The Inland Empire (Moore, Mont.) 1905-1915, January 01, 1914, Image 3

• Thursday, January 1, 1914. THE INLAND EMPIRE. THE ISLA OF THE S Being a True Account of Certain Strange and Wonderful Adven- tures of Master John Hampdon. Seaman, and Mistress Lucy Wilberforce, Gentlewoman, In the Great South Seas. By CYRUS TOWNSEND BRADY Copyright ' . 1912, by Wts Townsend Brady CHAPTER XIII. In Which We Enter the Place of Horror HE statues or images rose from a kind of terrace a foot or so above the level of the platform, • paved as before. They formed a sort of cloister, or colonnade, around the central platform, which rose twen- ty or twenty-five feet above. On the center of the raised platform or altar stood three or more of the same mon- ster heads, placed one after another, the largest one being in the middle. They were in line, all looking in the same direction which my compass told me was due west. They were staring, therefore, toward the setting sun. At the front en great platform vkis a flight of steps. The sto west end the proached by a s of the pave- ment were so cunningly ititted together that only here and there had a seed lodged and grass grown. The stones of the platform or altar were also laid up without mortar and fitted in the same way. The altar was In perfect repair. Standing so high, the fierce winds that swept over the - plateau and plats form had probably assisteddn keeping it clear of vegetation, of anything in fact, for save for a few scattered lines of grass it was as bare as the palm of my band. Well, we stood upon the plat4orm and surveyed the scene in silent awe. Nothing in the parchment had led us to suspect all this, although I recollect the stone \Geddes\ looking toward the niche with the big palm tree, the spot in the wall by which we were to lo- cate the treasure cave. \Come!\ said I at last, breaking the silence. - \We will have a nearer look at these gentry.\ \It seems like the temple of a van- ished race,\ breathed my lady softly. staring about her in growing wonder. \Aye and of a vanished God!\ r said, extending my hand. There was something weird and eerie about the plateau, and we felt better for the touch of each other's hand, at least I did. I always felt happier when 1 -touched her little hand, but in this instance the feeling was some- what different. In a certain sense it seemed like profanation for us to be there, yet we went on steadily, if slow- ly. We passed by the colonnade of statues around the inner platform and deliberately mounted the stairs. Something. I know nol what, made me bid my mistress pause before we reached the top, and I looked to _my pistol and loosened my sword in its sheath as I did so, although why I did so and what I anticipated I cannot say. At any rate I mounted to the top alone. There before me lay a platform which was sunk beneath me for depth of two feet and which was sur- rounded toy a low •wall, on the top of which I tood. The three images rose from a smaller platform on a level with the top of this wall in the midst, and the whole place was filled with a horrible and frightful mass of human bones. Sksills. legs, thighs and small- er bones, heaped In terrible confusion, lay bleaching before me, and the space between them was filled with a fine dust, doubtless the dust of earlier bones which had mouldered away througb Centuries. Those that still preserved their shape were the top layer and were bleached perfectly white. They lay in all directions, as If they bid been cast aside carelessly and at random, yet there were Indica- tions that there had been a path from where 1 stood to the •platform of the three images, which I perceived was Just about, long enough to lay a human body on • rated apprehensively, I must con- fess, at tfils frightfiiLchirnel house of the. centuries The only evidences \ : of ti atit . ii I ty \ lilt if • di7Tovered were thesk,. 'frightful,. skeletons. I would have 41M0*.enhall•..p.„ but my adebt•eais suddenly en rue and stood by' my side. Then I Moiled she Would have faint-. ed its the tilF horror of the scene buret upon her. „ \Men have been here,\ she faltered. fir (g. ri ble,.. creel men.\ .aftid , .1, \lint centuries ago. Look, the bones are bleaehed whit* YOUSbavesitinght t6 feels\ , • -*FJ _ \Let sus leave Me frIghtiltr Waft\ • • she iiid ' \Presently I answered, \but you will rensember the directions of the chart. I 'nest stand upon that altar and get my bearings. The treasure cave should be in line with the statues and a nick or depression in the wall on the farther side.\ \Yes she replied, \I remember.\ \Well then,\ I said, \will you go down to the platform out of sight of this horrible place and wait for me?\ \No she answered nervously. \Master Hampdon, wherever you go I must go. I can never be left alone.\ I tried gently to dissuade her, but, as usual, she would have her way, so that at last [gave in. \Well then,\ said I, \at least let me go before.\ I stepped down into the great re- ceptacle intending to clear the way with my feet by kicking away the layer of bones, and then, extending my arm behind me with both her hands caught in mine, she followed me down into the inclosure. Of course we had to walk upon the broken rem- nants of humanity, but I - thrust aside as well as I could the larger pieces and- skulls, \andlk ade, t afrgrward learned, followed with her eyes tightly closed, trusting entirely to my guid- ance. Indeed, she clung to my hand with all the nervous strength and pow- er she possessed. So we finally reached the platform. I lifted her up on it and followed my- self. I led my lady carefully around the platform until we could stand at the rear end by the side of the line of statues and look across the island. Sure enough, there was the nick or de- pression in the wall which Sir Philip had mentioned, although the ''bigge palmme tree\ was gone or else lost amid hundreds of trees like it. Be- - neath it careful scrutiny showed a rough pyramid of stone leading up to what seemed to be openings in the cliff wall. So far every detail in the old buc- caneer's parchment was absolutely cor- rect. I was certain now that the treas- ure was there and that we could find It. And a certain exultation filled me. At least we had not come upon a fool's errand, though what good the treasure would do us I did not stop to consider. \We have nothing more to do here.