The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-04-25
At the Gates of the City.
BY EDGAR WILTON COOLEY.

o1 EDGAH W ELlON SOoIEi I.
 Copyright. 1902. by Daily Story Pub. Col In the brave old days of old, in the days when valor conslsted of impaline vast numbers of ones enemies upon spikes and spears. there resided in Syria ! youth named Tyra.
 Now TSra was not unlike many youths or today. inasmuch as he took great de- light in tales If warfare and slaughter Before Tyra had even the suggestion of rnustacne he had achieved an enviable reputation among the Syrians as a ju- venile terror.
 Indeed Tyra's own father yielded up his life as the result of spear thrust inntcted by he youth in retaliation for a certain reinstatement administered at a time when Tyra was barely able to walk, and his mother likewise, died of broken heart, and fractured skull. loudly la menting that she had not been sufficient ly devoted to Moloch to lay her first born In the arms of the red hot god
 After the untimely demise of his par ents Tyra entered upon so crimson ca reer that the residents of the city where in he dwelt Familiar though they were with deeds of valor and violence, decided that the youth was too great man for their quiet and peaceful city. And so he was banished.
 With many curses upon Syria in gen. erai. and this city in particular. Tyra set forth literally to carve out his des- tiny. And he succeeded famousiy.
 Now, in the city upon which he thus dfsdafnful1y turned his back, there dwelt one upon whom he bestowed all his young affection. This was the orphaned maid en. Jeodesia. Nor was his affection vast ed upon this maiden of Syra, the chords of whose heart were bound around her handsome, flashing lover, and when, at the urgent invitation of his neighbors. Tyra took his departure from the city. she put her trusting hand In his and promised to wait for him until he should return.
 After he had gone the good people of Syria, experimentation perhaps at tas unusually harsh treatment they had ac- corded her lover. bestowed such unlim- ited affection and kindness upon Leode- sia that the poor girl actually learned to love them as she loved her own life.
 In strange contrast to Tyra. Leodesia possessed great fear of violence. Com fiict of any nature brought a pallor to her cheeks. and the sight of blood or the sound of anguish caused her to trem- ble strangely. She loved tranquility and was devoted to her friends.
 Contrary to tlfe predictions of the Sy rian wiseacres. Tyra did not throw him self upon the desert and die miserable death. Along the Euphrates he found many wild and adventurous spirits who flocked to his standard with amazing loy- atty.
 So 1t was that in few years Tyra had a mighty army at his back, and a merry time they had knocking at the doors of tottering empires and robbing princes and potentates. Like d mighty avalanche he swept triumphantly from the TiGric to- ward the Dead Sea, pillaging, robbins. siaughtering.
 And finally he was come near unto the land of Syria. Already the city of his birth was visible In the misty distance Upon the face of Tyra smile was sleam- Ing and in his heart wild exultation ran riot. Vengeance was marked upon his brow.
 But his fame and the news of his ap- pi oach had preceded him, and loud were the lamentations in the city from which he had been banished
 Then spake sage.
 'Ho!' he cried. 'why all this weep ing and lanentation? The great the mighty Tyra but comes to claim his bride, the beautiful Leodesia. Come Jet us rise and go meet him; let us send our most lovely maidens to strew flowers in his path; let us give to Tyra a royal well come upon his return to us."
 Hastily the sage summoned Leodesia to his side. and. taking her by the hand. lead her to a place of secret conference.
 "Leodesia. my daughter he began, do you love this youth, this Tyra?'
 Yea dear father" she made reply. with all my heart I love him.
 Thou dost love thy neighbors and thy friends. Leodesia?i
 'Yea, father. she said quietly T
 This day, Leodesia," resumed the