Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1899-08-31

Ncr eSCOTt, dnu tudI chctHu
herself to irresistibly captiyate anu
hold him.
1t was past noon. Panthers and u
gers still remained invisible. The sun
scattered all clouds from the blue
vault, the temperature BEGAN OPP
pressive, when, in a beautiful, shadeu
| spot in the forest, In the midst or
which bahbled a clear, transparent
stream. the princess drew rein. ana,
putting to her lips a tiny silver trumpet
she sounded il, at short Intervals, three
times.
From the depths of the forest came
It's echo, returned to her. :.
Princess, what does this mean!
questioned George.
II have spoken, and they have an
swered me-" she said. Here we VIII
all assemble. 1t is a charming site Tor
breakfast"
'.True; but the breakfasts"
Djella smiled.
"Do not be troubled; it will not be
wanting"
In a few moments more all had gath
cred. With wonderful rapidity, mum
berless Wallets spread on the soft turf
an immense carpet. Others placed soft
cushions at equal distances apart, ana
unpacked from huge hampers the
plate. porcelain and crystal. Others,
under the immediate supervision of a
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.
II dare not say, TO table, gentlemen.
cried the princess, motloning her
guests to the picturesque and sumptu-
Gus feast. "Like the Romans, you
may fecline, If you cannot be seated.
Lord Singleton, will you do me the
honor to accept a 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
truffies 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.
1t 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 a 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-
iutely 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 a portion
OF those gathered soon disappeared,
and al began a brave attack upon the
varied and exquisite dishes which rap
idly and uninterruptedly succeeded
each other. The uncorked bottles We're
emptied, as IL by magic, and wine put
merriment in all eyes and laughter on
al lips.
Suddenly, in tine midst of this gaiety,
but a few PAGES from the banquet,
came a cry of such anguish, horror and
agony as to make the flesh of all
creep. To this cry succeeded a 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, c%rouched, 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 a 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
tense paw on KaZiTs breast, and be-
gan whisking his tail in the manner of
a cat which plays with a mouse. and
cruelty prolongs his victims agony.
The guests of the princess were
many, young and vigorous, for the
most partial brave, accustomed ey.
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 stupefied.
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