New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-03-13
TIE Stolen Prince.
Copyright; 1904: By The Tribune Association,
son. ILLUSTRATED BY H. C. SANDY
CHAPTER XIII.

CHAPTER XIII.
SO large and ungainly did the spider that
the princess and Ohio shrank away in fear. The
creature advanced beyond the entrance to the
cave and put up one of its great. hairy claws.
tentaces as II TO shield from his eyes the bright
OF the comets light.
He blnked violently. but uttered a word
SLEEPY. chr" shouted the comet. impatiently.
The spider waggled his head slowly. but made
no other response
We'll. what dye keep such late hours forT'
asked the comet.
We're ell overworked" said the spider, IN a
slow. husky voice. working ut lne looms day and
night. almost without break y spiders life Is
hard one. tell you. and I often and often
wish I'd been born a tadpOle, or anything but
spider. Some people have to work the flesh of
their bones. while others DO nothing but play their
llyes away"
He paused. out Of breath; then yawned, and
stretched all his tentacles until they seemed to
semble forest Of uugainy trees.
The comet laughed and then practised few new
and surprising twirls-
That remarks meant for US comets. suppose?'
he said shows how much you know about
comets existence. You'd be Mustered OF your
wits II you had to spin round do. You're
generally good natured. friend Tantalus, II
you are dull. However. we've always been good
friends. IN spite OF dlsagreeing about hundred
different matters. and want your valuable help
tonight"
Now the spider was really an extremely good
considered valuable fattered him more than
little. Despite his gr1ImbIins remarks. ne greatly
admired and respected the comet. both for his
cheeriness and other good qualities. and now he
suppressed a yawn and began smile
Anything that lies in my power win gladly
do to help yOu," he said
We'll. you see these young friends OF miner
remarked the comet indicating with a flick OF the
tail Nerissa and the count They want TO come
for a ride with me-they had not long ago. and
~ t7a4 nd
have a long and dangerous Journey to take to the
Shining Mountain
''where?' interrupted the spider. a thrill OF
horror contracting his feaures.
The Shining Mountain replied the comet
The spiders eyes nearly fell from their
sockets.
NO. no: do not let them go there he ex-
claimed huskiIy. Speed them in any other direc-
ton. and I will aid YOU Grown men cannot bear
what they encounter there; how. then. can the
young and tender?"
The comet save scornful twirL
You do not suppose for moment that they
want 10 goT' he asked. contemptuOusly. If you
do then you simpler than took you for. friend
| Tantalus which is saying good deal They have
to go. so its's saying don't let them-that's
what I call foolish chatter. Il g-ieves to the
/ heart but that won't mend matters Go they must
and I'll do my best 70 get them there"
Well what can do2'' asked the spider. Tell
ms quickly for dare say half those lazy creatures
IN there" pointing to the cave. have fallen
asleep over their work It's what they do directly
my eye IS of them"
well. dare say you did the same befors you
reached the position OF oversee. said the comet
good naturedly and you're not so wide awake
| yourself Now Just listen carefully to what I am
| going 20 say"
In a few words h explained matters. and the
| spider wargled his head knowingly every word
until Nerissa feared Il might drop of. She and
| Otho were relieved, however. to that Tautslus
coruprehended the state Of affairs. and seemed 70
see a way out Of the difficulty.
1T can be managed easily enough" he said
presently. but fear you must wait a while my
/ dears We have some work that must be accom-
plished at once. and nothing interfere with it
| Nertssa looked up inquirinsy at her friend the
/ comet He nodded relssuringiy.
Il can watt he said; "a bit % 4 practice won't
| DO me any harm; you'll find II dun, though Here.
TantaIus" he called out. for the spider was hurry
| ing hack TO the looms. couldn't they go I'm with
| Won and have a look ruuDdt
! 20 the cavern looked black and uuiuyiting-