Eastern High School - Echo Yearbook (Baltimore, MD)

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Allis Trust MILDRED SKIRVEN '29 AZING into the lily pool, Abdul Ben Ali was but dimly conscious of the fluffy white clouds mirrored in its shimmery surface, floating against the blue.,of the sky like froth on the restless ocean. Nor was he conscious of the soft wind, sighing gently through the nearby cypresses and willows. ,But of the quivering re- flection of the glistening fairy-like minarets of the temple beyond the pool he was keenly con- cious. For this was his god, the object of his orship-this was the Taj Mahal. As guard at the Taj, Ali had every right to be vitally alive to this shining temple, for did not this object of his devotion come second only to his wife? And good reason was there for this reverent admiration of the lowly guard. as an -r 4: 4- -if It is a humble story but yet an interesting one, the story of how the caste-bound young In- dian devoutly worshipped a dark-eyed jewel whom he could not hope to win except by some great deed which would break down the prejudice of ages, and how his appointment as guard at the Taj Mahal brought the fulfilment of his dream. All of this story cannot here be fully told, but I shall try to relate the incident of the Iamshid jewel. in we wk af an 4- Of course, there were attempts to appropriate the jewels which so richly adorned the exquisite building. At times these attempts had succeeded, but never since the coming of Ali had there been any loss of jewels. The vigilance of Ali was keen, and his suspicions sensitive to those enter- ing the shrine with ulterior motives. He knew at a moment's glance whether the light in the eyes of the visitor was one of admiration or avarice. Now it happened that on a certain morning Ali, squatting cross-legged, back against a marble bench, on the edge of the lily pool, was strangely stirred, for glancing upward he had beheld a black-winged bird of prey soaring loftily against the matchless blue of the sky and this could sig- nify only one thing, trouble. Ali knew it was an evil omen. But one was not paid for reclining against benches and feeling a.gitated, so Ali quietly arose to begin his day's duty. Visitors were already beginning to appear and it was time to stand guard over the tombs of the Shah and his fair Page I I wife, whose beauty and grace had inspired' this architectural triumph. As Ali approached the tombs of the departed ruler and Arjemand, his favorite among a thou- sand wives, he became aware of a tall slightly- built man of English appearance, pausing near the tomb of the former queen. The tomb of the adored Arjemand was of delicate workmanship, carefully executed and resplendent with priceless jewels. The design on the cover was an intricate one of emeralds, pearls and sapphires. The cen- tral jewel was a blood-red ruby of great size and fabulous value. It was upon this gem that the stranger was intent. In the dimly-lighted re- cess of the mausoleum, the stone gleamed with flashing fire, like the baleful gleam of some ma- lignant eye, and as the visitor peered at the jewel, a fierce light shone in the depth of his deep-set eyes, the light of the hunter who sights his prey and plans for the killing. Being of a suspicious nature and knowing what volumes men's eyes speak, Ali immediately be- came mistrustful of, the man, for his eyes held strange thoughts. Suddenly the foreigner became conscious of Ali's presence, his manner instantly changed, and he became a casual, normally in- terested observer, nothing more. A rather interesting piece of work, but doubt- less of little value, he nonchalantly remarked to Ali. He showed so much surprise upon hearing the voluble Ali explain that the stones were of im- mense value, particularly the central ruby, which was the jewel of Jamshid, otherwise known as Torch of the Night, in fact, he was so con- vincing in his polite interest that Ali was reas- sured. After some light discourse, the very en- tertaining gentleman passed on, leaving Ali to clink two shining rupees in his palm. With the increasing heat the visitors departed from the garden in their gharries, seeking relief from the burning sun. With them went the stranger-but he was to return. It would be several hours before any other visitors would appear, and Ali retreated to his former garden seat, shadowed by the gentle wil- low, which seemed to droop from the very in- tensity of the sun's rays. Glancing up, Ali again saw the vulture hover- ing on shadowy, motionless wings, seeming to hang without effort in the sky. And again there

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Semper Pamtus

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THE EASTERN ECHO came a feeling of approaching trouble, an unac- countable premonition of evil. But even a trou- bled soul cannot resist the lure of whispering trees. murmuring breeze and sweet-scented flowers for long, and Ali was soon asleep. How long he slept, he never knew. He was only aware of some horrible nightmare which invaded his dreams, rendering him powerless to any action or outcry. For in his mind there grew a threatening shadow, which resolved itself into the figure of some huge and repulsive beast, with immense wings as black as a bird of prey. In its head there shone, not the customary two eyes, but one glittering red orb which scintillated fire- like flashes. Most curious of all, the beast walked upright with the bearing of a man. Then as he visioned the beast, it seemed to Ali that the eye dimmed, glowing now strong, and now weak, but steadily fading. And as it faded there came to Ali the feeling that he was losing something dear and close to him. With this feeling came a growing strength and return to consciousness. The next instant Ali found himself on his feet, staring wildly about the familiar garden. Even as he looked there fell a shadow across the face of the lagoon, and, looking up, Ali beheld the vulture, circling now but a stonels throw above his head. Without volition Ali felt himself mov- ing toward the vault. Mounting to the entrance, he stepped over the threshold. There, within the light of the swinging lantern. crouched the stranger. It did not occur to Ali to ask how he came there when the grounds were supposedly closedg there was only the realization that the reason was one of deep concern to him. The man's back was, fortunately, turned toward Ali, who began stealthily to approach the un- suspecting figure. As he came nearer, Ali real- ized that his troubled spirit had found its an- swer, for the man was working at the mounting of the Jamshid jewel! Hot, resentful rage filled the heart of Ali. That a mere white mortal should attempt to steal the sacred jewel was incredible to him. By a strong effort of will, he refrained from uttering the cry that sounded in his throat, intending to take the thief unaware. But the invader must have sensed trouble, for he turned at that instant, star- ing into the eyes of Ali with terror written on his face. With a sudden movement, a gun ap- peared in his hand and a blinding flash and a roar followed. Ali felt the sting of a bullet as it nicked his arm. The following action was sudden and furious. Forward Ali leaped, grasping the gun as it flashed again, this time harmlessly. The stranger dis- played mighty strength, but Alils skill proved su- perior as he threw his opponent crashingly to the floor, where the man lay limp and senseless. The arrival of several other guards attracted by the shots relieved Ali, who stood beside the tombs and triumphantly watched the unresisting thief led forth, to be dealt with suddenly and surely. And then what of Ali? It must suffice to say that he had indeed proved himself worthy of the hand of the lovely maid from whom rank, in the ordinary course of events, would have forever sep- arated him. at ak wk Pk 4- ak And so there was little wonder why Ali, gazing into the lily pond, was but dimly conscious of the Huffy white clouds mirrored in its shimmery surface, Floating against the blue of the sky, for his eyes were fixed upon the image of the beau- tiful temple which was reflected before him in the quiet pool and his thoughts were intent upon the great happiness which had come to him. lu. , five .- fi? 7 amz ,,.,. MAH ,355 I X. 3 b-'ull 5 Q 7 'T-'16, 4 '11-3 m. . ,Page 12