The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1893-05-19

AS dream it seemed to come to him
from some faroff desert space, like
voices of the stars. Yet he surely heard
it, faint, but clear. the air of ''Annie
Laurie" sung by male voices in unison,
and it seemed the sweetest sound he had
ever heard. It was for but a few mo-
ments that it was audible; then it sank
away in the deepest silence, and he heard
his hearts loud beating. He looked up
at the silent stars and caught his breath.
What madness was this? Had he truly
heard the voices, or were the sounds but
some fantasy born of the hour and the
night?
After little reflection he arrived at
the conclusion that what he had fancied
he heard was but the result of mo-
mentary mental arrangement, superin-
duced by the recent physical strain to
which he had been subjected. 1t could
have no other explanation, and he re-
solved to be careful in the future. His
reflections were interrupted by the ap-
proach of people and the sound of female
voices. He sank deeper into the shadow
of the trees, and hurried to q position
where he could command view of his
own house and see all that occurred.
The group approached, and he saw that
it was Leila and three of her women. She
had been talking gayly to them, but low
cred her voice as she neared the dwell
ing, where she expected to find Chalpa.
But Chalpa had heard their voices and
came out to meet them, holding aloft
one of Eric's candles. The light fell on
his swarthJ face, showing a look Of
fierce, triumphant joy; in the shadow of
his brows his black eyes flashed like
those of q snake. He was plainly sur
prised at his victims visit, and also at
her easy manner, so at variance with
that of the last two days, and Eric could
see that he was wondering what errand
had brought her there. AS they neared
the door he stepped toward them, say
ing:
''This is a strange hour for maiden
| to be abroad. What seeks my sister
! herey'
II come to beg one favor of you before
! I die" answered Leila, throwing into her
! voice all the pleading, plaintive tones
| she could command. "Let me see my
brother and speak to him for but little
momentl cannot go without bidding
him farewell. l would see him alone, for
tomorrow cannot see him. l am re-
signed-I will go to my doom quietly,
willingly if can see him just once
moreI''
"Yes, you shall see him. he said.
'''Tis but a little thing you ask. Tell
me, can ! not grant greater BOOM"
81 ask nothing-norhing but to speak
to Kulcan."
ENTER, then" he said, standing aside;
'syour women shall wait here. No, they
shall return. Co." he continued, turn
ing to them; return to the city. viii
bring Leila to you when she is ready"
Leila had entered the house, and the
women, after single glance at Chalpa'f
face, quickly departed. He stood for q
little time looking after them, and then
followed his victim indoors. She had
already, in a few words, delivered hel
message, and when Chslpa's stealthy
football came to her ears she was caress-
ing her brother and bidding him be com
forted. 1t was hard for Kulcan to con.
ceaI the Joy and hope that filed him and
Frightened his face, but fortunately
Chalpa, now bent upon another scheme
noticed nothing; he was delighted at the
turn affairs had taken. and now thai
Leila was so completely in his power hil
thoughts had taken new turn.
/ After standing silent In the center Of
the large room-from which he could
see the two-for some minutes, he ap
preached them. Kulcan, his arms bound
by thongs, raised his eyes, and Lels
turned toward the crafty priest as h
spoke:
my brother and sister, Hike not thes'
harsh, uncustomary measures which w
had to adopt. Methinks no other Katur
feast has been so marred; it Is an IL
thing when those so young IS you show
a spirit so strangely bent against ON
ancient practices. Yet its hecause yoI
are both Young and headstrong- Leila
it seems, has at last become resigned Il
the viii of Kinchahan, and win g
) chsarfuIly 10 ChsIcu's dreaded altar; bu