The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-05-28
CHAPTER xiv--continued.
Copyright, A. c. Mcclprg and Company

Dejah Thoris only smiled the more
md with the roguish dimples playing
Mt the corners of her mouth she made
answer:
sFr0m the beginning Of time upon
Barsoom it has beer the prerogative
Cf woman to change her mind as she
listed and to dissemble in matters con-
corning her heart. That you will for
rive, Than Kosis, as has your son.
Two days ago I was not sure OF his
love for me, but now am, and l
have come to beg of You to forget
my rash words and to accept the as
surance Of the princess of Helium
that when the time comes she Will
wed Sab Than. prince of Zodanga."
II am glad that you have SO de-
c1ded." replied Than Kosis. 1T is far
from my desire to push war further
against the people of Helium, and,
your promise shall be recorded ana
q proclamation to my people issued
forthwith. We shall see how the PEG
pie of Helium take to peace. Shall
at least offer 1t to them.'
Dejah Thoris, after few words,
turned and left the apartment, still
followed by her guards.
Thus was the edifice OF my Drle1
dream of happiness dashed, broken,
to the ground of reality. The woman
for whom l had offered my life, and
from whose lips I had so recently
heard declaration of love for me,
had lightly forgotten my very exist
ence and smilingly given herself to
the son Of her peoples most hated
enemy.
Although 1 had heard 1t with my
own ears I could not believe 1t.
must search out her apartments and
force her to repeat the cruel truth
10 me alone before would be con-
WINGED. and SO / deserted my post
and hastened through the passage be-
hind the tapestries toward the door
ny which she had left the chamber.
Slipping quietly through this opening
I discovered maze of winding corri-
doris, branching and turning In every
direction.
Running rapidly down first one and
then another Of them soon became
houelessly lost and was standing pant
fng against q side wall when ! heard
voices near me. Apparently they were
coming from the opposite size OF the
partition against which leaned and
presently / made out the tone OF De-
5ah Thoris. could not hear the words
but knew that could not possibly
b mistaken In the voice.
Walking boldly forward ! pushed
into the room only to find myself In
= small antechamber In which were
the four guards who had accompanied
her. One Of them instantly arose and
nccosted me- asking the nature Of my
business.
RI am from Than Kosis," replied
.~and wish to speak privately with
Deiah Thoris, princess Of Helium.'
@No one comes from Than Kcsis
without carrying an order or the pass
word. You must give me one or the
ether before you may pass
ssThe only order I require, my friend
to enter where / will, hangs at my
uide.r answered, tapping my long
sword; ''will you let me pass IN peace
or nor
aYou are not here by the order Of
Than Kosis," cried the one who had
! xlrst addressed me, "and not only shall
you not enter the apartments of the
princess of Helium, but you shall &c
back to Than Kosis under guard to ex
plaiua this unwarranted temerity
Throw down your sword; you canno'
hope to overcome four Of us, ne added
With grim smile.
Ny reply was quick thrust which
lift me but three antagonists and
can assure You that they were worthy
cf my metal. They had me backet
AGAINST the wall In no time, fighting
1or my life. Slowly / worked my wa,
g ! corner Of the room where coult
1orce them to come at me only one q
4 time, and thus we fought upward o
twenty minutes: the changing Of stee
a steel producing veritable bedlan
= the little room.
me noise had brought Dejah Thori
. ne door d her apartment, an
1here she stood throughout the conflic
Win soaa at her back peering over he
dhou1def. Her face was vt and emo
1lonleaB and knew that she did no
recognize me, nor did Sofa.
Finally I lucky cut brought down
necund Guardsman and then, with onI
awo opposing me, I changed my tactic