\ I answered as 1 led the way to the edge of the low altar. I leaped down and then turned to help my little mistress. She was very white. and I thought she was go- ing to faint_ I don't blame her, the scene' was so terrible. I acted prompt- ly. I reached up and took her in my arms and carried her as if she had been a baby, and. indeed, she was no great burden for me. Her head drop- ped to my shoulder. I didn't know whether she had fainted or not. Her eyes were closed. I ran swiftly across the inclosure, descended the steps and without hesitation turned to the edge of the eliff. I stopped there, cursing myself for not having brought any wa- ter, but as I stopped she opened her eyes. \You are safe,\ said I gently. \The Oorrors are all behind us. See, there Is before you naught but the beautiful greenery of the island, and\— An expression of gratitude came across her face. \Let us go down,\ she replied. \We must never come near here again.\ -\Please God, no,\ I repeated as we retraced our steps down the .cliff and along the winding path, Mistress Lucy gaining strength and, color as we pass- ed out of sight of the hideous platform. It was necessary to go back along the path to the foot of the stairs. There were savannas here and there in the way. where we rested and a lovely brook of cool, delicious water, where we broke odr'fast, thoUgh it was not yet noon, but the ope4ngs an stopped before they reached The foot of the wall which was almost hidden in vege- tation. I remembered the paths which had led off on either side from the stain too. We followed one of theta. easily. The wall to our left was dotted with opeigngs to , caves, but none ?of the, seemed to fit the description we tarried In our memories. The uadergroveth deektied and grew denser as we pro - greased, and finally I had to open a way with my ax. The tangledstuasses soon gave *ay before my sturdy en- ergy, and we entered a little clearing which extended to the wall. There above us, were tieS three openings be- ueath the depression in the crest sure enough, the one in the middle being greater than the others, the entrance high enough to admit rue, who am much above the usual stature, without bending fay head. It was elevated . half way up the surface of the cliff, and approach to it was 1.0 , a Pile of stones. not laid with the (Ater and reg- ularity of the giant stairs, but ap- parently piled together haphazard by people unskilled to make any other practical way of ascent. It wits difficult enough for us to climb as it was. The heap of stones evidently . * had not been mounted for years, and the stones had broken and fallen away in many places. Indeed 1 bad to rebuild the pile here and there. When after arduous labor I peered within the' cave ,I could see noth1ts4.1 but the blackness. When we left the ship we had taken a lantern and a few candles. I had brought the lantern with me that day. We now lighted it with the flint and steel and tinder and stepped silently in. • My lady followed me doge, being, as she had said, un- willing to be left alone aud ever ready to face any peril in my company. Above the low entrance the cave wall rose to a height of perhaps twen- ty feet, making a vast vaulted chamber with gothic Suggestions about it, for the coral before it hardened had been built into curious shapes and fantastic figures. We didn't notice this so'rnuch at first, for with a wild shriek, my gentle companion suddenly caught my arm and pointed downward. The floor, like that of the central altar, was covered with human bones. a grewsome sight for any one and cer- tainly for a woman, and made more grewsome because - of the dull lighting of the cave The bones were bleached white also and had evidently been there a long time. We could scarcely take a step without treading upon . them. I had all I could do to keep my mistress from running back toward the mouth and thence to the ground, and it was not .untIl I had reassured her that she would consent to go on. As we had been compelled to Pass on by our desire to get our bearings before, se -if we were to get the treas- ure Nee would have to suffer this now. She summoned her courage and we went on. As our eyes became accustomed to the light, for, Indeed, the eandle lan- tern cast but a dim radiance over the vast apartment, the entrance was ay small that little. -daylight came through, we saw the same kind of altar, built of the same stones as on the hill, though much smaller. Bones of ho.