The Elk Mountain pilot., 1919-12-11

lence. MOtioning for. them to leave
his presence, Ram looked up at the
ceiling just as the leaves of trap
through which the body of Davis had
been dragged fell back into place.
He bowed low to the image Of silva.
$50 perish the offenders Of the
gods"
From behind their grille where they
had been watching it all, the Hawk
and Spider grinned at each other ap-
provingly. Then Morgan laughed.
"Tll be cursed II he didn't put 1t
over" Seizing the grating with his
hands he began shaking 1t. but 1t re-
sisted all his efforts. His voice arose
in anger as he drew his revolver.
"Let us out of here quick, you old
fraud, or I'll let daylight out of you."
Carefully keeping to the side OF
the wall and beyond the range of the
others gun, Ram Chunder made his
reply.
"The god has not yet directed your
release. oh worthy protector Of the
poor" Shallum stepped into the room.
"The Mena Sahib you called last
night. Master. has come again." he
announced. The fakir again addressed
Morgan.
"You little know the power Of the
gods, oh foreign born. The maiden
is here also. silva called" Cursing,
the Hawk cried.
| "I don't know anything about your
Internal gods, but don't you hurt that
girl or the whole bunch Of you Will
have to reckon with me. You can do
what you like with the man. but"
Bring her in," commanded the
fakir.
We left Ethel and Joost Singh go
ing down the street together. Ar
rived at the outer door the Hindu
knocked, whereupon Shallum opened
1t. expressing his satisfaction as he
admitted them. Rainface, coming up
on a run, found himself locked out
and cast his eyes about as he mentally
decided upon his plan. Seeing build
ing close at hand in course Of con-
struction with scaffoldIng surrounding
II and no one at work. he at once
decided that by means Of the scnf-
folding he could get upon the roof OF
the next building. and from thence to
the top of the place inhabited by the
Hindu. on he went as fast as his
legs could take him to carry out his
plan.
Within his room. Ram Chunder
bowed to the girl as she came In.
"You seek the aid and counsel of
Holy silva. maiden. pearl Of beautyf'
Straight up to him Ethel walked.
II want Mr. John Davis. Is he
heref
!; With a nod Ram threw another
handful of incense into the brazief
and once more the back Of the room
became clouded with smoke. Three
times he struck q gong. and from the
ceiling a gigantic image Of silva. thu
lower part Of which was carved to
represent drapery, slowly descended
! through the smoke. Down upon
tais at the end Of the room 1t settl ID
while Shallum running to 1t began
making mystic motions. while Ram
stepped to the wall opposite the graf
ing.
Before him was a graduated quad
rant Of metal marked in places ant
with a perpendicular reversible arm
which could be swung along the art
to points on either side. The skinny
bony hand Of the fakir seized the ar
mature and began to move 1t. while
the other hand pointed at the idol.
"BEHOLD" he cried
Slowly, silently the front Of thu
figure opened and John stood revealed
within. He was fastened to the baeh
of the image by an iron collar about
his neck, while iron bands bound hii
waist, arms and legs; holding him
erect, rigid and motionless. His mouth
was still covered by the cloth. Hii
eyes were open. and he was appar
emily conscious Of all that was taking
place. The voice Of the girl arose in
great distress.
~John! Merciful heaven! What
have they done1" She sprang toward
him, but Ram aeizing her with q
strength that was astonishing in one
of his age, held her back.
"Wait. He has not suffered vet
silva is sometimes merciful. Per
haps@"
Shalium, approaching, bowed low.
"Oh, reverend and beloved Master
Your elixir of life lacks but one thing
Continue" commanded the fakil
as the other paused. Shallum lifted
q curious drinking cup.
."This, filed with blood from the
.4AseftnzyW fEep, sesesaA :ytss 81 slse'
'f6teGSe II Z pdfe maiden and mixed
with the other Ingredients, will give
back your youth. II holy silva Wills"
Turning upon the girl, Ram pointed
to her heart with long finger.
"Dost hearr he said. Heres lift
for my youth through thy blood I
Appalled,, she shrank back.