Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-04-27


him farewell. | would see him alone, for
tomorrow cannot see him. | am re-
signed-l will 90 to my doom quietly,
willingly If | can see him just once
mOrcr
YES. you shall see him." he said.
otis but little thing you ask. Tell
me- can not grant a greater boom"
Il ask nothing-nothing but to speak
to Kulcan.'
Enter, then" he said, standing aside
"your women shall wait here. No, they
shall return. Co." he continued. turn.
ing to them: "return to the city. | viii
! bring Leila to You when she is ready"
| Leila had entered the house, and the
women after single glance al Chalpa's
| face, quickly departed. lie stood for
little time looking after them, and then
followed his victim indoors. She had
already, in few words, delivered her
message, and when Chaipa's stoalthy
: football came to her ears she was caress-
ing her brother and bidding him be com
fortad 1t was hard for Kulcan to con-
ceal the Joy and hope that filed him and
| frightened his face, but fortunately
! Chalpa, now bent upon another scheme,
noticed nothing: he was delighted at the
turn affairs had talcu, and now that
| Leila was SO completely in his power his
thoughts had taken 4 new turn.
After standing silent in the center of
, The large room-lroln which he could
rec the two-for some minutes, he au-
preached them kulcan, his arms bound
10y thongs, raised his eyes, and Leila
turned toward the crafty priest as he
spoke:
My brother and sister, l like rot these
harsh, uncus'omary measures which we
had to adopt. Methinlls no other katun
feast has been 50 married. it is an i'll
thing when those so Young as yoa show
u spirit so strangely bent against our
ancient practices. Yet It's because YOU
are both Young and headstrOng. Leila,
ii seems. has At last become resigned to
tie viii cf hinchahan, and will 20
rheerfully TO Chslcu's dreaded altar: bat
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 detiantly, all his strength and spirit
/ lived
mo hope for YOU or your sister it Won
maintain that spirit Of disdain," Chalpa
answered; but there is hope he con-
tinued after pause, "if you will do nv
/ will. ! love you both right well. If
did not you would have shared the fate
of-that is, YOU would not be here now
| to know NV ClemenCy and tenderness at
this late hour"
"Brother,' interrupted Leila as he was
about to answer, her soft voice full Of
pleading. "listcn and be not rebellious.
Chslpa holds out a hope to u.s. Let US
hear him"
"Yes, hold out hope and safety for
You both" Chalpa said somewhat eager
ly. 81 do not desire your blood can
avert Your doom if you will do my will.
Obey me and you both are saved, for be
lieve me. before the sun sets tomorrow
the thirty priests will have not oN!yyour
sisters but your blood poured out upon
the altar"
"Oh, horrible!' cried Leila, covering
her face. Spare him, Cnalpa! Take
my life, but let not his blood be shed.
Remember he is the last of our family"
Il remember it only too WE'LL an
swered Chalpa.
"But why Stay him. she pleaded.
"l1e shall be spared if you will You
hold his life as we'll as your own upon
your lips tonight"
She looked amazed: a new fear smote
her. What design had entered this cruel
priests mind: She knew 10 way to
avert her fate apart from Gilbert's
strong hand, and yet he seemed TO offer
her safety dependent upon her own will.
Eric had crept softly TO the door and
heard every word. An inkling of Chal-
pas purpose flashed into his mind; he
smiled as he thought of the prizes. 3
helpless position. One step and he WIS
lost as no stood protfering help to those
two doomed ones. There WAS silence
awhile; then Leila said in low voice:
"What can | do to save him.
"CHn you not guess! Have you not
seen these many months that my soul
seeks yours-that love you rs 10 man
ever lovedE'
She drew away from him with startled
eyes.
All" he continued, you must know
that | wish you to he my wife. When
Quetzal was here did not seek you. Tor
| knew he was bat deluding you. Now
he is gone; lie viii never return, and |
love you still, faithfully, truly, forever.
Will you be mine: Say yes and you
shall be saved and Kulcan also
"And if say 'Eo% she asked.
Wrhen " said the l,rip,t ''vOu will botb