The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-02-04

ment of the rope that Martec had COM
menced the ascent Slowly the time passed
to me; it seemed ages. All was SILENT save
for the slight noise made by the grating OF
the rope against the window-ledge.
The stars above us looked down upon the
scene as calmly as for countless ages they
had looked down upon joy and sorrow,
upan peace and war, upon famine and
plenty, and as they will still look down
countless ages to come when we that now
live have gone forever, and when even our
races name has become thing long for
gotten.
There we were, standing at the window,
and Martec swinging between heaven and
earth, climbing the face of that awful Gill,
with no support hut that fragile rope.
At last | could see family in the darkness
the form of Martec still clmbing; then 1t
grew more distinct, then he was almost to
me- and finally he reached the window,
climbed into the room and sank exhausted
to the floor Safe! Safe from one peril, to
encounter others | stopped not to speak to
Martec, but instantly ran out of doors,
across the street tn the face OF the Cliff.
Hastily did | unfasten the rope which had
done us such good service. and then re-
turned into MY house, drawing the rope
after me. | was just in time, for had
scarcely done so when in the distance heard
the footsteps of the soldier returning. Little
he knew that the man whom he had seen
leap from the cliff that morning, and whose
HlduAltu UGuJ It ldiiCiSd az Wv
the precipice. was alive and in the house he
was now passing.
| had MADE up ny mind what would do;
I would accompany Martee. L told MIN
what l had resolved upon. IN vain ne
urged me not to do SO; in vain he pictured
to me the perils and discomtorts OF MS ne,
wandering he knew not where. AZ l3st ne
said: "Oh Isoletta, you speak that which L
love to hear. | reason with you Tor your
good. against my desires; but ii you are re-
solved to 90, L shall be made happy by your
sweet presence.
~ am resolved. Whatever '1le gods may
have in store Tor YOU, that will l also have"
The night was fast slipping away and rob
bing us of our friend, the darkness, and
soon daylight would come. We must be off,
and that at once.
We hurried through the silent streets and
reached the place where the long ladder
leads mp to the summit off the cliff. And
now commenced 4 climb that well might
try my strength, Up, up we went into the
darkness. 1t seemed as though the ladder
led 10 the stars. At last We reached the
summit in safety. Martec severed the cords
of the ladder, thus cutting US off from the
city forever.
Silently We turned away from the cliff.
Farewell, o City of the SUM-" said Martec.
thy people have driven us from the home
of our childhood. Farewell; l know 1 shall
never tread your streets again. Then gaZ-
ing uD into the starlit sky, he added: And
may that unknown God, to whom this earth
is light as grain of sand, guide us and
bring us to where we may live in peace and
happiness"
AS Martec finished speaking blazing
star shot across the face of heaven and
vanished far away over the great plain.
Look!' exclaimed Marted, 1.-The blazing
star is sent TO guide us. 1t points US toward
the PLAIN. Our way lies there" And thus
from the City Of the Sun we made our exit.
4
of my life, for the day which was about to
dawn was TO be my wedding day, and there
upon the lace of the cliff with only the stars
as witnesses, were Mertec and 1 married
Not by any priest of the sun, but just as
truly so.
Toward the plain the star had pointed and
toward the plain we went.
ITO be continued