The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-01-18

MED by the council But thereafter when he arrived
with the days business she conrIved to have Pupda
and Ramaba within call Ga the sixth day he cast
all discretion the winds and seized her violently in his
And though she Tended her lips her cheeks and
neck defled She stepped bac' the hidden dagger
flashed.
A step nearer" she CRIED low voiced, and will
strike"
Umballa recoilec This was longer sa adi's houri
but the young Who had mastered the lion in the
railwasrain Rage supplanted the ssion in his heart
Since she would bend she should break As her
sank he sprang forward like and seized her wrist
He not gentle The dagger tins.ed it struck tho
marble floor He stopped for it.
Since you will not bend break !" he sad and left the
chamber, cold with fury.
Kathlyn sank weakly upon her pillows as Pundita raa
her side
What shall do, Pundita?'
God knows, Memsahib!"
Are you Chrstian?"
Yes
And they oomforted each other
There garden in the palace grounds lovely
indeed A fountain tinkled and fat carp about
the futed marble basin. There treses of flowers
Persian roses, despite the fact taat still
ter. 1t called the Garden of Brides.
Kathlyn attended by Pundita awaited there the CON-
ing of Umbala and the council. Her heart ac-ed with
and she could think clearly. The impress
sion that all this some dreadful nightmare recurred
her vivdly. What awaited she knew not
nor could conceive. Marry that smiling demon?-for
something occult told her that he No; she
was ready to die. And but little while ago she
had been working happily in the outdoor studio the pet
leopard sprawled her feet; from the bungalow she
heard the nightingale voice of Winnie, soaring in
aria of yerds; her fa.her doing the veranda.
Out of that, into this 1t incredible From time to
time she brushed her forehead bewdered.
In this mood, bordering the hystercal (which is
sometimes but step supreme courage), Durga Ram.
socalled Umbaa and the council found her. -he face Of
the former cold, his steady and expressoness.
Has your majesty deeided? asked ie eldest of the
council.
Yes" quietly.
And your decision is?"
No, absolutely and finally There is why :.
should obey any of your laws; but there good
why all of you shall day be punished for this
outrage
Outrage! To be made queen of Allaha?' The spokes
man for the council stamped his foot in wrath
Think !" said Umballa.
II have thought Let have of this cat
and-mouse play. l refuse to marry ou. I'd much pre-
fer any beggar in the There is nothing
be sad.'
:" There things than marriage"
What manner of ndgnes have you arranged for
me ?" Her voice firm, but the veins in her throat
beat hardly hat they stifed her.
Said the spokesman of the council. I'VE have found
precedent We find that hundred and ninety years
ago a like confused the council of that day. They
finally agreed that she submit two ordeals with
wild beasts of the Jungle If she survived she be
permitted to rule without hndrance. 1t would be
matter for the rods decide"
Are you really human bengs?' asked Kathlyn, her
lips dry. Can you possibly commit such dreadful
crime against who has harmed you, who
for nothing but the freedom to leave this country?"
Pundita secretly caught Kathyns hand and pressed ~
Once more" said Umballa, his compassion touch.j
for the first time. But he had gone far; for the
safety of his head be must so on.
7" / ready! !"
The four men saaamed gravey. They turned, the
flowing yellow robes of the council utterng wind
the lighting with green and red fires the hlt of