Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1899-11-09
CHAPTER XXXH.

The slow night wore itself away.
Darkness was still supreme. though far
in the east it's veil was lifting at the
mandate of the coming sun. All
seemed sleeping in the silent immensely
dens We're deserted except for few
human forms vaguely outlined about a
braZer filled with burning charcoal on
the steps leading to the bronze tomb
which served as Il prison house to
George Malcolm and Hela Burtell. The
red light from the braZier threw a
strange reflection OH the angular forms
and lalf-naked limbs OF the fakir Sou
infancy and 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 rljah'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
telneSs forsook his expression. and il
rested on Hera with unutterable com.
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 arc
hopelessly condemned. The door of
this tomb has closed upon us forever.
But what have we done to deserve
so terrible Il dcutll:" she cried, wiring.
ing her hands.
You have been condemned by the
princess. he answered. coldly. adding
in Il lower tone. as if to himself: "And
there is no hope. Powcrless, we must
await inevitable death Yet Kazil babe
NE hope. But wherefore? Will he be
able to save my brother? Will he
think Of Lord Singleton: Does he
know the accused place of meeting:
Will not. tomorrow. the blood Of my
countrymen inundate all India?''
While he put to himself these terri
bic questions. Hera stroye to rise. but
fell back through weakness.
George" she murmurea. strength
deserts mel am dying"
"IIerl. dear Hera. do not speak thus,
cntreat your replied George. eagerly.
Goods power is infinite. and His will
all unknown to us. Until the last mo-
ment there is time for hope. Say that
rescue will come. Courage. my child
--cOurage-'
-Ccurage?" she echoed. SIS courage
possible. when each. hour brings new
torturc-when thirst consumes me, and
feel my reason deserving me-"
'Hera. in heavens name, through
pity
She interrupted him With burst Of
conclusive laughter.
@-INil1 you tell me there is lope?' she
asked aAh, You dare not, for. you
yourself do not believe it!''
Overwhelming rage seized upon
George.
Buried alive!'' lie cried; land I can.
not break this wall. / cannot batter
down this door, cannot save this
child and hasten to the rescue Of Try
darling, to tear her from the wretch
upon whom Djella has bestowed her
All. it is this which makes my heart
leap and my blood boil in my veins
Hera, you are right: this makes mad
ness; and, like you, feel my 'brail
| reel.'
Burning fever began to devour the
young girl; She began to be deliriOus
"Edward" she murmured, in despair
81 shall see you never more! And vel
love you.-Ol. so well! II you knew
how love you! I will come to you, be
loved; cannot die without showing
| you my hearth
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