San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1893-02-21

Could it be that this was one of thos
tablets?
While he was occupied with thes,
thoughts the old priest brought quaint
ly carved cedar box, and removing it
cover disclosed a double handful o.
roughly cut gems, the great value o.
which Eric discerned at a glance. He
examined them with appreciative eyes
finding among them several diamonds OF
the size of hazel nuts and many fine
rubies and emeralds.
These said Iklapel, "came from the
far south; they are the seeds of the ser
pent. Before he came and covered the
world with clay and stones and water
there was none of these on the earth
no man had seen them before. Such j.
the tradition. The people of Atlantis
had no such shining stones, but they had
stones such as this" handing Eric al
oval of carnelian, with fattened sides.
Carved on one face was an intaglio,
finely executed, representing a pyr'
amidal mountain, with a city surround
ing its base, evidently a picture of the
fated city. Around the edge was a
border of small characters in the ancient
writing. On the reverse side was cut
the Crux Ansata, the mystic Tau, the
sacred symbol of the Phallic god of the
old world which has puzzled the savants
for ages.
What a treasure" thought Eric, 'to
Low Iof 1,n rn;nr+;e+e g h.
and what deal of discussion it would
arOuse.
There was nothing more to be seen,
and with a glance around the room he
took up his light and followed Iklapel
up the ladder. They had spent several
hours in the vaultlike place and found
Kulcan above waiting for them. He
looked anxious and moody, and catching
Gilbert's eye mOtiOned to him to follow
him. The young priest led the way
silently, yet casting quick, cautious
glances about him, to the large gate,
and when they were outside. almost into
the pinOn orchards, he turned to Eric,
and after a moments nervous hesitation
he began, Did my brother ever gambler
well" replied Eric, with a smile,
i've played the game my people call
poker many times, I'm sorry to say
too many times in fact-and I've tried
faro also once or twice, with poor re-
Suits
But" interrupted Kulcan, did you
ever allow yourself to be so carried
away with the excitement of these games
that you forgot your duty to your sisters
and brothers,
No." answered Eric, "but l have
seen many men lose their heads and
gamble away all they owned"
Then" said the priest, ''you will I'M
derstand. | must confess to you, my
brother, and burden you with miser-
able tale-a tale of grief and shame.
cannot look you in the face, but | must
tell you. We have, as you have seen, a
game called Understanding the I'M
known, unknowable-a game of num-
bers. All, how can tell you? You will
despise me!'
go on, said Eric, who surmised what
was coming, although he did not guess
its full meaning.
THE younger priests" resumed Kul-
can, "have always played this game
among themselves, as do all our people,
but l had always, by Iklapels advice,
avoided it, and knew not even how it was
played until year ago. Then in ar
evil hour l ventured wager against
Chalpa's game, and l won sixty silver
taos. Elated by my success and imag
lining myself to be blessed by fortune,
tried again and won. But the next even
ing lost all that had won, and in the
endeavor to reclaim it | parted with a!
much more. did not feel willing t.
stop then, but was eager to get my owl
money back. Then said would neve
gamble again, but before l had succeed
ed had become a victim to the habi
which dominates all the people of Atz
Ian.
This was before my father, the gov
ernor, died, and soon Chalpa had VOL
all the money and cattle which pos
sessed. Then l began to be indebted t.
him, and in my now frantic endeavors +
win enough to free myself-for debtor
| are slaves here-I became reckless, an
when my father died Chalpa laid CLAIM
to all my property. But l had no sus
picion of his methods and believed hin
honest. Chalpa changed his plans, O
rather broadened them, for | think hi
object at first was only to win my pos
sessions He cast his evil eye upo
Aimee, my betrothed, and although sh
despised him he wished to wed her.
in this he was unsuccessful, but tina
very month she was selected for the sax
rifce, and he is the one who cast tn
lots. | dare not say scarce dan
think him SO treacherOus, 50 vlllalnoU