Part 11

Such was the home of Ahmed, plain, satisfying only the requirements of a simple native life. It covered much ground, for the number of servants and concubines demanded considerable room even for plain housing. But there was little display of wealth within except in the wearing of gold-embroidered robes and precious jewels. Only a succession of bare paved courtyards, with open and closed rooms at the sides, made up the house all practically unadorned except one in the centre of the house which was gorgeous in carving and inlaid work and faced a tiny, open mosque, also richly ornamented. The mosque was a most beautiful example of Indian skill in carving and stone work and about the niche which pointed towards Mecca were many passages from the Koran, inlaid in the marble with precious stones in a most delicate and marvellous way. Before the niche upon the marble floor were spread prayer rugs of great price. This was the private mosque of Ben Emeal and his household and he had thought the expenditure of thousands of rupees not too much for the adornment of his place of prayer.

When Ahmed reached home, the servants told him that his father was at prayer in the mosque and did not wish to be disturbed before morning. Ahmed wondered what unusual happening could have called his father to a whole night of prayer. When he asked the servant more particularly about his father's health, he found that Ben Emeal had seemed much better until in the afternoon a strange old Arab had been admitted to his presence and since then he had been much worse, depressed in mind as well as body, and at times greatly agitated.

Ahmed, feeling that he must not interrupt his father at such a time and wondering if it could be possible that his father's agitated condition could have come from a premonition of what he himself had done, hastened to his mother's apartment. Finding her asleep, he spent several hours in prayer for help and guidance for the coming day, for he knew that he could not and would not put off the revelation of his break with his father's faith longer than that, unless Ben Emeal's illness should grow more alarming.

Meantime the rain had come again, even harder than upon the night that Ahmed had been abroad. In floods it was pouring down upon the city of Hyderabad and brimming the banks of the river. In a small house near the great bridge that spanned the river at the crossing of the Sidar Ways two men were sitting. One was the man who had been following the doings of Ahmed; the other, the old man from Arabia, whose face now reflected no terror, only the glow of a fanatic Faith.

"He was baptized?" As he almost shouted the question, the old man leaned forward in his excitement. "I warned the father again this day in a manner that stirred him to the depths, but I did not really expect this so soon. Are you sure? Have you told our brothers of the council?"

The other replied, "Why, of course I am sure, for I saw the act myself. Yes, I have reported to Ben Isah and he bade me tell you that just before noon we are to assemble with Ben Emeal and support his arm and his faith as followers of the Prophet. Of course the boy will recant and repudiate all this nonsense, he says, but he must be taught a severe lesson. 'There must be no trifling with the infidel,' were his very words."

As the man ceased speaking a gust of wind bore the rain like sleet against the door of the house and the old man looked up with a hunted expression and his lips moved as if in prayer. The younger man looked at him in contempt and without another word threw himself upon a charpoy in the corner of the room and fell asleep, but the old man sank on his knees and remained in that position until dawn.

* * * * *

Ahmed's first thought with the coming of the new day was to tell his mother the good news and bring joy to her sad heart. Then he had determined that he would face his father and leave the rest in God's hands. His mother might lose her son, but she would gain far more in what this Jesus Doctrine would bring. So he greeted her with a happy heart.

He told her all: of his own experience, his growing dissatisfaction with Mohammedanism, of his growing belief in the religion of the new book which he had studied for so many months, of his occasional meetings with the Christian man at the bridge, and, finally, of what he had done at Bangalore. Words could not come fast enough as he went on to explain the new faith to her and told her what it would mean for her, if she should believe. But, although it sounded very beautiful to her, she could not accept any doctrine in such a short time and she was listening to his words as yet with only a glad wonder in her heart, when a messenger suddenly summoned him to his father.

Ahmed had almost forgotten his father in his eagerness to talk to his mother and bring her the good news; so he was remorseful when suddenly he realized that he had not even asked about his father's health since the night before, nor gone to him to report on the business matter which he had arranged in Bangalore. He went quickly after the messenger, for the moment again forgetful of the unwelcome news that he must bring to his father soon. He was surprised when he learned from the servant that Ben Emeal was still in the mosque and awaited him there. But his surprise became amazement when on entering the mosque he perceived a circle of the most influential Mohammedans of Hyderabad seated about his father on the floor. So accustomed was Ahmed to the habits of the faithful that without thought of its being a violation of his new faith, he slipped his feet from his shoes as he entered the mosque.

