Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1918-10-14
THE GHDED MAN
By CLIFFORD SMYTH

there Is nothing more to be said or DONE
VIII go. Only-tell me-"
you VIII not go-not until there is no
ionRer mystery, as you call it,"
The announcement sounded like the sem
tence of judge from which there Is no ap-
peal 1t reminded Una that she was in the
power OF one who had shown toward her
an infieXble will. At the same time she
was conscious of "a softening In Sajponas
attitude that was both mystifying and reas-
suring. This beautiful Indian girl had at
nrst resented Una's presence. She had re-
garded the other with queeniy scorn. and
had not disguised the jealous impatience
kindled by the brief and futile interview
with David Now this impatience had given
place to deeper emotion that was less
easily understood. It might be of kindlier
import an unexpected reienting from the
harsh mood that apparently weighed Una's
every word and act with suspicion. Still, It
was possible that beneath this newly awaken
ed generosity there lurked something sinis-
ter, deliberate purpose to lead the other
to confession that would be her own undo
ing. OF this. however, Una had little fear.
By nature trustfu OF those about her. she
did not look for harm to herself from one
so young so beautiful and who now at any
rate appeared anxious to atone for her for
mer enmity by graciousness equally
marked.
There is nothing to fear" said Sajipona,
as II reading her thoughts. "Narva will pro-
tect your people. There is danger only from
your friend. this Raoul Arthur"
He is not my friend !" exclaimed Una.
Sajpona smiled. I'VE will soon see." she
said. This Is the Land of the Condor, all
that is left to an ancient race that once ruled
over many nations. For centuries the poor
remaining handful of my people have man.
aged to live unknown in this little corner of
the earth. You are the frst-except one
other-from the outside world to find your
way into this forgotten Kingdom. When
will he free n the world
is not for me to say. But, you are here
my guest Let us have 1t that way. This is
my kingdom, Enter !"
They did not pass into the palace through
the entrance used by David. Back of whe.s
they stood, at word of command from
Sajipona large door swing open, reveal
ing a spacious court within flooded with a
clear white light that left not a corner or
angle in shadow. This light radiated from
a central shaft overhead. at first indistin-
gushable in the dazzling intricaces of the
ceiling that stretched away in tier upon tier
Of crystalline columns above them. Advanc-
ing to the middle of this court under the
queens guidance Una beheld at the apex of
the vast dome curving upward to a SEEM
ingly immeasurable distance, a large open-
ing beyond which blazed a great ball of fire
suspended, apparently from the topmost pin
nacl1 Of the outer cave. The rays from this
underground sun-for 1t is only as a sun that
II can be adequately described-shone with
an intensity that was fairly binding These
rays flashed and sparkled in long. waving
streamers of flame, disappearing and sudden
ly renewing their radiance with ceaseless
energy similar to that displayed by some
gigantic dynamo whose emanations are pro-
duced by concentration of power as vet
uninterrupted by man. Fascinated by this
splendor, Una realized that she was standing
beneath the great luminous body whose
magical effects she had first witnessed while
approaching the palace with Narva. Shield
ing her eyes from a spectacle that wearied
by its vehemence. she turned to Sajipona
But sajipona not with her. Una stood
alone In the center of the great court.
CONTINUED TOMORROW