r

:.:arth-born
BY

GENTIL.

SPIRITO

OF

NOVEL

THE

STORY
OF

TALE

ROMANCE

THE
OF
THE
OF

MISTY

PAST"

STRANGE

SEARCH-

BEQINNING"
THE

ENDING.

MONTREAL:

JOHN

LOVELL

"

SON,

33 St. Nicholas Street.

Entered accordingto Act of Parliament in the year 1889,W

John Lovell

"Sr*Son, in the office of the Minister of

at Ottawa.
and Statistics

Agnculturtj

COXTKNTS.

CHAPTER
*"

For

Years

Twenty

I havj

I.
Guarded

CHArTKR
"

This

is

World."

CHAPTKR

The

Veile.l

of

Figure

III.

Isis

in

Secri;t

IV.

Crypt

and

its

CHAPTER
The

Shadows

Chamber.

tlie Curtained

CHAPTER
The

Body."

II.

Strange

Entranced

Her

Occupants.

V.

Gather

Round

the

Searchers.

'

CHAPTER
The

Vv'onderful

VI..

Essence

CHAPTER

Day

Earth.

on

VHI.

CHAPTER
"Seek

me

in

not

the

Realms

CHAPTER
Eve

Found

to

in

Earth"

Lilith^s

The

Bodies

the

"

Missing^.

Catacombs.

CHAPTER
The

Power.

XI.
of

Mystery

Space."

X.

CHAPTER
The

of

IX.

CHAPTER
Back

Coma.

Vir.

Last

The

Produces

which

XII.

Sons

of

CHAPTER

Isis."

XIII.

,
"

am

Adrian

Where

CHAPTER
*'

In

Coming

Centuries

is She

"

XIV.
we

May

Meet

Again."

i!":

I pray thee,some
o!
thy breath,and I will givethee mine. Let me loose.
"

O ! Mother Earth ! Give me,

thywords to the Stars.^

to Thee."
PrayerofSinm^j
faithfully

O ! Mother, that I may

and I will return

Magus,

carry

"

her status,none
Earth,strengthening
t(|||
her detriment,sent her genius to breathe of hell
"

And

breath

the

on

Simon, while he breathed

Stars rejoiced
to be visited by the
From

the

on

her,and th|

Mighty

translated by Malchus,
Syriac,

One."-

l^REKACFC.

in

[It was

All

and

then

report

Russia

and

for

interest,

and

in

sendinj^^

favored

up
lookletter

left

I had

for

me,

dominions

her

traversing

was

peace,

in
enj"^a,:;^cd

simpl)-

was

chance

as

to

bcin^i^ favorable

peculiar

Turkey

ropean

between

war

time

of

matters

assij^i^ned

been

indications
this

at

^ever,

I had

coming

supposed
irkey.

and

1885,

Lsia.
"ur

had

caravan

dirty

row,

had

day

been

ronite

of

that

it

was

which

he

never

seen

with

glance

party
toward

and

and

rather

sultry,

and

when

manuscript,
the
had

last

daily

the

man

some

me

instalment

in
of

he

seemed

that

joined

taken

and

Italian,

pure

he

before;

queer

tent

until

in

start

the

presenting

days

were

camels

fresh

been

ten

its

uninter-

mv

written

and

deserts.

Hulaku,

entered

its

and

men

for

with

we

Arabian

preparatory

Damascus,

roll

me

ing

id

from

before,

through

hours,

morning

early

mosques,

tiresome

very

resting

quietly

led

mainly

journey

ig

time

some

after

"ing Mecca,

Bagdad,

hundred

its

streets,

bazaars,

lerous

from

departed

strange
to

the
but
with

me.

cara-

at

his

my

VI

and

appearance,

from

correspondent,
he

had

the

handed

me.

written

therein

the

from

it, in

Mecca,

true

of

Islam

there
I

form

to

thanked

him,
the

that
in

English,

laughed

and

agreed

before

Spirito
promise

to

give
his

at

Gentil,
has

as

been

and

published

the

was

fulfilled,

and

the

tion.
injunc-

the

York,

Oct.

i,

1889.

the

ship
author-

signed.

name

the

story

respectfully,
THE

figure

took

but

imder

them

ing
promis-

you.

Very

New

night

this

with

ideas,

queer

that

Each

that

me

all

brought

presented,

to

the

which

Gabriel

declared

publish

to

of

House

translated

it

purchasers,

edifice.

was

be

faithfully

him
I

of

My

he

as

commanded

rolls,

should

story

the

Stone

of the

from

ing
travel-

now

or

Angel

roll

the

as

of

Black

the

foundation

figure, which

was

Kaaba,
the

over

he

now

was

purchased

some

famous

believe

the

that

with

the

at

sons

and

company

Prophet,

had

he

as

what

ebony

Damascus

before,

in

it

place

to

time

acquaintances,

received

he

wonderful

his

paper
news-

was

roll, sucli

that

stated

of

short

with

He

Mahometans

him

of

some

night brought

same

that

learning

upon

EDITOR.

is

I.

CHAPTER

""FOR

YEARS

TWENTY

TRANCED
EN-

HER

GUARDED

HAVE

BODY."

It
!VI.

fallen
of

len

parted

rorld

that

the

it

St.

wanderer

neighborhood,
had

imber,

his

set

seal

his

the

remind

throughbrother

twin

of

most

upon

led
hur-

the

reigned

that

but

the

only

and

to

which

bade

and

leaving
lamp

work-

evening

the

comrades,

street

night

the

one

of

Honore,

death

not

was

by

one

their

belated

some

Louis

of

shadows

roysterers

occasional

an

of

and

the

Rue

the

to

tread

The

with

lint lij^ht of

it

and

company

of

reign

the

Paris,

gay

day

)od-night

in
"

Antoinette.

over

the

178

year

Marie

and

"ad

the

in

was

the

inhabi-

its.

IAnd
irtained

of

reddish

light,

for

behind
residence

and

and

ever

moving

the

of

two

handsome

discerned

faintly

be

asleep,

not

were

windows

dull,
mid

all

yet

gleamed

anon

figure

about

the

apart-

lent.

Presently
)posite
id

the

down

)m

of

It with

\t

thus

the

at

fearless

the

the

bolt.

with

and

step

with

of

knows
one

servants

Tlic

this

at

door

has

as

up
the

crosses

the
he

who

stops

scrutiny

swiftly

not

who

keen

then

door,

guest

stealthy

avoiding

lietlyturns

the

wanderers

seeming

looks

street,

stops

the

the

house,

the

^ad,and

of

one

bold
is

free-

welcome,

his

reasons

hour.

He

silently opens.

KARin-UOkX.

after

moment's

visitor

delay,

without

stairs,and

the

mounts

and

stands

the

word,

old
thresh-

the

upon

of the

lighted chamber.
Within
it a middle-aged man,
evidently
busy with
his thoughts, sits gazing dreamily at a miniature

lying upon a table before him.

than
mine
tothoughts be merrier
May your
night, Mmotti," and as the strong tones of the visitor
the
reached
other, he started
slightly,and turned
of sadness
of pleassmile
than
with
that had more
a
ure
"

in it.
**

here

are

Adrian.

Welcome,
and

you,

it, and

alone

you

will

patientlyfor
all.

Once

what

and

how
And

it that
these

pectantly

have

asked

birth

words

the

of his visitor.

After

he

miniature,

took

handed
a

it to

beautiful

Grecian,
sweet

hair

the

up

the

young

times,

be,

and

"

for he

man,

sofa, and

was^^

looked

cxf

heavily, and
face

as

shadows|
into that^

the

looked

he

short, but searching scrutiny

and

man.

The

woman.

to

me

nic

face.

his sombre

upon

am

young

upon

sighed

man

tell

thousand

design

what

am

Minotti's

into

elder

deepened

father, but

than

what

long, so
Kee)

so

it is at hand.

now

and

expected
learn

waited

more

my

himself

threw

young,

The

did

who

with

as

more,

comes

my

I had

sometime

I have

me.

word,

your

come."

not

I must

hour, and

in suspense,

not

me

would

yet

tell

this

keep
to-night.
you

truth

yet hoped you

1 know

"

the

learn

to

So

face

gazing

at it

It bore

the

was

moment,

hkeness

oval, the

ol

nosf^

in a sad, ye
lips delicately curved
expression, the chin small and rounded, th
golden, the eyes large and grey, and out of the

looked

the

soul

and

nature

so

true

and

so

pure,

"

liAIMll-MOKN.

piritual,so rcfmed, so
icments of lunth, that

rorcl, the

thresh-

ic

jhis
really the
miniature

The

the visitor

""^^

pleas-

of

expected

her

For

I have

d cannot
For

tell

but

t.

for he

looked

and

I,

wasj

t, where

Led into thatr

scrutiny]

ng
Lt

im

le likeness

ol

the
jal,
nosej
a

sad,

ye|

ounded, thq
out
so

of ther

pure,

sq

engen-

that

gained
heart

and

an

open

brain

of

sea

Priest

name

all my

overpowered
into

Religious

was

struggle

early teachinquiry and

so-called

beliefs
than
its

bright

are

than

image
star

ever

in riddles

the

New

hearts

in my

graven
I have

neither

carry

yet mys-

church.
of

Christianity
; and

which

pursuit, have
to

of

and

the

permeating

is the love

kgh
Iwledge sufficient
speak

of reason,

age

devotees

more

such

'You

beliefs

strange

the

finds

one

cannot

sown

and

face, with
le

which

between
reigns,and the combat
unknown
is sharply depossibilities

istrange
)le,more

momentj

with

nature

shadowsj 'his is

he

when

me

ex-

eliefs

which

Perdition

seed

so-called

in my

has

leads

and

I, the

for

last

at

beliefs

faith

the

sur-

was

overthrown.

have

Medard,

she

brothers.

but

new

priest,carried

be, and

to

be

years

nu

timc;-

sand

The

priest,and

all the

sacred, all the

for its own,

prooted.

long, S(i
Keci
and.
so

lost

firmlyclasps my

me

Who

life?"

my

which

with

slowly:

woman.

forsworn

nigh

said

the

at

earnestly

with

do

to

I became

most

so

claim

she

well

hold

order

and

long

inrtucnces

nded

what

had

sake

the

of

what

church
learn

ask, is

led to

looking at Minotti
an
angel, not of a

then

ough
and

word,

grosser

some

gazed

face

he, and

of

man

young

It is the

turned

nd

face

rtrait, and

to-

mine

ahnost

was

one

the

is it the
or
livingwoman,
eal of a master
artist, a portrait of some
lovely
ision pictured by genius and
penciled by art?

witli

nisy

from

far removed

me

where

to-night,and

this

memory,

followed,

found

the

content,
she

and
or

dwells."

I fail to
grasp

lo

Earth-

meaning.
parish has

your
your

ask? "and

you
sofa

he

You

HO

UN.

still a

are

fault to

no

the young

find.

and
priest,

What

half

man

spoke,and gazed

faithful

rose

more

can

from

the

his

companion.
repeated Minotti, while
and strange expressionto Adrian swept over
a new
1 can
his usually sombre
face.
and do ask for a
inowledge that will free me from Earthlythraldom,
and
lead me
this face, livingnot dead,
to where
"*

as

What

more

upon

I ask?'*

can

'*

awaits
where

To

me.

part of this wide

that

Universe

aid of science

Earthlyones
may go by the
for
avtraiting that death which the church
and the tramalone free the toaringspirit
meled
can
will of man
from this sphere. It is the aim o.'

without
holds

all my research
fled,and return

"And

"

is she

Dead,

no.

marred

never

victim of

follow

to

with

where

face has

this pure

her."

dead?"

questioned Adrian,

fully.
sorrow-

of death have
ravages
the beauty of that face.
the
She was
lives. The

She

that

man
mystic conspiracy,so strange
No
court
for
it
can
punish,
is far beyond the reach of mortal laws.
Dead
to all
the world, she lives living,
her soul and spiritare
ranging through space, while her body, lifelikeand
free from death, remains in my charge awaiting her

would

not

believe it.

"

return

to

And

claim

it."

Minotti's

eyes

flashed

as

he

Adrian's, and

gazed into
der
risingwon-

appeared to challengehis
unearthlyfire.
man
gazed at him in risinganxiety.In
young

with
The

of Minotti, he had

all his remembrance

sad
kindlypriest,

and

downcast

self contained,grave, gentle.

at

seen

but the

times, but always

Si

EARTH-BORN.

But

evening all

this

^hismemories

of

ind

forth

bringing

Adrian

lashed

and

changed,

was

by

of life
past, the shadows
transformed
him, and
over

the

their fitful influence

character,

II

his

passionate,unholy phase,

astonished

was

cast

the

at

it

change

TOUght.
He

his

thought
iddenly become

insane,

the

of

ig gaze

erstwhile

deep

brilliant

so

set

pierc-

the

was

and

eyes,

grey

had

companion

sombre

strange

so

IS words.

muttered

]" Yes,"
but
jrth,

for

twenty

You

wish

to

people,

your

know

len

that

|:e noble

"

from

body
jfitranced
lally arrived
r

priest, they drove her spirit

long years I have guarded her

the

and

harm,

when

know

who

which

unfold

can

and

time

the

and

has

secret

the

to

history

zealously guarded,
and
heir of a
only son
so

the

are

family, rich

are,

you

I have

you

the

now

learned,

fallen

now

and

Ihonored.

By

of

trick

some

Jrkingupon

mystic

his mind

sorcery,

through

by

continual

charlatanism, mixed

father
became
truths, your
an
easy
Imachinations
intricate for me
too
to unravel
th

th

some

limited

At
knowledge.
and
simply thought him
jthing,
rstic,searching for that arcane
my

church
?"

But
see

le

so

for

before

fatal

ly

in

nij^ht which

it splitthe

food, and

sake, your
you

rock

of

let in the

usefulness, and

partiallyinsane
knowledge which
a

miniature,
the

proven

safety upon
conflict

made

I knew

mother's, ^he whose

that
has

time

fully

forbids.

strenuously

her

the

prey

me

at

has

times

step

entering wedge

which

which

I took

face

previously

since

wrecked

feel and

know

EARTH-BORN.

12

that

what

to

extent

research

my

his head

has

disv^over

but

carried

me."

father

even

was

strange

mother

your

of

followed

and

France

him.

He

practices not
by

Europe

"

was

approved
of the

many

societies

secret

numerous

since, for

to

few

Adrian, and

man,

understood

"

given over
body and soul
by the church, although
members

bowing

hands, continued.

his

upon

"Your

and

Cardinal

the

priest stopped, sighed heavily, and

The

not

should

doomed

was

in

day,

that

with

filled

are

to-day.
In youth he had been
I
a great
student, and when
him
he was
met
long since sated with the ordinary
ors
things of this life,and was
deeply engaged in endeavunravel
the
which
to
round
surmysteries of nature
them,

even

"

us.
"

He

feared

was

companionship of
mystics, followers
world
"

the

Among
that
that

that

and

body

desired,
that

the

latter

superior
the soul

after

to

of

men

the

science,

Christian

to

matter

subservient

was

through

sought

Rosen-

who

could

space

years

at

throw

such

to

in all

gree
de-

things,and

off this mortal

will, returning when

of absence,

behind

was

it to

deca}

interval.

He

held

elements,

as

that

man

follows

was

composed

of four

distin^

Spirit,or mifid, the

dies.
never
principle,which
1st.

^
i

provided always |

principle in the body left

keep it intact, and not allow

life

sufficient

"

and

and

impose upon the

their falsity.
he indulged in
beliefs which

in

was

even

himself,

of charlatans

mind

soar

the

in the

like

curious

spiritand

the

neighbors,

of Paracelsus

till discovered

was

"

those

often

kreutz, and

his

by

intellectual, reasoni;

13

EARTH-BORN.

soul, which

The

2d.

Earth

which

from

nebulae

of the

the

envelops

spirit,and is
was
originally

Earthly, and surrounding all

thly things, conforming to the shape of that subitself to, and eventually disit attached
which
ice
therefore

led, and

after death.

dng

\^d. The
\g

thing,

Uth.

man,

The

body

claimed

[He

in

had

not

leir

was

the

will

of

heart

the

by
could

the

revived

be

body
spirit,

and

the

accident

injured the

degree,
complied with."
this lady ?
Tell
anxiously,

vital

parts

of nature

laws

were

father, and

my

who
Adrian

interrupted

names,"

inotti hesitated
Slice, and

and

that

ithat certain

|rVho

principle

every

revivified, provided

dead

ling

life

the

abeyance

stilled

kthat the

in

matter.

or

that

held

Id be

alike

principle, existent
tree, or plant,and,

life

you

their
[ioning

and

moment,

will
names,

then

let

fatal

said

know

soon

very

to

Have

"

all.

tell you

me

or

Before

something

;ir

history.
Ls I was
saying, your
desert
the body at
[e believed

that

^sed serpent,

the

held

father

that

the

spirit

will.
human

like that of the

body,

the

lowly frog,the sluggish crocoand

certain
animals
which
spend half their lives
in this contorpid state, requiring no food when
could

m,

[and lie
under
;rns

"In

the

proof

be

reduced

dormant

for

to

of

animals

and

of this he cited

had
been
people who
ices, lastingfor weeks,

law

same

tor-

neces-

which

reptiles.

numerous

thrown
and

if

aye, years

the

of

degree

same

months,

applications
above

the

he

of differ-

cases

into
held

cataleptic

that

in

such

EARTII-bOKX.

workings

accidental

the

cases

accomplished the end he

viz :
to fullymaster,
the spirithad
left
That
which
he believed
principle,
had

"*

dormant,

this

believed

the
was

the

of

law

na:urc

desired

in and

the

life

electric, had

come
be-

body,

extinct, and

not

yet

of

and

under

that

lie for

could

just
if desired,

body
years,
and other
soared
into
this
spirit
away
worlds, bereft of everythingEarthlywhich clogs and
impedes its flight."
This is a grand belief."
3*PWej
conditions,

such

the

while

"

*'

Yes, in

some

equallystrange,

were

he held

but

ways,

other

beliefs which
^^

and

calculated

not

to

re-assure

la

mortals.
"

He

was

led into

was
"

He

into

delver

deep

it

by

what

student

crucians, or

but ^j
originally,

not

known

of the rules

as

which

of

Simon

the

black

Magus,
arts, and

lit

cjj^

Ros

the

of the

followers

lei

follower

are

the

God,

beliefs.

other

likewise

was

in

disbeliever

governed
Rosy Cross.
was
frequentlyin

^^

he
|i"
Through his enthusiasm
and
it
in
his
faith
was
posed upon
by charlatans,
^
band
of them, linked together for purposes
of plui[|,
der, though professingthe highest beliefs as thei;
standard, holding a creed so high and noble that iwell might attract
a
c
great mind tired and weary
"

this world,
their
cause

and

he

that

identity and
you
wealth

"

How

"

Your

Jules and
their

have

and
their

lost

your

beautiful

fortunes, and

your

name,

mother

lo

this

to

inherited

sam

statioir

of your ancestors."
is this?
You
speak in riddles."
father
the

and

your

Countess

mother
Lena

were

the

Balzac, and
only livingrepresentative."

Coim

you

an

15

EARTH-BORN.

The"
nd
LC,

life'i!| murdered

had

be-

just

under

if de-

^ears,

this.

My

father

this

Count,

he

Not

io.
iced

together ! No
surely an honorable

fortune

was

devil

was

)eliefswhicli

Simply

devil.

have

you

man.

^1

alzac

le Diable,

it has

Rosii

t'H^enty

requently

liefs

plu%
that

noble
and

of

But

lo

this

sam

f that

I may

is

lere

)rld

Cou'l

you

Yes, it
and

with
rang
suicide
of

failure

the

his

of

their

the
her
once

failed to understand, it

the world

motives,
Tell
my

ar

disgrace, even

no

Adrian,

Count

choose

do

as

you

s.

and

"

his character.**

or

his heir to

me,

nature

to

if you

come

bear

in-

this

ice.

rited statioit

the

"

the Count

I last met

it,
to-

even

great sacrifice.

they, then?
strengthen

were

it

since

"

Balzac, the

and

understand,

at

you
of

room.

Countess

rtunes.

will

shun

to-night.
morning all Paris

next

the

wonder

ago

Count,

weary

mother

grand

I think

since

years

since

years

d, the

theij

as

was

no

now,

people

last

his

years

the

m*

been

in this very

untess

of

made

twenty

en

I^ross.

)Oses

he

ce

lis faith in

said

Ah,

And,

Ithough

,ed the

of

in behalf

fortune

father

my

questioning.
my
house
his, and
was
ry

but
"iginally,

:k arts, and

who

man,

re-assure

Magus,

deluded

just

but

-re

no

"

gasped

incarnate,"

and

life,wife

all,his

|ea,which

to

made

then

m.

:h clogs and

ion

wife, and

He!

other

is and

to

and

father

my"

beautiful

his

himself

ly with

Balzac"

Jules

Count"

the

father

idea, and
mny

him

laid down
it
in

was

the

You

so.

Courcey as long
[isno disgrace.
)ur

Balzac,

the

as

you

can

will.

his life
wish

trial.

of
I

but

need

you

remain
But

through

the

before

not

plain
repeat

belief in

Countess

to

ac-

think, perhaps, she

r n

i6

EARTH-RDKX.

thought it would be a long farewell,and wished it

as
a
glad release from the trials of life. If*so, she
gained her desire,and swiftly."
Tell

"

of it,and

me

convince

if you

me

that he

can,

guiltless."

was

Twenty

"

"

the

on

came

He

was

refused

from

had

in

As he entered

"

shown

was

of his
the

been

Believed

way,

Balzac,

were

going

the messenger,

years, had I been called

for him.
Indeed, I had
"

to

Lena

this

to

room.

the Count appeared.

down, and soon
favorite with the church, which
not
a

approval

althoughI

summoned

was

Countess

morrow.

here, and

came

in,sat

**

Jules and

I understood

whom
abroad

to-nightI

ago

years
confess the Count

that he

heard

Needed

God.

no

the

practices.Never before,
familyconfessor for several
upon to performthat office

he

room

no

priest.

fit

in his

bowed

and said,fixinghis eyes upon

Father Minotti, I am
going on

fessed.
con-

never

courtly
spoke:
journey. It
as

me

he

Countess accompanies
long,it may be short.
I
for
her
sent
own
me, b}
request.
you in her
oughly
behalf,as a priestof the church, in which she thorThe

be

may

believes.
For

"

myself,you

and among
belief,
is not

included.

willingto

accept

nature, and
what

will

is told you

glad to

very
a

secret

Does

'"

'

"

He

me

until the

as
a

irs

ity
of Christianman,

rather

word

your

not

you are
unusual
to

reveal

appointedtime, I shall be

myselfof
you.'

it concern

of

confidence

give

of
professions

few

few, the creed

If,however,
a

avail
to

I make

know

those

this

opportunityto

"

fide
con-

your soul ? I asked.

laughed grimly,and replied. My soul,aye,
'

/^B

i8

KAKTH-BOkN.

this does

destroys,while
the

kill,but simply "uspends

not

functions.

"

Sooner

favorable

"

made

body,

life when

to

come

under

so

spirit.
also, that the spiritleaves

entered
re-

the

Know

conditions,

dormant

these

will

conditions,

by
*

later, a dormant

or

the

it does

as

under

body

sometimes

in

in
death,
sleep, in dreams, in trances, aye, and
for the
returns,
although in the latter case it never
life principle is then
completely destroyed. The
dead
m
body has no use for the living spirit,which

itself
"

can

Know

die.

never

also, that

spirit, resembles
of the

essence
"

Thiit

of

out

the

all the

in

as

Earth

"

the

those

out

of which
as

body

alone

has

freed

from

the

body,

or

threatens

to

and

body,

it but

However,

be

that

who

the

is

the

the

spiritsees
body alone

brute, material

body,

has

assist it in

lens

soul

could

body

upon

of

the

is material,

power

material

same

tal
mor-

in the

while

power,

no

any

its

the

the

soul, the

each

knew

with

seen

in the

and
to

the

body.
the

so

spirit,
the

protect

danger

which

it.

The

impress by
spirit can
thoughts and premonitions, other
"

of

and

shape,

contained

are

could

eye,

in

body

covering

desires, hopes, aspirations,faults,

recognized by

be

soul, the

Earth.

individual

of each

the

visions, dreams,

spirits,but

this

is all.
"

The

material,

spirithas no
Consequently
not

the

itself.

bodies

or

material
it

of

bodily
force

must

mortal

act
men

power,

rely
through
to

when

being absent,
upon
the
out

the

whatever,
minds
of the

and

body

life*

EARTII-BORV.

"

I wish

'

the

appreciate

may
spiritin

you

material

this upon

impress

to

"9

helplessnessof the
out of the body, and
important it is to keep
injury while the spirit

utter

when

way

how
that you
also know
may
the body intact and free from
is

absent,

while

destroyed

principle not

it,and

receive

to

find

it may

it returns

when

habitable, in condition

house

life

that

so

that

so
fully,

you

in

its

its
the

dormant

state/
"

And

do

what

do

to

propose

you

'

asked, with

great misgivings.
I intend

and
eturn

leave

"'And

"

he

ly

upon

he

mor-

nd

fail in

"

the

spirit,

:he

body

^Q

None,

j.^j^

^Q^

in

save

who

If

yet.

as

j.jgj^jjj^jjjg spiritenterprise:

jjQ

And

the

think

body

it dead

to

be

when

cared
it

for

simply

it

accordingly, bury it,burn

the life completely out of it

treat

drive

practices.'
if I refuse

spiritshave

"'Then
oment

leaving

often

it, or

various
'

Inds and

for

stupefied,and

this

rhatever,

^jj^

mutilate

dreams,

the
Isent,

explored the
dimensions
being
be limited
to days

satisfied,we
years, perhaps forever, but if
we
wish, we
return
at
may

findingwhat

ly mortals
es

Ibut

'

the

which

its

cannot

years

away

have

we

'and

stay

even

to

asked.
*'

return

or

asked, thinking

project.
when

our

life.*

ince.
V

itect

this

be?'

this

mortal

our

renew

,^

"

weeks,

remain
jfhall

body.

