Grand Rapids Herald-Review Newspaper, September 9, 1899, Page 6

prive me of my guests?” asked the princess, ‘hfully. “We must return to Benares before CHAPTER IX. (Continued.) “Thanks, gentlemen,” she answered, smiling. “It is now my turn. I pray you listen and respond! I drink to the East India Company! I drink to the genilemen who represent it in Benares! drink to its prosperity!” “To the prosperity of the East Indla y!” eried the English, with in- enthusiasm. The Governor rose to his feet. “In the name of England, princess, I thank you!” Every one was standing. Sir John offered his arm to Djella; but she made a gesture of refusal. “IT will soon rejoin you,” she mur- mured. “Lord Singleton will lead the way.” Then George Malcolm, approaching “Follow your coun but return here in a few moments. I| must speak with you.” CHAPTER X. In obedience to this command, which had overwhelmed him wiih great sur- prise, George seized the first mo- ment which presented itself to with- draw from the guests assembled on the ace and ‘returned to the place ap- ed by the princess. Djella ». At the sound of his footsteps » advance dto meet him. she said, and abruptl yturn- portiere, and motioned him to enter a boudoir, fitted in Pompeiian Siyle. ‘A moments silence followed. George was at a loss to kuow how to begin an iy ew of whose purpose he was sublimely ignorant; and the princess, perfect despite her ease, was con- She, how- t said keeping her lowered to the floor, “you are rprised that I have requested this -tete? “Surprised, madame? Perhaps slight- ly so,” he answered, bowing; “but ed with such proof of your fa- is a matter of great importance,” continued after considerable hesita- “Sir George, the news of your will break one woman's young Englishman could not re- pre 1 movement of surprise—a move- } ment so apparent that Djella cried: “You do not believe it?” “Before answer you, madame.” | George, smiling. “permit me to ad- Am_T to ac- ? I do not myself ridiculous in your » contradiction of some jest in my life spoken mor What I have tol dyou is tio it! Your marriage will j k my heart!” hen, madame, my answer will be simple. Whoever the person may be who has informed you has been illy- advised. Some chance circumstance or resemblance of name has caused the error. I have left in England no at- tachment or romance.” “Why do you suppose, Sir Geo’ that I speak t oyou of England?” “Tt could not be otherwise.” “Yo uare mistaken,” replied Djella. “and you are too modest, It is in this country that a woman loves you.” orge made a gesture of disbelief. “Will you still doubt when I tell you that I know her—that she has told me | seriously trve T swear Db: rge he has told yor echoed George. Like a lightning flash came to him the remembrance of the mysterious un- | known; but what possible relation could exist between her and the Princ- ess Djella? Doubtless Djella read in his expres- sion these swiftly-passing thoughts, for —without giving him time to respond, she continued: “Yes yes! you are not wrong. And, to prove to you that I guess rightly, I meed only speak to you of the ruined Wemple of Siva ,and the hoot, thrice-re- peated. of the owl in the garden of Be- mares.’ ’” “So!” murmured George, in a sort of etupefaction. “This woman, whose in- | finite tenderness has been shown me, but whose face has been ever hidden ' by a velvet mask—this woman—” “Tt is she!” Djella interrupted, “and j she loves you; but .dovbtless, you de- | spise her,’ ’she added, in a trembling woice. “Ah, madame, you judge me unjust- ly!” cried George. “By what right | should I despise this charming crea- ture wh ohas honored me with her fa- vor? The sentiment with which she | inspired me, far from dis¢ain awakens | in me only the most tender gratitude Of all the rights belonging to woman, | that of caprice is the most sovereign | and indisputable. ‘The nan profiting by this caprice, and turning ingrate, | would be, in my estimation like a poor | devil disdaining a millicnaire because, ' all unexpected and wuheped-for, : he had received from him 1 royal gift.” | A singular light overspread vjella’s | face. “Ah!” she eried, when George had r, finished, “yo uare right, for never | would disdain have been nor unmerit- cd, unjust and cruel. 