beneath
noiselessly
as

take

the

more,

of

absence
bling
lady'strem-

not

always stood unlocked, saving those

when

safetyhere.

the

received

Only, the meeting could

her

in

regret the

means

any

guarded

ceremony.

discretion,the

midnight bath.

sentries

no

patrolwas

her part with

nothing besides

that

as

he

was

gained

the

was

and

Kising

able.
two

pool. Here,

place for landing,it

arch,

the

lay blackest, in

the bank

to

necessary

to

three

or

gain the
to

pass

half-round

the

within.

the

illuminated,throwing a perilous
glarebetween

mind
the
a

to

when

return,

few

with
"

with

motionless

trees.

up

It

fear.

him, and whispered,in

from

paces

all

his

figuresuddenly appearing on

him

bridge struck

made

alarmed, Yusoof

and

Perplexed, angry,

one

no

palacewere

of the

the windows

But

kiosk,

the

of

at

light

cautiously. No

round

shutters

the

glimmered through

landed

He

island,a fatiguingeffort.

the further steps,and looked

moved

249

SAPPHIRE.

stopped

quivering

tones

fright:
Are

there?"

you

Yusoof

recognisedthe

cautiously.She

opened

It

door.

approached her

and

negress,

pitch-dark

was

inside.
"

Where

"

There, there !

Thus

is the

Lady
For

goodnesssake, go

encouraged, the

lover

poured

the rapturous
divinity

would

they

have
hold

been

other

lady revealed

in

The

the

castanet

in !"

forth

salutation

European

which

this

presence

by

it

to

good

his

but

sneeze,

sweetlymurmured,

you!"

had

he

The

in the East.

score

but

visible
in-

critics the effect

seriouslyinjured by

opinionson

to

her

"

politeness

sob.

meeting

Yusoof's

most

her

make

"Allah

ended

For

for this event.

composed

Yusoof, halting.

?" asked

Nuzluh

seems

to

have

opinion. Shivering in
between

each

word

been
wet

vastly droll

in

clothes,he played

of his tender

protesta-

250

THE

ON

The

tions.
her

fair one's

stalwart

forbade

him

head, much
For

more

the

made

him

deaf

is

told the

rumoured

through

konak,

the

and

the

She

old

careless

into

nurse

the

fearinglest

old

as

taken

had

she, poor

failed,and

resolution

I heard

when

Nuzleh

such

of

message

creature,

die, consented

should

in

the

visited

me

was

sickness

was

touched

rendering.

it

Then

woman

and

play at intrigue,

to

there

confidence, and

child

Yusoof's

not

brought

love
blind, self-sacrificing

her

in the

Fools

persons.

that

town

presentlyan

Yusoof's

and

ridiculous

all advances.

to

for grown

captain'squarters.

even

view
inter-

cold

this

of

memory

slave,ought

amusement

an

the

pool, that

the

worth

hand,

oaths

betwixt

not

was

his

life.

weeks

children,he
which

several

adventure

minutes

ten

vowed

stupidentertainment

by

noiselessly
slipped into

he

laughter,as

Not

Yusoof

lover

the

holding

approach.

to

and
unintelligible,

were

answers

negress,

lasted, and

such

BORDERLAND.

to

thing.
every-

his visits

were

many.
You

think

still deferred.
sister

to

was

prepared
debt
would

cash

to

the

the

that

the

The
be

tragedy is coming

weeks

married

customary

passedby,
to

the

by sellingsome

him, could

jewel which

officers

His

Yusoof, deeply

money-lenders of Cairo, and

accommodate

was

elder

Nuzleh's

and

colonel.

presents.

it

but

now,

only
Nuzleh

to

any

raise the
had

one

in

who

needful

given

him
.

the

Upon

in

who,

afternoon, left

the

of its

representingone-twentieth
You

will

Yusoof

wall.

would

give more,

of

colonel
match

passed

and

to

Nuzleh's

delayedfor

the

discoverywas
Nuzleh's
her

one

stone

word

this alliance

the

The

nobody
attached

what

see

fell

He

on

of

Before

Yusoof
rose

's

no

small

common

seriously

honourable

the

be

protest

inevitable

harem

she
it

to

on.

visit,an

parures

they found

and

tell.

can

fly.

ladies

asked

vehement

Her

second

my

in

cially
offi-

had

been

preparationswent

night before
made.

too

was

fancy.
girl's

young

trousseau;

to

have

whisper

was

have

yonder; and,

out

objections would

jewel-box,to

grand

followed

geance
ven-

no

Messengers

blood

Women

daughter.

but
suspicion,

During

the

princeof

affairs

But

entertained.

that

own

Nuzleh.

to

Cairo, until,at length,it

from

known

voice in their

caused

ring

incident

The

Copt sought

for

grand

more

pasha'syoungest

case,

colonel

bride's

his

married,and gossipsbegan

was

far

made
the

price the

recover

The

told.

have

and
trickery,

guiltysister.

the

konak

the

this time.

at

The

to

thereabouts.

or

his

like the

not

Copt,

amount

an

beneath
with

Copt

doubt,

no

followed

that

did

supposed her

he

for

"

if he

value,

met

we

the

charged

that

told

was

that

remember

barracks

the

at

the

it to

took

he

I arrived

when

day

251

SAPPHIRE.

opened

needed

empty.

sunrise,a

bed, and

for

What

letter with

told him

instantly,packed

his

in

valu-

252

ON

in

ables

escaped
And

box

to

He
towards

the

reached

on

he

without

We

reached
without

called,no

longer

the

forgiven.
belonged
A

few

arrival.
be

case

He

days
She

Nuzleh
tell.

Yusoof

which

caused

after

long,

but

died, how,

Many

Bey

rumours

is

one

of

mind,
it

crashed

gained

adieu

bade

my

Yusoof

his

to

my
he

afterwards

days

but

this

the

with
the

fell upon

Bey.

banishment,
I

sapphire ;

ever
Whatit

was

it

suppose

girl.

poor

to

Two

Agha,

came

and

old

the

soul.

me

He

there, he

body

Yusoof

gave

that

to

married
are

the

hastening

was

him.

set

was

doubted,

heavy box,

reluctance.

offence

ways.

thing
Some-

great presence

safely, and

Cairo

passenger

can

the

face

errand.

he

and

betrayed

encountering

his

Yusoof

protege, with

Leaving

and

ears,

Had

have

frequented

guessed his

the usurer's

my

his skull.

best,

Yusoof

would

least

cloak, and

tion.
Copt, also avoiding observa-

his

expressed it,slung

boat

to

in

his

beneath

the

the

met

knowledge.

conduct

hid

by

robed

his knees, and

as

he

konak.

sell his

man's

he

dabeah

my

was

had
to

which

his road

on

BORDERLAND.

THE

her

prince.
they

father
The

what

under

flew
of the

and

ceremonies
to

came

her

announced

newspapers

sad

big retinue,
in

such

termination.

circumstances,

no

about.

pasha'sequerries(1863).

one

254

THE

ON

life

man's

daily hangs

entertain

weapon

knives.

wise

them

also

the ribands

are

But

this is

few

roll

with
of

of

was

would

thick

the

by

me

kain

actually stand

would

odd

thing

another, which

time, for twenty-four. I

of

bargain, however,
my

the knife

servant
as

to

red upon
she

into

me

course
dis-

peace-offering.

nished.
tar-

from

silk that

it,and

was

fortydollars,less
think

she

was

very

silver

the

in the midst

Siamese

solid

repented ;

demand

connected

up

but

well

and

lines

the vendor

the

of

the

design

black,

ground.
one

so

than

wearing at

large squares

found

Kuching,

remember

tartan, the

Malay

of cloth.

bales

of

profuselyin silver, with

sent

goods

rusty and

of

cost

sell me

tone

iron

very

bandhara

agreed to

and

only

book-shelf,I

woman

bullion,I should

breadth

goods

documents

upright,so

The

gold.

steel

lead

top of

of the

that:

only

surround

the value

of

the

long-lostknife,

bought

with

the

wanderings; wrapped

given

lasting

not

trade.

bills and

my

and

to
partly finished,

are

which

upon

ancient

was

files

digressionthat

Mexican

my

whom

metal

days ago,

them

It

of

"

his

of

swords

our

tools,cheap, if

and
directly,

up

the hardware

on

But

they work

for

material

"

as

be re-manufactured.
which

as

excellence

the

upon

contempt

them

They buy

They buy

BORDERLAND.

broidered
em-

various
Of

this

day, when

article,she forwarded

255

This

lived

woman

bazaar, close by

the

in

this

the

show

to

like

capitalwas
The

improved.
verandah

the

on

or

three years

down.

had

inhabited
she

street, where

main
of

My

live in

to

means

thingsthat
but

to

necessary

of the

can

no

be

trust

horrid

say,

less

not

comfort, and
knicknacks.
rather

the facts here

inaccurate
it in

upon

regard to

picture of

the

the

state

or
twenty-five
thirtyyears

surprisedthan

longer represents

habits of the late

palace,I scarcelyexpect

not

his

in Brunei

ruled

is stated for which

do

us

her
investigate

is doubtless

memory

I should

credit that it

his

day.

in Sarawak

jewellery,and

They give a

events.

ago,

all

let

it

wide

sat

before,she had arrived

pointsof detail,but

many

tile

quarter of

prosperous

mysterious existence,and they ascertained

set

the

place

nor

Dayang something or other;

policethought it

The

she

fine robes, articles of

many

taken

beam

by

eighteen years since,so greatlyis

Brunei, possessedof

from

Chinese

Sirik.

Dayang
Two

her

not

most

dwelling

looking

called

They

the

what

has

that

change

neighbourhood, where

remains

the

of

Photographs given me

fort.

present rajah displaythe

in

house

neat

the truth.

sultan,and
to

find

publishedevidence

In

to

ing
speak-

the condition

belief,but
and

glad

of

nothing

official reports

give warranty.

certain pangeran

of

saw
dependent villages,

Brunei, passingthrough
a

Murut

girl whom

one

of

he fan-

256

cied.
the
suit

THE

ON

She

chief

belonged to

thought

it

accepted,of

was

BORDERLAND.

quither home,

and

family of

prudent

honest

use

did

lover

understood

condition

that the

father, the

wedding

took

In

for mother
an

child from

evil

design,the

father refused

of

body

and

flames

paid for

slaughter.
girl,of

the

if he

return

offered

it;

pecting
Sus-

let them

keep

this arrived

his

receiptof

three

to

his child ; then

husband

and

servants

times

been

father offered

finallythe

and

go,

capital,breathing

this the

to

withdraw

to

marriage,on

and

course,

double

to

to

summons

had
marriage-portion

allowed

were

Upon
the

retainers from

truculent

an

her

Brunei.

at

mentioned.
pleadingthe stipulation
a

came

the husband

and

to

of time

course

born, and shortlyafterwards

daughterwas

Upon

live with

bride should

place.

like

not

insist.

not

His

means.

girl did

but the

course,

the

to

and
position,

some

the

he
descended
con-

dissolve
he

money

the
had

paid.

her
news

swore

divorced

more,

once

time

Murut

luckless

The

by

her

people,and

own

reached
have

the life of every

Warned

but the husband

married.

were

blood, and
in

was

one

was

concerned

started

time, father

captured,tied

After

When
furious.
in such

immediatelyfor

and
to

free
a

first love, amongst

Brunei, the pangeran

insult to his noble

village.

they

herself

lord.

scoundrel

accepteda suitor,perhaps a

she

to

considered

woman

this
He
an

the

daughter escaped,
a

tree, and

stabbed

WOMAN'S

the chief himself.

by

of the

woman

appealedto

It has

The

sacked

noble

from

that

the

the

marriagebond

loss of her

such

condemned

did

badly.

And

enemy's hands, and

slaves.

with
and

After

of
offspring
that

the noble

two

his temper,

the

amongst

other.

babies

was

In

notice,and

but

been

to

he

the

do

course

was

restore

he

of

more

time

know

fallen into their

his household

the

born,

It occurred
him

into

tribute

whether
The

to

favour
mother
to

the

it mollified

children

grew

up

elder,being of noble

consideration
she

promoted.

was

behaved

despatchedthe

acceptedit.

with

It

daughterwas

palace, as

palaceslaves,but
treated

law.

had

husband.

not

outraged

ended.

second

day

one

had

chief imam

placed among

present might

the

daughterhad

while, a

sovereign. I

offended

blood,

had

he

of

the

pangeran

matter

the murdered

the sultan, and

her

the

there the

the wife and

Meantime

the

that

for the

What

and

agree,

wife

solatium

only a

of
interpretation

an

solemnly pronounced
very

not

law, he

release

town-house.

his

bucklers.
swash-

sacred

could

was

They

justifyhis

to

vindication
legitimate

sultan

The

honour.

it

societyat

done, therefore,was

family

Brunei

Cheri, or

of money

payment

the

by

summoned

was

proceedings.Arguing by
denied

the

for the restitution

and

the sultan for vengeance,

their property

of

said that

been

altogetherinconsiderable.

not

was

257

KNIFE.

attracted

than

the

the

sultan's

258

ON

certain

to

The

her

palace,and

livingI

know

supportedher

of such

appointed
She

freed.

was

her

Perhaps

Murut

fund

secret

she sustain

as

family

quarters in the city,

her

up

what

; upon

mother

the

took

of the

girl,Sink, was

younger

how.

not

the fortunes

over

and
sister,

left the

thousands

BORDERLAND.

change came

in consequence.
attendant

THE

relations
do

of Providence

respectable
appearance

in the thriftless tropiclands !

The
I

"

no

harem

the present

use

to

reason

think

Haroun

concubines,and
has

person
carries

reminds

one

beheld

very

I do

to

jewelsand

miserable
food is

of

the

one

families

Others, who

are

such

as

have

unlikelyto pine in

sides,
Be-

visited his

have

favourites

are

they certainly
possess

may

influence

some

majesty

those less favoured

ease

white

hypochondria.

daily ration

their

at

some

wives,

"

that any

half-dozen

of clothes

set

possess

profit.But

not

Their

than

barn

it, for his

ladies

and

live

have

of the coarsest

life,and
barely equalto sustaining

belong to

it to

But

clothes.

know

not

the verge

that

existence.

receive

they

building

of

lodged comfortablyenough,
fine

In
women

few, European

capital.Report says

changed with
of

inside

the

have

rather

palace.

slaves.

splendidabode

no

convenience, since there is

forty, fourscore

jealouscare
very,

is

that circumstances

Alraschid's

seventy feet by

sultan

for

tense

sovereign. It

new

of

of the Brunei

for garments

Those

year.

get

an

who

allowance.

with their lord, turn

neither friends

slow starvation.

nor

favour

WOMAN'S

Under

such

least

aside the

of clothes

of

year

house

of cotton

those

and

"

allow

not

even

the past

speak in

sultan,his habits
old monarch

female

It

slaves.
his

policyof

was

majesty,for

carpenters secured,theyknew
and

murderous

soul

ready help

exit

to

these

few
To

return

under

of

majesty;

some

much

As

still.

to

every
in

the

building

The

canoe

shadow,

more

one

be

of the

Even

s2

kept
rank

in
and

liberty.
a

favourite,by

time, might reasonablyhope that

days would

the

quietlyremoved

convenient

Bitter

escaped at

amphibious nymphs.

easier

was

again.

women

board

the

assistant-

Secure

days.

noiseless strokes carried them

choosing her
absence

for

by

palace,but

master.

the water,

waiting lay unnoticed

a

the

ing
reign-

short-sighted

loose

to

in

rose

stayed abroad

posts above

on

I should

nothing.

amateur

foes, the royal

of

even

and
pleasure,

gave

how

leagued againstthe

was

stands

enmities

those

what

sultan

of the

and

foolish

very

The

the

himself, aided

tools

handled

set

one

cash.

character, I know

and

every

cheapestsilk

or

here,however, for

tense

meal

inside it.

to go

carpenter

Putting

but

receive

and
old, constantly
needing repair,

is

The

who

royal harem

at

are

their sisters.

as

always be plottingto get fineryand

will

will

show

women

prosaicquestionof securing a good

day, inmates

"

palace. Malay

of dress and

fond

as

the

at

that

credited

be

it will

circumstances

intrigueis busy

259

KNIFE.

secret

and

from

file.

It

an

his
was

260

ON

in

proved

THE

BORDERLAND.

great murder

that

case

the

prime minister, married

to

holidayonce

knowledge.

The

whole

of

up

without

sultan, took

life of these miserable

was
prisoners

into

one

favour, of public and

trade.

; some,

as

should

Those

who

treat

as

animals

treated
There

have

love

was

had

They

we

they

other

no

respect their

or

women

call him

noble

young

about

civilised realm

fascination

have

been

could

show.

latelyintroduced

of

thence

I do

fiendish

those

of

not

the

themselves

in

its

they consider,to
virtues

rake

his wealth
ladies

as

in

the time

this

at

hereditarytendencies

of

were

youth,

speak

than

most

of he

young

the

among

from

came

contain

the Lanuns,

humanity.

well

home

not

all,having more

upon

of

may

the

as

mother

does

public acts

avenge

we

a brother, Pangeran
capital

Earth

worst

of Brunei

finished

Possibly his

are

for

court, famed

concentred

At

the

know.

Tampasuk

pirateshave

That

absurd.

was

passed his early years

Tampasuk.

more

the

to

had

Budruddin, who
Lanuns

The

Momein.

satisfied that male

to

ment
amuse-

live.

find

will

or

are.

Pangeran

seems

interest

master

animals

as

privatefraud, of

to
intrigue

must

seen,

good looks, his recklessness,and

had

and

another; intriguesof love, of jealous

of court

familyand

who

made

"

hatred,

his

month's

intrigues twisted, complicated, worked,

moulded

as

his

the

the

daughtersof

fitted to
Brunei

race

and

wrongs,
But

these

counteract

noble.

In

262

ON

in

like

all

centuries

he

of

those

Vikings

own

our

but

Budruddin

educated

was

At

misguided people.
Brunei.

to

after the

court

twenty

could

not

were

He

enjoyments.
I would

have

not

least, is

Lanuns
"

noble

did

they bored

but

It may

brother

be
to

ideal of woman,

the

the

them,

old

of

until

supposed

that

ladies.

Dayang Madih,
It

was

himself, the

Of

this

course,

pleasureswrong,

youth

at

as

the dames

he

But

led

of

such

the end

of the

fail

not

fell in

him
the

name

stamp,

elder

to

of
when

with

get

their

none

the

path

the

Sultan's

his

of his forefathers.
harem

the

attract

love

across

of Ramazan,

in full state, visits the tombs

occasion

them

Lothario, good-looking,I imagine

malignant planets

slaves.

Tuan

the

or

"

him.

the famed

Brunei

men

swiftlyrun

Momein's

at

Accustomed
of

fool.

of strong character,did
certainly
eye

but

de per

lang

think

Brunei.
leaders

true

doddering
not

which

exaggerate, but which,

from

follow

not

Sultan,

Lanun

are

brother's

his

made

up

monplace
com-

the oppression

which

reader

he declared

through

young

the

chiefs who

would

blessed

the

different

very

rajahsand

to

had

ciated.
appre-

in the

the strugglefor favours,

intrigues,

helpless
peasantry,

or

civilise him

feel interest

not

old

years
to

his efforts

model, but

this

amongst

hastened

Momein

Budruddin

of

ten

ago.

came

so

BORDERLAND.

to

respects

Pangeran
manly

THE

new

of

majesty,
On

this

clothes.

WOMAN'S

About

dozen, closelyveiled,wait

beneath
sitting
of the

stern

Water
and

of

their

upon

master,
the

in

yellow awning

royal prau.

pageants

Occident.

Our

business

gala

ambition
painters'

and
the

of

Thames

muddy

own

long

so

transacted

capitalwas

dull

in the

always effective,even

are

poets'enthusiasm

the

as

shadow

the

colourless

roused

263

KNIFE.

twixt
be-

"

bridges.'5
Brunei
natural
in its

is

aspects and

miserable

roof
ooze

cloths

is

the

But

the

gaunt

and

The

chatter
from

in

There
of

banners

to

Two

filled with
here

an

flash with

gold.

smoking
the

the

the

most

nobility

state

on

with

sions
occa-

its

on

brilliant

clamorous,

eager,

stands

in hues

crowd

of

uphold it,prismatic with

robed

hand,

large

streaming

the harem

of sombre

They

unceasing motion, passing

hand

straw.
mass

and

and

ments
monu-

they could be,

as

balconies, hung

Clustered

chief,white-veiled,but
glow

mean

water,

the

piles that

silks, are

motley throng.

which

as

stirring

that

exist.

not

loftydwellingsof

study,from

shell.

and

ugly and

stretch of shallow

every

to

scarcelysay

(djamis) like pot-works

fanes

sort.

each

as

are,

of

scores

crowd

I need

But

brilliant and

more

public buildingsdo

there

mosques
and

as
effects,

population.
and

Venice, immeasurably finer in all

wooden

their

laugh

gay

and

siri-boxes

cigarettesof

the

richness

slaves, half-naked,a

yellow skin, topped by

of

maize-

sheeny

head-hand-

264

ON

kerchiefs,and

THE

BORDERLAND.

skirted

plaid of

the tasteful, sombre

by

sarongs.
The

bears

water

Larger praus, belonging to

the

accompany
crews

sea-captains,dare
in uniform

men

with

decked

are

by decking their

; but

wives

mount

they try

and

their

hide

own

and

rich

chants
mer-

flag,nor

no

to

to

pennons,

livery. Others, bearing

wear

and

their

monarch,

fro.

authorised

not

pangerans

ling
jost-

and

points of vantage, scudding swiftlyto

at

their

boats, crushingand

thousand

this

deficiency
with

persons

put

extra

splendour.
It is

furnish

to

have

been

such

which

in other

the

part.

It may

for the order

gone
but

excellent
information

there

of

that

is

the
be

ministers

theory.

dates back

unchanged

the world

travels

have

we

the condition

not

extravagance.

things at

in

But

model.

creased
ever-in-

compared

government

contrives

private revenues

solvency is

and

to
interesting

of

state

past with

the

procession itself,beside

household, all

my

Turkey

climes

and

century

system

oftenest breeds

In

than

of

that

bankrupt

Public

diminishingthis

which

learned

the

show.

speed,under
with

how

dailymarvel

for

this
But

high

officials take

enumerate

twenty

not

though improbable, that

Matters

like four

quickly nowadays,
Brunei

has

and

his
their

these,

less strange

again recall

yesrs.

something

of

some

capitalis
I must

and

Sultan

that
had

centuries

it is possible,

moved.

WOMAN'S

First

the Sultan's

came

265

KNIFE.

barge, streaming with flagsof

the

to
yellow silk,urged by fifty
paddles,

and

beat

of

yellow.

On

umbrella,
richest

China

almost

to

the

not

upon

their

of the

Datu

next

Datu

the

succeeded, in
Then
These

attached

prau

elects

paramount

of

The

ing
Follow-

white.
of

the

civil law.

minister, all red,

war

plebeianpersonage,

Kaya Degadong,

colours

the sixth

important

more

chief

people." Every quarter

is

of

its interests

of

man

of

the

the

city

with

the

quarter, I should

invariablya

chequer,
ex-

Pamancha

Datu

separate guild. These, in

head, who

affairs,

dignities. But
respective

"

of

that

officers of state, whose

authority, every
by

and

functionaryof

Tomangong,

Orang

the

the wives

chancellor

to uphold
representative

inhabited

the

are

is black.

he is chief

stern

for home

state

umbrellas

grand

their

to

they"

tribunes

elect

four

belonged to

than
"

the

are

Datu

the

came

of

hams

the

At

large,was

as

Degadong,

colour
green

almost

minister

liveries,and
flags,

whose

are

prau,

sat

about

their

hip.

one

yellow awning,

Bandhara,

came

with
glittering

kneeling with

heels,or reclining
on

The

gold

officials,
gracefullyrobed, lay

His

of

coat

stiff with

trousers,

head-kerchief

knee, and

vessel,under

whose

satin

in

great yellow

long yellow

gongs

dressed

were

crew

majesty, in

but
cross-legged,

women.

the

his

silk,white

gold-lace.

the

platform amidships,under

sat

him,

All

tomtoms.

clang of

add, is

their
talent

turn,
and

266

ON

resolution.
the

THE

BORDERLAND.

It results

from

the

the

and

this is

nobles

by

not

They

murder, but

Following

The

look

praus,

the

mixed

and

but

banner,

tail of the

seats

his

followed
stood

Many
many
he

saw

It

close, going

only

eyes

few

feet

invited

roguish words
only Madih,

the

her

practisedwithout
face

for

one

strangers.

no

too

second

doubt,

uttered
sat

much
when

nearest.

flya

may

entitled
a

the

vessels

young

man

royal

ladies.

as

the
to

for his

rash

attempts

hearing.

With

But

coquetry
it may

risk, the girlhad

marked

to

place for

certainlywherever

she

jostle

eight secretaries

and

from

the chiefs.

obtained

bow,

distance

were

who

jealousy of

returning, the

and

him,

to

the

had

he

perhaps innocent,universal
be

is, amongst

Bandhara,

Datu

the

in

was

devoted
of

one

barge, where

Budruddin.

it

duty

processionrather

colours

was

to
officially

in

times
some-

Shahban-

of aristocratic birth

one

use

Momein

Pangeran
attached

Every
not

people

may

Datu

the

nobles, whose

the

must

they

the

mentioned, filled several smaller

inferior

scramble.

the

as

foreigners and

with

precedencemade

sovereign and
long

was

whose

after

tribunes

up

in

person

resist.

not

commerce,

things, to
Tuahs,

do

that

confidence;

most

cajole,and

Orang Kaya

of

the

will, so

may

they

the

dhar, minister
other

his

oppose

him.

put

recognisedthat

well

so

dare

stand

Borneans

majority of

choice

is,in effect,that

Orang Kaya Degadong

whom

of

system

shown

handsome

WOMAN'S

in

inmate

had

borne

whereof
the

she

mere

controlled

as

who

he

passionis

learn

of

ways

Madih

laughed

had

the

herself

mix

to

Even

laughed
But

there

at

the

his

himself.

the messages

youth
and

The

old

to

helped at

had

borne

to

regardthem

many

deception

part in many

her

an

refused

had

He

her

pleasedher, and

face

as

her
gratified

he

contrived

carry
went

with
to

him

fancy,she only
send.

to

He

longed
this

her mother

might

woman

risks,which

in
insignificant

fortune.

natures

are

repelevil things to

and

in earnest.

was

heart.

certain

less

understanding,

creatures,

Budruddin's

such

was

Tampasuk,

moved

and

speech,and

in

therein.

though

now,

his behaviour

run

open-eyed

But, laughing still,she

trick.

condition

man.

and

master,"

audacious

to

of

that

which

"

last, though taught,poor

of

travels

frank

more

affection tor it

the natural

"

not

by experienceof life,than

by habit,must

conscious

the

of virtue

clingto purityby instinct,without

which
or

But

where

palace since babyhood,

miracle

more,

no

name.

countries

as

miration
ad-

her.

alarmed

part in its iniquities.I do

no

knew

of

gleam

rather

but

evil

that

of

represent her

to

mean

flattered

eyes

an

Though
Madih

his

sudden

The

observing her.

noble

young

267

KNIFE.

well

for

such

return

girlwho
and

be

long impunity had

eyes,

to

had

declared

tempted
made

chance

of

to

almost

liberty

268

ON

She

visited her

influence,all

lover

Madih

she

boat

he could

trust,not

Unhappily

hazard

to

the

she

companions

also

desired,as

her

seldom

been

he

entered

tried and
a

the

rejectedthe

specialsambal

condiment
and
and
and

mode

And

three

after

so,

of

back.
and

fare

chanced
in

had

the

de per

to

bad

temper
and

prepared" a
infinite

then

confided
Tuan

hungry

be

awaiting him,

Sirik

spicing. Madih

palace,but

the

of

ill-doinghad

of

innocent

ladies

and

which

lang

secure

sultan.

timidity. She
when

bid

longing to

bits

to

peculiarly
Malay, of
of

childish

unused

few

sultan

harem,

being

"

the

the

The

fear of

The

mother

indulged by

malignant.

was

friends

The

will,

brief

so

He

cargo.

with

course.

extent
a

as

soon

palace.

this

some

umphed.
tri-

youth good-bye.

they went

escapade

flyso

until that time

also she had

finerypresented by

An

to

sister.

her

suit, and

his

should

the

gain

to

as

time, and the last,

into

they

from

her

of

far

so

dischargedits

hide

to

slaves

hours' absence,

heart

had

shrank

and

"

first

returningto

influenced
it

the

that

in harbour

future wife

least

at

girl's

the

obtain

to

all her

used

harem, accompanied by

agreed

was

urged his

detection

For

all his

put
It

Lanun

succeeded,

of the

out

Budruddin

descriptive
power,

hearing.

stole

BORDERLAND.

daughter forthwith,and

her

And

consent.

the

THE

fate

when

also.

