Transcriber’s Note:

The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.

THE DAY OF RESIS.

BY

LILLIAN FRANCES MENTOR.

ILLUSTRATED BY

HARRY L. V. PARKHURST.

NEW YORK:

COPYRIGHT, 1897, BY

G. W. Dillingham Co., Publishers.

MDCCCXCVII.

[All rights reserved.]

CONTENTS.

THE DAY OF RESIS.

CHAPTER I.
THE STRANGE DOCUMENT.

The following letter and document were the first causes of the long journey, and strange adventure.

“Dear Miss Cameron:—You will probably be much surprised to hear from me in this out-of-the-way place, but knowing the pleasure you take in everything pertaining to Africa, I thought you might be interested in a matter which came before my notice recently.

Some months ago I joined a hunting party bound for the interior of Africa, and on our return march at Rehenoko we fell in with another caravan bound for the coast. Having a common destination, Zanzibar, we travelled together. An Abyssinian, Sedai by name, was in charge of this caravan. He is a large, powerful man, and very intelligent. I often talked with him during the long marches, and one day he told me that he had on this trip, come across a strange manuscript, a part of which he had been able to decipher, but some words of which he could not make out. He asked me to help him decipher the difficult phrases; so that evening, after everything had been made snug for the night, Sedai produced a piece of goat-skin, on which was inscribed the following strange tale.

‘Name Philip Harding—English—left England July 6, 1801—Zanzibar, February 16, 1802—expedition just left Bagamayo—myself and nine other sailors started to overtake it—on 26th, lost our way—wandered long and far—hostile tribes—fight—four men killed—others escaped—three die with fever, reach mountains—one man killed by lion—discover opening into mountain—make torches and enter—companion starved—discovered line of broken stones—followed these—found bridge—crossed this—followed stones again—found secret door—Land of On—people thought me from another planet—lived in temple—strange people—no knowledge or connection with outside world—highly civilized in their way—have strange Day of Resis—mysterious ceremonies on this day—people never mention it—day sacred—here nineteen years one month and sixteen days—made escape—looked five days for opening key—removed stone set in cliff behind palm tree under eagle’s rock mountain—lifted lever seen in spring—rock door turned giving time to pass through—passed into cave—crossed bridge—dropped torches in lake, am lost—exhausted—starving—if document ever found write friends—growing weaker—can write no mo——’

Here the writing ended. The first part, or that part which had been written before entering the cave was in regular lines, but the last was evidently written after entering the dark cave, or passage, as the characters were scattered and very irregular. Sedai intends placing the matter before the next party who are about to enter the interior, and have them look up the mysterious cave and land. He says that the old man, of whom he got the manuscript, is still living, and knows the entrance to the cave, in which he found the body of Harding still warm, and on it this strange document.

Sedai is a trustworthy fellow, or otherwise I would take no stock in his story, or manuscript.

Hoping you may find some interest in this strange tale, I am,

Very Sincerely Yours,

Frank Boyd.”

Such was the letter and weird tale which came in Enola Cameron’s mail one morning in the early nineties. Only the fact of hearing from Frank Boyd in Zanzibar surprised her. The story in itself did not surprise her, for she had so long made a study of Africa and its dark secrets, that nothing pertaining to it seemed strange to her. She was as enthusiastic in this research as most women were in studying the art of dress and beauty. She had met the great explorer Stanley during his late visit to New York, and had read the story of his travels again and again. She had met Herbert Warde socially, had overhauled his trophies to her heart’s content, and his books had also been added to the long shelf of African works in her library. Here poor Jameson’s story had filled her eyes with tears, and here, too, she had escorted Glave that she might, in confidence, reveal to him the one great desire of her heart, and to learn from him the possibility of its fulfillment. She had studied the history of the dark continent from every obtainable source.

Works, which for the average woman held no attraction, aroused in her the liveliest interest. Her enthusiasm had reached such a pitch that but one course seemed open to her, namely, to experience the adventures which had made the names of Baker, Grant, Speke, Livingstone and Stanley famous. She had passed her twentieth birthday; she was of medium height and well-rounded figure, brimming over with health and strength, as was shown by her clear, rosy complexion and bright eyes, which lighted up with enthusiasm as new thoughts opened to life in her active brain.

There was nothing of the so-called New Woman about her; far from it; she was a womanly woman with a great sympathetic heart and kindly nature. She was an orphan, her parents having died when she was yet a child, leaving her with a life-long friend of the mother. This was Mrs. Graham, a most estimable woman, wealthy and moving in the best circle in the city in which they lived. Enola had long since learned to look upon Mrs. Graham and her kind husband as her second parents, and she was as dearly loved by them as were their own children. She had a snug fortune of her own and was thoroughly independent.

But now that she had made up her mind to go to Africa and ascertain the truth, or fallacy, of the tale which had just reached her, she felt a little hesitancy in broaching the subject to her friends. But she was not the one to be intimidated so easily, so went direct to the library, where she knew that Mr. Graham and Harry, the son, would be, and opened the subject at once.

“Uncle,” she said (she always called her second parents uncle and aunt), “I am going to Africa, and will want your help.”

Mr. Graham’s glasses fell from his nose, so suddenly did he look up.

“To Africa,” said he; “Well, has it come to this.”

“Exactly,” said Enola. “Now don’t look as if I had declared my intention of committing suicide, although in your eyes I suppose the two are synonymous.”

“When do you start?” asked Mr. Graham. Having long since learned that to cross Enola was to make her the more determined to carry out her own plans.

“To-day or to-morrow, or as soon as you can make preparations. Now remember, I am only suggesting this adventure; you are the real instigator of the project, and have asked me to accompany you, you know.”

“Well, if that isn’t a woman for you,” said Mr. Graham, laughing in spite of himself. “You come here declaring your intention of going to Africa, asking my help and then tell me that it is I who must assume all responsibility. Well, I will do it for your sake, but I hope it is not to be out of the regular beaten paths of travel in Africa, for it might not be pleasant, you know, fighting hostile natives with a woman about.” And Mr. Graham again laughed.

“The woman will take care of herself, never fear,” said Enola. “But seriously, uncle, I never would have asked you to accompany me on this journey, but for your having spoken some time ago of your intention of going to France to spend your vacation, and the thought occurred to me that you might care to go with me for two reasons. First, of course, to be my escort, and secondly, because the adventure would please you. And as for the danger, from what I can glean from Mr. Boyd’s letter, I should say that we will not meet with any great amount of this, for, from the coast to the mountains, the road leads through a comparatively open country, and if we start now we will get to Zanzibar about the right time to enter the interior. I anticipate but very little trouble in reaching the mountains. What will happen after that I cannot say.”

“The adventure will just suit my ideas of such things,” said Mr. Graham, “and I will go with you gladly. And you want to start immediately?”

“Why, yes,” said Enola. “This man Sedai was to present the matter before the first party entering the interior, and if we should wish to be the ones to discover this strange land, we must lose no time in getting to Zanzibar. It will not take long to make preparations, will it?”

“Well, no,” said Mr. Graham. “We will take but very little with us from this country, for everything can be obtained in Zanzibar. Let us see,” and he consults a New York paper. “To-day is Friday and the Paris sails from New York next Wednesday. We can leave here on Sunday evening if you wish to, and mother and Nellie can get packed in that time, and arrive in New York Tuesday morning. We can make what few purchases we need, and go on the steamer that same night. Now what do you think of that for quick work?”

“I see you are quite as enthusiastic as myself in this matter,” said Enola. “But where will we leave Auntie and Nellie while we are making our longer journey?”

“Oh, they can stop somewhere in Europe,” said Mr. Graham, “or go on to Zanzibar if they wish, and wait there for our return. I am afraid, Enola, that you will have harder work to convince them of the advisability of this trip, than you have had with me.”

“I am afraid so,” said Enola, “but you must help me.”

“I will do the best I can,” said Mr. Graham.

“But look here,” said Harry, who had kept perfectly quiet up to this time. “Where do I come in?”

“Why, Harry, I supposed you understood that you were to accompany us,” said Enola. “Your father is perfectly willing, I know, and your mother will not object when she learns that I am determined on going. It will be pleasanter to have you with us, for there will be so few of us at the most, and among strangers home faces will be very comforting.”

“It will have to be pleasant or otherwise,” said Harry, “for I intend accompanying you, most certainly. I wouldn’t see you take such a journey without me. There ought to be two of us with you anyway Enola, so that in case anything should happen one of us, you would still have another to protect you. It is a serious thing I should judge, to have to trust wholly to the half savage negroes who will make up your escort. So we must guard against any contingency.”

“Very well,” said Enola, “then it is settled that we start on Sunday night.”

“Sunday night if you can get ready and I can get accommodations on the steamer,” said Mr. Graham.

“Don’t worry about me, uncle,” said Enola. “Look out for yourself and Auntie. I will be ready,” and saying this Enola turned and left the room.

Harry had long since learned to love Enola, but she had told him positively when he approached her on the subject of marriage, that she only thought of him as a brother, but that sometime she might learn to think of him in a different way; until that time, however, he must not mention the subject again. Harry had promised, and so the matter had rested; but he had not forgotten her words, and he now saw a chance, while on this long journey, to win the love he craved.

He was twenty-eight, and by hard work, and strict attention to his duties, had been promoted to the position of cashier in the bank of which his father was president. He and his father had both left the bank for an indefinite period just a few days before our story opens, fully decided on taking a long vacation, spending the time in Europe. So Enola’s plans had not upset theirs to any great extent; they would now take a trip into Africa, instead of through Europe.

When they had thought the matter over for some time, they came to the conclusion that the African trip would be more to their liking, for they were both good hunters and lovers of adventure. So Harry and his father lost no time but went out that same afternoon and made purchases of shotguns, rifles and pistols, fishing tackle, and some of the more necessary medicines. They trusted to getting everything else which they might need in New York and in Zanzibar.

That evening at the dinner table, the subject was brought up before Mrs. Graham and Nellie. Both objected, but when Mr. Graham and Harry both avowed their intention of accompanying Enola, then the ladies gave their consent.

Sunday came around and the party had gotten all ready and started for New York. Arriving there some few purchases were made, and then in the evening the party boarded the great steamer which was to carry them to Southampton. The following day opened up bright and beautiful, Enola remarking that this foretold success. The steamer left the dock early and moved slowly down the bay, past Governor’s Island, Bedloe’s Island, the Statue of Liberty, and then along the Staten Island shore, past Quarantine, the forts, Fire Island, Sandy Hook, and then, after a glimpse of Coney Island, Brighton, Manhattan Beach and Far Rockaway, the steamer turned her nose toward the Old World, and land was soon out of sight. The trip was an enjoyable one, the steamer not breaking her record, but still reaching Southampton in less than seven days. They did not tarry in England, but took one of the Channel steamers for Boulogne Sur Mer, and arriving here boarded a train for Paris, which city was reached the same night. The following day Mr. Graham looked up a steamer for Alexandria, and learned that one sailed for that port on Saturday from Marseilles. This was Thursday, so no time must be lost in reaching Marseilles. Sleeping accommodations were secured on the night train, and the following morning found them in the quaint old city. The day was spent in taking a drive along the Mediterranean. It was at a time when the Reviera is generally crowded, and the beautiful driveway was filled with elegant equipages.

The following morning they took the steamer for Alexandria.

This was the most delightful part of the trip. The sky never looked so blue, the water never so calm, the sun never so bright, and the air never seemed so pure as on this two weeks’ trip, from Marseilles to Alexandria. Stops were made at Algiers, Tunis and at several other points before reaching Alexandria, and at these different places, the boat stopping for a few hours, our friends disembarked, and made short excursions over the towns.

At Alexandria a freight steamer was found bound for Madagascar, and arrangements were made with the Captain to give the ladies his cabin, Mr. Graham and Harry being satisfied with humbler quarters. Down through the Suez Canal, into the Red Sea, out through the Gulf of Aden and then into the Indian Ocean, and the little steamer headed due south. This trip was rather slow but without much hardship, the Island of Zanzibar was at last sighted, and, later in the day, they were taken off in lighters.

