The Day of Resis

by Lillian Frances Mentor

“I would gladly accept your explanation,” said Mr. Graham, “if it were not for that part of it, which says that the woman was blown over the cliffs. Now, if this storm had started on the western side of these cliffs, the cliffs themselves would have broken the force, or destroyed it entirely before it reached this side. Therefore, I claim that the storm must have started from this side of the cliff.”

“When put in that way,” said Mr. Bruce, “you almost convince me that I have made a mistake. But whatever the way in which this woman reached this country, I believe that we will hear more of it. It would be strange indeed if we should find a race of negroes quietly villaged in this country.”

“Well, there is a possibility that we may,” said Mr. Graham.

Off to the right, in a clump of trees, is now seen a villa and the party made for it, it now being nearly midday. Once in the cool villa, and all thought of the morning adventure was forgotten. Lunch was served and then came the afternoon siesta.

Late in the afternoon they again started, intending to ride until late in the evening. The journeys in the cool of the evening were delightful. There was always a breeze coming off the lake at this time and it was very refreshing after the close, warm air of the day. Along toward evening the villa, which they had occupied on the evening of the storm, was passed. The storm had made great ravages here, tearing up immense trees by the roots and piling them one above the other. The earth was gouged out in places to a depth of twenty feet, and all along the track of the storm were immense piles of debris.

Thoughts of the storm had long since passed from the minds of our friends; they were interested only in the far northwest toward which they were headed, and which promised them so many surprises and adventures. This northwest was almost unknown even to the natives; they knew certain parts of it very well, such as the field of diamonds and one or two other points, which had come under their notice for some special reason. But taken as a whole very little was known of the country, and for this reason Mr. Bruce and the others expected to make some very interesting discoveries. The country had wonderful resources; every known part of it producing certain products, which made it a veritable Eldorado, and it might be expected that the northwest held resources which would astonish all, even Onrai and his people. The field of diamonds alone was enough to make this part of the country interesting to the strangers, and for this alone they had started on this journey.

The following morning the party was up and off exceptionally early, long before the sun had risen. They were only to make half a march that day, for the shaft, which Onrai had spoken of on the previous day, was to be explored. That is, men were to be lowered into it and if the bottom could be reached and openings found leading from it, then all of the men of the party were to go down and explore these. Such was the programme laid out for the day and with this prospect of new diversions the men started off with happy hearts.

Each day now was bringing them nearer to the great northwest and the cliffs were growing plainer as they advanced. The country began to assume a wilder appearance; still there were well-kept fields and numerous farm villas and many men at work in the fields. At another point to-day they had passed a great herd of elephants, which had been brought from the city to recuperate, the former hospital having been almost entirely destroyed by the storm. These elephants, like many others which they had passed, had followed them until driven back by the attendant.

The morning was getting pretty well-advanced and the hopes of reaching the shaft shortly were making the men keep up a constant watch on both sides of them for fear of passing it. It was partially hid in a piece of woods which bordered the lake at this point for some distance. None of the party knew the exact locality of the opening and so care had to be taken in order not to pass it.

“What do you think of this hole in the ground?” asked Mr. Graham of Mr. Bruce.