The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-12-30
CHAPTER X.
THE WHITE PRIEST OF silva.

The adept was an impressive figure,
as he stood there with the sun behind
him, throwing a yellow nimbus around
his head. The robe he wore was OF a
rich purple, and gave an added effect
of height and dignity to a figure al
ready tall. His hair was dark and
crinkled like wind swept water, his
complexion dark, but with an under
blush of red in the cheeks. His lips
were scarlet and his eyes coal black
and of an arresting brilliance. The
whole effect he gave was Of trans
cendent energy and magnetism, nor
did he show the slightest fatigue from
his long vigil. =
His eyes swept our faces, as we
stood crowded there in the doorway.
He did not seem surprised. IL there
was an expression in his face except
courteous inquiry, it was one OF care
fully suppressed amusement.
Enter. friends" he repeated. What
is 1t you desireT 49,.
His voice was rich and deep, and he
spoke with a peculiar information, but
without accent. 1t was something OF
shock TO hear the ordinary words Of
English speech coming from his Lips,
for they seemed formed to utter
prophecies in unknown tongues.
Goldberger took one step into the
room, and then stopped abruptly. Fol-
lowing his eyes, saw that the cobra
had also awakened from its trance. and
was regarding us steadily and kissing
slightly. The adept smiled as he saw
US shrink back.
do not fear" he said. Come, Toto"
and stepping across the room, he lifted
the cobra In one hand and held 1t a
moment close to him, gently stroking
the distended hood. The snake curled
itself about his arm and seemed to
cuddle to him, but ii kept its eyes fixed
on US. I could not but smile at the in
congruity of its name. Toto was well
enough for a French poodle, but for
cobra!
After a moment the adept lifted the
lid Of a round basket which stood on
the floor near the dtvan, dropped the
snake gently into It, and fastened
down the lid. Then he clapped his
hands softly, and an instant later the
curtains at the rear Of the room
parted and q strange figure appeared
between them.
1t was the figure of a man, not over
five feet tall and very thin. He was
almost as dark as a full blooded negro,
| and the white burnoose which was
thrown about his shoulders and covered
him to just below the hips, made him
| look even darker. His legs were bare
and seemed to be nothing but skin and
bone. The flat nosed face, with its
| full lips and prominent eyes. reminded
me Of an idol l had seen pictured
somewhere.
The newcomer bowed low before the
adept, and, at a sign from him, picked
up Totos basket and disappeared with
it through the curtains. He had not
even glanced in our direction. The
adept turned back to U.S.
"Now, friends" he said, will you not
enter"
Goldberger led the way into the room
and stopped to look about 1t. The walls
were hung with black velvet, so ar
ranged that windows and doors could
be covered also, and the room was alb
solutely devoid of furniture, save for a
low, circular divan in the center Of
which stood the crystal sphere, sup
ported, as 7 saw now, by a slender
pedestal.
"T have a few questions to ask you."
began Goldberger at last, in a voice
deferentiaI despite himself.
Proceed, sir" said the adept, court
eously.
"Do, you know that Mr.. Vaughan is
dead%"
The adept made a little deprecating
gesture.
mot dead" he protested. "A
man does not die. His soul re-
joins the Over-seal. that is all.
Yes, know that at midnight the soul
of my pupil PASSED over"
How did you learn that" Goldberg
er demanded.