“The civilized part,” as Enola called it, of the journey was finished, and it remained now to make preparations for that other journey, which might prove less agreeable and a great deal more dangerous.

CHAPTER II.
INTO THE HEART OF AFRICA.

After landing at Zanzibar, the labor of equipment began. Bales of cloth and boxes of wire, innumerable colored beads and trinkets were shipped to Bagamayo in charge of reliable Zanzibari, the most trustworthy of African carriers.

Harry first looked up the reputation of Sedai, the Abyssinian, and finding this to be good, he then went in search of the man himself. He was found on the quay with a lot of natives, and upon Harry telling him what he wanted, he followed him to the hotel. Sedai was a monstrous fellow, standing fully six and a half feet high, and built like a Hercules. His skin was of a bronze color, smooth and shiny; his eyes were piercing black, his forehead high, and his face above the average in intellect for one of his race.

“You remember Mr. Boyd, do you not?” asked Mr. Graham, when the hotel had been reached.

“Perfectly well,” answered the Abyssinian.

“And you believe that the mysterious Land of On exists?”

“I do.”

“I wish to make that belief a certainty. Will you join us and get together a proper number of carriers and natives to insure comparative safety in making the journey?”

“Gladly,” said Sedai.

“You shall have something more than the usual amount paid for such services, for the journey may entail more than the usual amount of work and danger.”

“I shall expect nothing more than I have been accustomed to getting,” answered the Abyssinian.

“We will decide on that later,” said Mr. Graham, “but tell us now of the finding of the goat-skin.”

“I will do so,” said Sedai. “When on my last expedition, far up in the country, I heard this story from the mouth of an old man. It may be false, but I believe it to be true. Umsaga, that is the name of the old man, said: “One day when I was quite a boy I was out hunting on the mountain side, and among the undergrowth disclosed a flat stone, which had at some remote period covered an opening about four feet square, in the side of the mountain. Being curious to know whither the hole led, I entered, but had gone only a short distance when I heard a groan. This scared me but I determined to learn what it was that had made the noise. I returned to the outside and procuring a torch, again entered the cave, and followed in the direction from which the sound came, and had not gone far when I almost stumbled over the prostrate body of a man. I felt it and found it still warm, but upon close examination found that life was extinct. He was of the white race, but exposure and starvation had tanned and drawn the skin tight over the bones. By his side was a knife, and clutched in his hand was a piece of goat-skin, on which he had cut strange characters, which I could not decipher. I took the goat-skin and never again entered the cave.”

“This was the old man’s story,” continued Sedai, “and offering him a piece of cloth for the goat-skin, he eagerly accepted it and I left him.”

“And you could read it?” asked Mr. Graham.

“I was for a time in the service of an Englishman in my own country and knew some English. I have learned more since, but I could not make out all of the letters. With Mr. Boyd’s help, however, all was made plain. It is here,” and Sedai saying this, handed the parchment to Mr. Graham.

The party gathered around Mr. Graham and examined the goat-skin closely.

“And the old man never sought to solve the mystery?” said Harry.

“So he said,” answered Sedai.

“This parchment tells us how to leave this strange country, when once it is entered,” said Mr. Graham, “but it does not tell how to find the secret door which is to admit us.”

“The sailor found it,” said Enola, “and it seems to me that we ought to.”

“Well, we will never know until we get to the point where we may expect to find it,” said Mr. Graham. “How far is it, Sedai, to this mountain, through which we will have to go to find the strange country?”

“About three hundred miles,” said Sedai, “through a country not difficult to travel, and among natives not usually hostile.”

“Can you be ready to start to-morrow?” asked Mr. Graham of Sedai.

“I can,” said Sedai.

“Then be at Bagamayo to-morrow at daybreak, ready to start.”

“I will be there,” answered Sedai, and with this he left.

That day a Mr. Bruce called on Mr. Graham, making a request to accompany the expedition, and Mr. Graham, having looked up his reference and found that he was a Scotchman of first-class standing both socially and financially, he consented to his accompanying them. Later in the day the party crossed over to Bagamayo, so as to be there for an early start in the morning.

Early on the following morning the caravan was drawn up and carefully inspected by Mr. Bruce, Mr. Graham, Harry and Enola. Twenty donkeys and one hundred carriers, with one cart, were to transport the goods of barter. A double relay of six carriers was detailed to carry each of the sedan chairs of Mrs. Graham and Nellie, after having learned that the country through which they would pass would be open, and the tribes not hostile had decided to accompany the caravan. They were desirous of seeing the strange land and people. Mr. Graham, Mr. Bruce and Harry had procured horses from an Arab in Bagamayo, and when the caravan was drawn up it made an imposing sight, and one well calculated to inspire hostile tribes with a wholesome fear.

At six o’clock, with the sun shining brightly, and amid the shouts of many Arabs and natives who had assembled to see them depart, the caravan moved slowly out of Bagamayo. The American flag was unfurled, and floated merrily in the breeze at the head of the column. Out through a narrow lane they passed, the sun speeding to the west, beckoning them on. Loveliness glowed around them, the fertile fields, rich vegetation, strange trees bordering their path, the jubilant sounds of many insects, the cry of cricket and pewit, all seemed to tell them that they had started.

The first camp was only five miles distant, and the next few days were spent in completing the preparations for their long land journey. After all was in readiness the caravan again started. From here on the roads were mere footpaths, leading through fields in which naked women were at work, who looked up and giggled as they passed. Passing on they entered an open forest. Reaching the Kingimi, they passed over a bridge of felled trees, made by some previous party.

Harry came to the side of Enola’s chair and laughingly said:

“One would think from the half-sad expression in your eyes, that you were already regretting having taken this trip.”

“You are mistaken, Harry; I was simply lost in admiration of the beautiful scene about us.”

“Yes, it is beautiful,” said Harry, “but it is so different from what I have been used to, that I often find myself thinking, or wondering if it is not all a dream, and if I will not wake up some morning in my room at home, and find that I have only visited these lands in my dreams.”

“Yes, it is decidedly out of the ordinary,” laughed Enola, as she saw the serious look in Harry’s face; “but if you were as well read in African history and lore of the people as I am, you would accept all this as genuine at once. Listen. For centuries Africa has been known as the Dark Continent. The edges of this immense tract have been known as far back as history goes. Egypt, on the North, is the oldest government on earth; while the nations bordering on the Mediterranean and Red seas, were actors in the earliest recorded histories. Still, Africa to-day is an unknown land. That Africa was a rich country, was proven by the treasures brought from the interior by the rivers Nile, Niger and Congo. That it was populous, was demonstrated by the millions of slaves furnished by the native tribes to the outside world. For curiosity alone, explorations were made in the early part of the century; but it remained with Livingstone to first open up the Dark Continent, and with Stanley, to pierce its very heart. Africa is to-day, however, a mystery which, it seems, will never be penetrated. Strange stories come to us of people never seen by white men, of customs foreign to all history, of abandoned cities, of desolated countries. Africa is synonymous with mystery and darkness, and nothing seems strange to me which is connected with it.”

“Such words should be convincing,” said Harry, “but my education in life has been too practical to realize that there is so much mystery left in the world in this, the nineteenth century.”

“It will all be real enough before we get back to civilization, I have an idea,” said Enola.

“Well, it looks real enough now,” said Harry. “This moving caravan, those hippopotami in the river, and the antelope in the forest, all scout the idea of there being anything uncanny about our present surroundings.”

And so days passed, some amid pleasant surroundings, and others in a part of the country not so agreeable.

One day they passed through a continuous jungle. The path was only a foot wide, each side being bordered with thorny plants and creepers, the spiky twigs of which were as sharp as needles. The entire party was badly scratched with these irritating twigs, and the caravan was in a sad plight when it reached Msuwa that night. The chief of this tribe was very kind to the tired and wounded party, however, and they remained in this camp two days. After leaving here, the country was open and beautiful, presenting a natural park, and the roads were good.

They reached the Ungerangeri River on the evening of the twenty-fourth day, where they encamped, and on the following morning crossed the river and entered the Wakami territory. Five days later they reached the Wassagahha district. Here several of the party were stricken with fever, and several days were lost, but all getting better at last, the caravan again moved on. Away off to the North and West, could be seen a long range of mountains, in which, Sedai informed them, was situated the hidden country of “On.”

Shortly after leaving here they entered a very wild tract. Numberless antelope, spring-bok, zebra and giraffes were seen, but upon their approach they would scamper away. Here was a hunter’s paradise. What nobleman’s reserve in civilization could compare with this vast expanse of field and forest? How small and insignificant would they seem in comparison! The first herd of elephant was also seen here, but they passed them by without disturbing them. That evening they entered the Usugara district, and although the mountains were a considerable number of miles nearer, they still looked just as far away. The atmosphere in this country is so clear it makes distances very deceiving. It was a mountain world which they looked upon, for peak beyond peak, cone beyond cone, fold above fold, they rolled away like so many waves.

“We shall soon descend into the valley and across this to those distant mountains directly west of us, at the base of which we shall find the village in which lives the old man of whom I obtained the parchment. We will reach there in four marches,” said Sedai.

“And you say there are lions and tigers in the valley?” said Mr. Bruce.

“Yes,” answered Sedai, “and this part of the journey will be very dangerous.”

And this proved to be true, for two evenings later, when the supper had been eaten and all had been made snug for the night, Harry and Enola came very near falling victims to one of these ferocious beasts. They had wandered a little distance from the camp, and had sat down on a mossy bank for a few moments’ talk before going to bed. They had been here only a short time when they heard a rustle in the bushes, and turning they saw, standing not ten yards away, with his yellow eyes glowing through the semi-darkness, and his long tail swaying from side to side, an immense lion. Harry had not brought his rifle, and they were at the mercy of the beast. The lion seemed to realize this, for he quietly settled down on his haunches and watched them intently.

“Listen,” said Harry, and his lips hardly moved, “he will make a leap for us, and when he does, stoop low and run toward him. We will try to pass under him while he is in the air, and before he alights and turns we may be able to reach camp.”

“I understand,” said Enola.

The lion again rose to his feet, and then settling on his haunches prepared to spring.

“Be ready,” said Harry. “Now,” and he darted forward, but stopped again as soon as he could, for Enola’s hand had left his and she had fallen. There she lay with the lion’s paw resting across her breast. Harry could see that she had neither lost consciousness nor presence of mind, for she was gazing steadfastly into the eyes of the huge beast.

It was a terrible moment. Harry was afraid to move or cry for help, for fear of the lion seizing Enola and making for the bush.

All this time the lion was watching Harry intently, seeming to know that interference would come from that quarter. But he was as powerless to help Enola as if he had been bound hand and foot. He could see that she was becoming weak from terror and loss of blood, and that she could scarcely breathe owing to the weight of that fearful paw on her breast. Her eyes closed several times, and Harry could see that she would soon be unconscious. Something must be done. Would the lion, if he made a rush for him, turn his attention from Enola long enough for her to get out of reach? It mattered little what became of himself if he could but save Enola.

Harry seized a short piece of wood lying near him and made a rush for the lion. The lion raised on his haunches as Harry struck him a powerful blow between the eyes.

“Roll out of the way,” said Harry.

Enola rolled over once and then staggered to her feet, but sank down again too weak to move farther. The lion was dazed for an instant by the blow, but only for an instant, and with a lightning stroke of the paw, struck Harry on the shoulder, knocking him senseless and bleeding on the ground.

“Help,” cried Enola, but the sound was so faint that she despaired of its reaching the camp. Nevertheless it was heard, and the commotion caused the lion to turn to see what was happening. That look was his death warrant, for a bullet struck him squarely in the eye, and he rolled over with scarcely a groan, dead. One paw was lying across Harry’s neck, as though defying them even in death to take his prey from him.

Mr. Bruce rushed up gun in hand, and with several of the carriers bore Enola and Harry to the camp. Restoratives were administered and Enola soon regained consciousness, but Harry lay in a stupor for hours. Both were badly torn by the claws of the lion, and it was several days before the caravan could move on.