He

called

for

sambal

varietyin

is

material

suffered for her caution

to

none

summoned

her

design,

Sirik,half-

270

ON

speech, which
guilty
which

Relieved

stuffed her
After

"

seized

the

executioners.

or

the

woman

and

all

had

he

cried.

honour

Before

one

Let

guilty

die ! "

her

wood, tossing it

and
the

is

She

"

fere,
inter-

could

Datu

sound,
intelligible

an

tight by

the silken
motion

struggle,wherein

supreme

exerted, her

was

deal with

quittedthe

the

The

torture

use

is

head

of

every

fell

on

girls. Ignorant of

"

de

perhaps
to

one

their

had

Brunei, head

of

he

did

not

chief
"

been
all

been

think

ideas.

the

tions,
family connec-

himself

Tuan

per

respect by the
said

which

have

to

Malay

in late times

this

visit their

to

appears

lang

repugnant

doings in

of

harem

this assertion

evidence.

sultan

"

finished.

to

occasion
his

force

all his

with

innocence, declaring
fate,they boldly protested

and

notion

slipping
imprecation,

neck, drawn

body

was

It remained

dare

her

after

of the

side,and

by

velations.
re-

his brother,
implicating

of cords

utter

about
;

mother's

her

began

strikingher

machine

the

muscle

hair

of

mass

woman

an

sultan's

to

the hand

old

with

time ?

our

againstthe

string was

they

forward

waste

of offence

over

choking

of the

name

mouth.

Why

He

the

the first words,

heavy sandal, and

the

across

of

mouth, the

sprang

off his

life if she told the

promised

man.

Momein

BORDERLAND.

THE

of

Upon
of Johore

sacred

books

followed

sustained
did
it.
one

not

The
torical
his-

justified
of

land,"
Eng-

strictly.A

Malay people,would

not

271

have
of

had

ventured,

he

inclined,to

been

his harem.

death

But

and

the

of

found

could

he

Sirik

the former

harem.

all the

throng

their influence"

so

is exercised

obtain

sultan

married

to

"

The

course.

and

I know

of his

head

I have

no

Sirik,

and

duenna

of

thingsshe

note

of

reached

her
them

eccentric,was
of the

with

as

from

have

said.

handsome

sarong,

of

with

the

came

died

in

back
a

dalous
scan-

love,

freedom

the

Such
that

But

and

perfectlydecorous.

movement

Budruddin

as

of

chief

sought refuge aboard

away

Brunei,

dent,
depen-

afterwards, under

months

twenty-four she passed in

the

old

an

household,

own

Sarawak.

carried

succeeded

his former

out

he obtained

Some

junk startingfor

handsome

polygamy

he

after

sought

unexplained,she

circumstances
Chinese

harem.

to

having

his

into

off

be

they used

They

years

But

her

the

and

women,

and
degradation,

he

information.
took

could

of her.

more

Some

Whether

sentence

Madih

as

her

family,Momein

brawl.

This

to

organisedpetition

an

commutation.

her old

to

escapedto Tampasuk.
as

of

Madih

great in all countries where

nothing

Sirik returned

by

case

means

sanctityof

condemn

did

favourite

such

No

amongst

and

the

in

were

perpetualslavery.

to.

lightenedin

was

of

it

extortingconfession,though

such

use

sun.

fine silks

life at

Nearly
the

of

policetook

Kuching,

if

all the hours

verandah, shifting

Huddled
strewn

store

complaint ever

no

her

the

up

about

beneath
the

mats,

272

she

watched

the

betel

chewing

interposition
Orientals

that

for

creating

being
be

thus

lightly

advantage

the

Allah

changed

human

his

thought

this

by
most

the

feeling

based

in

he

the

upon
their

submissive

special

with

endowed

the

Heaven

by

Sirik

And

and

of

ment
argu-

case,

After

respect.

withdraw

interesting

direct

interpret

treated

man.

treated

and

the

mind

to

proper

seldom

very

mad,

sat,

by

is

which

exceptionally

of

it

with

frame

regarded

As

still

afflicted

one

insane,

accepted

her

light
day-

as

and

but

thought

Deity.

long

as

candles,

two

as

the

be

Kina-pasar

intermission,

towards

he

lit

reverence

of

to

reasons

she

the

neighbours

kindly

with

of

without

The

speaking.
her

bustle

Then

lasted.

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

sciousness,
con-

soul.

must

enjoyed
respectable

not

the

timent.
sen-

273

CARPET.

HAVE

need

no

describe

to

Candahar,

for lawful

that

chronicled

elsewhere.

it
distinguish

in

the

and

perhaps unusual,

bringingit

There
other

from

I chanced
I have

"

once,

dozens

of them

as

course,

the

sheds

found

listened

we

He

Bagh.

to

Eahim's
his

Kutchi

desert.

outside

the

for my

story

"

exclaimed
!

We

at

took

carpot.

seated

The

nowhere

could
our

where
the

eyes

story he had, of

placewas

had

by

little picturesof

that before

for

Government

us

guide,

Bolan."

filthytown,

Imagine

slightpeculiarities

home

at

size is

Brahui

young

strikingthan

more

attachingto

encamped.

our

background

The

These

strange incidents,and

men,

be

scene

in the

once

any
been

have

down

carpets.

carpet like that

I like to sketch

strange

at

bought

nothing particularto

colour.

it

unroll

to

is

Persian

attracted the notice of

when

empire,and

of the

money

occurred

adventures

to
object in question,

legend hangs.

which, properlyspeaking,no
it at

the

built

Bagh,
a

row

in
of

returning troops
door

at

evening

274

ON

in the

shadow

tethered

by

and

Behind

them

nation

lies

stands

his

on

Away

the

waist, and

shadow

mounds

the

terrace

vault.

almost

to

of rubbish

Its solid foundations

the
are

the

bound

steps of the

mysteriousand
roofed

of

town

main

purple,

loiter

on

rapidlypacing,their
the

the

Upon

the

cypress,

the

other

weapons

side the tomb

burial-ground

of

tiles,

Beyond

them,

the

in

flat-

bloom,

People in bright

and

road.

and

azure

orchard-trees

pink, green,
Horsemen

four-knobbed

shoulder, their ready

blind arches
with

of tamarisk.

and

upon

mud-pile.

picturesque,lies

white

sightly
un-

windows

vast

entrance.

among

garments, saffron and

Terrace

of the

kiosks, domed

loose

yellow dome

well-proportioned

in with

walled

pale-greenthickets

and

statelytomb

pinnacles,latticed

still,almost

Bagh,

that

to

dulness

pilasters.Umbrella-like

ringlets

flowing,graceful

its base.

round

and
pillars

painted blue, relieve

silken

sun-

feet,obscuring those

our

huge buildingrises

Graceful

horizontal

Its great

desert.

there

and

of the Brahui

his left rises that

upon

wild

fro,

here

The

his

occupied

suspiciously.

pay

face, gild his

throughoutthe

throws

jezail.

is

and

to

Adonis

young

beautiful

hanging nearly to

renowned

foreground

sand, dotted

Our

leaning
his

of

waste

camel.
solitary

costume.

The

reckoning their

Beloochis

outline

rays

of the hut.

horses, soldiers passing

Brahuis

with

BORDERLAND.

THE

blue,

go

by,

targets slung behind

glittering.
lowers

this

oasis.

dark
A

wood

of

pilgrim

kneels

the

upon

shadow.

Far
He

place.

sand, gleaming white

he

has

travelled

prostrates himself

front

and

palms, veiled

press

his

hands

would

be

into

the

holy

conduct

are

man,

apiece;

the chief
them

tore

hands,
Those

there !
sold

the

What

he

glance

himself,our

trusty

in that

me

tiles

It would
them

quarrel.

scrutinyof
form

now

support the

"

the

"

to

rupee

his

crated
conse-

hood.
neighbour-

bracket

Cross

vain

for

with

the

of

be

me

monument

after timorous

to

in

of which

my
you

shortlyhear.
the story of this

1 asked
in the

middle

of the

it has

note, and

forget,in

honour

is interred there.

Shah
never

or

the Ameer

came

legends would
not

preserve

tomb,

desert.

slippedmy

fragment remains.
I

could

with

rises

"

sanctuary, the grave

moolah

three

for

sacred

again.

prone

Khan

sword

up

from

drawing-room,and
will

Eahim

very

locked

of hair

mane

that devotee

of

the

tiles from

that

urge

"

the

the earth

beats

falls

together

against that

behold

to

and

his

scarcelydraw

friend,would
Three

in

portmanteau ?

my

275

CARPET.

back.

The

sent

I made
Unfortunately,
recollection.

buildingwas
Persian

of two

They

structure
surprising

be valueless and

no

whom

of whom

one

more,

the

obeyed
and

he

these

if they did
uninteresting

the strictest truth of

T2

saints,one

them, and

remember

manners.

erected,by

merest

great princes. Either

were

for

The

no

history,
scenery,

and

276

ON

When
his

Rahim

uncle's

Jah.

of

levied

is

the

dues

honour
dina

met

the

him

at

but
laboriously

smart

ride upon

his

With

head

Pass, and
this potent

India, he

his

the

Khan's

Beloochi

the

to

had

carried

him

overtook

Rahim,

the Canda-

perched on

often

his

whilst

he

where

castle,

Bolan.

the

visits young

these

Upon

of

If Alla-ood-

mare

twenty-four hours,

always

escort

an

friend

safely threaded

doubt,

no

Khan,

gossiphe passed the time,

merchandise.

lovely boy

it.

chieftain,and

invited

he

kafila

in the

Bolan

the Dasht-i-be-Doulat.

in feast and

Dadur

the

trip to

Brahui

home,

Asaf

hereditaryfriendship.When

an

commercial

where

to

kept

traversed

had

to

at

was

Jah

for

notice

gave

who

all who

freebooter Asaf

Alla-ood-dina

of

nephew

at

saw

named

merchant

Candahari

child he often

quitea

was

Brahuis,
on

settingout

BORDERLAND.

Khan

residence

Rahim

chief

THE

hari's knee.

Things
and

went

rich.

castle,he
An

usual.

friend

ran

thus

on

Once, after
rode

down

the

the

Mach,

unrecorded
a

tradition.

from

Mahomet

whereon

journeys of
His

Jah

to

pass

But

him.

with

the

Alla-ood-dina's
his

is

There

stepped during

footprintmay

the

at

Brahuis

men
party of their country-

south.

which

old

grew

rejoin his kafila, as

slightestperil,and

news
lingered,discussing

just returned

Asaf

days' entertainment

some

followed

escort
not

for years.

every

land

rock

in Islam

be discerned

those

of

one

to

by

keeps

this

day,

278

THE

BORDERLAND.

several

bbjectsare

ON

By restinghere

themselves

place,they put

chose

who

Mahomet,

second, they

water

they

the

escape

their

of

in peace

mostly unfriends,who

side

camping
and

Candaharis, Damars,

Brahuis,

all

habituallyhalt

with

side

people,

those

the

at

third,

in the

by

the

in

grand testimony ;

camels

danger

protectionof

directlyunder

it for

first

In the

attained.

of

source

the Bolan.
After

Jah

trophy,Asaf
his

his

saying

He

escort.

who

recognisedthe

knees

and

hands

twisted

and
pass,

and

in

stood

donkeys

of the

the

course,

come^
eyes,
water

waited

at

thence.

from
Asaf

Jah

in

their

In that

he

At

beheld

palms,

the

three
and

But

then

crept
the

on

close

middle

sunshine.

of the

point,three

They

were

slaves

riding,and

fullyarmed

horsemen,

distance.

of

chatter

merry

this

at

women's

of

number

them.

the

At

width
of

blaze

handsomely caparisonedfor
held

alarmed,

pista.

yards in

hundred

some

the

peered below, through

branches

arrival

the merchant,

disturbed

Somewhat

the

pious

awhile, and

speech,and

Kakar

women.

young

wait

to

his slave

of voices

sound

his

putting up

shade,

with

talked

dozed.

of

in the

sat

both

and

prayers,

the

did

voices

of
not

spring,right beneath

his

girlsunveiled, scooping

the

laughing

glance the elderlyand

at

their

ness.
awkward-

prosaic merchant

lost his heart.

It would

have

stopped

Rahim's

tale

at

the

outset,

him

offended

this

allusion

quite abstract,void

this

youth
of

advice

once

being

his

Rahim's

I don't

gossipand

shape or

the

eyes

are

mother

and

those

is

of

She

is

referred

now,

colour, its smooth

character

for all its

love

wherein

chastity.

Some

all

male

virtues

others

which

to

even

The

tears.

That
to

near

wild-beast

appear,

face

indeed,

presents
re-

hate

"

passion.

modesty

missing,even

dauntless
strongest: high spirit,

intelligence.But

slow

perfectionof shape

is very

unrelenting, a
pitiless,
suspicious,
are

Kakar

great black

Her

of outline.

fulness

girlishvirtues

any

formed
tall,white, stately,

days, but incapableof

young

in

to

handsome

heroes.

giants and

rigideven

The

first,
a final warning

be

not

in his flow

pause

not
superb of spiritand intensity,

laugh in
mouth

imagine the portraitof

can

frigidityof

Brahui.

maiden, high in rank.

like

me

must

woman

with

way

But

sudden

the

bright talk,gave

individual

that

!"

daughters

such

"

the

how

him

asked

concentrated

The

know

Against

time.

Khan

which

vivre

savoir

Alla-ood-dina

cousins.

own

"

Moslem

upon

allusion

personalreference.

all

experiencedcompanion, I

an

daughtershad

many

of

me

gave

in

lesson

forgetthe

never

of

us

refuse

not

the

But

love.

to

even

nor

did

historyhe

of

matter

the sex,

to

be

must

As

incident.

for

scorn

about
questions

curious

asked

we

with

him

embued

and
sorely,

effaced,had

be

to

never

279

CARPET.

at

and

their

tenacity,and
enterprise,
should

be

common

to

280

either

have

sex

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

not

trace

the

kindliness; whilst

I mean,

such,

"

of

germs

bad

every

truth and

as

passionare

lying in congenialsoil.
You
is not

since

innumerable

them,

not

"

Their

Jah

drawn, and

the

girlsresumed

this

of

at
sat

chief

sell all his

in

who

of

mounted,

learned

only to

covet

Presently

ridingtowards

Asaf

Jah

that the party

Khan,

pushed on,

Shikarpore,and

at

the

I have

woman

retainers of Usman

of the Kakars.

goods

of

of mankind.

maiden

escort, and
were

in

return

solved
re-

to

beauty.
peerless

Mohammad

him

Khan, eldest

Kakar

he

the

young

and

Brahui, but

at

was

chief.

and

son

be

to

since
intimately

sounded

between

them

warning

still,
hungrilygazing.

their veils and

the

treated

have

all in

type

this Kakar

Alla-ood-dina, chanced

known

of

the

to

justencountered

to

Yah

used

Of

virtue, savingcourage.

bitterest

are

questionhis

to

had

English

national

writers

have

they had passedbeyond sight,Asaf

When

subordinate

woo

was

He

loveliness.

hurried

and

Arabic,

with

of the many

"

charge

and

race.

dealt

have

times,

he looked

her

Quetta.

who

the

are,

the

mentions

historyfirst

againstthis desperateenemy

Asaf

they

the Pathans

historians

race

But

Monsters

records

one

own

human

monster,

modern

Persian, Hindu,

and

sketchinga

statesmen

and

ancient

am

be denied.

to

been

ever

think

heir-apparent

Dadur.
a

There

boy, and

Asaf
he

had
cately
deli-

is fierce hatred

for the moment

they

had

Yah

truce.

regret it if his allytook

but

did

from
whose

Asaf

went

for the

He

Usman

approved.

At

for what
returned

understood

With

Khan.

feud, which
could

party

that

be

the

that chieftain Alla-ood-dina

for the moment

appeased.

could

expect

No

who

one

keep

to

on

had

was

not,

allied himself

with

terms

Usman

of

family

with
the

nor

one

other.

his purpose,

pursued his journey home.

I did
my

waiting.

Perplexedand disheartened, but clinging to

Asaf

month

had

rest, but

lay at

chandise
mer-

Mohammad

daughter

lady was

Yah

sold his

replywas

deception. Yah

of

ing
propos-

within

fetch, and

note

that

Khan, adding

Alla-ood-dina's

his friend

It accused

of

intention

Shikarpore he

it would

Dadur.

to

earnest.

his

named

daughter of

Mohammad

speakswith
pleasure,

a
Shikarpore, after dispatching

to

on

Alla-ood-dina.

not

he is in

fort
com-

ugly, squat sabreur,

for the

drew

Asaf

And

recall with

emphasiswhen

amongst his enemies,

wife

anger.

indifference

this

acquaintance I

terrible

to

with

speak

not

that his father

gravelyremarked

Mohammad

would
he

281

CARPET.

mind
of

which
the

of the Kakars

puzzlewas
far away

reach

him

interruptKahmin,

not

may

How

country.
hold his

in the mountains.

others

could

me

who

know

thing
some-

subordinate

afterwards.
The

Brahui

in

questionarose

againstAlla-ood-dina?

own

explained to

without

to

occur

but

This

Usman
Khan

disturbingpowerfulKakar

chief

could

lived
not

septs with

282

whom

he

at

was

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

But

peace.

to

his

use

might

as

familyquarrel.
and

his

He

as
subjects,

Asaf

fought

replied submissively

thought.

frontier
A

he

sent

this old dame

authorised
went

her

he

message

to

Usman

warrior

match-maker,
declarations
course,

but

let

us

are

Kakar

have

Usman

well

she
to

The

intentions;

terms

It may

he

father.
was

arms

cash

wants

And

be

tried

believed

of

Usman

Khan

But

the

handsome

of
"

what

such

like

persons
wife

chief
a

precise
Khan,

Khan's

dreadfullyas

course,

ferred
pre-

daughter

show

that

Pathun

the

the

to

The

household.

and

men

speaking of

I have

"

he

village.The
to

he

returned

merchant.

his

then

meanwhile

given, not

In

Raziah

proposals included,

this

such

to

were

his wife.

women.

Of

to

paid,came

carried

authority in

but

when

and

gifts.
Quetta.

at

and

means

Khan

son-in-law

call her

tempted.

bride's

such

propose

with

Khan

easilyfound
his

Brahui

passedthe

haughty though polite,statingthat

answer,
a

had

was

confided

Candahar.

to

on

to

strong views, he put away

as

Asaf

clan ;

own

declaring
gratefully,

soon

so

his

uninterested.

and

such

professional match-maker

To

an

And

in

Brahuis

the

with

Usman

people,were

that, since his patron held

the

of

head

supreme

scorned

Alla-ood-dina

truth.

hinted, perhapswith

was

motive

honourable

more

has

rule.
sum

approved the

was

dance,
abunAsaPs
to

the

match

clearlyappraised.

negotiationscame

to

Alla-ood-dina's

knowledge.

He

wrote

Asaf

to

towards

did

much

fathers

our

the

wasted

old

hear

The

you.

have

He

that

beautiful

for

young

wife, choose
if you

and
its

which

will

persistin marrying

Usman

between

all of

an

move

the

would

cover

enemy

could

trust.

foolish

his

in due
wife

dhuni-wassails

married

to

needs

people.

my

daughter,

Candahar,

of
the

Asaf

time

and
;

but

old

Brahui

in

with

Jah.

his

the

But

No

and

nation,

Asaf
age

determined

Usman

time

the

Khan

Kaziah

into

least*
with

from

ragged
was

of

discounts

retire
rode

at

consumed

which

it

would

goods

none,

"

that

forward
hence-

merchant

was

to

hope
Bolan

name

Brahuis

daughter, and
due

The

him.

to

of

without

chief.

passionof
He

remaining.
And

with

closed

to

proclaimed

fond,

fierce

be

even

that
years

abjectanswer,

wrote

he

heart

kin."

our

whom

the snake

Khan's

of

that

this maiden

among

merchant

you,

is inflamed

danger

has

so

have

we

liver

My

Though

you

and

man

us

If your

lips.

Alla-ood-dina, Khankhanan

undertake

sake

bright eyes,

me,

would

brother, let

my

woman's

false.

are

in

poison

there is death

Asaf

Oh,

disappointment and

the

colours

bears

able
the honour-

appealed to
"

tised
prac-

insist,perhaps he

not

friend.

Kakars

which

But,

did

legacythey bequeathed

thinkingof
await

chief

of that.

his

feelingsof
not

the

falsehood

the

Upon

more.

himself

think

not

once

283

CARPET.

the

the
ness.
busi-

city,

retinue

of

handsomely

284

Some

"

foolish

persuaded

was

through the Bolan,

I could

him?

Why

I don't

"

by

saw

his

welli but there

I do

But, from

was

our

have

had

be true, but

not

may

in that

land, with

Candahar

was

Ameer

of

now

hand

towards

then

his

Jah

was

Bahram
to

him

Pathan
business
was

In

the

primed
Bahram's

entered
Khan
the

is

her

great officers

merchant

with

family

in

Bahram

since

charge

to

to

than

execute

the

the

various

husband's

be counted.

authorityabout

high

be

pressed.
op-

Khan,

of

from

its

which

just.

was

order,and
faults of

matter,

details
were

affairs of

Learning

this

facts and

Kakaristan

contributions, Asaf

heavier
to

to

exiled

appealed. Among

certainlynot

lord

well used

of

much

sum

indifference

in

improbable

with

matters

was

familylong

it in

had

person

carried

He

assessment

It

possessionof Abdul-rahman,

in

some

for

woman,

action.

mad

it is not

trading class,too

the

seat.

Jah's
that

sure

formed

have

people.

Cabul.

birth, but of

native

am

those

Among
Kakar

of information

means

theory,a legend,to explain Asaf

very

of decorum.

sense

suggested,I

incidents

certain?"

guide knew

his

other

suaded
per-

resolutely.

young

arguing with

no

Who

"

almost

answered

that

manner

the

risk death

he

Rahim

professto

not

questionshere.

my

did

know!"

kafila

great

this

"

and

restrain

not

take

to

"

Rahim,

that," continued

after

years

fellow

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

who

Raziah

regarding
likely

to

286

ON

to

mean

harmless.
Asaf

was

how

to

either

that

say

But

their

lucky
obtain

Bahram

the

transportedto

Kurrachi.

this chance

profit,Asaf

Khan.

and

she

with

the

her

her

to

had
had

threatened

had

they
serious
Asaf

with

man

afraid

upon

of

battle.

forced

the

Bolan

that

his

subject,

the

question

belonged
fears.

quarrel
"

Other

all

to

She

she would
whom

merchants

Pass, without

give his

by

the

Alla-ood-dina,with

would

that

with

roused

passion,declared

many

the

son-in-law.

And

quarrels,indeed,

aid
so

are

people.

endeavoured

to

explain that,in

forced, Alla-ood-dina

Bolan

had

in the

affray.

of his

officers,whom

he

different here.

But

was

of

storm

waged

serious

been

him

be

ill-will of the

the

wife

must

things could

eagerness

taunted

Khan

Usman

his

to

which

instincts

bewailed

cunning

Raziah

herself into

father

which

but

savage

wife

no

old

been

confiscated,

price

opportunity. Taking 'up

an

saw

at

promised
had

stock

carpets and
His

talked

He

nature,

worked
be

of

the

assisted her.

merchants

their

offer of it

if
profit,

cautiouslyinquired

which
enterprise

and

are

accident, and

on

agents, chance

rahman,

Abdul-

yield enormous

Brahui

Raziah

Persian

Some

whiskers
tiger's

or

depends

suggestedan

obtained

Bahram

effect

certain

more

Khan

by

diamonds

far. Whilst

so

great advantage.
seized

BORDEHLAND.

THE

It had

always arisen
left

to

Raziah

had
from

cases

not

when

the

taken

part

exactions
illegal

fight it

out.

would

not

The

case

listen,and

the uxorious

old

man

But

powerful guard.
which

burst.

storm

himself.
to

learn

This
in

laid

of

sort

knotted

knife.

But

among

husband

for

severity;

tremest

would

not

see

and

of

affraysare

wife

in

the
with

is interested

her husband's

face

again until

refusal

marital

of

rights is

Strangelyenough, etiquette
supports

as

end

common

murder

the

ex-

in

this

he returned

India.

Such

freak

ever-

fury these peopledo

they

man

the

drew

punishesthem

every

Raziah

withdrew, sternlydeclaringthat she

Raziah

matter.

when

and
riding-whip,

shoulders.

down,

law

her

passion,called

her

Domestic

Afghan

this,or pretended

supportedtwice
patiently

in the tempest

them, but

thought of going

epithets
quiteunrefined.

across

him

heads.

their

lose

from

thong

might be, another

seized his

Asaf

all

When

as

scornful

not

sion
diver-

make.

never

other

used

him, forced

ready

of the

and

household.

at

enough

with

on

very

to

understood

objurgationis

Pathan
the

had

Raziah

as

coward,

sprang

not

soon

it, she raved

husband

secrecy

merchant

The

So

promised

such

prepared,with

was

engaged

relied
principally

Asaf

Kakars

the

kafila, and

his

out

sian
Per-

the

bought

He

way.

gave

fitted

goods,

287

CARPET.

of

temper.

There

rule the husband

be

restored

Asaf

obstinate.
to

favour

has

on

are

no

not

uncommon.

wife

in

any

such

exceptions,naturally;

but

remedy except divorce, if a

yieldedafter

conditions.

He

time, and

was

strengthenedthe

288

THE

ON

guard, and
Khan.

obtained

To

deceive

kafila would

night,

at

away
hours'

the

Chaman

at

had

reached

and

Alla-ood-dina

taken

by surprise,and

before

he

could

raise

The

body.

Pass

the

kafila

that

would

would

attack such

to

and

Lahore

by

return

of its approach.

he

caravan

enough

men

into

for misleading

might hope
the

twelve

got

aware

arrangements

Asaf
successful,

were

slipped

in

Kojak

doubtless

was

the

before
Asaf

there.

the

But, if the elaborate

him

week

all collected

Bahram

from

put about that the

Brahui, it was

riding. Forthwith,

hard

motion.

of soldiers

company

rendezvous

appointed,it

time

BORDERLAND.

be

escape
ful
power-

Cabul

no

gave

anxiety.
Alla-ood-dina

But
He

had,

alone.

let
made

So

known

that
soon

as

would

frankly, in
friend,her
marry
without
The

the

the
a

not

not

fight if

Khan

way,

his

was

exhausted
and

; but

Raziah

her

spondent.
corre-

herself
wealth.

thoughtfully,

style,she suggested how

husband, might
And

would

gave

messenger

the

see

Kakars

would

employer's beauty

business-like

widow.

the

who

Khan

movement.

every

husband

her

confidential

describing her

Raziah

troops

Bahram

to

The
in

the

of

that

assurance

an

moreover,

stir, and

not

informed

was

be

betrayed,that

he

accepted, of

Bahram

his

might
course,

qualm.

kafila marched

rapidly.

Dasht-i-be-Doulat,
were

In four

Alla-ood

days

dina's

it reached

officers

were

reassured

Asaf.

off.

passed
plateauin

three

For

the

the middle

Kakars

innumerable

the defile had

with

his armed

But

whilst

did not

The

accidents.

guard
the

and

and

gained that

and

of which

join,as expected;
be

may

by
spoilt

dangerousportionsof

more

Asaf

traversed.

been

The

pay.

name

in that land

militarycombinations

to

proceededpeacefully,

caravan

of the defile the

The

had

vengeance,

Kotal, passed Mach,

grieveto forget.
but

days the

presence

the Brahuis

signthat

well, threatened

their part

officers acted

drew

as

warned, he peremptorilyrefused

been

not

it

Taking

Their

black-mail.

receive

waiting,as usual,to

289

CARPET.

felt

tolerably
secure,

his soldiers.

sirwans

mustering

were

earliest

at

dawn, their heads envelopedin long rolls of cloth,a panic

teized

them.

muffling;
forms

No

the

could

sound

Then

Brahui

returned.

No

all soldiers of
Men

in

on

every

sentry had
Bahrain

trampledunder

foot.

yell,chorused
the

horseman

him

reared
Asaf

met

"

uprightamidst

cleft
fell,

to

raised

the

an

the
a

nose

cut

were

out

ran

mare,

alarm

"

Yah

dreds.
hun-

by

storm

the camp,

they
the

were

plot.

down, laywrithing,

of his tent.

checked

splash of
by

that

camp

pebbles,a

Khan, acquaintedwith

Asaf

the

and

side,swept through

their feet

to
struggling

through

misty,but shadowy

Rattling,clashingthrough
of hoofs burst

hear

They shouted,

the

rose

and

dark

plain was

flitted all round.

awoke.

they

in

her

flying stones
Mohammad.

dusky
stride,
"

and

290

ON

There

THE

BORDERLAND.

cries for

were

quarter answered

yell, ringing chases

and

"

when

the

dawn,

fast

whitening,displayedthe

stood

to

guard

over

and

their

the merchandise

fro,searchingfor
stood

mares

Camels

knot

arms.

in

soldiers,drawn

of

up,

mounted

horsemen

went

spot where

driven
leisurely,

left.

they were

victorious

the

by

to

their

yet rifled,whilst

not

the very

no

scene,

others,dismounted,

corpses

quieton

trooped

The

But

laughter.

savage

of all the kafila survived.

man

the vengeful

by

Brahms, gossiping,laughing,tellingtheir adventures,

lookingunder
all had

vanished

pebbles on
raised
stone

it to this

upon

The

melons

on

the

number
the

at

immense.

dried

time, received

Khan

Bahram
briefest time

also

Common

clan

robed

interrupted.
overtook

the

it is

One

treacherous

that Bahram

Khan

herself

Raziah.

the

faintly hope
pair;

but

Every

Within
as

the
these

victoryover

honeymoon
that

it is much

ratted in time.

was

in silk.

