Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1893-05-26

As dream II seemed to come To INN
from some faroff desert space. like
voices of the stars. Yet he surely heard
it, faint, but clear. the air of Annie
Laurie" sung by male voices in unison.
and it seemed the sweetest sound he had
ever heard. 1t was for but few mo
ments that it was audible; then it sank
away i'll the deepest silence. and he heard
his hearts loud beating. He looked up
at the silent stars and caught his breath.
What madness was this! Had he truly
heard the voices, or We're the sounds but
some fantasy born of the hour and the
night?
After little reflection he arrived at
the conclusion that what he had fancied
he heard was but the result of mo-
mentary mental arrangement. sup rim
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 APP
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 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; in 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 strange hour for maiden
to be abroad. What seeks my sister
here!'
II 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. l would see him alone, for
tomorrow cannot see him. l am re-
signed-I will go to my doom quietly,
willingly if can see him Just once
more!'
"Yes, you shall see him." he said.
"'Tis but little thing you ask Tell
me, can l not grant greater boom
Il ask nothing-nothing but to speak
to Kulcan."
Enter, them" he said. standing aside;
"your women shall wait here. No, they
shall return. Gro" he continued. turn.
ing to them; return to the city. will
bring Leila to you when she is ready"
Leila had entered tho house, and the
women, after a single glance at Chalpa's
face. quickly departed. He stood for q
little time looking after them, and then
followed his victim indoors. She had
already, in few words. delivered hel
message, and when Chalpa's stealthy
football came to her ears she was caress
ing her brother and bidding him I've 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 50 completely in his power his
thoughts had taken new turn.
After standing silent III the center OF
the large room-from which he could
see the two-for some minutes, he ap.
preached them. Kulcan, his arIns 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 30 marred; II is an i'll
thing when those SO young as You show
a spirit SO strangely b.nt against our
ancient practices. Yet It's because you
are both young and headsiron2 Leila,
it seems. has at last become resigned to
the will Of kinchahan. and will 20
cheerfully to Chalcu's dreaded altar; but
you. Kulcan, you still are headstrong
and perverse. Yet. as love you both,
/ would fain hold ont some hope"
What hope is there now" cried Kul-
can defan,ly. all his strength and spirit
returning to him now that he knew Eric
lived.
mo hope for YOU or your sister il you
maintain that spirit Of dis,lain." Chalpa
answered; but there il hope" he con
tinuei after pause. IF you will do my
will. / love You both right well. II |
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 he 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. hold ont nope and safety for
you both" Chalpa SAID somewhat eager
". Il do not desire your blood can
avert your doom if you will do my will.
Obey Inc and you both are saved, for be-
heve me, before the sun sets tomorrow