The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-03-11
THE LADY OF THE HEAVENS.
Copyright, 1908, by H. Rider Haggard

MT. Dove shook his head, but his wife sat up suddenly in bed, and pluck listening intently to everything that passed.
 '.Dario! Young. fair hair. in love with him" she repeated in a thick whisper. then added. John, it is Rich ard Darrien grown up-the boy who saved her in the Umtooma River. years ago, and whom she has never forgot ten Oh! thank God. Thank God! With him she will be safe. I always knew that he would find her. for they belong to each other.'' and she sank back exhausted.
 That's what the zulus say. that they belong to each other" replied Ishmael. with another sheer. Per haps they are married native fashion, ''
 Stop insulting my daughter, sir.'' said MT. Dove angrily. "She would not take husband as you take your wives, nor if this man Is Richard Oar rien. as I pray. would he be a party to such a thing Tell me, are they coming here?"
 Not they. they are far too comfort able where they are. Also the z:llus about it. for I am sent to take you both to join her at the Great Palace where you are to live"
 'To join her! It is impossible. g sick wife.
 Impossible or not. you've got to come at once. both of you. That is the Kings order and the Inkosazana's s wish, and what is more there is an impi outside to see that you obey. Now I give you five minutes to get ready. and then we start"
 Man. are you mad? How can my wife travel to. zululand in her state She cannot walk step"
 'Then she can be carried answered Ishmael callously. Come, don't waste time in talking. Those are my orders and am nov going to have my throat cut for either of you. If Mrs. Dove won't dress, wrap her up in blankets 9
 You go. John, you go," whispered his wife. Cor they will kill you. Never mind about me: my time has come. and I die happy. for Richard Darrien is with Rachel"
 The mention of Richards name seemed to infuriate Ishmael. At any rate he said brutally:
 Are you coming, or must use forca?"
 Coming you wicked villain! How can I come?' shouted MT. Dove. for he was mad with grief and rage. ''Be off with your savageS. I will shoot the first man who lays a finger on my wife, and as he spoke he snatched a double pistol which hung up- on the wall and cooked it.
 Ishmael turned to the Zulus who stood behind him watching this scene with curiosity
 ''Seize the Shouter," he said, land bind him. Lift the old woman on her mattress. and carry her. If she dies on the road we cannot help it.''
 The captains hesitated, not from fear, but because Mrs. Doves condi- tion moved even their savage hearts to pity.
 mael. Dogs and towards, it is the shall die, every man of you. you know how. Knock down the Evildoer with your sticks if he gives trouble.'
 Now the men hesitated no longer Springing forward, several of them seized the mattress and began to lift it bodily. Mrs. Dove rose and tried to struggle from the bed, then uttered a low moaning cry, fell back, and lay still.
 "You devils you have killed herr" gasped MT Dove, as lifting the pistol he fired at the Zulu nearest to him, shooting him through the body so that he sank upon the floor dying. Then, fearing lest he should shoot again, the captains fell upon the poor old man, striking him with kerries and the han dies of their spears. for they sought to disable him and make him drop the pistol.
 As it chanced, though this was not their intention, in the confusion a heavy blow from a knobstick struck him on the temple. The second bar rel of the pistol went off, and the bull  who was standing to one side. When the smoke cleared away it was seen that Mr. Dove had fallen backwards on to the bed. The martyrdom he taken him. He was quite dead. They were both deadI
 The head induna in command of the impi stepped forward and looked at them, then felt their hearts:
 'Wowr' he said, "these white peo- pie have. gone beyond They have gone to join the spirits, both of them. What now. Ibubesi?''
 Ishmael who stood in the corner, round eyes, for the tragedy had taken a turn that he did not intend or ex- pect, shook himself and rubbed his forehead with his hand, answering:
 Garry them to the Great Place, I suppose. The King ordered that they should be brought there. Why did you kill that old Shouter, you fools ?" he added with irritation. You have brought his blood and the curse of the InkosaZana on our heads"
 |sWowv' answered the induna again, "you bade us strike him with sticks, and our orders were to obey you. Who would have guessed that the old mans skull was so thin from thinking! You or I would never have felt tap like that. But they are gone beyond, and we will not defile ourselves by touch ing them. Dead bones are of no use to anyone, ana Inelr SnOSlS hiiSII haunt us. Come, brethren, let us go back to the King and make report
 .'Yes," they answered, "1et us go back and make report. Are you com ing. Ibubesi?"
 "Not l." he answered. 'Do I want to have my neck twisted because of your clumsiness? Go you and win your own peace if you can, but If you see the Inkosazana, my advice IS that you avoid her lest she learn the truth, and bring your deaths upon you, for, know, she travels hither, and she call ed these folk father and mother"
 without doubt we will avoid her." said the captain, "who fear her ter rible curse. But, Ibubesi, it is on you that it will fall, not on us who did but obey you as we were bidden: yes on you she will bring down death be- fore this moon dies. Make your peace with the Heavens. if you can, 1bubesi, as we go to try to make ours with the King
 "Would you bewitch me, you ill., omened dog?'' shouted Ishmael. wiping the sweat of fear off his brow. May you soon be stiffI'
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