But,

Yakoob's

likely that

may

them.

his reward.

he married

Such

Mohammad's

of

bundle

obtained

allowable

Abdul-rahman,

their

fed

men

Yah

Rahim,

happened shortly before

events

throws

and figs.
apricots

carpets that

of Alla-ood-dina's

woman

was

day.

and

of

heaped

large cairn

Every passing Brahui

plunder was

mares

page

Jah.

these

"

they lay.

afterwards

hour

An

burying-party

as

corpses

Asaf

for loot.

the

but

the

over

rock

every

was

vengeance
more

bable
pro-

NOTE.
it.
to

This

"

But

story is repeated as

within

the last few

that

suspect

me

An

St.

Candahar,

who

sends

dear

not

in

;
a

chief

story is

restricted

of

as

Aleppo

but

historyit

and
aborigines,
Pushtu

that
it is

whether
to

some,

brought

from

accurate

as

Belooch

the

federacy.
con-

Lieut.-Col.

consult

Kurds

Kurds

whose

All

language is

Aryan, Turanian,

the

are

affirmed

be

Brahuis
north

by
U

so

make
or

Of

from
clan

the
that

of

tribes

Beloochi.

as

Brahuis,

they are

of

not

unlike

Persian

up

their minds

Dravidian.

Alexander
2

from

the various

descendants

are

travels

India, Afghans

known

them,

cannot
philologists

the

of rny

course

Armenia.

Persian

only

only Brahuis

Shiraz, Toorks

from

of

not

certainlyis

clans descended

is chief.

of

he

are

Jats from

from

solitary

friend Alla-ood-

This

across

at

couleur

The

vivid.

In the

Leks

can

point,the

venerable

Nejd,

dialect

them,

one

come

Helmund,

speak a

whose

quite otherwise

"

on

sense.

and

Persia,and

Among

zealous

following:

Brahuis.'

these last Alla-ood-dina

now

told
cause

his

and

to

his clan of

and

Arabs

North

Save

all the

of

country I have

the

seen

positionin

callingour

in the

from

I have

persons

the letter

"

indeed,he
certain

also

me

Boyle,

exceptionis your
*

Khan

John, K.C.S.I.,latelyPolitical Agent

locale of your

dina

Rahim

Khan

opportunityarose

Sir Oliver

"My

and

"

his real

to

as

"

weeks

Alla-ood-dina

familydeceived
important

291

CARPET.

of

or

ing
Accorda

colony

others believe

292

them
a

be of

to

third

it that

story has

are

with

of India.

land, they have

the

Wherever

only

held

great chieftains,lords

Belooch

decidedly
neighbours,
the

have

been

Their

two

but

(the highlands)and

the

principalmembers

which

confederacy,of

from

spreading over
own

Sirawan

(the lowlands),are

Jhalawan
the

of

their

Beloochistan.

in

preponderatingpower

for

their

the last

of

they came

physique to
or

while

Rajputs;

remnants

are

domination

not

the

people. Though

and

courage

genius for

no

they

remarkable

very

inferior in

origin with

identical

Scythian invasion

they

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

the

Khan

of

Khelat

of

is the head.
u

much

So

in
weaker
ones.

the

It is

to

find

smaller

it is the
the

of

be

wrath

part of the
same

of

sand),

excused

be

indignant to

of

of

country

the

Belooch

remember,

stalwart

chieftain

with

across

himself

whom
the

mon
uncom-

numerically

speak,to bigger

to

was

great

are

selves
them-

Brahuis, though they

as

thought

the

way

not

to;our

confederacy to speak of

spoken

be

to

and

return

lesser chiefs who

for

custom

Belooch

herdsman.

conveyance

He

Kurds.

his

Thus

in the

in the

To

themselves, so
affiliating

western

nomad

proper.

clans

and

used

Asia

Western

members

the

and

Alla-ood-dina

friend

would

for the Brahuis

Brahui

blood.

term

Belooch
is

proper

ten

of

years

the

by saying: 'What

ago,

is

peaceful

rousing

Regis (dwellers

trying to
desert

In

to

bargain

for

:the Helmund.

would

you

have?

294

CEOSS.

THERE

is

curious,

little cityin

no

as
interesting,

so

acquainted with
other

ness

memorials

towns

some

of ancient

and

state

I have

that

read

students

most

however,

one,

Sclav

that
has

family which

any

sense

the

rival

other

for
enterprise,

in

enslaved

that

their forefathers

the shadow
barrier

The

ages.

and

it; but

yet

proved

and

arms

winged

Ragusan
were

of the Turk

crushing

in

singlebranch

itself

their

that
small

southern

in

republic,
and

commerce

finallyovercame

patriotswill

conquered by

is the

European

was

arts,
lion

the

to

It

different version.
This

in

story.

justenough

but

learned

unique

all in

wealth, above

geographical. It

than

Venice

of

is

specialfascination.

of

antique capitalof

Ragusa

My
this

confirms

Antivari

it in

quaint-

challenge it.

But

measure.

in

that

me

may

and

Cattaro

that story in truth

see

is

of

told

so

better

Persons

Ragusa.

have

coast

Slav- Venetian

in

statement

Of

that

experience

own

Europe, actuallynone,

not

Venice.

vanquished them,
territory,the

admit
It

was

the iron
incessant

threat

of

malicious

that

matter.

of

mysteriousand

this

The

small

for

From

is but

every

yard

hundred

one

may
is

right hand,

when

girlsassemble

the

at

at

holidaysit

is

Herzegovinian is
The

others.

called
the

"

round

robe, of

It has

chemise.
"

turban

cap

descends

pretty, always pleasing

This

draperyis
of

bottom

whole

her

has

the

skirt,and

body
shown

not

thick

therein
me

to

white

if she

be

but from

thus

eye

off.

set

girl can

please.World-wide

dress

face

material,fallingto
that

so

the

perly
pro-

veil,framing a

the

large

so

; but

that it kills all

little ornament

often

of

pretty sight

cloth,should

black

coarse

Turkish

colour

supremely charming

so

at

place. Every villagehas

this

of dress,mostly brightin
peculiarity

its

but

within, on

the
a

the

to

most,

of

somewhat

market-days and

On

style.

walls

Just

admire.

fountain

argosy

goods.

fifty
yards
to

that
"

"

the massive

in

and
pause

fine word

costliest

on

like that

it remembered

the

us

gave

opinion

no

thrills one

Be

silent ruin.

statelygateway

other

the

legend of Ragusa

sleepytown

one

have

savage.

great ship stored with

295

CROSS.

wrap
travel

in

becoming

the

severe

simplicity.
Opposite to
broad,

fine street,

gate. Its blocks

the
alone

the

fourteenth
can

fountain

is

church,

and

smoothly paved, stretches

of stone-houses

century;

have

to

the

date, they tell you,

saving the

give,they might

then

been

tones,
raised

which

the

other
from
age

yesterday.

296

ON

BORDEBLANP.

THE

Tall, solid,exactly alike, and

present that

of

ideal

easilymatch

with

the

traverse

mouldering

of

coat

arms;

little mines

been

bric-a-brac,and
Effendi, the
his

the

what

and

handsome

The

antiquestatue

on

its

the

of

other

in

for I recollect

Murray?

visitor

All

happier

of

taste

wish

by

only by

the twisted

Doge's palace.

In

an

richlysmall

houses, finely
proportioned,

these

Of

time.

vaguely, and
my

broken

decorated,abodes

sculpturedand
gracefully
grandees

is

and
pedestal,

oppositestand

square

deries,
furniture, embroi-

every

little street

columns

ornamented

to

astonishment.

with

admires

which

not,

in

Danisch

yet failed.

lovelycabinets,carved

of

dealers

Consul-General, is still adding

Turkish

museum

of

Cattaro

and

for Viennese
not

its

remnant

Eagusa

of treasure

wise
cross-

has

here

fine

many

supply has

terraced

house

observes.

one

mountain-side,

where

Many

ascent.

departed splendour
have

intervals

landing at

narrow

not

each

Between

the

climb

are

we

shall

we

structures.

of steps
flights

endless

block

; but

introduce

handsome

these

which

architecture

street

laboriouslytrying to

now

preciselyaligned,they

are

is to

I do

they not

give

of

Kagusan

not

speak,

chronicled

background

for

in
my

little picture.
One
the
but

day

fountain.
an

I entered
It

is

ignorant

that

church

building full

traveller

must

mentioned, opposite
of

story, doubtless,

pronounce

it

dull.

which

The

pearl.

black

ruder

how

that

caught

who

in

eye,

on

Russian

black

mother-o'-

patched

had

robe

lowing,
fol-

was

with

treated

peasant left it many

years

object came

to

shrines.

be

sacred

seen

neglect.
Oh," said

"

and

he

he,

belong

held

verger

thought

palms, and

followed

afterwards

he

small

where

hotel

market-peasantscamped
upon

dined

bill of

All
pilaff.
for the
time.

ceased

I will

said,

"

The

his

staying,outside

; the

vine-clad

the naval
"

were

of

trees

the

the

to

gates,

and

of

its mantled

There

rear.

paprika

Europe

demonstrating"off
the

day,

we

were

huhn

of
and

exhibited,

Gravosa

at

that

never
tinklingof glasses,

and

before, where

city-ditchand

uniforms

the

robe

trellis;the standing dishes

clang of swords,

throughout

Half-an-

pondering.

it under

grove

rebukes

it,dropped his indignant

out

fare,fried cuttle-fish

fleets

who

one

side,a large courtyardin

one

under

us

was

as

about

brought
I

quaint hostelrywith

wall

church,"

the

to

his hands

up

sacrilegious
person,

hour

ago,

fifteen thalers for it."

give you
The

"

is dead."

If it does not

"

our

for

my

and

wax,

of

its surface

in

cross,

little table

upon-

splashedwith

workmanship

the verger,

such

It stood

gap

decoration

like in

asked

many

the

save

memory

my

wall, dusty, worm-eaten,

showing

the

in

present theme.

is my

the

by

dwells

there

Nothing

297

CROSS.

pleasant, courteous

298

ON

officers of the
dull

took

Ragusans thought

by

outward

of

Rob

is

Dalmatian

Sclav

of

been
as

and

exposed

long as

with

and

the

the

to

it

an

and

invasion

the

on

and
of

memory

hostilityto

unite

to

kin

ferocious

those savages

outrage from
records.

man

It

irritated

was

Europe

following Austria's

understood

the

matter,

in

Dalmatia

lead,

strengtheningthe
was

have

frontier,which

all

brigands, whilst

civilised

the

Ragusa sympathiseswith

Bosnia.

districts

of

predatoryand

his

Highlanders

the

bond

common

designed to

was

observe

to

as

Eagusa
principality

that

strong enough

not

Montenegro

Cattaro

time.

the German

aided
little,

the Dalmatian

felt towards

Edinburgh

Roy's

ultra-

general,

it in

think

one

Then

Towards

Montenegro.

exactlyas

Some

circumstances, their feeling

the

Austria.

gentlestdistrust

support

the

with Austria,
Europe's solidarity

of

sign

what

those

that

disliked

surprise. It appeared to

to

feels

of

learn

to

hear

disapprovedand
if

long

demonstration.

naval

our

surprisedto

knowledge

ceases

pains

some

the

through

groups

particular.But

it in

some

the

of

be

may

patrioticSclavs
loathed

in

garrisonsat

evening.

enthusiasts

BORDERLAND.

THE

left in

it

as

of

hands

slavery

to

the

stranger.
I could
towards
described

not

that
as

exaggerate the abhorrence

kindred
the

neighbouring race
Christian

persistin declaringit

Hero,

and

of these

has

which
so

tribe of irreclaimable

people

on.

been

They

banditti

"

mischievous
bloodthirsty,
of

human

kind.

they point

soldiers
burst

only warned

in

regained
that

the

their

stand

for

but

his vulture

circumstances
and

they

have

made

which

constrain

them

well.

Thieves

before

feel

the

its rocks

has

extravagance
or

potato

can

shrewd

upon

tion
civilisaFor

my

the

own

is

lantry,
gal-

intelligence
amongst
traveller
men

"

motto,

fierce

and
shalt

Thou

another's.

or

wish

to

they do

murderers, because

"

streets,

there

But

because

are,

life,their

of

not

The

desperate brigandage of Montenegro

organisedand
produced by

!"

I want

value

their

barbarians, for

foul

are

the disinterested

act

observe

bid you

destroy.

such.

them

they

strong will always

to

old

the

modest

very

truth

in

Montenegrins injustice,

the

manliness, and

them,

want

do

burn

eyes

surprised.They

not

am

signsof

the

at

part I think

own

they

giant slouching along

agape

which

And

have

late,but

of

bad

and

creep

confess

They

so

testimony.

fetid,noisome

his mouth

been

not

the

and

marauders

the

when

side.

mountain

steal and

that

flames

triumphant fury

things have

houses

by

with

night of

some

murdered,

all

peaceful inhabitants

force

black

unroofed,

smoke, that line the Bocche, surprisedin

terror, the

enemy

unanswerable

and

bitter

farmhouses

the

all others, an

beyond

With

to

299

CROSS.

food.

want

of

been

cultivated

to

find

say
room

that

Each
for

wherever

there

nook

and

pocket

generations.It
plantsof
fifty

they will

be

is

is
of
no

maize

found, though

300

ON

the

nearest

does

be

cottage

feet square

miles

treated

are

suffice

not

BORDERLAND.

THE

feed

people. They plunder

useless

to

because

the

friends

the

sailors

Dalmatians

particular,

of

de-camp

at least of my

temperate

acquaintance
"

degree that

such

to

Drunkenness

unknown.

Ragusa,

at

sent

mansion.

very

"

detachment

of

It

ill,leaning

in

found

house-wall, surrounded

by

whom

they exchanged

most

tongue

unusually unintelligible.They

carried

to

Count

protested that

Gravosa, and

life

that

sailors

night.

made

am

he

than

were

withdrew

any,

escorted

their vessel.

record

with

repartees in

unbearable

pleasedto

less scandal

armed,

servants

aboard
was

drunk

against the

miserable

sent

alarming conditions, and

seat

the

with
forth-

sent

was

sailors,
very

two

haste

attacking his

helplessmanner

dwelling

desperate

were

troops

the aide-

noble

Russians

help

plexed,
per-

disgusted.

by

me

head-quartersin

to

double.

the

at

told

command.

general in

immediate

begging

and

delightfullittle story

the

Unlike

this respect.

in

irritated,frightenedthem, rather than

1 remember

quite

speciallytheir

Most

them.

and

prolific
be

in

demonstration

indulgence is

extreme

sufferers.

Sclavs

sober

are

the

offended

other

"

it would

shocked

twenty

this cultivation

even

live, but
upon

our

Russians

Sclavs

to

of soil

enterprisingand

an

excuse

disliked

Ragusans

other

this

urge

and
fields,

as

to

Bits

away.

under
to

that

less

even

or

The
such

his countryour

English
than

the

302

THE

ON

BORDERLAND.

to
drink,and injunctions
to

Spero was

cross.

my

five minutes'
the

of

Saint

irritation

or

those

be

heard

Corfu.

Be

the

hint

the

accompanied by

monastery,

the

nature

of

rendered

which

it was,

with
He

the

from

this

also

young

time

visible.
Moslem

He

was

in the

way,

service

to

the

gratefulabbot

cross,

all future

In

esteemed

the

his father

abbot

influence

old

did

of

man,

generations
the

unwillingly
not

care

to

specially
excepted him

Heaven.

with
of

their sacred
the

Michaeloudovitch's
handsome

ascertain.

blessed

when

implored of

Bey,

of the

inquiredparticularlywhy

pair returned
the

this

of

not

youth
ill-regulated

pilgrimage,the

the

long

became

this

the benefits

When

he

the

some

I did

whatever

absent, and,

was

that

confessed
make

But

family.
son

to

tively
figura-

beginning

Upon

boy present, his daughters,and

eldest

fruitful

Jerusalem.

son.

they

quite peculiarsanctity.

of the

the

at

Herzegovinianpeasant

presentedMichaeloudovitch

no

the

towards

his younger

recognitionthereof,

his

of

which

narrative

pilgrimageto

it appears,

Holy Land,

the

understood, a

class made

better

may

cross.

my

time,

upon
as

six months

He

back

me

hangs about

century

me

concern.

Spero brought

Once

caused

never

during

annoyance

roughest service.

it may

historybelonging

courier,who

George's Hotel,

all the

extract

and

holy

treasure, in

man's

landlord

chivalrous,if

prayers
was

master-

fill,
as

are

of his class

many

uncorruptedby
with

the eldest

to

children

wife, and

unmolested, if only she

girlreturned
in

their

some

The

eldest

the

by

fully
peace-

her

bring up

resist their

not

of

religion,

his

faith.

The

parents, though distressed,

doubt, assented.

no

married

daughter

perhaps, even

would

coerced

measure

were

bride's

the

ceremonies

love.

his

fell in love

He

let her

to

regionstill

his suit

interfere with

to

fulfilment of the outward

and

of Islam.

girl,and engaged, if

second

marry

day, in

this

to

the decadence

accepted,not
not

303

CROSS.

the

Bey,

of

standard

So
rich

man

English country

gentlemen.
hear

objector exclaiming

an

story that the match

would

be
a

rare,

of

so

deliverance,and

fanatical.

Beys

been

better

did

Christian
lives

property and
flesh and

would

scarcelybe

to

were

younger

appointed

overseer

did

Neither

terms.

that

contest

Both
of

not

Moslem

such

of

restrained from

deny
and

save

was

their

the argument
Christian

marriage, and
murder

revolt,

forefathers

to
apostatised

peasants did

even

party

their

It

hopeless

were

dream

not

my

sides.

both

Christians

nobles, who

think

foam

conditions

not

blood.

would

The

When

of

outset

nor
impossible,

not

was

Mussulmans

much

on

of

it

but

generationsince.

they lived

had

impossiblefor

was

now,

the

at

to

the

whom

now

Bey
those

proposed.
son

of
of

Michaeloudovitch
his

was

brother-in-law's

forthwith

estates,

304

THE

ON

BORDERLAND.

position of great dignity

became

engaged

yeomen

of the

put his hand

benefit

visible

The

the

it.

all his

he

met

he

and
set

this

Trebinje

youth

dejected.
the

village

miracles.

thither

Then

All
saints'

on

his devotion.

he

fell into

lost
forth

the

at
precipice

horse.

again, but

him

second
he

As

the

on

first

renegades,who
he

Again

sore.

fire,and

spent

proposed to

valuable

to

nature

his ill-fortune, and

beat

unaccountably took

hahn

work

brigands, Turkish
and

money

reached

out, and

leg,

recovered

day'sjourney
took

his

to

purpose.

no

of

unremittingin

was

relic with

To

depositedin

but
grand pilgrimage,

he

as

been

of

bitter and

grew

father

the

recognisedthe

one

every

district flocked

son

this

broke
starting,
soon

had

the

outcast

before

make

that

luck

sisters

substantial

most

were

The

presentlyit began

connected

days

it

son.

He

cross

populationof

days.
He

the

where

church,

eldest

of Heaven.

Meanwhile

the

prospered,unless

to

curse

and

neighbourhood. Everything

strangelybad

so

His

emolument.

the handsomest

to

the
directly

became

and

There

day.

escaped with

set

the
bare

life.
It is

not

weighed
and

on

all the

with

fourth
After

hate.

surprisingthat

such

mind.
superstitious

village,conceived
No

attempt,

moping

would

one

and

and

his

own

pining,the

that

series

of

mischances

Stancho, his relatives,

Heaven

advance
resources

followed

him

money

were

rebellious fit more

him
for

exhausted.
natural

to

day

the

had
in
to

community

and
apostatised,

Trebinje.
which

this.

Moslem

and

All

exactly defined.

anywhere,and

brother-in-law

request. It

put

on
fighting

in

war

field.

in

into

English

form

the

side

Stancho, who

of

Turkey.

there
of

had

were

had

good

hope

new

spiritof

Stancho
to

cause

of

of

name

militia of the

the

aside the

cast

through his

the

bettered

not

sympathy

dropped, of

came

the

Under

had

from

door.

family was

commission

He

of, he

in the army

like

case

no

the imam's

Stancho

of

forfeited his

had

with
But

age,

Christianity

to

and
scornfully
refused,

was

heard

next

to

found

desperate
step, which
earth, and

him,

the

Bey.

months.

for many

kill

news

the

to

"

former

renegade Christain,if his

the

with

Selim, he appliedfor
district

moolah

revolted

convert

help beyond

no

its next

and

course,

not

communication

All

of

peaceablytogether,

instincts

Turkish

forthwith

fellows dared

former

lived

their

The

creed.

murdered

was

of

extend

not

Stancho

that

house

One

stations,their religiousboundaries,were

their

change of

the

practicaltoleration

alluded, did

I have

him.

on

learn

to

lying at

was

That

Christian

because

horrified

was

hold

seized

Herzegovinianpeasant

305

CROSS.

his

his

vanished

repent

fortunes

on

When

Heaven.

turban,

and

was

Montenegro, engaged,as usual,

himself
distinguished

He

in the

Herzegovinianvolunteers

many

Tchernagora.

One

him

promptly cut
x

of

down.

them
But

recognised
the secret

306

ON

In consideration

out.

was

BORDERLAND.

THE

spared his life,but they

There

is

no

of

race

of his services

him.

dismissed

men

the mountaineers

dangerous

so

the

as

fighting

Sclav, the Montenegrin,the Bosnian, the Herzegovinian,

the

Croat.

Austria

antagonistis

the

wilder

resembling the Buss,

have

of

when

Dalmatian

people

and

transformed

striking. Quick

bitterlywhat

too

civilised

If those

arms.

knows

Serb,
them.

he

had

ever

is

beast.

Under

mask

of

treacherous,as
death
does
blaze

by
not
to

which

his

give his

of

mouth

arrogant

fellows,a
the

And

he

character

stances
Bulgar, circum-

The

contrast

his

has

full

are

fair

of the
upper

And

is perversely

the

to

them.

know

one

whilst his

the

Pity

passions

physicaladvantages

the

keen

his eyes,
look

vigorous
of

palish

to
fitting

up-curled hides

martial,and

Though
class is

manly

the

but

none

handsome,

is

he

also he is bound

moustache

bearing

mountain

play. Generally tall,often

self-confidence.

stranger.

is

now

perfectedwild

the

man

is cool

always strong, for

long

man

advantage.

rule,but

-yellow, have

character

and

frankness
soldierly

his brain

features

amber

warrior.
stern

is

His

survive.
or

madness.

gigantic,he

blue

him

move

of

shibboleths, if

own

up

but stubborn, cunning

intelligence

incarnation

very

takes

patient though excitable,the

though fearless,
Sclav

terrible

his

his stride full

rough

with

superblycourteous

costume

sets

off

his
to

every

Stancho
reached
Old

the hut

in the

Luckily

for

Stancho

the

matrons

set

these stalwart

him,

drove

him

antagonistis the
her

she has
virtues

remain

woods.

which
bridle-path

descending

girlwas
the

"

there had
damsel.
full

speed.

but
listen,

his

been

She

love

He

screamed

for

the poor

for

What

sex.

pushed

help; in

the castle.

and

days

suitor,and

the

; she

brute

dashed

the

crossed

Stancho

seized her

whom
gone

by

and

this
back

ran

would

not

madness

her with

regainedher

creature

life,she repeatedhis wild

It caused

of

all his

tree.

soul that lived in his

her.

he

In

her.

form"

and

lifted her

strengthagainsta

her

villageto

between

passages

rude

that.

rage, Sancho

with

with

kept

overtook

of the Christian maidens

her
recognised

fury,Stancho

When

one

wife

Bey's young

than

belongingto

the

but

work,

sturdylimbs

and

Climbing upward,
led from

dispute.

though
parts, graceful

worse

those

not

the

stones.

shoulders

delirious
Bruised, disgraced,

through the

and

blows

has broad

are

owned
dis-

renegade,disarmed

the

upon

battle,and much

seen

dress.

mother

all at

were

of those

woman

She

costume.

overheard

men

with

forth

Montenegrin
the

he

leave,claiming his position

to

villagewomen

some

home

went

absent, and

was

refused

He

family;

his

unnoticed, under

Michaeloudovitch
him.

longings and

his

yieldedto

307

CROSS.

some

native

threat

villageas

alarm, and
X2

of

the

senses,

maimed

smashing every
he had
sentries

smashed
at

night

308

ON

doubled;

were

of

menace

this

chance

and
Buko

BORDERLAND.

THE

but

Herzegoviniansare

sort

lightly. The

is that

Petrovitch

they

the

about

before the late troubles

said

to

me

It will

"

oppressed but

in

Talking

to.

the

life is

carry

peril

of

with

once

insurrection

an

Montenegringeneral
the

because

happen, not

to

atmosphere

of
probability

arose,

because

active

police too

used

are

used

people are

quiet,the

too

protectingthem.

Austrian

Herzegovinians

like to protect themselves."

Time
the

murdered

all

children

force

band

and

"

died

all his

of

who

could

meanwhile,

family.

he

could

At

Stancho
certain

they

sent

but

Urged by
savage

success,

time

"

The

the

brigands

perishedwith

were

what

numerous,

the

Upon

himself

murderers,

Brigands
capturedand

were

second

would

The
and

by

no

killed

tormented

at

defile,

Bey escaped.

wholly
with

of

day

stand

threaded

pursuers

overwhelmed.

stock, he gave

were

his wife

and

son

announcing he

as

these

women,

Bey pursued,with

the desire of vengeance,

however.
some

the

armed.

message,

down

hunting

men,

"

village,

Montenegrins,blacks,ruffians

well

suddenly

escape

second

the

morning

place. But,

were

true

not

years

the

fell upon

Michaeloudovitch*

gather.

deepest dye,

Two

withdrawn.

were

fired it.

of Stancho

heard

was

brigands

Turks, Pomaks, broken

the

nothing

precautions

extra

afterwards

had

and

passed on,

wife

of the

the task of

to

conspicuous
from
but

time

to

Stancho's

310

ON

did

charm

The

"

not

smilingfiercely,and
Better

"whether

sister

snatched

inches

her, but
He

had

from

sounded

rifled

the

it with

fired

The

Stancho

beat

his

other

chest,drew
chased

awhile

pick

laid
therein,and silently

cross

Meanwhile
of

that

for

by

the

other

Without

Stancho
a

cries and

no

work

to-morrow

was

heed.

She
"

moment.

in the

feet

the

is the

treasure

the

dull firm

The
a

the

carrying their

out,

in

of

nature

followed,taking

smothered

plunder
women,

where

knew

left his sister.

was

stooped

wilder

cross.

"

tread
of

burst

yellsoutside.

Horrible
gave

and

rose

then

trouble

not

hallooing,as

he

word

of his sandalled

did

triumphant,they noisilyfiled

bundles.

in

and

and

Pale

all the

collected

they probably

means

lay. Laughing
Sclav

They

and
pistol,

it down.

brigands had

apartment.

back.

them

handkerchief, wrapped the

embroidered

an

up

on

sprang

ramrod.

silver

he thought
shiveringinvoluntarily,
to

a
point-blank,

around

men

She

him.

beside

up

waist, and

his

steady pistol,'

!"

quietlycrept

trembling hand

upon

and

Pomak

or

castle,

protectedyour

not

his heart.

he said,
village,"

our

sharp sword

pistolat

with

sat

trust

Christian

be

we

His

few

to

protect

it has

"

sister !

BORDERLAND.

THE

threw

on

Listen,you

forest,tell him
!

doing there, but

They

that
said

so

her

!"

Bey's wife

clothes,and

!
girls

these

the

Pomaks

If

miss

ready

was

my

lord

stay at Kadomir

I will go

"

I !"

with

Taking

key,

But

she

slippingand

and

the

reached

the

Upon
brigands
march

had
A

secret

he

and

went,

the other

arms

and

His

share

into

broke

All

side.

the

the

but

small

woods.

reached

it.

Selim

these,retiringat
in his front.

of

to
parties,

Till
corps

Effendi

messenger

passed along

brigands

evening

not

be

found.
Selim

no

on

their

lieutenant.

But

from

of

danger, and

the

band

make

the

of banditti

their

to

forth

set

cry

the

rendezvous

was

they

same

to

not

the

sleepers

started

there,but

were

far

thrown

raisingthe

angry

warnings

came

He

captain was

arms,

command

tangled

redoubtable

of

comrade

Perplexed and

road

every

their friends

sentries

One

the

long night-

copiouslywith

body.

loot,his

of

under

retreat

After

headquarters,
summoning

sent

stair,

afternoon,

movements
suspicious

main

mustered,

Effendi.

towards

pickets,with

line of

than

unguarded postern.

an

breakfasted

towards

from

But

alarm, gained a

the

alarm

villagestreet
as

raisingan
by

hear.

to

blood

picket dispersedfor observation,a

the

to

ran

stay

the

double, announced

Whilst

not

And

"

ing
dusky corridor, tread-

securelysleeping.

they

1 1"

steppingin

woods

were

And

for fear of

advance, protected them.

the

did

the

following day,

of Radomir.
in

so

"

the mistress

passed into

less
carefully,
of

!"

hanoum

you,

they cried.

311

CROSS.

their way

named,

was

fight went

ceased

through

to

discovered

on,

trouble
either

the

but

few

and

this

any

more.

amongst

312

ON

the

slain

the

or

prisoners. And

got through looked

That

better

Holding

years.

death.

