Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-11-18

satisfaction seemed to fash from Grays
eyes as he replied:
Most willingly, Sir George. Indeed, l
would have chosen them myself had a per-
sonal choice not inferred some knowledge
of their history, which, L assure you, L
have not"
Taking the gems In his right hand, he
placed them on the table before him and
put his right hand over one, his left over
the other palm down, and leaned forward
in his chair. Strengthening his spine and
squaring his shoulders Turning MS head
toward Sir George he said:
'As In these experiments whatever comes
to me seems to be projected before me
against the darkness, may | ask Tor the
best results, that the lights be turned
DOWN.
Certainly" answered his host. and with
word to the butler, the electric lights
were shut off.
Several moments passed without Woro
or sound save an uneasy movement from
some nervous guest, but at length the
silence was broken by Mr.. Gray's voice,
strange, deep and monotonous and appar-
entity faraway. A peculiar quality In II
seemed to thrill his listeners; to dominate
the darkness; to shut out the casual noise
of the street; to still the Quickened breath
ing of those around the table. His words
were slowly uttered with many pauses.
Il see a wide and wavelesS river, turbld
and slow-fiowlng. Its banks are low and
sandy. Beyond stretches an irregular sur
face of reddish sand in the level rays or
II.
rayless darkness-a sense of overhanging
walls, of narrow space-of cold damp cham
bers shut away from sun and stars
"A tightening of the gloom, mild ra-
dance of violet-tinted light discern dim
massed surfaces of walls, of floor of cell
ing-brighter and stronger the radiant
glow-a lofty room hung on every side with
heavy violet curtains, the shadows of whose
folds are purple masSeS-at one end, dais,
three-stepped and square, of massive stone,
covered with dim purpled surfaced rugs; IN
the center rises a richly wrought chair CT
gold, with purple cushion, with huge arms,
cleaning with gems in the device of the
blue lotus of the Nile, and the sacred bean
of Pythagoras set IN the angle of the sacred
triad. the Pythagorean ", the dual pro-
ceedlng from the monad. On the throne
chair sits a woman, priestess, goddess.
queen, whose violet eyes. dark IN the purp-
ling shades, look from beneath level brows
upon a throng of dark-hued men grouped
below the dais Gems flash and jeweled
weapons CLEAN among the crowd below.
One arm, Superbly nodded, ivory-hued,
hangs at her side, against the deep purpling
crimson of a royal robe, flashing with
golden lotus buds, leaves and full-opened
flower embroidered about the edge. The
other elbow rests upon the arm of the
throne supporting her rounded chin, and
between the glorious breasts, half-bared,
shines a necklace of diamonds, each with q
purple heart. and strung on golden wire
The gloriously beautiful face bears a
look of sCorn-of contempt-and the dark
eyes fash proudly upon the throns below
upon which. disturbed, agitated, angry
rises a threa tening clamor A tall form
springs up the steps in front of the
priestess. sword In the light, and darts
toward her ACKNOWLEDGEMENT" A CULVER
ing sob burst from the speaker and he half
rose. then fell back in his chair, breathing
heavily.
Sir George sprung to his feet and rushing
to the door, turned the switch. AS the
lights shone out Gray Strengthened up,
brushed his hands across his eyes and
spoke, his trembling voice showing an IN
tense strain, but with brave attempt to-
ward a natural manner.
Il am afraid I alarmed You. gentlemen,
but l could not help it. Excuse me If 1 say
no more" and he passed the diamonds back
10 Sir George.
my dear fellow" said Amy, don't try.
Drink this" He turned out a glass of cor