1, so

out

shall

tterlyunknown

same

il could

will
of

he answered,
|tJniverse,'

faults,

;,

We

less,
spiritjourney with the Countin your
bodies
keeping until we
a

them, and

when
him

our

claim

to

umor

take

to

will
if

we

to

fled?'
you

return

take

care

of

the

bodies

when

I asked.
never

know

to Earth.

another
For

peaceful

spiritshave

this

EARTII-nOKN.

20

fear
with
impress mortals
do bodily injury,
and while
they cannot
continually,
so
mentally that they often
they can
punish them

left,to

power

seek

death
But

and

haunt

as

torture.'

from

release

Lena, will she

willinglygo on
I exclaimed, beginning to realize
this mad
journey ?
that his mind
made
was
up fully.
At
her special request we
together. We
go
taken
have
spiritjourneys before, but then she had
under
in the matter.
voice
Her
no
spirit was
my
"

the

Countess
'

**

control, and
"

You

followed

must

his words,

at

'for

mentioned

never
"

be

'

No.

She

returned

with
about

They

are

not

me.*

mad,' I rejoined,feeling terrified

I

this

confessor, and

anything of it
body, for there is one

knew
to

the

journeys

she

has

me.*

to

never

her

her

am

taken

in that

way.

when

liarity
pecu-

It is this.

in the

remembered

body.
is really more

The

of a
faculty of memory
human
than a spiritfaculty,in this, that the human
is a photograph gallery,upon
which
each
memory
The
act of life is photographed and
kept minutely.
negatives in this gallery so to speak, can be destroyed,
as is frequentlydone, by spellsof sickness, blows
upon
the head or falls,which
the material
by acting upon
which
but not the spirit,
body destroys the memory,
does
the reader
a book.
as
simply reads the memory,
left only such
of memory
Upon this book
are
in mortal
to us
life,the book,
impressions as come
or
gallery,itself,being mortal.
Consequently the
of human
tablet
spiritfreed from the body, has no
its experiences, and
record
to refer to and
memory
when
the spirit returns
of
the
to
body all memory
what
happened in that state is obliterated, unless
"

"

21

EARTH-BORN.

arrangements
other
"

"

ways.
But the

kind

the

experiences in

of what

memory

it re-enters

condition

that

phice

in

same

life.

previous

of

states

This

is

spirit
It

however.

memory,

in

occurs

can

destroyed.'

be

docs

'And

"

the

in
human

not

lemory,
lever

took

what

same

time

every

^itremembers

retain

to

spirithas

this state, and

the

made

are

the

freed

the

spiritremember
passed through in the mortal

it

experiences
body ?* I

iked.
The

ling,not
unan

soul and
your
Ig it, and
range
understand

'ou may

[otto
**

'

do

the

God

so

but

at

space

surround-

will, you
have

done

forbid

that

I should

do

ever

human

law

same

^rpentthat
ftilyabove

ich
^ell

Bfe

it,and

belief

animal
life

of

governs

hereafter,

My

that
act

bid

it is
upon

yet

man,

say,

foritself.

set

we

have

you

the

governs

no

despised
our

minds

spirit which

have.

we

is

life

so

endowed

grand,
with

liberal,that

so
some

principle,for v/ithout
principle is useless, and could
as

shall

my

S3'^stem.

"'The

man,

so,' I devoutly

I
appointed time, when
rewell to the body forever.'
this,
|"^As you please, but remember
her
laws, a\ hich can
iture, only, and
so

res

so.

the

to

now

will

priest.

lid, 'until

le

ever

you

material

I talk

will.

if you

the

everythe
it,while

of

Should

things.

these

retains

out

dcfcctiv^e.

spiritfrom
through

;e

Jtter

body,

is often

memory

and

records

spirit memory
only in the

I believe

spirit element, as
spiritelements, the
not

even

provide

EARTH-HORN.

22

"

You

'

spirit in

yet

man,

than

element

in

it instinct

call

show

brutes

some

soul

or

spirit

more

affection,less cruelty,

more

men,

some

bnite, and

the

faith,less selfishness *.

more
"

'

"

blasphemy,' I said.
cuss
disill not
But
we
w
Against man, not nature.
it. Nothing
save
spirit life experience will
human
crude
ideas,
teach
are
humanity how
limited is human
knowledge, and how little we
is

This

ever

how

understand

really

about

world

the

its

and

us

mysteries.
"

I go

explore them,

to

'

"

But

better

freed

or

Neither

wall,

spirit. It

or

fire, or

is like

it is there.

is here,

It

the

the

water,

wind,

It goes

can

"

"

'

She

air.

the

and

it will

where

deter

it.

attendance

for sion
possesit.
if I attempt

body, and I shall win

good-night and farewell,

stay

body

your
"

But

the

stop

it is like

of your
And
now

either

human

can
a stronger
spiritpower
nothing save
fail in
that if you
I promise you
now,
body, I will fightwith your soul
upon
my
"

the

conquering

before.

than

worse

only

others, and

enter

can

possession, sometimes
soul
element, rendering

weaker

'

bodies, but

own

for

fight

"

their

you.

spiritscannot

this, that

remember
to

return

with

and

behind

remain

you

shell I leave

the

carefullytend

do

what

moment,

be

done

go.*
with

'

I cried.
this prove
true ?
I go
tell you.
to explore and

should

will

shall

I must

must

prepare.

mysteries of life and

of the earthquake
silences
of death, the throes
of the
the
rush
tornado, the grand depths of
and
the limitless spaces
fathomless
ocean
beyond
"

'

Ere

we

meet

again

the

the
and

the
the

r-:-

as

KAUllMlORM.

beyond

stars,

laid

shall be

before

)*ke

me

the Universe

an

contains,

book.

open

seek

and

Minotti,

world,

in this little

Grovel

"

all that

sun,

our

to

yourself for its want of satisfaction to your

piritin hopes of a life beyond.
Faretime.
I go to explore that life before my

console

*"

'

ell !

His

"*

f the

shone

man

i^^or.

He

"k$

blazed

eyes

his

spoke,

of

out

disappeared,

jjttracted by

them

and

the

with

he

daring spirit
fer-

enthusiastic

strangely awed, yet

did
they mean?

What

was

or

and

I felt

words.

it be true,

ould

he

as

insane

Certainly

the

tter, I reasoned.
I had

"

out

to

just made

of his purpose,

Countess

his

attempt
in

mind

my

up

and

failingin that,

or,

and

alone

experiment

door

the

it,when

follow

to

to
not

argue

implore
involve
and

opened

she

peared.
What

"

had

ever

autiful.

ry
"

'

it

powers

hen

eless
till I

to

her

of

her.

spoke calmly

Too

and

to

God

it will

late for

to

presented,
resigned, so
at

questioning
the

church

dissuade

deadened

saw

my

and
it

me,

it seemed

not, but

were

with

me,

firm, though

were

implore,

or

argue

Confess

tones

reasoning
at

not

I know

about

came

against

Seek

not.

me

looked

trength
"

sinned

if

as

eyes,
said :

then

useless,*and

my

and

so

looking

moment

searching

Upbraid

How

then

sad*,

sweetly

so

stood

Father, I have

ill be

she

loveliness

her

She

thoughts,

od.

*'

of

seen

great grey

,er

"

vision

within

sad.
as
me

and

felt it would

be

and

she

it.

divined

and

the

church

pray

for

come.'

strength

to

avail

me

now.

What

EARTH-BORN.

For

to

come

pass.
mine, and

"

Count

felt since I first met

have

'

Do

not

for

..;oodor

I follow

The

soon

evil, his spiritcontrols

he leads.

where

waste

arguments
your
listen,while I may tell.
has told you
Count
we

but

will

Balzac

the

upon

able,
inevit-

go on a journey,
I go
and that our
willingly,
stay is uncertain.
fessor,
gladly,but ere I go, to you, my friend and my conchild.
I contide my
"

"

"

I not

Should

belief that he is

for

return

years,
I seem
for
orphan,

an

Give
him
is the safer way.
house and call him Adrian
"

If in twenty
to

may
own.'
"

in

tell him

In

him, then

all.

Then

let the

is

fortune
as

my

Count's

I may

wish

it

father's

turned
re-

you

and

my

dead,' I answered

be

as

such.

'

of his house

mystery

so

fixed that

his

as

that

are

fully determined
I

shall

and

'

shortlyreturn,
all keep your
above

upon
your
I said.

hope

but

great

danger

in the world

In twenty years he will have reached

defend himself from enemies
can
now

You

we

my
be in

he left alone

heir, were

die witfi you.

that

life would

regardlessof all consequences

"
'
I am
fullydetermined.

hood
man-

erful.'
pow-

course,

for the best,and

if not, then

knowledge

ber,
remem-

secret, for

sake.

my
"

'

Let
it.

'i;

of my

name

thus, perhaps, for know

and

son

and

Pi

feel that

Courcey.
to-nightI have not
in your
judgment

It is the

twenty years

It is better

"

from

to

in the

dream.

a
"

claim

years

the

him

rear

the

But

world

my

think
Adrian

what
will

it will.
be

I shall be beyond

here, and

I shall

26

EARTH-BORN.

Here

she

sighed deeply, and walking to that

the
piece,
mantelsee
portraitwhich
panelled over
you
pressed a secret spring,and disclosed a hidden
behind the picture. Drawing from it a packet
recess
"

and
words
"

them

to

with

me

these

On

should
anniversaryof to-night,

the twentieth

free

both

live,you

are

house

his true

name

you
our

handed

miniature, she

disclose

to

and

station.

of his mother, tell him

miniature

leavinghim, of her
the future,and

the

to

Show

him

of her

uncertaintyand

doubt

heir of

this
at

sorrow

regarding
will explain

packet,which
some
things now
unexplainable.
Count
Balzac has charged you with the mission
of watching over
the empty dormant
I charge
body
and
you with a holier mission, th:it of watching over
caring for the living body and the budding spirit.
"

this

open

'

As

Heaven

child, so

treat

my
may
you
sake
for
and
his,
you,
my
will find in yonder
"'You

sacred
Delve

books,
not

with

which

world

the

confide

me

if 3"ou
mysteries,

into these

around

the

recess

bade

he

you,

remember

and

would
remain

Count's
to

you.

be
a

tent
con-

ful
faith-

priest.
"

At

will find a letter,containing

your sanctuary you
sufficient legacy for the education
of my
a

Adrian.
"

'

As

for

that will

and

my

own,

all

be

my

ill

bodies, the Count's

from
harm.
necessary is to keep them
will find written instructions in the letter.
member
Re-

You

see

our

child.

When

"

To-morrow

you.

Farewell

shall that be ?

"

shall

you

Farewell I

'

! till we

I asked
see

my

meet

in dumb

again.*

agony.
I shall
and
body,

EAKTH-IJORN.

"

I started

her

to

"

'

voice, in far away

! till

Farewell

of

mission

had

Countess

left of

fBalzacs.

had

I went

handed

knew

the

with

her
here.

not

at the

valet

door

appeared,

house

ments
mo-

some

where

not

the

to

the

there

Adrian

been

not

had

he

Count

the

but

Balzac

looked

I had

lay

so

sanctuary,

not

this

house

of

but

did

you,

amid

quiet

the heart

not

I found

at

all

were

years,

in the

race

early in

since

seen

of three

babe

you,

that

scenes

do, and

to

His

apartments,

stopped and
sleep. You
your

strange

tones

spoken

left the

he

disturb

heard

left.

^the evening, and

"

had

the

[thatwas

knocked

and

apartments.

I searched

The

have

room,

that

indeed

"

the

before, and
gone.

and

distinct

You

his master

stating that

we

Count's

the

implored
disappeared,

body you will find, but

meet
again.'

Her

from

I rushed

"

wall,

but

! Minotti.

Farewell

to-night.

soul

solid

the

have

suddenly

she

but

seemingly through
Count

would

feet, and

my

reconsider,

to

27

to

you.

what

letter," and

not

these

waken

knowing

the

else

Minotti

faded

package.
quietly opened the letter, earnestly perused
its contents,
occasional
jection
intergiving vent to an
of surprise,finally
finished it,and looking up
a

Adrian

with
"

sudden
Did

interest

said

find their

you

bodies

exactly as

described

in

this letter?"
"

I did, the

"

And

seems

and

following day."
it
they carried to the tomb, which
been
prepared for them in advance, safely

were

had

without
**

were

accident

Yes, after lying in

followed

to

their

"

state

here

for three

resting place

near

days, they
Versailles,

28

EARTII-HORxN.

private

the

on

wished,

thus

Have

"

have
"

he

ground, as
rendering the plan

in consecrated

burial

and

till now,

then

since, and

them

seen

one."

easy

since ?"

them

seen

you
I have

an

from

there

been

they

being denied
anticipated and

Count,

of the

estates

they

still in their

are

by the gay and busy world

Egyptian tomb, unnoted
around, forgotten, and I trust, forgetting."
in all these
their features
Has
no
decay marred
"

years

"

They

None.

"

years
line of

No
of her

face.

shadow

over

All this is very

"

I not

did

know

the tale of

ings

of

his

trace

the

contour

and
for years.
What
"

of age throws
its disfiguring
of that lovely form.'*

mad

over

house

once

gone

"

I know

and

could

heir

of

having a father
dead
dead, though

not

think

it.

Now

you,

who

Knowing
I

Would

it is

would
some

did, and
with

to

it.

told

know,

mother

all

to

ing,
liv-

the

world

of this ?

Do

and

this world."

life has
;

with

will

you

farewell

the

I did

church
been

this

harassed

and

secret

last, I feel relieved, but

at

things, you
then

God

My
knowledge

this

that

fortunate,

believe

not

and

candidly, Minotti,

you,

it ?

for years
with
its consequences.
"

dream-

the

imagination.

believe

you

so,

anxiety

fallen, and

now

as

No

if thing.
anydims
the

fact, more

suffering or

tiful,
beau-

as

so, that
strange to me, so much
well, Minotti, I should say it was

I, a Balzac, the

"

In

ago.

you
enthusiast

an

^nd she

perfectnow,

as

twenty

as

beauty

are

will
to

rest

not

strive

and

escape,
to

I fear.

learn

peace

and

more,
tentment
con-

EARTH-BORN.

29

My restless
right. I am not content.
spirit already feels the truth of what
.say, and
you
and
pants for knowledge of the unknowable
yearns
You

"

are

and

unknown

that

will 1 know,

Adrian

the

aye,

more."

he

spoke,

to

the

Did

he

dream

of

the

as

Minotti

from

knew,

father

my

ing
his flash-

and

panelled portrait

wall.

Was

it his

faint smile
a

more,

his feet

to

turned

eyes
on

and

arose

What

mortals.

to

gleam

the

overcast

of

imagination

life

features

flash

apparently

or

did

portrait,and
its intelligent

from

eyes.
"Ha!

the

sec!"

Minotti,

panel, which

invisible

Adrian,

slowly opening,

was

pointing

as

if drawn

to

by

hands.

Minotti
ashen

cried

looked

and

visibly,while

shuddered

an

hue

He
to his
overspread his face.
sprang
feet,and they both gazed intentlyat the phenomena.
The
now
portrait was
apparently still smihng, and
within
the recess
to and
a hand,
dimly visible, waved
fro in the darkness, with the index
finger ever
ing
pointto a roll which
lay beneath.

Adrian
Minotti
"

his

gripped

One

inside

forward,

sprang

moment,
that

panel lay

life in this world,

would
"

you

to

arms

I feel
will

welcome

now

possess,

will."

and

that
be

Death

and

recess,

am

might

your

Hell

ruin

that
your

spiritbeyond,

indeed
it

were

stretched

still I would

it what

knew

"

itself,and

me,

If you

which

jeopardize
it ?

roll, but

huskily said,

secret

the

grasp

decide.

you

still grasp

Aye, though
in yonder

and

arm

ere

if to

as

may,

and

forth

fathom

Balzac.

now

bined
com-

their

this secret.

Knowledge
lead

to

where

it

BORN.

EARTH

io
And

the

muttered

Minotti

whisper

he

under

could

his

it,while

reach
in

breath,

relieved

yet."

Adrian

turned

with

bewildered

head

whose

companion,

his

grasped the
with
a
rapid

Not'

"

have

back, and

portrait swung
panel closed ere

the

roll, but
click

would

forward

rushed

man

youn^

again

cabinet, and

the

to

enthusiastic

the

expression
lowered

was

to

his

upon

hands.

he

Then

smile

looked

the

at

longer lighted up

no

of the portrait,which
in their

severity.
also seemed
to linger over
appeared ready to open
sound

from

came

the

denunciation,

with

but

no

Minotti

What

does

this

mean

"

Adrian.

cried
*'

shade

them.

is this

How

"

absolutely forbidding
of disappointment
features, and the lips

now

of

shadow

dark, foreign features

the

were

stern

the

panel, but

It

that

means

of the

that

than

the

of

power

dead.

That

living is greater
living priestis still

the

the

if you
may
delve into forbidden
must
things, but not until you
are
prepared," calmly replied Minotti, while beads

mightier

than

dead

the

perspirationstood

of

the

effort he

"Come,"
"the

he

day

is

made.

breaking,
do

enemies

and

they

have

is

no

longer

should

not

your

and

for others
mine

own.

you."

are

to

us

watchful

here

of

this property,

even

Come,
And

ere

Minotti

those

be

this house,

entering
see

arm,

will

all Paris

soon

about

you

stolen, and

see

evidencing

as

cried, grasping his companion's

it will not

Your

You

his forehead,

upon

I cautioned

awake.
and

had

scientist.

together.
that

which

this house,
awake

who

slipped the pack-

EARTH-BORN.

for the

started
But

It

been

*'

an

the

trait
por-

and

dark

majesticlooking?

king

ancient

of the old

world."

of them,

dealer

some

to

antiquitiesat Cairo, who

He

would

who

must

in

them.

use

Those

cabinet
and

at

I
ancient sorcerer,
portraitof some
with
the
cabinets
two
together
were
purchased by the Count
contents,

their

power

gazing

It is the

believe, and

from

lingered,and

face is this,so

have

No.

and

folds of his mantle, and

Whose

must
**

the

door.
still

Adrian
said

*'

portraitinto

the

ag^e and

31

possess
evidence

knew

not

discover
more

than

what
the

they

secrets

had

no

were.

of

the

ordinary attributes,

None
to-night,possess them.
living,save yourself and I, know aught but that this
is a simple portrait hanging lazilyupon
the wall of
you,

by

this disused
But

come,

below, and
lean?

"i

greater
is still

if you
tilyou
beads

sncing
s

arm,

rill be

bouse,
ether,
which
louse,
e

who

pack-

room.

and

quickly,for

the

people are stirring

they should not see you here."
And
the two
the landing,
slowly and silentlyreached
and
Minotti
unlocked
the enproducing a key,
trance,
and
the
out
they stepped
street, carefully
upon
closing the door after them.
"

CHAPTER

"

It

early

was

IS

of

WORLD."

STRANGE

morning,

venders

the

day,

THIS

II.

of

harbingers

the

vegetables,

coming

and

cartmen

men
milk""m

already

were

which

streets

straggling

would

alive

be

soon

so

one

over

the

with

the

busy

by

one

WOl

of

rush

The

Parisian
East

daylight.

and

mornmg,

beginning
the

lose

to

down

in

the

horizon,

beautiful

serenely

world.

beacon

"

My

brings

They

much

and

up,

"

for

yet

I feel

I will

What
what

that

you
you

what

that

liant
bril-

stars

rounding.
sur-

of

star

my

hour

natal

Of

mortals.

to

indeed

been

I have

the

over

the

at

has

shining

space,

the

"

change

life

my

and

shining

Saturn

and

change

of

host

far

but

hung

limitless

mi

before

sun,

is

seen

as

made

nothing

see."
have

to-night

seen
see

in

shall

may

the

prepares

future,"

some

you

quietly replied

Minotti.
"And

Adrian.
the

buried

the

bodies

when
"

First

of

pyramid
of

my

begin?"

all, and
on

rit

tlie

old
and

parents,
32

eagerly
once,

estate.

then

rejoined

I would
I

go
must

join them,

not

proaching
apwere

pale

brightly

Adrian,

mystery

and

what

to

the

say

and

Saturn

in

planet

stars

fire-girt

clear,

observed

star,"

mystery

and

among

nativity.

the

lingering

blazing

the

brightness
of

the

heralding

overhead

their

splendor

coming

ft

faintly illumined,

was

to
see
or

bodi

knoi
Mi'

**^

but

Tile

isjt
itmo

34

EARTH-BORN.

myself regularly.

Do

tripsin which
This

was

my

from

Adrian, who

and

was

near

tempting, and
and

were

two

is

cab

ing
return-

Hail

it

cab

when

marked

Minotti

light of

the

:i

\v?s:

entered.

fair pace

for tlic

coming day height

the

between

contrast

out

offer

They

trio,

drew

The

engaged.
at

wh"

take the

to

fare.

the

was

driver

the

destination, and

speeding away

soon

the

on,

thrice

the

mysterious chateau.
The earlyand dim
ened

gathering.

their

driving

olTercd

and

purse

late

Versailles,refused

about

was

here

impatience,hailed

all

was

sleepily asked

who

told it

to

But

once."

at

start

we

some

frequent
?
participate

my

allowed

never

destination.

doubtless
and

were

you

remember

you

faces

of

the

men.

Mmotti

silence, his general h?

in sombre

back

sat

now
givinimpassive features and calm demeanor
placeto an expression cf defiant submission, and yc:
into sad
of glad relief,chastened
by mental suffering
and vague,
ness
apprehensive uncertainty.

the

looked

He

the worst,

later the

Adrian's

lurked

in the set

bright glance
that

server

velous

no

of his

curve

glance

since

ambition

had

had

clasped

hands

of his

up

best

under

that

sooner

be

must

contrary,

was

ioi

si

tht
or

met,

fairlj

Determinatior

hope.
lips,and

of his brilliant
to

flashed

eyes.
tell the

froi:

careful o'j

life had

this man's

change

and

second

and

current

on

enthusiasm

the

made

was

for the

who

countenance,

with

It needed

yet

ablaze

the

mind

whose

man

hoped
and
the
knowledge
fatality,
coming problem of that day

of

press

and

the

mar
undergone some
that
previous evening,
wi'^

awakened
in

at

united

previouslyinactive

and

once,

effort

to

life.

togei:hc:|

change t!i|

35

EARTHBORN.

frequent

,articipatc':'

jf tlie mind,

rcturii-

cab
T

Yard

it

Hail

would

Where

tire

efforts

keep

mind

The

the driver
wh"

offer

,e

'1

out

i drew

tod

:'

above

w:

But

side ?

by

how

passions
"

lash

they

day hei ght.

Not

Adrian

our

the

at

mind
former

ionship
compan-

spiritselsewhere.
decayed body

surety

as

yet.

left

they

will, the desires, are

the

in the

of

can

seeks

shell, and

out

worn

kindred

behind, buried

loftilythe

death, how

to

ambition,

the

Who
r

the

with

the

for

leads

matter

soars

hey entered,
pace

side

its

and

fall exhausted

and

speed onby the way

and

trio,

ike the

to

ever

coursers

into submission, durinj^ life,

poor bodies
the unequal struj^glebetween
%st hour, when

and

left untranmiclcd,

which,

till mortals

in vain

winched

lead him, those

they

answer

the

of

|Dn they sped. Fainter and fainter shone the stars

the
eastern
ol^head brighter and brighter grew
wSaturn
still
far away
in tlie firmament,
his generally sH^. But
givin;, d^ed
the
now
r
coming day to quench his light, and
and ye:
(jaimed as brightly as before.
5s:on,
sadinto
Adrian, thy star shall give way
;Soon, ah, soon,
to
jring
of
the
glorious light
day god. Soon, ah, soon,
ity.
faces

"

made

up

for

)est under

tlu

sooner

or

hat

iry,

re

And
fainyEus take

was

enter

the

dim

grow

the careful
some

one

ming,
and

that

o'

they

brie^

rollingtoward

are

of

view

the

ma;
^vl

togetb^

"

Ihad

^as

attached
du

to

change

t'

attached

been

|lnany years
lennc

it,as

before

Determinatioi^ifiljl^wn
together.
fr
flashed
d
father Minotti, native
island, and entered the
'^^t
(11

existence, and

new

thy

does

pre-

Saturn

sunlight.

while
a

upon

vilHis life shall

met

be

nust

sh$ll you

the oldest

to

of service

two

the

men

chateau, let

intimately

so

of Corsica, had

early

Paris, where
priesthood
several
parishes during

to

the

the

church.

At

this time

the Church
parish
Mont, adjoining the Pantheon, and
to

churches

left

in

of old

of

Paris, but

when

of St.
one

Adrian

36

EAR'III-nORN.

had

been

was

was

best

ard,a

mysteriously committed

so

known

rules

all the

the

had

and

eyes,

denoted

appearance

self-communion,

then

it

sombre

unless

had

smiles, which
r.nd

hair, and

lit

seldom

by

brows,

face

his

of
of

of

ci

lar^a-

eral
gen-

and

thought
one

mediuir.

face whose

occurred

the

appeared

of

was

Inroad, massive

grey

of

church.

Minotti

set, with

and

ri";idobservance

of the

Father

height, heavily
intelligent
grey

his

trained by

he

of St. Med.

Priest

Religions

ceremonies

appearance,

St. Medard,

of
pricsth()(;d
the

as

he

name

In

of

mcm.bcr

his care,

to

dl

miici

occasion;:

late, however

CO

kindly, gentl:

sympathetic priest,ever
ready to listen to the illsi yo
his parishioners,and
kind
v/ord, or : *9^
give them
a
encouraging glance. He might have been fiftyyer. ^^i
of age,

His

from

judging

companion,

just completed

the
his

indicated

appearance

dark
eyes were
fire of enthusiasm

broad

and

that

he

was

h: ^^*J

Courcey,

twenty-third

and

and

year,
true

and

dreamy,
determin

intellectual, his

large,

mouth

his

Adrian

young

"^^^

appearance.