He
With

mercy.

of the

as

So

fez,and

Behind

afternoon

which

good angels

his

of

Some

It

in

was

the

A
his

it would

an

What
not

eyes

the

that he

orthodox

and

long

duly

him

honoured

perilfrom

so

punished

him

for

cause

saint.

tence.
peni-

passedthrough Ragusa,

monk,
was

his

the nearest

there

much

as

with

away

At

declared

near

and

in
enveloped'

serious

and

monks

had

impulse led
be

another

tioning
por-

peal of musketry

asylum,

tradition

vague

burning

grey.

of

distant

his

occasions,

threw

he

took

afterwards

years

such

still

cross,

preserved him.

the brethren

robe

of

kept

crept away

had

that

guilty flesh

The

Heaven's

of

grumblings

still he

the

it.

told him

Stancho

the

first bush

the

certain

usual, the

as

as

was

and

upon

all the

monastery

march

soon

all

his clothes

stamped

the superstition,

Sclav, Stancho

band, perfunctory on

subsided, when

napkin.

of

midnight

the

pistolwas

preserved from

was

first last chance

booty.

mutterings of

its

he

cross

it

the

loaded

heart,suddenly aroused

the instinct

secret, directed

nothing but

when

of his early
feelingthan superstition,

the

took

who

comrades

his few

vainly.

escape,

his very

dischargedat

had

for him

miraculous

and

BORDERLAND.

THE

on

his way

still extant

flaxen
to

is

which

beard

mystery.

salem.
Jeru-

recalled

dashed

deposithis
a

to

cross

He

with
where
never

from

returned

often

vanish

they
of

take

It

it

would

filled
up

that

the

Spero

if

the

but

transmitted

added

in

it

ceives
per-

were

holy

more

shrines

is.

to

few

their

one

the

nothing
a

and

from

traverse

reached

attaching

Moslem,

reflection

they

than

advanced,

differ

on

which

smaller

legend

the

stamp

money,

honestly

plea,

who

lands

his

of

without

start

insult

but

paradox,

much

outlines,

Christians

proportion

very
is

under

They

all

seems

true,

be

That

which

with

the

civilised

need

character.

quarrel

views.

They

road.

they

sacred

Fanatics

pilgrimage.

that

on

what

their

they

the

313

CROSS.

brief

cross.

my

to

the

sentences.

have

incidents

314

SOME

THE

title is not

readilythink
to

have

article

an

them.

silver

curious

The

beauty

silver,since

is Circassian.

takes

its

Tchirkess

which

ago

it

model
does

bears
of

to

barn-door

just

true

old,

fowl

the

the

the

Tulla, whence

work

has

relation

design

regulationsabre
to

virtuosi of

woodcock.

and

style

mand,
great deof

strong for the virtue

too

same

Circassian

and

interest

nerated,
steadilydege-

to conventionality. At
crystallising

time

chirik

peculiarornamentation,

Tulla

artificers.

posed
com-

are

and

European influence,

exile, proved

I have

they

medijie

Long

for it at

home
But

name.

and

this

were

which

gives their

which

work

Petersburgadmired

they established

of

mine

glass at all, but

not

are

not

finger-glass

But
to

purpose

fact, they

called

called.

so

the

is to say, the metal

be

may

for

In

that

likelythan

less

good story attachingthereto.

turned

St.

of

does

One

admit.

promising,I

made
originally

not

are

FINGER-GLASSES.

to

to

the

as

modern

Damascus

the

present

bold

free

Dresden

blade, a

Imitation, also, Russ

French,

or

know
but

for

the

best

at

This

done

mischief

by lowering

grand

occasion

Tulla

has

that

if
spirit,

the

fact is understood

haphazard
If
and
would
with

the Tulla

skill,has departed.

much

bearing

he

think

connection

or

believes himself

he

whereof

work

others,I

the

beyond

it had

I love

which
finger-glass

the

saw

upon

that

deny

elsewhere.

collectors

pride myself

pullitself up

can

the

not

wages.

Russia, though ignored by

in

of these latter

one

315

FINGER-GLASSES.

SOME

to

own

great examples.

some

Before
these

use

takes

remembers

the

when

folk at

to

tolerated.

they

their

the

have

their brothers

with

as

likingfor

and

of

households
the bath

are

styleof

the

thus

it has

in Tchirkess

to

work

"

hanoums

wrinkled

and

lisques
oda-

by

familiar

only

of their father

fashion

in

on

or

the

vessels connected

have

of
-silver,

are
finger-glasses
drinking-bowls. They

by

great

Circassians

it then

saw

become

Stamboul

him

would

that

ornament

scabbard-ornaments

; and

of

costly the

them

he

they give

more

of

most

one,

and

bath,

articles as

much

Basins

Every

In the harems

youthful days, though they

sword-hilt

richer

which

brass basin

what

for

say

Turkish

for water.

asks

demand, and,
race,

taken

Stamboul, such plain coarse

be

not

has

or

shallow

he

must

intended.
originally

thingswere

nowadays,

there

describing it, however,

My

course.

have

been

used

and
by laughing slave-girls
princesses,

eunuchs.

If

I set

myself

to

dream,

I could

316

ON

tale for each

fancy a
will make
It

call

no

took

find

from

Upon
and

"

of

speak

"

The

across.

tiny

shows

arms

hue

black

are

down

the

the

the

the
which
also

edge,

upper
very

in

black

of

cut, of

about
a

this

high.
dots

points,three
taste

make

to

circle,occupied

the

rough

sixteen
to

long

dusky

alternate

each

symmetrical, which
run

with

them, with
a

bold

to

between

device

am

sweeps

These

of banners.

group

the

surface

inner

the

And

lightenedin
through,but judiciously

parts by rubbing off the inky material.

finikin

half

Upon

of which

radii

words,

distantlysuggests

not

are

four

is

Startingfrom

middle.

describe

the

good

centre

the

frosted,"black

"

edges,shading off

point, figuresshapelessbut
powerless to

sixteen

too

through.

only at

call

of

artificer had

In the
very

all

some

you

innumerable

with
we

give

and

two

star

not

them

bought

to

attempt

outside, for

star, between

gold ground

singularfreedom.

is

polished

do

Bezestan, excepting

effect

the

number

luxuries

these

across,

with

the

collect

bazaar.

the

I will

give the

wholly black.

by

in

inches

traced

plain and

inches
it

the

to

which

lines,which

designs are

is

since

purpose,

seven

this .moment

at

to

giltground, roughened

bottom

months

Armenian

It is

But

imagination.

on

my

handsomest, of
idea.

them.

of

their way

fat

BORDERLAND.

several

me

sufficient for
often

THE

ornament.

design broad

and

The
massive.

There

outlines

The

is
are

nothing
deeply

Tchirkess

who

318

ON

but,
the

time

some

copper

by

of

before, the

the

this

the

emigrant

small

passer-by,and
The
for the

money

Whilst
thin

were

and

summer

and

roll

Money

that

handkerchief
one

their

could

shelter

dogs, could
that
a

day

find

the

driving rain

and

little wretches

lay.
with

But

and

heard

one

had

minute

they

wet, blue

walls

to

rose

chill blast

profitso

south

that
could

with

entries.

shiveringparody

years

old,

ragged

old

Attired

in

barelegged,
though

blew

which

the

as

it.

what
street

But

The

on

poor
seek

usual,to

understand

the

the

waifs

inkling.

cold, they huddled

Crossing

these

even

before

snow

keep

have

ankle-deepin mud,

streets

could

never

not

the

and

of

their posts

to

come

you

ten

wind

mystery

of

"

November,

the

face

cheerfully.The

came

they speak, might give an

we

money

girlsunder

in

night was

at

Here

"

in

dious.
dittyquite melo-

cotton, barefoot
warm

been

streets

the

their head-dress.

shining and

were

sun

too

had

in

swarmed

in

escaping from

formed

be

not

little

song

hair

skirt of Manchester

they
the

flaxen

ful
the need-

lasted,though

autumn

pale,their

plaitsof

buy

They

of paras

was

greater number, perhaps,were

with

called

business

thereof

bridge!

had

exit, patrolledthe

chantinga

burden

to

children.

either

about

had

one

exchange

vicinity,
clinkinga

every

Government

Hence

and

hundreds

many

BORDERLAND.

currency.

mite,
seized

THE

where

roadway.

it

Sodden

togetherbeneath

bridge

of the familiar

twice

chant.

only
But

SOME

all this class of children

had

clothes

of
of

earth

depths

were

but

friend

the

Heaven

knew

few

Christian

no

buy

to

penny-wor
six-

their lot

cared.

But

there

far

emigrants

probably had

more

seen.

hint unutterable

might sometimes

horrors

mercifullyforbidden

foreigner was

They

ones.

knows

or

the

misery among

which

profound,
Moslem

of

favoured

capitalenough

coins.

copper

terrible;on

was

the

were

sort, and

319

FINGER-GLASSES.

behold

to

them.
I

think

bridge

that

had

theygave

most

sunshine

I had

would

follow
with

palm
and

and
be

to

made

was

at

necessary

in

the

considered

Upon

Porte, and

or

twice

as

executed

gift.

If

becoming, they
out

little open

of

sense

my

justiceand

feel in all my

to

that

miserable
I

seen.

strolled

the entrance,

right to

free

whilst

fun

the

pockets,

balance

should

before they would

opportunity,

this
was

whom

to

pittance displayed therein,

pantomime,
next

barbarians

the

about

up
me.

young

once

insufficient

engage,

leave

at

they

speechlessly
appealing to

propriety. It

life and

distance, holding

any

the

of

the

ites,
specialfavour-

two

innocentlythought

less than

offered

clients

They speedilyasserted

lasted.

the dole which

had

girls,full

pretty fair-haired
the

myself,I

For

trifle.

habitually crossed

of small

number

certain

who

men

on

to

usual, was

day

neither

transacted
the
a

commissions

my

bazaar.
Greek
for

boy
me.

of

my

business

Hovering
who
He

had
ob-

320

served, in his very

is

man

You

here, what

The

comfortable

steep descent

where

jewellers'bazaar,
the

through
freak

of

middle

Inshallah

"

lace-makers'
Beautiful

the

the effect, but

It

surprisesme
heaven

foil and

made

for

alley falling to

from

the

search

the

produced at

Bezestan.

us

with

its type

books.

should

many

know
like

even

heavy,

going
to

lands.

Persons

all about

it from

one

lace

narrow

the

to
not

familiar

visited Stamboul

startling

curious

am

strangest sight,strangest

not

and

Stamboul.

that

have

country

every

very

describe

in

the

something

display,a
glittering

right brought

the

antique portal of

seen

transparent of hue.

trimmings

this

tracery,

have

imitation,have

discovered

me.

jewel-work, and

Delhi

ladies

gorgeous

preciousmetal

the

delicate

bright and

when

have

Tearing myself

in

less

are

that

none
accessories,

of

elsewhere

gold-

fascinated

always

manufactures.

their

of

embroidery

under

which

the

to

us

this

will!

God's

was

brought

combinations,

them

of

left

the

to

the colour

nothing like
famous

turn

Traversing
it

"

the

hurrying

was

passage.

in

ourselves

torrent

surprise

quarter,
are

glowing

the

of

without

nature

fetid

as

down

turned

We

found

right,and

the

to

followed.
safe and

slime, as

ice.

like.

you

as

steps I

into

as

upon

traps

wary

trodden

was

walk

to

other

and

With

see."

road

unpaved

-"Tchirkess

independent English:

got basin

and

come

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

day

to

to

those
who
merable
innu-

gossipof

SOME

obvious

to

should

not

the tourist ;

be

said

life which

that

give

to

article,
however,

sketch

to

not

are

the

Bezestan.

background,but

it

briefly
put.

My guide led
either hand

on

in

even

permit myself

Something must
shall be

Turkish

regarding

matters

some

321

FINGER-GLASSES.

through the dusty passages, heaped

me

with

ancient

furniture,carpets,

arms,

old plate,
embroideries; antiquechina, horse-trappings,

skins; Damascus, Persian, Algerian trays; superb

braziers

latelyfashionable

Turkish

Albanian
narguilleys,
of

work

all forms

used

term

their

goods upon

among
skin

"

dress

something

or

Aleppo

"

bald

in

word

he received

are

leopard

European

Turks, sallow,slender,
and

Persians, neat
a

we

cross-legged

sat

noisy Jews

it, slow

wax-faced

the information

upon

and

exchanged

little Greek

of

faded carpet, or

like

merchants

The

and

belts,inlaid

of article which

sorts

curio."

smiling Banniahs,

My

and

pushing Armenians,

"

girdlesand

silks
gold-fretted

Tripoli,and

with
briefly,
to

jardinieres;Indian

as

old

here

we

and

trim.

there,and

changed

our

course

several times.

Amongst
"

the oddities

in this oddest

along."

It is

easilyobtain
to

my

maze,

kept
clue

to

to be observed

is the

system of

secret, that
its

by

"

"

the observant

passinga

is,a stranger

mysteries.But

so

knowledge through watching, that

generalidea.

My

guide

would
Y

ask

does

much
I

word
not
came

gained

somebody

at

the

322

ON

perhaps an

gates

"

Where

"
"

who

has

basin

One

man

sends

back

catch

And

wanted

that

times, for there

was

whilst

several
If such

who

to

lookingman

be
it

marked

stayed

like

beheld

merit,

one

the

would

at

Tchirkess

our

the

Montenegrin,and

Persian,

The

others

and

from

the

there

Cheapside.

Of

Many

which,
and

on

white, with

been

frequent are

these

ill-

turning grey,

are

the

for artistic
Tosk

the

banian,
Al-

something

the
not

judicious,though they have

quaintnessenough.

the

stranger

the Tchirkess;

gentlemanly quiet.
observation

to

but

in

breast.

Ghegghe

the

said

had

which

for

be

devoted

beard

red

also

might

score

speedily. An

Stamboul, amongst

choose

to

turns

process

Smith

seeking Mr.

along each
ragged cartridge-cases
costumes

for, and

more

the

moments,

exist, hunting for

long coat,

verbal

me.

he, with

was

few

later

initiated

the

Constantinople;

at

not

found

him

go, the

the

fanatic

no

rivalled

we

tall fur cap, and

he is asked

have

system did

there would
Thanks

that

time, and

saw

may

that,in

inquiry

corridor.

point to point

quicker; so

costume,

to

such

effect;another

they

purpose

the

corridor

spot, at

from

his pursuer.

Bezestan
were

to

learns

forthwith

And

hint, and, quicklyas

person

of

such

that

such

and

such

stall,from

in

so

telegraphgoes

meet

stall to

word

elsewhere.

"

for sale ?

for

stationed

Tchirkess,in

him

saw

BORDERLAND.

individual

is the

flashed from

was

THE

score

of

worthy
colour

four, perhaps,upon

the

whole, the Circassian is

manliness

which

no

with

flashes

out

wings of

the

wore

with

long

hanging

lining
;

scarlet

or

to

upon

his chest
can

relieve in
which

the gay

if

match

may

have

silver

pendant

whose

do

as

Russian

which
well

their

be

Tchirkess,he

the

met

dark

black, or
rank, but
boots

blue;

rainbow

no

half up the
be

high fur-capmay

with

this

is

only seen

; if

if that
silver,

not, with

nor

the

Russian

immediatelyin front,at

vagance
extra-

silk.

or

severityof

but
cross-belt,

never

waist;

belt of

from

it

metal,

depends,

chosen
angle judiciously

straight
dagger,of
Y

sian
Circasdistinguish

army.

the

an

broad

worsted

the

manner

devices of this kind which

the Czar's

seen

very

lace,but

has neither buttons

same,

ceived
re-

cartridge-cases
diagonallystitched

encircles
possible,

always the

of

his

of

charming

be

just
gallop,

the

the coat, and

afforded

regimentsof
silver

statement

grey,

embroidered

are

be

I have

crown

The

to

truly,if

with

azure,

behind.

They

has

; it may

white,

"

sleeves

rounded

from

saw

this idea

coat

breeches

The

leg.

Tchirkess

tribe from

the

discovery. Wherever

own

The

"

flock of parrots rising.I have

of
representative

no

militarytailors got

robe

they spur

as

banian,
Albe

body-guard, the lining of

the outstretched
seen

This

all.

at

may

surpriseby peoplewho

Circassian
sleeves

colour

Ghegghe

the

hesitation

with

speak

brilliant hues.

to

prone

pronounced

but

"

It has

commendable.

most

dignityrivalled only by

and

thought too

323

FINGER-GLASSES.

SOME

which

and

hilt

324

THE

ON

and

sheath

silver

BORDERLAND.

ornamented

are

ground;

with

black

arabesques on

two,

and

guardlesssabre,

pistolor

ornamented, hang exactly where

similarly
be

by
thought fitting

smaller

the

glory of
the

at

of

murder, hung by

Filthyand frowsy was

he

as

prey

My

Greek

and

without

he

reply

with

whilst

the man,

face

the

for

forbidden

awkward

wall

behind

article

was

attested

grasshopperon
Turkey

of

as

me

our

the

said

he would

something

that

queer

gridiron,which
I

lent
trucu-

of his

smile
murder
his

were

end

by

produced this

gracefulpriming

bone, which
The

hall-mark.

His

improvement.

gain

child had

I write.

by

its

She

bridge.

robbery and

and
finger-glass,

flask of silver,leather, and

swagger.

anything to sell,

unctuous

the

beast

closing
against a stall,dis-

up

greatly to

moment,

best-loved

basin,my

ugly

smile, and

Meantime,

means.

had

pensionersof

signifythat, as

to

envious

untying a ragged parcel.

interpretthe

I should

if he

saucy

at his waist.

an

with

ment
instru-

mere

steel chain

throng

brought

changed, not

manner

amiable

the

small

of my

recognisedme

red

hustled

counted
dis-

been

long

he, scowlinglike

testable.
incon-

grace

singledag, a

rude

boy casuallyasked

one

to

pawn-shop.

but

had

Tchirkess

my

would

they

decoration,with

of

master

objects,of utilitydubious,

But

of

trusted

hangs

purity

of

on

the

the
latter

stamp, resemblinga
is the

regret

now"

equivalentin
for the

first

326

saw

we

so

floor,and

upper
that

mean

lots of fine

it.

notice

not

The

marbles.

without

shown

are

mission

; and

quite beyond
I

have

I shall

only

compare

the

something

and

unworthy

of that

and

furniture

represents

of

yielda

solid

in

we

that

were

struck

most

unknown

by engraving.

But

few

one

would

paces

we

declared

gallery. They might

to

came

as

to

be

not

nished
dimi-

tables

are

if

melted

and

down,

well be buried

One

familiar

notes, and

stop in

some

amaze,
a

found
from

forget.
nising
recog-

Corot, which

famous
as

innumerable.

pictures.

Beaumont,
in

are

uninteresting,

ends

no

yet

Sultan's

works

I made

Cavalier,a Gerome,
have

the

not

imperialacceptance

and

gallery great

childhood
every

by

it is

scarcelypeople.

silver,which,
of

per^

Kremlin

have

the

There

jewelled knicknacks, costlyodds

But

would

unworthy

not

sum

asks

chambers

state

value.

enormous

apartments

the

if tasteless and

them,

of

there

braziers

would

an

and

it, but

court

cious
pre-

largestchamber

superb hall,which

impoverished

and

former, that

and

Escurial

the

the

dressing-

who

the

finest

And

state

one

of

rival

to

the

any

say,

The

their marvels.

visited

The

to
difficulty

beheld.

ever

show

may

great hall and

are

even

silver

in

astonishingextravagance

an

rooms,

there

had

privilegeof inspectingHis Majesty'sbath

is

staircase

But

We

Dolma-Batche.

thingsat

This

course.

communicating

the

would

one

of

harem

inch, saving the

every

is the

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

European

lie here.

And

them

hung

the human

form

amongst
and

its first box

between
these

of

that
no

ribands.

They

in three

years.

told

to

Bechichtas, and

deposed

pulled

dread

of

name,

very

street

that

him

curious

it matters

nobody

wants

the

that

when

where

persons
to

Murad,

climbed

we

had

the

Abdul

quarter which
He

we

walked

We

Sultan

late

maniacal

shanties,overhanging

traveller's

Aziz

this ?

as

three resolved

or

nightly.

nothing

fine quarter Abdul

can

the
built

ashamed

am

tales

nothing

are

easilylearn
casual reader.
in

to

place

of

the
A

that

houses, excellently constructed,

stone

after street.

wages

mouldy dwelling

rebuilt.

called,for

destroyed, tall

Two

this hill of wooden

precise
; but
and

afternoon

Turning there,

palace,haunted
it is

palace

longestroute.

seclusion

and

in
helplessly

month's

one

until

darned

flutter

such

past the

on

down

fire,and

forgethow

dinous
multitu-

are

been

but

of.

the

running through

Aziz

round,

winter's

talk

by

insane.

as

had

ever

the

to

mysterious

street

if not

there

Pera

to

steep

the

they had

us

much

stroll back

in

poster." To guard

"

stitch,and

early in

to

exists

difference

no

sees

suits have

cloth

Was

departed,with

Turk

visitors

with

child drew

ever

theatrical

show

longer bear

still

was

The

their black

they can

It

and

that

scenery

hungry, ragged,barefoot; by ragged, I

servants,
mean

divine

and

treasures,

of

strangest caricatures

the

colours.

Raffaele

327

FINGER-GLASSES.

SOME

The
to

live

one

objectionto

there, as it seems.

the

suburb

is,

328

When

the

them,

this

to

have

or

built

wall

Pomaks,

miserable

condition,is merely

cloths

their

wild

The

the

bare

only

they rotted by families,abandoned

man

rotted

this

of

out

far gone

with

those

the

summer

be

retenanted,

undescribable

weather.
all of

With

the

them,

and

lying in wait, will springfrom

I

glanced into

of rags,

round

wailed
and

it.

close

or

hand

household

decay,
volume

or

the

those

of

At

not, corpses

are

of

creep

foot

fn

vessel
utensil

the

too

abroad

in

they

will

of
;

any
but

heaps

saw

one

projecting.

single

sheds,

loathsome

slowly

moving
kind,
reeks

and

frostyair.

Little

noticed

den

which
livingputrefaction,

through

those

deathly diseases,

damp

shapeless creatures

Nowhere

for others.

earliest chill

and

haze

unseen,

some

implement,
of human

In the

to

and

ambush.
of

two

or

motionless,a

children

smoke,

one

risk.

without

doubt

up

cover.

or

of Heaven

reeking dens, corpses

sickness

protection

food

cleared away

(May, 1881), I

moment

very

thrown

died, and

and

stretched

or

such

earth, without

There
"

possession,

Bosphorus, they took

of the

weather

aperture,

With

it.

across

dwellingon

fill the

to

took

who

Tchirkess

or

of rubbish

againstthe

in

level of

the

big shed, unglazed, unfloored, unceilinged.

Lazis,

not

granted

were

shop on

in their unfinished

which,

thousands, the

in

swarm

neighbourhood

Most

seized.

or^were

the street,

BORDERLAND.

refugeesbegan

dwellingsof

empty

THE

ON

tool

or

stenches

streamed

House

after

house, street
and

three

in the

of agony

walked

rotted

such

But,

as

and

work

holding

turned

She

corner.

trimming

of

packet
of

embroideries.

them

to

how

suggest

loop

would

hands, but perhapsone

Christian

alike

women

party spoke Turkish

with

raised shrill in anger,

and

do

ran

quarrelthat

the

behind, had

to

keep

mostly

them

Greek

sightof

at

of

ease

recognisedthe
and

into

push

away

from

boys

and

old

first

colour.

easily

too

Tchirkess
and

injustice. Pomak

one

ornament.

pedlar
heard

female

the

voices
Lazi

street.

So

zaptieh,keeping
then

and

clapperclawing.
loafers,scudded

pace

the other

little

about

our

and

negress

into

of

two

"

presentlya

an

rudely

brightof

fallen

we

"

breath,

We

could

small

the

me,

out

styleof

this

do.

girlcame

One

hotly disputing,bustled

woman,

fierce

use

bargaining with

Whilst

have

they might

to

or

us,

and

curtains.

my

limb

beg

to

Bulgarian petticoats,coarse

designed, but excellentlystitched

use

stir

little Tchirkess

off,but presently overtook

ran

few

strengthto

had

they

as

passed along, my

we

gallopinground

to

could

who

visible,for those

miserable

swift

Very

sick.

and

hill, sad

sought happier neighbourhoods,where

seek

by

Bosphorus by

the

on

more

still rotting.

are

the

London

of

Plague

have

and

up

emigrants were
had

than

years'doom,

We

Great

Not

city!

quarter of the

in every

died

stroke

perishingwretches,

after street, full of these

thousands

persons

329

FINGER-GLASSES.

SOME

crowd,

them,

in-

330

ON

THE

terposinghumorous
midst

the disturbance

Opposite the spot

zaptiehpushed

the

into her

and

home,

Lazi

through

volleyof

hand

other

the

osity.
curi-

standing,the

were

we

woman

with

staggering. After

where

curtain

torn

the

sent

negress
the

down

she went

abuse

our

about,

was

displayedsudden

understand

could

girl in

little

The

remarks.

volublyexplained what
those who

and

BORDERLAND.

hill.
We
He

had

told

us

thirtypounds
the

pound sterling of
"

securityof

her

Scutari,where

loved

the

baby,

of business

an

rights,sacred

and

Moslem

cannot

nor

child

any

child

her
and
she

was

be

all

infant

claim

merely in
value

exist

in

even

course.

the

of restitution

with

several
the

slave

things

of

Lazi

human

Turkey.
the

latter.

payment

After

as

the way

the

But

pawned accordingto

according to

at

she

months

something

back, without

of

it

condition.

learned

hands,

part, whether

twelve

some

civil,as they

at

refused

lodged

For

had

meanwhile

her

its commercial

in this

quietlyremained

woman

to

eye

older.

somewhat

when
had

with

lender's

pledge

gather the
precisely

she took

whether

or

The

old.

the
not

upon

the

also,upon

years

I did

dwelt.

she

of course,

twenty-seven

say

"

Moslem

in

remained

of this transaction

motive

Turkish

three

baksheesh.

by

Moslem

woman,

negress,

child,some

delivered,and

was

The

story.

queer

borrowed

introduced
zaptieh,

that

interviewed

former,
She

of the

manded
de-

loan,

applications

cadi of

Scutari,

SOME

who

the

summoned

passionshe
whom

she

331

FINGER-GLASSES.

crossed

defendant

the

to

-In

appear.

her

Bosphorus,sought out
in the

encountered

debtor,

this little

hence

street, and

blazing

scene.

friend

begged a

of the

if it

case

he told
had

So the action

celebre.

its way
of

press

resolved

could

it

scene

be

described

ensued

of the

pledge.

had

done

decision

their

her
and

more

and
to

negress

efforts were

have

use

The

best

to

in the matter,

enraged
All

between

two

women

I know

flesh/

of

nothing less.

and

to

tear

The
or

Finally,after

money.
scene

officers of the court

were

the
to

further

infant

from

its mother.*'
of the

case.

the

natural

and

her

angry

her

sion
posses-

tribunal, who

deliver it

nothing

for

bring

to

child,

easilyto

not

rational

the

all their influence

used

vain, however.

violence,the

claimant

to

come

without

Constantinople

of the

members

endeavour

to

pound

force

the

the mother.

to

up

the

Judi-

became

that

of

hand,
before-

be

to

decide

not

given

Herald

Levant

wards
after-

days

Annales

the

resolved

be

must

report

in the civil court.

money

Thereupon, as proceedsthe report

Messenger, late

me

Constantinople.It

tribunal

court,

get

Some

through

eventually

in

was

for her

claim

The

hesitation,but
which

that the negress,

a

to

forward.

came

found

ciaires to all the

cause

ever

me

made

Scutari

stayingat

with
to

the

reason.

debtor

would

Nothing
of

sion
confu-

compelled
hands

of

the

332

PERSONAL

FEW
the

LIBERTY

men

of

politicalrelations

fewer

But

well

have

and

more

there

thorough,

thingsof

people accept

as

commonplace

for

subjectsI

and

religiousrestrictions

interest

reader

it is

And

are

to

not

upon

the

the

Islam

prevails.
very

first

life

they

which

think

too

inquiring foreigner.
here, the social

treat

affectingpersonal liberty in
facts stated

that, in

influence, stronger

of the

which

may

learned

more

everyday

may

unacquaintedwith

their

One

to

propose

observed

be

based

of

the

to

of such

Some

of

course,

mention

One

observers

such

no

which

noted

I have

matters

make

Turkey, I

from

remark

escaped

Stamboul.

and

After

working.

East, India, Afghanistan,

Far

matters

are

system, and

internal

in the

parts of Africa

divers
claim.

Islam

El

authorityon

Mahomedan

the

its social and

still upon

experienceof

write with

to

competent

are

ISLAM.

IN

Koran
or

so

and

weaker,

surpriseand

Moslem

far

as

its

customs.

tions
these restric-

interpretation,

is universal

impressionswhich

strikes

where

man

334

THE

ON

Six

"Guarda!"

of

BORDERLAND.

Armenians,

marching

their

ton

polesa

down

each

few

dogs step

nor

the

are

them

Through
and

order.

indeed

of

Pera

pig on

his

end

stroll

form

trot.

The

at

ever

an

back, and

took

march

is

be

the

bridge of

no

foot

There

is

from

passage

hamal

carrying a

him.

made

was

affect

not

shoppingon

behind

comfort

but

imagined,

conditions.

with

law

large contingent,

that

Find

set

all

of

walk,

unintemipted

other.

the

There

policedo

such

on

they

worst

may
a

be believed

secure

to

which

children

It may

to

way

at

narrows

or

horses,men,

But

private.

lady'spastime under

dead

and

crowd

Neither

pedestrian.

the

pass

force their way

not

one

to

ladies

keep

to

is

it.

which

cabs

for the

"

heeds

of

aside

breathe.

to

suspended

merchandise, which

of

weight
yards

dchelon, bear

en

carriages public

enjoining
one

eight burly Montenegrins

or

The

only

under

this

protection.

