Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-11-06
My StrangeSt Case
BY GUY BOOTHBY.
Author Of "Dr. Kikoia,' 1.-THE Beautiful
White Devil" pharos, The
Egyptian" Etc.
BY GUY BOOTHBY.
copyrighted, 1901. by ward, Lock d Col
PART II.

The shadows of evening were slow
~ falling as the little party OF which
kitwater, Codd and Hayle, with two
Burmen servants, were men bers, OBJ
tanned their first view of the gigantic
ruins of which they had come so far
In search. For many days they had
been journeying through the jungle,
now the prey of hope, now of DIES pair.
They had experienced adventures by
the score. though none of them were
of sufficient Importance to be mar
rated here. and more than once they
had come within a hairs breadth of
being compelled to retrace their
steps They rode upon the small,
wiry ponies of the country, their serv-
ants clearing a way before them with
their parangs as they advanced. Their
route, for the most part, lay through
jungle, in places so dense that it was
well-nigh impossible for them TO
force way through It. II was as if
nature were doing her best to save
Che ancient city from the hand Of the
spoiler. At last, ard so suddenly that
~ came upon them like a shock. they
found themselves emerging from the
Juh-lN' i'tiON iItill, III Tile va lev.
peering up out Of the forest, was all
that remained Of great city, upon
the ruined temples of which the SET
ting sun shone with weird effect.
AT last said Hayle, bringing his
pony to a standstill and looking down
upon the ruins. Let us hope we shall
aave penetrated their secret before
we are compelled to say good-by to
them again"
Hear, hear to that" said Kit
water; Septimus Codd, however, never
said a word; the magic hand of the
past was upon his heart, and was
holding him spellbound
They descended the hill, and, when
they had selected a suitable spot, de-
cided to camp upon it for the night.
Next morning they were up be-
times; the excitement of the treasure
hunt was upon each man. and would
not let him larry 1t would not be
long now, they hoped. before they
would be able to satisfy themselves
rs to the truth of the story they had
been told, and of the value of the
hopes in which they had put their
trust. Having eaten their morning
meal, they took counsel together, ex-
amined the plan for the thousandth
time, collected their weapons and
tools. babe their servants keep a
sharp lookout, and then set off for
the city. The morning sun sparkled
upon the dew, the birds and monkeys
Chartered at them from the Jungle,
while above them lowered the myriad
domes and sculptured spires of the
ancient city. 1t was a picture that
once seen would never be forgotten.
SO far, however, not a sign of human
life had they been able to discover:
indeed. for all they knew to the con-
trary, they might be the only men
within so miles of the place.
Leaving the jungle behind them,
they found themselves face to face
with a curious stone bridge, spanning
the lake or moat which surrounded
the city, and in which the lotus flower
bloomed luxuriantly. When they had
crossed the bridge, they stood in the
precincts of the city itself On either
hand rose the ruins in all their .oli-
fary bankruptcies. temples, mar
fusion; while, at the end of the
bridge, and running to right and left
as far as the eye could reach, was a
high wall, constructed of large stones,
each one of which would have re-
quired the efforts Of at least four men
TO lift it. These, with a few excep-
tons, were in an excellent state of
preservation. Passing through the
massive gateway the travellers found
themselves in an open square, out of
which streets branched off to the right
and left, while the jungle thrust in its
lhquisitive nose on every possible oc-
casion. The silence was so impress
sive that the men found themselves
speaking in whispers. Not sound
was TO be heard save the futtering of
birds wings among the trees, and the
obscene chattering of the monkeys
among the leaves. From the first
great square the street began gradu-
ally to ascend; thon another moat was
crossed, and the second portion of the
city was reached. Here the buildings
were larger, and the sculpture upon
the walls more impressive even than
before. In the narrower streets
creepers trailed from side to side. al
most shutting out the light, and add
ing a twilight effect to the already
sufficiently mysterious rooms and
courtyards to be seen within.
This is by no means the most
cheerful sort Of place" said Havle to
hitwater, as they passed down
paved street side by side. where do
You expect to find the great temple
and the courtyard of the Three Ele-
plants Heads?"
Straight on" said little Codd, who
was behind, and had been comparing
the route they were following with
the plan he held in his hand.
As he spoke they entered another
square, and saw before them mighty
fight of steps, worn into grooves in
places by the thousands Of fee. that
had assembled and descended them in
days gone by. At the top was a sculp-
tured gateway, finer than anything
either Of them had ever seen, and this
they presently entered. Above them,
clear of the trees, and towering up
into the blue, were the multitudinous
domes and spires of the kings palace,
to which the gateway above the steps
was the principal entrance Some of