“Thirty,” said Sedai, “and that many more in the large villa near the stable, so that it would be foolish for us to try to overcome them.”
“No, we must not resort to violence,” said Mr. Bruce, “for that would only hurt our cause. To-morrow these men will be thoroughly rested, and we can reasonably expect that they will go about the city visiting their friends. We must not lose courage but hope for better results to-morrow.”
On the afternoon of the next day our friends, mounted the zebras and with a guard of fifty following them, rode through the principal streets of the city. The city was crowded owing to all work in the fields, mines and quarries being suspended for five days. The people never seemed happier, for singing and laughing was heard on every side. Just as our friends reached the large square, the King mounted the pedestal from which he had greeted them upon their arrival in the city. From a tablet of wood in his hand he read the law proclaiming the Day of Resis to be the only holiday, and, being now at hand, the direct participants in its ceremonies must prepare for them. He did not mention the secrets of the day, or did he give them idea as to what the ceremonies would be.
On the bare wrists of the right arm of the older men and women could be seen a peculiarly-shaped diamond of a reddish cast. This was about half an inch in width and held to the wrist by a chain of gold. Mr. Bruce turned to one of the guards, and asked:
“Why do certain ones wear this peculiar stone and chain of gold about their wrists?”
“It is the mark of Resis,” answered the man. And upon Mr. Bruce asking what this meant, the man made no further answer.
The faces of those wearing these bracelets were radiant. They seemed the happiest of the whole vast multitude, and the younger people appeared to look on them with envy. Truly, the happiness of the day must be supreme to those who participated in its ceremonies.
The King, after reading the law twice, descended from the pedestal, mounted his zebra and joined Enola and her friends. Carefully the zebras picked their way through the throng of people crowding the streets. Girls were dancing, men were giving exhibitions of skill in athletics; others were singing quaint, harmonious songs, and all were happy and joyous.
They soon reached the Temple and retired to the dining hall. After the meal the King excused himself, saying that he would have to go among his people, as on the Eve of Resis all were in the city and were anxious to have him appear at their games and pastimes.
Mr. Graham, Mr. Bruce and Harry walked toward the stables, and to their dismay saw their zebras again being taken away.