Fiftyyards above
The

low-lying quarters
indeed

are

of

lie roads

broader

provided

with

Round
From

Where

every

there

But

the

and
foreigners,

the

beyond

immediate

than

changed.

occupied by

Pall

tians,
Chris-

one

such

gains
easy

open

the

room

spaces
trees

are

glimpse
to

on

colony

narrow

bazaar,

Mall, macadamised,

great mosques

height

the

purlieusof

sidewalks

roomy

is

Stamboul,

all is

counterpart of the vile Tophane,

opposite shore.

the

of

Galata

are

and
of

and
quent.
fregrass.

gardens.

walk, porters

do

offensive

importunate or
of

here.

There

and

amiable

much

and

band

outrages and
of Greek

brief

the

the

on

to

filthyPera

in

fact,my
It is

and

wealthy

where

The

by

To

truism

increased

notable

that,under
balance

freedom
be

may

does

to

these

not

who

Stamboul

migrate

mysteriesis,

the

the
in

true

sort

the

since late sultans

have

mosque

of the

happiness is

subject in

matters

general,but Turkey

there

the

absolutely

preferredto worship in

rots

At-Meidan,

is

of life in Stamboul,

routine

Medijieh, outside

regimentalmusic
and

despotic

exception.

vary

Sophia

all.

some

Pera

in

human

of
of

to

for

unless

governments

take, first,
public amusements,

nothing of

small

of

theme.

non-political.This
offers

residents

explanationof

the
irresponsible,

struck

reach

Europeanised Turks

contrary, do

failed

never

then,

Why,

of

water-

quarters hither for

shift their

class

livingare

The

within

they please migrate

current

and

unknown,

burglaryare

ing
interest-

drives,an

bridge.

foray,usuallydisastrous.

live

Why,

and

brought

malefactors

large and

may

is

sights

the

questionthere, has

it

not

are

tawdry palaces,are

the

across

anxious

an

Stamboul,

Street

than

All

House-rent

population.

cheaper

supply,such

modern

rides
delightful

are

plenty,

Pera.

at

as

the

capital,saving

the

in

in

jostle. Beggars, though

not

335

ISLAM.

IN

LIBERTY

PERSONAL

Galata.

in the square

but

never

form
plat-

between
heard

the

of

St.
its

336

ON

being
of

tenanted.

is allowed

The
Moslems

do

boul, nor
sit.
mile

Beside

best eaten

buy

from

the

house

and

Turks

since

dwelling in

of any

positioncan

club.

his

headlong good-nature of

the

to do

what

think

to

more

The

of.

"

hero

passionatereprimand;
observers

to
injustice

what

associated

coffee
Some

generalsand

officials

themselves

among

the

project to
With

he consented
disposition,
have

the

Elena,"

the
a

with

all his clients

attribute

habits, jealousy, pride

know

trembled
native

one

gained a victory in Bulgaria,escaped

generalwho

Casual

of

even

assemble.

favourites would

cautious

unless

confection

the authorities.

sound

to

not

broached

They

food

odd

kindly

of

this

purse

of

are

the

marked

dullness
and

of -the

nature

large part

en

flavour,

of

no

of

is

timidly spoke

Pasha, asking him

Fuad

cakes

would

dinners

send

get

can

man

of the younger

Stamboul

a
establishing

of

"

saloop and

few

exist in Stam-

English artizan

an

wandering pedlars. There

where

months

hotels

no

the Frank.

corrupted by

though strange

too,

bachelor

nor

loss,however
trifling

cookshopswhich

blindfold

semeet

is

where

ones,

harems,

diversion.

fact that

restaurant

good

Christian

no

it, unless

the horrid

very

"

and

feel

in the

common

; but

of amusement

not

any

are

wearisome

is the
significant

More

he

class

that

absence

BORDERLAND.

Nautches

inferior

very

Turk

THE

old

men.

unsocial

to

They

rank.
Ottoman.
Turkish

khans, coffee-houses,baths,

with

We
life

and

do

was

public

arisen.

As

threatens
its

in

treason

see

everywhere,maintained
by

ministers

ministers

sultan.

hold,

have

or

where

This

held,high

condition

the

Church
him.
still

Turk
and

He

of

has

State

must

the

any

Spies are

by

morrow,
to

privateinformers
paid, mostly

of

thingsdoes
other

the

upset
is the

volunteer

chiefs

of

who

household,know

all that

passes

live with

to

tend

not

If he

cares.

combine

him

without

in

every

capital.

general reprehensionof

is forbidden

the

office in the

content

his

to

be

cheerfulness,
a

bachelor,

life miserable

make

his parents,

exist, the authorities

die,if they leave

in

unite

all,the privatemyrmidons

get information

to

Heaven.

assured, also, that

importantfamilyin

but

these

above

am

authorities
religious

seeking means

religious
police,some

And,
inquisitors.
the

to

Turkey

by departmentsof Government,

yesterday dismissed

of

army

of

mingle

cannot

offence

supplanter.Above

their

the

possessionfearingfor

in

things has

immorality; they

beings

State and

the

danger to

and

human

thinking that

friendly

suspicious
; when

grows

whisper,whilst

blasphemy

see

of

authorities
political

The

every

in

meet

superstition
ignorant oligarchy,

an

master.

to

order

new

declines,it

power

misfortune
becomes

extinct, but

not

337

ISLAM.

inclination

The

placesof assembly.

gossipis

IN

LIBERTY

PERSONAL

for

and, whilst they

themselves

celibacy. But

with

when

they

homeless, his troubles begin.

householder

to
z

take

young

man

It

into

338

his

undergo
only

his kindred.

The

abilityto

have

offence

morals

to

servants,

bachelor
"

be rich

enough

to

he

chambers,"

good repute
produce

or

when

the identification has

even

an

kindred,

no

time.
he

The

could

creature, white
one's

or

feels.

thus

It

still to

purchased by

Turks

Many
met

with

none

experience.
would

not

who
But

fact

deal with

young

ance
griev-

edict

buy

was

female

it is

so,

admitted
is very

that

that he
the

are

enough.

though

high ;

bachelor

slaves

cash

to

have

Times

have

those who

cost

nite
indefi-

beautiful,according

the

spoke,or
the

and

young

an

is

this

when

law.

me

for

slave-trade

fulfil the

assured

can

difficulty

if

But,

market
or

who

no

homeless

days

probably be

may

have

In

of

thoroughlyestablished;

go

black, ugly

changed.
be

may

into the

go

and

means,

sister have

been

abolition of the

warmly

passed,one

he

rent

woman

Those

is admissible.

elderlyaunt

have

man

that

show

to

or

possibly obtain

therein.

mother

blameless

him

with

lives

If the

family.

cannot

he

simple privilegeunless

his female

house,

occupy

all

without

on

employing
of his

members

female

unfurnished

that

is,without

of

displayhis

must

stranger waited

young
that

"

the

or

landlord, moreover,

this

that

personalreputationbut

his

not

account

takes into

inquiry,which

severe

religious

granted,the

is

this

Before

the quarter.

magistratesof

the civil and

permissionof

dwellingwithout

lodger must

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

have

spoke,by
merchant

likelyto

be

thus

has, therefore,

He

he will

reason,

is

not

injunctionto
class of

the lower

among
with

the

by

such

women

higher class
is

he

as

seeking.

being few,

hair

in

of

presence

But

thought enough.
and

imams
such

the

some

He

will cede

one

do

to

woman

This

essential

and

in

action

of
and

the

it occurred

him,

to

for love
he

piece of

interest

will

the idea

he

hire

until

can,

ancient

an

secured, he

chaperon.
has

report his every

of the

and

state

of

bachelor's

money,

may

furniture

house, who

the

or

cadis, the

at

in

the

family is

the

be horrified

propriety;or

in his

spy

Covering

wait,therefore,livingas

must

lady

permittedwhere

is

hard.

muftis

ulemas, would

immorality, if

gross

house.

the

is

there

members

male

rigidlykept by

is

When

work

must

trifled

elsewhere,and

Turkey,

case

veil,neglected

rulingthe household, a compromise

servants,

his

Christian

wear

Moslem
in

If, for any

servant.

obtain

cannot

or

pitiable. The

find

to

covered.
dis-

surelybe

would

the transaction

and

circumstanced;

339

ISLAM.

IN

LIBERTY

PERSONAL

of

mestic
do-

word

public

morals.
When
that

woman's

small
her
of
worse

this is the

means

age.

with

martyrdom
can

I have

find

no

is

men,

it may

nonsense,

be

painful. The

imagined
widow

of

independentshelter,whatever

failed to discover what

her, if kinless.
than

case

very

great deal

is talked
z2

about

on

earth

becomes

of nonsense,
woman

status

and
in

340

ON

Mahomedan

countries, but
It is

enter.

Turkish

is based

ethics

It

have

We

and

social code

of

the

way

Sisters

whatsoever.

"

or

As

of the

enter

of

measures

their

their

They

being

by

taken

hangs

in its

in the Grand

the

this

law,

Upon

memorandum

quaintphraseology:
within

women

Bazaar

the Government,

againstthose

in the

purpose

stay outside.

Mahometan

to
shops in opposition

any

go

leisurely

stand

not

not

even

the

folded,
un-

their

need

purchase, says

shop nor

I transcribe

shops,both

toms;
cus-

muslin,

in

fo

the

satisfied

cannot

may

acquaintance,or

of
sitting

case.

Many

not

we

shopping

English consulate

forbidden

are

"

the

their

ancestral

cases

emancipated

sex.

rule,

abroad.

thinnest

rare

making

old the

of

places,was

into

an

edict,which

in front

the

as

foreigndiplomats at

such

"

woman

law, and

named,

in veils of

or

When

neither

they must

of this

by

talk with

to

the wall

less

be

of

bachelorhood

of

despisetheir

might

Of

in

age

written

The

young

business

affectioned

streets

who

welcomed

their

later

who

Pera

weekly receptions.

about

at

"

not

able
marriage-

and,

cares,

estate
graceless

are

drivingabout

speak.

that all of

propriety,discouragewalks

indeed,

have

reckon

home

do

system

assumption that

persecuted.

ladies there
some,

with

slaves

how

seen

is rebuked

Turkish

the

even

are,

the whole

that

married, with

are

years

to

question I

the

on

seems

that

into

fact

certainlya

stops indoors.

they

BORDERLAND.

THE

who

and

other

the necessary
admit

women

and
prohibition,

this

34*4

majority have
when

the

hire

needed

to

deck

herself

she

; sometimes

The

princesses.
people of
Husein
the

the

detail

is her

for which

she

alleged

regularbusiness
home.

the

of the

and

at

visit

she

jewels were
grand

the

to

of

wives

Governor-

that

the
of

These

their

family

hiring out

mony
cere-

imperial
from

the

and

Essad
General

of

daughter

of

of this

element

all these

great

shape of interest,or actually

the

her, receivinga proportionof

pledged

to

diately
imme-

articles

important

pensed
dis-

in the bazaar

the

from

even

false

business

borrowed

as

in the

money

that

slaves

declaration

emphatic

with

stood in"

from

such

The

Pacha.

ladies either took

she

rank,

villayetof Hedjaz,
Safvet

her

prisoner also

first

it

hired

she

pretended

Beys, the daughter

Muchir

"

and

was

she

where

Sometimes

in the harems.

pledged

Broussa,

jewels under

made

or

Mizhet

of

dealers, which
;

tem
sys-

displayed

wife

and

female

the

were

good house,

in the bazaar

pledged
and

the

from

at

ceremony

villayetof

the

circumcision,

since

Hanoum,

obtaining money

valuables

of

and

finery;

for the

she
princelyhospitality,

feast

twelvemonths

of

Occupying

pretences.

and

valuables

Hairie

case.

with

place, a

gems

necessarilycarries

it

Effendi, ex-defterdar

charged

their

Some

abuses

famous

with

hire

interest.

and

BORDERLAND.

takes

they

not,

monstrous

in

parted

marriage

what

or

THE

ON

In

ornaments.

of

Muchir

their

statements,

of

particular

Safvet

jewels when
course,

sums

were

made
he

was

vehe-

them

with

over

with

be

of

maze

in-and-in

months, redeeming

obtained

upon

her.

the cash
interest

enormous

of

moment

she

arrest

was

jewelled
diadems, thirty-six

five

of
possession

in

the

But

the

At

littlegame

her

on

articles with

some

loans.

newer

Hanoum

Hairie

ladycarried

The

diately
imme-

dames

Those

objects which

for many

found

the

for

possible.As

as

dealing.

the

them.

finally
swamped

passed

have

to

appear

regularfemale brokers, they proved to

repledged
pledged with

judges

brief notice

as

transactions
a

the

and

denied,

mently

343

ISLAM.

IN

LIBERTY

PERSONAL

of brilliants,
one
plaques or medallions, eight aigrettes

gold

and

watch

brilliant

pins,five

brilliants
of

leaves

or

enteris,ancient robes;
"

pounds

Turkish

hundred

pounds.

Hairie

ranks

lower

rality,as

swindle
of

the

like

hers

life it

sensible

four

Hanoum
foolish

of

the

jewelled
valuable

two
at

five

over

five

thousand

which

system

unchecked.

produces every

man

in

convicted.

was

is

with

down

set

about

"

But

sentence.
a

whole

the

thousand

forgether

bouquet

one

brilliant crescent,

flowers, one

bracelet,
brooches

rings,four

valuable

diamonds,

rose

pairs of

seven

jewelled lockets,one

earrings,three

six diamond

half-diadems,

chain, two

world

courages
en-

In

form

of

needs

not

the

immo-.
to

be

assured.
Another
at

in

Cairo

great scandal
in 1880.

quarter of the

town

occurs

Sheikh

to

my

mind,

ing
happen-

Berda

Hamuda

less fashionable

as

than

lived

is generally

344

ON

affected

By

modest

the

hand
him

drugs

pains and

his

profitedby
himself

found

man

attend

his

and

Syria,wealthy

and

of

day,

towards

Jzzet

Bey,

know

why,

certain

that the
her

after

out

She

arrival,cured.

appealedto

the

could

the

good

longer

no

the

Sheikh,
One

present.

1880, the

wife

young

of

Egyptian service,proposed to

of

The

eyes.

colonel

attendants, who

entered

again.

For

returned, I

mistress

with

at

days her

some

the

favourite

sent

door

slave,

husband

surgical operations demand

at

was

woman

The

During

speciallylaid

consult

depositingtheir

manner

young

he

mere

of persons

number
he

sight,

for

as

word.

handsome

of the

retinue

Anxious

whose

of

fided
con-

the

In later times

to

came

One

part of Egypt, Arabia,

every

in the

alarmed, since
time.

Sheikh,

From

middle

Berda.
came

on

at

vast

patients.

affection

an

proper

of Hamuda

not

Cairo

at

so

Allah

all diseases.

cure

restored

and

them

that

Merciful

which

limb,

ladies

colonel

not

never

the

for

with

lotions

they brought

course

visit him

authorityto

practiceso largethat

people.

poor

declared

supernaturalskill,but

for female

out

he

removed

years'residence

many

was

and

he

gainedpublicrecognition.

himself,the

amputated

aches

have

assurance

of Mahomet

replaced an

but

who

granted him
personally

to

her

BORDERLAND.

by wealthy saints
With

had

THE

length,

called

not

reassuring.

had

left

colonel

police,and

he

they

was

on

not

searched

the

upon

the

He

tested
pro-

evening

satisfied.
the

of

He

dwelling

LIBERTY

PERSONAL

I presume

minutely;
Nothing
and

found

was

malodorous

as

showed

habit
him

that wholesale

of

before

hideous

populationof

the

return

there, and
have

then

days

going

thoughtless.I

matter

of

Such

trouble.

dumb

the grave,

there

Simla.

He

and

the

The

of

on

This

is

as

most

over

his

an

the

not

people

is neither
the
noon
after-

Sunday

one

be

telegram

callingupon

Affairs

outcome

if he

one

if he

Turk

remember

meditative

sat

the

post

letter takes

all.

at

is

other

Pcra, and

system.

Secretaryfor Foreign

Asia,

consult

to

came

stupidityor thoughtlessindolence

stupid nor

Central

his

the

nor

say,

it arrive

at

saint confessed

course

in transit from

believe, but

Indian

putrid bones
for

the

by experience that

longer, if

result of

young

telegraph,but nobody employs

three

somewhat

of the

on

been

shock

Of

Stamboul.

I know

average

notice.

East.

to

foul

very

their

of

who
worth

drew

had

woman

anything particularto

hurried.

but

mass

cadi, the

the

of influence.

man

corpse

murder

and

now

the

such

jewelleryseemed

stories

garden

found

stranglingevery

if her

To

the

slave,among

Brought

years.

in

is

Bey

saintlyhouse,

they

cover

her

and

in the

well

the

Eemoving
woman

that Izzet

345

ISLAM.

IN

chart

reflections

of
was

presentlydelivered.
"

notice.
Chinese

curious
Look
and

fact,"

said

this

map

at

the

Afghan

he,
!

'*

has

From

frontiers

come

under

Orenburg
every

to

my

the

reigninghouse

34C

is Turkish
is

I did

he

least

the

the Turk

The

or

with

the

there is

that

front

conquests
the

but

civilised

in

what

equals he
modern

takes

statesman

As

Their

or

the

and

rule, pashas

are

clothes

sept
makes

environed

he is matched
his

among
race

alone

in

stances
of circum-

passingtraveller,to
The

Turk.
of

nothing

boast.

the

soldier

ungainly

won,

concurrence

favours

conception of

than, have

Othman's

English

similar

time, and

seldom

Pa

wall, but

The

civilisation.

which

when

more

the

to

make

of

which

race

he finds himself

lead.

certain

which
true

When

the

he

of

forefathers

peoples,much

days could

It needs

time,
be

his

goes

that

the

and

Kurd,
their

animosity,we

equals in

its

Turcoman,

he

against them,

to

blood,

hate
especially,

qualityin

among

in his turn.

more

It

ruling

of pure

not

bitterest

another, holds

gain

if

logical
genea-

the

area,

Turcoman

the

vast

advances

by

vast

Turkish,

play
dis-

admiration.

Persians

it to

remains
or

is

state

Arab, the Tartar, the

made

and

awe

subjectpeoples,the

conclude

brings

list with

by paternaldescent.

Since

must

with

me

said; through all that

of every

family
at

filled

which

through the

and
geographical,
political,

"

Persia

of

!"

me

L. went

Mr.

knowledge

"

as

and

so,

of

is

Follow

exception.

no

Shah

The

call it Turcoman.

we

"

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

the

first introduction

empire

fat and

is not

pasty of

exnggerate

the

pressive.
implexion.
com-

usual

LIBERTY

PERSONAL

faults of

build; they

commonly

want

effusive

or

that

most

is

the

his business

what

he

he

understood.

This

The

however

seldom

deceives

him.

shrewd

and

the

to

come

haphazard
and

quick
affairs

is almost

certain

No
dulness

and

corrupt

keen

of

fanatical.

conditions

argument
of the

is

in

the

them.

He

who

of

society.

Ottoman

did

seen

stand
under-

interest

the

in

charlatan

in

who

men

to

appears

are

in

"

had

their

own

close

not

us

How

degree.

and

their cold resolution

much

of the

their

used

that based

advantages unequalled perhaps

the

are

they keep

commonly
than

not

patient of follyand

utmost

who

has

it is

more

impression

an

which

And

how

is

dignitary

really astonishinghow

system

believe

dealingswith

understands

is

perception they

could

the

bare-faced,but

than

more

feel any

well-informed

under

are

we

opinion changes vastlyafter

It

and

front

nobody

"

familiar

Turk

clear

that

much,
not

Turk

attempted fraud,

is

retires with

than

preconceived

barbarism

did

and

lency's
excel-

better

visitor's

know

not

heard,

experience.

some

out, he

excellencydid

what

I know

be such

they

uncomfortable,

and

The

and

ignorance

obliged to speak

that his

His

but
conspicuous exceptions,

generalrule.

Unless

and

on,

buttons.

cold, slow, nervous,

are

Turkish

realised.

important

disagreeable
pitch;

there

speakingof
idea of

is

to

ill-brushed,ill put

are

some

address

347

ISLAM.

IN

on

ruling

place under

the

to

prove

his

neglectof

all the world.

He

is

348

ON

starvingamidst
foreignersare
his

it is

state

and

would
stupidity

land

class

ports, and
words

Wait

"

to

awhile,

established
have

which

our

will be

all the world

wait

will

great

see

We

youth.

the
will

severest

pressure.

lay it

well

to

If

heart

if it
foreignenterprise

be

not

learn

But

we

have

For

that

cash, many
But,

whilst

the

save

means

it is

at

time

then

they

the oriental
time

under

would
capitalists
to

admit

possiblybe avoided,

temptation,they would

science

granted,and

point only

can

did

foreigner. When

things."

Turkey

in

say

generation is arising

speculatorsand

that

ways,
rail-

confidence

their

obstinately,
delayingand postponing,as
is, yielding one

and

they

imported European

concessions

manner

the

see.

independentof

of

native

their

But

shall

learn.

to

before

mines, roads,

of

gains

have

; we

Ignorance

that

rest.

our

that

suppose

dailythrust

who

in

sons

enough, then

old

you

secrets

schools

set

man

and

Christian

your

we

value

the

forests

to

well

very

for

expense

fact is that Turks

The

know

own

dulness.

mere

the chances

leapat

rich, appreciatethe

is

plain

from

Government.

governing

their

mistake

grave

things results

embarrassed

the

wealth, which

national

of

developat

to

eager

this

the

kind

every

profit.But
of

BORDERLAND.

THE

themselves

no

more

whatever

much

time

disappointedhopes.
Turks

youth

who

thus

patientlyawait

should

furnish

emasculate, bewildered, discontented.

it

are

They

new

tion,
genera-

growing
learn

up

West-

350

ON

that

assured
in

But

city.

Stamboul

Pera

The

of

state

force
startling
whose

medan

of two

years

or

Maho-

young
him

made
it has
arms

shaken

lovely child

passion.

trying

boy, fair-haired,blue-eyed,was

"

Chelebi

"

of

one

not

with

screamed

who

so,

his

in

held

He

rather

with

me

upon
has

education

to

of the
her, but the apparition

distract

to

old

Circassian

small

revealed

respects, saving that

religiousfaith.

his

unequalled in

are

"

inconsiderable.

not

"

I called

day.

English

in all

ourselves

Galata

society was

one

have

youths

temptationsof immorality

nor

experience of Europe

their

educated

these

the luxurious
not

"

of

several

that

me

BORDERLAND.

THE

was

successful.

more

The
and

children
friend

my

I dread

"

has

presentlydismissed

were

observed

to

the temper

think
of

of

the

to

harem,

that

little

boy's departure. My baby

fiend, and

he

only

can

manage

her."
the

Knowing
why
"

he

"

send

Collegeis

middle-class

too,
the

him

to

Robert

get another

and

Kobert

Circassian

to

be

slave, I asked

leaving.

was

I must

reply,

small

youths

College soon,"

playfellowfor

are

being

educated"

though perhaps the training is

not

the

the child."

school

the American

was

where
well
in

so

many

educated,

all respects

best.
I said

"

The

kindness

of your

people towards

their

PERSONAL

slaves is well
far

so

to

as

He

known

to

their expenses

pay

intention

my

well.

He
will

This

keep him

such

was

bondslave

and

lengthseveral

Turkey,

are

rank.

grow

that

is

that

distrust

of

launched

all the

for

until

truthfulness

the

some

matter

at

the

Then

slave

becomes

makes

little

he
of

the

of

morals

of

their

has

is

slave,boy

female

child

own

come
latelybe-

girl,to

or

first expense

averages,

little.

costs

virtue, fine sewing, the

a
filling
pipe

of

the arts

"

boy

is
be

must

vastly more
sent

employment,

pair are

member

change to

It

satisfied he

are

of

families

The

in

rare

willinglytake

not

kind

parents

happy.

Moslem

sionaries
mis-

between

the

state

world.

and

this case,

child

My

do

choose

their eyes.

in

upon

turns

matches, never
The

coffee-making and

as

relations

the

from

simple housewife.

very

course.

if Achmet

two

I discussed

parents

thing to

taught
of

of

such

son-in-law

under

mystery

rule, of

well-disposed. The

quite usual.

now

or

that

me

perhaps,forty pounds, and

She

ran

honest, I hope."

mistress

common

up

and

it

times.

They
a

as

those

view

in Stamboul

daughter

"Not

novel

friend told

My

such

clever

think

not

college."

at

is to
marry

is

I did

but

me,

35 1

ISLAM.

IN

answered, laughing :

But
out

LIBERTY

and

will

married,

the

to

pensive
ex-

school,

provided

make
and

their
the

family,though

ex-

that

him.

friend is

on

such

terms

with

me

that

352

ON

speak

his

of

wife

Christian's.

and

he

idea,
then

with

Constantinople

how

the

wed

asked

to

look

honest

Turk

child's

as

in

up

Many

we.

whom

know

will

of

domestic

And

her

that

and

misery

had

which

resolve

this

regarded

conceiving.

own

of

stories

fixed

mother

her

was

knowledge

his

brought
should

daughter

Stamboul.

she

what

proposed

do

to

if

this

little

slave

marriage.

before

Jn

it

various

her

wife

young

that

out

in

husband

father,

the

said

case,"

Syria,

are

we

determined

there

where

are

still

men."

Such

sense,

the

related

within

"

well

as

of

speak

brought

was

language

that

answered

he

crime

to

question

my

died

he

that

should

as

to.

To

freely

as

the

speaks

acquainted

refer

not

almost

Remember,

England
readers

BORDERLAND.

THE

is

the

expresses

new

view

of

generation,

which

his

of

countrymen
whom

so

in

educated

Turk,

"

much

not

is

the

hoped.

the

elder,

real

but

353

COSTA

RICA

travelled

PUMA

has

now

article

an

throughout the world;

translated into

works,

and

time.

There

clergy;

think

that

and

we

been

have

of progress

mass.

amusement

devised
had

the

dimly heard

presidenthas

deficient in

our

troubles

with

and

of civil

been

unbroken

other

than

and

some

of

meet

admit

their

that

Costa

Rican

evidence

as

I rather

But

not

publicor private,or both, is now

in

not

and
travelling,
portant
wholly unimmay

system of diversion,
use.

I should

Jose, or, better still,

Cartago,might be
2

of

been

I have

home-stayingdisposition.We

reasonablyhope, therefore,that

the

kind

drinkinghas

by ingeniousand wealthy idleness.

to
pleasure

in
prosperity

probable,therefore,that

gambling

war

massacred.

It is

the reader may

that San

so

revolutions

statisticsof the coffee trade show

the

distinction, properly

comfort, education,public

all those forms

have

1866.

esteemed

recognisedand
this

means
figures,

comrade, in

since

doubt,

changed vastly,no

through the Republic,with

Its coffee is

the

RUG.

fancy
a

very

354

ON

under

pleasantresidence

the

blood, and

the

climate

and

healthyas

the

world

life

was

One

obtained

be

to

might bag

bag

you

and

But

feeding-grounds.

early morning,
alreadygone
America

as

This

bank.

congratulated me
that

capitala

that life

Amongst
route

it

ran

has

as

winner.

the
So

other

doubtless

through

district

sudden

came

edge

of the tableland.

of

gain

their
such

of the

the

Rica

Exchequer kept

the

old

five

friend,

republics,
ever

There

Jose.

transformation.

was

left

Rica, the Serebpiqui

Costa

at

had

Central

In

unsettled,and
practically

stop

in

prejudicein saying

no

San

at

mass,

gambling shop,

to

I have

undergone

road

to

was

only foreignerwho

changes in

other

or

exaggeration. My

dull
intolerably

was

It

English Minister

Matthews,

might

and

republicsof

other

Chancellor

is not

Jose.

about

Costa

learn.

never

club.

the

where

more,

Mr.

found

to

tion
descrip-

he

to

market

at

saw

beyond

far

so

day

our

through the day

became

could

brisk

as

San

or

"

troubled

one

girlsone

bright vivacious

the

What

formerly.

matters

no

of

overnight

start

in

of deer

abundance

must

one

is

every

miles

mixed

has

But

breakfast

before

common

tableland

few

women

are

negro

show.

within

jaguar

nor

that

could

jaguars mean

though

game,

no

Indian
of

flesh

rosy

Jungle-shootingof

dull.

very

is

eyes,

them, for neither

amongst

The

conditions.

those

hair, blue

Fair

pretty.

are

BORDERLAND.

THE

the
some

Disengagno,on
talk in San

1866

the
the
Jose

when

we

of
a

few

forest to

had

much

done

it when
of small

persons

had

even

she

drowned

was

of

body

troops had

it

rash

Kican
the

as

alongthe

It

of

situation.

San

Kica,

Costa

the oceans,

stand

but

at

their

But

struggle.

warmth

Costa
any

And

not

to

Costa

undertake

to
briefly
explain the

very

Cartago,the

time

All

midway

between

or

the

munication
com-

of the

commerce

across

from

Panama

freights.People said,

not, that the

and

capitalsof

no
they had actually

Cape Horn,

enormous

obstructed

twin

great elevation

the Atlantic.

truth I know

Indians

that

at

by railway,at
what

with

us

and

round

went

surprise

and

war,

Serebpiquiroute.

while

Jose

with

country

Juan.

pioneermartyrs.
worth

be

may

track to

Filibuster
that

San

personalacquaintance with

no

societyadvised

business

the

was

quitecertain

reaching the

marched

try the

to

way;

wits,and it was

closed
enterprise
virtually

so

but

but

bold

societyhad

pressed for time,

that

Carlos

Kican

!Not

turous
adven-

before

during

the Atlantic.