"

1
"^^

of I

son

"*

His

was

general

sire.

studious

the

his

and

His

^^^on.
dark

hair

lit:"^"J

when

save

wavS"*

and

lurked

determination

bn

t^i

in

and fir^^'*^
His chin square
slightlydrooping corners.
the
medium
and
his figure above
height, and w^^^
f:
built, in graceful yet wiry proportions. The
feature
plair.
was
^^
closely shaven, showing every
-

and

denotinor

put

under

tutors,

much

for

research,

instruction, and

had

several
which

especiallyin astronomy,

had

he

was

been

of

e;.

the !

W^

J***-

his fav
Oui

study.
Withal,

he

andastrong,

was

gifted

healthy

with

constitution.

generous
His

disposiu
life had

3;

i:AkTll-IU"UN.

Vie

care,

his

observance
fcb.

XVI.

'

kindly, gentV.

He

had

indword,

fiftyye^^

,earance.
Courcey,
^n

true

^^^'

had

an

square

been

and the
tht^|K)dy,

Blit while

"y
he

had

brilliant

Voltaire

had

^^^

few

interested

not

be-

years

him, with

strength the

.variouscourts
^

reiiifc
anrl
and
rc^

^^Stil

severalof thel

and

ad likewise

achwashisfav^

that

old Due

of Frederick

Golden

Elixir,

he

had

de

Richelieu

restored

to

many

the

previous king,Louis XV.,

seen
by many old people at
different

under

fhi"
this inf-f^rfct^H
mterested

read

with

kings,but always

Arlri^n'c
Adri^i's

few
and

fnno^r

onri
fancy,and

great interest the

Antony Mesmer,

physicianw^ho
.^rertiran
j^.^ theories
dispo^
..^^^j^j^

onerous
His life had

wonderful

vnnncr
young"
his imacrination.
"

lived in successive

to have

stories

^j^|. j^g |^,^j been

^jj^^

been

of

views

greatly interested in tiic exciteby the refusal c^ftlie church to bury

fightmade by the French Academy

before, under
^^ygj^i^

JJ

the

de St. Germain,
hisimbelief in the church, the Count
ex-Mmister of War
X V'l.,
to Louis
present king,with

^nd
yQy^^j:
^^^,

)rtions.
leature

with

his dcatb.,some

at

and his claims

asaj^ifetions,
through his
vav^**^^^^^*^"^

height,
icaui*--

impregnated

been

not

^^^^^
\^1^9"^!^^^
^^^^^\
lurked

Ion

their

held

dens
garLouis

beliefs,his unexplainedorigin,his mystic

,hi*j^rious

,-.

ave

this time

at

Antoinette

Marie

occasioned

mml

of 1

so

where

ovir-this decision.

hi

and

year,

Ver-

he knew

next

magnificent royal ])alaceand

the

Voltaire, although

,entotheills" he
iox^
or;
been

that

court.

late, howcvii

with

outside

world

well, and

ho knew

situated, and

and

occasic^n;

his

Paris

were

mud

ightand

who

the environs

tripsabout

little of the

but

where
(jl^les,

^^en.

whose

seen,

of France, and

out

occasional

exception of

"ty, but

lar";e

brows,

Lce

the

have

we

by Minotti,

him

from

journeyed

never

k..ew
mediurr. lOlParis,

of

had

He

oi

as
history,

its details.

lor.cknew

of St. Med.

his

sedulously kept

lad been

Medard, and
t

secluded, and

uTiewhat

'

years

his

ac-

the celebrated

before

set

Paris

performances, and

3"

EARTH-BORN.

Franklin,
in

then

the

such

been

French

enthusiasm

an

the

as

Benjamin

American

had

still he

French

liberty,

rejected by

been

Academy,

Adrian

and

give,

of

his theories

and

the

to mesmerize

unable
defender

great

Paris,

fortyin

the

had

he

although

had

alone

created

neously
sponta-

so

remembered

the

occur-

well.

rences

followed

Then

excitement

the

occasioned

Count
and

Cagliostro,
the

Mesmer

in

Egypt, Turkey
made

and

discovered

said, had

gold

mansion

of Cardinal

pfotege
of

told

wonders

leaving

|l

the

the

his

the

de

Rohan,

performances,

shade

countries,

Eastern

even

travels

whose

the

by

in

it

wa;

philosopher's stone and who

whc5e
will, according to report, and
visited
o:
by the highest noblesse

at

was

the

France.

Cagliostro's brilliant

But
short

by

the

of

theft

lace, in which

he, the

possession

of

Bassange,
of

!iame

in order

the

times

sent

Queen,

obtain

to

of

Accounts
the

and

had

which

these

This

and

filled Adrian's

Me

especiallythe

Marie

at

for

Antoinette,

other

obtainci

fortune

Jewelers,

England

nee:

and

have

cu:

Oj

Boehme

division, tk

I^-SC;

being forgei

it.

and

mystic reading,
with

it to

to

valued

Court

the

diamond

Rohan,

said

were

suddenly

was

de

necklace,

the

i,8:x:,ooo livres, from

S\

career

celebrated

Cardinal

and

"mplicated,

were

the

had
Count

brief

well

gazed
de

other

peculiar people

leisure
he

hours

remembered

upon

these

v/ich
the

niuc

pel

g^|

aw

personage:

St. Germain.

men
rapid!
history of the two
fi
in the early morning hours.
nearing Versailles
This
is a strange world," suddenly said Adri
breaking tlie silent reflection of his companion.
"

is

EARTH-BORN.

Benjamin

"

liberty,

;an

sponta-

the

("

Loned by the
al de Rohan,
even

travels In

ttries,it wa;
and who
tone
whose

and

t,

01

noblesse

"

suddenly cii; and

of

liamond ned
lan,

spout forth

intervals

disappear,and

ocean

and

lives

obtainci chwiging world.

fortune

leS their works,

at stated

into the bowels

sink away

*^Man

and other

lave
a

world

The

sers

Earth, this strange

of

so

lieve
be-

pelled
com-

many

quakes
and
feet,great chasms
our
ISlpncath
yawning
open,
abyssesstretch before our eyes where just before
Mountains
solid ground.
seemed
topple and fall to
^le level of the sandy plain,while from the plain
mountains
toward
the sky. Volcanoes
afise new
Open, and from their fierythroats belch forth an unflame.
of sheeted
Aerolites spin
Sfeenmied torrent
the blue vault of the sky, and
strikingdeep in
fl^C^
her Earth, leave no
tale of whence
they came.

occur.

lances,

and
thingsin this life,
usuallyis willingto

strange
many
who
that man,

only in the commonplace, is sometimes

that
in spiteof much
fraud, to admit
arc
Ishings
unexplainableto fmite minds.

had created
so

are

nbelievablc

by
-ejected
;

There

39

new

Races
and

have

know

we

from

crevices,

of the Earth.

Islands

form.

ones

dies,

ours,

temporary
and

come

them

atom

in

gone,

have

They

have

not.

Boehm*^ fallen into the oblivion of the past, buried so deep

their customs
resurrect
their history.
or
division,thsairecannot

lers
r

being fo^g^M' '**^^^ ^'^'-^ ^s the strangest phenomena of all,with

his numerous
j$, ambitions, his desires,his activity,
liar

people petty ends

be

to

gained,and

muc^^in
"^ beliefs.
ibered the '-^^^Jplpo^"'^'
urs

se

them.

with

above
all, his
personage|||^
"

various

His

men

rapidl;

g hours,

ly said

r, material

Adria;

mpanion.

know

en

sand
h

in

and
not

knows

what

curious

he

adopts to
of
grades
intelligence,
unsatisfied,restless spirit,
means

of

four-fold

nature,

and

his

dual

mental.

what

drudgery

How

His

the

they

are.

constitutes
tc^ the

Not

one

that material

spiri^passes

of

out

body

dailybefore

its construction, how

numerous

EARTH-BORN.
^
"

^^

1
various
^u.

ii'^
u^

'^ofi^
intricate

how
cells ho
and1 r^nlU
its ^ones
are
Its vvondertu
workings and

1.

-^.^^

then,

^^

^.^^ called

ror ieel.and
S S i"a?:e;i;r

mina,

therefore

h.

unable
:SiI^^^w%-:s
app^^^^^^^^^^
to

Adrian, there
-hich
death that
few it is given
.

Ah,

and those few,

whose
than those

nature,

happy

^^^end before

t dtc-e^
the secrets
-^;^n

some

To

^,"

^^^^^

^^

"'^"y

are

'"^"^*^^itgeism
knowte^^^^^^^^
^.^^^

Lrth.and
desires and

^,__^

you
for wisdom

pants

^,"

^^^^

sf^lyjXn
to Chan

..But

"

to

its
It

^^^^

.^

let it

ever

^^

J'%',
rather
S^^^l
pettiness,
i

ambitions down
^^,"

eec

'

(.

becomes

SLSttSjt^o^BrndVW
^'rotti
looked
..

fate

Your

Earth.

on

and
hhn^
Jhed;^,
,,o,
saxa
he

sealed

is

toowle

become

at

Je
^e^kerjifter
"^^

^^^^^

"

^"

^^

^^^^^^i after ye

Perhaps

to

wasnot

saved

j^ ^^^^^

you.butit

be.

i"

y^^^^ .^

while:
cri
yo^^-^^tshi
mind
Adrian,
still
Ledbody
end would
^^J'^f^uhe
-'a-^d y"u

when

for

un

the

more,

easing

reff.

asks for

bcr

that Minotti

^^

^^^

..^ ^e

ga.

S1e^SL1^rthf.;-Ho
natu
forces

"

who
,

1
^
--^/^^
and.y^hoirsway
I'n-l^'ifth^

"'TwUi
...ember
ever

on
are

in

of

n.y

it,

over

me

en"-f./"'fj'"y
"ame,

my

wealt

^rHrL7;-regrthatUi

CHAPTER

THE

VEILED

FIGURE

IIx.

OF

ISIS

IN

CURTAINED

THE

CHAMBER.

The

sun

of
reted

ancient

an

been

pearance

of grass

stretched

disused,
of

the

and

cab

of

relic

which

driveway

the

as

stopped

looking chateau,

though

as

long

rising

was

judging

from

which

lined

trees

weeds

which

grew

tur-

The

antiquity.
had

view

to

way
gate-

and

gabled

feudal

forth

the

at

evidently

neglected

the

it, and

aj"

the

patches

luxuriantly

the

over

"

and

roadway.
"

We

cab

oft
will

So

fares

before

and
size

of

many

And

queried
n

Yes,

si

father

now

and

then

tht

of

curiosity

and

and

the

the

famous

do

you

feudal
call

this

thd

ratlit

hjIj,

its tu
of

bui

in

proportions

of

the

J^

fepati
his

land.

Chateau

the

th^
t|j",

grani

or

*"

lai

standin

soon

strength

castles

tli

two

once

chateau,

edifice, it ranked

the

'"*:

Balza

Adrian.
since
before

ancestors

it

^^

an

as

its columns,

at

noted

the

were

the

to

they gazed

and

Paris, the

carefully along

entrance

as

magnificent

student

triple fare,

toward

driveway,

terraces,

of

the

horse

way

massive

the

castle, for

his

his

their

deserted

now

rets,

the

*'

zy^i

whipped
picked

but

Minotti,

exciting

they alighted, paid

driver

"

said

passer-by."

stray

"

without

return

can

and

alight here,"

the

was

him.

structure,

paid

wish

As

of

your

you

see,

costly

and

more

43

it

father, and

originally

grand,

attention

to

but

e^

vt

} aiii;

learn

EARTH-BORN.

ban

their

keep

to

rather
improved their minds
home.
ancestral
Consequently, not caring
closed
to
its grandeur as
castle, it was
a

buildin"^,and

to

an

up

the
iiaiply
ab|^among

Chateau

devil.

is

gate. that

jd at the

abled and

tur-

The

itiquity.
had evidently

**

patches
tbt

riantlyover
and

then

:uriosity of

aiv

fare,

and

the

gran

once

there

**No

no

them

Balzac

bateau

^e

to^ms

world,

and

heart's

content."

*VAnd

what

*'

Here

thl^^

is

thf4ligh

that, and
of

one
a

the

his

hooded

to

to

your

is
thl^^|t

kill it.
here.

am

at

the

jibes

pastime

is he?"

where

queried

slowly
its

raised

reptile

that

the

should

the

of nature

winter.

You

not

will

them.

have

the
the

de-

serpent
descendin his

which

see

your

as

stayed

fostered

by

petted during

destroy

of

at

3'ou."

are

Minotti

of

one

grace,

would

fault

the law

all

easy

father

your

at

undulated

where

but

simply

and

head, looking

and
but

home,

It is not
is

to

Minotti,

club, and

This

andcf^sdiscover

learnSwson

from

pets," said

not

hunchback,

in his favorite

blinking eyes
I

Adrian

^^tcSpd
during
originally
were
grand, but yaildythey

^ntion

in

occurred

learned

serpent

and

weeds,

it
d

over

impatiently.

instant

ai^^|pf
father,

here,

light for

is free

he

indulge

can

is

rather

some

our

the

'*

Philip Hauton,

but

one

*?Po

land.

race,

rooms

distasteful

of bui

of the

as

of

abode

which

grasped
handy
the
spafcched
reptile fui thwith,
strength
hii^ arm,
remarking :
in proportions
columns,

its tn

recluse

of

the

to
events

stay here

one

"

bateau,

suites

are

opened

been

standi the iptruders with

ratbt imi^ as to say,
or

soon

re

lat

two

iris the
r

as

said

not

Does

Addian
tk

poorer

the

as

gen-

world

the

to

of the

classes,

andlhe onl}' because, here,

of

tk

have

Balzac, home

several

race.**

^
neglected

ind the

It

known

owing to various
C^tury,
tliem, and v/hich rendered

J
;

the

for

it disused

it became

isrations past, until

CURTAINED

of

much

public, and

the

43

they lie
others here,

father's

life,

Besides, Philip

EAKTH-BORN,

44

would

forget

never

and

help

He

task.

are

and

the

over

dence
confi-

fulfillment

bodies

carefully tends

as

his

and

you,
the

to

necessary

watches

Countess,

forgive

or

of the
the

of ni}-

Count

and

Count

pets the

left behind."
Such

"

pets

Adrian,

the

as

not

are

to

"Are

away.

liking," said

my

finished

reptile having

moved

slowly

these

as

of

any

its survey,
them

ooison-

ous.?"

Certainly, but

"

It

serpent.

hold

to

race
"

is

of

one

said Adrian,

as

the

hereditary gifts

were

we

he

though

afraid

be

never

in submission

them
words

In other

need

Balzac

to

your

deemed

it

your

wishes."

of snake

race

of

of

charmers,"

anything

but

compliment.
"

"

Yes, if you

but

here

of

flew

raven

immediately

almost

as

of

and

perched

where

upon

they stood,

appeared upon
his head
serpent, slowly raised

like the

and

feet

ten

Minotti,

invariably announces
he
spoke a beautiful

heads

their

over

it," answered

which

Philip,"and

within

bough

call

to

herald

comes

arrival

the

wish

so

the

man

and

scene,

and

veyed
sur-

them.
It

those

neath
a

was

eyes
The
of

ordinary

no

was

and

were

and

determined

forty,or
face

of

from

out

be
"."*-'ii

broad, white

it
of

and

smooth,

shaven

was

lipped, but

Withrl,

and

locks

peered

hat, but

it

The
melanchol)^ one, at this moment.
black
night, and large and questioning.
as

thought

thin

which

and

sad

face

grey

face

The

sorrow.

handsome,

and

showed

mouth
the

lines

many

large

was

chin

was

and

squarf

looking.

might
fifty,or

have
of

been

sixty,and

scholar, whatever

the

the
it
age

face

cf

man

certainly was
of its

owner.

ti

TL

EARTH-BORN.

confi-

his

nentof

head

and

Count

^the

Count

the

of

source

had

His

said

dng,"

eally were,
ntcd

its survey,
Doison-

3m

of

of

ts

rvcy,

charmers,"
but

Good

"

M.

Minotti,

upon

the

sur-

be

from

ut

hat, but

it

The

ment.

uestioning.
and

squarr

was

out

did

re,

at

man

last

ou

ily was
wner.

prebe-

to

No

t:

TL.

ere

arc

more

am

claim

of

as

various

for

eyed

but

this

Courcey,

this

of

"

friends

the

by

yours

the

than

llic

him

seasons

be

every

black

welcome

hand
eyes

guest

but, pardon
friend

have

must

and

of

me,
race

disappeared
C3-cs

ere

questioned

speecli.

and

trifle

ever

to

friendship

nettled

mere

is

young

young,

Adrian

the
-as

one

friend

in all

which

of

offense, M.

"^

scholar,

Balzacs

and

y(;u

eycn

True,

plied

so

M.

he

spot
he

Minotti,

race.

is

why

and

born,"

were

ght

and

friendship."

tlie

scion

drian

new

of

t-at

seems

"

and

all hours

iyeshad
f

they

cordially grasped the

by Adrian, looking him squarely in the
rnd
saying:
so,

friend

lines

large

his

second's

dangerous

answered

and

savant

governs

"A

"

many

it

stood

he

as

stranger,

Balzac

the

Balzac,

which

he

scene,

and

ad

He

Philip laughed grimly,

Pliilipadvanced
eld

and

stood,

body.

Philip, after

know,

you

to

Hauton,

ght

beautiful

is, as
and

day, Philip,"

f Count

announces

said

is the

who

stranger

no

ed

than

shortened

was

against

longer

appearance,

Minotti,"

This

grangers,"

his

this

life,and

in

rebellion
looked

limbs

sad

yet

but

"

Adrian.

'

to

queer,

vishes."

ed

owing

Welcome,

4ere?

your

thing

and

and

grievances

secret

arms

shoulders

drawn

[orc them.
"

afraid

his

much

him

the

deformed,

was

of

most

brought

pt licre.

he

for

hunchback,

jofa

my

above

larj^e,resting

was

4S

} ct
with

proudly,

have

none

the
for

better

Balzac

race,"

Philip'stone

and

somewhat.

Courcey,

was

intended, but

offered

by

curiosityseekers,

and

reasons

many
who

who

if

you

come

strive

by

46

EARTII-CORX.

piercethe mystery

to

every

ruse

noble

chateau, I

alone," returned

softened

eyes
gave

to

way

puzzled one,

here,

enter

Philipcourteously.

introduction

in your
case,
and
the
tone,

you

of all who

natural distrust

and

sure

am

surrounding this
would
appreciiite
my

have

should

and

it

His

presence

sufficient for

been

pardon

is,

Minotti

save

"

mc

the

questioning;
spoke his dark
and their interrogating
glance
visibly,
a
more
trustingexpression,and yet a
for Adrian
to be a
certainlywas young
so

questioner,"and

he

as

friend of the Balzacs.

Philip,my friend," said Minotti,whose attention

been engrossed with the surroundingsrather than
speakers, let us enter the chateau at once, as I

"

had
the

much

both

somewhat

Lead

to

us

What

and myselfare J
say to you, and Adrian
have passed,
weary, after the nightwe

|^

the curtained

to

should

you

M.

astonishment

"Ay, there,

and

and
crypt itself,
and

gus

there ? "

Courcey

cried

in every feature.
the very
then
heart
to

let him

beside

stand
features

the

upon

gaze

first,as it is there

chamber

I feel it."

be told.
! Lead

showing

the

of the

Philip,||
of

the:|

sarcopha

livingdead,

while

word
at every
responded Minotti, calmly,
and
the
at
last he
countenance
darker,
Philip's
grew
his
his
folded
and
said
breast,
across
long arms
quietly
"

No, Minotti.

Not

Count

these

stand

ready

his tones
"You

Do

you

were

to

now

to

for you
a

Balzac's

years
safe with myself,and

"

even

of this chateau

secrets

tl

14

"

have

"

"

shall I expose

stranger'sgaze.
strange

I suppose

betrayyour

secret

has

tlifi
In al
been!

you, but if yoy

trust, I do not," am

with

sad, but firm.

shall know
remember

all

presently,"replied Minotti.
what day this is ?
"

EARrn-iioR"r.

th'r^

ending

Illp started, scrutinized

my
^[
.preciivte
closely,and without
m,
Minotli
iavc
simply :
His

presence
for

cient

oke

and

yet
to

^oung

be

nanning

110

rather

igs
at

as

once,

myselfare
passed,
have

and
ire

,t, as

it is there

large
in the

first

Philipj

the

the

the

tu

and

living dead,

le

it

word

every

last

d at the

breast, and
lall I expose

luj;

said

|.^

the^

In all!
r's gaze.
^
secret has beer

you,bntifyo^
I.

I do

not," ancg

Armored

long

hall,

greater

there

from

being
mirror

lo

enable

to
eyes of Adrian
of many
objects of

the

outlines

visiers

the

walls

with

were

helmeted

closed, solemnly standing guard

hallway at regular intervals along the

Is.
Here
and
hung a silken banner, tasseled
it that could
ged, with a gilded inscriptionupon
in the darkness, and
be deciphered
there, dimly
lined in the centre, stood
beautiful
a
fountain, in
form
of Aphrodite, gracefully leaning over
the
he

great

beneath

mimic

and

her

admiring

beautiful

figure

in

ocean.

uickly they passed by

which

pad

irepUed

into

ante

on

Paintings,with which
figures,seemingly,

art.

ds, and

sarcopha-

reflected

that

beautiful

e.

of

into

of

sort

building.
misty and dark,

second, and

the

ht, just sufficient

d.
heart

led

turn

were

save

rirst

the

entering the large

I, the
only light there proved to be subdued,
inging from a peculiar shaped lamp, which
hung
of a five
frescoed
the
m
ceiling in the form
faint
inted
each
a
star, from
tip of which
sprung
tinguish

cried

said

of

door

they passed

of the

halls

it in
i^posite

than

in

lengthwise

light

then

distrust

side

into

which

hall, which

These

attention

hose

wide

and

ushered

were

through

amber,

rating glance
3n,

ilding, and

dark

his

to^:;cthcrthey entered

And

of

word

and

Minotti,

fir

mc."

Follow

"

nic

questionin^^'

47

to

Minotti|

Minotti

Adrian

at

another

admire, but
came

needs

next

must

these
time

and
Adrian

Philip strode
with

follow.

many

step

on

as

other

would
ahead

obhave

rapidly,
quick,

firm and

48

EAkTirnoRN.

Suddenly Philipturned, and they followed him up

led with
a
grand stairway which
easy steps to tlic
floor above.
Reachi'"g it, Philip struck a match,
and findinga taper, lit it,and led the way to the rear
of the hallway,similar to the first,
but not so granci.
Arriving at the end, they passed through a door
v/hich Philip opened with
an
odd-shaped key, and
in another
but much
narrowci
tlicyfound themselves
which
Iiall,

seemed

they passed

along,for at times

would

be lost to

curtained

door

to

wind

around

sightaround
reached,

in

circle

Philipand
the

and

the
At

curve.

as

taper
last

here

Philipabrupth
stopped,and waited for his companions to reach hi^
side, which
they did almost instantly.
Enter
hac
here," said Philip,and Adrian, who
of dreadindefinable sentiment
hung back by some
did as he was
bidden, and found himself inoncof
tlu||
he had ever
most
Fccn,
peculiar apartments which
and yet, no, it was
It appeared to be circular,
ellipti
and
hand
with
on
cal,
dark, forbiddin.^
hung
every
curtains.
wall
Not
a
or
ceilingbut Vv';
spot on
was

"

covered

with

seemingly

them.

worked

They

were

rich in texture,

with
in peculiarfigures,

the

am

sacrei

Apis and pyramids here and there

at irregularand
seemingly grotesque intervals.
In the center
of the room
stood a pedestal,
an.' 1
The floor w
this a veiled figureof a woman.
upon
made
of blocks of stone, fitted togetherin triangul;
chairs or
other furniture ii
no
shapes. There were
Ibis,the horned

il

a]

the room,
that

and

as

he looked

around

Adrian

felt agai
affected hii

peculiarsensation of dread that had

momentarily at the entrance.
All the companions quietlystood a moment
teriiigas if no one cared to break the dread

afterei
silem

EARTH

50
the

was

scene

in

around

peared

that

save

never

endinti^circle.

an

similar

be

to

shiftingpanorama

one

kW.

BO

atom,

they

were

and

save

shone

with

that

first,and

golden,
the

illuminated

i)\

from

abo\

clouds
that

save

closed

floated

each

And

the

separate

ball

tipped

and

And

a^

before.

as

the

as

shone

silver

were

forbidding

the

them

\v.

and

scene.

shining

each

about

they

and

dark

not

the

upon

around

and

now

illuminated,

was

appeared,

them

sailing

appeared,

again

light

worlds

the

world,

up

before,

seen

were

it, too,

now

beyond

stars, and

ball

reflected

similar

other

or

large

the

space,

those

star

them.

beyond

Then

circlini^r

each

it seemed,

all-powerful light coming,

an

And

to

and
larjj^cr,

of stars

veiled

figure spoke :
Seeker
after knowledge,
Neophyte, this is hov,
ndl
the worid
began, beyond the ken of mortal
man,
lions of years
ago."
|
J
The
and
before
them
stretchy
scene
again changed,
a
sandy plain, and out of the plain there
spranij^ ^l
And
other
tret; '!
tree, slowly rising heavenward.
scene

"

and

arose,

far in the

background

its

fiery tongues
upward,
veiled
figure spoke :
The

"

heat

in the

tree

the

The

Earth.

warm

flame

seed

the

generates

build

can

shoi;'^'

And

ceasing.

never

flame

flame

the:

of

the

as

\vc

destroy."

as

And

and

forest

now

and

trees

flora, and

insignificant,is

insect

drops

animal,

of

fierce

as

are

or

symmetry,

now

then
seen

appeared,

and

seen

strange
Earth.

upon
it

was

upon

little leaf.

changes
one

With

to

wit

covered

tiny insect, small

Earth, and

to

new

has

neither

sluggish thing, which

thl:

And

gradually
Adrian,

lirr

at

to

a|
e-:'-

not

siici

legs or

ta

remainei

nOKN.

