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

crush this rattlesnake, Chalpa, forever
ere tomorrow sun sets. l am going to
send word to Kulcan to be firm and
yield nothing to Chalpa and think we
are going to come out victors even more
easily than you expect. Chalpa is the
one man we need bother about. When
no is out of the way the rest may be
managed. But, old friend you must
take some rest, for you will need your
strength tomorrow. 1t is now late"
Eyes, it grows late; but see, the peo-
pie crowd outdoors; they win not go to
their beds; they cannot sleep"
"All the better. | can pass among
them unnoticed, for am going to Leila
to send her to Kulcsn."
at is dangerous Grand" said TX.
lapel.
mot very. Even were | recognized
don't think any man would stop me:
carry many lives in my hand, Iklapel,
and they know it. But go to bed and
sleep, for we are safe"
He went down the broad, graded de.
scent and reached the ground unob.
served. There was nobody near the tern-
pie; the priests were busy preparing for
the festival on the morrow or about to
seek rest. Farther on the people sat in
groups about their doors or upon the
lower range Of roofs. Those among
whom he passed glanced at him, but
Jan-ila's blanket was close up about his
ears, and they did not recognize him. Ho
reached Lela's door and saw that light
burned within; he halted, at loss how
to summon Bari forth, but at that mo-
ment Eliza, now large girl, came from
the spring with jar Of water upon her
head, and was about to enter the house
when he stopped her.
Maiden, is Bari, the wife of Listah.
within?'
YES" she answered, looking sharply
at him, but not knowing him, for his
face was strange to her and dark.
Tell her, child, that one is here with
a message from Listah, who would SEQ
her at once"
She went in, and in moment old Bari
came out. There was a pale crescent
moon low in the sky, and its light fell
upon her face as she looked at him with
frightened gaze, lie held up warn
ing finger as he stopped to hide his
height.
Bari, do not speak; come from Lis
tab to ask you whether you are still his
wife aud friend or Chalpas slave;"
why, what mean your" she ex-
claimed. Il saw my husband today; ne
need send ne no such message. / do
his bidding and no others"
But you guard Leila, who is Chalpa's
victim, the sacrifice to the godr
Aye, but Listah did not forbid me,
and it is my duty"
But, think you, would Quetzal like
HE has gone and left her-his she
was, and he will protect her. | do no
wrong in thinking it."
Yes, he will protect her, and YOU
shall help him." he said, standing up be-
fore her and revealing bis face. DO
not start am Quetzal. | have re-
turned. but it must not be known until
tomorrow. This you must do Tell her
privately that she must ask Chalpa to
permit her to have one last conversation
with kulcan before she dies. She must
go to Chalpa's house, where her brother
is confined, and tell him | am here and
will snite the rattlesnake tomorrow.
Tell him to yield not, nor be discour-
aged. for he will be safe"
"kulcan is not at Chalpa's house"
said Bari Tho priest has taken him
to your dwelling, ont beyond the city,
and is with him there, for he SAYS he
l. C
AFTER
The deuce he has" calculated Eric.
THAT is cool. Very well, she must 20
there at once. Some of your women can
attend her, Of course, and conduct her
home on her return. But there is no
time to waste; she must go immediate
ly; hasten now, but be cautious"
Before She could reach the door it
opened, and Leila came FORTH Going
straight to Eric, she threw her arms
about his neck and said:
MY own. Something told me You
We're here. Blessed, true heart, to come !
TO me when needed you SOL"
He kissed her many times, hushing
her voice thus, and then said:
you must go back at once. If YOU |
are seen here it will ruin all. Bari will |
~ you for what I cane, and tomorrow
all the trouble will be ended. Have pa |
thence and courage, my darling. Go into
the house now, dear, at once"
She cbeyed silently. With one long
fond look she entered the house. Old |
Bari followed her and closed the door
beijpd her
ITo BE CONTINUED.] i