As Ahmed approached the group he noticed at one side of his father the old Arab whom he had seen in such terror upon the street and at the other side the man whom he had met at the gate of the Mission Press in Bangalore. In a flash, as his eyes met those of the man who had spied upon him and saw the light of success in them, Ahmed understood the reason for this assemblage and for his being summoned thus as it were before a tribunal of the faithful. Instinctively his eyes sought his father and the drawn, haggard look upon that face, usually so strong and firm, rent his heart. Their eyes met and in a second each had read the message that the other loved him, come what might. Then the eyes of both fell and the lad awaited the charge.

"Ben Isah," the voice of the man who had dogged Ahmed's footsteps demanded, "is it seemly that an infidel should stand within the sacred precincts of a house of prayer?"

"Ben Idrahi," replied the most dignified and grave gentleman of the company as if he were a judge in a court and repeating the formulas of that august body;--and, indeed, he was a judge in a court that controlled life and death; "Ben Idrahi, whom accuseth thou of being an infidel? Are not all of us before you true followers of the Prophet and upholders of the only true Faith? Whom accuseth thou with such a terrible accusation?"

"Ben Isah," the man rose and said slowly, "I have proof; I have proof, I say, that the youth, Ahmed, son of Ben Emeal, is no longer a follower of the Prophet; that in the city of Bangalore yesterday in the early morning he was baptized into the hell-filling creed, the name of which I will not defile my lips with. And now, Brothers of the Faith, he stands before you an avowed infidel."

As the man announced the fact of his baptism in Bangalore, although Ahmed dared not look at his father, he felt that an involuntary shudder passed over Ben Emeal's frame. But at those words his own heart leaped and yearned towards these men. Then and there he longed to tell them the wonderful story of the God revealed through Jesus Christ, but he restrained himself.

Ben Isah had turned towards him and all eyes except his father's were upon him, as the older man said:

"Ahmed, son of Ben Emeal, is this, that this man accuseth thee of, is this true?"

Ahmed could restrain himself no longer. This was his opportunity to testify and to men who probably would never hear the message from other lips. He took the opportunity with a skill and wisdom beyond his years.

The words poured from his lips, even as the rain was pouring from the heavens into the courtyard of the mosque. His face glowed and his eyes shone with a light brighter than that of the clouded sun. Not a man moved. They listened, held by the fascination of the youth, as with a tempestuousness that seemed born of the very storm without and with a courage not born of man, he told them the truth as they would never hear it again.

As he spoke his eyes were upon his father's face, who looked as if he were beholding a miracle. When he had finished, his hands still outstretched, his voice still ringing in their ears as he said,--"All that this man says is true. I am an infidel, as you say, for I have been baptized. I am a Christian,"--Ben Isah stumbled to his feet and with shaking hand held out, cried in agitated voice: "Stop! Stop him! This must cease! This must cease! Lay hands upon him! Take him from the mosque!"

Confusion reigned as a couple of men seized Ahmed's arms and dragged him from the mosque while the other men raved at him in rage and hate because in spite of themselves they had listened to a blasphemer and the teachings of the infidel. The lad was carried to a side chamber where the two men stood over him, giving him no chance to escape. But Ahmed was not seeking that; his head was bowed in prayer.

As they watched and waited the two men talked of the storm without, for the rain still fell in torrents and the wind blew; while above the sound of the wind and rain could be heard continuously the voice of the gorged and angry river.

"If this continues, there will be trouble," said one, "for this morning the water was five feet higher than yesterday, they told me."

"Yes," replied the other, "when I crossed the bridge a few hours ago the river was up to the first buttress; but there can't be any real danger, can there?"

"It must be a warning to the infidel," answered the first, looking significantly at Ahmed, but he was unconscious of what they were saying.

Soon the summons came and the lad was led into a large guest-chamber where his father received visitors of state. The men sat as before in the mosque, but their faces were dark and their eyes downcast.