1 hay».told you that I know this woman—sae has con- eealed nothing from me. you her heart. Just now you spoke of eaprice, and you spoke truly. It was caprice or— No, I am wrony. It was an irresistible attraction which drew her to you. She had seen you, and she felt every nerve and pulse of her being go out toward you—a passion she had no strength to resist. Has it not been thus in all things since the world be- gan? ‘The torrents and rivers at tneir source are tiny rivulets. As you ap- peared before her in your true light, a giant in mind and heart, a child in gen- giart in mind and heart, a child in gen- tleness and simplicity, a hero in deyo- tion and courage, caprice gave place to love. The attraction became a pro- found passion. In one word, Sir George, this woman loves you. She loves you with all ‘her soul; yet before she knew you she believed she could never love.” “Ah madame, if J gm indged to credit your assuranée, believe me that it causes profound regret.” “Profound regret!” echoed Djell; almost indistinct tones. “And why this affection, which I do not deserve it is impossible for me to is the obstacle?” she asked, impatiently. “The most unsurmountable of all ob- stacles. A loyal heart can neither withdraw ner share its allegiance; and mine, in all its entirety, has already been bestowed!” Djella slightly shrugged her shoul- ders, an ironical smile encircling her lips. “To Miss Agnes Burtell, your fian- cee” she exclaimed. The disdainful expression with which she pronounced these words did net es- cape Sir George. “To Miss Agnes Burtell, my fiancee— yes, madame!” he answered, in clear, proud tone The princess saw her error. her lips, hastening to add “I know that Miss Agnes is a most cuuming girl; and though I have not Yet bad the plea re of meeting her. I doubt neither hes grace nor beauty. But she is still a child, who can know nothing of love. To her the betrothed is a brother— 1 friend.” much th nadame,” an- swered George. dumb, I will teach it to speak in love’s lan- guage.” “You will teach her, but she of whom I tell you—she whom you despise— would give her life for love's s sake!” She whom T despise, do you s answered George. “How can I despise one whom I do not know? The mask which concealed her features put 2 bar- rier between us.” “She is more beautiful than the most beautiful.” cried Djella. “Poets have compared her to us. She is young, and it is said that her eyes pos: a 1 power to enslave all hea then, has she not used them ain mine when it was yet She bit weet ow to en time?” “Listen to me. Sir George,” continued the princes “for I have not yet told you all. This woman's rank is so ex- the regard of. those sur- rounding her searcely 4: s lift itself beyond her feet. Among her ancestors were the kines cf Intia and rulers of the world. Her fortune is so great that her followers become milNonaires and in no wise she inmpoverished. She need but make a signal, and three hundred thousand Hindoos rise to obey command which may issue from lips. Between th woman and you, Sir George, caste, religion, preju- dice appear to form an impassable a —is it not so? Well, to draw her to you, she will bridge the chasm. Sbe will lift you to her altitude in mak- ing you her husband. She will bring you wealth and power—power without limit, fabulous wealth! And if ever heaven's will restores to her the throne of her ancestors, she will share it with you. All this she offers you, Sir George. What ‘our reply?” “Alas, princess, it is short, indeed! A moment ago, I had the honor of to you I no longer belonged to my to gi may be, [ must now add, ‘I no longer belong to myself to sell? ” Djella made a gesture of grieved sur- prise. “Ah Sir George,” she murmured, “these are cruel words! Where, the do you discover a bargain in this offer dictated by a heart which you entirely o “So be it, madame. I retract all harshness and injustice from the words; but I repeat, I no longer pos- sess myself. I love Agnes Burtell!” Djella’s pale cheeks became purple. Her eyes fairly scintillated. “No!” she cried, with illy-suppressed emotion, caused by the inner writhings of all the serpents of jealousy and rage —‘no, you do not love her! You could not love her. Forget this child. We will find for her another’ fiancee, which quickly will console her if so she stands in need of consolation. Sir George, do not be pitiless toward the haughty wo- man who bends even to make to you a prayer. Do not repulse her whom love has rendered humble, and who stretch- es to you supplicating hands, George, love you—!” . “You, madame—you?” stammered the ‘young man, struck with stupefaction and emotion, more readily understood than expressed. “Yes,” replied Djella, breathless with agitation—“yes, I—I, who am yours al- ready, and who wish ever to be yours. Took! She is on her knees—sihe to | Whom all men bow. The Princess Djel- la moistens your hand with her tears— you, whom I have seen supplicating at my fect when a mask concealed my face—you, whom I have seen shiver when your hands touched mine—you, whom T have seen grow pale wheu my lips mfet yours. Do you remember—o you remember? I evoke this past of love. George, return your heart to me. You are my life. Let me live!’ “Madame, I implore you to calm yourself,” he cried. “Your agitation pains, your tears hurt me!” “It is for you to dry them. Be mine!” “Before God who hears me, I swear to you that I would, indeed; but it is impossible. I love!” ae Let me show, e. So, alluring as these proposals ! “Again this word! Always this word!” said Djella, stamping her foot and wringing her hands. “Yes, madame, now and always; for : if God -himself--tried to change my ‘heart, all His power could not unbind me from the oath I have made!” From her usual pallor, the’ princess became livid. Her eyes flashed yellow fire. For a moment George belicved that passion and jealousy were un- chained within her, and that a terrible storm would burst. He was wrong. She possessed over | herself marvelous control. She fought | against her anger ,and came forth vic- torious from the struggle. Will was stronger than passion. By a miracle of resolution and strength she. silenced ; the tempes twithin her, She conquered her head, her heart, her nerves. At the end of a minute all external sign of the terrible combat which had Jashed her soul had disappeared. A | ded of snow concealed the volcano. She | appeared calm, though her nostrils di- lated and her lips still quivered. “Sir Gecrge,’ she said, in a low, slow whisper, not raising her eyes to his, “a sort of inexplicable delirium took | possession of me, a moment since, and | deprived me of my reason. I have been | | most foolish. Forgive me!” i “Ah, madame!” stammered George, whose embarrassment increased. | “Conquered by this strange mad-} } ness.” continued Djella, “I have al- lowed to escape a secret that you ‘ should never have known. I appeal to {_your loyalty as a man of honor. This { secret shall die in your breast?’ “On my honor as a gentleman, ma- j dame, I swear it! I should indeed be | the most contemptible of men to be- , tray such a comfidence and cowardly ; perjure myself.” ; ‘It is well. I believe in you. Let the j remembrance of the past be obliter- ated. as dreams born of night are ef- faced by the clear rays of the dawn 1 promise you to forget—forget like myself! Take a wife in your own rank. Mary Miss Agnes Burtell and | be happy! I have the weakness to love; I will have the strength and cour- age to suffer and to live.” ! To herself she added, “Yes, to live, ‘ only for vengeance!” In the moment that Djella, to con- firm the words she had spoken alond, | extended to George Malcolm her hand, | some one knocked lightly on one of the doors of the boudoir. Her hand drop- | ped, and she cried, imperiously: “Come in!” H The door opened, the portieres were lifted, and Saugor’s face appeared, like | | a bronze mask, between the brilliant | hangings. Seeing the young Englishman, the Hindoo made an abrupt motion to re- treat; but Djella detained him. “Tt is of no consequence that this gen- | tleman recognizes you,” she said. “He now knows all.” Saugor crossed the threshold, bowed low before the princess, and stood in respectful silence. H In a language George could not un- derstand she addressed him: | “What brings you? and what do you wish of me?” | Saugor extended toward her his right | hand, in which he held a bunch of ; lotus blossoms, as he murmured, in 2 these flowers are for you.” The princess shivered conyulsively, | {and her black pupils appeared to dilate {in their orbits. She took the bouquet, ‘articulating barely loud enough for Saugor to hear: “The lotus flowers! Flowers of Siva, god of evil! What is about to hap- ~ Saugor appeared not be believe that {this question was addressed to him, ' since he preserved perfect silence. ! Crushing the flowers in her hand, | Djella continued: “here are four blossoms?” “Yes, mistress.” “There are four heralds, then?” “Yes, mistress. “When did they arrive?’ “This moment.” “No one has seen them?” “No one.” “It is well. Let them await me. Re- turn to them, Saugor, and assure them from me their detention will not be Jong.” The Hindoo bowed and went out i from the boudoir, the hangings falling behind him. Notwithstanding their extreme brev- ‘ity, the questions and replies had al- lowed the princess time to conquer the emotion awakened by sight of the lotus flowers. A smile was on her lips, as, renew- ing the interrupted conversation she said, in her usual sweet and gracious tone: “Then it is well understood that the misunderstanding which separated us for a few moments no longer exists. We are friends. Give me your arm, Sir George, and let us rejoin my guests, who will not be able to comprehend our prolonged absence.” The young Englishman happy to be released from an interview which was positive torture, gladly obeyed. As they came upon the terrace, Sir John hastened to meet them. “My son is indeed honored, princess,” he said. “It is for him you have aban- doned us. He has a privilege we all envy him.” “Your son has spoke nt ome of his future, Sir John, responded Djella—‘of his approaching marriage, and his love for his betrothed. I was charmed to be made his confidant, and I proved it as best I could by the warm and pro- found interest I felt in his happiness.” This was said with such perfect com- posure and so calm a smile that George scarcely could believe his senses. “In a word,” resumed Sir John “egot- ist, like all lovers, he has detained from us to detail to you the charms of his fiance.” “My lord,’* answered the princess, ! “you have indeed divined rightly, but to love’s fever we must pardon all.” | “A fever, madam, all impossible not to understand in your presence, since you are so well calculated to inspire it,” gallantly interrupted Lord Single- ton; adding: “And now, princess, it re- mains for us but to thank you once ; again for your regal hospitality to take |our leave of you.” | “Already, my lord, you wish to de- } ;of Europeans! Our midnight,” answered Lord Singleton; “but permit me, princess, to recall to you your promise. Day after to-mor- row my ball is to claim its queen.” “My word is pledged.” “And you will remember?” oe “Rest assured, my lord, I never for- get. “-Adieux followed.. The horses held by the grooms could be heard im- patiently stamping in the court below. ‘Each, in bidding the princess fare- well, raised to his lips her hand. As George respectfully lifted her fingers, she said: ernor’s ball Iam to be presented to Miss Agnes, your charming betrothed.” The words were spoken in a perfectly natural tone, but George Malcolm shuddered as he heard them. He an- swered, however: “Princess, I shall have that honor.” “I depend upon it, Sir George; and if your memory proves treacherous I shall find some means to remind you.” A few moments later, standing alone in an open window, Djella, listened to the lessening sound of horses’ hoofs, as her guests vanished in the distance. Pale, motionless, dumb, her chest heaving, her breathing quickened, one could readily perceive her a prey to some acute anguish which for the mo- ment tortured alike body and soul. But for the moment only. Drawing her slender figure to its full height, she passed both hands across her brow, shook her head once or twice, as if to chase away some painful thought, and ing the window, murmured, in an almost indistinct voice: “What matters the magnitude of in- sult when revenge is fully equal? Mis- fortune to him who disdains and crush- es me benearth his feet! Misfortune to him who prefers a rival to me! I will wine out the stain or I will give up my proud name! Ah, cursed race Jand and our hearts alike they would tread upon! But patience! The dawn is at hand when their execrated power will be in India but a memory!” CHAPTER XI. these words, Djella ap- Uttering proached a table in the center of the | room and touched a bell. Saugor immediately appeared, in all accustomed reverence, waiting for the princess to question him. “All the Engilsh masters and ser- yants have left the palace?” she asked. “All, mistress.” “From whence come our brothers who bring the flowers of the lotus?” “From the east, the west, the south, the rorth.” “Do you know their names? Have you seen their faces?” “I do not know their faces, and their countenances are hidden under a thick veil. Only before you may this veil be lifted. Am I to bring them hither?” “Yes. I am ready to receive them.” Saugor went away. “What news do they bring me?’ murmured the princess. “What are Siva’s wishes? Does he demand more English blood? His commands, what- ever they may be, will find me obedi- ent. Ah, they, are here! I shal} soon know all!” The door opened, and fuur men, in- troduced by Saugor, who