Elbert County tribune and Elbert County banner., 1921-01-21
What would you have done-con-
demned to die, face to face with the
i.credible7
CHAPTER vll-continued.

After one of the large riders had
advanced. salaamed before the prince,
and spoken, and, following him. Chez
Ming had concluded the evidence, the
prince moved. His robe tinkled with
spangles as he unfolded his long per-
son and descended to the level of his
courtiers- Chee Ming bent down to
the rug as this young royalty brushed
past. The prince wore no queue. He
looked n moment at the white pris-
oners, close up. much as child re-
CARDS two stuffed apes. He gave no
heed to the assembly. The royal litter
came gliding up, carried by six slaves.
In this the prince reclined his length.
Swiftly he was borne away. his car
riers moving like shadows. His high
ness had uttered not word.
A dull confusion of voices closed
in around March and Lexington.
what was our friend saying?" ask
ed March.
Blood mixing" began March, hur-
riedly; but they were parted before
he could explain his meaning. March
was taken away. and CONS slave
moved in closer beside him, looking
very burly and dull. An order was
given, and Lexington was led away,
returning by the way he had come.
In his apartment. after sunset, he
tried to think his way out, but failed
10 understand why he was not killed
At once. Instead. form of trial had
been given them. Every physical COM
fort was bestowed. Courtesy was
silent but unfailing. When he had re-
turned from court, tray of baked
vegetables was awaiting him, with a
pot Of tea, brazier. and a salver of
cool grapes. Yet he could not forget
me violence of their reception at the
head of the ravine, and the refined
hate of Chez Ming.
He sighed to recall that the princess
had wearied of their presence before
the throne, and had taken leave with
out hearing the conclusion Of their
trial. Their death had previously been
delayed by her order.
Plainly. Chez Ming had his own will
IN matters brought before the prince
Who. and where. was the monarch for
the central chair that had been vacant
Lexington sat at the low stone table
on the roof, to finish his dinner, and
try to study out means of escape
In the circumstances, he felt that
their federal mission was doomed tc
remain unperformed. He looked Out
into the misty Iowlands, where the
lifting vapors were colored by an after
glow OF sunset into drifting peacock
plumes, strands OF Elusive violet and
gold. The flocks had disappeared. A
weighty silence pressed down over the
valley-a twilight of apprehension.
He started. A curious object
dropped ut his feet. 1t was the long
tailed monkey with the white face
Inquisitive. the creature had come tc
examine the new arrival, but Its eyes
twitched with fear and childlike un.
certainty. Lexington tossed him 9
red plum. The monkey seized the
fruit and bit into It, keeping his eyes
fxed upon the giver of the fruit
"Well. little friend, is 1t all right 2
The small beast stopped munching
to think out a civil reply. Re1ectively
sadly. he dug out the seed of the plum
inspected II. bit It. cast It down. and
forgot all about the question. He
wiped his face upon his hairy forearm
and came a sinking step nearer. Like
cat he leaped upon the bench, and
began stirring in the bowl that had