Again Ben Isah spoke, "Young man, because of thy youth, and for thy father's sake, we will give thee one chance, one only, to recant and unsay all thou hast said. Wilt thou take back thy words, repudiate this infidelity, and once more accept the true and only Faith?"

Before Ahmed could reply Ben Emeal was upon his feet. "My son," he said in slow, restrained tones, "think well before thou speakest. Remember thou art my only son; remember that all my fortune will be thine. Thou canst go to the University at Aligarh; thou canst have thy heart's desire in everything, if thou wilt only recant!" He ended hurriedly.

"If thou dost not, Ahmed, son of Emeal," shrilled the old Arab, rising to his feet, "thou shalt die. Choose thou and choose quickly!"

The son looked at the father. Just then in the distance, through the downfall of the rain, there sounded dimly:

"Allah is most great! Allah is most great! Allah is most great! Allah is most great! I bear witness that there is no god but Allah! I bear witness that there is no god but Allah! I bear witness that Mohammed is the Apostle of Allah! I bear witness that Mohammed is the Apostle of Allah! Come to prayer, come to prayer! Come to the Refuge, come to the Refuge! Allah is most great! Allah is most great! There is no god but Allah!"

It was the Moslem's call to prayer and every man in the room fell upon his knees except Ahmed.

Ahmed remained standing with bowed head. He made no effort to escape while the others were upon their knees. But as soon as they had finished their devotions, he stepped forward and in a clear, full voice said simply, "I choose death."

A silence as of death itself fell upon the company. No one spoke. The boy remained standing with his hands out as he had spoken. At a motion from Ben Isah a servant stole to Ben Emeal's side and noiselessly placed a cup in his hands. The latter arose and stepped towards his son.

With a stern, tense voice Ben Emeal broke the silence: "The infidel must die! This is the cup of death. Drink!"

As he touched the cup to his son's lips a thunder as of mighty waters rose.

"Night is coming! The wildness of desolation is upon us! Fly, fly!" shrieked the voice of the old Arab. But even as he cried a wave of water burst into the room through the open door.

* * * * *

The river rose sixty feet above the bridge they say and at least ten thousand of the inhabitants of Hyderabad were drowned in that one day.

In one room in the house that had been Ben Emeal's, when the water subsided, they found as many as fifteen or twenty bodies and since most of them wore the Mohammedan rosary, all were given decent burial according to the customs of the followers of the Prophet. Thus an infidel was interred in holy ground and allowed to sleep beside his father.

IN OTHER LANDS

=Poland, the Knight Among Nations=

With Introduction by Helena Modjeska.

Illustrated, Cloth, $1.50 net. =LOUIS E. VAN NORMAN=

Poland is worth knowing--it is interesting. How could it be otherwise when it gave us Copernicus, Kosciusko, Chopra, Paderewski and Sienkiewicz. Not much has been known about the people because they have been hard to get at. Mr. Van Norman went to Cracow, won the hearts of the people, was treated like a guest of the nation and stayed till he knew his hosts well, and he here conveys an extensive array of information.

=The Continent of Opportunity:= South America

Profusely illustrated, $1.50 net. =FRANCIS E. CLARK=

Dr. Clark writes from a thorough-going tour of examination, covering practically every centre of importance in the South American continent, Panama, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Argentine, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Dr. Clark's prime object has been to collect information of every sort that will help to understand the problems facing Civilization in our sister Continent.

=China and America To-day=

12mo, Cloth, $1.25 net. =ARTHUR H. SMITH=

Dr. Smith is one of America's ablest representatives at foreign courts. He is not so accredited by the government of this country, but rather chooses to be known as a missionary to China. In this capacity he has learned much of China which in another relation might be denied him. Being a statesman by instinct and genius, he has taken a broad survey of conditions and opportunities and here presents his criticisms of America's strength and weakness abroad.

=Ancient Jerusalem=

Illustrated. In press. =HON. SELAH MERRILL=

This work will immediately be recognized as authoritative and well nigh final. Dr. Merrill, as the American Consul, has lived at Jerusalem for many years, and has given thirty-five years of thorough, accurate study and exploration to this exhaustive effort. It contains more than one hundred maps, charts, and photographs.