stood-aside te permit them to pass, entered the selon, and bowed low before the prin- cess.” Long folds of black crepe fell from their heads over their chests and shoul- ders. throught which no feature could be distinguished. Djella welcomed them with a ses- ture, and said to them, in a solemn voice: “The messengers of the god are in the presence of the Queen of the Phan- sigars and the Thugs. No cifrious eye may spy upon them, no indiscreet ear listen to them. Let them speak with uncovered faces.” The newcomers, obeying her, who doubtless had the right to command, lifted their veils, and Djella could not repress an exclamation of surprise as she recognized them. “The Fakir Souniancy!” she cried. “Askbar! Djaal! Holear!” “Next to yourself, those highest in power among the chiefs of the Thugs,” answered the fakir, a sort of repulsive gorilla in appearance. “Brothers,” replied the princess, “be welcome to the palace of your queen. Glory to Siva and to Bowhanie, who have Jed you here! You have sent to me, through Saugor, the lotus flowers, which hold for us a language of their own. There is danger, then, in store for us?” “Yes,” responded Askbar. “From what quarter?” “From an Englishman.” “Who is this Englishman?” | “A civilian of the East India eompa- ny—a chief judge.” “A chief judge?” repeated the princ- ess. Explain yourself, Askbar—I wait.” “The Englishman has made an oath,” said the Fakir Souniancy, in his turn. “He has sworn, should his lite be saved, to discover all the secrets of the terrible and mysterious association of Thugs, and to paralyze the work of the Sons of Bowhanie, by striking at its heart.” “Ah!” murmured Djella; “since he has sworn, he seeks the truth. What matters it?’ she continued, with a ges- ture of disdain. Let him seek! He will discover nothing.” “He has already discovered much,” answered the fair,, in a sort of rage. “It is impossible!” “It is, however, true.” “What does he know” ‘Many things. False brothers have betrayed or sold most dangerous se- crets. He is on the scent—yes, he is on the track—and the cursed blood- hound will not cowardly: forsake it. Let him advance one step further, and the heart of our association will be threatened.” “The roads through which he travels are still in shadow,” said Holcar. “He knows no names, no faces; but the light is ready to fall, dissipating the darkness, which envelops and con- ceals us from him. To-morrow, per- haps, he will know all—to-morrow, per- haps, the chiefs of the queen will, in his eyes, be unmasked!” Djella stamped her foot, her nostrils dilated, her lips were dry and parched. A fierce light shot from her eyes. “And England would triumph!” she cried, ‘1 strindent tone, “and we “You will not forget that at the gov- |. should be helpless to rid India fron the cursed yoke! No, no! A hundred times, no! It shall not be! I swear it by_ my ancestors—I swear it by our gods! It shall not be!” “Princess,” murmured the fakir, “you are the daughter of Bowhanie, and your mother, the goddess, dictates your words.” “She makes the blood boil in my veins!” answered Djella—‘“she inspires me with a holy fury!” “You who know the danger,” re- sumed the fakir. “What do you com. mand?” For an instant Djella recoiled; then, ie place of answering, she put a ques- tion. “Fakir,” she said, “you are beloved by the God Siva, and he has endowed you with his wisdom. In my place, what should you do?” “I should strike,” unhesitatingly an- swered Souniancy. “The life of this man is necessary to us!” “Blood!” murmured the princess; “must it be blood?” “Yes—foreign blood! accursed blood; unless that of ouselves amd our broth- ers run in streams!” “You are right, fakir. The civilian must die!” “When?” “To-morrow night.” “Where?” “In the mysterious valley. In the cemetery of the elephants, before the idol of Siva, the god.” “Tt shall be dene.” “Now,” continued Djella—“now that this man is condemned, tell me his name.” It was Djaal who answered. “Sir John Malcolm, civilian of Be- nares.” “Djella made a motion of horror, and drops of cold perspiration started from ; her brow. “John Malcolm!” she murmured, with involuntary terror—“John Mal- eolm: his father!” The emotion was too great to escape the keen penetration of the four mes- sengers. The fakir Souniancy, avail- | ing himself of the privilege which gave him the reputation of being the inti- mate friend of the god Siva, assumed alnost a hostile attitude. “One would s one would believe, that the Princess Djella is troubled!” he