The journey from here on, was through an open forest, watered by numerous streams which sprung from the mountains. Their progress was somewhat impeded by these streams, but two evenings later they camped near the village in which dwelt the old man, who was going to show them the entrance to the cave. Was he still alive and would they find him?

CHAPTER III.
IN THE CAVERN.

Early the following morning, Sedai went into the village to find the old man Umsaga. After much inquiry he learned that the old man still lived but was very feeble. He went to his hut and telling him what he wanted, and that he would be well paid for the information which he would give to the party, the old man agreed to go. Sedai had to support him, for he was too feeble to walk alone. They reached the camp and Sedai acting as interpreter, Mr. Graham asked Umsaga:

“Do you know where the opening to the cave is?”

The old man made quite a long speech, which when interpreted ran as follows:

“I will show you the opening on condition that you take none of the carriers or soldiers with you, and for this service I demand one hundred yards of cloth, and one pack of beads. The opening is about four hours’ march from here, and one of your men will have to carry me to the place, as I will not allow either my countrymen, or your carriers to accompany us. If you will agree to this I will go with you to-day, to-morrow, or any time that you wish.”

“We will remain here to-day to settle up with our carriers, and to-morrow morning we will have him show us the opening.”

Sedai interpreted this to Umsaga, and then helped him back to the village.

The caravan had only been engaged to go this far, but it was decided to have it wait three months for them. If they had not returned at the end of that time, the carriers need wait no longer. They had paid the natives well for their work, and had promised them still more for the return trip if they would but wait for them. They hoped that these inducements would hold them until the expiration of the three months. Arrangements were made with the chief of the village to give sustenance and shelter to the members of the caravan during this time.

Late in the afternoon, the goods promised Umsaga, besides a liberal present to the chief were sent to the village, after which the remaining bales and boxes were carried up the mountain side to a place designated by Umsaga. This place was near the opening of the mountain, and here the party camped for the night.

Early the following morning, Sedai went into the village and helped the old man up the mountain. Umsaga directed them in the way to go, and it was not long before they reached a level spot well up on the mountain. The trees in this vicinity appeared to have been planted in the far distant past, with a peculiar regard for regularity. A broad avenue of stately trees of an unknown species to the travelers, led directly to the face of the cliff. It suggested that the hand of man had long ago intended that they should serve as a hint of the possibilities within the mountain.

The party moved through the avenue and halted at the extreme end. Here the high cliff seemed to stop all further progress, but Umsaga hobbled up to the rock barrier and with the help of Sedai, removed some of the bushes growing at the base, and disclosed a large flat stone leaning against it. This, Sedai with difficulty moved aside, opening to view an entrance about four feet in diameter. All started forward and gazed intently into the darkness. It required considerable courage to even think of entering this dark passage which the sunlight penetrated but a few feet.

For hours the men labored in transferring the bales and boxes to the cavern, where they were to remain until their return. Torches had been procured from the natives, and lighting one of these the party started on their long underground journey. The passage was very narrow for about twenty yards, and was very smooth and clear cut, but at the end of this distance a vaulted cave, lofty and wide, opened before them. The dim light of the torch lit up this vast subterranean cavern but indifferently, the roof being so high that it could just be seen in the darkness.

The goods were stored safely and the journey commenced in earnest. The men carried what provisions and torches they thought would be needed in the march across the cave. They had gone but a short distance when Enola and Harry, who were a little in advance of the others, stumbled over something, which the light of the torch revealed as the body of a man. The skin, dry as parchment was drawn tightly over the bones; the eyes were sunken; the head was covered with a growth of long hair; the hands, which with their long finger-nails looked like talons, clutched the garment at the throat, as if the man, when dying, had tried to tear it away, in order to gain greater freedom to breathe. This garment was all that the body was clothed in, but around the neck of the dead was a chain of gold engraved in a peculiar manner and in which diamonds and opals were set. The ends of the chain were attached in front to a strange red stone, that resembled liquid fire.

Mr. Graham unfastened the garment, and slipped it off. A solid substance was discovered inserted in the middle of the back, and slitting the garment with a knife, a piece of thin, highly polished hard wood was revealed. Tracings were found on it which seemed to be the diagram or map of a country; but these were so dim it was difficult to discover what they represented. After studying further, however, a circle was seen in the corner with the word “ON” written in its centre. This then told the tale; this was a map showing the location of the mysterious country. On the other side were more tracings. A straight line was drawn from one corner to the centre, where a hole about an inch deep was cut. On the opposite side of this hole the tracing continued in a straight line, but just before reaching the corner it turned to the left and ended at the edge of the block. Nothing more could be made out until Mr. Bruce, who had looked at it more closely, and whose eyes seemed keener than those of the others, discovered the letter “u” and a little ways further the letters “g” and “e.” All looked at the tracing intently for a few moments trying to guess the riddle. It was finally decided that the “u” was the first letter of underground, and “ge” the last two letters of passage. This then was the path to be followed through the cave. Along the edge of the block could be faintly discerned the name “Philip Harding;” this was the body of the man who long ago had visited the mysterious land, and had suffered and died in this cave. This was he who had given them the knowledge of the hidden country, and who, years after, was staring at them with those sightless eyes that seemed to warn them back.

“How terrible,” said Mrs. Graham.

“Yes,” said Enola, “my heart turns sick at the sight. And to think that he died so near help and liberty.”

“And do you still feel like going on?” asked Mr. Graham.

“Yes,” said Enola, “for now my doubts are at rest; all the fears that I had of this strange country being a myth are gone. Success seems sure now and all our long journey has not been in vain. But how strange that this body should have lain here all these years and not decayed.”

“There must be some preserving quality in the atmosphere of this cave,” said Mr. Bruce, “or else the body would have turned to dust long since.”

“But come,” said Mr. Graham, “we must yet find the line of broken stone which is mentioned in the document.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Bruce, “the block would be of little use to us in this vast cavern without some better guide than its tracings.”

So the party began looking for the string of broken stone, and found it but a short distance from the body. From here on the cave widened, and the roof became too lofty to longer be in the rays of the torch. Monstrous stalactite formations hung from the ceiling, and tremendous stalagmite pillars reached from the floor into the darkness far overhead. These pillars were of fantastic shapes. Some were perfectly symmetrical, others irregular, but all were of wondrous beauty, their surfaces being covered with delicate tracery as fine as lace. On every hand could be heard the dropping of lime-water forming new pillars. Ages must have passed since this cave was cut out of the solid rock by the action of some subterranean sea, or by a weakening and wasting away of the lighter strata, or by some tremendous convulsion of nature, which, raising but the upper part of the mountain, had left this vast open space.

A little further on a halt was made for the midday meal, and after this had been partaken of, Harry and Enola walked a little apart from the others, and sat down on some of the broken stone to talk over their future plans.

“Harry,” said Enola, “I am a little slow in doing so, but I want to thank you for having saved me from the jaws of that fearful lion. While I was lying beneath the paw of that awful beast, I for one short moment wished that I had not come.”

“And what did you think I would do?” asked Harry.

“Just what you did do,” said Enola, “A brave man could not have done otherwise. But there are few brave men when it comes to a question of their own lives, or those of others. There must be no selfishness where bravery is to play a part, and it is this unselfishness that must be rewarded, and I can only do this by thanking you, and by telling you that I appreciate the brave act.”

“Let us forget that fearful moment,” said Harry. “It was little enough to do for a life-long friend, and I would do the same thing over again a thousand times if the opportunities should offer.”

“Let us hope that they will not,” said Enola.

“It is hard to tell in this strange country,” said Harry.

At this moment, they heard a loud shout to the right. They could see their friends rushing in the direction of the sounds, and Enola and Harry hurried to join them. Nellie was standing wringing her hands and trying to explain how she and Mr. Bruce were walking along leisurely, when he suddenly dropped out of sight, the torch being extinguished leaving her in utter darkness. She had called to him, but receiving no answer, had shouted for the others, whom she could just see in the torchlight some distance from her. Taking torches they went to where Mr. Bruce had so mysteriously disappeared, calling to him constantly. They proceeded carefully for fear of falling into the same pit; and it was well that they did so, for before them, gaping as if anxious to swallow up the whole party, was an abyss opening into the very bowels of the earth. They leaned far over the edge and peered into the darkness, calling, but no answer came to them, and they felt assured that Mr. Bruce was lost.

Harry brought a coil of fine silk rope, and fastening one end to a stalagmite, prepared to descend into the darkness. Sedai pushed him gently aside, however, and taking one of the torches between his teeth, he let himself down. Down, down he went, until he could see a black torrent rushing madly through the crevice. He saw a rock near him, and swung so as to land upon it. He could see but a few feet about him and Mr. Bruce was nowhere visible. He called again and again, and once he thought he heard a faint answer. He grasped the rope and jumped into the stream and let it bear him down until, clinging to a jagged rock he saw Mr. Bruce. He swung toward him, and catching him under the arms, began working his way back. This was tedious work, and would have been an impossibility to a man not endowed with Sedai’s herculean strength, but happily Sedai was equal to the task and soon had Mr. Bruce on the rock. He gave the signal to those above, and tying the rope under Mr. Bruce’s arms, he was pulled to the surface. The rope came falling back, and Sedai, hand over hand, rejoined his companions. It took some time to restore Mr. Bruce to consciousness, but he was finally brought around.

After he became stronger he said that he had fallen head first, but hearing a rush of waters, he clasped his hands above his head in the manner of divers, and thus broke the blow which his head otherwise would have sustained. He had gone down a hundred feet he thought, but had then began to rise again, and reaching the surface he had grasped the first object which his hand came in contact with, which proved to be the rock upon which Sedai had found him. Then he saw Sedai coming and lost consciousness. The party moved no farther that day but on the following morning they took up the journey with renewed vigor.

They had but one fear, and that was as to the possibility of their finding a door when they had reached the other side of the cavern. This did not worry them a great deal, for the path laid out for them to follow both by the broken stones and the tracings on the block of wood, led to one point and this would undoubtedly be near the stone door, but the secret of the spring had not been learned, and they might have trouble in finding it.

CHAPTER IV.
DEATH FACES THEM.

The next morning they had gone but a short distance when they came to a vast inland lake. The bridge mentioned in the manuscript stood before them, and mounting this they startled to cross the lake. They had followed this about four miles when they came to a break in the solid masonry. The hole was fully eight feet wide, and it was a serious question as to how they were to get to the opposite side; but Sedai offered to tie the rope to his arm and leap across. The end of the rope could be fastened and the ladies and Mr. Graham could cross over, while Mr. Bruce and Harry could make the leap as did Sedai.

This Sedai did, and fastening one end of the rope to one of the huge stones, which had evidently come from the break, Mr. Bruce and Harry held the other end, and Mrs. Graham and Enola worked their way slowly across. Nellie then grasped the rope and was half way over, when a terrible commotion was heard near the bridge, and a spout of water was sent thirty feet into the air. The whole party was deluged; the torches were put out, and when their first surprise was over, they saw with horror that Nellie had loosened her hold on the rope and had dropped into the water. Hastily relighting the torches, they saw Nellie disappearing in the swift current. It took but a second for Mr. Bruce to throw off his jacket and plunge in after her. He hoped by the help the current and his long easy strokes to overtake her. He could just see her above the surface of the water about one hundred yards ahead of him, evidently fast giving out. He strained every nerve, put forth every effort, resorted to every means to force himself through the water, and he could see that he was gaining slowly. He called to her to keep her hands and feet moving and to keep up courage. He could see her beating the water making frantic efforts to keep afloat, but her struggles were becoming weaker and weaker, and at last they ceased altogether and she began to sink when he was only a few feet away. Making one grand final effort he caught her by the hair just as she was sinking beneath the surface.