=Palestine Through the Eyes of a Native=

Illustrated, $1.00 net. =GAMAHLIEL WAD-EL-WARD=

The author, a native of Palestine, has been heard and appreciated in many parts of this country in his popular lectures upon the land in which so large a part of his life was spent. His interpretation of many obscure scriptural passages by means of native manners and customs and traditions is particularly helpful and informing.

MISSIONARY

=The World Missionary Conference=

The Report of the Ecumenical Conference held in Edinburgh in 1910. In nine volumes, each, net 75c.; the complete set of nine volumes, net $5.00.

A whole missionary library by experts and wrought up to the day and hour. The Conference has been called a modern council of Nicea and the report the greatest missionary publication ever made.

Vol. 1. Carrying the Gospel. Vol. 2. The Church in the Mission Field. Vol. 3. Christian Education. Vol. 4. The Missionary Message. Vol. 5. Preparation of Missionaries. Vol. 6. The Home Base. Vol. 7. Missions and Governments. Vol. 8. Co-operation and Unity. Vol. 9. History, Records and Addresses.

=Echoes from Edinburgh, 1910=

By W. H. T. GAIRDNER, _author of "D. M. Thornton."_ 12mo, cloth, net $1.00.

The popular story of the Conference--its preparation--its management--its effect and forecast of its influence on the church at home and the work abroad. An official publication in no way conflicting with the larger work--which it rather supplements.

_HENRY H. JESSUP'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY_

=Fifty-three Years in Syria=

Introduction by James S. Dennis. Two volumes, illustrated, 8vo, cloth, boxed, net $5.00.

"A rich mine of information for the historian, the ethnologist and the student of human nature apart from the labors to which the author devoted his life. A thoroughly interesting book that will yield endless pickings."--_N. Y. Sun_.

_ROBERT E. SPEER_

=Christianity and the Nations= The Duff Lectures for 1910.

8vo, cloth, net $2.00.

Among the many notable volumes that have resulted from the well-known Duff foundation Lectureship this new work embodying the series given by Mr. Robert E. Speer in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen, will rank among the most important. The general theme, "The Reflex Influence of Missions Upon the Nations," suggests a large, important, and most interesting work.

_G. T. B. DAVIS_

=Korea for Christ=

_In press._

An effective report of the recent revivals in Korea told by an eye witness, who himself participated in the work.

_JULIUS RICHTER_

=A History of Protestant Missions in the Near East=

8vo, cloth, net $2.50.

A companion volume to "A History of Missions in India," by this great authority. The progress of the gospel is traced in Asia Minor, Persia, Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. Non-sectarian in spirit, thoroughly comprehensive in scope.

_JOHN P. JONES, D. D._

=The Modern Missionary Challenge= _Yale Lectures, 1910._

12mo, cloth, net $1.50.

These lectures, by the author of "India's Problem, Krishna or Christ?" are a re-survey of the demand of missions in the light of progress made, in their relation to human thought. The new difficulties, the new incentives, are considered by one whose experience in the field and as a writer, entitle him to consideration.

_ALONZO BUNKER, D. D._

=Sketches from the Karen Hills=

Illustrated, 12mo. Cloth, net $1.00.

These descriptive chapters from a missionary's life in Burma are of exceptional vividness and rich in an appreciation for color. His pen pictures give not only a splendid insight into native life, missionary work, but have a distinctive literary charm which characterizes his "Soo Thah."

_JAMES F. LOVE_

=The Unique Message and Universal Mission of Christianity=

12mo, cloth, net $1.25.

A volume dealing with the philosophy of missions at once penetrating and unusual. It is perhaps one of the most original and valuable contributions to the subject yet made.

_WILLIAM EDWARD GARDNER_

=Winners of the World During Twenty Centuries= Adapted for Boys and Girls.

A Story and a Study of Missionary Effort from the Time of Paul to the Present Day. Cloth, net 60c.; paper, net 30c.

=Children's Missionary Series=

_Illustrated in Colors, Cloth, Decorated, each, net 60c._

=Children of Africa.= James B. Baird. =Children of Arabia.= John C. Young. =Children of China.= C. Campbell Brown. =Children of India.= Janet Harvey Kelman.

