Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-04-20

Tor aWhlle. linen Iepelpec SAID:
ut was nothing-a loose stone per-
haps." They noiselessly assembled the
ladder and disappeared.
All the while Eric's hand had been on
his weapon, but he was loath to kill
them in cold blood, although he had
fully determined to slaughter Chalpa as
he would rattlesnake or a rabid dog
simply to rid the earth of vicious and
dangerous animal. 1t had become sim
ply question of self defense, and al
though he had been long in arriving at
such decision he was resolved to carry
it out. In this he was justified, mas
much as Chalpa had twice attempted
his life, and would certainly kill him if
he had another opportunity. He could
not invoke the law in Atzlan with any
sense of security, and he would be his
scoundrel.
When the two had gone he stepped
down and related their conversation to
Listah When he had concluded the
latter said:
"Tepelpec is right-there is much OBJ
lection to the sacrifice. People are say
ing it is time to abolish it. They say
that Quetzal was averse TO it, and they
believe he will return in time to prevent
it. But there is a strong party in favor
of it too. They seem about divided.
Some fear Chalpa and side with him."
Did you see lklapel!"
Eyes, replied Listah. "He is guarded
by my nephew Aza, and he permitted
me TO speak to the high priest. He was
filled with sorrow, for no thought you
dead. He did not believe that you had
left us, as Chalpa has said, but he feared
that you were murdered When told
him you were here he almost wept for
joy, He frightened up and appeared
years younger. He has told me how to
get to the vault under the temple by the
secret door which you know, he says,
and we are to go there and be ready to
rescue Leila tomorrow noon. lie thinks
it wise to wait until then"
Did you see Lela?" asked Eric, his
patience giving way entirely.
mo; she is with her grandmother.
But Bari, my wife, is one of the weavers
and is allowed to see her; you can send
her message and comfort her."
Let US do so at once" cried Eric.
"She must be told, for that her heart is
breaking l know too well. Go to her
and tell her all. Give her this knife and
tell her to use it upon Chalpa if he be-
comes too dangerous, but also tell her 10
be cautious and keep our secret well.
Go quickly; will await here patiently"
Listah turned off, Gilbert following
him along the passage, but slowly. The
old man, accustomed to the dark ways,
could move rapidly, and he soon van
ished. In less than thirty minutes he
reappeared smiling.
''She is happy" he said. "Chalpa has
been there, but she tainted and defied
him, and he feared to touch her because
the people would know of it and be
shocked. She is now sacred in their
eyes. Jan-ila has been released, for they
think him not dangerous, l suppose, and
he will be here soon with food and YOUR
long thunder tube, if he can bring it
without detection. Everybody is busy
preparing for tomorrow, and perhaps he
will not be observed. We must meet
him. Follow me-
They walked down the crvpt until
they came to spot where there was an
opening into an unused apartment; the
stones had fallen in and cholled the tuu-
mel, but there was room for Il man to
squeeze through. Once i'll the room
above it was easy to pass into another.
"Here comes Jan-ila at last" said
ERIC as the youth began to descend the
ladder from the room above. He car
ried with much difficulty huge bundle
of frewood-light branches, such as
were used as fuel for the temple. When
he reached the foot Of the ladder he fell
on his knees and embraced Erics legs
with many protestations of joy.
Il did not believe you dead, my mas
ter | knew you would return. have
brought the rifle and the cartridge belt:
now we can rescue Iklapel and Kulcan.
There are many who are with you. Chal-
pa is feared more than he is loved, and
when they see you many will desert him.
Let us huSryr
"Hasten slowly, my lad. We will wait
for the proper moment; then with due
effect and the pomp Of our surroundings
we will crush friend Chalpa 50 that he
will not rise again
See said Jan-ila, breaking into his
bundle Of fagots, in which he had con-
cealed the rifle, Il have brought food
and candles"
That's more to the point, for / am
nearly starved answered his master.
But first we will go to the chamber
under the temple. There we can be near,
lklapel and be ready at any moment
Show us the way, Listah!' q
They followed the old man, who held
a candle aloft, and after journey Of
perhaps half hour came to a stop be-
fore an apparently solid wall of large
stones. Eric recognized the great slab
in the center as a door similar to the
one Iklapel had opened when they had
inspected the treasure vault.
They passed through and along the
passage again until they came upon the
treasure house Of Atzlan, filled to over
flowing with tile accumulated wealth OF
dead, forgotten nations. Even old Iistah