Grasping her about the waist, and holding her head above the water with one arm, he tried to swim out of the current. This was a hard task, but he was an excellent swimmer, and nearly succeeded. But the struggle was an unequal one and having but one hand to use, he soon found that the current was getting the better of him. He now threw Nellie over his shoulder and grasping her dress between his teeth, he in this way gained the use of both hands, and soon made his way into more quiet water. Turning he saw the flickering torches far in the distance, but close at hand were two round balls that shone like fire. The water was terribly agitated and he soon found himself struggling against waves like those thrown up by the paddles of a steamboat.

Nearer and nearer came those fearful eyes, and Mr. Bruce thought all was lost. Happily for Nellie she had fainted, so she was spared the terror of this new danger. Mr. Bruce was not one to give up, however, as long as there was a shadow of a hope, and he was thinking hard to devise a means to escape this monster. Those eyes were nearing him, and in an instant he would feel the hot breath in his face. Down he sank holding Nellie about the waist. Rising to the surface again he started for the lights. He was afraid to look back for fear of seeing those fearful eyes following him. Larger and larger grew the lights, nearer and nearer he came to his friends. His strength was fast failing but he must not give up when so near to those who could rescue them. A few strokes more and he was in the radius of the torchlight, and a shout of encouragement from his friends greeted him. This seemed to rouse Nellie for she gave a long sigh.

“Throw your arms about my neck and hold on for your life,” said Mr. Bruce, and Nellie having done this it left his mouth free, and he breathed with greater ease.

“Look behind you,” called Mr. Graham, and looking over his shoulder, he saw those awful eyes again, with the huge black body, following them. He turned and faced the monster again, just as it was opening its cavernous jaws. Once more he sank bidding Nellie to hold her breath. The huge mass passed over him, and coming to the surface he saw the great black body going straight ahead at a fearful speed. The serpent made a big circle and then turned and came toward them again. Mr. Bruce was nearly exhausted and felt that he could not risk again that terrible plunge under the passing monster, and still have strength to reach the pier. He could see Harry and Sedai preparing to swim to them, and knew that Nellie and he were safe if the terrible serpent did not make another charge on them. Sedai now came towards them holding a flaming torch. Back of them but a few yards could be seen the sea monster again making for them. They were fast nearing the bridge. The rope was thrown to them and Mr. Bruce fastening this around Nellie’s body, she was pulled out of the water. It was then thrown to Mr. Bruce and Sedai, just as the terrible monster opened his jaws. Sedai thrust his blazing torch into the creature’s mouth, and then with Mr. Bruce, hurried hand over hand up the rope.

The water was lashed into foam by the struggles of the serpent, and bullets from Harry’s revolver seemed to have no effect. They got a good look now at the monster. The largest part of the body was just back of the head and tapered from this to the end of the tail. The head was at least six feet long, and flat, or nearly so. The wide jaws, when open, showed a double set of irregular teeth. The tongue was forked. A large horn about three feet long sprang from the head just back of the nostrils, and from this to the point of the tail was a succession of smaller horns. Just back of the large horn or tusk, was a hole through which the monster forced a stream of water high into the air. Three great fins on either side of the body were tipped with long claws looking as if they might be used for crawling. Its rage was terrible when maddened by the flaming torch and by the escaping of its prey.

The party now hurried on over the bridge after they had transferred the packs by a succession of leaps across the break. The monster followed them for awhile but finally turned and swam away. They reached the end of the bridge about two hours later, and calculated that it must be about ten miles long. Leaving the shores of the lake they again followed the line of broken stone, and two days later reached the opposite wall.

For awhile they sought a possible opening in the wall, but could nowhere detect any evidence of human handiwork. To and fro they went, pressing hard upon every piece of rock which projected from the wall. This they kept up all of the first day, and they laid down to rest that night pretty well disheartened. Their provisions were getting low for they had calculated in getting through in much less time. They had been living on short rations for the past twenty-four hours, but now they had but a few crackers left. They still had hopes, however, of finding this secret door on the morrow, when they would find food in plenty on the other side of the wall. The following morning after a frugal repast of dry crackers, they again began the search. They first examined the wall directly in front of them, but could see no crack or crevice which might indicate the presence of a door. They had carefully followed the line of broken stone, and they might reasonably expect to find the door at the end of this.

Striking on the rock with a hammer at different places, they could not distinguish any difference in tone, which would indicate a thinner part of the rock wall. They examined the rock for about four hundred feet, and all seemed perfectly solid. They discovered in their search many holes about four feet square, two feet wide, and three feet deep. These were arranged along the side of the cavern, having been cut in the wall, and upon close inspection they found them to contain what proved to be mummies. These were wrapped in heavy sacking, many of the envelopes being of fantastic colors. Harry took one of these bundles from its place and cut it open. A number of cloth coverings were found under the outside wrapping, and then came a covering of large leaves which crumbled into dust when exposed. Next to the leaves was a wrapping of fine silk. This having been removed the body was discovered. It was that of a man who must have been more than six feet in height when alive. The head was brought forward between the knees, which were drawn up; the skin was dry and hard and drawn closely over the bones; the hair was long and still retained a beautiful lustre. The head was small but beautifully formed; the hands and feet were also small and symmetrical. Inside the covering were a number of gold balls about one half inch in diameter; two characters were engraved on one side of each of these balls. Examining them closely, Mr. Bruce declared that the hieroglyphics were undoubtedly Egyptian. Around the neck of the mummy was a chain of gold set with diamonds and opals. This chain was similar to the one found around Harding’s neck, but the bright red stone was missing.

Eight o’clock had arrived and they were still searching for the opening. A supper of crackers had been eaten. They were already suffering from the pangs of thirst. The water gourds which had been refilled before leaving the lake were again empty. The food, with the exception of a few crackers, was gone.

Mrs. Graham and Nellie laid down to get a few hours’ rest, but Enola, with the men of the party, kept bravely on in search of the opening. Midnight came and found them still searching. Hungry and thirsty, they, too, at last lay down, feeling that they must reserve their strength as much as possible. Their few hours of sleep, however, did not seem to refresh them, for the thirst had made them restless. The whole party arose about the same time and the search was soon taken up again. They examined the wall more closely, going farther on either side, but with no success.

Late in the afternoon Mrs. Graham became so feverish for want of water that Sedai started with two large gourds for the lake. If they should find the opening in the meantime, they were to leave directions as to how to open the rock door, and then pass on. About midnight Mr. Graham also became delirious, and Mrs. Graham’s and Nellie’s lips were so swollen that they could scarcely articulate. Mr. Bruce and Harry, although suffering terribly, still kept up the search. All night they tramped up and down the cave, trying to find the secret opening. Toward morning they became so famished and their tongues and lips were so parched and swollen they could not make each other understand what they were saying. Enola alone seemed to retain her clear and unfailing senses.

Mr. Bruce and Harry had thrown themselves on the ground at last, thoroughly worn out, their lips and tongues swollen terribly. Mrs. Graham and Nellie were mumbling something in their delirium which was unintelligible. This drove Mr. Bruce and Harry nearly frantic, and again they arose and took up the search. Their breath came hard through their parched throats, and their eyes were wild and glaring. Mr. Bruce walked over to where Mrs. Graham and Nellie were lying, and suddenly drawing his knife, he slit the sleeve of his jacket and shirt, and made a deep incision in his arm; then carefully raising Nellie’s head with his other arm he let the warm blood from the wound drop between her half-open lips; then going to Mrs. Graham he partially alleviated her sufferings in the same way. Finally overcome with weakness Mr. Bruce fell back, and Harry, who had stood by looking at the strange sight, but hardly realizing what Mr. Bruce was doing, now came up, and tearing off the sleeve of the shirt, bound the arm tightly above the wound. Enola stood watching this self-sacrificing act on the part of Mr. Bruce, and when Harry had bandaged his arm, she turned and walked toward the wall, mumbling something to herself. Harry saw that she, too, was fast becoming delirious, but he was powerless to help her, he being almost too weak now to again take up the search.

He arose to his feet, however, and again joining Enola, they together staggered from point to point of the wall, feverishly looking for some indication of a revolving stone. Hours had passed since Sedai had left them, but they seemed like years to his suffering companions. Praying for his return, praying for deliverance from this cavern, Enola felt her senses leaving her. She fought against this but to no purpose. Harry finally sank to the ground in a delirium. Enola gazed at him for a moment, and making one final effort, stumbled along leaning against the wall for support. She had gone but five or six paces when her strength gave way entirely, and she sank back upon the rock floor. Death seemed inevitable.

CHAPTER V.
THE CITY OF ON.

But Enola had not lost consciousness entirely when she sank to the floor. She had rested there only a moment, when she thought she felt something pushing her. She half rose, and looking over her shoulder thought she saw a ray of light. Could she be dreaming? Was this some awful torturing vision come to torment her in her fearful suffering? No. She could see the sun, the sky, and far away she caught a glimpse of a beautiful city. She now realized it all; her weight upon this particular part of the floor had set the door to moving. She must move through the opening quickly. Her senses were roused to action by this revelation. She knew the door would revolve and close again perhaps forever.

She had by some strange fatality accidentally found the means of opening it, for which they had searched so vainly, but while in such a semi-conscious state she might not be able to repeat the operation. She knew where to find the spring on the other side, and as the opening began to grow smaller, the door slowly swinging into its place again, she gave one frantic leap and turned to find herself cut off from the rest by the solid wall of rock.

From the ground she began to tear bits of grass and succulent weeds, and partially allaying her thirst with these, she hurried to the point which might be, she thought, the hiding place of the spring. Almost tearing the flesh from her hands in pulling the underbrush away, she was rewarded by seeing a loose piece of rock set into the solid cliff. Removing this the lever was before her. It took nearly all the strength she had left to move the lever, but she was rewarded at last by seeing the door swing on its pivots again. Peering through the opening she saw the light of a torch moving quickly toward the door, and she knew that it was Sedai returning. Sedai had caught the glimpse of daylight, and hastening his steps, he had moistened the lips of the sufferers, and when the door again swung open he hurried through with Mrs. Graham, and as often as Enola would lift the heavy lever he would carry out another of the prostrated companions.

One by one, all were carried out, and Sedai returned for the arms and accoutrements. Ladened with these he lacked the rapidity of motion necessary, and the massive stone as it revolved, caught him squarely between the shoulders. Slowly the grinding mass pressed closer, while Enola, petrified with horror for the moment, pressed her hands to her throbbing temples. Finally, realizing the fearful position that Sedai was in, she seized one of the rifles, and using it as a lever, placed it in the crack of the door and threw her whole weight against it. At the same time Sedai, with a herculean effort of his mighty muscles, strained every nerve, pushed himself through, and fell on the ground bruised and bleeding. Enola, taking one of the water gourds which Sedai had tramped so far to fill, placed it to the lips of the noble fellow, and then gave the others a very little. Her strength now gave out again and she sank down thoroughly worn out.

The few drops of water had partially roused the others, and Mr. Bruce especially seemed to have regained complete consciousness. He looked about him, but it had grown dark and he could see nothing; but he could hear, and the cries of many beasts reached his ears. He tried hard to remember how he had come here, and wondered where his companions were. The cries of the wild beasts, however, brought him back to himself, and he knew that a fire must be built or the beasts would be on him. He rose and began looking for some dry twigs with which to build the fire; he stumbled over something, and stooping, he found it to be one of his companions. He felt about him and found a torch, and lighting this, he saw the rest of the party lying about him. He started a fire, and not a moment too soon, for the cries of the animals were growing dangerously near; and a little while after he saw two bright eyes looking at him from out the darkness; then all about him he could see those glaring eyes. The number was growing, and Mr. Bruce becoming thoroughly alarmed, roused the others, and all gathering near the fire, waited for further developments. They were jackals, as nearly as the party could make out; and occasionally one a little bolder than the rest, would come within the circle of light; but a ball from one of the rifles would stop him, when his bloodthirsty comrades would jump on the body and devour it in an instant. They increased in numbers until those in the rear, crowding forward, pushed the foremost nearer and nearer the fire, it became necessary to use the rifles as clubs and beat them back.

