The Star of India

by Edward Sylvester Ellis

The soft footstep which fell on their ears was that of Luchman returning from his foraging expedition.

He did not come back empty handed. He brought a lota or brass jar of water, some native fruits and a half dozen chuppatties or flat cakes, used universally through India and the greater part of the Orient, as well as in Central and South America. There was no meat, which would have been unpalatable during such hot weather. The water, as was to be expected, was warm and not very clear, but it was sufficient for their wants, and they were grateful because of the success of the native.

It was an impressive sight when this humble meal was spread upon the ground, and the missionary asked the blessing of Heaven upon the food, while a prayer for continued protection was not forgotten. During the simple service none was more devout than the guide. His head was bowed and his lips moved with a prayer of his own, which lasted a minute or two after the other was finished.

While they were eating, Mr. Hildreth asked Luchman how he came to be so fortunate in his search for food. He replied that India was a rich country, and he was not forced to any extreme measure to get what he brought. He found a native's hut at no great distance, where he obtained all that was needed. The lota was a part of the native's property, and his wife had just baked the cakes for the evening meal. Inasmuch as the seller was well paid for what he furnished, no doubt he would be pleased to continue the contract.

There was an abundance for all, and after the meal each prepared to pass the evening hour as enjoyably as possible. The mother laid her head in her daughter's lap, while Marian rested hers against the trunk of a tree, and both closed their eyes in slumber. They were weary, and had such need of rest that the slumber was welcome.

Mr. Hildreth imitated them, and, like most persons of his age, it took but a few minutes for him to glide off into the land of dreams.

Dr. Avery and Luchman remained awake. The latter seemed to have formed a strong liking for the Englishman, whom he was not unwilling a short time before to leave in a situation of deadly peril. The surgeon was out of cigars, and as a matter of course never was so eager for a smoke. Under the circumstances, he was glad to share with Luchman the enjoyment of his hookah, or water pipe, generally made of cocoanut, and so cheap that even the beggars are supplied with them.

A few minutes were enough to satisfy the surgeon, when with thanks he passed the hookah to its owner, who puffed in the slow, solemn fashion peculiar to his people when they are resting. The native, like the surgeon, seemed to be in good spirits, though in his case there was little variation to be seen except by a close observer.

Both had reason to feel thankful for the success that had marked their attempt to get out of the center of the mutiny, and Luchman admitted that they could not have done better.

"We never would have done half as well but for you," was the warm comment of the Englishman.