The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-05-30
copyrighted, 1894, BY H rider Hassard-
CHAPTER xL-cosrINurD

CHAPTER XL-CoNTINuED
There were none left upon the main
land TO rcplenish the race, and this Is
our law, law that cannot be broken
under pain of death, that no man or
woman may leave our territories TO seek
a husband or wife of different blood.
"Thus, then, it has come about that
the people have grown fewer and fewer,
wasting away like snow upon noun
tain top in summer, till Mt length they
are dwindied TO few thousands, who
in bygone days could count their num-
Der by tens and twenties OF thousands.
but an ancient prophecy has come
down 20 us from our forefathers, and IL
Is that, when once more the two halves
of the symbol of the Heart are laid side
by side in their place upon the altar in
the sanctuary OF the holy city, then
from that hour she shall grow great
again. Over this saying brooded long,
and often did pray 20 that God whom
worship that might find that which
was lost, and save the people from
perishing.
"At length a voice spoke to me in a
dream answering my prayer, bidding
me to wander forth from the country %
the heart and follow the ancient road
toward the sea, for there. near TO the
eastern shore, should find that which
was lost.
"Then summoned the Council of the
Heart and told them of my dream and
that purposed TO obey It. But they
made mock OF me and said that
might go IL wished. but that no man
of the people should accompany me
across the mountains, for that was
against the ancient law.
10 be Short" continued Zibalbay,
''since my heart was set upon this mis-
sion and my daughter yonder, who is
willful, would not be gainsaid of her de-
sire TO accompany me, Tikal, my
nephew. was placed over the city to
rule as cacique In my stead, until
ahould return again.
"Alonc we crossed the mountains,
and alone, following the traces of the
ancient road, we travelled through the
desert and the forest that lies beyond
IL, till at last we reached this secret
place.
s.There isno need TO tell the rest of the
talo, for IL Is known to you. Now, If IL
pleases you, let us hear yours, and
learn what purpose led you and your
companion here in time 60 save us from
the grip of that white devil who lies
dead upon the stairway"
Then Ispolse, telling TO Zibalbay and
his daughter the story OF my life, and
of my great scheme to build up again
that empire which fell in the day Of
Montezuma.
Now you speak words that are after
my own heart" said the old man; "but
tell me, how is IL 10 be done?"
by your help" / answered. MEN
are here in plenty, but 10 use them /
must have gold, whereas yondcr, IL
seems, you have gold and no men.
Therefore l ask OF you some portion Of
your useless wealth, that by its help
may lift mp your people and my own"
Follow me TO the city, and II | can
bring IL about you shall have all that
YOU desire" he answered. Now,
daughter, lead me 20 my rest, for | am
overwhelmed. not with toll and suffer-
ing, but with too much joy"
When he had gone the senior spoke to
me. "This Is very well. IQnatio," he
said, "and most interesting, but just
now. as | may remind you, there are
things more pressing than the regener-
alton of the Indian race; for instance,
our own safety. Tomorrow, at the lat
est, men will come 20 seek those villains
who lie yonder, 1d IL we are found
here II seems likely that we shall be
shot down as murdercrs. Say, then,
what do you propose 20 do?
IL propose, senior, that ut the first
light Of dawn we should take the mules
and ride away. The forest Is dense and
IL will be difficult TO find us in IL; more
over, two days journey will take ms
beyond the reach OF white men. Tell
me, lady" added TO Maya, who had
returned from the chamber. lido you
know the road?"
II know the road" she answered,
but, sirs, before you take IL, IL Is right
that should tell you something.
"You have heard my fathers words
and they are true, every one of them,
but they are not all the truth. lie rules
that c5ty OF which he has spoken TO you.
but the mobiles there are weary of his
rule, that at times Is somewhat harsh,
also they deem him mad. II was for
this reason that they suffered him TO
wander forth. seeking the iulhllment
of prophecy IN which none OF them
have faith. for they were certain that
he wonld perish In the wilderness and
return no moro TO trouble them"
Then why did they allow you. who
arc his heir, TO accompany him. lady?''
Because would have II SO. love
my father, and II he was doomed 10 die
because Of his folly, II was my wish 10
die with him. Moreover, II you would
know the truth, hate that city where
! was born and the man In II 90 whom
am destined to be married. and desired
20 escape from II II only for awhile"
"And does that man hate you. Lady,
"No." she answered. turning her
head aside. "but II hs loves me, be.
iieve tha: hc loves power moro. uad