The situation had become most alarming when the roar of a lion almost in their midst struck terror to the hearts of the travelers, and made the jackals scamper off into the jungle. A crashing of the underbrush was followed by another mighty roar, and looking, our friends could just see, in the outer edge of light, two tawny monsters about to engage in a combat, evidently over the possession of a beautiful lioness which was moving about urging the lions on. The two lions sprang at each other simultaneously, and meeting in midair, down to the earth they fell, fastened together by teeth and claws. Over and over they rolled, biting and snarling, and striking murderous blows with their powerful paws. It was a magnificent battle, and in spite of bleeding wounds, raged furiously for a quarter of an hour, when, through loss of blood, the blows became weaker, and the biting less fierce. The royal combat was drawing to a close. Suddenly, as though determined to win or lose all in one final struggle they separated and once more came together in savage fury. A terrific blow from the paw of the one laid open the neck of the other, but not soon enough to check the fearful crunch of the powerful jaws upon the throat of his opponent, and in a moment the writhing mass lay quiet on the ground, dead.

Our friends had stood gazing at the awful fight with a horrible fascination, and it was some minutes before they could take their eyes off the fallen foes. When they did, and looked at the east they saw that dawn was breaking.

As the shadows faded before the rising sun the sounds from the forest grew less and less, until nothing was heard but the songs of the wakening birds. Slowly the dawn crept into the heavens. The gray turned to pink, the pink to a rich red and then to a yellow, and the sun rose in all its equatorial splendor. A mist hung over the landscape, but gradually this was dissipated before the hot rays of the sun, and the country and city of On lay before them.

They were standing on a small plateau on the eastern slope, a lofty range of mountains or cliffs. As far as the eye could reach westward, these mountains rose in perpendicular cliffs, thousands of feet into the air. A few miles east of them the range turned in a northerly direction, and extended on and on until the eye could follow it no farther. The mountain descended about six hundred feet from where they were standing, and ended in a beautiful valley.

In their immediate vicinity was a dense jungle, and to the north of a magnificent forest. At the base of the mountain was a wide river, and on the opposite bank of this was a stone wall fifty feet in height. Beyond this wall stretched a beautiful valley, dotted with numerous groves and small lakes. To the northwest of them a few miles rose the tall towers of a vast and beautiful city, all glistening in the sunlight. The city rose from the valley to the top of a high hill on the summit of which was a grand structure, probably a temple.

The scene was ineffably grand, and our friends looked on it in wonder.

“Are you now convinced, Harry, that there are a few real things in Africa?” asked Enola.

“The scene before me would hardly convince me of this,” said Harry, “for everything seems too beautiful to be real.”

“Disabuse your mind of its being a dream?” said Enola. “It is a most sublime reality, and a happy ending to the horrors and sufferings of the cavern. But look, do you not see a body of horsemen yonder? Probably they saw our fire last night and are coming to investigate.”

The horsemen were lost to view for a moment but again appeared to the party as they came out on a clear stretch of road. In a short while the men had arrived at the wall, and opening a gate in this which was at the end of the bridge, they waited for our friends to approach. The travelers moved slowly toward them, and as they came nearer the men dismounted and made a respectful obeisance. These men were the handsomest and most beautifully formed ever looked upon. They were fully seven feet high, and their figures showed great strength and suppleness; their heads were rather small but beautifully shaped; the skin was a light bronze color, soft and healthful-looking; the face was covered with a short beard of dark brown color; the eyes were large, dark, and full of expression; the nose straight and well-proportioned.

Each wore a loose garment with large flowing sleeves; this tunic was belted in at the waist by a girdle of gold; sandals were fastened to the feet by golden lacings extending to the knee; a round helmet was worn on the head, but as our party approached these helmets were removed disclosing short curly heads of hair.

Their steeds were of the same species but much larger than the ordinary zebra, standing at least eighteen hands high; they were beautiful creatures, with small heads, arched necks and finely shaped bodies and limbs; stripes encircled them from the tip of the nose to the tail; the manes and tails nearly touched the ground.

The trappings of the animals were gorgeous; the bridle was of polished gold wire with large ostrich plumes reaching up from the head-piece; the reins and martingales were made of white leather heavily studded with precious stones which glistened in the sunlight; the saddle was flat, being nothing more than a pad made of cloth-of-gold and without stirrups.

As our friends approached them, the men stood leaning against their steeds, holding their helmets in their hands. The rest of the party having halted, Mr. Graham went up quite close to the natives and by signs made them understand that they were tired, and hungry, and wanted food and shelter. One of the men showed by signs that he knew that which Mr. Graham wished to convey, and that they would send to the city and get other beasts to carry them there. Four men now left the band and rode off toward the city, and about two hours later the adventurers were surprised to see approaching them a body of at least one thousand zebramen and in front six monstrous white elephants.

With the greatest care all were helped upon the backs of the royal beasts, but Enola was given the largest, whitest and most richly caparisoned. These elephants were partially covered with cloth-of-gold, and on each of their backs was a comfortable howdah shaded by a canopy of palm branches.

When all was in readiness they started with Enola’s elephant in the lead. The cavalcade moved slowly over the beautiful highway on through green fields, along the shores of miniature lakes, over low eminences, past well-cultivated farms, under stately palms and eucalyptus trees until the white city was seen but a short distance away. Here some of the party left the cavalcade and rode on ahead.

Shortly after this the road widened into a wide well-paved boulevard, lined on each side by lofty trees, and bordered by beautiful villas built of an exquisite pinkish white stone which resembled Mexican onyx. These villas were broad and deep, and moderately high; a wide flight of steps led up to each entrance which was easily twenty-five feet high, and which was sheltered by a portico, with immense pillars supporting its roof. The surrounding grounds were large, delightfully shaded and bright with flowers.

On the cavalcade moved, through the broad avenue, the houses becoming larger and more magnificent as they approached the centre of the city.

CHAPTER VI.
THE BANQUET.

They came at last to a large opening, at least one thousand feet square and paved with exquisite onyx. In the centre of this square was a huge column, surmounted by a statue of magnificent workmanship. Surrounding this statue were five immense fountains. In each was a heroic statue of a woman with her head thrown back, from whose mouth spouted a stream of water high into the air. The arms were outstretched with the palms of the hands turned upward, and from these also sprang streams of water. Beyond the fountain, facing the avenue through which they had entered the square, was a stone sphere ten feet in diameter, on the top of which was a beautifully carved chair of onyx inlaid with gold. A man was seated in this chair who was probably thirty-five years old and of immense build. As the cavalcade approached he arose, showing to the full his magnificent figure. This personage afterwards proved to be the King.

The square was thronged with the inhabitants of the city, the porticos and roofs of the surrounding houses being filled with the populace.

The men were magnificent specimens of the human race. The women were six feet six inches in height, of stately figure and dignified bearing; their heads were small but well-shaped; the hair was of a dark brown color fastened in a coil at the back of the neck. A band of gold passed around the forehead just below the hair and was studded with precious stones. They wore loose, flowing robes of white silken cloth drawn in at the waist with a girdle of gold; around each neck was a golden chain set with diamonds and opals; these chains were similar to those worn by the men but of finer workmanship.

As the King raised his hand the mighty throng broke forth in beautiful song, the King moving his hand right and left as if directing. The voices of the men were deep and melodious, and those of the women soft and musical. When the song was finished, the King turned his back to our friends, and facing the magnificent building on the summit of the hill, made a movement with his right hand. The doors of the temple were thrown open, and a band of beautiful young girls came forth singing the same song that the populace had sung. Merrily these maidens came tripping toward the square, the great throng of people making an opening through which they could pass.

Upon reaching the space before the great sphere of stone, they waited for the occupant of the throne to descend, then fastening gold cords to the tusks of the elephants they led them toward the temple, the populace falling in behind. Slowly the maidens led the animals over the beautiful square, through the mass of eager and interesting people, all of whom made deep salaams as they passed on through the wide avenue which led to the temple and past the magnificent buildings to the summit of the hill. When nearing the temple ten men came forth, each wearing a long robe of embroidered white silk.

The elephants were stopped at the main entrance of the temple, and immediately fell to their knees, when the party dismounted. Carefully the priests assisted them to the pavement and then walked before them burning sweet smelling incense from silver vessels, which they swayed to and fro. Through a wide court with a lofty colonnade on either side, up a broad staircase with battlemented towers they proceeded, and then entered a hexagonal hall, one hundred and fifty feet square. From here they passed into a second court of quadrangular form. All around the court ran arcades, forming chambers or recesses open in front, with long silken curtains hanging from the top of the arcade, and caught up at the sides to be used when needed. The roofs of the chambers were supported by columns, the beauty of conception, and the exquisite finish of which, astonished our friends. The decorations were most elaborate. Nobly sculptured statues occupied spacious niches, and showed that those who executed them were masters of their art. The quadrangle itself was about three hundred and fifty feet square.

Enola was led by a priest to one of the semi-circular chambers and the curtains were drawn. Each of the others was shown to one of these recesses.

Enola, upon entering the chamber, looked about her and was surprised to see the preparations made for her. In the centre of the chamber was a beautiful designed square onyx table, supported by four spheres. Upon this table, in great profusion lay girdles and circles of gold, all heavily studded with diamonds and opals, similar to those worn by the native women but of more exquisite design; also gold pins, bottles of gold, filled with delightful perfumes, golden combs and highly polished mirrors of silver. Upon a smaller table at the far end of the chamber was a ewer filled with perfumed water. Near this table, resting on an onyx sphere, was placed an extinguished lamp of fine workmanship. Couches were in various places in this luxurious apartment; upon one of them lay a gown of silk and gold with short flowing sleeves, and near it another gown of pinkish white silk which was evidently meant to be worn as an undergarment.

Across the end of the chamber were hung heavy silk curtains, which, when parted, disclosed a bath sunken in the floor. About the bath stood six of the maidens who had conducted the party to the temple. The maidens stood motionless watching Enola as if waiting for her to come to the bath. Enola hesitated for a moment, then determined to accept the situation and walked towards the bath. The maidens disrobed her, and leading her into the bath, forced her gently backward in a reclining position with her head resting on an onyx head-piece, and then poured the perfume from the golden vessels over her body, rubbing her gently with a silken towel while doing so.

She being tired and worn out, the luxury of the perfumed bath, with the pleasing treatment of the maidens, rested and refreshed her.

After remaining in the bath for some time the maidens raised her in their arms, and carrying her to a couch laid her down and rubbed the moist skin until it was perfectly dry. They then sprinkled scented powder over her body, rubbing it gently; then motioning her to arise, the undergarment was thrown over her shoulders, after which one of the maidens dressed her hair in a low knot on the back of her head. A band of gold was placed over her forehead and then the outer robe was donned. This was fastened in at the waist by a girdle of gold; the necklace from Harding’s neck was brought to her, but Enola noticed that none of the maidens touched it with their naked hands, and she soon divined that in some way her royal reception was connected with the necklace and its flame-colored stone. Enola was then led to an alcove before which a curtain was hung, and then the curtain being drawn aside she found the alcove faced on either side with polished silver mirrors. She was surprised at the lovely picture she presented, in rich gown and golden bands around her head and waist, making her appear like an ancient Egyptian goddess.

The long tramp through the cavern with its scarcity of water and clean garments had left Enola in a pitiable plight, and this sudden change was most gratifying to the natural pride of the woman. Enola was next conducted to a couch and a pair of sandals were fitted to her shapely feet; these were laced as far as the knee with silken cords. One of the maidens left them for a few moments, and upon her return, motioned to Enola and the others to follow her. They passed into the quadrangular court and from here into one of the other semi-circular chambers. Here on a long onyx table was spread a sumptuous repast.

Enola was led to a seat or couch at the head of the table, and half reclining upon the soft cushions, while waiting for her friends, looked in wonderment at the elaborate prodigality in the equipment of the room.