An

San

Fort

tion
inten-

our

consideration.
gone

that she lost her

rumoured

man

announced

ridingthrough that

female

355

RUG.

Englishtravellers

young

they were

that

PUMA

broke

of
ferocity

up

the

old

with

the Guatuso
route

to

the

Atlantic, by the Serebpiquiriver, during the struggle

of

Independence, when
whilst

mischief

on

the

the Talamanca

the

southern

military
posts
Indians

road
2A2

to

were

drawn;
with-

wrought the

Lirnon.

Upon

same

the

356

ON

BORDERLAND.

THE

spread
systematically

coffee-growingoligarchy had

that

discovered

showed

seemed
A

road

of

sort

some

imagine

that the

occupied more
been

have
I have

not

I conclude

and

3rd;

waters,

each

water,

name

mere

that it is now,

April

that

no

Great
their fronds

We

is
it

are

meet

translucent
canopy

but

years;

as

started

on

April

River, Nicaraguan

days!

streams

tree-ferns

sunlightflicks through

sixteen

that where

mountain

Serebpiqui,

exaggerate the dangers

There

week.

lovelythan

more

six

route

the Talamancas

for the

Juan

San

Only
a

not

journey.

the

that

upon

to

degree,inhabited.

some

Jose did

8th.

seems

to

Whether

is reasonable

foraysof

no

for

luxuriance;
musical.

or

less,and

on

fright.

Talamancas

Limon.

to

open

heard

of them

world

now

As

floated

we

is

land

of

took

Jose.

reportedto Europe.

discomforts

soil, labour

and

fabulouslyfertile

friends of San

Our

was

peons

coffee-groundsfor

the

it

its

the

to

no,

or

the

of

Guatusos

of

benefited

have

growing industry

landowners

the

fear

real at San

very

commerce

is

be, the

that

However

their

desert

to

Caliente, and

Tierra

as

bondage

from

inclination

an

soon

ports
re-

discredit

to

measures

enfranchisement

the

Freed

obnoxious.

the

roads, so

convenient

these

active

taken

had

alarm, and

to

the

that

declared

hand, revolutionaryindividuals

other

to

green

me

now

jungle in

no

laughs

the

in young

brightand

more

across

of

But

the

bubbling

glasswhere

leaves.

Every

the
tree

358

ON

Through

such

from

the

always

BORDERLAND.

THE

scenes

the

The

sometimes

was

enjoyed
and

up

dozen

slid

we

times

down,

injuredby
was

the

high pommel,

admiration.
where

the

In

is

an

is

and
"

old

the

with

as

instinct

to

never

as

were

slid

our

be

I have

like

awaiting us,
startingour

work

said,appear

and
canoe

Indian
we

with

us

in

cats;

descending,

rabbits, till

guides

to

the

found

have

Creation

point

embarked.
the

mere

their

in such

way

travel,

days'journeying

some

where

paddlers.

entered

disinterested

stand.

After

mischief.

absolute

constantlyarises

solved.

the

over

guidinginstinct-^-

trussed

Indian

occupied with

and

experiencewe

beaten, they hastily

gathered

gentlyto

at
Serebpiquiitself,

luck

for

under

themselves

problem which

which,

days

invention

never

their cleverness

reins, hitching them

brutes

them

earth, and

short

stream

somebody

observe

climbingthey were

legs and

what

After

we

climbed

We

moments

To

forest.

treacherous

moist

"

weight brought
By

that

best; might not

at

they found

their

up

the

that man's

watched

we

in

pleasantstudy,

useless here

few

Every

in

Sometimes

trees.

the

sagaciousmules.

resolutelydropped

And

fallen

crossed

we

down, fallingsoft

was

hills,through steaming

chest-deep.

hour.

an

descending

way,

winding brooks, always

over
steeplechase

our

tableland,over

valleys,beside
mud

made

we

Two

Within

been

such
we

"

navigable,

of these

great rapid
"

to

came

it is

ten

long

were

minutes
a

of

howling,

PUMA

359

RUG.

that

Oh,

screaming,tumbling

waste

of

water.

fright!

touch

of

impediment underneath,

and

upset

would

graze,

have

upset

could

man

him

and

to

and

reach

below

our

Indians

of

it, stood

green

eyes,
Its

the

shaded

the

feet,but

bounded

by

chesnut-

full of

grey

the

it

rocks

several

my

their

in

brows,
with

looked

at

around, the

an

beautiful

companion, who
over,

cat.

forgetit
"

sparks of

large green

rifle stood

jammed.

upon

teeth,its
angry

never

little

coat, the

about.

fixed

like

was,

grim

fore-paws resting

milk-white
us

to

yards away.

twenty

mischief, were

swore

feet,rolled

them

the foam-flecked

his

showed

was

instant

detect

animal, whose

coloured

velvet

right arm

snag,

Indians

one

babble

to

the waterside

back
;

in

tongue.

spite and

fulvous

I warned

from

stoppedto wipe

tricksyexpression. A
my

and

bubble,

boulder, with

upon

waves.

charming picture that

nudge

moved

bristled

on

and

of

unknown

lips drawn

whiskers

Such

their

formed

are

thanksgiving,and

behind

Upreared

current

these

vigilancecan
practised

no

like

prayer

Something

the

before

Rocks

him.

snags

down

laughter in

us.

but

No

rock, tossed his fragments up,

writhing,curlingrace
shot

on

assured.

death

was

swim

to

arms

mouthed

one.

every

We

say

his

pieces on

to

another, and

that

"

him
under, reived him, spitted

whirled

knew,

us

stretch

dragged him
beat

was

between

With
fired.

showing

shine
sun-

eyes,
my

forcible

The

his

puma

white

360

belly,and
did

not

head

in two

and

We
Indians

found

and

pronounced at

evening

the

reached

we

and

who

the

rivers

two

him

an

Very pretty
A

from

of cattle advanced

the

the San
the

was

pursued by

heavy

circlet like

moved

Others

outlined

by

heads

threw

whip, or

the

other

the

horsemen

the

butting?
who
its

launched

and

Each

slantingrays.

as

edge, alreadymisty,

unerring noose.

quietlyalong, a serried, ponderous

corral,where

herd

went

mass,

towards

waiting by

were

the

motionless.

entrance

We

their

"

Troops

shrillywhooping,

vaqueros

round

lariat

the

twirled

savage

uan

scene,

it.

gallopingat clumsy speed, tossingand

some

edged

fences round

forest

largely

Nicaragua ;

was

savannah

wide

loghouses and

neat

in

gone

of course,

Serebpiquiand

sundown.

it at

with

stream,

route.

easy

viewed

the

"

where

Vergen,

had

At

arterial.

not

of La

hacienda

experienced

the

be

glance to

individual
enterprising

an

gave

its

blood, which

stock-raising.His market,

for

were

paws

in action.

landed

dwelt

his

of

size
disproportionate

his

of

smallness

the

He

bank.

the

up

graceful when

so

the

BORDERLAND.

long springswent

appear

revealed

we

THE

ON

made

for the

stood

woman

nursed

her

fashions

however,

baby.

which

had

principalinclosure.
watching

This

dame

was

reached

that she knew

of

from

us

San
our

the

costumed

Jose;

approach.

very

door

some
hand-

while

she

in the latest
it is
Her

probable,
husband

to

came

attired, in jacket
scarlet sash, and

lady,

took

of

his

planks ;

be.

beverage of
furniture
He

told

But

the

quite forget. Many

droll

We

drew

was

nothing less

had

him

pair

to

of

see

the

subjectof

than

tame

sallied forth with

to

the

creatures

againstthe bars, their great

The
whilst
cats.

master

they
No

body, or
correct.

arched

animal
more

The

their
has

head

its

perfectlytame

paws

that

large and

our

host

it,purringlike

graceful

more

small

broad.

Its

These

would

sity.
curio-

them,

scratched

is too

monstrous.

with

proportionis

the

but

themselves

rear

press

not

we

beautiful

was

intent

and

to

of the puma

are

It

prettierhead,

velvetypaws

jaguar,its rival,too

long,and

backs

host

our

house, and

the

clear eyes

put in his hand

part.

He
encyclopaedia.

sleep,and

from

start

down

beasts^ and

wild

visit them.

lightsto

stories he

and

facts

behind

pumas

at

cattle-breeder,whose

illustrated

an

look

is full !

I noted

of which

bedtime,

enjoyed that

has

his cup
this

before

us

primitiveas

aguardiente,can

man,

amusing

an

rough

were

as

were

epicurewho

green

green

creaking,rattlingbed

stools

the

what

gods,

was

surroundingswhen

or

was

name

floor

the

the table and

they might

walls

the

to

us

produced

distilling.The

own

logs whitewashed;

introduced

forthwith

and

inside,

broad

manufacture,

He

boots.

picturesquely

more

Guatemalan

high

us

aguardienteof

of

accuratelybut

us, less

meet

361

RUG.

PUMA

that of the

body

beasts

have

not

is

were

too

so

confined

362

ON

them

if there had

But

The
hate

calls them

he

the

Vergen

it from

hedged

herds

pastured.
in this

All

the

We

shorter.
and

known,

these

he

head-money

heads,

no

all

grave

paid a

that

in

Indians

and

out

every

dollar

dollar

for

learn

their

never

known

pedlarto

appearance

publishedmaterial
travels

so, at

"

led

us

"

that
near

well

them,

and

their

to

their

say, I

mouth.

there

It

those

think

big

are

of

assured.

were

manners

with

tribes

enough.
and

day

a-piece

of

wild

least,we

visit

is

the

no

jaguars.

stupid type

Rica, saving

Costa

latter,I fancy,are
for

turned
re-

were

had

he

up

longer

facts

for
Nicaraguan territory,

Talamanca

and

and

for

satisfied him.

turned

visit

these

hunters

wages,

killed,half

ambush

others

confessed

them

about

destroyed ;

staff,who

eyes,

from

came

dangerous
to

paid

the

took

earth

on

his Indian

little

for pumas

small

Guatuso
The

how

in

tigrerosparaded,ugly, squat Indians,

The

They

kept

where

Some

trees.

others

ranchero

the

He

for service.

meal

asked

proof; the authorityof

Of

the

of

forest,

for miles

large carnivora

stripof woodland, lying

after the

home

of

belt

of savannahs

number

special

homestead

The

narrow

quarters permanently until

their

or

by

ranchero's

the

are

tiger.

strayedbeneath

that

ox

an

lion and

surrounded

was

which

collected

jaguar

children.

with

be trusted

ranche.

the

about

children

no

speciescan

and

puma

BORDERLAND.

been

of their

none

La

THE

is

not

anxious
will

so, for

find
our

I
country, and, personally,

know
more

savage

how

tell

and

it

Guatusos

The

nothing.

be

363

RUG.

PUMA

no

could

"

that

livingin

man

now

Pranzos

or

give

much

are

day

I cannot

"

information

serious

regarding them.

couple of

the

equipment

assured

that

us

evidently related

are

than

rather

Dangerous

bark, they perform the

Don

of

role

puppieswill

But

they

from

thorough-bredcoyote,

whimper

seldom

asked
but

why

half

is much
that

in

succeeds

We
and

in the

for

learninga
dollar

fashion

of

greater loss of life.

in

advance

followingwith

his

mind
turns

to

So
that

with

such

soon

these
a

roar

it is

that

slain

the

to

which

terrible

less

his

intruders

howl

until the third.

two

in

he

It

appears

these

beast

Indians

the

to

head

subordinate

chopping-knife.
does

not

go

see

him

The

far when

thoroughlyconveyed

wish

the

causes

couples,the

spears,
or

puma,

latter animal

destructive.

and

machete,

as

differing

only

can

bark

Tigreros go

with

thus

granted for

was

jaguar is easilytracked, and

roused.

which

true

hunting

the

The

all unless

at

once,

jaguar,seeing that

obstinatelyadhere,

man

at

to

prone

and
generationof domesticity,

dangerous

more

in the

first

bark

not

learn

others.

and

not

savage,

the

to

house-dogsbadly.

taught by
the

shorter,make

one

tigrero. His dogs,big, slouching,

of the

light-colouredanimals,
coyote.

long and

one

spears,

to

his

he
personally,

always gives sufficient warning

practisedshikaris.

moment

afterwards

he

364

ON

comes

trottingup.

his

mighty bound,
hooked

rend.

to

is

skulks

the

not

In

escapes.

But

the

hound,

and

speeds

slow

stand;

are

the

puma

If it
and

would

time

if
fails,

would

be

the

that

the

skull
in

over

track
so

But
a

does

rarely a

puma

to

need

bay

For

to

press

his

an

in
an

goes

is

the

firmly

right,the

in

mid-air.

apple,brute

embrace.

wanted

he

feet

blow

one

is

crossed,

paws

in

cleft like

when

he

combat

His

machete

has

lengthit

at

this
his

with

hideous

invaluable.

his fathers and

not

seldom

comrade

very

hand,

be

hurt,

seldom

no

aside.

them

He

commonly

if wounded

Even

Springing
dash

the

intentionallyto

Very,

and

have

him.

face

to

forward.

roll
the

claws

disturbed, he

When

brought

in his left

stands

man

and

constantly, massacres

again.

when

but

they

turns

on

useless.

planted,knife
Indian

in

unprotected chest,or

brushwood,

and

puma

deadly risk

spears

not

air

happen

following a jaguar,dogs are

him.

more

it

conduct.

the

disregardsthem,

to

his

puma's

swiftlythrough

for he

does

seldom

the

asunder,

his

"

does

jaguar

cleaves

up,

out

his throat.

one

Such

The

forelegswide

Very

kneels,holding
farthest

one

side.

fails to transfix

spear

shorter

long

but, gathering himself

pause,

long

the

at

Indian

foremost

hand, the

stands

companion

BORDERLAND.

The

either

in

spear

THE

At

such

jaguar-hunting
Indian

alone.

sets

So

out

did

he.

jaguar springs with

his

paws

366

stray bone.
Be

But

the motive

woods.

BORDERLAND.

I have

what

And

it

of

which

travellers
be

to

puma

with

regarded

ferocious

more

in the

belated

does

jaguar

inspire.
When

that

add

earth

which

the

think

I have

exhausted

which

the

all

characteristic

also.

pads of

though

the

he

along

goes

crouches

with

behind
The

sink

brute

deep, and

the

the

size,
But

the

other
the

forelegs.

tiny hillock

in

pressed between

on

of

is

footprint

alike

stride,whilst
down

There

heavier.

and

the hints

of

of

of

behind,

up

almost

are

thrown

leave

detail

is

heap

forth.

bigger

crawls, his head

Thus

moist

soil

them.
lore

of

illustrated with
war

this

free bold

small

throws

poured

much

so

shoulders, all his weight

they

by

animals

two

memoranda

my

in

either

tigerbe

and

these

of

other

ranchero

something
The

trail

puma's forepaw

skilful

our

the

from

distinguishedone

to

offer.

to

or

many

the

suggestion

practiceleads directly

the

the

causes

shuddering hate

serious

no

it may,

the death

to
indirectly

not

THE

ON

venerie

unrolled

stories.

against the

the

pleasures of

system judicious.

expenditure

of time

For,
was

as

the

the
the

he

saved.

brutes

chase,

used
And

jaguar

was

mind
his

to

sensible
destroyed,inhe

rifle,an
the

host

all his

gave

leaving
have

to

kindly

our

himself

puma,

tigreros. Caring only

to

He

by

found

this

immense

habits

of the

be used

as

"

We

had

animal
had

divest

mentioned

puma

has

existence

European

his

notice

of
"

One

two

of

was

at

said

calves

the

furthest

dusk
the

bulls

We

tumult

out

bellowed

Noise
lions
as

he

beneath

come

the

large as

"

the

black
that

idea
the

And

mony
testi-

by

miles

in

creature

the

into

black

beyond

"

the

lion.

the

enough
in

the

there

world

creatures

roared,women

but
make

the

morning.

Soon

after

running together,

the

night

was

already to
on

in

screamed

sudden

then

rose

very

scare

purgatory.
;

them.
stand.
under-

corral-paling,
you

was

It

In the

out.

corral.

cows

big inclosure, and

that

dogs,to sleep at

my

the

hand

to

came

ten

some

with

follow

news

seized

been

brought

sinful
and

had

He

jaguars.
had

that

alleged,

skirmishinground
charging and furiously

It is

honest

contempt

pumas,

as

great commotion, the

turned

dark.

and

mistake.

pasture,

and

was

arose

skins

thither

I rode

the herd

disputedquestion.

black

as

host,

our

had

my

vaquero'shut,
All

this

experiencedimpressedus.

so

day,"

afternoon

on

Black

make

could

one

ranchero

laughed scornfully at

he

woodsman

any

The

large truly,as

very

jaguar's. But

denied.

astonishment

Such

one.

were

lions, an

been

authenticated

killed

never

black

doubted.

savants

well

subject of

advance

to

with

heard

He

as

the

diverged to

whose

if fireaims

pursuitof danger

rule, understood.

nothing decisive

are

its

367

RUG.

PUMA

all
such

Cattle

multitude

368

herd

BORDERLAND.

shook

gallopinghoofs

of

THE

ON

the

streamed

ground,

crashed

timbers

and

the fence, tearing over

All

my

the

misty plain. Fortunately,none

through

of

in their

stood

us

way.

could

"Nothing
That

mad.

vanished

belly, and

againstthe

tied

flydown

at

them,

seize

Next

search
trail
"

notice

poor

my

!"

whether

it

described

have

No.

canter.

At

had

hounds
who

waited

grey

and

of breed

its

well

it

saw

women

ing
burn-

great eyes

growling,staring

strugglingmother,

that

of

my

vaqueros,

more

young

dawn.

for

turned

more

out

cattle,I

early

the

pursue

the lion.

"

-to

went

to

Indians

to

His

enough."
companion

my
was

exclaimed.
track

puma's

dogs

lifted

the

forest

long
for

start

me."

scarred,the
more

beneath

was

by

Did

you

sign

you

"

the

to us?5'

The

"

second

climbed

she

that

they said,its

too

easy

moment

calf

all

followed

was

Indian

the ranche

day

for

Some

missing before

Sending to

bed.

wall.

I knew
be

would

know

back

its mother's

under

must

as

or

sprung

calf

young

it crouch

saw

the

fly back.

"

had

; you

them,

among

lamps;

stock

at

house

like

and

I went

night, and

four-leggeddemon

railing,snatched

the

that

done

be

instantly,and
I left my

edge

all but

"

He

only

European

it

that

pointed
one

than

curs

horse.

old perro

to

an

admitted
the

I followed

yonder,

ancient
to

the

outside.

The

dog,
house,

PUMA

"

heard

way

off,and

the

remains

I knew

that

of

than half
bit of

ugly

an

there

not

hour

an

regulardining-roomfor
his appearance
far off

not

left

It had

decided

me

was

I
of

not

"

me

been

the

on

for

search

to

demoralised

rather

was

got
one

his

since he made

told that his lair

That

of meat, snatched

two

or

scrap

dog

one

bones

ever
nights,

land.

my

probably,and

the

though
a

on

three

took

When

the earth.

strewed

"

the

and

ever;
how-

spot, for there

the

circumvent.

to

dog remained,

It
sucking-calf.

were

vexed,

much

not

was

reach

to

swamp

of three calves

but

littleof

leave

and

devil's supper,

black

found

had

They

it meant.

what

dividingthe fragments.

more

snarling a long

pack quarrelingand

the

he would

369

UUG.

sly whilst

was

it,
by
was

hunting round.

The

circle.
and

set

we

not

perro
a

tramp
brute

trail

to

outrun

began
in

struck

was

I knew

on.

he

me,
one

I could

rather

was

of

has need

on

larger

of course,

moment,

depend

and

in

smell

to

that faithful
to

warm

steadyhand.

face
So

quietly.

It

"

off,and

lion,when

black

I went

was

further off than

through
had

there my
see

him

I kicked

"

the

his den

became

dog

the track

by

expected.
I

woods

and

he

quiteplain,but

lookingbehind

But

the river.
anxious

him, pausingand
2

it

saw

After

was

two

probable the

long before
uncertain.

did

not

hours'

got

I could

follow

growling.

we

readily,

thought

370

ON

that

along,but
such

flesh

of

taste

odd

down

hair

what

with

loud

dog

back.

it

The

when

while

deep

scars

; two

sidered
con-

Then

his

down
as

their

the

See

had

mind

I
possible

killing,all

in

be

over

and

!"

We

dog's left shoulder,

on

graspedwhilst

lion

an

the

still alive.

the

and

right.

he struck.

the
had
was

instant

perro's
After

observed
two

our

through

perhaps

is

him

marks

and

when

the

on.

down,

the

"

hurried

victim
to

track

return

to

dog,

my

I followed

he had

spot where

howls

and

quarry

from

further

his
lifting

my

tell the

followingme

the

once

snarling,

and

Whilst

working

rugged punctures

puma's claws

dangerous

been

slow
up

mean

up.
on

go,

and

again, which

moment.

had

yelps

yellsshowed
came

at

was

to

fast

have

they

miserable

ones

it

made

As

if lions

But

him

see

fainter.

with

that

was

struck

I had

tearinghim.
u

in

about, struck

faced

help

trail,it

changed

clamour

to

him

barking

me

long start,

and

now

was

but

away,

the forest.

past

querulous worrying

perro

path. Luckily I
branched

took

wants

the lion's old

ran

rushed

fainter and

bark

long

how

guessed

he

thought

for I

me,

Very glad

grew

the

to

that his

urged him

and

mind,

do.

perro'scry

master

to

changed

note

end.

on

rest, while

to

The

alarmed

as

Suddenly he turned,

savagely,his

"

his

unwillinglyhe travelled,with

more

movements

going mad.

sat

disturbed

and

more

BORDERLAND.

THE

two

slighter

There

the

children

The

"

I shredded

loved

wandered

that it

strong, senores,

but

we

I could

the

feel sure,

not

being

not

true

course.

dropping the

poor

animal, but

licked

It needs

with

hit him

He

began

few

beast

to

bark

the bushes

set

stronger and

could

dog's
brute

faced round, but

be

but

seen

fired

chance

shot

after

loading.

For

the

The

stronger.

gun,

the

and

river-bank, and

to
a

no

the

long while
was

my

looked

to

ing
growl-

the

grew

quicker!

was

of the

twigs.

resumed

quiet.

working down,
2B2

beside

creeping up

waving

was

At

turned.

that devil

all

quiet.

excitement

was

effect,and

be

his limbs, poor

minutes

ten

proverb.

the

softlyswayed

In

forward.

growled.

not

followingagain!

was

re-commenced,

Nothing

would

he

but

fate

his

he

then

fool,'says

heart when

what

feebly,gathering up

lion

That

my

teach

to

was

flies.

and

ants

heavy

thought of

the

not

suddenlycaught the hint, and

rifle,and

cocked

I had

am

forest,and

the

times

and
restless,

elbow,

my

yards'distance

track !
my

lessons

many

by

became

Presently he

"

alive

be, devoured

would

is

dog

remembered

and

neck,

my

Indian, that I

an

hundred

followingthe

he

hot, and

path led through

No

far had

so

the corral.

than

was

sun

cut.

was

his wounds,

up

for home

out

nearer

was

shoulders.

one's

on

set

artery

no

bound

moss,

scarf,and

in my

slung him

and

dog,

my

Spanish

some

371

RUG.

PUMA

my

way,

gained

relieved

of all

372

ON

anxiety,for
be

the spot

Beyond

broad

lion

run

at

One

could

the

saints, and

turned, the reeds

see

yard

yards away!

difficult.

was

warning, and
the

now

In

the reeds
did

dog

not

he could, and

di

what
Dios, sefiores,

The

shade

few

I shot

the

by
gathered

me

sound

to

ground
gave
But

I shot!

feeble clamour
load.

Madre

was

restingin

piece,and

came

choked

almost

that

I believe

when

the

dog again

vaqueros

was

spring

but

I could

as

Two

this time, and

himself

five

all about.

that

of my
perro

quiveringbut

the

fast

run

hallooing. The

me

as

raise such

to

cease

firingsaved

knew

swayed

I cried
When

on,

moments

barked

down.

and

hurried

and

before

poured

bending

shot, and

as

"

all

hand

either

on

growled

perro

sweat

were

had

myselfhe
congratulated

not

the

with

traverse

to

than
struggled in greater agitation

to

ground

swampy

ugly bit

an

when, half-waythrough, the

and

I should

hour

an

and

reeds

was

heels,and

one's

away.

of

belt

lay the clearing. That

a

In

familiar.

was

home.

at
"

BORDERLAND.

THE

their

lion

shouts

to

in
had

the

meet

vulsions
con-

just

alarmed

him.
"

Now,

senores

thus, in broad

me

jaws
"

"

What

was

the

daylight,though

creature

that

I fired into

pursued
its very

"

Might
You

are

it

not

have

been

ignorant of

our

jaguar ?

"

woodcraft,

asked, timidly.
seiior !

Why

374

DOES

and

end

reach

any

oblivion?

AN

drama

true

climax

OF

BIT

Poetic

terminates

observe

to

dramatic

many

conclusions.

less effective of
Two

years

he

how

I gave

did

words

learned

it

were

was

not

that the

againstmy
*

ordered

him

Sunni

potter
"

Legends

the

an

of

I had

ordered.
of

fanatics

Shiah

and

My Bungalow

had
and

more

or

my

potter in Multan,
which
inscription
reached

that the

me,

Persian

Upon inquiry,I

Multan
Persian

"
"

I have

object

pretty enough, I found

those

began

in
mantel-piece

for

When

only

disconnected.

it from

directions

follow.*

not

though

the

that which

all,though

I told the story of

ago

how
possession,
and

themselves, were

and

rience
expe-

commencements

But

lion
mil-

own

my

unstudied.

dramatic

to

and
interruption

save

properly is

many

in

romance

poeticprocesses,

to

work

ever

so
justice,

unperceived,unimagined, and
occasion

one

whatever,

confined

which

romance

life

Does

?
fittingly
end

STORY.

human

of

I fear not.

is
tells,

OLD

raised
"

and

Mantel-piece."

riot

smashed

his

stock.

Afridi

BIT

refuge in

found

that
he

court

human
his

for his

when

chanced

they

when

he

in

he

This

remained

mystery
the

three

rich

His

court.

all

of

face

magistrate's

his

compensatingthe potter. Meantime,

in

some

publicbut

recognisethem,
din

was

whom
the

if

rested
I had

things

place,where

of the

moollahs

who

attend

great Multan

saint.

matters

when

begged

to

remained

keep

without

the bracelets

for

the

told

my

exposure

might

owner

Farid-ud-

the

story.

informed,

me

claimant

hard

of his share

they had.

earthlyowner

chief of the

Hak, the tomb

So

sacred

default

Farid-ud-din

Sayyid

disorderly

month's

towards

to

of them.

knowledge

to

in

of

the

For

sentenced
more

deed,

merchant

and

handed

his

authority,

labour,

were

were

change

drew

undecided.

months

They

bow.

round

prisonerwas

than

approved

to

steadilydenied

rested
ar-

more

questionAllah's

in

handed

were

showed.

bracelets.

be

to

was

disturbance,and

the

he

He

he

woke

Afridi

The

Allah

not

the

attention,but

conduct

share

earthlygovernors

impounded

town

an

was

asleep. Heavenly

chest.

fashion,as

magistratedid

but he
the

his

his defence.

for

was

The

fell

there, and

on

artificers can

it

and

produced these jewels, of beauty

glory and

and

him

to

night

malefactors

the

avenging neighbourspursued.

bracelets

two

375

STORT.

among

garden

beings appeared

OLD

AN

Foremost

Pathan, whom

took

in

OF

Bahawal

Friends,

wrote

when

that
Zahad

376

recovered
I

liberty. No
that

supposed
the end

at

Egypt

his blessed

Zahad
and

as

resolute

banner

and

chief
the

dwelt

the Fort.

The

guardian,stands
old

gates

were

difficultyZahad
ragged

and

he

when

descended
Zahad

with

within

to

the

cute.
perse-

home,

are

but

for them

than

glad to

die.

substantial

was

and
seat

sion
man-

he

this time.

at

With
was

changed
He

visitor.

doned
aban-

his

uncrossed

respectfulsalaams
of the

was

he

for

Sayyid's tone
his

enceinte, but

audience,

an

who

Pathans

Hak, of which

closed

the

corner

sense

overbearing,

the fortified

But

grave

creed

they

Bahawal

loftyunconcern,

of

ruinous

obtained

dirty.

air

mountain

fanatical,and

for it

never

understood

his
and

in

no

few
religious,

is less

But

left him

magistratesto

his

not

was

Islam

token.

