“Because they have reached that time when old age creeps on; and having reached this age, too, they have earned the reward which is rightfully theirs, by having lived a sinless life,” answered Ephmer.
“But why should you kill a man because he has seen his best days?” asked Mr. Bruce, now interested in spite of himself.
“Because we would leave none but the strong and vigorous to bring children into our world, and, also, because our world would become over-populated if the old were not killed. The same law governs our domestic animals.”
And this, then, was the secret, or one of the secrets of the great height, strength and healthfulness of this people, and it also explained the absence of all aged people in this strange land. Yes, such a law could have but this effect, but at what a cost was the beautiful stature and healthfulness acquired?
“But do not those who are to be killed, object?” asked Mr. Bruce.
“Never,” answered Ephmer, “it is the happiest day of their lives. Look at them. The ceremonies are about to commence.”
“I cannot stand this,” said Mrs. Graham, and she and Nellie rising, entered the Temple. Enola also arose intending to go to her apartment, but at that moment the King came on to the terrace wearing a long, crimson robe, and seeing Enola about to retire, said to her: “It is important that you witness the scenes of the day, because hereafter, you will have to perform the same duties which I am this day performing.”
“I cannot look on this wholesale murder,” answered Enola, with a shudder.
“It is the law,” replied Onrai, as he moved away. And Enola again sank into her seat. It was fearful, but what could she or the others do? Nothing.
Suddenly the blare of a trumpet sounded over the city, and the vast throng burst forth in a weird chant which rose and fell in great waves of sound, and almost stopped the beating of the heart with its impressive solemnity. Up the long avenue came a procession of men and women, and across the wrist of each was the gold chain and peculiar diamond, which symbolized the bloody ending of the day. A white bag of goat skin was suspended by a silken cord which encircled the wrist just below the gold band. All were in spotless white with golden girdles and fillets of gold about their brows.