Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-04-13

sulphur and gold red, shooting up i'll
long strea1ners across the clear, cool blue
of the sky. He heard the peewee call
and the shrill "teet teet" OF the snipe.
Then robin burst out i'll rich, rolliek-
ing matin song that made his heart swell
with queer mixture Of joy and sadness
II was all so sweet TO come back to
and so touching to him, softened by ill
ness, that the tears almost came into his
eyes. Then as he looked he saw dark
hand and arm appear at his window.
| The hand held bunch of small, pale
green berries, and it shook nervously as
they were squeezed, and IA few drops of
grayish white juice fell into his water
| lar, which stood on the window sill.
In second he had fired at the hand,
but missed his aim. Jan-ila awoke with
a startled yell and stood dazed for
moment, then rushed to the window.
| No one was in sight, but a minute later
people began to emerge upon the house
| tops and peer about. Others hurried to
| Eric's dwelling to ascertain the meaning
of Quetzal's thunder. All joined i'll the
search for the wretch who had attempt
ed his life, but he had left no trace. The
circumstance put Eric upon his guard.
| He realized that the enemy was willing
| TO resort to the sternest means to accom-
| plish their end, and he once more put on
his belt and holster and carried his re-
volver wherever he went.
This attempt upon his life, however,
was adroitly used to Chalpas disadvan-
tage. for he alone was known to be in
imical to Eric, and the election, which
took place two days later, was lost to
him by only twenty-five votes. The
priests and the heads of families alone
voted and the latter were largely i'll
fiuenced by the dastardly attack upon
Eric's hfe-placing it entirely to Chal-
pas account.
The latter gave no sign Of the rage
that consumed him, but smiled as crafti-
" as ever when the votes were counted.
He congratulated kulcan with the suavi
ty of an Italian diplomat. for he had not
PLAYED his last card, and he was now re-
solved upon a desperate measure. He
now knew the strength Of his party and
the stuff of which his partisans were
made. and in another week he would rid
himself of his principal obstacles and
come out triumphant. Another week
and the Feast of the katun would be
held. lie alone knew the name Of tho
doomed maiden whose life would 90 out
that week as a sacrifice to the god of
centuries. On the morrow he would
announce it, and he felt the thrill of
horror which would creep over the city
when the name was heard.
That same morning Jan-ila, arising
and going forth for a matutinal plunge,
found a roll of cotton cloth upon the
doorsill. II contained white stone,
with these words upon it:
Thou art God and knowest they have chosen
Leila for the sacrifice. Waken and spare not
He hurried back to Eric, and the read
ing of the words gave the latter a shock
which unnamed him for several min
ntcs as their dire meaning crept fully
upon his mind. He sent for 1klapel and
Kulcan. The younger priest was horri-
fled and amazed.
Gould he dare,' he cried. "The
fend To wreak such a revenge! can
not believe that he would do such an
act. Even he, reckless and cruel rs he is.
would hesitate to bring such q thing to
pass. Has he lost his senses?'
What do you mean" asked Eric. "Of
whom are you speaking:
"Chalpa. the head of the council; he
who casts the lots and decides tho fatal
dice throwing, Chalpa the cheat and
liar cried Kulcan. throwing his arms
up wildly. Il fear him not, the scoun-
drelly assassin
Iklapel peered at the youth under his
shaggy eyebrows, the fire in his dark
eyes blazing somber and low.
"Does my brother believe that Chalpa
can cheat: that he would dare to deceive
the other two judges, the whole city and
Quetzal?'
Can cheat: Dare" cried Kulcan. "He
can, and he dare, and ! will face him
with the charge. Ny sister shall not be
the sacrifce"'
NO" said Eric quietly, "she shall
not, even if Chalpa has to be taken off
to check his too pious zeal. Idon't want
TO kill him, but certainly shall if he re-
solves to sacrifice her"
YES you are right" said the old
priest. "What can we do?"
1--WE must get Leila here and keep her
until we can arrange matters Eric re-
piled. "She must come tonight, for she
will be safe here. l could defend this
house, with Kulcan and JAMS help,
against thousand Atzlans."
I'VE will go for her at once" cried
Kulcan excitedly. Come, Jan-ila!'
mo, not now-not in daylight-they
will suspect cried Iklapel. I'VE must
prevent an open conflict; we must win
by peaceful means if possible, unless he
makes the announcement this afternoon.
In that case we must resort TO extreme
measures"
They dispersed. Eric and Jan-ila imme-
diately prepared for siege, filling the
windows with slabs of stone to resist ar
rows, and provided food and water
enough for several days use. Iklapel
stationed himself at the temple to send
the news if the announcement was made,
while Kulcan guarded Leila.
At sunset Iklapers messenger came.