The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-24
Copyright; 1914. By Harold MacGrath. ]
CHAPTER XXI,


 - HEN the lions snifed the acrld smoke the two \Af of them fell roaring thunderousy. They w reared and attempted to climb the ladder. only
 to fall back jarringly They up and down the hall, struck with that inborn of fire. They dared descend he face of that urd smoke which rose from that sparkling magic which they had feared since the beginning of time.
 Alas, Kathlyn could have descended without fear of the moesting but 1t late. Finally she threw down the trap and the smoke cleared tte but the inferno below cracking merriy.
 The houses on each side single stored. She would every bone her body sfe jumped There four cartridges in the revolver She held it in her hand studied in euriously detached She could face wild beasts steel, and lead but fire, the most horrible of all tortu-es. Why hadn't she killed him he leered at her from the street? Four cartridges. three for help and for herself if help not. She raised her and fired three shots with intervals between that might call for aid Then she moved the farthest end of the parapet, farthest from the smoke and the fire Suddenly the shook quvered if earthquake had disturbed the foundations She understood. The lower staircase had toppled.
 From the lions the denizens of this part of the bazaars had fled inside their but the sight of the fire and its drove them terrified into the street They began taking their valuables. The househo goats bleated and children screamed and women shreked.
 But of them could help the white goddess upon wonder doomed roof And why should they make the attempt? Did she not bear charmed life? Was she the reincarnation o ancient goddess? She had done something in heaven offend the gods and these things were her punshments The gods would libeate her when the proper moment arrived
 But fire The gods themselves could not control that mat the right hand of Siva Ali, ali, a The vail ing the girl the roof. Ali, ali The bazaars were doomed. There neither water men who knew how it. Besides who among them would offend terrible Siva by medding his paything? The painted dancing girl in the house where Umba- lah had taken temporary refuge began to gather trinkets her amber and turquoise necklaces bracelets anklets These she placed in brass enameled box and tucked it under her Next she the sodden Unbalah by the sleeve.
 "Come !" she cried "I would sleep" he muttered
 "Durga Ram, risk my life in offering you shelter but refuse to risk it in fire. Come! There a way through the rear to the house of friend mine. The Ire will not reach there. And tonight you can seek shelter in the jungle, where you will"
 "Let be; would seep'
 Fool! Those who remain here will find it burning ghat ip less than hour. Look!' She pushed him toward the window Look They flying from the houses. Would you deT
 He flung her off, She returned beating him with her hsts He and staggered his feet and struck her blndy. She laughed, cutched h sleeve and began to drag him the stairs He struck at her again, this time with farsh aim Her box of trinket claered to the floor and she whirled upon him with dagger. The eight of the steel sobered him little. Listen to me, Durga Ram; touch again and you shall die Can you see am trying to you be- cause my wills it? The fire will spread for the