KAKTIf

circUni:

star

itc still

up

j)assivefor

Fid

ciianj;cd and

),

mated

ab()\'

)rn

*'

sailing?ii-

bej; inning

from

And

#ithout

Daratc

flame

'And

the

c4 the

man

ball,

Wbund

her

tipped

and

And

into

stretchcr| md
by
sprang^!

"e

from

flame

shoi

And

thf

of tht

build

wel

as

jther, when

small
l{.

at

thi

And

dually
an,

firs^

not

to

ai

trees

her

le those

she

And

And

the
is

forsook
with

of the

the

Adam,

and

the

Earth.

the

Now

until

there

of

of

walked

kissed

to

her, and

followed

him,
her

at

the

Earth

to

men

the

with

themselves

among

daughter
of

endowed

him, and

figure spoke

son

occurred

straightway^
and

mingling

commotion

women,

quite

was

were

appeared,

he

children
a

of ;,he foli-

figur* spoke

great

fought

veiled

Lilith,

slowly

forest

the

women

about

arms

left

and

curtain

and

him,

beings appeared,

and

suddenly

vound

and

beautifid,

other

two,

mcti

reason.

side

begin."
by

two

looking
[finest

'his

yet

as

the

kissed

upon

[another britchter being

witl

)vered

Warmed

by

other

in

dawned

the

and

them,

and

seed

and

each

veiled

the

has

among

one,

and

man

view

to

and

and

shadowing

of mankind

of

treci

other

the

the

again

love

Human

varied,

caressed

lost

And

sorrows

r\

small

how

men,

existence, and

stood, fair
about

were

Trs.

mil;.

al man,

grasped

sprang.

into

scene

woman

arms

:ed away

is hov

stood

fignre spoke:
of

you

Earth

and

man,

it

and

animal,

beast, and

children

whence

tenderly

and

his

veiled

the

the

again

now

they

lb

wild

the

the

of

be

to

suddenly

mind."

the

shone

e.

one

Behold,

hj^ the

as

uiC

tHe

And

snp])ort.
of

and

Kited,
inc.

for

tree

alter

animal

^rcw
like

fohaj^e

the

fnioiiL;

until

moment

l)cc;nne

it j^radually
liiially

51

enter

flame,
a

/Vll Powerful

life

of

Intelli-

sucl

legs or ta'
ich reraainei

len

the

off

and

scene

changed,

and

deserted, lay Lilith

upon

and

her

barren

infant

plain,
boy.

EARTH-IJOKX.

52

herself

and

world,

the

with

torn

of
the

And

veiled

safely tread

Once

love

human

of

the

the

more

dear,

of

\]iv

lashed

and

gotten.
for-

now

led

Earth

on

to

if thou

it, Neophyte,

path

knowledge."

shifted, and

scene

into

but

figure spoke

Beware

wretchedness.
would

of

forth

jealousy

once

of the

out

cast

driven

of

love

first fruits

The

by Adam,

pangs

hati

Loving, yet

loved, and

she

man

memories

with

"

deserted

child

of the

heart

sorrowing.

still,but

beautiful

the

now

skie?

Lightning flashed from

cloud
thunder
to
cloud, and
pealed incessantly
and
foamed
Before
their gaze
a broad
grand ocear
mile along a noble
coast, line
stretching mile upon
black

were

and

with

beautiful

other

towns.

the

mad

of the

rolled

'n

ward

was

of nature,
the

over

ful

scene,

angry

waters

feared

not

Another

like

appeared

lovely, but

high
a
a

how

in the
two

now

glare of

and

strove

tij

foamy embrace^

crest

thing

an

of

of

wonder!
thq

over

life whid

I
the
the

One

in

scene

blinding

mountainous

of

faces, both

different.

if

upheavr,
blinding light she

the

charmed

on

blac!.,,

never

tin)^boat, floating

boat

t!

stroke

or

elements,

upon

moorings and scatte

angrily leaped skv
their

surrounding death.
glare shot athwart

and
brilliancy,
crest

into

fury

The

:ing
,

sect

thither

after

thunderbolt

of the

suddenly
and

its

waters

clouds

appeared

wave

from

frightfulwar
and

in stroke

determined

the

and

hither

be

to

confusion.

wrath

threatening

wrathful

the

drag
It

each

at

and

could

lashed

was

tumultuous

But

space.

inland

ocean

storm,

forth its
sky belched
fieryflame, and seemed
drive
the grand ocean
it into

far

cities,and
The

violence

billows

lowering.

wore

wnvi

women,

upon

her

lie J

53

i;.vR'in-i50KN.
.

hatir.:;

den

of t'R

)Ut

face

t!i'-

h into

defiance

lashed

nd

other

sHveet,

to

2,

involuntarily

"ian uttered

and

bounded

and

Ad

that

at

fierce glare of

from

that the

;hed

shore, and

icessantly,

aiid

ind

niggingwaters.

occar

:oast, lincG
be

Id

scc!

byj

fury

to

ans

11k

thither

blaril

The

stroke

and

continent
llions

and

scattcv

ware

of

centuries

the

upheavr

let, another

light she

^s

wondeil
thtl

tee

rcrs

bot|

omen,
on

her

figure spoke
the

the

waters

with

of

the
her.

cover

all its

But

teeming

Lilith, Priestess

her

with

land

fair

Eve, her

the}^shall sleep to
of Eve.

wake

and

again

to

yet

See

they roamed,

hcai

knew

that

them.
a

upon

come.

where

and

follow

changed,

and

now

and

by

appeared,
it

was

Saturn

hun-

them

Suddenly
one

rough

craters, and

hand, and
and

And

there, high upon

I's peak, hand
in hand, stood
)wn

of

the

the

blazing

sun,

and

floated

beautiful

upon

with
the

extinct
the

cone

in

planet

trees

other

and

side

country,
volcanoes,
of

moun-

Lilith,wearing
Eve,

new

its wonderful

mountainoua

living and

which

lovely valley appeared,

the

exceedingly
lava.

scene

world

before

^d with
"

vav

they

jided,
1

blindim

more

and

life whid'

linous

veiled

und

the

beneath

li^-es in centuries

later

the

by

in

in

the

vvealth.

Lilith, beware

)nce

o; over

'^^

and

and
higher still,

disappeared

successive

embrace^

)f a

the sea,

Soon

rival.

ew

strove

great

life and

the

to

foamed

waves

Lemuria,

"

Sun, is saved, and

autiful

eaped slcy
d

of

dipped

disappeared

again

to

has

never

Dr

th.^

has fallen

"

the

had

And

Lemuria,

and

for-

seen
lightning flash, it was
cities,and the grand temples,

the

continent

the

clouds

the

crash,

sudden

cry

the

higher,

rose

skies

the

moment

fearful

cliurned, and
"

lady of the portrait,

of the

and

with

an

face

the

was

rd, but

if thou

bade

she

as

angelic, teuiiul, entreating,

inotti

led

her

and

sun,

commanding

look

her

blazing

elements.

the

to

The

th
for-

now

and

dark

was

with

tippej

crown,

sweet,

her

tender,

EARTH-BORN.

54

pleading as of old, by
stood
spellbound for
figureagain spoke :
of Lilith.

Beware

"

And

the

And

raised

carried

laid him

and

away

the

to

rest

main

on

hall

divan, while

"

did

not

you

"

curtained

The

ter,"

the sad

was

could

room

slowly opened his

his companions, closed
upon
sigh,saying :
thought

life.
ever

Let
knew

And

divans

me

I had

found

before," and

by,

as

Minotti

and

breathing of Adrian,

for

and

eyes,
them

am

he
each

and

time
then

as

again

her, but

here, for I

rest

Philip and
close

it to

prove

betJ

you

reply.

Adrian

floor,and

they chafed his

lamp, and slowly
But
Philiphad

"

first

the

on

by the dim light of the star

brought him back to consciousness.
whispered to Minotti, ere he awoke
This
is surely a Balzac.
Why

"

curtains

Adrian

hands

"

veiled

the

of Eve."

their

into the

down

watchers

slowly
to
places.
suddenly fell
unconscious, and his companions tenderly
weak
themselves
and
him, and
trembling,
him out into the circular hallway,and around

forward

me

the

while

moment

Beware

faded

scene

back

rolled

and

side.

her

you

tired, so

they
with

resteci
a

recall
tired

dee[|
me

of

11

alj

spoke, he slept.
sought
watched

repose
the

they, too,

upoc|

regula|
fell int(j

slumber.

he:

r^h

watchers

"

't

le

veiled

ns

slowly

denly fell
tenderly

THE

|Hour

xembling,

Sttrred

None

Philip

had

ingth

"

ou

well

IPhilip lay

tell

and

;r

appeared

;s

its

head

beside

which

looked

their

over

feet

the

python,

and

the

les

the

at

slumbers.

floor

-ecall meti
tired

of

alj

slept.

repose

[und as
rage.

But

upot|

lid

regula| 'he
fell

inti
of

Its

light

passion

with

setting, but

his

and

eyes

the

the

when

no

again

would

gaze
to

vent

when

away

and

again

its

ray

glinted

it

head

and

python

into

the

its
lamp still shed
Philip stirred
uneasily,
star

dreamily.

iitting upright

jciallyat

die

its

sorrow.

them,

over

then

which

upon

At

drooped

and
it

and

gaze.

and

and

would

features,

chateau,

opened
as

its

was

sun

anger,

Adrian,

their

anguish,

seeking something

droop
the

with

Adrian's

at

sorrowful,

apparent

flash

if

iced

in

about

intelligence in

seemed

serpent

the

id to

linger curiously

to

[eyeswould

,00,

are

mental

of

restorer

beautiful

guard

on

speaking

th almost

the

minds

whose

bet.

you

they restec|.
with a deq

and

raised
if

those

all.

of

strength

alone, for coiled

not

large

night

natural

morning

and

physical.

as

anon

[epers,as
:o

the

sleepers

still the

mental

than

is

sleep

as

the

sounder

they slept

iut

not

for

l^ary,

slowly

nd

and

of the

events

taxed

had

sleep

his

chafed

the

OCCUPANTS.

ITS

AND

vanished

hour

for

not,

just passed

floor, and

CRYPT

SECRET

after

around

nd

IV.

CHAPTER

gazi

and

the

moment

.g at

the

and

more

others, and

sorrowful

droop

of

;raceful head.
"

What

is

it, Karnac?

What
55

troubles

you

"

and

56

EARTH-BORN.

spoke, Philip stroked the njottled neck of the

python kindly. But the serpent stirred not, and
his
to awake
desisted, and concluded
Philip soon
companions, which he did with little difficulty.
he

as

Adrian
for

about

from

arose

moment,

the

divan, looked

and

then
We

I remember.

"Ah,

thought we had all

other world, but we

said

to search

gone

in

are

wonderingly

the

for the lost into

stillhere, and

are

chateau.

it was

an-

dream,

"

! what
heavens
but
is this ? and
nothing more,
he gazed wonderingly at the python, which
now
him
had raised its head and was
in
full
the
looking
"

"

face.
It is

"

and

Leo

"

surprised that he
place is usuallyat the foot of
Ah, yes, the sarcophagus. Let

cried

of her

and

I must

"

mother.

my

"

see

the

Have
the

is

fear of

no

Balzacs

never

here, however,

the

visit it at

us

a:

sarcophagus."
of my

bodies

When

generation

shall

Ave

once,

father

start

"

taken, the

please," said Minotti, but fir:

after our
mi
not
long fast,for if I am
day is past and night is at hand," and hf

looked

his

timepieceas

we

have

"

let

''

As
us

soon

eat

at

True,

as

"

you

So

let

us

hasten

cophagus," cried
Aye, then to
"

spoke.

await

and

should
the

finish

ending

it.

my in:
of the mea!

eat, but

Then

to

the

sa:

Adrian.

sarcophagus,"rejoinedMinott ^i"*|arn
soon
they reached a sina ^^Y
way, and
chamber, dimly lighted with a swinging lam;

Philipled the
ante

he

fasted,and

patience scarcelycan

im

servitor

of the

great ancestor,^

your

since.

century

friend

here

was

am

Adrian.

old

an

with

faithful

more

knew.
his

half

he

Asia

from

came

Balzac,

him.

Karnac,

it is said

Balzacs, since
ago,

but

nothing

the

"

58

EARTH-BORN.

noted

interest, and

with

It

strength.

apparently

kind, and

powerful protector,

its

quite

was

large

times, it would

parent
ap-

of

one

feet in

twenty

some

at

and

graceful beauty

its
A

length.
if

seem,

neces

sary.
knows

Karnac

**

well, M.

you

Hauton?"

queried

Adrian.
"

Very

"

Call

well, for years," replied Philip.

him

to

closely,"said

would

you,

called,

he

him

more

Adrian.

whistled,
Philip softl}'
Then

examine

stirred

python

Karnac,"

Karnac,

"

the

but

still

but

not.

no

swering
an-

movement.

"Your
would

thus

not

complete,

is

power

treat

its sound

side, while

his
"

will

Simply
call

Avas

Karnac

friend, and

so,

exercise

close

encircle

embrace

and

If you

master,
cerned
The

have

at

crush

know

it

python

call

to

at!

was

the

wish
He

for

naught

his friend

what
so

now,

it is
far

only myi

to

shoiild

will
in

it

hi^|

compunctioiij
be an
absohitej
is con!

Karnac

as

thcj

beside

for years,

without

tliej

me

is sufficient.
was

If you

ling.
whist-

by

With

slave.

me

him

come.

him.

me,

call, and I

least."

**
"

python

lowered

Adrian's

attitude
a

you

known

never

you

asleep by

With

over

would

he

3^ou

friendship counts

you

it," and

will

absolute

your

the

away

it, he

necessary.

is

power

for

need

no

willed

you

Philip's whistle

died

Philip said

is

There

had

Karnac

Courcey.

unless

me,

trifle hurt.
a
Philip seemed
Adrian
quickly repeated
before

M.

protector

one

its head

side, its eyes

of rest

it would

be

and

and

closing, and

quiet.

in time

seemingly fell

of

"

How

its general

powerfii|
need," thought}^

EAkTIIBOkN.

Adrian,

dwelt

Jiis eyes

as

59
the

upon

proportions trailingupon
been

Karnac

along
[scar

[That

[well nigh
nushed

him

night

\c that

ind

to

murder

it

his

for

been

not

Who
^**

force

the

[*Why

did

he

Partially for
motive,"

ight

his

I*And

entered

the

the

next

of

the

chateau

body might
As

python.
the

and

supposed.
morning,
Possibly

was

man's

not

man

one

it was,

crushed

body

out

man."
Adrian.

queried

Brahmin

by practice, a

of
in

adept

the

was

the

original

the

charlatan

igerous

ler

wound,

and

would

wounded.

sorely
by

thrust, which

found

was

is healed.

he

Balzac, it

this man?"

was

man

the

Notice

"

about

had

body

the

to

was

by

"t

and

broken

were

all semblance

He

That

swallowed

bones

"

his folds

Karnac

lay

[ave been
le

but

Count

it may,

as

by

"ad it

existence,

house,

your

tried

that

rut

s^vord

death.

of

powers

his

vicious

his

to

"has

"

finallywound

'ield,and

It

by

ended

survey,

rejoined Philip.

him

dealt

his

test, and

body, seemingly

his

was

inemies

race

our

times,"

Several

"

the

cular
mus-

floor.

the

aloud, after

to

put

of

in defense

said

he

Tell, me,"

"

and

strong

and

circumstances,

out-

daring,

reality."

desire

to

kill the
and

revenge,

slowly

"

Count?
think

some

answered

he

Philip, as

had
his

an-

eyes

plate.

what

this

was

other

motive

"

queried

Irian.
Be
id

not

I will

tell you

icipal motive
lotti's

Adrian,"

angry,

what
love

was

eyelids dropped,

ince upon

him

as

he

interrupted

Philip
for
for

spoke.

he

I know.

His

Countess,"

and

and

the

Minotti,

felt

Adrian's

hot

6o

EAKTII-noRN.

"

all who

Did

her

saw

h".r,then,

love

this

evfen

barbarian," cried Adrian, angrily.

'*

"

No.

but

Courcey," said Philip,sadly,

that compliment unavoidably,

all, M.

Not

paid her

many

though wishing

otherwise.

barbarian, but

deep

the

As

and

for

learned

him, he
and

man,

not

was

i^;

much

so

dangerous."

more

"

When

did

this occur?"

"

More

than

said Adrian.

twenty-fiveyears

answered

ago,"

Philip.
"

I should

than

better

have
to

enter

about," mused
"

He

well

thought

the chateau

over
power
thought he could

he could

and
id

pyrar

would
at

known

have

night,and

Karnac

Adrian.

had

together as

he

now

ably
prob-

But

it is

control
MInotti

not," and
he

serpents himself, and

Karnac.
set

his teeth

sternly

ished,
But
the meal is finspoke.
come,
let us explorethe sarcophagus, and the

where

"

it rests.

that the true

Lead

heir of the

on,

Philip,and

Balzac

race

member
re-

follows

you."
Philliparose, went to a panel in the wall, pressed
a spring,and
brought forth first a censer, and then
a curious
lamp, evidentlyof Egyptian origin,for it
represented the sacred crocodile, in miniature, its
the flame^
body forming the cup, and from its mouth
Then
he arose,|
appeared, Philip lightingthe wick.
and simply saying :
into'
Follow me
he led the way
out
carefully,"
the
hall, and
an
stopped suddenly before
open
panel.
Karnac
Ah, so this is how
came," he caid,and^^tenni
.

"

"

then

he

follow

glided
him.

into

the

recess,

and

bade

the other;

;,

*F(,J

t#the|

6l

KARTH-nokN'.

his

They stepped to
small

sadly,
voidably,

iscloscd

p,

not

was
so

seemed

a
.

much

chamber,

way

them

in the censer,

h"eheld the
answered

bade

Philip again

'fte incense
down

lamp

in the

Looking behind,
lp,wingthem.
My
Down
they went,

known

and

nd Karnac

it seemed

and

prob-

But

it is

round
stairs

the

and

lamp

eth sternly

meal is finrus,

and the

ip, and
ace

in

foliov,:^

the

to

the

-r,

then

and

rigm.

for it

iniature, it"
th the flame'
en

he

arose

re

an

into

open

of

the

what

seemed

an

hour

or

Adrian, they arrived

at times

of dent

two
at

the foot

quickly entered the open door,

there Philipstopped reversaying :

you,
tlie dim

and

when

omcd

to

derful

of all the Chateau

light,you

your
will

Balzac's

^h of

the last of your race

the world
Adric^.n looked, and looming before

row

aceyes are
the most
see

mysteries,the
has

known."

his vision

he

lantingwall
smaller

of solid
masonry, which appeared
toward
the top, lost in the distance

the shadow
the

see

and'*-^ nnot
he

be3'ond.
slantingpyramid,"

the

see

*^aid,
^^ Follow
ie the others!
he

the others

of stone, and

y a moment,
Look
about

out

case,

stairway,and

ay

led the

he

the
disappear around
quicken his steps and
form
hunchback
leading

would

excited

rchway
all,pressed

then

while

after
inally,

re-

hand

one

would

censer

sight

where

to

depths below.
careful,and lighting
in the

descend, hovv^ever,and

Adrian

cal;ch

door

following.
Karnac
saw
slowly folbody guard," he thought,
and round
and stilldeeper,
would
end.
never
They

irve,and

open

steps which

stone

other, and

future

in

themselves
an

it in

swung

Adrian

difficult to

not

were

be

the circular stair

"

^e

winding

in total darknes".

end

found

of which

end

one

flight of

to

at

side,and

said, "and

yet,

top of it."

me," said Philip,

and

other

he

side

of the

they passed Jiround

pyramid, and there they

62

KAkTH-l'.OKN,

found

door,

aperture,

or

from

little way

ili
iiirjc

ground.

he 1,

Philipseized
Minotti

his

the

hold

which
and

lamp

bade

and

entrance,

ladder

side, they entered

follow

singlefile,walked

him.

inclined

an

tin

to

but

re

lookcc

Reachin'

hall,and

narrow

down

bicldin^

he climbed

censer,

them

and

lay near,

Karna

togetiicr

path

of soli

blocks of stoii;
while all around
were
square
masonry,
fitted close together,forming the roof and sides,

iK^

arrived

they

Soon

in

an

and

chamber,

open

thu

KnUf

Philiplit a large lamp, which hung from the ceiiin

of beauty presenltt
in the shape of a crab, and a scene

passi

itself to their gaze.

The
walls of this strange room
were
hung wit
in gok
rich curtains of heavy material, embroidered

sparkled and

which

lamplight. Her
the sacred
bull, Apis, and tlicrl'
forth in golden splendor from :

embroidered

was

Ra, the

"*

shone

sun,

in the

shone

dark

wc
background. The stars and the moon
represented,and curious
hieroglyphics and sv;
were
portrayed. There a golden crocodile reposci

and

here

from
tically
just above

the
the

lamp

forth

of the curtains.

shadows

features

Avell known
and

figure Isis,stood

veiled female

Hangia
containing t^|

curtain

was

of Sesostris, carved

down
looking sternlyand silently

in

upon

ivor

the scd

below.
Around
case,

nished
rank

whose
brass
of

coffins.

walls stood

the

handsomely
and

In

giltfaces plainlydenoted
of

some

the

the

center

solid .blocks of stone,

cophagus, made

after muinnij
exteriors
and bin
case

mummy
carved

of

of

occupants
of the
laid

these

and

higi

ancic:;

resting

room,

lar"

the

111

elesfant

Egyptian porphyry, carved

vi:

lie (i

6i

EARTIi-liOKN',

the outside,
figuresand ini^criptions,
upon
it,
not placed upon
mdsoniely carved lid was
but rested by its side upon tlie floor,and as Adrian
behind
the sarcophagus the folds of
looked he saw
f)us

d bicldin

3ed

til

to

Reacliiiv,

Karnac's body, for

together
li of

soli

ks of

St )!];

**

This

arrived

before

presenlt Philip bade

ing
\vi!

He:

[lor from

werj

and

sigij

lile repose
d forth niy-

Hani;!!

itainingt'
id
)on

in

iv* r

the

fter muinni^

and

wait

others
the

of

top

and

moment,

and

then,

said
recci)tacle,

the

which

features

the

Dead

of

your

to

all the

myself.

None

contents

of this

Count

guard.
world

bii

save

sarcophagus

for

dead,

are

Minotti

you,

have

ourselves

save

Balzac, look

who

ancestors,

gazed

upon

twenty years,

past and

gone."
ith a quick bound
gazed spellbound

Adrian

reached

at the

beautiful

had

eyes for but one

before
ning in restful peace
t;ic Countess.
He

|hereshe lay,seemingl}^but

sec

"J,"

ors

"

us

from

that

living.

moon

the

veil

Behold
m

thcr

and

Philip,

:
ircssively

red in goli

ght.

resort," answered

is his usual

tlirough a shorter passage,

for his convenience
llpiilt
by the Count."
the
of the sarcophagus,
head
to
passing around
he

111'

hung

vsaid

python," wonderingly

Adrian.

ceil ill

the

tliere.

was

is the

*'Sej, here

I sides,
", and

he

,e, her

sweet

lipsparted

dreamily, the

^s

and

ided

in the

color

full tint of
thrown

in

Philip'sside,
vision

of the

fallen
a

of
her

half

figures

tw^o

his gaze,

before

and

asleep a

that

little

smile, her

life in

her

eyes
rounded

complexion.

One

the form
of
over
carelessly
ompanion, while the fingers clasped a small
ancieij
lese
grette, as though it had but just been used.
"esting iM''
lie dress was
of Avhite siik,rich,
pure and elegant,
elegant s:
the
to
throat, as if jealousof disclosig closely
carved ^^''

,ed the

hi^

arm

was

64

i:autii-i;okn.

in|^ the

part of her

smallest

finelymoulded
scintillated

brilliant solitaire diamond

from

single ring, and

figure
the lifrV!

in

large pearls hung

two

as

"

was
clasped at her thio:. ""q-.j^
drops. A turquoise brooch
and
a
jeweled fan lay carelesslybeside her. The i
^
of one
small, elegantly slippered foot, peeped fn". Qftg.^
l

ruffle of the

the embroidered

below

dress, and

the

pi,

of

sleeping modesty, of pure, charm

in quiet peaceful slumber.
lovely womanhood,

ture

v/as

one

side, dark

her

At

skinned

and

dark

in,

pose

of liis life

who

its

awake

seal

her

set

at

arise

Count

at

other, and

the

His

to

them

see

in

cuffs

spotless

the

busy

suit, while
the

upon

"ij

sluni'.K
lam

?ii\
t'

scenes

across

white

his dark
blue

hcadSh

form

and

open,

shone

'"'

closed,

were

jjjg ^

shie

owner

carelessly thrown

was

against his jet black

negligent confusion

though

(!;!"

if to

as

its

His

sinewy

eyes

for action

once

hand

One

life.

His

expected

almost

an

charac;

idea.

tep

SI

I'lConrit

went

seeker, of

restfully,as
it lightly,and

upon

of

his mouth,

over

moment.

any

of

pursuit

he

full
a

aIiV#L

if the

as

ere

and

strength.

and

naturally

posed

one

all in

and

its sternness

balance

the

student, of

lay curling

moustache

had

of

sternly set

refined

was

dare

would

in

hung

face

the

was

lips were

face

iHis

sleep.
It

His

,,

featured,
a

Count.

the

o^

and

cl

locks

satin

lay
pillow,rj

beautiful
hair (Hy.^el
golden and
The
his wife.
lifelike $i^|(|r(
complexion and color were
a
startling degree, and the whole
aspect of the t gfl*'
to
figuresseemed
thoroughly impress Adri?.n v\ "il"

strong

contrast

slumber,
Minotti
scene,
over

not

with

slowly

emotions
his

to

the

death.

advanced

of love

usuallymobile,

and

and

hate

stood

gazing

playing

self-contained

at

alternatd

countenanc

t^

EARTH-BORN.

