The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-05-24


vita that Unborn terror Of fire. They
dared not descend in face of the 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 molest-
ing her: but it was too late. Finally
she threw down tae trap and the smoke
cleared q little. but the inferno below
went on cracking merrlly.
The houses on each side were single
storied 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 1t in
curiously detached manner. She could
face wild beasts, men. steel and lead:
but fire, the most horrible of all tor
lures Why hadn't she killed
him as he lecred 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 sug-
gest IA call for aid. Then she moved to
the furthest end of the parapet furthest
from the smoke and the fire. Suddenly
the roof shook and qulvered as II an
earthquake had disturbed the founda-
tons. She understood. The lower
staircase had toppled.
From the lions the denizens of this
part Of the bazaars had fled inside their
houses: but the sight of the fire and
its nearness drove them terrified into
the street. They began taking out their
va.uables. The household goats bleated.
and children screamed and women
shrleked
But none Of them could help the white
GODDESS upon yonder doomed roof And
why should they make the attempt"
Did she not bear a charmed life? Was
she not the reincarnation of some an
cicnt goddess? She had done something
IN heaven to offend the gods, and these
n.ngs were her punishments. The
DDS would llberate her when the proper
moment arrived.
But fire, The gods themselves could
not control that; that was the right
hand Of Viva. Al, al, al The wailing
rose to the girl on the roof. Al al.
The bazaars were doomed There was
neither water nor men who knew how
to use 1t. Besides. who among them
would offend the terrible silva by med
ding with his plaything?
The painted dancing girl in the house
where Umballa had taken temporary
refuge began to gather her trinkets
her amber and turquoise necklaces.
bracelets and anklets. These she placed
in brass enamelled box and tucked it
under her arm. Next she shook the
sodden Umballa by the sleeve.
Come" she cried.
II would sleep" he muttered.
"Durga Ram, risk my life in offer
ing you shelter: but refuse to risk It
N fire Come There Is a way through
The rear to the house of friend of
rhine. The fire will not reach there.
md tonight you can seek shelter in
The jungle, or where you will"
Let be; 7 would sleep"
Fool, Those who remain here will
cnd it burning CHAT in less than an
lour. Look" She pushed him toward
ne window. Look They are flying
rom the houses. Would you de?"
He flung her off. She returned. beat
ing him with her fists. He swore and
staggered to his feet and struck at her
blindly. She laughed clutched his
sleeve and began to drag him to the
rear stairs. lie struck at her again,
this time with falrish aim. Her box OF
trnkets clattered to the floor and she
whired upon him with a dagger The
sight of the steel sobered him little.
Listen to me, Durga Ram; touch me
again and you shall die Can you not
see am trying to save you because my
sister SO wills It? The fire will spread
for the wind has risen. What? Am I
one of your slaves that you lift your
hand against me?" She seized a bowl
containing some flowers and cast the
contents into his face. Fire, fire, and
death" she shrlled at him.
The douche brought the man out Of
his stupor.
Fire." he repeated.
Come"
This time he followed her dociley.
wiping his face on his sleeve,
nAey heard a great shouting in the
street, hut did not tarry to learn what
had caused 1t.
one of tmballa's bearers, upon real
lzlng what his master had done had
run down the street for aid. He had
had two objects in view--to save the
white goddess and to buy his freedom.
a few hundred yards away, in an
other street, the Colonel, Bruce and
Ahmed were dragging a net for the
purpose of laying it for a lion at bay
in a blind alley, Into their presence
rushed the wild eyed bearer.
save the white goddess" he cried.
Bruce seized him by the shoulder.
What is that?"
THE white goddess, Sahib. She is on
the roof OF burning house. Durga
Ram, my master set fire to it, He Is
drunk and hiding in a house near by"
The man Is mad" declared the Colo
ned. Kit would not have lost her way
this far He Is lying. He wants money"