The sides of the chamber were hung with heavy silk curtains alternating white and red, on which scenes of the chase, of banqueting and of worship were gorgeously embroidered with gold thread. Exquisite sculptures rested upon spherical pedestals. Lion, tiger and leopard skins covered the floor, and upon the ceiling, beautifully carved, was an immense eagle with outstretched wings, the tips reaching almost to the ends of the chamber. In the talons of the eagle was a scroll upon which were engraved strange hieroglyphics. At one end of the chamber a human skeleton was standing, the only discordant object in the entire furnishings. The table was of semi-circular form, and was covered with flowers, fruits and chalices of wine. The flowers were held in high, beautifully carved vases of gold and were profuse and fragrant. In the center of the table a tiny fountain threw forth a spray of perfumed water.

Enola was lost in admiration and did not hear a slight noise behind her, and was suddenly startled by the immense figure of the King as he entered and stood before her. She motioned him to the couch and he sank down beside her. He kept his eyes intently upon her, but noticing his look of respectful admiration Enola was half amused, and soon began a conversation by signs all of which were readily understood by the King. The rest of the party now came in, each of the ladies accompanied by three maids, and the men by two male servitors each.

Nellie and Mrs. Graham were attired much the same as Enola; Mr. Graham, Mr. Bruce and Harry were dressed as the native men, but their garments were of a finer quality of silk.

Upon entering the chamber the male servitors retired and six maidens took their places. Nellie was given a seat next to Enola, and next to her came Mr. Bruce and then Harry; Mrs. Graham sat next to the King with her husband at her left.

When all were seated, a strain of exquisite music from some hidden orchestra of stringed instruments burst forth. The King gave a command and fifteen maidens came tripping in singing a pretty song, their harmonious voices blending deliciously with the music. Seven of the maidens carried gold dishes containing chipped ice, while the others carried cups in one hand and a vase of honey in the other. They rested the cups on the tables and after filling them partly with honey added wine from the chalices and then dropped into the cups some of the chipped ice, stirring this gently with small golden ladles. This done they stepped back and the King raising his cup, waited for the others to do so; when they had done this the King arose and looking toward the skeleton at the end of the room, raising his cup and saying a few words, drank the contents. All had followed the King in his movements, and as the cool beverage touched their lips it seemed that they had never tasted anything half so sweet or refreshing. Months had passed since they had known such luxuries as ice and wine and they emptied their cups almost greedily, hoping that the etiquette of the feast would allow them to drink long and unsparingly of the delicious beverage.

The maidens bore the cups away, and others brought in trays containing small silken napkins and golden finger bowls filled with perfumed water. Other maidens brought in trays, covered with figs, fresh herbs, chipped ice and eggs of a peculiar kind in tiny cups of gold.

Thus far not a word had been spoken; the King, however, seemed surprised at the silence, and probably surmising the reason pointed to his lips and then to the guests, making them understand that he would like to hear them talk. Enola took upon herself to instruct the King as far as possible in English, pointing to different articles on the table and then naming them. Onrai, for this was the King’s name, named the articles slowly after her and then gave the names in his native tongue.

Mr. Bruce, who had listened intently to the names given the articles by the King, and who had carefully studied a piece of papyrus upon which the King had inscribed some characters when passed to him, declared the characters to be Egyptian hieroglyphics or closely resembling them. He had been a close student of the Egyptian hieroglyphics while at college, and had spent many spare moments in the great British museum going over the ancient inscriptions in the vast collection of that home of relics. He had noticed also the inscription upon the pennant held in the eagle’s talons on the ceiling, and the characters above the skeleton at the end of the room. All these convinced him that the strange people around him had originally come from Egypt, but it must have been thousands of years before, for the language and written characters of the ancient Egyptians had been obsolete for centuries. The skeleton in the banqueting hall was an old Egyptian custom, and this but added to the belief that these people had originally sprung from that race.

“One would think,” said Harry, “that we had been taken from the world of hurry and bustle which we so recently knew, and set back two or three thousand years into this ancient city.”

“Yes, it all seems very strange,” said Mr. Bruce, “but I must admit there is novelty in the change at least, and for my part I am enjoying it immensely.”

“Well, I never expected to find iced wine in the heart of Africa,” said Mr. Graham.

“Nor I,” said Mrs. Graham, “nor cups of gold from which to drink it.”

“Truly, we must have discovered a city of the gods,” exclaimed Mr. Graham.

“Yes,” said Mr. Bruce, “one could easily imagine from the beauty of the city, the stateliness and courtesy of the people, and the delights of the feast, that we have dropped into something supernatural.”

The music changed to a livelier measure, and the maidens tripped more lightly to and fro as the feast progressed. Roast kid with wine sauce, composed the third course, and when this was removed, the finger bowls were again passed among the guests. Then, after more iced wine and honey, a delicate kind of fish was served, after which came fowl, followed by sliced fruits covered with shaved ice, and accompanied by a new and delicious wine. The feast ended, the King arose, and leading the way with Enola at his side, passed into the large court, where they witnessed a magnificent entertainment.

CHAPTER VII.
THE LAW OF THE LAND OF ON.

Four weeks of constant enjoyment passed. The greatest kindness had been shown the explorers by both king and subjects. The most sumptuous repasts were set before them; the most beautiful robes were presented to them, and the most glorious entertainments gotten up for their delight. Their attendants anticipated their least desires and the King himself personally supervised the festivities. Great hunts had been projected and carried out; excursions through the beautiful country had been made on the backs of white elephants; points of interest in the city had been visited; moonlight rambles through the beautiful groves had been taken, and there seemed no prospect of diminution of enjoyment.

They were living under the laws of three thousand years ago. Little had been learned of their history or religion, for they had not become sufficiently acquainted with the language to have these things imparted to them. With Mr. Bruce’s help, however, they had learned that these people were closely affiliated with the ancient Egyptians. Onrai had promised to give the party some of the laws that night.

During the four weeks which had passed so pleasantly, the adventurers had studied closely the people and their country. The rays of the sun were intensely hot during the day, but owing to the thickness of the onyx walls of the temple and the system by which air was forced over blocks of ice, the apartments were delightfully pleasant and cool. The streets during the day were deserted, but as evening came on the people would leave their homes and promenade the principal thoroughfares and squares, enjoying the cool and refreshing breezes which sprung up from the south as the day declined. The people themselves were the most remarkable feature of this strange country. The women stood fully six feet and six inches high and the men seven feet.

Another very noticeable thing was the total absence of aged people. In all their excursions they had not met a man or woman who looked to be past middle life. Had they discovered a fountain of youth, which, when bathed in, gave them a long lease on life with health and beauty? No cripples or infirm people were seen, all being robust and healthy. All resembled each other. It could be seen that their dispositions varied to some extent but not radically, since all seemed inspired by the same motives. They were easy in their movements and very graceful.

After four weeks of studying these people and their lives, our friends considered them the happiest mortals they had ever known, for they did not seem to have a care or trouble in the world.

That evening Onrai took the evening meal with them as usual and after this was over, and they had repaired to the large court, Enola said:

“Onrai, you promised to tell us of your laws to-night and we are waiting patiently to learn the government of such a happy people.”

“Our laws are simply nature’s law,” said Onrai. “In the first place, the laws governing our physical welfare are very strict, for we believe that happiness springs from a strong constitution and a healthy body. Our tables are spread with an abundance of viands, but just so much must be eaten and no more. We have certain hours for work and certain hours for entertainment and recreation; the hours for work are few, because we believe that overwork is injurious to the constitution and this we always try to prevent. Our people are educated in religious laws and language between the ages of seven and twelve.”

“Who are the teachers?” asked Enola.

“We are all teachers,” answered Onrai. “In our temples of learning all above the age of twenty have their days for teaching. This is considered one of the lightest duties, and we arrange the days so that they may come directly after those of the hardest toil.”

“But is it with all other occupations as it is with teaching?” asked Mr. Graham. “Do you not assign certain work to those who are most proficient in that work?”

“We have none who are more proficient in one thing than another,” answered Onrai. “Between the ages of twelve and twenty, our young people devote certain hours each day to the study of trades and professions. They may work for two weeks on a farm, and for the next two weeks study architecture, and so on until they arrive at the age of twenty, when they are as well versed in one thing as in another.”

“But are there no differences in the intellects of the people?” asked Mr. Graham. “Are not some brighter and more clever than others?”

“No,” said Onrai. “Our duties are simple and easily learned, and when we have once mastered them thoroughly, what difference would it make, if, as you say, some should be brighter than others.”

“But,” said Enola, “Do you not have those who go beyond the things taught them and develop new principles and invent new contrivances, which might make their duties less irksome, their labors less arduous?”

“No, we have none such,” said Onrai, “or, if we have, their ideas never take shape or form, for the one great law is to be content with what is taught us. Look about you, see this beautiful country, the grand palaces, the statuary and paintings; could we conceive of more beautiful architecture, or grander statuary, with which to adorn these beautiful palaces? No, I think not. We have certain lines to follow in architecture, certain forms to copy in our statuary, and certain rules to observe in our painting, and these lead to but the one thing, and that is, perfection, which, when once reached cannot be surpassed.”

“Tell us more of the laws,” said Mr. Graham.

“After the physical welfare of our people is looked after, we make it imperative that they study, and learn and adhere to the laws governing the spiritual being. Our religion teaches us that if we abuse the body and die before our time we shall not enter the great hereafter; we shall be condemned to everlasting punishment. This religious law, and the dire future for those who break it, makes all observe it, and consequently you see no sick or infirm about you. We are taught to believe in one God, and live so that we may enter a home of everlasting bliss when we have lived out our lives on this earth.”

“Tell us how you punish murder and stealing,” said Mr. Bruce.

“Stealing, murder?” asked Onrai.

“Yes, taking from another that which belongs to him, either property or life.”

“These are unknown to us,” said Onrai. “We are all equal; we have the same duties to perform, the same garments to wear, the same things to eat and drink. Why should we take from another that which we have ourselves?”

“Is there no buying and selling?” asked Mr. Bruce.

“No,” said Onrai, “We all share alike. When a citizen wants a certain article he has but to ask for it and it is his. We have an abundance of all things, at all times and it is as free to one as to another.”

“What are your laws concerning marriage?” inquired Enola.

“Our religious laws govern this,” replied Onrai. “At the age of eighteen the young people are taken before a council of ten and a careful examination is made of both physical and mental health. These examinations are reported on tablets and at the age of twenty they are again summoned and a husband or wife is allotted.”

“But love,” said Mrs. Graham, “does not love enter into the compact at all?”

“No”, said Onrai, “We are taught by our religion, not to allow ourselves to love until married. Those, who from association learn to seek one young person more than another, are brought before the council of ten and steps are taken to prevent a recurrence. It is by this law that we have attained a point in physical culture which shows a race of healthy, strong and vigorous beings. In the course of events there are occasional errors which render it necessary to forbid the further production of children. When the young people are examined, if any organ seems at all weak a companion is selected in whom that organ is at its best. If three decided weaknesses are found, the person is not allowed to marry. Dispositions and tempers are also considered by the council before selection is made. We, of course, in our short lives, cannot notice the great effects such a method brings about, but reason tells us that it must be a safeguard to the strength of the people.”

“But what of the history of your people, Onrai?” asked Mr. Bruce.

“Our history is unknown to us,” said Onrai. “The history of the people is not divulged. They know the events which occur during their own lives, and that is all. At the expiration of each king’s reign, the history of his reign in inscribed on a tablet of hard wood, and this is placed in a secret chamber. Those who are living at the time of his death are forbidden to ever mention the events of his reign when his successor has ascended to the throne.”

“We are greatly disappointed,” said Mr. Bruce. “We have become very much interested in your country and people, and we had hoped that we might learn their history.”

Onrai at this moment called an attendant to him, and speaking a few words to him the attendant withdrew. Presently the High Priest came forward, and Onrai held quite a conversation with him, after which he turned to our friends, and said:

“The High Priest informs me that he knows of no law which would forbid your entering this secret chamber, and there read from the tablets the history of our country and people.”