And

not

python

moment

desist, and

to

Adrian

soon

he

as

Minotti's

from

length

too

slowly

form, and

and
Minotti, carefully
the

and
the

her, and

hi

the

to

reverently took

laid it beside

Countess, and

unwound

slid
forward

Philipreleased Adrian, jumped

thfi

willed

floo

caugf
hand

turned

\^i
gj^ji

t^ t^ij.

Adrian
and
the
light. The:
priest'sface toward
*#j^
no
was
signof intelligencein the glassy,staringeye t^^
and the pliant limbs appeared to obey only the n
\^b^^
tion given to them
inde;
by Philip. JNIinotti was
a^"r

if

entranced,

his

or

Philipand

terrified

looked

had

reason

Adrian

the

Which

0^"

this

at

each

fled.

at

unexpected catastrop staltca

the other, and
ther
c^a? alsiiiid

around,

seeking

On

floor

lay Karnac, blinking lazily. Aitv

dark

curtains

the

cause.

hung as before. Beside ri

lay that elegant sarcophagus, and pictured clc;
against its satin lining reclined the figuresof

them

the

Count
for

CounteES"

and

Minotti's

Seemingly

condition, and

yet

ported by Philip,as pliableas

with

self,and
What

was

as

cause

pulse.

ing of

his

was

body

was

the heart.

an

exclamation,

Minotti
Next

none.

It had

In it

li

H"

hand

li|

down,
he

which

had

and

t3i

felt for

felt for the

i.

jM^

ceased.

Very quietlyP';?!
body. After a if

and

Minotti's

caj
?j

that of the Count

the
gazed upon
seemed
scrutiny,during which time Adrian
the
again carefully upon
Philip looked
bodies in the sarcophagies.
'*Ah," he exclaimed, and reaching down,

arose,

no
was

Suddenly Philip uttered

fullylayingthe body of
There

there

little animation.

the

held

that

of the

laythe vinaigrette,but seemingly

stiiiii

recli;v"

he

rajw^i

Cou!i"

closed.

67

EARTlI-BORN\

willed

th'

iwound

li

caiigi j^^

and

hand

:he

turned

staring

only

p"iuketed
with

L^

Ol^rs

I catastrop:

st^tcase.

ther

action

the

form

ert

ti

Beside

the

secret

evil

seems

to-night."

suiting

Am-

not

misfortune,

spiritof

hasten, for the

us

must

I will

or

top of

the

lamp,

We

with

met

reach

we

the

Minotti.

has

One

before

and

censer

with

the

said:

is exhausted,

incense

result.

Let

the

Philip

zily.

the

ere

may

abi^d

gay

take

will follow

he

it

that

covered

reverently

Then

veiling.

for the

ich?

and

lein^^ehere

indet aiKNrer

was

the

not

was

most.

at

moments,

article, and

Balzac,

on,

few

It

impression

left the

odor

but

the

"Count

eye

the

closed

it.

carefullyat

looked

he

pungent

\yQQn

tl bodies

The:

ght.

but

open,

vinaigrette

flo(j

the

^\^

of

Minotti

in

took

mechanically

words,

the

to

his

the

he

gathered
arms,

and

censer,

and

strong
and

lamp

cle;;

ctured

figures
'no

was

body

ocky

passage,

Philip
^assisted

a\

f the

was

lii

Count

he

look, they left the

another

ut

staircase

difficult

ition, and

and

^rn,

felt

It for

few

c3'

fc^r

^:i

quietly V ?^
After

eemed
the

if

f the

he

and

from
but

we

Ij^^^b

the

the

^^^

from

as

the

to

bottom

of

Here

was

the

light

no

had

to

rest

Minotti's

reached

the

light might

every

pore,

but

body,

it

top

both

was

become

manfully,
and

it

still

tl.e

they

top.

put the

the

the

later.

they toiled, working

Philip,
Coun'fljpi

rly closed.

and

dripping

at

body

Philip

was,

Adrian

breath.

they

ere

ation

recllv(

stood

the

seconds

he

reached

aperture.

wita

carrying

On

stiivet

few

take
at

incense

they

as

ted.

down,

turns

the

began, for Minotti

and

work,

the

descend

part

steps,

Bow

the

to

strong

y took

"

then

ladder, and

iral

n,

and

chamber,

incense
he

secret

burns

panel between
out,

all will

struggled upward

with

us

be

and

well,"

his

bur-

6S

KAKTII-BOUN.

"

But

already

it

begins

censer," cried Adrian,

and

grasping

Minotti

step they toiled up

they

Would

below

soon

faint

in the

swish

of the

serpent, nearer
fainter and
censer.

and

sisted

"

"

he

could

willed

hear

Closer

Karnac

incense

the

the
and

gn

rustle
closer

i
c:
,

sounded

nearer

he is beside

at

Adrian's

his comi

i|

Suddenlv

them.

the

suggestion

put into Karnac's

girdlewas
the body

step

fainter grew
of the ince.J
the smoke
Soon
Karnac's
head appeared am
now

and

stopped,

and

arr

turning,spi:

this

while

coming python.

and

the curve,

they

censer,

the

in the

and

them,

tr

stairs.

Was

his

it upon
free hand,

snake-like

winding,
gasped Adrian,

"Ah,"

his

in

fainter

grow

swung

rocky

end

this

dungeon,
appear.
And

he

as

with

the

never

to

mouth, and

clear of the steps, the

pri
he

as

i"

ra

companion

two

in

powerful python
carrying it,
the stairway,and were
togetherthey mounted
at the

the

entrance,

early,for

as

they

in the censer,
exclaimed

and

and

the secret

reached
a

it the

the

rock-hewn

The

n,m

stairs,and

defeated 'i

you
thus."
and

re-echoed

finallydied

away

i'

shut, and with.

panel was
finally
and
pale faces, Philip and Adrian
other's eyes, by the pale lightof th f

secret

into each

Itr

just behind

below.

ing breath
tian

nonej
diedaj

Once

distance

But

incense

ringing voice

again, Karnac, have

Dhur, but it will not always be
And
a mocking
laugh echoed
"

panel.

lamp.

fgaiii
ittliecl

tj

in

inter

his

pon

an

and, step

THE

is Lai

"Who
He

"

incense

is the

I fear

C()rai;g

of the

they

inctf

But

"

ppearedarot

sped

on

and

he

as

rai

his mortal
and

on

died

body

his

then, but

revenge-

Being remarkably wicked,

on.

nont

ireafter,and

diecU

he

as

behind

better

re-echoedc

Iprm

iw

humanity, so
and wanders
spirits,

what

hr.s

*'

"'

save

ressed

I know

witb

Adrian

lightof

have

from

Earth."

to

Minotti

to

Since

not.

by impressing
Minotti

igrette,when
Lit, and

back

done

he

thci

outcast

an

the

to-night ?"

q^ried Adrian, aghast.

That
;.;f^*

s.

away

^^

he is

from

here

outcast

an

was

ter class of

defe-Aled

and

twenty-five years,"

Adrian.

And

died

for

dead

been

by
hand.

at

of
elements
naturally belonging to the baser
instead of soaring
ture, his base spiritclingsto Earth
the higher fields beyond where
spiritsof greater,
He
loved
life
bier aspirationsgo.
here, not existence

were

cense

3U

close

this time

But

ust

divan

upon

has

1 spiritlives

companion;
arrying it,
and

he

Yes,

"

prii

the

raised

Minotti, which

of

Suddenh

1.

pointing

this is his handiwork,"

form

prostrate

had

shiver.

the

Led his

with

outcast

that

now

Adrian

Karnac
priest,whom
Philip, shuddering^ visibly,'

Brahmin
answered

stroyed,"

a-

nd
closer

nd

SEARCHERS.

THE

asked

Dhur?"

gn

rustle

the

ROUND

GATHER

SHADOWS

Karnac

ed

V.

CHAPTER

urning, spi:

held

the

him

to

impressed

do

could

others

inhale

to

he

he

to

do

the

bodily

no

it,I judge he
of

contents

Countess'
first

hand.

take

the

the
He

hand,

the t

I then
'

impressed

Hg^inst Minotti.
itidecd for Lai

to

you

anger

It would
Dhur

to

have

know
69

and
been

that

to

use

sweet

Minotti

Karnac
revenge

perished

EARTH-BORN.

;o
in the
and

pythonicembrace

same

have

"

to

feel

mortals

as

feel.

he could

as

see,

he could

That

as
revenged, or satisfied,

be

himself,

it.

see

speak as though

You

and

there

been

crushed

that

mortals

do,

hate, or love,

are."

we

spiritwhich feels,sees,
loves, hares, and not the body, and the death of tlie
body simply sets the spiritfree,but does not change
it in any other respect."
Meanwhile
thfiyplaced Minotti's inert body upon
in the main
endeavorinij^
a divan
hallway,and were
animation
bing
to the pliantlimbs by rubsome
to restore
them
briskly. It was, however, to no purpose,
desisted.
and they soon
"

And

is

There

"

be

to

he

so

is that

at

"

is best

what

that

only one

way?"

answei^ed

Adrian,

"let

us

once."

It is to consult

the veiled

oracle

repHed Philip.
you the figure could

Think

asked

discover

to

of."

chamber,"
"

way

"

"What

"

sure

one

done," said Philip,slowly, and

I know

try it

It is the

can.

in the curtained

tell ?

"

wonderinglv

Adrian.
For

Aye.

long

years
secrets, and

most

hidden

same

figure told

the past

and

the

it has

the
told your
race
tradition
has it that this

Pharaohs

of

Egypt

future, thousands

of

years

events

of

ago, in the
Also, that it stood

grand temple of Isis,at Thebes.

in the Serapeum, at Alexandria, in a later age, audi
was
dailyconsulte.d by the priestsof Serapis there,
It is a wonderful
figure,and strangelyenough, gives

nothing at
of those
attraction

f^

all to the

who

seem

for it."

many,
to

and

possess

everything
a

certain

to

power

few
or

V'!'^

71

EARTH-BORN.

himself,

%
"rtalsu(

Ad

),

No,

Philip.

:els,sees,

"

th of the

or

Have

iomely

then

executed

but

an,

the

that this

events

ol

in the
ago,
lat it stood

and

age,
"apisthere,
er

Dugh, gives
icr
n

to

power

few
01

the

you can, at will."

tried and failed to get any

tained
cur-

results,

and

until

has

not

you
been

least."

at

Adrian.

Have

"

you

ever

'

it apart.

It is

nothing but

hand-'

ebony figure of the veiled Isis. A

master
some
sculptor or artisan of
carved.
It has organs
of speech, of

earing,of sight,fashioned

race

sound

in

whatever

it up,
gave
curtained
chamber

had

skill has

reat

Lir

Neither

extract

to

carved

any

absence.

finallyw^e

annikin, which

Dnderingly

as

But

it, the

Yes, and

"

that

silent

as

anythmg

strange,"mused
this figure}**

Kamined

is best

one

\f

obtain

but

Plow

"

at

queried

proven," replied

been

been

visited for fifteen years,

purpose,

"

Minotti, too?"

Entered

rub-

has

as

father's
your
myself have been able

you

"Yes,

power

since

it,or

ind

upon

by

figure has

chamber.

ieavoring
bs

The

Minotti

irom

do,

you

ever

"

ody

that

possess

you

but

image

change

)t

do

nan.
"

love,

or

And

"

that is all.

life

minutely after

It of

has

course

it needs

those

of

digestive

no

can
giving organs,
talk,
"rhen properly controlled,and by the right person,
n
evidentlysee and hear also. It is said that tho
irit of Mizraim
endows
it with prophetic
powers,
that this spiritawakens
^d
few
to
those
who
only
properly arc re-incarnations of Mizraim's family."
Where
this wonderful
was
figurefound, and how
it in possessionof our
race?"
me
inquiredAdrian.
"It is a long story, but the simple facts are that it
1|as buried in a cave, with the hieroglyphicof the
of Ra
Jj^oyalHouse
inscribed upon
it,and on the
r

as

It

none.

"

^ummy

cases

-v^ppvercd b^

around

it.

This

wandering Arabs,

cave
near

v/as

the

disfinally

Ramesseum,

EARTH-BORN.

72
Thebes.

at

for years,
sold
and

it

and

resoJa )]d

and

mechanism

the

hands

of Lai

its purpose,

its worth,

discovered

unknown

were

hands, bein^
passed through many
wonderful
piece of
sim]iply
curiosity.

fell into

Finallyit

"

its value

figure and

The

and

Dhur,

who

spent several

tracing
image, deciphering its hieroHe
sold it to the
glyphics and locating its age.
of Bombay, who
Brahmins
placed it in the old cave
of
Karli, as an oracle, and then, as he alone
temple
the

in

years

could
remain

for evil ends, and

edge

Damascus,

at

short

cut
"

by

He

sold

descending
it

in honor

that

owing

of the

the curtained

cried
Minotti
"

is

i "i;

been

career

story

as

been

represented Isis,but i
Great

his

Pharaoh,
mother.

royal

special prayers
spirithad descended
when

of

one

of the

upon

Mizraim's

spirit.
image

veiled

he

He

offered

This

latent

made

for their

oracle

an

to

the

to

return

Adrian, "and
if

tended
he in-

bv

it,h
scendants
de-

is the

of

Isis in

at

once,

chamber."
then

us

of

oracle

an

awoke

Let

his

saild it had

it

that

Rameses

to

it became

nucleus

not

II., the

priests,Mizraim's

and

"

resell it,had

order, and

Tuaa,

said

to

father

your
Doubtless

him.

it to

the

secret

called

the

fell in with

then

figure Tuaa,
early priests of Egypt

famous

elected

was

Karnac.

by

called

the

also

and

steal and

to

it, he

highest priest. He stole it,

in using his knowlbeing detected

fled, after

and

from

elicit responses
it as the
with

solve

the

this

"

chamber

mystery

surrounding

possible."

First let

"Mn

me

tell you

the
directlyover
stands immediately

"^omb

above

that

you
the

the

curtained

visited,that
apex

of

the

chambei
the

figun
pyramk!

tJi^pc

Count
Ditur

filled.

^'

H:

EARTH-BOR":.

74
"

times, but

At

Philip,his
firmer

eyes

set.

so

How

''

far

answered
successfully,'*
gleaming and his lipsclosingwith
not

soon

told.

Surely not
and
faithfully,
employ
be

not

"

And

those

Adrian
"

long

so

the

c;in.

the

guard

?"

they

are

bodies

of resistance."

means

proper

What

means.

as

overcome

queried

earnestly.

firm

of those

"\V'yt

who

directed

de'es

which
be^li:.vilh,

"

woikl

the

rurts'er

by whoui
against me,

knowledge
for

be

may

instance, as the

and

of

incense

you

saw

secondly

influences

the

use

the

and

spirit;

how

an-

the power

are

preventives,sud
in the

burn

me

censer.
"

and
the

But

the power
curtained

And

the

him

threw

them
his

Adrian,

dark

"

'

Come

to

him, and

t(

and

all,known

de|

unknown,

"

Are

ready ? he cried.
Adrian.
Aye," bravely answered
you

and

chamber,

divan, and

at

with

were

at

soon

Let

"

us

go t

once."

last look

one

below, they mounted

Here

stooi

his

flashing,and

eyes

Carefullyarranging the body

once

the

of Minotti

to

that

see

the

more

upon
all was

noble

of

entrance

the

tli
sa:

stairwai
chambei

Philiplit the incense, and

The

fore.
and

it.

into

before

both

of defiance

one

and

of Minotti

trance

chamber,"

lamp, swung

meanor

the

which

the

went
to the recesi
up the censer,
he first obtained
it,filled it with
incense,

before

"

fathom

us

Philippicked

where

"

let

come,

chamber

Nothing

the veiled

of the

was

lamp

as

the

save

figure were
and

the

dark
black
to

delicate

they entered.
and
forbidding as bi
curtains, the pedest:
be

and

seen,

smoke

of

the

ra

the inccr;

75

EARTH-BORN.

y,'answered I
losing with

softlyand carefullysteal
icnt,as though partakingof the dread
;med

c;in-

/^ercome

without

)Sudder

of resist

queried

nfluences

are

^^entives,sucl^^

of Minotti

:e

Let

all

loble
the

of

tli
sa!

was

stairwa)
chambe;

IS, the
n,

and

clad

end.

and

They

of

swish
the
low

an

coming
lullaby

painfully near,
and

hand,

as

whis-

his minions

and

We

should

subsided

with

are

not

and

have

ven-

scattered

whence

their

abroad

they

dread

to

came,

influence.

Do

that

would

stir,but bend

not

defiance

to

all,come

your
those

will
who

enthrall

j^nd

nder

o'er

Sfemed
pedest: ai it

of the incor;

through

drive
senses,
your
your
forth from
its home, and
wreck
chance
your
futurityif possible,sending your spirit forth to

n^y.

bt

the ray

fell

the

and

forgetfulnessfrom

mistaken.

am

^Kcarer
as

pine

I
very
1 it slowly, graduallydescending upon
like a
us
It will be a test of strength this hour,
I of death.

rise above

entered,

bidding

the

sudden

companion's

air is thick

one

lat

his

full company.
till they had
here

go t

inotti upon

as

and

rose

seemed

breeze

feared, Lai Dhur

stooi.^

us

sound

rcd
ith incense, li*',
i winds

and

impatientlyawaited

night in

his dt
g, and
ind unknown, "

it

as

risingtempest,

tenderer
the
Ij]!
ilip clutched
Ired

wind

it

as

the

ts master,

recesi

lim, and

in

figure

Jie

through

needles, the

and

breath,

ai^ry

As
it to the

they

hear

coidd

ises

it

a*?

of the

sough
tl^epine cones

tc|

Come

it.

around

from

while

storm

The

in tht

burn

le

by

wrre

est.

secondly

and

the

if snuffed

a?

out, and

went

Ipiemingl',far jclow, they

the power

es

flicker,and

?.

Jliimanh.t d, the light

,.1a coming
'

anxiety of

total darl-' less,

;y ?"

apart-

"ur.

rd the bodies
2ans

the

over

to

to

this Earth
it into

and
be

as

theirs,without

came

the rush

graduallychanging

feel the

power

higher spheres."

nearer

approached

the

the

rocky

chamber,

and

floor tremble

of the storm.

into

furious

It

gale

Adrian

could

at its

coming.

tinctly
dis-

76

EARTH-IJOkN.

Be brave, and

"

where
and

his

companion
A

darkness.

more,

whispered

If the worst

moment,"

could

feci

the worst,

to

comes

Stand

"

in the
him
moving near
and Philipagain clasped

was

moment

hand, and

"

whispered Philip.

in
are, I will be with
you
you
loosed tHat of Adrian, who
his hand

that

his

fear not,"

still are

we

safe,

fear not."

so

cold

crash

breath

swept

wind

The

if to draw

embrace.

The

it seemed

the

in

them

againsteach
stood

out

loud

Cursed

And

be all the

wild

re-echoed

around

and

about

*'

As

through

the

it

thee

the

wind.

cold

hand

voice

said

the

doomed

"

And

**

am

not

who
he

rang

Pursue

to

be all."

hundred

throats

Over

room.

and

ant,
discord-

and

tempest, above

wander

to

tree, the plant

pealed, harsh

of

am

Theii

voice

Minotti, cursed
a

distant,so shalt thou.

lead

the

race,

from

as

them

head, and
I

the

to

unhurt.

Dhur's

Lai

the rush

the

Adrian's

be

laughter,

and

above

and

gale

Balzac

Cursed

echoed

of

the

braced

sprig.

the

as

stone
every
it hurtled

them, still they

about

raged

unmolested

ground
the fury of

clear and

and

it

while

their

from

foundation,

its

cyclonic

increasingviolence. But
firmlythey bade defiance

ever

other

influence, and

"

from

chateau

the

storm

feet,and

their

sweep

them, and

into its

beneath

would

hurricane

about

them

floor rocked

with

forest,the

swept and eddied

tug;gedand pulledas

around

of the

of^afallingmonarch

as

broke.

of

their faces, and

across

the

descended

t$kes

ing
howlupon

here. Nirvana

thy

research.

ever

It sha'

Eve, but me."

art

from

thou

whbm

"

boldl}^answered
the

first of

Adrian.

^u^

**Wh
lied

Earthly

evi

EAKTII-BORX.

Stand

"

'^lyr

)uld

vvho

11

loment,"

"

and

feci

in

the

clasped
safe,

of

reason,

In this round
tossed, discontented race.
your storm
the human
of life I hold command
over
body. To
I

and

you
are

strength and
lence,
brings foul disease, and festering pestiwild
desire, and devouring passion to
mankind

robs

vvho

"

yours
of shades

world

known

am

Lai

as

I have

for centuries

the

To

Dhur.

known

been

as

C"in, the Earth-Born."

d with

**And

and

"

cyclonic

long as
t, they

"i

rang

"

Fret

plant

and

died

he

spoke.

leads
no

The

the

spirit

would
to

soar

me.

him."

to

for

way

here

art

had

thou

false shade

us,

re-incarnation

te
Be-

of

lost

trial,and

on

last trial
me,

and

proud.
Qm^

Thou

"What

Philip.

Devachan

and

Remember

to

work

thine

thy
to

do

hast

humanity

for

This

centuries

this,and

and
infallible,

not

attempt

hast thou

^.-

lied

art

into

thy spirit's
problem.

fail.

may

twice

wave,

backv/ard

cast

gained from

thou

fall in the

this Earth

to solve

ever

It shal

in

been

pmeliershape

with.
and

Philip,thou

Mot,

failed,and

Adrian,

encircle

Philip,proudly.

cried

hast

es

upon

evi

storm

ed
he howl-

hly

human-

fail again
may
hy spiri ranges through the realms of space, its
its future gained. Six exissins expiated and

discord-

ana

as

bone

these

Thou

er.

throats.
)ver

and

contend

to

which
the way
wilt pave
Thou

all."

"e

below

depths

blood

mine

are

!
the

the

Earthly trappings
to Eblis, not
eights beyond, answers

Then

)ice

the

and

flesh

sheds

ch

the

;till they
t.

I with
spirits,

and

"

sneer,

"^"

it braced
to

into

sank

aw4|y and

ry stone
hurtled

covert

voice, and

the

thou,"

than

higher

the freed

Eblis battles with

proudly replied
ity^'t

feet,and

:e

still

one

interposedPhilip,with
bliively
in thy dark world, too."

be storm
lem,

is

yet there

like

be

Minotti,

freedom."

with

Minotti?"

;8

B:ARTii-nok\.

thou

Woiild'st

him

sec

?"

now

queried

voicj

the

exultantly
If thou

"

can

Earthly body.
"

Draw

the

tassel

in his

Shall

I draw

the
"

"

sliovv

liiin to

Where

is his

silken

Aye, draw,"

"

the

as

voice

Adrian
rolled

drew

ceased.

whispered
the reply.

Philip.

to

We

''

smoke

and

from

the

There

Nothing

anywhere.

flame

the

country

rocks, and

save

stopped to rest
figure slowly

here

lava, and

and

up

heated

rocks

the

steep

mountain

turned

tov

the

but

.ice

"

wretchedness

middle

Lai

who

Minotti

ground.

which

lay

down

Dhur

would

kept

lift the
bid

veil

defiance
to

to

reach

sad

pace

the

many

higher

doomed

solitar

pathet

with

soared

those
from

which

clay.

brav
nature

comrao:

He

fail,and
the

Eblist

by

have

rules

than

seenic

of his

secrecy

humans

for
ciin

it
the

to

reco

countenance.

would

of

they

that

ar.

Tl

stone.

in every

out

common

govern

failed, as
fain

looked

plainly in his
spirit roams,

altitudes, and

laws, and
men

so

his

where

higher
souls

spoke

and

that

sniol

pallid, the

was

side,

and

them,

was
depicted
despondency
feature
so
despondency
deep
itself were
preferable by far

"See

jctsi

and

hug'3, misshapen

bent, and

eyes,

a:

there, spurtin,

the

beside

Minotti,

lonely

curtair

sign of vegetatir

no

was

appearing

solitary way
among
Slowly it toiled

nized

and

parched crevices.
they looked, a figure appeared, groping

While

the

safe, wha

are

desolate, mountainous

view.

to

cord

silken

the

away.

peared

death

comes."

ever

and

hold h:

Adrian

see," and

he

was

We

yes.

spirit?" replied Pliili[

and

cord,

hand,

us,

a
fails,

now

he

highest, find

79

EAUTII-RORV.

voicfMLj,^.if
solitarymind

icd the

in

We

holfl h

cplied VUWii
id Adrian

fe

id.

such

for

which

safe,wha:
curtair

aj^es, till
and fitthis

gain control

veiled

the

was

image

spoke.

4 And
"*The

Can

"

Land

of

seek

not

we

there ?

him

"

"

planet circling

is Mars, the

Flame

Tuaa

Flame, O

of

Land

is this

where

cried Adrian.
the

vi"lcanoes

for

rocks

It

race."

future

hold

nature

and

shatter

earthquakes

and tumultuous
the weary
time as higher elements

rend

chaos

ilip.
ire

clbtrol. Where

of

elements

baser

where

of Flame,

jnd

of solitude, the

world

country a
This is but the
Earth.
the orbit of our
next outside
of vegetatii
middle ground for minds which
penetrate the deeps
s

va, and

jets
I

and
ol^ipace

spurtia

lere,

linger

and
ain

they

y follow

11

rs

for

f his

those

ich
He
and

Devachan."
hour

an

ago

he

Adrian.

the

which

drop

his

sent

spirit

h untrammeled
d.

Had

swiftlyto

But

brav

love

he

a
fails,

now

he

^rtibes
than

commo:

he

{ind
lighest,

**
1

$kd

been

prepared, it

Universe
would

be-

have

led

loyallove

would

lead

fell short, and

could

reach

her.

his

knowledge

has visited the

this ?

