The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1896-07-11
copyrighted, 1894, by IL Rider Hasgard.
CHAPTER xvul-coNrTNuED.


Two more days passed, or so we reck-
oned by the number OF meals that were
brought to MS, but neither TilSal nor
Natal returned TO visit us. Other doc
torscame and saw Zibalbay, but, though
they tried many remedies, they were OF
no avail On the night OF the second
dny we were gathered round his couch
watching him and talking together sad
iy enough, FOR the solitude and dark
ness and the fear OF impending death
had broken our spirits SO that even the
senior ceased TO be merry, and the pres
ence OF her beloved to give comfort to
Maya.
Ii was Just then that looked up and
saw Natal standing in the doorway,
watching the scene curiously and with
a softening face.
''Greeting," he said, "and forgive me
that como so late, but my business is
secret, and such as is best done at
night. How does IL go with Zibalbay?"
"He lives" answered; Il can say no
more, for he is senselcss, and, without
doubt, soon must die. But come, see
for yourself"
Natal walked TO the bed and ex-
amined the old man, lifting the eyelids
and feeling his heart.
"He cannot live long" he said.
"Well, death is his best friend. And
low TO my business. There Is trouble
in the city, and strange rumors pass
from mouth TO mouth among the peo-
pie, many of whom declare that Tikal
has murdered Zibalbay, and demand
that you, lady, should be brought be-
fore them, that you may be named
cacique in his place.
"Things being 80, IL has been urged
upon Tikal by the chiefs OF his party
that, as he will never clear himself OF
the death of Zibalbay, ii would be well
that he should make away with you
also, lady, and with these two strnn-
gers. The matter was laid before him
nj n secret council held this afternoon,
and once he issued the order for your
deaths, only TO recall IL before the mes
senpcr had left the palace"
Now he paused, and Maya asked, in
low voice:
"Have you no plan TO save us, Mat
tai?"
s'Why should / have plan, lady,
who with my house would benefit so
greatly by your denthY'
IL do not know why you should have
plan, old man." broke in the senior,
but tell you that You will do we'll "a
make one, else you do not leave this
place alive" and as he spoke with a
sudden movement he sprang between
Natal and the door.
"If we are 90 be murdered like birds
La a cage" he went on, lat least your
neck shall be twisted first. Do you
understand?"
II understand, Son OF the Sea-" an.
swered Natal, fiinching little before
the senor's fierce face and hand out
stretched as though to grip him. but
/ would have you understand some
thing, also; namely, that II do not
return presently, there are some with
out who will come 10 seek me, anc
then"
And then they will find your carcass,
broke In the senior, "and what viii al
vour plots and schemes advantage you
when you are lump OF senscles'
Little. indeed, confess" he an
syercd "Still, my daughter, whom
love better than myself will reap som,
profit. and with that, in this sad case,
must be content. But. do not be g
hasty, white man. l asked why
should have plan, did not say had
none"
"Thcn n you have one, let us hear 4
without more ado" said the senior.
Natal bowed as he answered:
"Your will is mine, but l know no
how my plan will please the Lad
MAYA Wonder, and therefore, before
unfold IL, | would make II clear tina
there is but one alternative-the dealt
OF all OF you by tomorrow light. You
lives lie I'm my hands; II must do so q
save my daughter and myself, shat
not hesitate TO take them.
ANY more than | shall hesitate q
take YOURS, old man." said the scno
grimiy, "for remember always that
Won do not make your plan such as w
can accept you will leave this chambe
feet first. with broken neck"
Again Natal bowed and continued
.'in one way only has Tilsal been a''s
70 pacify the people, by declaring tina
the Lady Maya shall be produced bs
fore the Council Of the Heart. in tn
sanctuary upon the night OF the risin