- man- heings. mew women ,and I judged from the'difference in sises, lay open it, and there were heaps of bones' On the floor around it. It Niue across me that it was another altar of sacrifice and that the worshipers had been also eaters of flesh—cannibal:it Turning away from the altar to the right we found the way clear, and, with a sigh of , •rellef. I drew Mistress Lucy reluctantly on. She clung to me and was so frightened that I finally slipped my arm about her waist, whereat she made no objection. She lias confessed since that she was in- deed greatly pleased and that it was a comfort to her to feel the strength and power of sny grasp. Holding the lantern before me, we cautiously proceeded farther Into the case toward the inn& wall. The cave wall opened out Into rooms apparently. I didn't dare go any distance from the main entrance for fear that I should lose my way, so I stopped, undecided what tO do. xvhich opening to enter, that is. \Oh. let's go back!\ begged my mis- tress. \There is no treasure here. I am sure.\ • \Nay.\ I answered. \With your per- mission, Mistress Lucy. I intend to ex- plore further into the matter. Let's see.\ l held the lantern high above my head as I spoke. There above a certain entrance I saw a rude La -tin cross. \Look!\ I continued. \Some one has been here. 'Tis the sign of the :moss!\ \Yes.\ she said, her hopes reviving and her spirits returning a little at the tight of that sacred symbol of our faith. \Don't you remember on the map marking the position of the cave there, was a little cross?\ \So there wasl\ I exclaimed, \al- though the reading did not mention It.\ \No but it is there nevertheilss.\ I stooped down—the entrance was scarcely three feet high, but quite broad—and Made to go through. \Walt!\ She seized me in great alarm. \You can't go there and leave me here!\ she cried. \I promise you that I will not stir three feet from the entrance if you will suffer me that far,\ I answered. \I must come, too, then,\ she urged. \I will see what is there first, and if it Is safe you shall come with me.\ answered. As I spoke I crawled through and found myself In another smaller cham- ber. Tbere being nosianger, I tretsh- ed out my hand to her and breng through after ihe. , From sortie disturit crevice the Mr entHe ttr nx. Ve 'i,muild. feent blow Open Ifs. and it • Wiie sweet; also I could hear .water babbling over rocks In the distance.. It was a little damp in the cave,- perhaps because of that. There' was 'little light,,however, save that, cast . by the lantern.: I could th not see e farther wall.. (Continued next week, MO SIre W.4 4 1T try ; Paris Now Creates a New Phase of Gown. AFTERNOON FROCK OF IITITCHEDDIOTRE. A Parisian chronicler of fashion has dubbed the prelent sartorial mood of the City of Light \la mode, adoles- ceute.\ Surely this is a very apt de- - scription of the costumes being sent over from the other side of the pond. There is a languor and abandon about the lines that suggests the soft, yielding figure or the adolescent, and in no costume of the season is this phase of the mode more apparent than in afternoon frocks. This costume is the backbone of every well dressed woman's . wardrobe. It meets so many varied engagements of the day. It is charming for an afternoonAhridge, for luncheon and, for the club meeting or for formal calling. I Illustrated is a delightful example of the daytime gown, carried out hi black moire. • The striking feature of this model is the machine stitching done in white thread which outlines the bodice, producing a brocaded effect. This is the lust cry in applied designs. Ears Are Fashionable. Ears are coming into fashion again. The hair, which for some tine past women have worn low with bandeaux, Is now brushed back from the face, leaving ears clearly revealed. Ear- rings are consequently in great favor, the latest thing being large tortise shell rings or huge drops adorned with bells of gold. The tiny hat is also niRdified. It noir' grips the head under the ears and has three decks, the top one consisting of a mass of supple velvet folded. The tendency is toward the tallest head- gear. Shine on the Serge Office Skirt. For the business woman who each day presides at a desk and •uses a smooth faced office chair, and who soon finds her serge skirt getting that inevitable \shiny look\ which spong- ing and pressing never quite eradicate, -there is nothing better than this simple advice: Always keep on the chair seat a covering of thin, rough leather. This leather seat against the cane or wood will prevent all friction when turning or getting up and down, and the skirt will keep its original ? finish until worn out. His Chance. He—The timid that rocks the cradle rules the world. Don't forget that. She—Then you come in and rule the world awhile. Pm tired.—Woman's Journal. IN FASHION'S MART. The tailored snit. is indispensable to the well ordered wardrobe. Small hats of black velvet nre trim-. med with lustrous moire ribbon. Draped turbans have returned, and they are more ornamental thaUever. Children's frocks have extremely short bodices sashed with wide ribbon. Beautiful shoulder scarfs are made Of brocaded velvet, bordered with fur. •• If it has a vest and is cult .away in front the mannISh 4114 . W , 111 , tows mus- ter:, seThe .comblnation , of' white , Moth A A • silk coMbtrIeti• with &irk fur. Is stiff gooa• Medici collars of sheerest lace or tittle are bordered with ^narrow bands of, fur. .Sashes. Kende. AMU and ,bags are' more ever in - the 'limelight of, A charming combination- Is.,,the Dree- a n Ern- den silk free -I -with claangeableS taffeta jacket. . PAGE THR;EE DON'T WAIT FOR THE FIRE BELL TO REMIND YOU OF YOUR INSURANCE BUT HAVE ENOUGH AT ALL TIMES. A FEW DOLLARS' INVESTMENT NOW IN A FIRE IN- SURANCE POLICY MAY PERHAPS SAVE YOU A THOUSAND OR MORE. TOMORROM MAY BE TOO LATE. BE ON THE SAFE SIDE AND LET US WRITE THAT POL- ICY FOR YOU TODAY. WE REP- fiESENT SOME OF THE STRONG- EST AND MOST RELIABL)E IN- SURANCE COMPANIES WHOSE POLICIES PROVE THEIR 'WORTH— AFTER A FIRE AS WELL AS BEFORE. 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