Our friends were much surprised at being granted this privilege, and thanking Onrai, they repaired to the Secret Chamber with the High Priest. While going to the chamber with the priest, he informed the party that he was entrusted with certain religious secrets which the rest of the people were not allowed to know, but as far as the history of the country was concerned he was forbidden, as were all others, to consult the tablets. Upon arriving at the Secret Chamber, a secret spring was touched, and an immense stone door turned on a pivot, much the same as the door to the cave. After entering the Priest showed them the location of the secret spring on the inside, and also the location of the most ancient tablets, and then retired. The great gate swung shut and they were left alone in the immense chamber which contained the unknown records of the history of On. They removed a great number of tablets, until those bearing the earliest dates were uncovered, and found them in a state of excellent preservation. With Mr. Bruce’s knowledge of ancient hieroglyphics he was able to decipher most of the inscriptions; by deciphering certain portions it was not difficult to fill in between without the labor of actual translation. The research stretched over several days, but condensed, the account ran as follows:

“During the reign of Amenophis of Egypt, the country was scourged by numerous and grievous plagues, and the people were sorely tried. These plagues were inflicted upon the Egyptians by the God of the Israelites, as a punishment for the severe treatment of the latter race. One Moyses, who had been reared in the royal house of the Pharaohs as a son, adopted the religion of the Israelites and was chosen by them for their leader to deliver them out of the land of Egypt. But they had no remedy at hand and still bowed in submission to the fearful task imposed upon them until Moyses at last saw a favorable opportunity for their deliverance. Reminding them of their former freedom, and of the God of their fathers, and that their cause was His, he prevailed upon them to regard their deliverance as an article of religion, and they again became a united people in their determination to seek refuge from the oppression of the Egyptians in the wilderness, which was the dwelling place of their kindred and the seat of their God. Then the fearful plagues were visited upon the people of Egypt and they became desperate.

“Many Egyptians in the vicinity of Goshen, the dwelling place of the Israelites, had accepted the religion of that people, and seeing no end to the plagues which were scourging this country, they gathered together and determined to emigrate to some distant land where they could live in peace and happiness, and without fear of molestation from their idolatrous countrymen. At the final meeting of these people, On, of the city of Goshen, and the land of Egypt, was chosen as their leader, and it was determined to follow the Nile as far as expedient, until they had reached such a land as would suit them for a dwelling place. It is I, On, who am now inscribing this record. There were six thousand and six hundred of us, men, women and children. To leave Egypt together would create suspicion, so choosing forty sub-commanders, an equal number of companies set out at stated intervals and marched until the southern boundary of the country had been crossed, when all were consolidated and marched into the vast interior. When all were united, preparations were made for the great journey. Boats were built, and many provisions were procured, for we knew not the country into which we were going, or how long it would take to reach a desirable land in which to take up our abode. When all was in readiness we embarked in the boats and followed the Nile until coming to the many streams which comprise its source. Here we disembarked, leaving the boats in the river. Towards the south we marched, the journey being very slow, tedious, and fraught with much sickness and danger. Strange tribes of people we met, much darker in color than we, and very hostile. We struggled on for many weary leagues, fighting the strange people and being a prey to fever and wild beasts. Our band was altogether discouraged; still I pleaded with them, telling them that we would, sooner or later, come to an uninhabited country with fertile fields and cooling streams.

“We came at last to a lofty range of mountains, running north and south, extending, peak beyond peak, far to the westward. Following the mountains south, for many leagues farther, the range suddenly turned west. Still following along their base, we came to a beautiful open country. Here we decided to take up our dwelling.

“We had been here but a short time when one of the men discovered a hole in the side of the mountain. Ten men were sent to explore the vast cave which this opening led into. At the end of three days they returned and told us that an immense lake of water had stopped their further progress, and that they had returned for boats. These were made, and with them the men again started. Many times did the sun rise and set before they again returned, but at last they came with a story which made us all joyful. They had crossed the lake but had been lost on the opposite shore, and had wandered for many days until they saw a ray of light and making for it found an opening which led into a beautiful country, stretching far to the west and north. They explored a part of the country, finding numerous lakes and rivers, and then returned to tell of the wonderful hidden land.

“After a consultation it was determined to pass through the mountains and take up a permanent abode beyond. Preparations were made and together we started. The lake was crossed, the opening found and we reached the country which was to be the scene of our remaining life and death. Our numbers were taken, and it was found that during the two years’ march to this land we had lost more than half of our band. But three thousand and two hundred remained of the six thousand and six hundred which had started from Egypt. Fifteen hundred of those remaining were men, the women and children having succumbed more readily to the hardships of the journey.

“A site for a city was picked out and a part of the country cultivated. Our land abounded in wild animals and fruits so we were well-provided with food. A quarry of beautiful hard stone was found and we determined to build our city of this. The architects drew up the plans for the city and work was commenced. The Temple, which when finished will be the grandest which the world has ever known, will stand in the northern end of the city on a slight eminence. The streets are to be broad and paved. At frequent distances will be squares for public amusement, and parks for recreation will be placed conveniently near the city. We made two discoveries which have helped us in the manufacture of necessary implements and added to our comfort. A mine of gold was found, and in a cavern through which the wind rushes like a blast from a mountain of snow we found a lake of pure ice. This ice was of great thickness and it took us a great while to cut through it. We have also a mountain of iron, a field of diamonds and a forest of wood so hard that we find great difficulty in cutting it. On blocks of this wood I am now inscribing the infant history of our country.

“I am growing very old. My people have increased rapidly and great work has been done. The City and Temple are fast nearing completion; most of the streets are paved with hard stone and cultivated fields are about us; we have measured the length and breadth of our country and find that it is nearly three hundred miles square. We have driven the wild animals from our cultivated land into a section near the mountains, and at the border of this vast land of jungle and forest we are building a wall fifty feet high to keep the animals within bounds. We also built a stone viaduct to cross the lake in the cavern and several across the river which flows at the base of the southern mountains. During the building of these viaducts hundreds were engaged in keeping the laborers furnished with meat, the animals being skinned and dressed for food in the cavern. The inhabitants who died during the first twenty years of our settlement here were embalmed, and their bodies placed in the niches of the rock in the cavern. After this date the dead were cremated and this is now a law. I am now ninety years old and we have been in this country fifty years. The city and country has been named “ON,” in honor of me, because I led the people to it, and I have been the people’s chosen King since we left Egypt. I have laid down the laws which are to govern the people for all time. These laws I have made simple and just, guarding against any contingency or cause for dissension, profiting by the experiences of other countries. I have tried to formulate laws which will not allow of jealousies or covetousness.

“Again, the laws are aimed to make a race of people grand in physical strength and beautiful in moral character. All are equal in the eyes of the law. All are made to work at the different vocations. All are furnished with the same provisions and raiment. The best artisans have laid down rules to be followed by the people in architecture, sculpture, painting, and in the making of ornaments. The best agriculturists, the foremost of our quarrymen and miners have made new inventions and laid down rules which will lighten and facilitate their labors.

“To the religion taught by the Israelites I have added nothing. From their teachings I learned that they expected to have the Son of their God visit them at some future time. They also taught us that there was a great and eternal hereafter which was to be entered into after death, and I have made this hereafter so bright and beautiful that my countrymen will hail with delight their day of death. I have also made it possible to stop the over-increase of our people by a certain law. To guard against intemperate habits of any kind, by which so many diseases and so much unhappiness are brought into the world, I have established a law that all dying because of intemperance or over-indulgence in any of the necessary things of life will enter into everlasting punishment. I have made the delights of our future life so bright that my people will guard against everything which might bring on disease and premature death. Already the effects of these laws have been seen, for disease is passing away and my people are striving in every way to live until their day of death.

“I alone of the many Kings who are to follow me am allowed to reign for so many years. I have given myself the right to reign thus long because I wish to have my laws well-established before abdicating in favor of another. I have found that some of the laws first laid down were defective and by still retaining my sceptre I have been able to correct them. To the High Priest I have given certain knowledge which is denied the remainder of the people, and this knowledge is to be guarded by him as a sacred commandment to be imparted only to his successor.

“The language of my forefathers I have changed but little. I have added some few words from the language of the Israelites and a few from the Syriac. I have made the language as simple as possible as well as the hieroglyphics. The history of the reign of each King shall be inscribed on tablets of wood and placed in the secret chamber of the Temple but the people are to know nothing of their former history. This is done to keep them from knowing anything of the outside world. I wish them to believe that the world is bounded by the mountains which enclose their country; for thus believing they will remain together and will never undertake needless excursions into other countries, which would result in war and bloodshed. I wish them to be a peaceable, law-abiding people believing that they are the people and that theirs is the only country.

“I have fitted to the opening in the mountain a stone turning on pivots and opening by a secret spring, of which I alone know the secret. Those who fitted the stone were forbidden to speak of it and they have long since died, and the laws forbidding access to the inscribed history have been so well kept that none of my countrymen to-day are aware of the existence of an outside world.

“This is not a history, but a simple outline of the events which led to our emigration, the long journey, and the discovery of the country and the laws which I have made. I have inscribed this during my few leisure hours more for recreation than aught else. The history of our people and country will be found inscribed on the King’s tablets.

“I have made the one holiday of the Land of On, ‘The Day of Resis,’ and this day, if all of my laws are adhered to, will be the happiest day in the lives of those who participate in its ceremonies.”

CHAPTER VIII.
THE ROYAL HUNT.

Mrs. Graham had, during the past few weeks, given herself up to the comforts of her delightful boudoir, seldom accompanying her friends on the many excursions which were projected for their pleasure. The splendid attendance, the magnificent apartment, the sumptuous table, all tended to make her new life a happy one. It was just suited to the fastidious tastes of such a woman as Mrs. Graham, and she had determined to startle her native city with a reproduction of many of its delightful features.

Nellie had enjoyed the new life quite as much as her mother but in a different way. With Mr. Bruce she had visited every nook and corner of the Temple, and had taken sketches of the principal courts, colonnades and terraces, intending to copy them in oil at home. Then they had taken long walks through the city and visited the schools in which Nellie was especially interested; had remained one whole day in the provision market, where the inhabitants went each morning for the day’s supplies, and another in the mills where the cloth for wearing apparel was woven. They had spent many happy hours in the fine art studio, where beautiful statues were being carved out of blocks of onyx, and where pictures were being painted on flat pieces of hard wood.

There was also the school of architecture, where students between the ages of twelve and twenty were busy working out the difficult problems and drawings. In this building also were made the gold ornaments which were used in every household in rich profusion, in the shape of girdles for the waist, bands and ornaments for the hair. It was noticed that certain models were used for all these different works of fine art, and that nothing new was ever executed. As Onrai had told them, though, the models were perfect and nothing more beautiful could be conceived. They had also visited the parks, squares and principal thoroughfares, and had taken an interest in studying the architecture and furnishings of the different residences. All places were open to them and the greatest attention was paid them wherever they went.

This constant association and similarity of tastes had brought these two closer together, and although Mr. Bruce had never yet mentioned his love to Nellie, still he felt that she reciprocated that love.

Mr. Graham, sometimes accompanied by Harry, but oftener alone, had gone everywhere. He was in his element, for, astride of a beautiful zebra, he would take long rides into the country and spend whole days fishing on the small lakes, or at other times, would venture a short distance into the great hunting reserve. In this grand expanse of wild jungle and forest could be found every known species of African animal, and Mr. Graham was especially delighted in the hunting of large game. The laws governing these hunts were rather strange; the smallest of each species of animal was killed, the largest always being left. The same laws which governed the inhabitants were applied to the wild animals and also to those domesticated, allowing the larger to mate and bring forth healthy offspring. If a colt or baby elephant should be dwarfed at birth, or show any ailment afterward, it was instantly killed. By observing this law with the domestic animals, and in killing only the smaller of the wild animals, the whole race had become large and powerful.

Harry seemed to be the only unhappy one in the party. This was easily accounted for. During the long excursions the King would be at Enola’s side constantly, and Harry had hardly found time to speak with her alone since they had arrived in this, as he called it, barbarous land. Onrai always dined with the party and sat at Enola’s right. Harry had been given a seat the farthest from her; whether this was done intentionally or not, Harry could not say, but he fumed in silence. After the evening meal, Enola would invariably accompany Onrai to the terrace where they would sit until near midnight. Occasionally Harry would have a short talk with Enola in the morning, but even then their conversation was of Onrai.

