Lyon County times. [volume] (Silver City, Nev.) 1874-1907, 1893-09-16
OnlDdrd gltded Sdprdnt.

inward Bllueu OdprdLl, ueT iuStTOus
sides tense with voluptuous longing,
while the toumril warbled louder and
louder, and the coral and crystal pend
ants sparkled red and white, and the
PLAYER swung his body from side to side
in the mystic rapture Cfth melody. And
now Saprani's head rose in the air. and
her body colled beneath until half her
sinuous grace was lifted above the floor
and waved to and fro like the waving of
reeds in the breeze that breathes upon
the banks of indian rivers. Her bright
ewes sparkled and the dark membranous
hood expanded on either side of her deli
cate and deadly jaws. Drunk-drunk
she was with the keen intoxication OF the
thrilling music!
The notes died away, the toumril left
the players lips, and Saprani sank nerve
less on the Indian carpet. Then with
gentle, caressing tones he spoke to her
and drew her toward him with his hands.
She yielded herself, obedient and droop-
ing. He lifted her and laid her softly
about his neck. Her chilly coils touched
his cheek, and her head, drowsy and dead
ly, hung down upon his forehead. The
charmer turned to his visitor, looked in
her eyes and smiled. During this scene
she had neither spoken nor moved. She
still leaned forward with clasped hands
and gaze intent.
But as the spell of the incarnation SUBJ
sided she drew deep breath, answered
his smile and murmured, "Yes, you have
conquered DEATH
"You must often have seen stranger
sights in India" said he, carefully un-
winding the somnolent cobra from his
neck. THE masters of the art are there.
am an amateur only and self taught"
such power cannot be taught" re-
piled the girl. "You were born Saprani's
master. and she recognizes you"
"But I can delegate the power" said
the other. "Saprani is the friend of all
who are friends to me-"
"Is she my friend?' asked the girl in
low voice.
"That is known to you better than to
me-" was the reply.
She threw back her silken shawl, and
stretching out her firm round arm laid
her hand unhesitatingly upon Saprani's
folds as she lay in her masters arms.
But the queen of serpents was not SO
deep in slumber or in apathy as she
seemed. AT the touch of that slender
hand strong quiver ran through her,
as woman might shudder at the con-
tact of something she feared or hated.
But with Saprani to hate was to resent.
Swiftly as the eye could follow the move
ment her black neck rose and drew back
and was launched forward again at Sim
fires unprotected bosom.
But swifter yet was the movement Of
the charmer's hand, which caught the an
cry cobra just below the head and with
held the fatal stroke. The next moment
Saprani was in her cage, and the screen
of glass had slid into its place. Then the
charmer returned to his visitor.
She had risen to her feet. AS he came
toward her she laughed lightly, but laid
her hand over her heart.
"You were not touchedf" he asked
quickly.
mo, but in that moment / made q
long journey-away and back again.
Death is remote country-to besonear!
Well, Saprani does not seem to believe
in our friendship, Cousin Frank"
81 will not ask you to forgive her.
need all your forgiveness for myself for
having exposed you to such danger"
"You saved my life, and life is per-
haps the most formidable of dangers"
she replied, smiling again. but thank
you none the less. And Saprani is a su-
perb creature. l bear her no grudge.
She is jealous of her master"
"She has shown that l am not her
master. shall not need the hint a sec
ond time"
perhaps she perceives some harm to
you in our acquaintance which you and
are still unconscious of. They are mys-
terious beings-serpentsv'
Nothing but good can comefrom you
to me, Sinfre, though you are more
mysterious than Saprani."