The Fargo forum and daily republican. [volume] (Fargo, N.D.) 1894-1957, 1914-06-12
toopyr1ght: 1914, BY Harold Macdrashl
CHAPTER XXI.

w~ HEN the lions shifted the acnd smoke the two
NAf of them fell to roaring thunderously. They
reared and attempted to climb the ladder, only
to fall back jarringly. They ran up aRi down
the hall, struck with that Unborn terror of fire. They
dared not descend in The face of that lurid smoke which
rose from that sparkling magic which they had feared
since the beginning OF time.
Alas, Kathlyn could have descended now without fear
Of the beasts molest1ng her; but it was too late. Finally
she threw down the trap and the smoke cleared a little,
but the inferno below went on cracking merrily.
The houses on each side were single storisd. She
would break every bone in her body Il she jumped. There
were four cartridges in the revolver. She held 1t in her
hand and studied it in a Guriously detached manner. She
could lace wild beasts, men, steel, and lead but fire,
the most horrible Of all fortunes. Why hadn't
she killed him as he lesred up at her from the street,
Four cartridges, three for help and one for herself If
help came not. She raised her arm and fired three shots
with intervals between that might suggest a call Tor aid
Then she moved to the farthest end Of the parapet,
farthest from the smoke and the fire. Suddenly the room
shook and quivered as If an earthquake had disturbed the
foundations. She understood. The lower staircase had
toppled.
From the lions the denisens OF this part of the bazaars
had fed inside their houses but the sight Of the fire and
it's nearness drove them terrified into the street. They
began taking out their valuables. The househo goats
bleated, and children screamed and women shrieked.
But none Of them could help the white goddess upon
yonder doomed roof. And why should they make the
attempt7 Did she not bear a charmed lfe7 Was she
not the rsincarnation OF some ancient goddess? She had
done something in heaven to offend The gods, and these
things were her punishments. The gods would Hibernate
her when the proper moment arrived.
But fire! The gods themselves could not control that
that was the right hand Of silva. Al, al, all The wall.
ing rose to the girl on the roof. Al, al! The bazaars
were doomed. There was neither water nor men who
knew how to use It Besides, who among them would
offend the terrible silva by meddling with his ~plaything?
The painted dancing girl in the house where Umbal-
lah had taken temporary. refuge began to gather her
trinkets, her amber and turquoise necklaces, bracelets,
and anklets. These abe placed in a brass enameled boz
and tucked it under her arm. Next she shook the sodden
Umballah by the sleeve.
"Come 7" she cried.
II would Sleep" he muttered.
"Durga Ram, I risk my life In offering you shelter
but I refuse to risk 1t in fire. Come There is a way
through the rear to the house Of a friend Of mine. The
fire will not reach there. And tonight you can seek
shelter In the jungle, or where. you will"
LET be; I would sleep"
"Fool! Those who remain here will, find it a burning
CHAT In less than an hour. Lookl' She pushed him
toward the window. "Look! They are flying from the
houses. Would you dep
He flung her off. She returned, beating him with her
fsts. He swore and staggered to his feet and struck al
her blindly. She laughed, clutched hi sleeve, and began
10 drag him to the rear stairs. Ho struck at her again,
this time with fairish aim. Her box Of trinkets ~clattered
10 the door and she whirled upon him with q dagger.
The sight Of the steel sobered him o little.
Listen to me, Durga Ram touch me again and you
shall die! Can you not see I am trying to save you be-
cause my sister 50 wills il? The fire will spread. for the