The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-07-17


 instead of one were strolling about the streets. their heads tied up in gaudy handkerchiefs and gayly purchasing provisions for their journey north. The gypsy family consisted of a grizzled old man, his son and a fat wife. Zorel. their daughter and other children. and an old man or two. The women and children rode in the great covered wagon, the men on their horses or ponies. The mon traded horses and the women told fortunes and sometimes sold a coarse lace. The first day it was romantic enough, but the life soon tired Amante. Where was the path of joy? How was this existence to bring her hearts desire? She questioned Zorel, who waited on her with blind devotion that seemed to displease the mother. Only the
 and devotion.
 !Amante did not lack courage. She question ZoreI on the fourth night as they crept to sleep in the wagon bed.
 Where is the path of joy, Zorel?
 What will happen?" Zorers eyes took on their mystical rapture.
 "Ahead--it is plainer day by day. Today I see smoke and hre-but 1t is there"
 Do the others see 1t. Zorel?" "Only the old father-Daddy-he sees it clearly. The rest do not see things. Too much beer they drink and | not read the stars: But l have not lied
 to you, my sister,
 On the sixth day the old man rose up after his evening meal with great cry. He spoke some wild words in a | strange tongue. Amante clutched For | els hand.
 70. yes" said zorel putting her arm | about her" the stars were right, my
 sister. The time of trial comes, and | through 1t runs the path of joy" The train ran at terrible speed | through the burning prairie. mile after mile. The passengers half stifed, pressed their faces against the panes. At length 1t seemed about to merge | when the conductor saw ahead on an abandoned road. covered wagon with
 wild racing horses and several men
 on horses and ponies.
 "Gypsies running from the fre!" he cried and looked back. The wind
 was driving on a wall of flame. There was no escape for these people in that lonely place, no water course. no plowed field.
 It was the work of a moment to give the stop signal, but 1t took longer to back the train. The passengers were alarmed and the men crowded from the parlor car. One of the first out
 was fine and athletic soutnerner with red cheeks and a proud head. The gypsies the gypsles!' cried the conductor, they are racing for life. We must save them." The train hankad rd ha
 ing flames. The gypsies looked back. saw and understood. The men jumped from their horses that went wildly on- ward. The women and children tried to climb the embankment, but sank down exhausted in the thick smoke. The southerner saw two girls clinging
 to each other and jumped towards them. A few seconds later he heard a voice crying:
 Save my sister! save my sister!" In the ueilsS .-.,u--e ns -.--~.-~. d.
 form. Again the voice cried:
 Take her. she is yours! Go on. can follow"
 | A moment later the train was away | as on the wings of the wind. The gypsies were lying on the floor of the baggage car and the parlor car. | It was in the latter that Amante OpeHeu HST Syco lfOiu 0Sdu IdiHIs | She looked into the face of Morris Al lison. Zorel was tenderly smoothing l back her hair.
 "Am l alive?" she whispered. The young man shuddered as he
 drew about her some of the proffered
 wraps of the passengers. Thank God you are!" he said. If 1t Is really you. How came you here and | in this awful plight?" He chafed her small and now Drowned hands and helped to gather
 uo the fallen and luxuriant masses of dark hair. There was a new meaning | in his voice, an impulse in his tender
 ness. Both women felt 1t subtly.
 How was it." he replied, "how | came you here""
 But Zorel. with eyes that burned his | soul smiled at him and answered. l Tt was decreed." ND PAIN" by Mrs. Moses P. Handy.