San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1893-03-01

~0'-. ~
He seized u Iona iron knife
some fantasy born of the hour and the
| night?
After a 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 a position
where he could command a 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 swarthy face, showing look of
fierce, triumphant joy; i'll the shadow of
his brOws his black eyes flashed like
those of 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 Il strange hour for maiden
to be abroad. What seeks my sister
here
Il come to beg one favor Of You before
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
moment! cannot go without bidding
him farewell. would see him alone, for
tomorrow cannot see him. | am re-
signed-l will go to my doom quietly,
willingly il can see him just once
more
Yes, you shall see him." he said
IT'S but Il little thing you ask. Tell
me, can not grant greater BOOM
Il ask nothing-nothing but to speak
to Kulcan."
Enter, then" he said, standing aside;
your women shall wait here No, they
shall return. Co." he continued, turn
ing to them; return to the city. will
bring Leila to you when she is ready"
Leila had entered the house, and the
women, after a single glance at Chalpa's
face, quickly departed. He stood for
little time looking after them, and then
followed his victim indoors. She had
already, in a few words, delivered her
message, and when Chalpas 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-
ceal the JOY and hope that filled 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 that
Leila was so completely in his power his
thoughts had taken a new turn.
After standing silent in the center of
the large room-frorn which he could
see the twO-fOr some minutes, he APP
preached them. Kulcan, his arms bound
by thongs, raised his eyes, and Leila
turned toward the crafty priest as he
spoke:
my brother and sister, like not these
harsh, uncustomary measures which we
had to adopt. Methinks no other Katun
feast has been so married; it is an i'll
| thing when those so young as you show
a spirit so strangely bent against our
ancient practices. Yet it's because you
are both young and headstrong. Leila,
| it seems, has at last become resigned to
| the will of Kinchahan, and will go
cheerfully to Chalcu's dreaded altar; but
you, Kulcan, you still are headstrong
and perverse. Yet, as l love you both,
| would fain hold out some hope"
| "What hope is there nOw?" cried Kul-
I can defantly. all his strength and spirit
returning to him now that he knew Eric
lived.
mo hope for YOU or your sister if you
maintain that spirit of disdain," Chalpa
answered; but there is hope" he con-
| Ilnueu alJeF pause, II you Will uO my
will. l love you both right well. If l
did not you would have shared the fate
of-that is. you would not be here now
to know my clemency and tenderness at
this late hour.
Brother" interrupted Leila as be was
about TO answer, her soft voice full of
pleading. "listen and be not rebelliOus.
Chalpa holds out hope to Us. Let us
hear him."
Yes, l hold ont hope and safety for
Won both " ChaIDa said somewhat cage