The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-12-21

as ftaITlSOQ mas MS arm raised ne was
startled by a shout from the natives,
and turned to see Helene, emerging
from the cave, make a desperate but
futile grab at her feather head dress.
Scraped off against the roof of the
opening. it hung poised for an instant
on the ledge, then, caught by gust Of
wind, whirled out over the cliff, while
her beautiful hair. coming loose.
streamed down on both sides of her
head. for all the world TO see.
Startled and dismayed by the mishap,
she seemed TO lose her presence OF
mind. closed her eyes and tottered I'M
steadily on her insecure perch. If she
fell she might easily rebound from the
lower ledge and go over into the sea
Realizing her danger. Jim thrust the
slungshot into his pocket and ran rap
idly up the narrow path.
Jump, Helener" he commanded
sharply. Jump to mer
She opened her dizzy eyes, saw him
just below and came down straight as
plummet into his arms.
He caught her. set her on her feet;
then whirling around in front OF her,
turned to face the crowd.
He never had any thought but that
a rush would be made. So bold a de-
ception practiced upon them would
arouse a thirst for immediate revenge.
His one hope was that in such re-
str1cted quarters where only one man
at time could get at him he might
be able to hold them back.
To what avail. since even II success
full he and she could not remain in
10
did not stop TO reflect. His one Idea
now was to stay the charge.
But to his amazement he found none
to stay. The savages, instead of ad-
vancing. had drawn back. pointing with
wondering fingers, gazing with wide.
awe-stTuck eyes
Even the sardonic old chief priest
seemed stricken with stupefaction.
For a moment Jim did not know what
to make Of It; then, as an accIaiming
chorus arose. and he recognized among
the babble Of cries the word they used
for The Enchantressi The Enchan-
tress,' he understood.
By her secret arts within the cave
she was supposed to have performed this
miracle. Into it she had gone a shorn
woman; out she came with a fun suit
OF hair on both sides Of her head.
Could anything more clearly prove
her possession OF supernatural powers7
1t was simple. when you came to COM
prehend.
Nor did Jim fail to take advantage OF
the circumstances thus so happily mis-
construed.
Abandoning his attitude Of defense. he
might gaze their fill upon the magical
growth, pretended himself 10 be lost IN
spellbOund admiration Of the prodigy.
called Malanaga and the chief priest for
ward TO test with their fingers and 70 as
sure themselves 1t issued from the scalp
and turned the incident generally TO
good account.
The thing proved a nuisance In one
way. though, for so great was the curl
osity and excitement aroused and so
closely did the savages press around
Helene to gaze and examine, that he
did not have a chance to discuss with
her the details Of her quest
Down the path along the cliffs where
they had to watch their steps and 20
in single file, there was. Of course, no
opportunity to talk, and WI en- they
reached the beach they met a fresh
concourse Of the people, who, apprised
by runners tearing ahead. had come out
to cape and google at the mystery.
Jim tried 70 question her with his eyes
once OF twice; but in each case she
avoided his glance. and impatiently
shook her head, as though to bid him
wait.
She seemed, he noticed, too. a bit de-
pressed and dull: and. radiant himself
over the way things had turned out, le
could not understand this, but ascribed
il in a way to the agitation caused by
her narrow escape.
He waited impatiently In the secluded
rendezvous where he had arranged that
they should meet and reckon up their
spells, and at last. when the populace
had got over its futter, and had sunk
:nto the monday siesta, she came.
And now" he cried, rising eagerly
to greet her, let us see the sparklers, -
For answer Helene thrust her hand
into a fold Of her dress, and brought
out for his inspection-three brass but
tons. a shred of faded blue cloth, the
tip Of an old-fashioned telescope, and
the broken top of a bottle of Holland
gin,