The Goodland republic. [volume] (Goodland, Kan.) 1891-1907, 1893-03-10

MIN to the clean white Chamber on the
top-its dazzling gold plates arousing
calculations of their intrinsic value in
his mind at once-and they placed the
litter IA the center. Then they brought
him water and food-the first duties of
Atzlan hospitality being to supply the
guest with these before anything else is
done.
Bowling low before him, the priests,
who had regained IN some measure their
composure, offered him sheets of the
crisp, gauZy waiavi, a kind of bread
made of meal finely ground and baked
upon hot stones; thin as a wafer these
sheets were rolled or folded, and they
melted in his mouth deliciously. Then
they brought him baked meats and
cakes, with a sweet drink made from
the sprouting wheat, called kali. After
he had eaten his fill, which he did in a
slow and careful manner, avoiding the
betrayal of the fact that he was nearly
starved, for a god should not, he felt,
show vulgar hunger and thirst, they
brought him small carafe of the sacred
aitsi, which he found to be very ordi-
nary brand ofAaOzn whisky, but exceed
ingly strong.
When he had finished he drew out his
meerschaum, filled and lighted it. This
proceeding was watched by the priests
and as many of the chiefs as could see
into the chamber with uudisguised fear
and trembling. The striking of the
match upon the stones and the bursting
Of the little flame into life was a signal
for startling outcry. When the CRATE
: fnl smoke proceeded in gently rising
circles from his mouth and the aroma
filled the air the looks cast upon this liv-
ing censor were of profound awe. AS
each new wonder unfolded to their
gaze messengers were sent forSh, and
their voices could be heard by Gilbert
as they announced the prodigy to the
people who waited without.
The situation began to grow perplex-
ing to the visitor after awhile. He Won
dered what was expected of him, and
questioned his ability to perform his du-
ties as god. The role might be an ex-
acting one, and he felt the need of in
struction. The white faces which he
saw around him seemed to forbid the
idea of barbarisn, and he addressed to
Kulcan several questions in the language
he was master of to be answered only in
a strange, soft tongue, wit many genu-
Elections and much apparent awe.
Finally, rested and fed, he rose and
strobe to the door, placing his wide
sombrero on his head. AS he did so all
hurriedly made way for him. When he
appeared in view of the waiting popu-
lace they set up a great and joyous shout,
10 HE
hat and bowling graciously. He was fol-
lowed by the obsequious priests, Kulcan
leading. in the endeavor to show him
honor.
81 WONDER be unused, ''if they expect
me to fly away suddenly, or if this sort
of thing is going to last. If it does, it
will grow intolerable to man of modest
tastes"
Turning his eyes he encountered the
gaze of Chalpa, whose forbidding face
showed the utmost terror, the muscles
of his lips working with spasmodic
| twitches as he met Gilbert's piercing
questioning glance. The latter knew
intuitiyely that the man before him had
some special cause to fear him, and as
he noted the evil countenance he resolved
to keep watch upon him, feeling in
stinctively that here was an enemy, and
possibly dangerous one.
He observed at glance the general
divisions of society in the crowd below
and about him. The white robes of the
priests marked their vocation, while the
dress of the chiefs and the opulent
citizens distinguished them sufficiently
from the ordinary rabble. He counted
| between thirty and forty faces as white
as his own, and many that were nearly
white, so that there were evidently q
tie and a reddish brown race occupy
ing the great circular tenement, having
intermingled and intermarried until the
general type was d dark brunette. He
noted also the surprising beauty of the
! young women and many of the men.
There was a decided facial resem-
blance among them all, as in the Mon
| golian race, but it was far more pleas
ing one-the features of the people were
markedly regular. He observed nc
| weapons among them of any sort, al.
though few days later he detected the
presence of bows, arrows and small
stone tipped javelins in the houses, and
several sl1illfully made crossbows OF
| norm, showing al dCN tllCS IL CIV l. I'D AOL
far beyond that which the prehistoric
Aztecs had attained at the time of theil
overthrow. He was surprised at the pro
fusion of gold and silver ornaments
worn by even the children. denoting {
source near and easily work Il from
which the precious metals had been OBJ
tanned.
Perplexing as was the situation Il
hich he found hims elf, ,le fs,s t.;at he
was fortunate in the Opportunity it az
forded him for delight. s,ndy Of III
unknown race. Il can at least 90 tht
doctoring for the w2aole city, il al els.
fails me-" he Thought. Il douhtif there's
another NJ. D. N the place. Aad iily re.
that camera up above, /. e: 1Hi.c.l'
turn an honest penny making photo
graphs"
While these practical ide;.5 were goins
through his mind lie st-ole Gown t,2o
steps and began 10 Gasce1E1Ae cause
way. At the foot OF il stood little Eli;
smiling up at him. vgisa her garland il
her hand, having ev2del: her grand
mothers eyes. Gilbert took her up 4,
kissed the merry mouth VI , u weicoln II;
sense of gratitude for the tender smile
for he loved children. Tue action wa,
[ IL.