Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-11-09
CHAPTER XNXII.

The slow night wore itself away.
Darkness was still supreme, though far
In the east its veil was lifting at the
mandate of the coming sun. All
seemed sleeping in the silent immensely
OF the palace of Allahabad. The gar
denS were deserted except for a few
human forms vaguely outlined about a
brazier filed with burning charcoal on
the steps leading to the bronze tomb,
which served as a prison house to
George Malcolm and HeTa Burtell. The
red light from the brazier threw a
strange reflection on the angular forms
and h~alf-naked limbs Of the fakir Sou
NANCY and Il ~half-dOZen Brahmins
crouched about him in singular and
picturesque attitudes.
Within the monument, and hidden
from those fierce eyes by the solid
door of bronze, Hera knelt, sobbing, on
the stone, her face hidden in her
hands; while George Malcolm. still
wearing his rajah's costume, but with
uncovered head and despoiled. of his
long, white beard, stood silent and
gloomy, his face embodying supreme
agony and unconquerable grief. He
leaned against the wall, as if his limbs
had failed him. Now and then the bit
terress forsook his expression, and il
rested on Hera with unutterable CON.
passion, who prayed aloud until sobs
strangled her voice. George at length
approached and laid his hand upon her
shoulder.
pray, dear child" he said, "but ask
God for resignation, not life. We are
hopelessly condemned. The door Of
this tomb has closed upon us forever"
But what have we done to deserve
so terrible q death 2" she cried, wiring
ing her hands.
You have been condemned by the
princess" he answered, coldly. adding,
in a lower tone, as if to himself: "And
there is no hope. Powerless. we must
await inevitable death. Yet Kazil babe
me hope. But wherefore? Will he be
able to save my brother? Will he
think Of Lord Singleton? Does h.
know h accused place Of meeting?
VIII not, tomorrow, the blood of nv
countrymen inundate all IndiaY'
While he put to himself these terri
BILE questions, Hera strove to rise. but
fell back through weakness.
George" she murmured, strength
deserts mel am dying!'
"Hera, dear Hera, do not speak thus.
l entreat you? replied George, eagerly.
Gods power Is infinite, and His viii
all unknown to us. Until the last mo-
ment there Is time for hope. Say that
rescue will come. Courage, my child
-~courage!'
"CourageT' she echoed. us courage
possible, when each hour brings new
torture-when thirst consumes me. and
I feel my a deserving me-"
"Hera, in heavens name, through
pity"
She interrupted him with a burst OF
c~onvulsive laughter.
will you tell me there N homer, she
asked. "Ah, you dare not, for you
yourself do not believe itr'
Overwhelming rage seized upon
George.
Buried aliver' he cried; s.and 7 car.
no break this wall. I cannot batter
down this door-I cannot save this
child and hasten to the rescue Of nv
CARING, to tear her from the wretch
upon whom Della has bestowed her
All, u Is this which makes my heart
leap and my blood boil in my yeipsl
Hera, you are right: this makes mad.
ness: and, like you, I feel my brain
reelv'
Burning. fever began 10 deyour the
young girl; she began to be delicious.
"EdwardT' b murmured, in desbair
II shall see you never more! And vet
| love you-oh, so well! II You knew
how l love you! i will come to YOU, no.
loved; l cannot die without SHOWING
you my hearth
CTo be ContinuedA