Three

times

then

returned

lied the

great, wide

her side, where

o'erreached

Then

nature

in the

he but

*om

but

patheti

soared

ve

Eve

reach

who

by help or
but

they meet
they

solitar

Eblis

by

there,

to
power
and wait

Earth, and

those

when

can-

its way.
That
final drop of knowledge
which
free from cloying matter, and sends it
the spirit

intenance.

but

save

chance

this

For

queried

from

by

to

not

Devachan,

unless

once.

return

us?"

took

He

every cun
it it seenie

at

he

came

d with

the

back

have

to

return

returning

ne'er

can

How

reco;

[id,the

mind

spheres. They

who

to re-appear,

age

ronger

side, an

stone.

ture

smok

Those

farther, soon

ure

d, groping it

distant

the

reach
here.

"

Land

wondenngly

has

of

not
as

before."

Flame

questioned

at

other

Adrian.

Minotti's

to Earth

spiritventured
here,
through stronger minds,"

image.

Is

So

LARTII-IiOUX.

whose

"'And

reach

side, and

er

spiritback
Then

what

And

"

sadly.
Naught
knowledge,
his

to

to

Tell

should

"I

Adrian

called

is not

to

and

Di.

Adriar,

not

destrc

Were

hope.
might

harm,

been

Now

coulc
you
his misery. Care
for

share

ana

soon

then

rest

obeyed,

and

If not,

it.

inW arrive

versed

better

you
him.

save

it from

claim

reap
exclaimed

do, then?"

we

O !

us,

tell

Tuaa, will he
if thou

us,

not

he

may

content,
he

Minotti's
The

to

return

laws

governed by

which
the

return

will," pleaded

forgetfulof all else in his desire

"

stays

has

is it

may

#fN(;

re,^

fo:^, dn^m

sunL^jiiiii-ic

in De vachan."

rest
"

reaches

lav/s have

nature's

led hi-

body, keep

turn

he

him,"

you
his side, and

reach

not

'

now," exclaimed

him

will,if

can

but

'*

but

his, and

to

came

could

will

may, and
before she

vachan

He

Eve.

yet unfulfilled."

here

help

may
of relief.

She

she

so

duties

to

she

in tones
"

OSCi

%)rc.
him,

with

returned

She

"

ques.

Adrian.

tioned
"

him?"

returned

then

power

Thy

Adrian
be

to

power

ly,
earnest-

assured

oi

Earth.
govern
laws which

those

"vho

awake

Were

thou

the

then
infallible,

prophecy
hold

Tuaa

supremacy
spirit within

dormant
so

in

would

I be.

are

o'er
me,

Clearer

insight,gained by clairvoyance,opens the door ot^hatwl

but only when
the ennobled
futurityto me with certainty,
o'er all warringj|
e ]
spirit commands
supreme
powers.
**
Learn

i(

to

may

fully master

me.

But

as

knowledge,

thyself in

master

the

mortal
so

may

all

uc
things,and thoui.,
within
prophecy
power
I Ci
in
errs
prophecy for lack of
Tuaa, when
questioned bjpVOtkc

of

**

man

"m

i:i

liilii;:

1
EARTH-BORN.

82

tell until such

cannot

whose

rolled

they

more

in

were

that

As

Adrian's
once

nothing

bui

reininr

to

censer

curtained

in the

stood

they

the

mindl

and

scene,

darkness, with

arising from

faint incense

them

the

over

total

thine."

ceased, the tassel dropped from

hand, the curtains

the

questioned by

as

greater limits than

embraces

scope
voice

The

time

chamber.

them
slowly crept an indefin
they stood, over
of something unhallowed
and intangible
it was
they could m
fearfully
present. What

able dread
but

fathom, but it oppressed them like an incubus, unti

that it mii;
fightagainst it as they would, it seemed
their

from

essence

In the black
round

in the

them

overpower

struggled bravely
and

bent
at

swim,

to

the

shall be

help

himself.

by

feelioj

all the
not

influence

the

eat

wij

do
wou

them.

who
feels his he:
drowning wretch
fillwith
the
cruel
lungs
water, tl
his winding sheet, and yet is unable \

the dreamer,

restful slumber

whose

horror

Like

tomb,

felt it would

They

by the nameless
nightmare, who would
cry

to

of the

it with

conquer

li:

chamber, w\\i

overpowering

it seemed

yet
r

silence

the very
brains.

his

soon

Like

the
and

the

command.

surely overpow
Like

of that awful

with

their wills

power
fail then, and

draw

beating,throbbing

darkness

reigned

them

end, and

the charmed

step advances

terror
out

who

man,

towards

the

of

but

the

is changeWx^
enthralli.

cannot.

in dumb

1(

/Jg|^r"f

AlHierf*
agony,

fascinatingeyes

st

oft

y^ c
tl^^in
r

his doom
mesmeric, poisonous serpent, and knows
these
resist
stood
the two, \viiti
sealed, yet cannot
so
|||Qg.gj.
"

round
of soul

and

about

them

gathered the

terrifying
power.

horrible

shado

.'j^^^,^j
^^ He

83

EAUTII-nORN.

by

mind

And

thine."

from

now,

it seemed

shadow

black

the

out

without
slowly appeared to view, forms
in their mdignity,
and misshapen, deviHsh
l^mmetry,
but of remnants,
patched
Ulihoiy.and not of man,

liiatf jruis
Adrian'v

)m

and

i,

once

bui

lothing

fttom tlic castaways

remiiv

to

without

bodies,

of

without

some

amber.
to

intangible

could

;y

nr

icubus, unti
it

that
the

features

of

^v

of

wou

round
nds

bed!

1 water,

tli;

when

denly

the

loud

and
of

ons

le

! You

to

watch

what

men,

ng
vs
le

Know

Mill^ered these

lb agony,

that

his
two,

with

that
s^'S|fd|t

boast
of tythie'

wi

rible shadt

Jasper

than

cried

the

and

think

the

lowest

the two

horribly fascinated.
Lai

Dhur's

voice

of the nameless
you
born like yourselves, of

Cain

into

since

man,

the

in God's

the

!"

Round

round

throng,
the passionsof

he is made

side

here

before.

as

cir-

could

even

us,

regularity. Aye,

nian
intelligent,
doomflK^^e. Higher than

eyes

on

them,

brought evil
enthrallii^gUgption

not.

nearer

brain

harm

cannot

throng stopped, and

clear again :

changtp.^;,^an
?

and

human

eddying throng swept

they went, and round

turned

that

ending

never

joined

Philip bravely

ies,the Terrene
IS

glared
monstrosity

haunts, foul relics of the lower

your
! Back

the

ut

additions

It seemed

to

nature

jels his

3er

waved

there

again

Hell-born

some

fresh

friends, as

more,

Back

do;

is unable

and

trundled

hand

armless

an

they circled, in a
horrors, gradually closingnearer

jfidno

feelii:

not

there

ble
horri-

were

trunk

round

cli|lg
throng.

eat

uence

and

tQl^hetwo

all the

Id

tfie hideous

tr^n

tomb,

[1

them,

Round

whi

amber,

sring

toward

li;

"ains.

about,

all

headless

a#kwardly
menacingly

limbs

were

of evil.

mu;

very

Here

upon.

gaze

indefii

an

Some

Universe.

the

first

world, have

man,

of whom

great, has

image, man
brought forth

highest

kind,

the
of

his

own

of his

animal

race,

yet

is the

abfiJial man.
T^ He

who

would

cross

the

threshold

of the

Uni-

EARTH-BORN.

84

Think

world

that

to

pentant

first with

battle

must

verse,

not

to

falls upon

Earth-Born

which

as

you

shadow

The

of

Look

speak.

unre..

"^"^^'^

forth

them

brought

them.

escape

cling

these, who

the'^^l^^
'^"

B^
,,

hold!-

^^'"J^

the
shadow;
staring eyes they gazed, while
air became
and
the
them
seemed
to deepen around
y
?
more
oppressive. Slowly, but surely,a faint outline
began to define itself against the black darknesso:;.

With

11

.,

awful

that

around

assumed

towering

and

Gradually
proportions

portions of

man

cal head

body,

or

flame

vering
sands
made
and

in

darkness

With

neither

up

of luminous

terrible

in the

desert

they

inconceivable

the

sav

^,

pic

x-^

symmet:.""^i4!.,.
the
oi"

^s

cyclciie. It

each
particles,

,,

terribk

like
appeared to move
the whirling windstorm,

the

with

and

it

of

round

distinct

^^

figure, lacking

beast.

or

shadows

luminous,

in the

strangelyawful

and

new

them

above

closcc^

circle

Terrene

the

the

them.

outline

while

chamber,

.,

whirling

rapidity,and

as

w^j tj|p^(-

tbjjj-^^f
^-j,
^vVj^^g^ p

rour;ap.j|M
tht^^Bg^j-

them
^i^lHKinc
gazed upward they could see far above
manlike
the top, and
toward
the figuregrew
out ("^Smi
I
offshoots
slowl
its misshapen trunk, two
wavering
ow"'*
\v
n

and

formed
to

claim
Like

stretched

the
a

forth

head

of

thoui: T^lfedc

the darkness, crowned

witonibfe
h

huge proportions, stony, stariii;cinnyre

unreadable,

yet grand
upon,
fore t.l.eni shone
Eartli

as

id nel^re

fearfullyunfathomable
nance,

wide

world.

pillarof lightin

massive

far and

eyes,

and

unknowable,

and

countrea^i# thj
sphinx-like
dreadful

to

g:i

"

awful

in its every
part, so hgly "|iies
this wonderful
figure,and all t'"Each c

throng paled in comparison to it,ai|pulsef0

faded ^ivvay like the fo',,
before the sunlight.
evil
an
Au they stood tremblini?,
I
unable to resist the fell1^ s^e
'

'orn

'

KAKTH-BORN.

cling unre.|
of

iow

B^

Jorn

it in

with

shado\vi

he

in

uling

still

faint outline
ailed
darkness

:ircle

shadow-

is,

md

The

"

my

supreme.

reign
of

kings

teriibk^^^^

the

Earth
of

rj,^^ cities

the

world

of
puvjy
fg^^ 'Pl-jgj-aces
^j^^j |Qc,t
symmcti^gpljH^^y

in
in

arise

like

the
as

or

-m.

^^^ world
times
tr'jjj.^0|;

wif

It

Cxie.

For
^v^ratej^

'c

),

out

iatf^R)fEarth, they

are

with

its
You

I will call."

standing
bent

remaining

there

the

in

incarebb

courage

sIowIqw^away.
throng
thoiig^|"^ddying

as

and
iSefcrer,

id

hands
witorrible

:rowned

terrible

the

clutched

at

to

g:.

part,

i,

and
to

ight.

so

all

"

H"tw

were

''Each

of them

for evil.
it,;; iptilse
*

sist the felliT some

iP^

evil

wish,

to

nearer

them,

the

garments,

and

the

embrace

them

at

cohorts

Not

a
a

dark

Earthly entity like

'

"

sneer'

give
thought of

power

to

"

Dhur.

has

or

their

Earth-Born

my

Ligly^iestionedLai
t

leered

drew

visible.

not

like you

and

faces

sought

arms

x-like counirca^tl that

iful

reappeared,

repulsive
starin:|iiin'^;

tony,

on

felt their

and

fires.

my

them

at

command,

Earth

you,

and

dust

continents

to

with

I want

over

and

hoots
e

When

me.

jIMstrangevoice ceased,
tm^p"|inous
glow, while

them

the

it cleansed

the

as

mine

are

deluged

was

ages

oceans

have

lirlingi"oura;nM|
escape
and

its

and

The

bosom.

"ny

proud

the

might,

'm

ir

return

their

rear

crumble

men

and

from

spring

the

mg

ever

"

"

they savg^^g j.Q^^,,^j.j^1^^ sky, and

;ss

shape.

"

you.

closet)^^
^jl j

took

elements
the
with
fire-fight
been
all its materiality I have
in the flame-lit depths of the
home
e'er
me.
Nothing mortal
escapes

e'er

from

0;.^^j^to

rules

chaos

nebulous

of

midst

tliC

who

its molten

"resent

air became

first this world

since

-'Ithings terrestrial

words:

these

came

spiritof Earth,

Tcrrasal, the

Behold

"

Look

of it

midst

the

the

strangely awful

at the

fascinated

gazing

forth,
iguris, from

them

to

deed,
those

to

but

humanity

wrong
is

around

an

in man,

prompted
you,

and

86

EARTH-BORN.

could human

why

eyes see
times
hellish

at

deadly sickness,
thinks

who

man,

clearly,humanity woulcU:
passion, and evil impulse,

the weak
chan^lini:;c;
sway
falls'
himself a God, but who

the brute.

than

like

Philio's

this world,

"In

spiritcame

whence

or

"When

whcnc

not

the prey for those evil ones

who
round
in
darkness
and
who
before,
grope

pierce

have

us, and

while
'

the

mysteries

reach

which
know

but

thy tiiiKofjj^bi

ere

surround

? toi

you

that

you remaii h
tlie outer
sptj

higher
the way."

no

fallen under

"

Welcome

"

Back

We

li]

to

vial to

rounded

the
the

the circle of
as

it

away,

spread
the

"

here

moment

he

floor,and

!
!

"

Lai Dhur

vi
"i'*

not

sternly

exiiltaj

cried

little drop]

a
instantly
ring

lightincense

hovered

the

over

gigantic figure above

honible
v/hirling,

F]

"

touched

friends.

flame, and
the

cried

shadows

masters

two

Lai

his feet unconscious.

at

your

at that

influence,had

the dread

! Welcome

still are

And
a

him

iiri

fonirea^wd

sneering voice died slowly as Adrian

for support, and
heavilyagainst his comrade

"

''

it

above

toward

command

we

gently laid

watching,

The

have

steppins

ti^isrhatf

T^n
rise

thou

then, welcome,

come

fjn^^ |.j^,

an

spirits.

Would'st

"

waiting, ever

sphere, ever

entered

^jj

yQjj

Then
him,

about

becomes

able

"One

cast buj^gj
spirits,
the chrysalis
that has gained its ^v nothing
its course
or
surroundings, tluhegath(

like

into space
but knows

of disembodied

realm

to the

crosses

from

knowing

it goes.
thicken

shadows

the

is tossed

Earth, he

ball,neither

empty

an

called

circle

of

fiie|

arose]

rooiiil

thorn

slowly widj

87

EARTH-BORN.

litywoiilclk'|p|=j,^^
ol
clear

iJ^ip^ils^
Far
away
they disappeared.
hanglini^^t\ heard the rushing noise, as of
falls 1(
i-h^

who

Philip'sears
tossed

IS

from

Q^ce

him,

)ut

cast
spirits,

its

gained

v,

have

dead

you

h^ve

huraed,

Philip

nothing

but

stepping

and

the

dark

the

unconscious
the

outer

lei

Adrian

pport, and
had

:e,

not

exiilti

Illy cried
little

ring
nccnse
/er
)ove
!

the

drop]

of

fiifj
arose]

rooiiij

them

slowly

widj

of

the

peaceful

him

ones

its sheath,

the

figure,

entrance,

divan, and
his

again,

years,

and

by

senses,

of

dint
and

Minotti
his

whether

wondered

below,

and

they finally

quiet body

for

seeing

and

in his arms,

to

life

incense

veiled

his friend,

upon

it with

endow

but

still steadily

the

Adrian

shudderingly

forgetful of

1;

ous.

Dhur

and

would

sp

ose

as

and

flame, gained

laid Adrian

one,

the

while

glance around,

brought
thy tiiiiiofl^bing soon
the
? t
at
und
er
they looked
you

le

by

proud

circle of flame

re

near,

lashed

throng."
and

curtains

the

Tffin Philip

remLiin

be

faintlyreached

me,

Earth-Born

one

gave

over

escaped

|prrying, half supporting

hall.
iireaiiftd
the lower

for

ching,

water

voice

this nhalf

'ound

you

distant

reigned,

silence

chamber,

andings, tluhe gathered

who

could

more

lilleclthe

an

by one,

one

depths

in the

Dhur's

Lai

whcnlyQ^;n^illy^.^-j^jj^^\^q
Then

again

wind, end

hnally,

until

incense,

the

vil

or

whether

it would

perhaps

soar

for-

th^

ha(

drawn

"Her

ing the
They
CHAPTER

VI.

"

nature

Adrian
THE

WONDERFUL

ESSENCE

PRODUCES

WHICH

and
Adrian

i^id

**

Phili

slept long and

heavily after the e:\cit
experiences he had passed through in this mystci; I, and fa
late in the
chateau, and it was
following day w of mystc
he

stirred
hi^

opened

his
uneasily upon
e^^v.:.,gazing around

drcai fathom

and

couch

if uncertain

as

ot

Ah, 1 remember,"
visit

"the

IMinotti's

a^l to

^P^^^ ^^

whereabouts.
*'

of

the

to

he

said, springing
But

catastrophe.

Philip,what

has

curtained

the

tomb,

become

him

oi

6xp^Jpen"

chamber.

body, .^^jfl^st

is his

where

c
his ! "**,t|pl

to

[Or^r

"

his braiii'^^J
thoughts flashed
rapidly over
stood
and
glanced cautiouj
fully awakened,
if
about.
What
Philip, too, d
searcrng'y

These
he
and

gone.
But

no,

smile

"

"

''

let

meal

and

what
His

I trust
"

his countenance

is

heavily.

I trust

If I
yes.
have
done
you

3^ou

a|||.9l|J

^*
Adri:'^**^^B

saw

with

eat," and

he

watch

led the

wav

88

feel

sir

'e

and
into

at

^^

rest

^^Jp^^
".H*P

rt;

otherwi^^^^^^'

fear

do ?

we

wait.
the

"^^y

S?,",^"^
ap^"t^".^'

adjoining
can

more

*^"^

Minotti?"

body lies peacefully in an

his spiritis as peaceful, but
what

ha

you

feel rested."

really can

Bwiiii|iBniiWPij"ujin.ltwir*l

as

said,''and

he

ready,"

x\ye, so do I. But
Nothii'g, as yet, but
us

he

and

Rested,

But

Philip appeared,

moment

look.

Our

long

that

illumined

anxious
"*

at

But
room

"

c"

'^

v^^^^^^

\\h- ^^

"

EARTH-BORN.

Philipturned
"Of

his face away

and asked sadly:
avail would
this*knowled^e be to

what

They
world

and

married

were

What

goes.

iHB|"e(i

is necessary

mere

that you

sIk^t a

there

was

I felt it from

The

scholar

the

was

and

t'alefrom

stca

in

ome

the

was

bound

and

heart

no

In his studies

up

watchful

for

Then

ig word;

(frighted
any
his work, likca-enaj^oi

and

irrfeSe,

you

he

to

that he

sent

"

Then

others

"

I did

not

"

But

her

be

the

{\\\]"Sirsiim
t\

in order

loved

I know

her, but

her

over

spiritforth

her

at
not

th.
all t

at

will."
the

iH

Count.

ne,

so."

say
I know

it.

rjSlati

5r

case.

influence

unbounded

exercised

married

in his researches."

believe

That

think

assist him

Be th

"

woman,

ancestors."

student

might

had

";cii

revi"

rcquircdicconvt
always kiistlook

was

unvarying courtesy

Count

but

say

ina/as

sweetest,
He

She

ways.

many

treated, with

learned

the

things. She was

impressible of womankind.

and

between

onvfnt
was

occult

most

"

What

first.

the

Count

assistance

"

little real love

union?"

many

in(

laced h(

"Then

"

Hkr

'*

know?"

their

be

yever

comparatively happy, ib

How

he

came

to

marrv
"

Where
"

did

She

he

him

met

in St.

her relative,Countess
sister.
but

Her

her

her?"

meet

father.

Petersburg,at the
Helen
Petrovisky,her
Count
de Courcey, was

mother

belonged

and

rank, the House

to

noble

^1

hoPn^tipni
r

mot

Fr^^

Russian

V^

1 '^

s
n

"

of fortune

her parents died in the bloom

infant Lena
of her
to the care

of
of

Rostopchin.
youth, leavii;."

relative.

Wheii'^

es,
,

father

married

i.Ui

MW""JW"I

i|"!".

met

him

her
ere

she
she

was
was

scarce

twenty.

M^rt

eighteen, an^^f

By

so

doiir^'W^^

9"

EARTH-BORN.

ced

sadly: jf^Hred

Jge

be

to

a^

"

Hbr

shi:"ra

you

the

her

in;,raa

still

that

kiist look

d watchful

ig

i|ords

;i.ena

3r

at

and

hat
tti
e

to

was

they

were

This

marrv

at

iskv

the

ho

"''^^fp'"-

the

spoke
^

^^^^

Fr^t^^*

story

studied

secret

*'

outh
'

ive.

gradually
leavii:^
W
^^^^ sooner
C W^'
When

iorhteen,

By

so

^'ferth-Bo: n
an

to

coffin, the

Balzac's

the

to

to

of

the
of

ears

to

the

France

as

I learned

it."

house,

our

and

name

what

his last

by

or

powers,
in.

he

were

know

Count

seen

path

drifted

^^ continued
doin^W^^^

sorrow-

married

me

one

Before

way

truth, and

occultism

^*^^^^
l^"'!^i'^
attracted
^S"*^^^
ostopchin.

of

returned,

away.

as

at

for-

"

of
the

here

could

is

gained

Balzac

for

experiment, though

together,

was

le Russian

his

Count

in

enemies

robbed

seldom

hermotP'^y^^^"^ previous

cev'

is the

I, since

than

more

their

of them

but

cortege

courage

reached

on

had

who

the

corpse,

the

irrevocably

of

spoke

their

rapidly

vaguely spoke

of

privilege

from

proceeding

she

erful,

Count

he

placed

driven

strange

alltiB|Bdwife.
otti

been

was

wilativcs,

vill."
;he

had

escaped,

sisters

funeral

the

as

ere

her

power.

arose

fled, and

She

cell

the

and

Count,

supposed

the

left her

met

she

student

many.

granted

dead,

her,

Jpourccy

tli."nmiand

1 know

he

was

the

over

this
tliaiJiaSf

order

her

and

Balzac's

may,

;;ates,
upon

irri"5,

her

it

as

(frightednuns

woman,

work, like

,n

i)v Count

requirniie convent

ny

they designed

while

she

that

assert

revivified

i^eetest, jj^cir"Bc

always

had

by feii^nini;death,

sccnomesay

learned

has

Kiev,

at

convent

in

than

mate

all suitors, for she

onv^nt

le

she

and

kindred,

her

princely, and

was

powerful

tafe from

between

fortune

more

laced
;

of

wrntli

vei

ly happy,
that

the

and

were

f ist

learning,
blacker
in

apart

later, he
will

True

be

arts
our

who

ri

sorcery,

studies
calls

overwhelmed

adepts

call

and
upon

by
on

them

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Corporation

EARTH-BORN.

92
when

only
the
"

fails,and

all else

I think

enemies

the

he

gathered

those

brought principallyby
occultists, who
practiced
selfish ends.
Through one
pally,he

induced

was

his wife's

that

to

and

chateau
know

never

prove

told

him.

Some

edge

alone

will

of this old

vast

estate,

beeJ

had

knowli

solved, but

be

hel

and

says,

what

court

any

and

property

Minotti

it may

day

his

princij

associates,

of

it,only what

learned
arts

exception

thousands

before

Dhur,

darkest

transfer
the

wer^

him

about

Lai

the

of these

with

few

some

like

but

to

man,

little of

but

could

safely control|

can

invoke.

they

power

they

it."

do

linked
spoke of a band, a secret
one,
together for plunder, though professing a grandl
Count
influence
the
creed, and
\\;i;
through whose
"

Minotti

But

worked

to

upon

this association
this

band

extent,

misfortunes

his

Who

great

that

occurred.

its members

are

and

throuLr^J
Where

"

Philip's face darkened

visibly as Adrian
spoke]
and
him, he said impress
leaning closely toward
ively :
Minotti
ratherl
was
or
right, but of that band
tell
I
Suffice
it
cannot
to savl
order,
fully now.
you
**

that

it is

tools

are

bers,

that

secret

so

ignorant

and

would

swear

of

world.

Its

emissaries

classes

the

the

"

in

Its

its

they
truthfully
are

be

may

dangerousl

most

counted

are

initiates

nothing

ancient

it.

that

of

many

as

that

they

scattered
found

its

meni[
kne\J

over

thJ
ai

among

It ia

the

low,
rich, the poor.
high,
and
origin,
originally used
only ioi

its

good ends, but for years

by
generally controlled
lentless in its pursuit and

it has
the

worst

terrible

fallen, and
elements.
in its power

it is

no\J

It is

ic|

for cvi

EARTH-nORN.

The

controlled

of

member
is the

country
black

so

that

years

Earthly
for

ling
control-

of It in this

fortune,

lost

your

his

and

ago,

time

one

was

leader

the

with

him.
and

time, however,

some

is

career

save

can

power

is satisfied

he

that

hope

nie

no

Dhur

received

little of him

heard

have

Lai

at

were

present

who

informed

Minotti

so

The

it.

one

India

in it.

leaders

by

of

Assassins

and

Thugs

93

done

injury

to

you."
But

**

is this

who

called?

