Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1923-04-11

Might / have drink?'' he asked of
the nearest, as his eyes closed again.
The GOODNESS of fountain spray was in
his nostrils, hurting him curiously, and
the ineffable sweet smell of green sod
was a release like death itself.
They lifted him from his horse. He
saw for moment many low archways
and sheltered walks. The stone flag
ging was like cold knives under his
bruised feet. The hands Of those who
led him were strong as iron. The
/ tinkle of water sounded near in the
pleasant gloom, and Lexington grinned
at the torture, until a white cup was
held to his lips. Startled, he opened
his eyes; and then came the half
dark again at the touch of water upon
his tongue. His sigh was groan, and
he swooned.
The last sunlight reached in through
high window, falling golden across
bath of clear water, level with the
stone floor. A censor had been light
ed, and it's soft fumes went to Cons
head like wine. They had reused him.
Big hands were placing him infant-wise
upon the shallow steps of the BATH in
the sun-warmed water. Lexington
drew breath that seemed to have no
end.
A purple curtain was drawn across
the high window, taking all save a
mellow glow of light from the pool.
They bathed his body from head to
to foot He relaxed in their arms,
having neither power nor inclination
to resist. Presently he was placed
upon a mat, and rubbed. He found
he could use his eyes, and almost
trust them. Only two of the captors
remained, and these were of differ
ent caste, clad in short white jackets
and snug trousers, nothing of the war
rior about them. Their heads we're
shaven-yellow men, and aged, their
hands very skillful upon the human
structure.
The oil was delicately aromatic
cedar, cinnamon. and the grape, but
family mingled. Levington's body was
glowing; his legs ached with superb
satisfaction.
ST have died." he whispered to him.
self. ST should have done it sooner"
Something in the oil made him forget
Andrew March. They wound him in
a silken cloth, loosely, after which
they clapped their hands twice. Two
brawny negroes shuffled to the edge
of the bath, and laid Lexington upon
a pallet, which they raised as high as
their thick shining shoulders. The
white man sighed as he was borne
along q corridor, up series of stone
steps to wide balcony which was
open to the skies. A third negro now
advanced, picked him up in his arms,
and carried him to a covered bed
against the wall, just within a door,
The pillow was cool to Cons cheek.
He fell asleep.
A mild green glow in his face waken-
ed him. He glanced up at the figured
green curtain enclosing his bed,
stretched himself slowly, full length,
then turned over and slept again.
Upon his reawakening, the curtains
were drawn back. A familiar head
was near, and new smell brought
the fact that Con was being shaved.
He had a glimpse of the razor, a
straight broad blade shaped like a key
in the yellow hWnd. He dozed through
this performance.
"What time is it?" he inquired.
SIT is near sunset" said voice, also
in English, and only then did Con
realize that he should not have ex-
pected it. Chez Ming stood near, hav-
| ing noted the tonsorial process to Its
finish. He bowed slightly, and the
folds of his white robe fell away from
the narrow bosom. There was some
thing strange about being so near him
again.
Thanks" said Con. 81 appreciate
all the attention; but / don't under
stand it"
ST do not understand" replied the
Chinese.
But somebody must"
sit is the will of our princess" Chez
Ming said with quiet hostility.
docs she wear gray, and rider
When the yellow man had nodded,
CON p1CdSO NOhFSJ ~ N~A
nv gratitude. Or show me how I can
tell her myself. It seems you are sort
of prime minister here"
Chez Ming answered coldly: Il
have the honor to be known as vizir
at this court"
Lexington made his gravest gesture
Of respect.
"And where is my friend MarchT
he asked.
Chez Ming did not choose to hear,
and simply walked away. Con fingered
perfect effect of barbering upon his
smooth. hard chin. Again the servant
came now bearing folds of soft white
cloth, his purpose to swathe the white
stranger in it. A mysterious winding
began. too complex to follow. Padded
sandals were placed beside the couch,
and a satin turban built up in intricate
Nominations upon Levington's head,
Tartar fashion. In the attendants
h1rvr