=The Foreign Missionary= An Incarnation of the World Movement

12mo, Cloth, $1.50 net. =ARTHUR J. BROWN=

Dr. Brown, out of a long and intimate experience deals with such questions as: Who is the Missionary? What are his motives, aims and methods? His dealings with proud and ancient peoples. His relation to his own and other governments? His real difficulties. Do results justify the expenditures? How are the Mission Boards conducted? etc., etc. The book is most intelligently informing.

=The Conquest of the Cross in China=

=JACOB SPEICHER=

With Chart and Illustrations, 12mo, Cloth, $1.50 net.

The contents of this book were first delivered as lectures to the students at Colgate University. Mr. Speicher has the true instinct of the news bringer. He has lived in South China long enough to know it thoroughly. He is distinguished by common sense in his judgments, made palatable by a free literary style.

=China in Legend and Story=

12mo, Cloth, $1.25 net. =C. CAMPBELL BROWN=

By one of the C. M. S. best known missionaries. It consists of seventeen stories, true to legend or to fact, ten of them studies of the Chinese people as they are when heathen, and seven of them of the same people when they become Christians. The stories cover a wide range of social life, representing every class in the community, from mandarins to thieves and beggars. As Mr. Campbell Brown is a keen observer, and wields a graceful pen, the book is unusually interesting and valuable.

=A Typical Mission in China=

12mo, Cloth, $1.50 net. =W. E. SOOTHILL=

"The book is comprehensive, instructive, well written, interesting and valuable in every way. Those who read it will get such a glimpse into Chinese life and methods as they may never have had, and will certainly be edified and stimulated to a new zeal in the work of missions."--_Herald and Presbyter._

=Robert Clark of the Panjab= Pioneer and Missionary Statesman

8vo, Cloth, $1.75 net. =HENRY MARTYN CLARK=

"The record of one of the makers of Christian India: as fascinating as a novel, and immensely more profitable. The more widely this book is circulated and read, the better it will be for the missionary enterprise. A book of this character is the best apologetic that can be written."--_Missionary Intelligencer._

MISSIONS, BIOGRAPHICAL

_DR. GEORGE BROWN_

=The Life of Dr. George Brown= Pioneer, Explorer and Missionary.

An Autobiography, with 111 illustrations and map. 8vo, Cloth, net $3.50.

"Since the appearance of John G. Paton's Autobiography we have read no work of such entrancing interest. It is a narrative of this pioneer missionary's forty-eight years of residence and travel in Samoa, New Britain, New Ireland, New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands."--_British Weekly._

_JESSE PAGE, F. R. G. S._

=The Black Bishop= The Life of Samuel Adjai Crowther.

Preface by Eugene Stock, D. C. L., with frontispiece, sixteen illustrations and map. 8vo, Cloth, net $2.00.

"The simple life-story, told mainly by himself, of a West African who was a kidnapped slave when a boy of fifteen and forty-three years later became the first negro bishop of the Church of England. Much information is given beside the biographical details, about the problems presented by the Nigerian peoples to their white rulers and particularly of the extent, influence and probable future of the Mohammedan invasion."--_Nation._

_W. H. T. GAIRDNER, B. A._

=D. M. Thornton= A Study in Missionary Ideals and Methods.

Nine illustrations, 12mo. Cloth, net $1.25.

"The Student Movement" says: "It is likely to dominate the thoughts of the missionary thinker for many years." Devoted largely to experiences in Egypt and lessons gathered on this field--it tells of a man who devoted his intellectual powers to thinking out the wider problems of the evangelization of the world and the spread of Christian institutions in Mission lands.

_GEORGE HAWKER_

=The Life of George Grenfell,= Congo Missionary and Explorer

Illustrated, 8vo, Cloth, net $2.00.

"This may be regarded as a companion volume to Sir Harry Johnston's 'George Grenfell and the Congo'--it was, indeed, originally arranged that Sir Harry Johnston and Mr. Hawker should collaborate in a single volume as a memorial to one of the greatest names in the annals of equatorial Africa."--_London Times._

_REV. JAMES WELLS, D. D._

=Stewart of Lovedale=