Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-08-31
her escort. and that she had sworn to
herself to irresistibly captivate and

Il
hold him.
1t was past noon. Panthers and IT,
gers still remained invisible. The sun
scattered all clouds from the blue
vault, the temperature became OPP
pressive, when, in beautiful, shaded
spot in the forest, in the midst Of
which babbled q clear, transparent
stream. the princess drew rein. and,
putting to her lips a tiny silver trumpet
she sounded it, at short intervals, three
times.
From the depths of the forest came
its echo returned to her.
princess, what does this mean?"
questioned George.
81 have spoken, and they have an
swered me-" she said. "Here we will
all assemble 1t is charming site for
breakfast"
''True; but the breakfast"
Djella smiled.
"Do not be troubled; it will not be
wanting"
In a few moments more all had gath
cred. With wonderful rapidity, num-
berless Wallets spread on the soft turf
an immense carpet. Others placed soft
cushions at equal distances apart and
unpacked from huge hampers the
plate, porcelain and crystal. Others,
under the immediate supervision of
chef, arrayed the provisions, of every
variety, and wines of every country
In short, at the end Of eight or ten
minutes, all was ready.
81 dare not say, to table, gentlemen"
cried the princess, motioning her
guests to the picturesque and sumptu-
GUS feast "Like the Romans, you
may recline, if you cannot be seated.
Lord Singleton, will you do me the
honor to accept place at my right,
and Sir John Malcolm on my left?"
The two men bowed.
"Do not separate yourselves from
your arms, dear friends" added Djella,
laughingly perhaps the odor of the
truffles may attract some tiger or pam
tier, and, in case Of a visit, one must
be prepared to receive such distin-
guished guests with the honor due
their rank"
A burst of laughter followed these
words, though all took care to follow
the advice thus offered.
It had been with some surprise that
the guests had seen Sir John Malcolm
honored by a place at the right hand
Of the hostess, in preference to Rajah
Doorgal Sahib; for the former, though
holding high position and universally
esteemed, had not equal title to the
honor with him whose ancestors were
those of the Princess Djella herself.
His fortune and influence equaled hers.
In his thirtieth year, he had attained
the full perfection Of manly beauty as
to face and form. Simply as Djella
was dressed, he was attired in all ORR
entail magnificence. His costume, COM
posed of cloth of silver and gold, abso-
lutely glittered with precious stones.
A diamond of remarkable size and bril-
liancy held the aigrette upon his tur-
ban Of white cashmere. His bride,
saddle, stirrups and poniard were in
laid with rubies topazes, emeralds and
sapphires.
In short, without exaggeration, a
jeweler would have offered unhesitat-
| ingly several millions for the rajan's
hunting costume.
However, the slight emotion awak-
ened by this incident among portion
of those gathered soon disappeared,
and all began brave attack upon the
varied and exquisite dishes which rap
idly and uninterruptedly succeeded
each other. The uncorked bottles were
emptied, as il by magic, and wine put
merriment in all eyes and laughter on
all lips.
Suddenly, in the midst Of this gaiety
but few PAGES from the banquet
came cry Of such anguish, horror and
agony as to make the flesh Of all
creep. To this cry succeeded roar of
frightful power and ferocity.
Kazil, wandering near the border of
the stream which we have mentioned,
and occupied in gathering flowers,
seemed to hear near him some loud
breathing Uneasy, and raising his
eyes, he beheid, separated from him
only by the narrow width of the water,
a huge black panther, crouched, ready
to spring.
The child felt himself lost; instinct
lively he recoiled. He wished to fly,
but his paralyzed limbs refused to
obey his will. He remained, nailed to
the place. 1t was then that ne uttered
that terrible cry which sent a shudder
through every heart.
Hardly had it's last notes died on his
lips than the panther, as if awaiting
this signal, took the leap, and, de-
scribing semicircle in the air, his
mouth yawning, his paws extended,
launched himself upon the boy.
The child fell, happily, not on the
earth, where the weight alone Of the
animal would have crushed him, but in
the brook, his face turned upward.
The panther, squatting himself be-
side the narrow stream, put his i'm
mense paw on Kazips breast, and be-
gan whisking his tail in the manner of
cat which plays with mouse, and
cruelty prolongs his victims agony.
The guests of the. princess were
many, young and vigorous, for the
most partial brave, accustomed ev-
cry day to face danger; several of
them sailors or soldiers, who had
} walked side by side with pale Death
: in storm and battle.
Yet, in this first moment Of shock,
all remained motionless and stupefed.
Their hearts ceased to beat; their dry
lips could utter no sound. A cold per-
SEPARATION bathed them from head to
foot.
George. Malcolm was the first to
emerge from this physical and moral
lethargy. He screwed the handle OF
!, \ r. I,S,S