How

and

man,

I know

may

is

what

them?"

order

the

asked

excitedly

Adrian.
His

"

I dare

name

let them

find

them,

just the

are

to

And

let

shall

I cannot

that

let

yours."
be revenged
fortune

and

go

*'

ruin

to

close
dis-

ten,
forgot-

be

the

already

them

upon

test

now

them

with

content

as

found, they

infallible

one

present

are

1 not

name

my

is but

counts,

canaille,

station

whatever

the

and

you

called

be

may

identity,and
For

and, till later,

now,

ladies, peasants,

There

hope they

wrought
I

in

same.

you.

and

'*

but

their

discover
to

members

gentlemen,

countesses,
you

The

rest.

tell you

not

Shall

excitedly

cried

Adrian.
If you

"

youth,

which

If you

wish

the

to

enter

if you

live

care

throw

to

Minotti

to

the

will

your

of

whereabouts

the

winds.

strugglie
follow

of

age.

and

Count

prepared

are

your

old

discovering

of the

Countess,
If you

into

you

chances

in

now,

to

give

order

this
hope of knowledge
beyond
sphere, in
of the
to spend a lifeti'iie battling with
some

most

evil

elements

those

who

wreck

all

up

'*

For

your

own

in
the

it, then

strongest

sake, for

seek
when

the

to

they

sa!:c

of

overthrow
choose.
tliose

3'ou

EARTH-BORN.

and

it side

rest

silent

please,but

the

to

its further

in

disposal

I agree

with

take

select

selection
have

years

of

end

than

It

opened it, with

stood
"

This

his

he

near,

for

of

is here

of this

chamber
the

place
the
think

led

hall where

As

they

finished

once,

and

your

which

for

they
knowledge
find

read

the

was

of

the

medium

which

vase

over

It

master.

The

private

there

that

are

removed

rooms

and
best

for
for

Philip turned

sized

room,

had

we

of

and

pondered
to

end

Philip

Count,

the

step.

and

and

speaking

ere

the

the

sleeping apartment

chateau,

safest

and

I believe

it is there

left of
at

and

final

the

Adrian

door

desire

we

toward

went,

little

private library of

the

are

then

slumbered

the

to

from

drawn

Here
that

he

securely locked,

said

part"

entered

be

us

way

had

they

reached

body of Minotti,
should
sleep. These

he

body

make

the

was

key

and

they

at

chateau,

and

the

main

the

Let

and

soon

adjoining

Count,

leave

it shall

as

use

and

must

we

lay

below.

Adrian,

spoke,

ancestors.

volumes

place

influence

the

will

private

our

me,

he

the

was

ture
ven-

"

time

sepulchre

great

ji^randstaircase
hall.

better

we

preceding night. On
closely following. They passed

of the

not

now

the

during

should

until

tomb

rooms

as

the

we

unused."

been

Philip arose
the

the

the

we

till such

Follow

from

Had

the

chamber

it to

think

you

fully,and

you

it there.

take

likewise

are

spot for the present, and

in

apartment

an

do

dreaded

be

private

our

safe to

who

those

him.

safe

some

is less to

below
^'

with

tomb

in

body

the

with

himself."

as

.\s you

'"

side

by

95

better
we

that

of

selves
our-

from
I

reason

purpose."

our

the

through

bolt, and
the

cur-

96

EAKTII-UORN.

tained

soft glow

their

which

of

windows

noble

upon

few

books, charts,

of

array

light shed

of

rays

instruments.

curious

looking
Philip raised the curtains, and they gazed around
in the full light of day.
tered
utthem
Suddenly Adrian
and
to
startled
a
exclamation,
pointed
a
trait
porand

into

set

piece
"

above

"

is

What

looked, the
into

*'

the

smile, and

faint, shadowy

with

the mantlehanging over

ancient
an
fireplace.
he cried, and as they both
that, Philip ?
lips of the portrait appeared to weave

wall, and

the

speaking intelligence.
duplicate of the portrait in
cried

St. Honore,"

Rue

smiles

it

as

thought

in the

seen

I feel

and

that

Philip ?
"

recess

the

Rue

know

you

And

as

portrait
ceptacle,
re-

its counterpart

St. Honore.
exclaimed

Adrian,
vciours

smile

to

face

whose

family for

the

its

connected

the

the

hidden

when

help us,"
portrait seemed

magian

wherever

seven

on

See
the

"

and

?
the

on
"

in

aquiis,

that

anxiously questioned.
in

some

mystery

shown

not," replied Philip.

been
of

but

he

I know

it has

and

"

same

recess

mind

disclosed

will

the

Do

"

escence.

that

house
he

lipsof

the

to

secret

Adrian's
and

outward,

similar
was

over

into

sprang

swung

is the

It

dark, piercing eyes,

haughty
striking countenance."
it also a guard
Was
slowly

residence

the

Adrian, excitedly.

look.

we

features, the

"

flashed

eyes

almost
The

how

the

the

with

shadowy

hand

it.

of
is

am

world.

But

beckons

to

know

that

is the

trait
por-

only
and

years,

sorcerer

counterpart

like it in the

roll below."

or

"

ancient
found

Egypt,

told there
see,

you

is

there

within

and

were

the

points

to

EARTH-BORN.

ceased

he

Ere

crraspcd

and

speakinj^,Adrian

the

Adrian

stood

and
possession,

"

and

it !

"

hand

place

forward,

faded

with

for the

then
We

and

his

let

us

shall

the

away,

an

easy

Philip with the

joyous expression upon

work.

to

bounded

before

i^ood be^^inning

next

its

to

private chamber,

the

The

roll.

back

p{)i\'rai:
swun.j
and

97

grace,

roll

in his

his countenance.

to
day, Philip. Now
the
of
dispose
body,

succeed.

feel

it !

that
again lighted with
which
flame of enthusiasm
bespoke his earnestness.
Philip caught the inspiration,and
pressed his
friend's hand
the
warmly, while his eyes answered
Adrian's.
Then
from
Hash
he
opened a side door
and disclosed
a
larger room,
saying :
know

is

This

"

Adrian
dark

he

could

until

the

into

do

like

you

chamber,

but

it

of
distinguish much
Philip rolled the heavy
Then

he

it ?

so
roundings,
sur-

curtains

that

saw

"

was

the

not

windows.

the

from

:.\vav

How

apartment.

our

stepped

that

eyes

the

with

antique, but
handsomely furnished,
and
the
furniture, heavy
jclen^ant
impressive. Over
from
which
l)ed there hung a satin canopy,
depended
was

room

Iwere

large
to

weary

Ired

by

|Gazing
This

lout the

Ime

io

side

them
is

our

mystery

inspire, we

walls
and

Adrian
upon

his father.
at

"

The

rest.

side

while

easy,

gold, dark
objects to

and

Count,

and

tasteful.

and

rich

[velourscurtains,

One

of

man.

shall

divans

two

chairs

invited

the

in
richly decorated
tractive
atelegant. But the most
two
were
portraits hanging
were

One

wall.

the

said

place.
With

succeed."

of

was

Countess,

of the

earnestly,he
abidmg

The

the

his mother.

Here
these

we

will

faces

work

before

98

EARTII-RORN.

"

and

here,

Now

said, Adrian.

Well

will end

we

sooner

earlier

the

let

brinj^ Minotti

us

researches,

begin our
knowledge."
we

in

the

returned,
Together they left the chamber, and soon
form
of
inert
them
the
Minotti,
bearing between
of
the
which
divans,
one
they carefully laid upon
both
::nd
it,
inwardly
sad!y looking down
upon
fathom
would
the
later
vowed
that
or
sooner
they
mystery surrounding that quiet form, and those other
lifeless
'*

below.

ones

Now

And

library.
his eyes.
over

smile
He

tlie

mantelpiece,

with

roll

he

Chaldean

the

saw

gazed

He

would

who

must

first know

That

man

the

breathe
to

essay

full

their

will turn
This

hand,
pen
press

the

was

printed
had

or

roll

ladder

inscriptionwas

recess,

outside,

the

his

pose,
pur-

for

him

alone,

creation.

they

Let
know

they

outside

ancient

before

signed

entirety.

power,

and
none

selves
them-

thus

defy.

disaster."

to

printing

of Nature

laws

whom

of the

'*

glance.

highest impulse,

ere

Nature,

papyrus,

rendered

the

to

his

limitless

upon
was

the

his intricate

made

knowledge

written

for the

of

that

well,

hidden

and

nature

air

mount

from

himself, his

ladder

free

the

in all

knows

the

mount

can

pierce

four-fold

his

in its

himself

who

trait
por-

it seemed

again

taken

had

the

at

more

and

\o\v^

tier before

inscriptionupon

wliic!:, translated, read

*'

once

speaking intelligence

the

up

he

the

the

over

in tier upon

out

then

picked

and

spread

entered

they

as

exultantly

And

him

at

Adrian,

looked

he

of volumes

array

cried

work,"

to

the

easy.

leaf

clear

style of Egyptian
era

At

of
the

JANXES,

in

CHALDEAN.'

type
bottom

and
oi

EARTH-BORN.

these

Only
and

Jind

words,

99

evidently the

author's

name

country.

Adrian

turned

the

followin"^,which

the

which

translated,

The

*'

leaves

papyrus

attracted

ran

spirit, or the mind

in abeyance the

it inhabits

body

which
fetters

and

"

his

lie reached
and

attention,

that

"

holds

which

until

the

surrounds

soul

the

the

life

guidini^ power
principle,and the

that

"

spirit
"

nebulous

bound

are

whicn

ing;
cover-

loose

by

As
are
body
easily
body lays aside its dress, or changes it at
no
can
caprice,when
longer'desirable, so the mind
aside
its
the
and
its
dress,
covering
lay
change
body,
if it desires, without
awaiting the actual death of
frees the spirit forever
the body, which
from
that
to

broken.

the human

habitation.
This

"

result
to

the

things,as the
through long and

all

until the

latter

obtained

be

can

render

deavor
enby using every
superior to the body in
free the mind
comes
only
subjectionof the body,

mind
to

power

continued

desired

the

reaches

when

state

the

the
injury
spirit
life
soul,
spirit,
principleor body.
To
accomplish this result, subject the body to
it,
frequent fasts, place vegetable food
only within
and
the
the
the
of
embrace
flesh,
j^iveup
pursuits
higher desires of the mental
nature, to the exclusion
freed

be

can

from

without

it

to

"

of the

material.

That

his external

enriching
of Ills body than
an
opportunity to
body sets it free.
The

mind

becomes

the

"

that
and

body
serves

"

the

All

releases

body
again

called

to

that

his
thinks

gives that
complete death

two

serve

of

it inhabits

are

ere

escape

who

seldom

mind,

cannot

minds

devotes

surroundings,

his

slave

alone

who

man

life to
more

mind

of the

Either

masters.

it

Earthly desires, pertaining to

it springs into nigher fields,
or
from

source

free

them,

supply

at

until
some

which

intervals,
such

body

when

time
with

it sprang.
death
as

they

of
are

its mental

EARTH-HORN.

100

and
capaci^^y,

enter

ur.cc

tlic

n^^^rc

for
strii^j^lc

per-

fection.
"The

in

!)rinLr fllKMcal.

inind,

bclon'^niL',

sense

i\\\y

Kartlny agents only

mind

thai
do

hijj^herones
These
j^ivethe

and

the

powerfully act
spiritis assisted
home

ill such

without

at

because
not

leaves

the

within

has

drug

the

so

proper
it by

degrees

of the

rdl
latter

for the
the

as

their

vcj^ctcan

so

the

use

they place its

libertycan be taken
individual.

appearances
effect is

affected

habitation

by

the

body
and

mind,

so

body by degrees

life

the

body, stupefy

to

this

and
fastinj^
itself,they

that

this

the

But

tion
habita-

because

that

it, and

times.

body

individual

temporary

as

body

portion

any
debase

the

Icarninji^.

of the

mind

freedom,

state

mincl,

but

last, the

at

will

its

the

affect

to

the

desiied.

as

upon

can

principle
mind

it

injury to

Drugs

*"

the

luirthlyaj-ents,such
not

body

and

until
practice,

spiritleaves
to

food, do

able

control

by

the

agencies,
ICarthl)'

condition,

returns

While

"

affect

tlioni^ht, reflection

in proper

prevails, and

they
lo

not

affected

is

Thcrciore,

mind

and

Invisible,

Marlli,
r"s

common

of

beini;

l;ir

s""

inhabits.

introduce

not

to

kill the

produced
that

it is
mind

the

becomes

finallyit is vanished, and the body is

with
the
mind,
a
simply being endowed
and
life principle. In this case
soul
the person
is
and
mind
the
insane,
or
can
only
partially
wholly
fit to receive
the body becomes
it.
These
return
as
unfit, until
without

drugs
"

to

are

There

is

the

life

that

it awakes

be

shunned.

one

natural

will.

Under

body

becomes

to

touch

use

of

It

secured,

is

even

readily when
reptilesat

volatile

so

found,

exposed.
certain

condition
mind

master

powerful

essence

times,

as

that
it

It exists in
and

a^ain

to

and
time

when

some

waken

it is but

vanishes

to

rarely
into

animals
found

at

the

nourishment,

no

desire,

may

liquid
when

the

stupefy

can

such

perfect health, ready at any

the

life.

of

this
needs

dormant,

will lie for years

in
mind
returning

it in

leave

the

the

which,

essence

principle,and

at

air

and

all, is

KAurii

in

discovered

r.oKX.

small

ill such

animals,

emits

drop

the

fluid, which

centre,

nerve

time

until such

all

stops

dormant,
principle

antl

it is

as

the

so

the

to

^ivcn periods, this

at

the

ot

attached

ac,

lOI

vSac

soon

it touches

renders

animal

loses

desirable

object.
A drop ot this fluid, or
even
the
life principle
will render

and

opens

as

action,

again

brain.

life

the
all

vitality

become

to

an

animate

the

*'

permit the mind

safetyto both.
"Only at certain
the animal,
Nile

or

and

from

the

"'

preserve
The
hooded

marsh

at

sac

cessation

the

it.
the

ot

Adrian
the dark

brain

action,

of the

initial

closed

the

roll, and

features

of

the

of

laws

hidden

one

the

once

to
sac

act,

opens,

in the

This

brilliant

portrait over

lifegiving
When

feel that

"

have

we

shall

we

Vou

jstudy

principle.

are

to

win

its

at

mantel.

triumphant

said
from

m.ect

Adrian

Minotti's

raised

slowly
There

contents.

of the

hued

golden

was

liquid

scintillating.
which

essence

When

followed

right,
"

and

and

w^onderful

is that

glanced
the

below."

tomb

stillremained,

know

nature,

more

to

it to him,
Philiphanded
it,and carefullyexamined
littlein it,but a few
drops

''

jungles
lowly

steps."

"

"

the

detached

be

the

sary
neces-

of

ceases

smile with
lipsappeared
expression. Turning to Philip, Adrian
the vinaigretteyou tock
Let me
see

Again

"

is

care

in

the

that this is

hand

exist

crocodile

It must

the

ere

fluid escapes.
after the
Searcher

The

and

perfect

seri)ent of the
it. The
possess

times

generates

quivering

for with
and

fluid

it.

of it,

man.

periods does this

reptile,and the "greatest

to

Africa

frog of the

in
with

|)roducesit.

of Asia

dormant

the

body

find and

to

leave

inhalation

with

shall
the

we

controls

partake

directions

the

of it?

"

given, and

success."

Philip, and

now

to

work

"

to

EAinii-noRN,

liad been

had

{";.tac()nibs, as

ccnd

the

to

ics, they

chateau,

coukl

not

the

to

catacombs

in

tfal-

dark

the

|u)intthe pyramid

what

tell at

was

permitted

led throuirh
beiu.'j:

not

it

that

been

entered

but

lii

Versailles,

iu Paris, St. Cloud,

built, whether

v.:.s

had

wlio

city of Paris.

I'aris, and

of

the

from

quarried

stone

much

woikiiicn

by

built

(i

constructed

103

or

elsewhere.
This

important,

was

plan

Count's

walled

IS

the

\v!ien

pyramid
in

and

Philip

out

for

Philip,

*'

'"

for

Then

in
"

it

months,

in

laid
the

both

arrived, and

that

am

this

Philip,

answered

together,"

be

must

against

chateau

in the

placed

latest

is the

what

But

to

They

weightier
now

agitate

the

fills his

successor

cling

abduction, however,

papers

these

instructions

has

time

bodies

ceased

results.

But

flight.

or

trusion
in-

most

regarding

report

disappearance?"

It has
his

said

prepare'

our

spot.

iMinotti's

and

removal

absence."

our

True, and

secret

"

must

we

easily

be

step."

will take

we

first

but

final

the

entrance

Finally, feeling

Adrian

the

think

the

catacombs,

knowledge,

White.

the

and

from

it could

the

followed

occult

prepared,

tlicy were

ready

of

the

things during

many

students

and

tomb

be

the

So

the

should

free

be

necessity for

himself

branch

Dlack

"

and

his tomb

tinished, but

of

learned

/vdrian

the

was

case

of

catacombs.

between

up

cpencd

re

the

for

necessary

it should

that

infested

ti.icvcs who

was

secrecy

further

inviolate, and

V.

the

that

it

as

when

things

than

the

place

the

to

occupy

strange

spoken
the

his

parish,

satisfactory

with

theory

it is

of

people
of

of

murder
at

public

and

intervals.
and

the

disappearanceof any

EARTH-BORN.

I04

and

the

few

well, for I had

him

advanced

Adrian

friends

many

have

power

him, and

over

fear,

given

in

learned

had

of

one

try

once

in

Jannes, they each

their

placed

uttering

bala, they willed

of

book

hands,

his head, and

combined

their

net
they could
bring his
Following the mystic rules

the

his

body as he
again with

if

see

spirit back.

wandering
they
grasped

Philip

to

frequently done,

had

they

as

silent

Minotti's

to

requested

and

spoke,

upon

with

for lost."

up

him,

Minotti's

and

enquire,

to

Paris

France."

it is
completel}'-forgotten, and
cared
acquaintances who
enoui^^h

are

we

for

dark

look

days

Then

"

fillturbulent

for bread

Riots

priest.

from

prayer

effort

mighty

one

free

hands
the

for

Ka-

him

arise.

to

'

As

willed

they

his

shaded

couch,

like

there

and

of

the

from

arose

his

with

eyes

statue

Minotti

spoke,

and

hands,

the
stood

dead, peering doubtfully

him.

about

Philip
him,

Adrian

and

and

both

their

threw

joyously

sprang

him

about

arms

in

toward

rapture

at

his return.
"

called

You

'

and

me.

here, but

am

Count's

I thought
library,and
it seems
Yet
sepulchre below.
How
has
?
What
came
happened
And

then
state

the

est

to

and
**

the

sadly
Then

that I will

described,

were

events,

circumstances

Minotti

and

At

recital.
said

are

all in

were

of

here

his

together
listened

the

end, he

had

dreamed

the

indistinct

somewhat
we

in the

"

sudden

with

leptic
cata-

all subsequent

deep inter- 1
sighed deeply,|

with

it is true
never

we

we

as

be

fitted

to

carry

and
out

the

thought,|
experi-

EAkTlI-iK)RN.

that my

ments

h fear,

heart

desires

105
I will

most.

Earth, Earthly, and unable

Wait, and be patient,"exclaimed

of the
*'

is

i it

noui^h

if

as

coming

friends

The

given

from

silence, and
Ue

as

bis

bands
Ka-

of

"

bim

to

"

the

rom

if

voice, as

and
the

those

Earthly
?
queried
spirit
Through the

panelled portrait.
in

wondering
he

slightlyas
after

replied:

by saying

of

the

of

moments
:

in

occurrences

"

blank

who

their

few

silence

absolute

an

can

record

strange voice,

other

recollection

no

then

be

it."

"

broke

It is

How

"

shivered

state, Minotti

None.

"

each

at

came,

you

trance

your

each

tbe

Have

"

:ic rules

waiting,Adrian

mbined

^ey

Minotti

answer

no

lipsof the

looked

speaks

But

in with

ring

Who

**

the

always

rise above

to

me."

to

make

the

adventures

trial

keep

an

while

in

the

Adrian.
veiled

image,"
again coming from

answered
the

the

lips

strange

of

the

trait.
por-

stood

nd

"

:)ubtfuUy

Tuaa

will

not

image

will

answer

But

replied

few,"

but

to

answer

Adrian.
y

"

toward

apture

at

The

in the flesh
"

ire

in the

wish

the

What

II in

And

if I do

juestioned

circles

deeply!
freed

le

experi]

"

for

And

who

and

I may

return

not

this.

to

Adrian.

back," said

come

to

lose

the

humanity by
spirit. As

freed

the

spiritcircle

tbought, Irepliedthe

to

wish

not

for the

time

voice.

back.

come

it either

to

voice.

the

time

"

again

Adrian.

is made

Time

is no

able

be

to

world

questioned

'*

"

inter-'

then

able

distant

"

will

ill subse;ep

You

""

cata-

leave

to

return

spirit,"replied the

be

not

"

distinct.

len

in the

or

I may

But

if you

world
the

in

Universe

mortals.
the

spark

second,
at

will

so

in

an

voice.
are

you

who

tells

me

There

this ?

'

of electricity

does

the

instant,"

i;

io6

EARTH-BORN.

"

am

forgotten

one

And

**

shall

who

try the

"

all of us?

queried
Philip
yourself.
keep his trust," replied the
and

shall

When
This

**

Not

sat

said

said

Adrian.

smiles

upon

test?"

portrait

again," and

meet

we

you.
the

quickly

and

guard

all

bodies.

the
of

will, one

One

of

"

And

withm

"

Here

"

Yes,

trial.

within

Philip,

but

1 will

by side,

place

and

arrange

remain

behind

our

and

that

me

you

fortnight, and
and

give

tures."
adven-

them

will

noon

prepare

"

Adrian.
it

here," joined

dispose

of

"

our

bodies?

adjoining apartment,

rriyselt
occupy
them," replied Minotti.
They
for, I promise you."
*'

to

now

it ?

at

make

to

in the

chamber

make

replied

we

Philip.

And

"

you

it is best
shall

said

curtained

will

Where

how

us

success

named,"

visit the

I think

of your

time

in this room,"

"

you

return," said Adrian.

the

I will

Let

will

day," replied Minotti.

for the

Know

"

Only promise

Tuaa

will

us

return

you,

**

Then

Adrian.

part.

we

well.

through

news

cried

affairs

"

and

its stillbroke
ness.
reigned, and no word
hoping the
quietly for several moments
again reply, but it did not, and finally

night, then,

This

every

remain

Minotti

"

would

Minotti

"

or

voice.

! till

more,"

silence
All

me

Let

the

the

Farewell

of her

But

'*

when

word

aught

voice

no

ceased.

One

"

make

we

night,

before.

voice

me

Adrian.

*'

'*

Question

ago.

day you will know."

I, alone,
experiment?

Some

myself.

about

more

ages

this
will

room

be

to

well

be

in

side
near

cared

EARTH-BORN.

And

"

I will

bring

cried Adrian.

and

hallway,

he

Karnac

and the

will

And

the

not

after

The

"and

that

said

What,

you

*'

I feel

that

"and

know

Whose
I do

not

for

say

back, what

all,come

that

I know

you

think

know,

but

the

"

St.

signed

with

that

name."

that

Jannes

and

with

combined

in

against Moses
Israel,"said
that Jannes
"

Honore

It may

now

in

prise.
sur-

nothing."
"

asked

cabinet

efforts

papyrus

before

opposed
free

to

the

of

is that

voice
Minotti's

stood

who

Philip.

the

judge

Jambres,

reply.
here

and

writings
Pharaoh,
his

magic

children

of
i[ :"-'"

Philip, "for

be

that

this

is

Chaldean,

while

Egyptian."

was

one

if it is, Adrian's
can,

his

Adrian

asked

contained

Rue

not

would

truth," replied Minotti,

it is ?
I

in the

But

giance.
alle-

return," replied Minotti,

original of the portrait," was

the
both
It is perhaps Jannes, as

"

of

spirits. Suppose

our

the
"

sign

hand

ing
bodies, Minotti, all be-

it then

speaks

do

we

Adrian's

this

by

Minotti,

errs."

it

beyond

against

our

could

you

seldom

voice

"

erect.

Adrian.

queried

voice

proudly

assistant," said

head

regarding

could

do

his

apartment,

head

statement

shall

"

"

his

what

"

the

his

able

an

laid

now,

we

"

entered

arranged,

you

the

Adrian.

to

emphasize

watch,"

python to appear.
swiftlycoming through the

him

be

python

if to

"

willed

soon

straight

went
"

he

assist in the

to

blinking brightly,and

eyes
He

Karnac

heard

long they

Ere

as

And

107

you

and

the

power,
are

same,"
combined

said

Minotti,

with

your

prepared, perhaps bring

"

and

own,

their

io8

EARTH-BORN.

before

souls

find

will

in

through

this

book," and

the

from

volume
Great

the

at

fortnight,do

that

wait, knowing

aster.
Zoro-

they

one

memorized

promise that
obtaining anything
then

hear

said

from

us

hope,

but

nothing

give

not

will

we

the

them

Adrian

Minotti, if you

of

end

in

him.

as

and

by

They

succeeded

inform

them

Magic,

"

studies.
made

you

handed

World,"

Minotti

and

Remember,

"

Minotti

it,they recognized it

it and

they tried
they would
if

Incantation

Ancient

the

in their

incantation,

the

of
at

before

seen

Black

library entitled,

Magicians
Looking

had

the

you

return

up

quickly

as

as

possible."
"

I will

day

is

had

we

the
"

far

now

in the

the

lights

Who

beginning

But

wait

should

why
'*

be

not

the

not

To

the

seconded
So

to

"

at

For

and

he

as

back
he

wish

Earth,

we

have

once

"

cried

around

to

ere

once

test

we

perhaps

meet

may

at

after

recalled

all,

Minotti,

Philip,and

Minotti

enthusiasm.

lit the

censer,

the
and

said

thought they

had

incense,

stairway,

Secret

the

ignited

went,

he

would

better

go

and

then

they hesitated,
returned, while they sped

moment

sunlight,

Adrian.

panel they

turned

above,

said

the

winding

this

the

"

experiment,

We

with

down

"

as

experiment."

him

the

what

the

necessary.

tomb,

the

another, and

knows

suppose

forth

brought

of

but

"

together

farewell

of

of the

others,"

walk

Philip.

shadows

and

very

"

bid

sunlight

existence.

darker

last

you

Minotti,

judging by

right," said

are

walk

soon

take

before

grounds

more

the

advanced,

better

not

You

answered

remember,"

onward.

and

when

lam}),
were

otti
Min-

await

thei

without

hir

acquiesce

EARTH-BORN.

