The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1893-07-20

As dream 1t seemed to come to him
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 were 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. superin-
dnced 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 ap-
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 faca showing look of
fierce, triumphant joy; in the shadow of
his brows his black eyes flashed like
| those of a snake. He was plainly sur
prised DIT 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:"
Il come to beg one favor of you before
die" answered Leila, throwing into her
voice all the pleading, plaintive tones
she couA command. LET me see INV
brother and speak to him for but little
moment! L cannot go without bidding
him farewell. would see him alone, for
tomorrow cannot see him. l am re-
signed-I will go to my doom quietly.
willingly if I can see him just once
more!'
Yes, you shall see him." he said.
lis but little thing you ask. Tell
me, can not grant greater BOOM
Il ask Mountaineering but to speak
to Kulcan"
Enter, then" he said, standing aside:
'your women shall wait here. No. thew
shall return. Co." he continued. turn
ing to them; return to the city. Twill
BRING Leila to you when Aae is ready"
Leila had entered the house. and the
women, after single glance at Chalpa's
face, quick y departed. He stood for a
little time looking after them, and then
followed his victim indoors. She had
already, In a few words, delivered her
message, and when Chalpas stealthy
football came to her ears she was caress.
ing her brother and bidding him be com
forted. 1t was hard for Kulcan to con.
ceal the joy and hope that filled him and
frightened his face, but fortunately
Chaipa, now bent upon another scheme
noticed nothing; he was delighted at the
turn affairs had taken, and now that
Leila was SO completely in his power his
thoughts had taken a new turn.
After standing silent in the center ~
the large room-from which he could
see the two-for some minutes. he an
preached them. Kulcan, his arms bonnd
by thongs, raised his eyes, and LEILA
turned toward the crafty priest "a he
spoke: 40
My brother and sister, l like not the,.
narsh, uncustomary measures which NO
had to adopt. Methinks no other K.,rn
feast has been SO marred: il Ia an m
thlng when those SO young as Won show
spirit so strangely bent against onr
ancient practices. Yet It's because Won
are both young and headstrong. Leila.
1t seems, has at last become resigned 70
the Will OF Kinchahan, and will 90
cheerfnily to Chalcu's dreaded altar: lint
!ou' huIcan, you still are heaAstro,z
1ho perverse. Yet, as I love Won 10th
would fain hold out some honep
nat hope is there nowY' cried r.,
an denantiy, all his strength and sn;r;.
lived. "' NC knew Eric
40 hope for You or your sister -
maintain that spirit of disd.;n g -. :. you
tirnes but there is hope" be coz
r rueo atter a pause. "if You win do M
d;d . l love You both right well Iey
~ 80 ~. .s you would have shared the Co.
~ Is You would not. he be-a ~. 90
~ ~ know my clemency and fenderno. low