Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1893-04-27
aa aetzed a lona tron kntfe.

Ds'>1's 49,
He seized q long tron knife.
AS a dream It seemed to come to him
from some farof 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 q few mo-
ments that it was audible; then it sank
away in the deepest silence, and he heard
his hearts loud + ,a.lug. 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
,ome 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-
duced by the recent physical strain to
which he had been subjected. It 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 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, 80 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 q strange hour for maiden
to be abroad. What seeks my sister
heref
"I come to beg ono favor Of you before
I 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
morentl cannot 60 without bidding
him farewell. would see him alone, for
tomorrow cannot see him. am re-
signed-I will go to my doom quietly,
willingly If l can see him just once
moreF
eyes, you shall see him." he said.
"'Tis but little thing you ask. Tell
me, can not grant greater boonT'
81 ask nothing-nothing but to speak
to Eulcan."
"Enter, then," he said, standing aside;
ayour women shall wait here. No, they
shall. return. Co." he continued, turn
ing to them; "return to the city. Twill
brig Leila to you when she is ready"
Leila bad entered the house, and the
women, after single glance at Chalpa's
face, quickly departed. He stood for a
little time looking after them, and then
followed his victim indoors. She had
already in q few words, delivered her
message, and when Chslpa's stealthy
football came to her ears she was caress-
ing her brother and bidding him be COM
forted. It 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 taken, and now that
Leila was so completely in his power his
thoughts had taken a new turn.
After standing silent In the center of
the large room-from which he could
see the two-for some minutes, he ap-
preached them. Kulcan, his arms 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; 1t is an i'll
thing when those SO young as you show
a spirit so strangely bent against our
ancient practices. Yet ;ris because you
are both young and headstrong. Leila,
it seems, has at last become resigned to
tho will of Kinchahan, and will go
cheerfully to Chalcu's dreaded altar; but
you, Kulcan, you still are hesdstrong
and perverse. Yet, as I love you both,
I would fain hold out some hope"
"What hope is there nowT cried Kul-
can defiantly, all his strength and spirit
returning to him now that he knew Eric
lived.
"No hope for you or your sister if you
maintain that spirit Of disdain," Chalpa
answered; "but there is hope," he con-
tinued after pause, eff you will do my
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 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 rebe]lious.
Chalpa holds out q hope to us. Let us
hear him."
eyes, 1 hold out hope and safety for
you both," Chalpa said somewhat eager
". 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 only your
sisters bat your blood poured out upon
the altar"
"Oh, horrible! cried Leila, covering
her face. "spare him, Chalpa! Take
my life. Int let not his blood be shed.