Adventure Magazine Cover — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

Guns of the Gods “What of it?” he demanded. “What do we care what they believe? And sup- posing it were true, what then? Just at present I’m in partnership with Gunga- dhura.”’ JINENDRA’S SMILE [DEEP broods the calm where the cooing doves are mating And oe quiver noiseless ’neath the courtyard Cool ep the gloom where the suppliants are wait- Beguine little favors of Jinendra on their knees. Peace over all, and the consciousness of nearness, Charity removing the remoteness of the gods, Spirit of compassion breathing with new clearness, “There’s a limit set to khama; there’s a surcease from the rods.” “Blessed were the few who may trim the lights of kindness, Toiling in the temple for the love of one and all— If it were not for hypocrisy and gluttony and blind- Smiles ae ie image of Jinendra on the courtyard wall. CHAPTER IV “The law .. the treetops,” ASMINI, hooded like a bandit in the camel-hair cloak, resumed an air of leisurely dignity in keeping with the un- hurried habit of Sialpore the moment she was through the gate, for Mukhum Dass the money-lender, followed by a sweating, lean parasite on foot; was riding a smart mule on his customary morning round to collect interest from victims and oversee securities. He was a fat, squat, shiny-looking per- son in a black alpaca coat, with a black umbrella for protection from the sun, and an air of sour dissatisfaction for general business purposes—an air that was given the lie direct by a small, acquisitive nose and bright brown eyes that surely never made bad bargains. Yasmini’s hooded figure brought him to a halt just at the corner, where the little road below the Blaines’ wall joined the wider road that led down-hill. Business is busi- ness, and time a serious matter only for those who sign promissory notes; he drew rein without compunction. - “This house is yours?” she asked, and he nodded, his sharp eyes shining like an animal’s, determined to recognize his ques- tioner. . is like a python after monkeys in Treasure. - house, : 23 “There is a miscalculating son of lies who brings a lawsuit to get the title?” He nodded again—a man of few words except when words exacted interest. “Dhulap Singh, is it not? He is a secret agent of Gungadhura.” “How do you know? Why should the maharaja want my property?” “He hunts high and low for the Sialpore Jengal Singh, who built this was in the confidence of Gun- gadhura’s uncle, and a priest says there will be a clue found to the Treasure geo the floor of this house.” ‘‘A likely tale indeed!” “Very well, then—lose thine house!’ Yasmini turned on a disdainful heel and started down-hill. Mukhum Dass called after her, but she took no notice. He sent the sweating parasite to bring her back, but she shook him off with execrations. Mukhum Dass turned his mule and rode down-hill after her. “True information has its price,” he said. “Tell me your name.” ‘That also has its price.” He cackled dryly. ‘‘Names cost money only to their owners—on a hundi” (promis- sory note). ‘“‘Nevertheless there is a price.” “In advance? I will give a half-rupee.” Once- more Yasmini resumed her way down-hill. . Again Mukhum Dass rode after her. “At any rate name the price.” ft-15 silence firstly; second, a security for silence.” “The first part is easy.” “Nay, difficult. A woman can keep silence, but men chatter like the apes in every coffee-shop.”’ His bargain-driver’s eyes watched hers intently, unable to detect the slightest clue that should start him guessing. He was trying to identify a man, not a woman. ‘How shall I give security for silence?” he asked. “T already hold it.” ‘How? What? Where?” The money-lender betrayed a glimpse of sheer pugnacity that seemed to amuse his tormentor. “Send thy jackal out of earshot, tiger.” He snapped at his parasite angrily, and the man went away to sit down. Then: “Where are the title deeds of the house you say you own?” she asked him suddenly. com () <S) +1 0)(0)(0) (E@)