Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1897-07-15
CHAPTER VIII

machine that was bearing his 1rlend
away a genuine feeling Of pity went
over him.
Poor Johnstoni He had been haunted
all day with the belief that he was to
meet with some misfortune from which
Thorndyke was to be spared, and Thorn
dyke had ridiculed his fears. When the
airship had become mere speck in the
sky, the Englishman turned back into
the palace and strolled aboutin the vast
crowd
A handsome young man In uniform
approached and touched his hat.
"Are you the comrade Of the fellow
they are Just sending away?' he asked.
"Yes. Where are they taking him?"
''To the Barrcns, Of course. Where
do you suppose they would take such
man? He couldn't pass his examination.
You are not great physical success
yourself, but they say you pleased the
king with your tongue.
ITO the Barrens," repeated Thorn
dyke, too much concerned over the fate
Of his oomrade to notice the speakers
tone Of contempt What are they9
Where are they?"
Tho Alphian officer changed counte-
nance as he looked him over with wid.
ening eyes.
"Your accent Is strange Are you
from tho other world?"
II suppose 60. This IL new ono to
mo at any rate"
49,
yes"
"And tho unchanging sun. forever
white and''-
Eyes. But where the devil is the
Barrensp'
Behind the sun. beyond tho great
endless wall"
"Do they intend to put him to death1"
mo; that would be What do you
call it-murder3 They will simply
leave him there to die Of his own 40
cord, and tho king Is right I never saw
such a weakling. He would taint our
whole race with his presence"
Without word Thorndyke abruptly
turned from the officer and hastened to-
ward the apartment Of the king. He
would demand the return Of poor john
ston or kill the king if his demand was
not granted. In his haste and perturba-
tion, however. he lost his way and wan
dered into a part Of the palace he had
not seen. At every step he was more
and more impressed with the magnif-
cent proportions Of the structure and the
grandeur Of everything about It
k,,, L., lopr
hall, he saw an assemblage Of beautiful
women and handsome men dancing to
the music Of great orchestra. Farther
on, In great court, regiment Of SOL
diers was drilling, Its rapid evolutions
making no more sound than If it were
moving in midair In another room he
saw great body Of men, women and
children in varicolored suits bathing in
pool Of rose colored. perfumed water.
He was passing On when O woman,
closely veiled and simply dressed,
touched his arm
''Be watchful and follow me" she
sad In q low, guarded tone.
The heart Of the Englishman bounded
and his blood rushed to his face, for tho
speaker was the Princess Bernardino
She did not pause, but glided ON into
the shade Of great palm tree, and be-
hind q row Of thick growing ferns Of
great height and thickness she waited
for him.
She lowered her veil as he approach
ed and looked at him from her deep
brown eyes In great concern. He stood
spellbound under the witchery OF her
beauty.
II camo to warn you, prince" she
said, and her soft musical voice set ev-
cry nerve in Thorndyke's body to thu
Cling with delight. my father has BAN
ished the faithful slave that you love,
but you must not show the anger that
you feel, else he will kill You. You
must be exceedingly cautious If you
would save him. My father would pun
ish me severely If no knew that I had
sought you in this way. l was obliged
to come in disguise. This dress belongs
to my most trusted maid.
"And you came for my sake3" blurted
out the Englishman, much embarrassed.
II am not worthy Of such high honor"
She smiled, and tears rose in her
eyes
"Oh. prince, don't speak to me sol
You are far above me. am weak.
know nothing. never cared for other
men than the king and my brothers till
saw you today, but now I would will
ingly be your slave"
II am yours forever and a humble
one" bowed the courteous Englishman.
1.-THE moment saw you at the throne
of your father my heart went out to
uor Won wound III un in Your music