cried, fixing upon her his glaring ey “Now that the princess knows the name of our implacable and dan- gerous foe, dees she wish to spare him?” Already | composure, “To spare him?” she cried, with an ironical shrug of the shoulders. “Go to, Souniancy! You do not believe your words. I hi ate so little that I will myself offer up this sacrifice!” She touched the bell. “Princess,” asked Djaal, “what are you about to do?” “{ call Saugor. Oh, be without anxi- ety—he may be trusted!” The gigantic Hindoo, at this moment, appeared. “Listen to me, Saugor,” continued the princess, “and. remember each word. You know Sir John Malcolm, civilian of Benares?” “T know him.” “And where he lives?” “I Know it.” “Well. to-morrow night Iet Sir John Malcolm, bound and garroted, be in our hands, helpless to defend himself or utter a cry for mercy.” “Tt shall be done, mistress,” an- swered Saugor, as simply as if Djella had commanded some simple mission. “This is not all,” resumed the princ- ess. “No alarm must be given ip the bungalow; and bring us all the papers that you may find at his house.” Djella had regained her the man,” replied Saugor. “It is well! I rely upon you. now, messengers of the god and priests of the sacred work, depart and assemble our brothers. To-morrow, in the cemetery of the elephants, at tae stroke of midnight, they shall see how the Queen of the Phansigars and the Thugs respects and makes respected the Society of the Sons of Bowhanie. Go!” “Ah, George Malcolm!” murmured Djella, as soon as she found herself alone. “To-morrow night my revenge begins!” CHAPTER XIt. Twenty-four hours later, and im obe- dience to the demand of the princess, the cemetery of the elephants present- ed a strange and solemn scene. In its midst, before the statwe of! the god, stood a tall, veiled form, clothed in red, and feediffg 2 vessel, in which burned a flame, which threw on all surrounding ebjects a bluish light. The figure was that of Jubbee, great priestess of the temple. Around her many Hindoes had prostrated them- selves upon the ground. The invoca- tion finished, they arose, and stood with bowed heads and clasped hands. “What do you here?’ asked Jubbee. One of the Hindoos answered for his eompanions: “We obey the orders that have been given us.” “And these orders?” “To come and wait.” “Are you the Sons of the Terrible?” “Yes.” “The proof.” The first Hindoo lifted his flowing sleeve and uncovered his arm to the shoulder. A bluish imprint, a sort of tatooing of hideous design, had been traced beneath the skin. Each one fol- lowed his example. “It is the mark of Bowhanie,” said the first speaker, “traced in our infan- cy in effacable , characters. Let the priestess look.” And he held his arm nearer the flame. “It iss well,” answered Jubbee. Then, designating the tripod, she added: “The soul of Siva, god of evil, dwells in the midst of these flames. What do you bring the god?”, Three Hindoos detached themselves from the group and spoke in turn. “The poison of the jungle,” an- swered the first. 2 “The losso which strangles,” said the second. “The knife which stabs to the heart,” cried the third. Jubbee took from a silver box hang- ing at her belt a piece of some un- known substance and threw it in the fire. Instantly a fierce, red flame shot up to an immense height, and for a second illuminated the cemetery to its full extent. 4 The Hindoos, trembling, fell upon “We will haye the papers as well ds | And |: the ground, as if the most tet their gcds had revealed himself. A disdainful smile played about Jub- bee’s lips, and her look, as it fell their prostrate forms, expressed scorn she felt for their ignorant credu- lity. “You are those whom I expect, and the god deigns to accept your offering,” she said. Then, in a firm tone: “Got the lasso is in one hand, the knife in the other, and put yourselves in am- bush in the defile which leads to the cemetery. Our brother you will per- mit to enter; but kill, without pity, whoever may not answer, ‘Djella,’ when you say ‘Siva.’ ” The Hindoos rose, and yowing obedi- ence, took the direction indicated. The priestess remaining alone, threw more coal upon the tripod to revive the flame; then seated herself at the base of the idol and waited. Suddenly she started and raised her head. A strange chant from many voices souned in the distance, gradually draw- ing near. “It is they,” she murmured. And in a few moments, still singing, a large number of men, in plebian dress, filed through the opening in the rocks and formed an immense circle about the statue of the god. Suddenly the circle respectfully open- ed, to allow to pass through some five perscns, before whom every head was bowed. These latter were the Princess the Fakir Souniancy, Azkbar, and Djaal. They advanced straightway to Jubbee, followed by two Hindoos, who carried a basket covered with black cloth. This basket they placed at the feet of the idol. Djella then made a sign to the priest- ess, who leaned toward her, and the two exchanged a few whispered words. After this rapid interview, Jubbee turned toward the crowd, uttering a single monosyllable, whose effect was to produce profound and instantane- ous silence. She then spoke. “Sons cf the Terrible,” she said; “worshippers ef Siva, god of evil, and | of Bowhanie, goddess of destruetion, you have penetrated into the valley of mystery. The gcd who commands hate ‘and revenge is in your midst. He list- lens to you. He hears you. Sing the hymns of the ged!” Immediately every voice took up the chant. When they had ceased, the priestess spoke again. “What does this sacred basket hold?” | she asked. “The bird of night which sings of death,” answered Fakir Souniancy. “Lift the cloth!” One of the Hiadoos was about to ex- ecute this order when Jubbee arrested him. “Wait,” she said, and added, again, addressing herself to the crowd: “If the bird fles without singeing his wing in the flames of the tripod, and if you hear him from afar utter a sinister ery, you may understand that Siva smiles, and that all our enterprises will suc- eed now.” And, Ziving a sign, the eloth was re- moved from the basket, disclosing a huge owl, who, spreading his wings, without approaching the flame, flew upward and was lost im space. “The bird has not touched the fire?” exclaimed the priestess, im triumph. “Now, listen!” One or two seconds passed, then the owl's hoot could be heard im the dis- tance. “Such signs eannot Tie!” eried Jub- bee. “Saugor has suceeeded!” “And, as if to confirm her words, at this moment the gigantic Hindoo ap- peared upon the scene and bowed low before the princess. “You have succeeded?” she asked. “He is here?” “Yes.” “Bring him before us.” Ibjella then mounted one of thy granite steps of the pedestal of the statue, that she might command the crowd, whom she addressed in ringing: tones. “Sons of the Terrible,” she eried,. “do you know why I have gathered you to- gether to-night and in this place? Itis to show you an enemy—a conquered enemy. Children of Bowhanie, you will be witnesses to Bowhanie’s just- fee!” | As she spoke, the steps of a horse sounded in the defile. The animal, led by Saugor, made its way through the erowd, which parted for it to pass; and when it had reached the inner circle, where a feeble light fell from the burn- ing charcoal, it was seen to bear a hu- man burden. This burden was John Malcolm, bound to the saddle, his hands tied be- hind his baek, a bandage over his eyes and a gag im his mouth, which permitted him to utter neither ery nor moan. At the sight of this man, thus fet- tered. 2 sort of dull shiver ran through the erowd. “Let him be freed, and let his band- age fall!” said the princess, imperious- ly. The links were instantly undone. Strong hands seized, lifted him from the saddle, and placed him before Djel- la. At the same moment the bandage and gag fell off, restoring to him his sight and his speech. For several seconds he looked about him bewildered, his eyes weakened by the bandage, had difficulty in digtin- guishing objects, and could not recog- nize faces. “Who has brought me here?” he de- manded, in firm tones. “Who are this crowd who surround me? Where am I, and what do they desire of me?” Djella advanced two steps. “I will answer you, John Malcolm,” sbe said. The civilian could not repress an ex- clamation of surprise. “The Princess Djella!” he cried. “Yes. 1” , “Am I awake? Is it a dream?” “No. It is not a dream.” “But then,” resumed John Malcolm, “it is evident that I have nothing to fear. I am the victim of some mis- take—some error; and perhaps, princ- ess, you can explain why my peaceful house, two hours ago, was surrounded by a band of demons, who have bound and gagged me, fettered me like a corpse to a horse, and dragged me here?” Djella answered in a calm tone: “You will be greatly surprised, Sir John—will you not—?—-if I tell you that by my orders all this has been done?” “More than surprised, madame. My surprise would reach disbelief.” dpa artic (fo be Continued.) . nase : ee ee i naar i 2