The record-union., 1898-12-12
THE PALMIST'S FATE.


was cold, naughty, imperious woman.
ruling absolutely. The country pros
pered during her reign, but, although
the people acknowledged her power, she
was held in great awe After all she
was but human, and had a heart, which
once, at least, was touched. The man
on whom she secretly lavished much
affection treated her with all homage
due her rank, but she was uncertain
whether he really cared for her for her
self alone.
One day the Queen heard of a palm
ist who had acquired much fame for
his accurate telling Of the future and
reople's character from the lines in
their palms. She would not demean
herself by going to him unknown. but
would have him come to her in the
midst of her court. The palmist was
notified of the great honor conferred
upon him, and an evening was appoint
ed for him to visit her majesty. Pune
tual to the minute, he presented HIM
self at the palace. He was not much
over thirty, pleasing to look at, and
carried himself with dignity. In his
eyes one might have observed a trou-
hled look. He told always the exact
the Queen had been accustomed to
fiattery all her life Immediately upon
his arrival the palmist was ushered into
the state hall, a most spacious, mag
nificently decorated apartment.
All the lords and ladies of the court
had been hidden to hear the future of
their Queen. She thought it would add
one more drop of complacent self-es-
~. r,a,,
the lips of this celebrated palmist how
great and virtuous she was.
He was, therefore, conducted to the
throne, and bowed low before her. She
thus addressed him:
1--WE have called you hither. sir, that
you may read our palm and tell US Of
the things you see therein"
The palmist bowed a second time, and
rerlied: "Your majesty overpowers me
with your gracious condescension, but
think you it is right that I should pre-
sumo to predict the future of one so
illustrious as yourself? Power and
greatness are yours. We all see i and
feel it. Is it not enough for you 70
kncw?'
The Queens eyes flashed. us it for
this you have come-to invent excuses,
me thinks, to hide your ignorance? Pro-
ceed, sir, to look at our hand. we
would know what deceits are being
practiced on our people"
An answering flash came from the
palmist's eyes. GAS you will, so pe 1T,
your majesty" he replied, sinking on
one knee in front of the throne. Then
he placed a cushion for her to rest her
hands upon, and, when all was in read
iress, said to her in low voice: Us II
the Queens wish that all this assembled
court shall hear what l have TO say,
ana that will be what I see in these
royal palms?"
She smiled slightly at the last words
and nodded assent. =
81 would 'twere otherwise, but to De-
GIN and the palmist continued: you
will gain your desiresy your majesty, no
matter the cost. You are selfish and
could be cruel on occa<ions. Your aim
is power, and In this life you will gain
it to the fullest degree. Mems minas
You will control, their hearts never In
fact, through the line of hearts "a
Enough, sir, we see how paitry IS
your knowledge, and we are grate1ul 10
you for your opinion of US.
The Queen snatched her hand away
and stood quivering with passion be-
fore him. z4sss
Now. sir" she went on, your re-
ward you shall receive. At noon to-
morrow you shall die on the ganows.
Have you aught to say, palmlst'
speak?"
what YOU have said is not strange
to me. your majesty. 1 foresaw by my
own hand that at this time was to die
by the cruel injustice of one far above
me in this world" he replied.
"'Tis well, sir, you are prepared, and,
fortunately, in the next world people
will be spared your arts" Thus spoke
the Queen.
During this time the courtiers and
ladies had remained motionless, so as
tonished were they at the scene going
on before them. There was slight re-
monstrance from a few of the boldesf
who dared to venture ito reason with
the Queen. She waved them all aside
and said: THE court is dismissed; take
the man away and see that my orders
are obeyed."
Then she stepped from the throne and
swept from the room, looking at no
one.
The palmist was taken to prison
CELL There that night touching scene
took place. He had requested for one
last interview with his wife. They had
been married but six months, and she
was a beautiful girl. How nobly now
she bore her part.
rs there no hope?" she whispered;
mo line to save that awful break In
your line of life of fate?"
None" he said. She may repent,
but it will be too late to save me-
He took her hands in his, and, look
ing into her eyes, went on: MY wish
is that you continue my work. You
know much already, and from my
books you will soon know all. You and
/ are the only ones to keep this great
science from falling into the hands of
gypsies and mere fortune tellers. 1
have given my life for it,"
And I will do no less" said his wife.
interrupting him.
The last few words Of parting were
spoken between them, too sacred for
any one to hear, and then she was led
away.
When the Queen reached her private
apartment she walked rapidly up and
down trying to calm herself. She spoke
half aloud. He told me more truth
than 1 care to hear, and before the
courtiers and ladies, for that he shall
be punished, but not as he now thinks.
Only frightened, but not hanged.
can't condemn the first man who has
spoken truly to me for many months.
At five minutes of II reprieve shall
be sent to him at the market place.
He shah then see that some, at least,