The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-07-12

The two companions set out in a direc~
ton the very reverse of that in which they
had previously travelled, guiding themselves
as before by the symbolic signs of the in
tunda which Maurice had marked
with the figure ''one," they stopped
to ascertain their position by the compass
At first the cross-way differed nothing
from those they had already traversed;
there were the same walls rising to a height
of about six inches, the same intersection
of straight lines. But Maurice was forced
to believe that from this spot some path of
especial Importance must branch off. I'm
fortunately there were fourteen paths to
| choose from, and none in absolutely strict
accordance with the points of the compass.
| What should he dol? Which path should he
decide upon?
After a few moments reflection he
marked each passage with a NUMBER, 9,
B., 4, 8, and so or up to IA.
eve will explore each one in turn" he
| said to Gargaridi, and mark them as we
proceed 30 that we shall not take the same
road twice."
''And with which shall wo commence, sir?
Shall we decide by tossing up a coin-head
or tail?"
the direction ! wish to follow, for according
to the compass it runs due southwest"
Forward, then for the southwest said
Garearidi, taking up his staff and falling
into line."
They entered the gallery which Maurice
had selected. but it was in vain that at each
turning and at each crossway they affixed
their mark, keeping always as closely as
| possible to the southwest. After a long
tramp they found themselves in what was
neither more nor less than a blind alley.
Maurice carefully examined it's walls to sat
isfy himself as far as possible that they
contained no hidden exit. The rocks re-
| vealed no secret.
Nothing was left but to return to the last
crossway and take another gallery, but first
Maurice noted upon his tablets the number
of the one they had just explored. The
| next gallery brought the same result, and
when following a third they came npon
their W signs, clearly denoting that it
had been already traversed, Gargarldl be-
gan to be discouraged. ALI these marches
and countermarches had consumed much
time, and the poor fellows system was
again craving nourishment; truth to tell,
their early morning meal had only suf1iced
to create more appetite.
He seated himself upon the ground and
mopped his brow vigorously. "OufH!' he
cried. my head is swimming round. 1t is
like being in q circus. What is the time, sir?"
Just half past -"
EXACTLY luncheon time, them
perhaps we had better postpone that
ceremony until a little later, Gargaridi."
pardon. sir" said Aristomene with
great dignity, "but if you wish to continue
this exploration | must humbly remark that
my limbs are failing me and that unless ma
ture is refreshed and sustained l can not
take another step"
"As you will" said Maurice with a sigh.
after all it does not much matter whether
we die of hunger now or later on"
Without waiting for another word Gar
garidi cut for each of them a slice of bread
and round of sausage. After a moments
interval not a crumb remained of his own
share.
Forward again!" cried Maurice; I'VE
must not waste either our time or our sup
ply of light. We will take the fourth GAL
lery, and this time mark each turning with
an s."
Onward they went, and nothing could ex-
coed the monotony of the journey along
the in~terminable passages through a gloom
which the feeble rays of their candle only
accentuated.
At each step they carefully scanned the
walls and the ground they walked on, and
at each turning Maurice would consult his
compass. and patiently niix the mark they
had determined OF. The rock was
hard, the knife becoming blunt: the task
seemed more uncrateful at each new gal
lery they explored. Their journey became
II veritable Nightmares; these corridors,
without beginning and without end. seemed
rs if designed and built by some malicious
fiend.
lTo BE CONTINUED.
Copyright.