Farid-ud-din

by

had

demand

to

giant,quite unacquainted

and
superstitious,

all his kin.

are

from

young

He

come,
wel-

theory.

hastened

of

function

fresh

was

civilisation.
; but

are

jail,Zahad

is the

returningfrom

on

sad

upset my

off

broken

continuation, very

prize. Imprisonment

disgrace. It

with

not

from

But

chapter.

and

me,

usual, had

as

I found

it does

reached

news

romance,

day

his return

shrewd

further

of the first

though

of

this

the other

On

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

divan,

and

legs,

ducted
con-

called

for coffee.
"

The

Bahawal

blessed

bracelets," said he,

Hak, lying upon

the

sacred

"

are

tomb

safe

in

itself.

the
All

BIT

the

faithful
!

youth
heard

Be

not

the

counsels

of

the

sought in

this event,

why

should

you

the

he

and

Zahad

and

blood

his

It is written

infidels

that he who

beware

idol-house, where

Our

forefathers
and

money,
to

blew

Shaitan,turned
it up

when

has

the

the

from

part swelled

to

scheme

make

Mai

Khan

city.

Under

it, and

their torments

"

but

for

allowed

it

the

whose

English

deluded
hereafter
There

profanity. Those

is

name

of
protection

gloriousexceedingly.

afoot of incredible

stone.

Ranjit Singh,

magazine, and

infidels rebuilt

it

and

again ;

them

the

stands

tomb

produces,they

son

vanity,under

and

for

out

Listen, my

holy

our

judged

it into

Christians
every

it

Mulraj

gratefulI"defended

dogs worship wood

the

revenue

Allah

be restored.

that

Beside

walks

signalled
you

destroyed it again

for the

through flame

lead

boastingand

rule!

their

has

of slackness

full of

are

exclaimed

heavenlyfavour

wins

Allah

of hell !

English

accursed

Islam,

it ! "

I will pursue

service,and

The

Sayyid!"

Pathan, fervently. " Though it

along the edge

and

Great

render

privilegeto

the

"

anxious

my

purpose.

will, oh

Heaven's

me

all the

above

I"

Afridi

"Tell

tion
reflec-

deep

heard

One
his

revealed

it is your

dangerousservice

and

When

aged.

favoured

Merciful

oh

puffed up,

prayer

been

have

The

city.

communings,

oh

them

disdain

377

STORY.

OLD

AN

reverence

nor

of

piousof

OF

the

Kaffirs

by
is

scribing
subnow

children

378

ON

of the Devil

The

"

say,

Faithful

are

arise and

our

friends

rich

of

men

spireten
So

and

shameful

all the world

shall

trample
Faithful !'
Zahad

started

Where

"

the

dome

that

is their

that if they
and

men

To

succeed.

Chanda

the scheme.

will be

His

faith,the

Give

"'"'

of

Bahawal

build

us

Hak

human

facture
manu-

laugh

the

at

!"

son

my

Where

the

are

vile

this

me

doing !

Nothing yet
the

and

money

believers
un-

was

blood
Afridi

notice
He

once.

the

aglow

most
at

lives

collecting
them

warn

before

learned
zealous

it shall

first task."

is your

that

cer'

advocate

this threatened

of

insult

rose.

t.he heavenly jewels," he

"

to

is done

wickedness, brave
unparalleled

such

it at

stones,

is time

There

sacrifice their

give them

undertook

Manich

to the

in
persist

pious will

Zahad

Let

us

"

preparingdesigns.

masons,

find

up.

gatheringthe

are

project,oh,

English

will

and

holy Islam,

is flat.

great and

are

gods of

our

Stay,stay, impetuousyouth !

They

tain

doom

lofty

accursed

There

their

is this idol-house
?

"

as

see

upon

That

The

persuasionwho

to

high

as

in whose

idol-house

degraded

fellow-dogs!

passing

times

"

They

lies under

peace!

and

shrine.

Baha-ud-din"

bestir ourselves

our

before

money

foul

our

us

finds

sacred

our

One, Sheikh

world

dome, whilst
Let

BORDERLAND.

pointthe fingerat

all the

name

THE

said,

"

and

"Nay,
should
have
a

son!

my

have

reward

from

They

promise,not

them

adore

Zahad

gifthas

flared

Sayyid put

with
his

out

Beginning,that
faithful
went

hearer

and

Chanda.

Pathan,

would

Jn fierce

merchant

when

say

house

picturethe

blank

Within

of

intricate

Opposite
lofty;
grown,
a

but

wood,

beauty,

stood
the

and

wall

As

he

passed

the

from

the

down

Chanda

lived in
with

there

occupiedone

almost

alone

as

fine

as

suggested the

gateway,

that held

surrounding piles of

house.
stately

expected,

was

it

as

were

rubbish

Its demolition

gave

side the

half-

alley.
fretted

lace in

designs

wealth

inside.

elaborate

and

broken

and

that had

once

the

great

paint

high portal,carvingsand

cut

another
walls

master

big ragged

his head.

here

its

above

of

ornaments

the

of

business,

on

away

fluttered

Manich

scene.

Its windowless
and

their

scarf

house, gaudy

effaced.

was

Zahad

the house

to

way

strode away.

balcony,and lightlyveiled
I

his

the
the

awes

passion.

suspiciousof
insultingly

not

the

with

mad

made

passionZahad

of

corner

and

The

his servants,

sanctitywhich

he be

though

an

the

deadly, but

and

repeatedthe Feteha,

and

of utmost

verse

do

deserved."

sudden

rage

hands,

fuming,

out

Manich

still to be

as

such

in this desperatetime, but

others, fervently,

inestimable

you

Collector-sahib

are

and

see

designed

the

should

may

379

STORY.

All- Wise

the

you

You

yet.

as

OLD

how

now,

them

AN

Had

them

taken

OF

BIT

sunrays

as

weed-

been
access

380

ON

overhanging balconies, of exquisitewoodwork,

the

to

adorned

that

the
It

dwelling.
shadowed
almost

alley.
from

met

either
But

side, and

the

the end

lay an

at

of

And

drapery.

the

loftygate, pink

its

opening filled with

the

the

black

sun,

the

narrow

was

bathed

expanse,

thousand

them, towered

above

beyond,

in

sky

market-peoplein

blinding sunshine, with

tints

down, such balconies

lower

and

Above

the

light in

of

gloriousburst

Chanda's

Manich

story of

upper

was

stripbetween.
in

BORDERLAND.

THE

of

livinggreen

shadow,

keen

in

beyond

trees

moat.

No

soul

scarf

with

awe,

blue

eyes

interrogatingHeaven

this

was

He

did

not

done

second

watched

his

him,

meaning

examined

the

the

skill.

So

crumple

Zahad

descended

it all up

voice.

his head

his

alone
As

he

he

palms;

gave

it

Zahad

sky.

human

that he could

the

gold

weight to

twisted
feverishly

recited prayers

of

hint

No

beyond

material

the

was

between

its texture

found

objectround

soft

evidentlywork

girls

two

less beautiful

not

was

he

Had

which

the radiant
It

celestial scarf.

lightand

doubting.

piercedthe

have

trembling.

from

less

of

balcony overhead.

and

That

rapture.

thought

hawk-eyes could

not
bracelets,

cunningly in

figurepoised,his

with

never

the

laughing

Allah's

than

he

lithe

delicate tracery, behind

of

gaps

sign

even

his

stood,

glance at

so, not

small

and

the

took

alley.Zahad

visible in the dark

was

and

woven

fall.
the
then

holy
he

382

THE

ON

his horse, broke

spurred
blows

this

for such

But

support.
A

and

he
pulse-beat
but

in the moment's

and

him

bore

hesitation

in the

protectionrather

divine
like

might

case

severe

whip, though

the

Quick

as

mind,

of

forward

policesprang

it

should

displayitself in

cannot

occur

for

humbly

mess

of it somehow.

him

the

himself

face

his grave

Christian

of

Zahad

that

poured

Heaven

such

But

ideas

perceived
had

he

stood

Sayyid Farid-ud-din

audience, and

of

sense

favour

comfort.

to

charge

disconcerted,since he

been

Moslem's

on

The

now.

his humiliation.

admitted

and

failed

possiblethat

understand

the court,

market-place.

have

not

would

the

with

up

pared.
pre-

down.

disorderlyconduct

in

the

not

was

his presence

recovered

race.

strengthof

him.

day he appearedagain before

Next
of

to

daunt

not

have

would

he

attack

instinct

would

bullets

all his

all the

brought

man,

young

very

yields by
home-discipline,
swords

him

he felt within

moment

Heaven's

heavy riding-whip.

like
high-spirited

and

brave

was

his

cutting

rained

and

through,

with

the Afridi

on

Zahad
At

BORDERLAND-

rebuke

made

amongst
upon

the

prisoner.
The
in

magistratedelivered

silence,his head

Kaffir knew
and
a

bound

cowrie

to

keep

friend,but

the
a

it.

He

heard

Zahad

which

lecture

wherever

nothing about
over

nor

erect

lay the mistake,

was

peace.
householder

fined
Zahad

two

did

unknown

this

rupees,
net

to

own

him

BIT

OF

steppedforward, and
the
discharged,
it.

seen

He

did

Afridi

began

AN

asked

heave,

sighswere

of that volume

world

had

to

would

had

who

one

said

not

mitted,
sub-

word,

the Oriental alone

be

unw.orthy by

in

of

precedented
un-

the

blessed
acts

can

What

allotted

such

enjoyed

himself

proved

Zahad

in semi-consciousness.

torments

had

Nobody

his arm,

despairing. He

he walked

and

When

necessary.

disturbance,but the police

friend took

crestfallen and
his

was

for his scarf.

make

to

383

STORY.

all that

closed in, the unknown

but

OLD

other
and

grace

thoughtless

indiscretion!
reached

They
within

Sayyid'shouse,

the door, as if
himself

threw
u

the

Well

by Heaven,

the

on

said

to

honoured

an

the

of

that

man,

along the

sit beside the lowest

found

him

just

guest. Zahad

ground.

holy

you,

walks

receive

and

brink

he who

is favoured

hell.

of

Faithful.

Let

I may

not

lie in the

me

dust."
The

Sayyid
whilst

divan

thought

did

not

Zahad

their

press

the

point.

He

and
lay along the floor,

sat

on

the

probablyhe

respectivepositionsquitefitting.With

great interest he

heard

of

the

and
manifestation,

new

pondered it gravely.
"

Allah

said,

"

but

has

indeed

not

yet.

six months.

marked

Go

to

I will

you

for great deeds," he

Gujrat and
give

Daula, the sainted recluse,who

you

dwels

meditate

letters
in

to

in

Pit

Gujrat.

tude
soliShah
I will

384

ON

give

also money

you

holiest of
Go

THE

the

for

until it is revealed

men

I look

May

"You

send

to

me

that

for you.

the

The

hold

them

Friday,and

was

not

ceremonial

of

Islam

They

togetherto

tokens,wrapped
hands,
News

and

the

of the

fears

in

The
him

stirred the

had

words

recited

to

as

from

all

air of
He

vague.
a

Sikh

remember,

and

^greaterhumiliation

he

by

the

He

which

what

be

sounds

were

heard

the

alluded

hand

then

And

sermon

every

week

pressive
less im-

glorioustime
the

faith ; when

the

to
to

to

telligible
unin-

priestwere

suffered

at

equal

not

am

they

of

live,dwelt

the

in

persecution

of his audience

cautiouslyhinted

might

agonising

not
significance

many

mihrab.

preach. His

to

of

Zahad's

the mosque

association.

spoke

bulwark

reverence.

conquerors,

the Faithful

an

the

at

again.

heavenly

placed in

soul

the minber

those

city was

subjectionand

The

Hak.

others,but

infidel,
though magnanimously

of the

myself

the fixed

on

spread,and

fervid

by

grander styleand

this

thrilled

his station

took

Afridi's

differed

when

Zahad

gold,were

of

event

blood

because

that

rare

the

ascended

only

innovation

feverish visions and

Farid-ud-din

whilst

hand

the Bawahal

Sayyid

alternated

to

so

cloth

What

imagining.

that

in

is

strange

crowded.

was

in your

evening service."

day

went

"

the bracelets ?

upon

may

conduct

to

to

with

Stay

journey.

to-night."
4i

by

BORDERLAND.

fired

that times of still

unless the Moslem

turned

OF

BIT

Allah

zealouslyto
that

promised
kept the

As

faith.

he

finished,every

burning with passion.Most

knew

what

infidel schemes

that

the

whispersand sobs,then

should

dome

overtoppedby

night Zahad

That

penance,

the saint declared

forthwith

Zahad

He

after death

began

he

and

saw

joys

flowers

of

the jewels and

itself,

Then

life immortal

of

he

for

learned

that this lower

world

mollified,

for the Faithful

than

gold ;

by

the

the

human,

the

light of

above

jestic
ma-

very

all,the thrilling

virtue

devotion.

and

truth, that is felt

is

long

unearthly fragrance,the

more

won

after

was

reserved

poetry of angels'converse,

sense

dwelt

later time

When,

trance.

that Heaven

black-eyedgirlsof beauty

sun

he

unknown.
experiencedelights

to

felt the

the

"

spire.

The

Daula.

Shah

Pir

ecstatic

continued

one

their saint's

idolatrous

an

they

shouting,
hysterical

departed for Gujrat,and

with

months

for six
was

be

in

present

to, and

perish before

all

would

Moslem

of those

referred

were

glowing,

was

eye

heart

in

who

prevailagainst those

every

vowed,

had

Prophet, who

his

and

should

none

385

STORY.

OLD

AN

not

repeated,

nothing,its pleasuresand

its

pains of equal unimportance,contemptible alike.

him,
return

The
Their

in this frame
to

of

mind,

came

one

day

To

the order

to

Multan.

Hindoos

had

been

active

there

and

successful.

had
subscribed,masons
co-religionists
had

been

collected

2c

the

walls

of

and

the

terials
ma-

temple

386

ON

strengthenedto
The

BORDERLAND.

THE

bear

Mahomedan

an

populationhad petitionedGovernment

against this sacrilege.They

Collector-sahib's

compound,
alarmed

was

and

denying to
It could

only

garrison,keep
The

their

obstinacyof
India

has

has

in

been

suffered

any

and

centuries

of the

subjectrace.

againstholy

ten

Islam

thousand

again.

caused

and

but

else in

though
spirit,

Shinwaris, making
did

something

In

the

to

reckless

his death

the

lay
and

its

Pass

devils

scornful

outrages
massacre.

the

order

who

as

shown

heroic

Afridis
safe

was

began

legendof

tamed

who

Khyber
the

and

Brahmanism

has

for

disturbances

district has

Sikhs,

nacy.
obsti-

ordered
patience,

slain,and

India

every

The

stubbornness.

all

severe,

fanaticism

indiscriminate

be

upon

the

again riots

an

to

so

supreme

half,they daunted

Hindoos

Nowhere

district of

ferocious

were

and

heat

the
No

such

Mahomedans

Again

zealouslyobeyed ;

such

its fate with

occasion,Aurungzeb, out of

one

for

noted

so
frequentand
persecution

the

seven

time

acts.

Mussulman

and

Hindoo

the

increase
for overt

wait

by

other.

the

to

menace,

convictions.
religious

endured

Although

On

all

is based

its rule

policealert,and

population of Multan,

alike, have

nor

the

for

warning

return

it could

But

embarrassed.
which

vernment
Go-

threats.

shouted

and

a dignityaccorded
religion

one

the

gathered outside

had

the principleson
stultify

not

weight

of

increase

enormous

as

possess

and

street,

Multan.

oppressionwhich

those

sabreurs

OF

BIT

imposed

sufferers learned

in

But

countrymen.

that

degree

some

when

with

who
English magistrates,

do

the

have

kept

since the annexation.

The

Andamans,

little
have

gatheredforce

in this matter

Hindoos
old

of

streets

until

stood within

Zahad

made

fanatics in

well that
to

thronged with

Moslem,

exultingand

defiant.

Hindoos

elements
struck,but desperate

of

groups

Zahad

door.

learned

until

the

After

these he

small
din
not

He
the

the

that

the

back

came

and

the

blow

about

hour

with
many

those

in the

through

threatening
yet been

had

mustering. Excited
Farid-ud-din's
had
ago.
train

others.

court-yardwere

speech,which

But

rise.

and

holy man

an

in, with
pressed

below

room

made
see

Sayyid

ablaze.

would

No

stood

the Collector-sahib

by

would

which

town

sullen

were

leadingMoslem

less

promptly suppressed

Sayyid'shouse

the

to

PrahladpuriTemple

storm

but

or

more

law, though they acted

the

his way

prudent

transport

awe

the

they set

faint

massacre,

policehave

a
spireon
raising

spirit,
knowing

not

demonstrations

and

rows

ease.

fine, imprison and

and

prosaicallyhang

fellow-

were

perceiveda

rapprochement they explodedit

iear of

they

Sikhs

the

alike, the

Hindu

and

Moslem

on

387

STO11Y.

OLD

AN

could

been

He
of

moned
sum-

waited

Faithful.

When

the

Farid-udfull,
hear

who

could

orator.

said in

brief:

General- sahib

was

"I

waited

with
2c

him.
2

on

the
The

Collector-sahib,
Collector

called

388

on

to

me

of

sense

sahib

it is you

This

is

of words.

What

of you

other

than

have

people!

The

their

have

done

We

follow,it

knows

seek

by

English rule

the
He

unjust/

General-sahib

answered,
'

added

Moslem

and

Poorbeah,

let who

will

begin

oh

Sayyid, for

the

General-sahib

which
the

marks

the

and
disperse

justiceand

green

turban
in

quietlyto
and

heavy

as

you

do

no

of

for

such

is the

And

the

soldiers,

my

distinction,

you

I am,

all I

Islam, but

on

that

will be

their

the contrary,

without

And

guiding

or

spoken !'

contempt

since

hearing of

tenderness

shoot

hints

the

pious indignation.

you

riot !

But,

go

I have

will

unworthy

One.

Blessed

the

it is

"

of

father

I, on

their

warn

spoke,

me,

powerful, in
to

oh
no

insulted.

restrain

to

means

need

of Multan

urged

Collector-sahib, My

candour,

your

Faithful

the

to

if

responsible.*

justicefor outraged Islam

holy placesare

know

Faithful

choice

and,

you,

I said

best

delicate

hold

to

irritated

Have

abused

my

whom

they think

have

with

Collector-

if

watching

been

charge,ye

legal?

enemies

when

has

to

who

fellows

your

Sircar

The

and,

wrongs,

time, oh Sayyid, for

monstrous

no

shall I

How

inflamed

are

soldiers.'

no

have

and

no

The

disturbances

not

I have

wrong?

answered,

their livers

when

them.

peace.

replied: They

they have,

any

the

preserve

the Faithful

control

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

look

to

it,

safety.' So
that

colour

descendant

of

of

the

tone

adjure the

Faithful

homes, relyingon

respect of the Sircar

the

towards

390

But

the

there

was

earth

were

on

Twice

dreams.
child's

amazed.

Afridi

Such

alarm, and

in

At

sight of

heard

Zahad

silks,and

reached

They
words
his

daintyluxury, scarce,

as

It

plan.

should

blow

circumstances

could

scarcelyfail.

his

play his part, and

by

ancient

an

that

conscious

acceptablea

the

delightin
Islam.

of

work.

mere

there

And
grew

the

of

As

neither
as

the

before.

He

of

such
Houris

had

to

choice

the saint's

he

Allah,

the

the

became

an

ecstacies

been

tuition,and

glory of

tion
opera-

welcomed

this

in
of

scene

used
his

real

speak,had

to

Afridi

nor

had

so

was

otherwise

longer

no

life for

passed by

Zahad

been

have

risking his

hours

stronger.

great deal under

in

sending

undertaking,which

war.

are

enthusiasm

agreed with warmth,

Afridi

days

idea

from

vanished

and

means

skill which

with

him,

left

direct influence

The

with

minute

with

proposalwould

the

few

Zahad

suggested that

consented

host

disclosed

slave-woman.

although the

But

but

arranged
Zahad

then, after such

and

Prahladpuri Temple,

up

under

food

thought,terrestrial.

he

as

He

radical.

was

girl-

chatter,but

blood, the Sayyid

the Afridi's

roused

his

stranger it

merry

chamber,

distant

saw

jewels, gold-wrought

quick mountain-eye remarked

his

in

Heaven

opened suddenly, and

door

joyfulface appeared.

vanished

he

things as

plenishingof

the

commonplace.

seemed

have

would

they

Hindoo

rich

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

to

it,
such
illusion
dis-

sleepa

dreams

had

BIT

divine.

been

Whilst

could

of his

body

had

to

was

391

STORY.

were

lie

now

The

visions.

his mind

and
still,

senses

But

visions.

waking

no

his

and

open,

enjoyed broken

sleep,he

not

OLD

AN

his eyes

he

abnormally keen,
he

OF

sire
de-

flat as

was

his limbs.
Two

days he

then

he could
and

he

endured

confided

get abroad

his state

for

the crowd

it seemed

that he would
not

hear

the

policetoo busy.

of this

his remedies
and

too

"

keen

his

cell,he rushed

the

purdah.

uncomfortable

free

he

self,and

created

Afridi

dire

ransacked

observation

than

thought his

asleep.

the

They

He

the

alarm

and

place

story an

were

in

through

control the
to remote

And

mansion.

the

most
ut-

bounding

household

in

left
after

strange

mystic extravagance,

awoke

before,so depressedand
whole

He

places of concealment, he

he had

fell

siasm
enthu-

saw

powerlessto

was

through

of shrewd

the

again

raving and

roam

to

try medicine, and

thrilled him.

had

giant. Consigning his

young

wretched

and

shine
sun-

stake,and

at

Ghazi, the martyr.

After

out

felt

Allah's

Farid-ud-din

awhile, when

the

the

for endurance.

most

frame

of

the throne

only

Sayyid would

were

preferredto

which

to

The

interests

the self-devotion

too

Zahad

He

If

taineer
imprisoned moun-

be all himself.
grave

ful
pain-

enjoy the

to

the

to

Zahad

joys accorded

and

hours

potent.

were

penetratedto

fervid

Farid-ud-din.

to

few

became

misery,which

this

illusion.

infinitelymore
incredulous
In

pure

that

alarm,

392

ON

the

Sayyid

THE

consented

BORDERLAND.

let his

to

for

prisonerout

few

hours.
Events
of

had

the

ripenedduringthe

spire had

the Government's
It

final

Hindoos

answer

certainlyfollow, whatever

so

had

been

central

moved

feverish mind

excited

Whilst

with

they were

troops

posted in

and

talkers

of action is

sympathy

The

hours, neither

for

strolled

consciousness

contempt

those

for

the alarmed

with

of

superior

fussytalkers.

riotingand bandying sticks,he

triumphantlysolve
are

He

spoken to*

inspiredhim

fools

decision, that

cantonment,

felt

throng.

speakingnor
fate

would

disturbance

the

the

questionof right.

spots.

Zahad's
and

from

Moslem

confidence, for

in

and

ing
build-

The

the

and

the

upon

expected that afternoon,

was

days.

actuallybegun,

the
waitingin despair,

were

latter

the

beside

questionby
the

generallypleased to

lookers-on,whose

see

But

an

feeble

the

man

of interested

crowd

helplessnessis

mere

What

himself.

of action

man

would

ment
acknowledg-

of his supremacy.

Towards
Governor
and

to

in Council

given

their
own

evening a

final

legal right
cost.

The

await

with

had

considered

reply.
in

The

The

the

Hindoos

Lieutenant-

Moslem

protest,

would

and
feeling,

patienceits

action

within

stood

embellishing Prahladpuri

Government

outrage Mahomedan
to

spread.

rumour

restrain any
it invited

at

their

attempt

ful
the Faith-

in this matter.

'".

Then

the

command

the

Moslem

findingno

one

to

himself, ready
the

He

dark

was

Allah's

when

he

manifestations

sudden

of the

turn

noise
and

from

came

Zahad

Round

down

the

next

raving Moslem,
compact.

mass

shook

their

and

Here
furnish

Too

swarthy flare

chis,whose

eyes

Afridi's

blood.

came

near

from

the

"

advance,
of

ot

swarm

in

they

torches, crying,

spiritof

the

way

through the

the door, not

unbruised.

than

citycould

material

height,his long

His
a

along.

wynd

The

Zahad

sage,
side-pas-

ran

narrow

closelypressed to

Lah-ullah-hu

He

Scindhis

the

occupied

collected wilder

was

"

who

tough muscles, forced

outlyingmass.

sticks,and

policewith

away,

ing,
the builda

turningthey fell amongst

din!

stirred the

scene

the

from

burst

was

house, but the

police broke

The

townsmen

bludgeons in

Din!

"

of

he

inquirers.A

the

they got sightof

Before

last of

patiently
replyingim-

Chanda's

Manich

quarter.

followed.

beat

arms

that

little column

hid

roadway

of his

the

There

distracted

uproar

to

collecting. It

and

stoppedby policeand questioned. Whilst

a

betook

he

little knots

revealed.

was

ment.
bewilder-

some

alleywhere

the

reached

Hindoos,

unenthusiastic,

passedmany

co-religionists,
eagerly whispering

of

word

the

Then

but

determined,

Sayyid'shouse.

in

till dusk.

about

by

and

quarrelwith, retired

and

As

suddenly.

slippedaway,

roamed

393

STORY.

OLD

cleared

streets

Zahad

AN

OF

BIT

the

desert, Pathans

and

Beloo-

gleamed through tanglesof long hair,,

394

ON

with

wet

BORDERLAND.

THE

perspiration.
They

all carried arms,

and

they

yelledin frenzy.
Round

Great

the

entrance

hammers
With

door.

whirled
a

carried in.

was

There

the house.

thing in

was

By

way,

resistance

no

the

on

crash it gave

vehement.

still more

thundered

and

and

roar

motion

was

and

Zahad

any

living

nor

preparedin

ways

massive

times

more
""

habituallyperilous,
every
buildingwas
chests

entered

in

trampled

the
first,

lootingas
few

as

the

off*.

It
of

the

stant,
in-

all that

who

Beloochis, understand

was

thoroughly
thousand

"Fire!"

of

scream

Soldiers!"

"

an

Those

cries,repeatedby

them.

house, and

All

outside.

their plunstairs,
disposing
der

they went.
was

purdah
"

escaping with

trailed his blessed

sprang

on

offered.

sustained

the last.

among

of the

nor

and

Two

headlongdown

Zahad

and

carried

or

Pathans

moments.

tumbled

in

bottom

science,and theydid the business

voices,disturbed
within

to

top

The

got away.

and
smashed, apartments stripped,

moveable

was

from

rummaged

had

soul

the

scarf!

Zahad

ran

he

saw

an

heavier

he had

no

rending with
in

their
a

ment
apart-

an

big Belooch

aperture therein

recognisedit at

man,

time

other like wild

amongst gatheringsmoke

from

Explanationswere

Belooch, a

shock, but

"

he

From

bundle.

Clutchingeach
roaring and

the harem

the looter.
The

As

glance
asked

not

almost
to

draw

as

tall,
pon.
wea-

and
beasts,rolling

teeth, they struggled

horrid din.

Moslem

and

fixed

in

bounded

Belooch

all before

bayonets,drove

staircase.

of

the

same

At

him, clutchingthe
both

score,

conveyed

the

them,

The

arrests.

street

and
was

daring fellows
the

instant

head

foremost.

Zahad

bundle.

And

presently

whirling down,

were

395

STORY.

fightingoutside,whilst

were

minutes,and

the

came

followed

they

three

up

OLD

AN

indiscriminate

policemade

cleared

OF

Hindoo

with
soldiers,
the

BIT

the

to

guard-room

on

stretchers.
The

rest

The

Belooch

that

of the tale may

they

Zahad

and
quarrelled,

convicted.

was

before

let fall from

so

This

the

in
the

that these

said

admit

you

an

The

"

Allah

it

"

you

reached
mysteriously

If I could

was

you

have
some

in

incredible story

sincere in

believing

of Allah, the simplest

gifts
inquiry
The

you.

themselves

bought any day in

Last year

say

of favour

that
time, prisoner,

justifyyourself
by

disabused

They speak for

specialmark

hallucination.

to

scarf which

first

thingswere

have

had

he

vehemently:

of
possession

sky as

Zahad

the other.

the

you

scarf.

answered

the

To

plunderers

judge interrupted.He

similar

Now

dream.

murdered

Two

questionwhat

he

deposed

downstairs.

The

bracelets which

Delhi

would

on.

is not

pleaded a

about

To

shortly.

very

witnesses

simple.

was

had

one

found

was

and
"

case

doom,
receiving

Belooch

had

pitch him

the

magistrate's
eye
had

half-a-dozen

died,and

saw

be summarised

"

the bazaar.

bracelets
dozen
To

are

like them

make

before

me.

might be

certainty
doubly

396

ON

here
certain,

THE

BORDERLAND.

is the mark

of

scarf is Dacca

muslin, embroidered

of house?

will find such

"

you

No,

be.

cannot

Manich
;

Afridi, distracted.

Chanda

when

the

about
interrogated

asked

all rich

generallyif

the

this
scarf

Delhi

he

by

sold them

to

articles were

the dock

and

brought

at

the

Manich

simple scorn.

They

in

trial,he

But

it confirmed

down

dim

in
been

laughed in

have

acknowledged
unsuspicions,

had

unshaped,which

and

sank

he

made

statement

this evidence

would

first

before

brought

were

He

Had

more.

no

the

casuallythat

This

Chanda.

overwhelmed.

was

And

bracelets

told him

confrere,who

heard
the

But

common

common.

them.
recognised

Zahad

sensation.

not

was

fusion
con-

embroideryhe eagerlyrepliedthat

purdahs such

that
declaring

his

by

simple matter.

expert, a Moslem, only glanced at

had

"and

judge,

of all

the attention

drew

pattern of Scind

from

It

"

Chanda."