Sedai had been given a home with one of the inhabitants and was enjoying the new life greatly. He had been given a zebra and spent most of the time on its back. Once each day he would go to the Temple to see his friends, and while there would tell of his exploits among the fair woman of the city. Because he was one of the party he was looked upon with great admiration. As he was but little below the height of the native men and was only a shade darker in color, the inhabitants had been led to believe that he was one of their own race, but had in some mysterious way left his own land and visited that planet from which the strangers were supposed to have come. The women smiled on him, the men treated him with the greatest respect and he could hardly help liking this new life. He had come up to the Temple on this morning to join the party in the royal hunt.

The rifles which our friends had brought with them they had never used for fear of the natives coveting them when they learned their value in the hunt, but now they felt, because of the great respect which had been shown them, that they and everything pertaining to them was held as sacred by the natives, and they had decided to use the guns on to-day’s hunt.

The morning was bright and the hour early when the party started. Enola and her friends were seated on huge black elephants with long formidable tusks and trained to the hunt. Around the neck and also around the body, just back of the howdah of each elephant was a band of gold, in which were embedded the handles of large pointed daggers, the blades pointing outward. These were placed for the protection of the elephants and of those who rode them. The rest of the party rode zebras which were to-day only plainly caparisoned. The weapons of the natives consisted of large cross-bows with quivers of flint-pointed arrows, daggers with long, narrow blades and axes with short handles.

About one hundred comprised the party, all well armed and impatient for the hunt. They traversed the same road over which our friends had been conducted when they first came to the city, and very soon passed through a huge gate on the border of the hunting reserve and then across the long stone bridge. Before going through the gate, the zebramen had all dismounted, leaving the zebras to graze in a near-by field until they returned. These men were to beat and cut the bush, to stir up the game and also to make a pathway for the hunters. The footmen went forward, and with huge clubs in one hand and axes in the other, opened up a passage-way. A little while later an open forest was reached and passed; the trees of this forest were literally alive with monkeys which chattered and made grimaces as the party passed. Deer were seen scampering away, and occasionally a huge boa constrictor could be seen crawling through the high grass or suspended from the limb of a tree waiting for its prey. On the opposite side of the forest a thick and almost impenetrable jungle confronted them, but the bush-beaters went to work again and a way was opened up.

Suddenly a roar was heard which was almost deafening. The elephants stopped and began to move their huge ears forward and back and give short cries similar to those of a baby. The men immediately scattered, dividing equally and moving to the right and left. Soon they had formed a circle about two hundred feet in diameter, and then commenced to close in toward the centre. This was slow work but they knew that it would not last long, as the lion or lioness would make a dash for liberty or jump at one of the party. Mr. Graham had directed his elephant near the circle and from his elevated point of view he could occasionally catch a glimpse of a tail above the bush. The men were slowly closing in on the lion and Mr. Graham held his rifle in readiness to get the first shot. Suddenly the lion raised on his haunches so that his head appeared above the bush. This was enough for Mr. Graham, and taking a quick aim at the head, he fired. The lion dropped, and the natives stood aghast at the sound of the shot and the sudden flash of fire and smoke which followed. Mr. Graham slipped from the back of the elephant and made for the bush and, with the help of an axe, which he was wielding, was fast nearing the lion, when the huge beast leaped into the air and struck him fairly on the side of the head. Mr. Bruce, who had half-expected something of the kind, had been waiting for the lion to leap, and as he appeared above the bushes, had aimed at a point just behind the brute’s shoulder and fired. Mr. Graham had been stunned by the powerful blow of the lion and Mrs. Graham screamed and fainted. Leaving the backs of their elephants, Onrai, Harry and Mr. Bruce hurried to their companion’s assistance, and soon reached the spot where he and the lion lay together. He was insensible and bleeding badly from his wound and with the lion lying dead over his lower limbs. Harry and Mr. Bruce called some of the natives, and together they moved the body of the lion, after which they carried Mr. Graham to an open place where his wound was washed and wine being poured between his lips he was soon restored to consciousness. Mrs. Graham was revived by Enola and Nellie, and Mr. Graham refusing to return, he again took his place in the howdah and the hunting party proceeded after leaving a number of the natives behind to skin the lion.

Mr. Bruce’s shot had struck the lion just behind the right shoulder and the bullet had penetrated the heart. It was lucky for Mr. Graham that it did so, for the lion, being maddened with pain, would soon have torn him to pieces. The King and his men looked at the lion carefully, turning it over and over, trying to find the marks of wounds such as their arrows would have made. Harry took his rifle, and handing it to the King, showed him how to hold it properly, and then how to aim it, telling him to aim at one of the lion’s paws. He did so, and pulled the trigger. The King dropped the gun as soon as it was discharged, alarmed at the loud report it had made so near his ears. Harry and the King went up to the lion and pointing to its huge paw, Harry showed Onrai the hole made by the bullet. He was greatly surprised, but could not understand it. Harry then showed him one of the cartridges and explained to him how the concussion caused the powder to ignite, forcing the bullet from the tube and through the gun-barrel with such swiftness as to penetrate anything that it came in contact with. Onrai slowly shook his head as if it were still a puzzle to him.

They again took up the march through the jungle, and presently came to a large stream which must have found its outlet in the river at the base of the mountains. They followed the bank of the river for some distance, until they came to a stone bridge over which they passed. Another open forest was entered, and here was seen the first herd of elephants. Upon catching sight of the elephants which our friends were riding, the curiosity of the herd was aroused, and they came crowding about the hunting party by scores. So quick had been their movements that the men on foot had time to do nothing but climb trees. These elephants were huge monsters, but did not seem ill-disposed towards our friends. They were very curious, and could not understand the queer things on the necks and backs of the domesticated elephants. They came crowding around our friends, shoving their trunks up into their faces and under the saddle-cloths, as if trying to find out all they could about these strange visitors. Occasionally one would come too close to the elephants of our party, and would be pricked by the long daggers about their bodies, when it would give a cry and retreat. The tame elephants paid no attention to the others, seeming to consider them as beneath their notice. They probably looked upon these denizens of the forest as our friends would on a band of savages. Their curiosity satisfied, they slowly retreated through the forest, throwing their enormous trunks into the trees and breaking off limbs half the size of a man’s body. The men came down from the trees and the party again took up the march.

They had proceeded but a short distance when a shriek of terror from Mrs. Graham caused all to look in her direction. A huge gorilla had sprung from a neighboring tree and seized her with his powerful arm, showing his white teeth and chattering wildly. For an instant all was confusion. Harry sprang to the rescue and before the animal could drag Mrs. Graham from the elephant, his rifle was emptied of its deadly load and the gorilla laid writhing on the ground.

With two such experiences in such a short time it was deemed expedient to abandon the hunt for the day, and though Mrs. Graham was sorry to cause this break in the programme she could not but admit her desire to leave a place so fraught with danger. So back through the jungle and forest, over the bridge and through the gate, and along the white road, the cool evening breeze now refreshing them after the fearful heat of the day, the party made its way toward the city.

CHAPTER IX.
THE GOLD MINE AND CAVE OF ICE.

The shock of the day before had left Mrs. Graham in a very nervous condition. Having arrived at the Temple, she was given into the hands of her attendants, who soon had her in the perfumed bath, and with a treatment much resembling our massage, she was soon brought out of her nervousness. Still to-day she was far from feeling like herself, and when Onrai had proposed a trip to the gold mine and quarries, she declined to go.

Mr. Graham, having already visited these places, decided to remain with his wife.

Onrai had each day since their arrival, projected some novel excursion or entertainment for our friends, the preparation for these always being both elaborate and complete. So much of interest was to be seen in this strange city and country, our friends never tired of these excursions. Many things were seen which contrasted favorably with similar contrivances in their own country. The streets were paved with the beautiful onyx, and were always scrupulously clean. There were no sidewalks, the pavements stretching from lawn to lawn. These pavements were cleaned once a day with a combination of sweeper, watering cart and dirt gatherer in one, which did its work most effectually. The contrivance, but for the material used in its construction, the striped animals pulling it, and the queer costumes of the drivers, would have caused no comments on the streets of an American city; for it looked like the invention of some modern genius.

This had been used, however, as had every other contrivance or machine, since the foundation of the city. In fact, the city or country must have been founded by a race who had reached a high point in civilization, for their architecture, their fine arts, their implements of manufacture and farming, all showed deep thought, careful study, and great knowledge of the principles involved. And the laws which were made to govern the people were perfect, and, being carried out, left perfect results.

But our friends had not seen all the wonders of this strange country, or the works of its people; nor had Onrai given to Enola or the rest of the strangers, any idea of the immense resources of this land. They had many things to learn still, and one thing in particular, which would startle and surprise them. Our friends were happy though, and not one of them had as yet given a thought to the returning to their homes. This life was so pleasant, every feature of it so enjoyable, they had little time or desire to think of aught else. The time would come, however, when a longing to see their friends left behind, to once more taste the delights and pleasures of modern civilization, to be where people talked and acted as themselves, would take such hold on them that they would wonder how they ever could have found any pleasure in this strange city and among a people which knew nothing, or cared to know nothing, but what had passed down to them from the founder of this country, who had lived thousands of years before.

But as yet this longing had not come to disturb their peaceful thoughts, and to-day, as they were about to start on another excursion to see more of the wonders of this strange country, they were never happier. As was customary on such occasions, our friends were mounted on the white elephants, accompanied by the king and ten zebramen, who acted as on escort.

Their first stop was to be at the onyx quarries, five miles distant. They started early, so as to reach the farthest point before the middle of the day, when the heat was so intense, it was hard to withstand it.

Their way led through a broad avenue lined on either side by tall palms, back of which were beautiful palaces, the large entrances being open, showing their dark, cool interiors. Many of the inhabitants were also on the street, enjoying the fresh morning breeze. Some were lounging about the broad terraces, while others were seated on onyx chairs, in the great gardens surrounding each house.

The sun, just rising above the eastern mountain, the songs of the birds, the perfume of the flowers wafted to them by the cool morning breeze, the beautiful palaces with the white-robed inhabitants lounging about them, the broad, paved avenue with the white elephants and beautiful zebras, moving stately along it, left but one thought in the minds of our friends, namely, that they would willingly brave the hardships, trials and dangers of their past journey, for this one short hour in the beautiful city of On. The paved avenue reached on as far as the Cave of Ice, which the party was to visit before their return.

At last the immense quarry of onyx was reached, and our friends stood in wonder, gazing at its great extent. At least forty acres of onyx had already been taken from the quarry, and huge blocks of the beautiful stone lay finished on the broad pavement, while others were being placed by means of levers, on rollers in readiness to be moved to the new building in course of construction in the city. Some of these blocks measured twenty feet in length, being five feet square.

These were moved to the city, and placed in position by means of rollers and derricks, the huge elephants doing most of the work. About the quarry were a great many beautiful columns, capitols, pedestals, stones for arches, balustrades, stairs, and roughly hewn statues, ready to be moved to the school of fine arts. A great many men were at work, all taking the greatest interest in their labors. The king explained that these men discontinued work at eleven o’clock, and were through for the day. At three o’clock another body of men went to work, and continued until seven in the evening. The following morning another body of men would take up the work, and so on, until each company of workingmen had taken their turn at the work in the quarries. From the time one company of men leave the quarry for any one of the other duties, which had to be performed, two weeks elapsed before they again returned. Four hours comprised a day’s work, and each day found the men at different employment from the one preceding it, until all of the different vocations had been temporarily filled.

The party now continued their journey, passing the gold mine on their way to the cave of winds, or ice. Arriving at the latter place, before going into the cave they were taken into a small house and given very warm garments of untanned lion skins, their attendants telling them that the air was very cold in the cave and the heavy garments would not feel uncomfortable. The King taking the lead, they were led to a large arched opening into the side of the mountain. Torches were carried by the attendants who preceded them.