The Washington times., 1903-03-01

they perceived the little group coming
toward them they stood still and fred a
volley from their rifles. The general
fell. His escort fled, whilst the insur-
gents ran to him, and with a shudder Of
horror Gertrude saw them hold up the
bleeding head Of Gordon.
Averting her eyes from this terrible
sight, she glanced at the consulate and
thought she saw her father coming
forth alone. An agony Of apprehension
came over her afresh. and to her low
ing. flial heart a yet more horrible
catastrophe was about TO be shown her:
and. meanwhile. as she gazed. the vision
clouded over and disappeared.
For a few minutes Gertrude was too
shocked to speak; but soon regaining
command over herself she said coIdly:
The future does not belong to thee.
What thou hast shown me is only an
evil dream. Gordon will not fall by thy
means. but he will hang every one Of
you
Thou darest to speak thus to me?'
cried the dwarf, grinding his teeth. "Ah,
thou fearest nothing. Well. then, be-
hold"
= Whilst saying these words he held
up both arms.
At once hideous din arose. seeming
as If It would rend the very bowels OF
the earth The carved monsters who
upheld the doors and cornices suddenly
came TO life. and filled the chamber with
their bowling The paintings on the
walls appeared to stand out apart with
strange gestures; gods with heads of
dogs. cats. jackals and birds, strange
beasts and monstrous crocodiles al
vanced toward the girl. turning their
bloodshot eyes on her.
Nearly mad with terror. Fatima rush
ed shrieking into the arms OF her mis-
tress.
stop the menagerie." said Gertrude
disdainfulIy to the dwarf. IF thou art
trying to brighten me. 1 warn thee that
it is a waste of time"
Kaddour muttered few words IN an
unknown tongue. At once the monsters
resumed their places. Gertrude shrug-
ged her shoulders. But the dwarf fxed
his flaming eyes on Fatima. and made
sign. The young servant. deaving her
mistress. went toward him. Her eyes
were wide open, but their look was. as
1t were. turned inward.
"Fauma," said the magician in a Sc
pulcbral tone. thou lowest thy mistress.
l know. She believes in thy affection,
and cherishes thee as a sister But ]
say to thee. take this poinard out of
my sash AID plunge it in her heart"
Fatima gave a deep sigh; two big
tears hung D her eyelashes and rolled
down her checks. Nevertheless she stood
before the dwarf. took the poinard from
his sash and turned toward Gertrude
with uplifted arm. ready TO strike.
Hold" cried the dwarf
She stood as II turned to stone. her
arm fixed in its attitude.
rs ~ GeI II uNes sue SOulo SSdESS re-
strain her tears.
Poor child" she murmured. trying
gently to lower the rigid arm OF her
little maid. do not be afraid lest l
might blame thee. / know this is moth
ing but hypnotism, and such witchcraft
cannot shake my faith in thy fidelity"
AT least it proves my power to thee?''
said Kaddour. making a sign which re-
stored Fatima TO consciousness. She
came out OF her cataleptic sleep all
trembling and at once ran to her mis-
tress like frightened fawn.
"Hearken TO me-" continued the
dwarf. Thou art a woman. It is i'm
possible that thou shouldst rot be at
tracted by the prospect OF power. unique.
absolute. and illimitable. Thou knowest
that riches are absolutely at my dis
posal, for there are no treasures mac
cessibIe TO power like mine. Thou
canst not doubt that every secret is
known to me. Neither the visible nor
the invisible has any mystery for me.
know everything, l can do everything.
At my service are the resources Of an
cient and modern science, the traditions
Of all the magicians. black and white.
European and Asiatic. And / ask thee.
wilt thou share this unexampled power
with me? Wilt thou be crowned Queen
OF Africa. Empress Of India. of China.
of the world? II this does not please
thee it needs but a sign from thee and
remain In the shade, all powerful but
hidden, as I have been until this day:
ard thou shalt reign with me without
the source OF thy power being suspect
ed
Perhaps the situation had its tragic
side but Gertrude was so irresistibly