Manich

when

"

expert,"ordered

an

score

"

myself saw

"Summon

In

hand.

by

articles

sahib !" cried the

no,

jeweller. The

well-known

forming

been

in his mind.
After
"

You

pause, the
have

been

into your

state

Zahad

to

continued:

of mind.

no

competent persons

But

penalservitude

paid

the clearest

convicted,prisoner,
upon

shall instruct

evidence.

you

judge

attention.

my
for

ten

The

duty

to

inquire

is to

now

demn
con-

years."
doctors

declared him

398

IT

was

African

Fields

unreported.

February 1871

the

New

the rush

colony

grandestof

in July 1871,
right,

yet the

movement

Government

mad

run

had

dreadful

the bulk

than

of those

interested

the

truth

reduce

not

until

discovery

The
I

remember

the fields in October.

diamonds

yieldof
and

year,

few

in gems,

the

to

must

at

tion
produc-

European dealers,
on

and

the spot. But

nearlyall

resolutelyaffected

of facts which

the diamond

my

proved, that

well

had agents
rivals,

public,still discredited,or

course

the

very

before

exclusivelycolonial.

almost

increasing
daily.A

in

1870;

was

occurred, if

I reached

was

it

truth.

all mines
and

December

been

month, 3,600,OOOZ. a

better informed

lously
firstincredu-

was

; but

and

scenes

place.1 Long

reports estimated

300,OOOZ.
was

in

took

had

the

believed

of this

As

Vaal

ColesbergKopje

Europe

untold, their
"

the

whispered on

was
authenticity

Dry digging

"

South

visit the

to

their

whilst

marvels

their
still suspected,

arrival the

luck

singulargood

my

Diamond

customs

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OE

BUNDLE

in

to

the
credit,
dis-

their ultimate

the valus of the garnet.

the

saw

have

as
Fields,therefore,

them,

seen

the

at

What

unprepared.

which
views

illustrate like

to

First

tein, where

I
Mud

is

the

unreasonably,for

frame-house

shed

of

Dutoitspan,used

occupied by

The

And

they tell us

It

paper

was

of

Chief

miles

only

untrue

breakfast

"

One

was

prison; one
"

; and

from

at

the

walls

in the

Sunday

wretched,

at

sense

greasy

New

Kush

villas

home

let to

No

more.

now.

colonial

be

set

with

But

the

that it

feed

Alex-

at
was

that

asked

and

house

Claims.

to

traders

another

third

Bultfontein

baize- walled

which

and

streets

are

but

Justice

at

camp,

Inspectorof

there

tiny

There

they laughed

exaggerated.
to

the

as

solemnly declared

was

; not

diggers had

but

The

"

names

the

this house

How

fine

largestof

hotel."

Chief

Captain Rorke,

such

Lord

friend

it

the

Company

andersfontein, five

Bultfon-

at

excellent

my

canvas,

Majesty's Commissioners

at

house

of

Her

"

I purpose

"

of

planks,my

an

faded

wealthiest

apiece in

of these

people called

it was,

only

room

the

of

guest

graphs
photo-

showman.

pictureof

istence
ex-

small

time

at any

Mansion," and

The

"

packet of

eyes

of

manner

yesterday. Some

up

though

Residence,"

or

in

shown

lived,

tent

like,what

conscientious

notice

to

interestingstage, with

most

great results of science

no

"

turned

Englishvisitors

few

very

they were

diggersled, is

399

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OF

BUNDLE

was

some

monds.
diament
state-

foolishly
friends

enough, but

deli-

400

ON

cious
had

those

to

flavour

meal

varietybut

finished,one

whole

the

across

owned

rose

forthwith

dig

that

have

none

cellar,and

if

house-wall, there
The

ideas, and

such
that

at

had

been

water, and
not

he

Fancy
window

him

made

not

host

at

flakes.

since,to

for the

below

Golconda

for

common

Strange

soil

the

's

earth

Such

perceivedthat

moved.
re-

prises,
sur-

the fields

on

diamonds

the

in

the

the

there

plaster
is

therein

no

did

the foundations.
without
building,flat-roofed,

Successive
the

tract
con-

stickingin

Bultfontein, where

small, low

visible.

effectual

he resolved

singlestone.

that

lation.
expostu-

so

afterwards

new

plaster.

discovered

found

rightlyjudged

very

of

competitor executed

shrewd

My

conspicuous,for

clingsin

comrade

the

and

The

hysterically

in

large amount

found

diamonds

prove

time

were
disappointments,

time.

not

be

must

he

been

were

successful

paid
But

he

speculatorseagerlybid

stray diamonds

beneath.

their

diamonds

the

there.

were

until

discovered

were

The

about
restlessly

threw

him

four

's knowledge. "Some

are

of

more

the search

to

tormented

feast

no

before.

strippedthe walls,heedless

Nine

strolled

sudden,

finding

months

suspiciouseyes

on

table,and

the

They

and

of whom

some

few

of them

Quick

party

BORDERLAND.

fellows,for

poor

or

little room.

was

THE

layersof

surface
articles

of

sun-dried

mud-stucco

brick

only

lean
undistinguishable

againstthe wall, throwing keen-edged

shadows

which

make

feel hot

one

the

BUNDLE

recall the

only to

foreground stands

that

of

varying heightand

stand,not
flannel

his cherished

me

suit

of tweeds

his pipe with

boots,stuffing
the house-wall

where

appears

kept

goat is perchedupon
cart

beyond.

then

Once

three Hottentot

by
and

she

fair

trappedthem,

we
futile,

bottle of

Cape Smoke,

raced

They

during

was

my

in force.

her maid
said to be

Mystery hung

and
a

over

It is certain that

female

vants
ser-

servants

them
to

come

various

to

the

"

declared
that

see

the

quite

manoeuvres,

trapped,with

are

curious

in

Russian

lying

Queen
incident

lady visited

man

the

handsome

we

were

in

of Russia
that

covered

from

good

was

occurred

cart; she

Europe.

deal excited.

Henry Barkly,Governor
2

ambush

Fields,travelling

princessexiled

her, and
Sir

of

Kaffirs

our

allusion

stay.

tered
shat-

annexed

was

female

One

left unprotected.
ostentatiously

hut

doubt, upon

on,

the cook-house

expelledour

monkeys

as

it, and

demented

based, no

After

for

occupied the
That

play.

tinystable,

resembling a

hut, and

had

yond
Be-

Further

ponies.

days.

in

foreground,

of the

about, had

Russia,and

of

Queen

diggers had

with

miles

two
kept possession
was

corner

who

white

thumb.

that cook-house

women,

only, for

we

"

time

upon

Kaffir

round

determined

eminence

some

uncompromising

and

modest

two

and

the

in

trousers
burly J. F., with rolled-up

of them

one

for this occasion

well

three

are

puggree

friend,dressed

There
At

unpicturesqueperhaps,in
beside

wheel-barrow,

bucket.

width.

in

Obtrusive

glare.

emblematic

containingpick and spade and

doorg

401

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OF

of

Cape

402

this illustrious stranger

Colony, gave

the

to

contained

BORDERLAND.

THE

ON

of her

how

make

to

proved

his

His

the

for

She

the

with

bought

lady;

but

she

cart

and

her

her

Russian

in

solemn

princess upon
and

diamonds,

many

cellent
ex-

perplexed

concentrated
finally

attentions

evening,

every

arm.

comfortable

Our

much

was

quite independent, with

be

to

servants.

stroll

things

circular

station.

nationality or

magistrate of Dutoitspan

mendation
recom-

his

of all officials;but

care

hint

no

urgent

an

paid

for

them.
The

familiar

scene

mansion

is

views.

The

His

to

has
the

one

his

is

the

close

immediate

fabulous

wealth

hill.

The

miles

on

New

of

staid

two

or

Rush,

the

But

together.

the

small
In

of

the

grey

the

from

dug

all this

side.

The

superb gambling

who

used

of

unbroken

to

tent
right,a solitary

jumble

our

Beyond

monotony.

populate our

to

flattened mountains

three, then

hills of

grey

earth

on

the

are

prosperityof Dutoitspan,have

thousands

of its horizon
towards

points of

Spreading

me.

working

stretches

veldt

miles

is

man

the

away

Hill,he

recognisethat unforgotten tableau.

Beer's, the

seduced

edge

for

riddled
stuff,"" sittings,"
Not

de

the shots

foreground,all along,

claims.

then

smooth,

sorted

Old

enough

two-and-a-

different

at

camera

by

Bultfontein

landscape from

the

four

large resources.

no

size,four inches

connected
horizon^*and

sheets

"

all

apparentlyaimed

result

consistingof

panorama,

that

stepped outside

we

photographer had

camp

take

when

us

displayed in

pictures are

half.

to

and

left

hand,

the

sharp

glimmer.
appears
a

far

wilderness

velling
Tra-

off,
of

canvas.

waggons
shows

tree

and

frame-houses

how

many

dorn

bestows

bluster
we

wander
plutocrats

geography of

tree, the

Under

its shade

If

it.

refer to

History must

Our

Distances

surveys.

the

if the

starve

recollect

canvas

patched and
claim

feverish

with
he

three times
while

he

confided

looking for
but

day, 1

hundreds

used
in

diamonds

any

of rubies

the fatal mistake, and

that the dealers would

The

me.

In

speak

not

its

on

it

buy
2D2

him

ropes,

there

had

he worked

rich, but

him, and

to

one

unapproachablein
hinted

would

passing two

poor

longer;not

these

who

Bultfontein,which

to

barrassed.
em-

privileged

owned

lived

diamonds.

be

our

dwellingwhich

bellying
who

to

enterprise.In

industry. People thought

displayedhis

never

who

another

man

the other side of

upon

Boer

it.

notoriously

This

miserable

tent,

The

dingy.

from

5,000/., and

citystands

pal-shaped

"

for about

policestopped his

front of the

measured

Excise.

registeredin

small canteen,

pot-houseis kept by Duplat,the

sold them

is

hang

to

Griqualandwould

recognisea

did

hours

two

which

are

Rush

chuckling

down,

tree

cameel-

anything happened

West

unlicensed,yet ignored by

farms, who

and

up

finding none

and

what

object on

clock, seeking an

nigger, and
maps

With

not

New

whereof

camp

deprive us.

those

the

by

our

I know
That

tree.

with

panorama

depth of

another

not

glory on

cannot

see

there is

The

it.

round

miles,and

of four
but

them,

conspicuous amongst

Our

width

is

403

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OF

BUNDLE

fellow

had

cautiously.He
his stones, but

after

he

not

was

colour.

or

found,
I

saw

admitted
he had

an

404

ON

THE

ingenious theory to
showed

me

for that.

account

full

jar

BORDERLAND.

still deceived

was

he

have

may

The
of

of

and

this rich

digging

crowded

purlieusof

the

stand

in the

next

picture,appears

confusion

sheds,
the

and

dam,

suffocated

descendingfrom
the

mud.

their

drink

from

comes

the

"

Square

carcasses

is

The
and

impurity.

We

pa}

threepence a bucket, and

comes

as

So familiar

cheap, and
was

that

is not

scene

seldom

we

more

half

of

roofs,
lies

lying
horses

water

fetid

churning of hoofs,odorous
that

the

orderly

cattle

the

wine

in

probablysent by

away.

dam, stagnant

marvel

"

an

little train

his

spiders

on,

with

No

the

Conspicuous
dead

at

rade
lordlycom-

best,thick

it ourselves.

but

beyond

Farther

three

That

the Market

policeto drag

have

houses, corrugated iron

pool, with

the

in

range

We

Buggies and

warehouses.

enormous

shallow

Dutoitspan Camp,

of tents, frame

cook-house, and

there.

and

here

open

tents

township, where

quarters all detached.

Camp

Rush,

New

of

groups

has his residence, his stable,his

servants'

huge

one

yonder.

magnificence of
are

by

It is almost

out

peared.
ap-

outskirts

between
siftings

the mine.

there

the

shows

go

I fear

truth

cruel

is effaced

horizon

the

wiser

as

Fields, and

the

panorama

mountains

as

yet reached

not

iny

and

town

mountains,

when

the barrier of

mound,

Field,the

I left the

senses

The

Dutoitspan.

continuous

of

bit

second

such

man

presents for their children.

as

when

his

lost

deluded

lovely garnets,

of

aside
diggers put carelessly
He

The

we

the

at

with
we

wash.

all

fetch

Pontak

nasty.
score

of years

since,

406

ON

in

enjoyed

we

The

that

adventures

night
years
not

The

either

on

of open

row

One

the

couches

at

How
so

hours

far

as

axes,"

beer.

After

beverage

sleeperout
One

each
of

day,

athletic
it very

as

we

early.

digger.
knife, and

it had

drunk

or

of

his

hour,

the

by

it his

of

duty

to

counted

lease,no

the

to

to

the

speak.

formula.

of his

pontak wine, brandy, and

of

an

day depended,

the number

relaxation

and

rouse

his invariable

was

gather,on

the
This

had

gingerhaled

he

sort

pick

"

as

with

glare

it up

miller

Hebron
of

youth got
his full

breakfast, arrived

to

kept

White

all,wrapped

give that chap

down

sat

who

youth,

with

of

bed, regardlessof protest.

lime-dust, scarred

eyed

held

!"

George

could

if

"

bedrooms.

made

shed

diggers tired

termination

it's daylight outside

many

open

Partitions

reckoned

occupant

Hi,

in the

shed

vast

dining-hall,but

were

factotum, Oeorge,
every

of

undressed, as they thought fitting.

or

Martin's

"

the

Ben-

at

consisted

water.

own

ten

I dare

but

be had

to

washed

beds, where

lay down-, dressed

public

grotesque horror;

billiard-table

side

was

space

Christmas

on

accommodation

findingone's

"

there

always

was

the roof.

to

sometimes!

print that story,

to

humorous

open

central

These

for

courage

with

double

excelled

The

baize

green

corpse

Martin's.

washed

one

Russian

fun

bar-room

behind,

Harmless

now.

and

BORDERLAND.

hostelry,grim enough

be

to

I had

ago

ning

of

not

are

THE

with

late,or
the

begun

poisonous

boils, bare-armed, red-

sorting, he
into

very

an

looked

type

of

bed, high-boots,butcher's

his head

time, if I

up, and
was

layquiet.

you,

"

George,"

I'd
said

somebody, and
his mind.

crossed
take

But

refreshment

bar.

Business

and

means

after

be

while

would

Suddenly his
twisted

it

"Is

punching
"No,

board

don't

tell

of

remarks

not

to

there

out

persevering.

was

off the

blanket,

George'shead.
is it?"

blackguard

you

"

chap

no

had

grand displaywe

From

would

produce

those

panic !

If

we

had

nine

besides

what

over?

It

was

he

known

faith

sold, what

could

spot
But

that

in
who

refused, and

think.

How

diamonds

another

dismally, againstthat

which

keep

up,

flood?

we

earliest

could

keep

fortnight,

what

stood

daunted
we

in

Sonnenberg
in

of gems

startlingfact

an

us

fortunes

unshaken, when

he

which

reached

It
What

the

pounds weight

that

rough

the first warning

But

1871.
on

only

judgment cool, his

accumulated

that

on

diamonds

near.

very

were

of

interest.

December
who

sometimes

store

regard with

or

missed,

the

mysterious receptacle ragged

some

catastrophewas

November

lies,"exclaimed

more

final kick.

brigands would
empress

reply is

other's

it ain't!"

no,

Hi,

"

him.

youth, with
What

ness
busi-

sleeper

snatched

up,

daylightin there,

Then

"

The

!"

jumped

tightlyround

it

muffled

the

large proportionof

victim

the

to

George forgot his prudence,

repetition. But George

bear

not

to

custom

order

an

had

idea

same

man's

good

carried

he

shook

he

"

the

was

drink.

transcribed

if the

as

transactingafter breakfast,and

it's daylightoutside

man,

his

it

whenever

was

there

looked

George

40?

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OF

BUNDLE

said

They

us,
to

did

one

keep

408

ON

BORDERLAND.

however, they keep

up,

draws

and

nearer

On

more

that black

closed

above
It

was

talked

my

friend

Paris

and

at

camps

since

that

We

have
of

to

say

three

the

of veldt

divide

which

"

before

with

yard, busy

forty-seven

attention

the

to

all the

over

it reached

I feel

and

savagely

meant

traversingthose

limbs

and

the

carcasses

with

carts, dotted

from

me

us

Dutoitspan. My

at

sprinkledwith

"

we

of it.

But

each.

of

each

at

As

bands

promised land,

fluttering
rag

of canvas,

shapeless
objectsstanding there, all solitary,
beyond

the

outskirts

of

Dutoitspan. They

signs remaining
time

we

had

that

the

most

were

their

of

curious

Hope,

knocked

happy
thus

notion

reduced

to

and

called them,

Rush, begging
which

are

found

Once

the
in

outward

The

struck

river-camps
diggers of

two

Shouldering

idleness.
a

cart, and

nodules, "lumps"
most

upon

long enduring

so

off.

cradle, they tramped hither,hired

New

the

are

incident.

deluge so copious
industrious

flooded.

Cawood's

round

think

stayed long enough

call your

must

to

now

word

Kaffirs

of
it

taken

sentative
repre-

offered

photographs is scarcelytouched,

miles

oxen

London.

refused

we

graph.
photo-

Mege,

Dutchman

had

figure. And

even

bundle

He

carat.

this

daybreak, droppinghis price until

incredible

bewildered

of

the

27s.

carats,

M.

slightlyyellow,

very

one

little frame-

recognise in

at the door, a
disconsolately

perfect stone,

the

at

occupied by
in

from

all did

we

largefirm

as

dam, which

the

of

near.

another, I called

to

final smash

still,
though the

up

day, wandering

dealer's

house

of

THE

claims

"

masses

went
we

of

tufaceous
knew

BUNDLE

lime, which
well

very

anywhere

but, if

careless

it for

buildingwalls
the

blows, they tossed

of

men

such

or

Cawood's

Hope

they had

enough

style,washing
Next

dawn

as

been

world

dwell

their

children

no

two

but

very,

would

give

not

them

piled

powdered
the

feet of

But

still we

Look
It is

them.
a

at

the

lunch-time, and

walls
one

photograph.
so

acres

to

claims

At

the

say

this

have
of

area

is

that

top

bounded

men

left
and
to

people.
lumps.

jewel-box

deserted.

vanished, and
so,

swore,

rolled

half-a-dozen

or

present time, the

or

even

dried

this wondrous

which

tell

they

our
investigate

are

who

we

But
sun

of
representation

cannot

confusing here

pit,eight

sightof

picturesof

is the

perplexed observer

in

the

Henceforward

lumps."

trouble

the

and

diamond
thirty-carat

not

Cawood's

Fields

laughed

"

lumps

about

Diamond

roadside, until

Then

would

marvellous

the

their

passingKaffir

now

the

warning.

away

the

luxury,

not

them.

at

their property

stick of

if

We

took

the

on

of

others.

few

very

half

somewhere

in comfort

legend

strange than

more

but

more,

men

not

By

stood
fixings,

and

Not

idle

the river

pounding

cradles

one

cart.

ingeniousdiggers of

Those

seen

the

up

of

now.

touched,

they removed.
were

them

see

you

collected had

Hope

instead

lumps

the little tent, the

abandoned

had

the

No

begin operationsin

to

or

in that

some,

load

to

two

that.

as

as

side, and used

one

on

purposes

time, employed their Kaffirs

noon

it

under

break

to

diggers

likelythere

as

were

refused

lump

Our

crumble.

not

diamonds

three

refused

will

that

409

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OF

New

So truthfully

the

scene

bottom

and

roads
Rush

by

of

"

is
the

410

ON

I could

reef."*
chaos

THE

BORDERLAND.

represented here.

which

is the

and

terraces

with

wheelbarrows
will

finelywith

discern

Kaffir

has

perplexityand

dizziness

clutches

gazed

the

wildly

at

that

he

rests

his

hair

of

of

his elbows

murky

till in

holes

his knees

on

from

brain

his

keep

to

spection
in-

harmonises

brink

world

buckets

Minute

attitude

whose

upon

gigantic

suspended

machinery.

Solitaryon

scene.

like

ropes

and

endless

and

the

by

windlasses

excavation, he

and

roads, interruptedby

broken

by

abysses apparently

sees

platforms,traversed

web, diversified
and

one

up,

crossed

unfathomable,

thoughtfullyresolving

After

right end

former

the

of

idea

possiblygive an

not

whirling.
I understand
was

the
stir

place to

been

dug

from

that

great London

our

enriched

been

How
small

how

it

by

"

questions,but
from

chain
of

were

bigger

scarce

labourers
"

All

waiting

arose

hill of

than

any

for

the

now

machinery

cool

fallen
to pump

walls
in, and
it out.

feet
of
New

Thousands

those

sheer, with

Rush

Even
is

new

below,

time, white

my

lime.

rinth
laby-

it,a

shade

descend

to

hundred

dark

such

that

upon

encircled

before

Long

wage

crumbling

the reef has

looked

one

have

little about

antiquelandscape!

dolls.

at

troubled

of

one

its influence

be

must

siftingsthat

toiling in

refused

the

as

in the

fifty,
eighty,a

for
*

the

of mountains

men

holes

they

We

sterlinghave

thousands

many

potent

generationsunborn

on

How

the

on

larger than

field,no
!

squares

all others

millions

many

Rush

New

Kaffir.

imagination beyond

of the earth.

surface

that

feelingsof

perilous
no

port
sup-

Kaffirs

big deep pond,

BUNDLE

not

buy

gun.

and

dug
sat

walls

in the

in

plumb-line

motion.

every

roads,

in, with

result

against which
the

struggle

continued.

Then

their

drink

and

their

handful

of

the

It

working.
ground

return

of this

kopje

the

fields

amount,

I know

to

startles

one

300, OOO/.

two-thirds

with
more

out

only

the diamond

opportunity
I could

going beyond

has

one

talk

the

by

range

that

I left ;

just

knows

why.

become
of
the
of

the

area

more

not

pay
acres

For
are

for
of

the estimate

was

twelve

of the

with

There

eight

which

sum

arrival.

my

the

do

to

the

despairingly.

; such

of

hard

working

month

one-sixth

productive,Heaven

stowed

men

ground.

hear

to

when

roads

after

cost, which

my

togetheryieldedat

four

their

poured

sprinkledround

tents

enchanted

all

alone

mad

still the

dusk

retired

day, they

not

hill

precious stones, withdrawing

in those fine

all

is

parts of it,as

of

township. Or,

hands

Rush

New

But

at

walls

The

bodily, and

over

Kaffirs

the

and
sorting-table,

gamble

own

Still

they

itself,the

reef

toppled

the

another

disastrous.

the

above

eyes

beneath

after

pumping-apparatus.

the

away

outskirts

scraped the

jealous

one

less

or

they worked,

smashed

on

that

more

collapsed incessantly.

buckets

rivalrymen

tunnelled

They

them

weakening

so

whilst

hand,

to

precautions. They

in

time

no

and

of avarice

fever

enough

plank suspended in mid-air, and

watched

fell

But

sank, wasting

upon

earned

tempted, after they had

be

might

411

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OF

But

all

of this

buted
probably contriwas

All

almost

un-?

nected
things con-

mysterious

the

studying the questionpractically.

hour
my

on

this theme

personal

without

observation.

412

ON

Take,

as

from

detail in

one

they are

in

which,

when
or

found

at

call

But,

the

argue

diamond
What

must

even

the
All

away?

the

Enough

of

of

Rush
the

at

less

persuaded
You

can

3,000

sections

what

chips

been

dug

that

that

the

others

scattered

force

so

knows
a

be

man

crowded,

overtop

mostly, unless

its parts

Cape

and

it

to

take

stalwart

gentle.
is
has

chosen

Dutch

they

of

think

one

he

instant's

an

to

they

show.

by

has
rest.

seem.

These

head

blood, quiet and

themselves

of

view

ruffians

Kaffir

split

gems

actuallybeheld

Here

bearded, brawny

Africanders, English or

area.

successful,roads, and

about

the

exploding

hurled

had

who

tance
dis-

enormous

photographer

less

men

The

our

problems.

The

work.

reasonable

an

that

soil would

the

so.

over

evidentlyslow

scientific

all the

within

giganticwhich

saw

it is

ever

under

down

to

prove

world

are

is buried

have

fancy what
who

of

diamond

European diggershad scarcely

yet begun
giants

flake

might naturallyexpect

not

never

but

process,

New

the
I

now.

observed

stone

two

of

it does

was

which

monsters

broken

no

lime, justas any

fragment deep

presence

but

have

One

together?
a

may

chip,and

the

upon

these

be

may

perfectmass

Now,

stuff,"tufaceous

discoveryof

fragments split

"

antediluvian

friend

My

"

which

the

remain

chips

depth, buried, closelyenveloped in

every

"

Fields

of

of

matter

whole, represented a

in the earth.

fitted

size

the

thereabouts.

carats

we

The

as

bits.

the

circumstances

angle

an

survive

gems
find

if

the

on

crystal under

be calculated

we

thousand,

variously
suggested.
such

BORDERLAND.

enough

common

the

THE

are

fearing
God-

aggrieved.

414

ON

chose

THE

BORDERLAND.

little party of his

ideas,furnished

the

needful

for New

All

they understood

Rush.
for

longed
Bushmen

used

the

at

they

sufficient
that

heap

pierce their

to

Fields, they hired

diamond

was

and

saw,

they

off

set

he

gems,

Then

he

advertised

application.
milk

we

of

tents

It

After

riots.

was

meting

We

under

it

after

was

to

defend

reportedto
vowed

wrongdoers.
evident

all

arms

nocent
in-

the

heard

trouble

to

after

month

never

of

about

an

spilt

done,

day's work

He

justiceon

the

plunder of

th

march

swore

that the

One

mass

in
of

on

the
the

Bultfontein
to

to

New

thieves, a
landlords.
Residence

assist Dutoit-

afternoon, especially,

magistrate that

the
to

at

summons

ourselves.

of the

time, that

out

night

time, expecting

diggers had

too

in its

out

suspected,and generally

wild

impulse counselled

or

and

when

came

And
I

the

receivers

natural

span

bank.

busy,

too

playing mischief.

time

pretty

sport of chevying, beating,hanging Kaffirs,

the

burning

sat

the

kleptomaniacslodged

busy

too

not

were

indulge the

Rush

the

store

cheerful

beyond words,

for claimants.

were

the

lost diamonds.

or

But

We

every

with

gaze

truth

innocent

in

ill-gottentreasure

month

horrid

Shocked

those

of

stole

rejoicing. Very

the

unblushing nakedness.
suborner

out,

injudiciouslyasked

very

how.

and

arrival

they thought

gluttinghis

the

On

instruments.

when

padre

wherewith

stones

themselves

home

After

padre.

of

where

his

shining

their

that

was

vague

his Kaffirs

started

and

means,

those

of

some

explained his

converts,

4,000

New

general crusade

specialconstables, but

Rush

against
it

was

diggersat Dutoitspanwould

BUMDLE

interfere

not

evening of

415

PHOTOGRAPHS.

OF

That

personallyannoyed.

unless

excitement

an

us, if I remember

saved

storm

was

rightly.
In

incidents

occurred

The

all its contents,

absence.

somehow

secured

which

raised

paid

foundation

What
What

that

the

money

of

that

depicted in
represents

the
"

last

"

divine

despair'5on

crowd

and

the

stand

by

white,
their
the

little group.

them,

Vaal,

and

cool green
fortunate
but

bars

of

welcome

one

depths

from

desert.

the

It

or

jacket,
Blue-

of

those

of

some

madding

Four

Fine

in hand.

lies the

blessed

men,

all

with
swift

music

of

overhang

trees

brush

swells

pellucidwater
its silver

shadow.

are

supper.

The

somewhere

Their

wives
near,

children

up
of

ripples,

great flakes of heavenly blue

happy

adventurers

Hope,
"

that

me!

before

set

run

with

pool,barelegged,pausing with

before

down

the

laid

five minutes.

scenes

the

hill clothed

making

coin,

heard.

Rush

"

in

holiday

shallow

softlyhurrying

rude

simpleinstruments

behind
the

beheld

well-

and
and

in

Cawood's

sun-bleached
a

the

with
Forth-

error.

over,

never

Moonlight

or

those

diamonds

feverish

digging,

wet

an

times

photograph

landscapeswe

sweet

such

are

Hebron,

or

made

smashed

they left, and

convinced

fortune

Kaffirs

ing
unreason-

there, in

Kaffirs
before

they had

sufferer's

contrast

the

loss ten

for the

of

pleasant

canteen,

subscriptionin

done

was

burnt

hearing,which

that

added,

paroxysms

returned

He

persons

they

rioters

nearly killed

master's

intentioned

these

during

vengeance.

be

it should

however,
justice,

and

of those too

cooking
are

the

playing

416

in

the

bush

quietly

in

slumber

of

the

old

hard

work

the

spring-bok

and

gains,
burly,
the

the

"dry

of

well,

not

will

men

night

all

the

kindly

sant
plea-

will

slumber

the

trees

fantastically,
take

the

scour

and

once,

before

fortunes

in

and

an

with

returning

Such

koraun.

hour,

unheeded

their

clean

dreamed

we

morrow,
To-

paid.

holiday,

veldt,

guinea-fowl

merriment,

fields."

fathers'

"

duyker,

making

mad

At

under

and

diamond-digging

was

their

brightening

waggon

mount

roers,

voices.

merry

perhaps,
trusty

BORDERLAND.

bathing

or

with

toil

of

THE

ON

lous
fabu-

of

of

the

hurly-

wretchedness