The

tomb
and

them,

the

sarcophagus lay
it reposed the
silent
two
veiling.

within

with

covered

gained,

was

109

the

and

Softly

from

There

the

dark

curtains

change,

before.

as

and

each

felt

that

able

with

any

evil

shades

to

cope

as

of Isis

and

surroundings,

no

the
them

upon

they gazed
they were

was

ones,

while

reverently they advanced,

of Scsostris
looked
features
mystically
from above, and
the golden figures of Ra
shone

before

upon
far

than

the

better

they

had

their

fear entered
their
previous visit. No
hearts.
the
Clasping hands, they gently raised
them
veiVing,and before
lay the beautiful sleepers.
of the Countess,
Thai, gently raising the hands
they
free
their
hands
each took
and
her
placing
one,
upon
the
before
over
forciead, willed
priest, with
as
But
earnest
no
strength, for her spirit to return.
been

on

greeted their effort, although

ans'jeringmovement
used
been
botb had
over
repeating the same
prayer
Minotti.
It

failure, and

was

figuredown,
The

they
feature

No

result.

resolved
tried

was

process

same

gently laying

moved,

beautiful

the

the
Count.
try with
with
him, and with like
to

and

the

the

Black

sleepers slept

on

before.

as
"

Let

try

us

the

art

of

Incantation,"

whispered Philip to his companion.

possibly be unlocked, and it
may thus
will
and

those
to
always appear
bring their wills to bear

"We

will

Joining

they

bent

chanted

try
their

their

who

wills

is said

secret

that

try it without

one

fear,

strongly."

it," returned
four

The

"

hands

together

Adrian,
over

as

in

the

whisper.

sarcophagus,

before, and

slowly

KAKTH-HORN.

spoken.

Vet

Tcrrasal

control

But

"

shall

\\yand

the

Uana,

them.

find them

we

later

or

rud Isis,and
And

the

can

in

at I^isttheir

of

makers

research

evili Earth-Born

On\r

by

had
"

without

fear

So, after
of

about
ac,*ain

giined
whom

were

the
again
prevail against

with

knowledge.

always protect
be prevailed
they now
failed in the
principle
in

that

Black, and

the
from

the

Minotti's

had

emerged
had

They

with
at

had

They

latter.

case

which

one

final step.

last, lingering look

one

the

in

they

them.

could

and

harm

or

successful

proven

mites

White

the

to

themselves

will

and

that

would

able

and

iiseA both

quiet, rock-enthe
living dead,

to

though they had

succeeded
test^vStill they had
proted them ready to take the
upoi,

misty
light of

that

never

aright, could
free

the

The

scene.

in

Osiris,

"

and

away,

succeeded,

be

fortified

their

easier-

May

Farewell

that

souls

whi(h, if used

free.'*
'

exultant, for they knew

themselves

theiji.
Tiiey had

them.

see

figures faded
license spread again over
the
tie lamp grew
brighter, and
dedicated
conpassed chamber,
and

tlicm

set

searchinii:?

assist you.

free

and

Uthun,

Adrian.

two

breathed
t\\(sy

the

we

our

will

you

Horus

Renin,

Nor

fearlessly
questioned

Sooner

"

tlic

Ill

the

the

former.

quiet

in-

sarcophagus, they placed the veiling

silent figures. With
fleet steps they

the

stairway, and were

enjoying
they found

the

at

soon
a

Minotti's
after

meal

side,

his

long

fast.
''

Come

out

him
|clliag
look

ere

into

their
we

mysteries."

bid

the

sunshine,"

experience,
farewell

to

"

and
the

said
let

after

Adrian,
us

chateau

take

and

last
its

EAKTII-]U)I"X.

112

So

into

out

they

follovvec!

went,

the

by

Karnac.

faithful
It

sunshine

the

was

beautiful

and

day,

the

shone

sun

sun.mer

chateau
and

uninviting

Adrian

to

early morning

the
how

this

much

him

by

light,
grand,

it and

both

guarded,

but

chateau

endeared

were

and

filial love

of

realizcl

he

decaying,

grounds

the

ii

them

saw

that

old

ancient

as

first

now

though

sentiment

every

looked
he

when

as

The

sky.

neglected grounds

its

and

cloudless

throuf.^ha

clear

and

bright

t.)

awakeniij^^

in his nature.

power
He

felt

gazed

upon

ago.

Then

ten

was

threshold

of

manhood

stirring within
of

he

might,
and

veiled

at

the
drew

Lilith

he

vhat

come

Couness,

mysterious

image

years
mined
deter-

was

the

find

cost

any

he

thing

else, that

everything

would

solve

One

4iat

felt

born

though

as

the

upon

he

now

"

him

months.

above

upon,

manhood

vigorous

before, "instead

moitlis

only a few short

youth, just entering

fvs*.

had

he

grounds

these
he

when

than

older

years

which

the

mother

and

relationship
his beautiful

between

Eve.
,

For

knew

little. Of

but
held

he

and

his

charming
all the

mother,

and

of

such

exist.

Where

would

he

guide

to

find

her

and

his

the

father,

heart

he

felt

with

leaped
for

and

for
?

her

Was

?
she

tie

of

thit

he

those

How

sone

for

ever

her

Earth, and

Can,

bri^t

warm

curiosity.
peerless original

this

look

in

out

tenderness,

terrors

historyhe

But

the

his

of her

and

living or dead,

now,

much

it,should

himself

Dhur,

Count,

and

miniature,
love

dare

Lai

for the

affection

Countess,

nothing,

little fear

but

sunshine,
little

cared

would

beyonc

should

hovering

creasing
in-

he

about

FART

sphere, or

this

did

this limitless

for the

worlds

Earth?

this

spirit of

chateau,

the

it would

all end.

home

and

of

who

gazed

his race,

Minotti,

thoughts

he

as

and

starry
life

old

the

upon

lost

on

crowded

wondered

seemed

too,

like

the

him

gave

other

Adrian

upon

search

to

planet of

errand

an

ever

her

and

other

some

Was

before,

These

themselves

Philip

mortal

to

"3

linr^crin

she

Universe

given

this

1 1- BORN*.

where

in

thought

this eventful

day, and stood silentlylooking about

them, without
speaking. Suddenly Philip's friend,
the raven,
with
a
him,
joyful croak, flew toward
and
his
shoulder, fluttering with
perched upon
on

pleasure.
"Ah,

Rita,

kindly,
"

stroked
for

care

far

so

It shall

instance,"

as

toward

glided

It

be

was

rattlesnake, and

will

away,

of

duties,

my

pleasurable

of them

some

one,

this

"

one

ijiottled serp'^nt

rested

and

am

one

handsomely

them

Philip'sfoot.

for

much

as

say

"

is concerned

Rita

as

I cannot

for

pets while

my

Certainly, Philip.

and
but

Philip
forgotten you," said
bird
the
absent-mindedly.

had

Minotti, all of them

not

you
"

he

as

will

You

his

head

.1

u^

can
specimen of the Amerievidently not
fangs were

fine

its

drawn.
"

this serpent could

Yet

could
these

the

poisonous

else that

Treat
of them

Think

raven.

as

the

chateau

them

much

well, they
as

and

enemies.

they

what

serpents

It is

strike

to

can

your

They
to

be

than

powerful friends
if properly controlled.

their presence

enjoys
are

far better

protect you

the

as

seclusion

friends, but
strike

when

anything
it does.
beware
least

kill,"replied Philip.

pected,
ex-

liS?i

KARrFf.IiOUK.

114
"I

will

there

So

ihcy

need

you

And

brought
but

about

the

towering

Karnac,

he

as

n()u^" said

th.e grass
among

them.

on

above

them

erected

"This

Every serpent
keep willmg
you
"

see

their

them

seen

rods

they

blades, and

could

had

magic

varieties,

and

was

power

gazed

around

came,

forining

friends, while

the

that

proved

away

doing, Adrian,"
the

on

it.

But

will

let them
In

numbers.

their

said

grounds

but

gather thus,
and

absence,

three

and

of many

and

On

they

some

all in size

his head

side

at
a

ering
quiv-

the

tentli

yet arrived.

not

is your

like to

if

as

serpents

were

gathering numbers.
the
perfect ring about
part had

weeds

party,

There

for

know.

not

Minotti.

every

the

their

grass

I do

many

you

coming

are

gliding

centering

"Are

notiiinii:.
they will want
them," replied Philip.

to

mind

throu"^h

seen,

how

just

come

not

See, they

**

Minotti.

replied

"

nrniber,

unless

But

be

many

Quite

"

them,"

for

care

numbers

Philip,kindly.
be

soon

for

come,

many

the

not

Count's

increased

have

must

if

I v.'oiild

I have

years
since

once

here

fold
ten-

meantime."
On

they came,
piling
bright, scintillatingeyes,
of

and

grace

larger varieties, and

latent

strength
of

bulwark

here.

are

do

them

twists

and

And

surrounded

serpents

What

of

manifest.

at

them,

you

as

wish

much
of us?

other,

slow

weavy,

many

their

in

was

gazing bright-eyed

and

for

power,

the

above

one

motions
of

were

sort

cf

friends,

all

now

as

the

miicli

curves

the

witli

to

"

say,

Speak,

and

We
we

obey."
"

"

I
see

never
now

appreciated
what

power

my

giftbefore,"
it

gives.

said

Adrian.

Just think

that

EARTH-BORN.

at

wish

my

other,

these

But

this is.

I will

Your

"

it

use

each

upon

what

see

these

mercifully,for

power
are

now

ones."

powerful

gilt is very

spring

and

enemies,

my

friends, and

my

would

serpents

attack

or

"5

remarked

strongly developed,"

Philip.
Yes, and

'*

left

various

Soon

retreats.

not

one

was

Karnac.

save

The
and

as
disperse tlicm," and even
they began to squirm and crawl

now

word,

their

to

away

1 will

the

spoke

he

three
then

friends
with

Philipgave
proposed
for

watched

another

look

they should
journey which

that

the

depart
the

at

farewell

mental

them

surroundings

all that

to

the

enter

silence,

he

chateau

to

Adrian

awaited

and

saw,

pare
pre-

and

him-

sclt.

they entered
gazed dreamily and sadly
he

as

realized

again

ever

should

should

These

other

him

and

supreme
find

her,

twenty

over

could

her

see

him
in

again
and

more,
see

her

days long

he

she

he
would

Minotti's brain;

by.

rest

be

again,
These

meet

return,

she

?
plexing
per-

they
Adrian

fatal

night
how

she, and

was

world

ready
as

Lai

with

that

on

left this

of

would

"

she

promised

Would

mind

they

thought reigned

all,one

Where

just once
gone

absence

before

then

her

influence

Would

ago

years

find

he

had

she

would
if

in their

all the

Countess?

the

again, as

once

above

overshadowed

he

What

filled his

thoughts

questions;but

quarters,

that

was

Minotti

if the

What

overpower

and

it

friends.

two

return

never

Dhur

his

meet

future

his

about

uncertain

how

and

library,

the

Together

to

stood

thoughts

could

and

only

"

go.

once

But

before
were

he

let
him

busy

in

Ii6

Adrian

which

Where

go?

desired

most

Philip,
fixed
down

too,

he

would

he

he

looked

down

scoffed

To

him

in

doubt

in

would,
then

least

the

Earth,
would

being

result
her

would

his

he

he

this

thoughts
not

was

the

was

This

cast

happiest

world

had

pitiful hunchback
had

try it

find

well, then, he

"

from

of

one

with

years.
a

he

to

the

end,

the

as

other

the

pierce

Where

but

him

for

perfectly ready

was

future,

known
upon

In

sec

the

shades

her, the

preoccupied,

immediate

at.

the

to

ever

knowable

the

him

find

he

able

alter-

were

was

had

moment

be

pass

oppose

despondent.

or

he

separated

meet

to

the

on

Would

would

feared

he

Would

bright.

Could

unknown?

the

then

veil which

mysterious

lils thou",dits

silent, and

also

was

nately gloomy and

this luirth again?

he

r.OkN.

KAKTH

at

live, and

to

yet

He

once.

of their

did

he
not

journey. They
they sought, and

whom

return

never

be

to

to

this

body.

Never.

But

here
that

both

and

He,

too,

rest, and
company.

his

thoughts
Adrian

were

felt

and

dreamily

drowsy,

seating

suddenly

and

himself

ceased,

Minotti

had

nodding
would

beside

in

as

he

seated
their

ticed
no-

selves,
themchairs.

rest.

Yes, he would

them,

he

nodded

in

CHAPTER

ff

''SEEK

And

and

haired

charming,

would

rest

space.

you,
may
I

if

naught

the

spirits
await

will

of

hour

The

faded

arrived

hour

had

their

strange

their

return.

his

and

while

Minotti

him.

The
Are

flashing
"

''

for

Adrian

and

gazed

with

the

Fam

ready,"

May

the

must

smiled

held

the

test

of

desire

replied
of

two

the
upon

watch

time

for

after

the

vinaigrette

questioning

in

eyes,

yet sadly watching

the

?** cried

youth

cast

that

"

to

short

upon

the

that

had

knew

part

expectantly,

for

spirit

they

it with

upon

stood

ready

in

test

stirred

sleepers

remaining

one

the

portrait

we

and

they

"

tent
con-

in

even

as

scene.

-I

Adrian,
he

his

eyes

spoke.

Philip calmly.

the

Most
117

H\
"1"*

but

again,
you,

side.

my

later, night

scene,

journey

awoke,

hours

when

ready

was

palm,

"

the

over

to

you

still the

and

away,

then

journey,

meet
over

of

within

"

they aiivoke,

its shadows

friends

we

Farewell

meeting.

When

All

and

its influence

cast

not

speed

shall

realms

strong

so

life, if you

the

this

save

highest

the

you,

vision

not.

of

is

stood

words

these

in

not

it

form
her

Earthly

an

spirit

satisfy

can

with

spoke

me

father's

your

and

will

son

side

commanding

while

of

seek

content,

But

and

who

beloved

my

tall

Eve,

SPACE.

OK

fi'jures appeared,

Lilith,

beautiful

Adrian,

*'

REALMS

two

tlie

was

one

dark

THE

IN

slumbered

they

as

the

NOT

ME

by side,
of

VIII.

High

protect

you,"

EARTH-BORN.

how

wonder

How

"

and

Minotti

But

Minotti

is

so," thought

priest's
arm,
notice

of

this

at

that

and

he

cheek, and

know

not

is

think

to

Adrian,
his

then

did

friend

our

away

foolish

them

leave

far

119

ment?"
mo-

would

touched

then

the

his hand.
He

it, evidently.

took

it,and

simply sighed deeply, as Philip

took the vinaigrette in his right hand
held it on
and
high, saying :
no

Where

"

Adrian

shall free

This
and

lead

thee

well

me

to

me

left

In

Universe

"

in

be

that

moment.

likes

not,

me

Minotti, fare

beyond.

Adrian

to

beside

assumed

his

grasped
the

Adrian,

pointed

luminous

Minotti

as

vinaigrette

of its contents.

stood

he

But

and

right Philip raised

partook

flash

calmly.
body, and
which

world

his

lips and
a

from

Philip !

hand, with

to his

will

!"

Farewell,

"

is, there

form

Philip'sshape

and

smiled

rapidly to Philip's
just issuing from it,

for

instant

an

and

was

gone.
What

"

quick

and

That

"

that, Philip ?

was

But

have

Thank

Not

spirit,the

the

the

been

better

quickly, am

tell me,

straight as
"

the

encloses

No.

"

and

Adrian's

trace

the

best."

God

and

nature

gaseous

You

that

at

will

deformity. Never
Philip, the Hunchback."

again

clasped hands

head, and

was

passion

above

his

of ecstacy.

element,

or

semi-Earthly envelope,
mentality.
part of man's

I still deformed

exists.

in

tone

apprehensive.
must

covering for
which

"

And

stand

last I
this

"

as

am

fair

no

Earth

Philip

er
longknow

raised

glanced

and

his

upward

EARTH-BORN',

120

this

All

said and

was

done

in

and

moment,

the

alone, gently lay

Minotti, now
they watched
Philip'sbody beside that of Adrian, and heard him
:
sigh deeply to himself as he muttered
with
them.
Now
I were
Would
lonely task
my
next,

"

from
he took
Philip's lifeless
begins, indeed," and
the
long and
gazed
vinaigrette, and
right hand
in the
lamplight, as
fixedly at its brilliant contents

and

of

taste

the

beside
the

upon

the

shall
"

Lead

"

Then

and

for

where

his head

lost in
search

our

tillated
scin-

which

side
back

the

upon

sat

thought,
begin, Philip.

to

Where

Adrian.

will, I

you

example,

Presently he
lay side by

which

resting

questioned

go?"

we

friends*

his

him.

bodies,

appeared

It is time

"

before

two

couch,

of his chair,

follow

golden, flashing drops,

brightly

so

down

fain

would

he

though

am

companion,"

your

plied
re-

Philip.
"

and
"

will visit the

we

v\^ith

will

now

It is willed,"

As

he

and

glorious, and

degrees,
host

of

And

vmtil

then

it became

immense

there."

go

whirling through
far

smaller

below
could

they

Earth, shining

at

them,
see

first,large

its

losmg
simply

brightness by rapid
in a
a
shining world

worlds.

surrounding
now

and

called

Adrian,

reply.
rate, while

smaller

little world

shall

we

felt themselves

tremendous

rapidly growing
this

the

was

spoke they

at

space

that

me

said

planet Mars,"

before

^them

flame-lit

planet

and

upon

of reddish

them

blazed

glare, into

an

whose

which
burning atmosphere
they rushed, and about
in indecision
to just where
to alight.
as
they hovered
Far

below

which

them

spurted

they
from

could
the

see

the

molten

ascending flames,

planet

in

many

tit

EARTH-BORN.

places,while
volcanic
been
cnt:l3r

there

again

seemed

craters

Mars

is

when

it.

of years,

Yes, let

shall

k\

period,"said

it shall be

cooled

present neither

at

found

it.

within

it

or

for thousands

thus

Shall

the flames

into that

search

we

find.

"

yawning

I feel that

and

crater

we

meet

may

moment,
and

saw,

lake

of

bent

figure were

and

his sunken,

fire, an

"

Good

''

Good

said

the

upon

with

How

you

know

molten

hair

white

the

thin

wan,

and

face,

still brilliant eyes.

but

seek

J 'f.

that

you

his side.

spirit,

wan

"

here

im

the

of

bank

aged spirit,whose

keeping

Philip the
blazing

into

day," said Adrian, ahghting by

of Earth," repliedthe
day, men
do

whom

seated

in

seek

we

anyone

"

tioned
ques-

Adrian, brightly.
"

All

ancient

shade.

turbulent
in the

of

men

Earth
'*

unhappy
much

their

and

they, poor

of Adam

and

never

met

they
of

race

fault,for

in all who

something," replied the

are

I have

past, and

ages

seek

They

planet.

are

of Eve,"

hosts

were

content

in

of them

before,

leaven

under

the

the

ever

beings.

the

mortals,

H'

".

clairvoyant,Adrian,"
as
they flew down

are

crater

"

fire

come

before

here, amid
descend

us

we

You

next

"

Earth

to

one," said Adrian.

some
"

the

be
reptilecan
been
burning

our

moment

any

what

see

did

apparwhose

and

lava.

has

Countess

for the
"

Mars
as

and

to

time,

at

habitable, but

be

beast, or

or

flame

in ages

it may
sufficiently
man

late
deso-

and

fires had

short

passing through

Philip,"and

about

the

ready

belch forth destructive

"

where

extinguished but

yawning

black

appeared

mountains,

121

But

lay it sometimes

contented,
dis-

same

it is not

of discontent
shadow

that

of
at

so

is inherent

Terrasal,
the door

EARTH-BORN.

122

And

"

said

do

what

Adrian,

both

them

long

they were
reply, "before
discontent,
They grew
time

You

"

live

to

has

what

What

**

them

knew

If so,

**

They

where

to

have

both

?"

of Eve?"

was

the

quiet
Alas!

Earth.

all others

find

to

since

thcir

his

live

and

it better

than

eacii

last,till

the

that

world

bright

each

and

desire

is

forever."

Eve?"

meet

desires

have

evermore,

heart's

aghasr,

tim.es, an.d in

at

them

you

Adrian,

?"

spiritenters

did

where

cried

of them

distdrbs

follow

to

And

"

hope

naught

content

first sent

re-appear

chastened

finallythe

ago,"

of all who

again

years

as

become

becomes

existence

new

and

planet."

that

upon

of Adam

ea.f^crly.

I knew

"

know

you

rian.
Ad-

questioned

'
'

I have

''

her

met

in years

gone

it is Eve

you

together

in this

them

meet

by," replied

remain

life and

sadly.
They are

final fate will

their

Seek

worlds,

shade

Lilith.

Eve

will

will

Lilith

together.

in many

old

of

simultaneously.
Adam.

and

the

seek, beware

without
to

times

many

be

tent
con-

them

permit

if you

Eve

not

ever

doubtless

never

not

If

"

would

be

content."
"

What
and

seek

find

I have

said.

"

For

her

must

know
over

*'

I know

**

Then

her

with

Eve

life she

leaves.

she

historv, and

shook

in the

her

And
the

I cannot

that

Adrian.

and

sadly

seek
Earth

every

when

do

boldly replied

others

seen

seek

ence

her?"

to

pale spirit smiled

The
**

Lilith

has

his

as
reason

past," he

ages

endures

spirits

new

for

head.

Lilith, y"^^^'
of

her

influ-

Eve."
it not
listen.

so

if you

Lilith

was

will, pray
a

rare

tell me."
and

beautiful

EARTH-BORN.

of Terrasal,

daughter

daughter

true

the animal

of

Spirit.

world

and

She

was

bcini( evohitionized

your

development

slow

Karth

the

Earth,

of

races

t2j

centuries

through
after

Race

pain.

from
of

of

race

phyte
zoot

and
and

mollusc,

birds, lived

they

and

came,

and

endowed

intelligence, but
and

in

than

better

In

way
of

races

of

pride

all his

time

ignorant

spiritualityor
the

were

rasal
Ter-

ere

These

',

animals

men.

their

birth.
with

they

them

of

race

them

gave

not

loved

of

sphere

your

worshipped

which

were

reptiles,later

upon

finallyproduce

men

who

died

could

world

the

of

then

great

Terrasal,

previous productions,

in turn

loved
him.
no
they
They asked
the
than
the lofty mounhigher king
tains,
grand oceans,
the glorious sun,
the
and
wonderful
world
that
surrounded

them.

They
They

save.

free

and

is

Lilith

beautiful

had

and

spent

"For
for

by

higher

far

some

day
a

mind.

Born

when

with
is

after.
here-

when

beast

wild

outstretched
As

happy.

unmixed

with

them

among

of

his

endow

not

bird

Earth,

beautiful

greatest

give, including

instinct

eould

the

the

ance
ignor-

the

new

invariably accompany
spiritualityand a dawning reason.
reigned

to

net

spirits to

or

with

which

symb("l

Terrasal
he

the

over

fears

and

minds

no

as

the

As

happ3^

awakening
"

happy,

always happy

desires

had

themselves

were

wings, soaring
is

They

troubled

above
her

power

This

being.

Lilith

years

Terrasal,

was

He

with

new

with

Adam,
induced

and

certain

her

it

reigned,

and

God-born,

Lilith

to

her

not

leave

all

reason

spirit he
his power.

then

of

her

upon

true

being appeared,
full attributes

queen,

of

beyond

was

4C)
,

gave

amount

race.

"

and

world,

powers,

their

as

an

one

fatal

endowed
reason
an

her

and
Earth-

people.

EARTH-BORN.

124
and

mate

cast

her

with

and

for

this, and

human

He

continues.

spring from
spirithe has
*'

Eve

has

the

tender,

and

obtained

dominion

this
an

dominion

all

of man,

true

Terrasal,

to

subtle,
Lilith

Terrasal

Through

Adam

God-

her

yielded

Eve, who

over

Lilith

loving.

yoke of Earthly thraldom,

rejected by the highest power,

prey

which
the

over

the

was

easy

and

sweet

revengeful.

spirit to
she

day, and still

things Earthly,

the

over

the

this

to
over

with

dominion.

no

was

continued

favorite

his

warfare

passions
Earthly envelope, but

cunning
born

has

bodies, and

the

over

with

Terrasal,

than
of

treatment

Spirit began

which

race

mated

he

himself, possessed

higher being

Adam's

Earth

the

daughter,

passed

and

boy,
like

who,

had

year

soul.

worshipped

They

and

her

being Eve,

inteUigence
"

ere

off, together with

God-born

the

and

him,

(ailing

and

for

and

fell

with

her,

equally guilty.
**

Since

that

day

She
content

will

satisfy.

struggle

Adam

like

and
to

has

strives

God-born

Eve

Eve

in

spirit which
likewise
is

to

nothing Earthly

wanders

trying
spirit,which

ever

satisfyhis

tentment.
con-

existences

Earthly

new

full

known

never

o'er
a

new

will

ere

the

verse,
Uni-

life in

the

never

be

content."
"

You

Then

speak

whence

of
came

Adam

they

and
?

Eve

being

God-born.

"

from
that
tented
conbright planet where
They came
where
I once
from
dwelt
spirits dwell
Jupiter, the largest and the best of all the chastened
"

"

worlds
"

And

Adrian.

within
you

the
came

"

system

of this

sun."

from

Jupiter

here

"

questioned

EAkTir-noRN.

but

Yes,

"

and

shape

then

and

spheres,
know

and

and

habitation

the

for

them

them

when

worlds

vance.
ad-

in ages

does

not

man

makes

the

forming

the

of them

them

for

new

as

many

take

vapors

past,

content.

mean

his appearance,

newly forming planet like

been
here }
long have
you

this."

"

wonder-

Adrian.

Since

"

the

onward

move

I shun

how

ingly said

leave

life upon

seek

And

"

into

traversed

that

Therefore,

ever

I have

I watch

form

cool, and

living, and

and

direct.

not

125

first the

that

is

nebulous

thousands

floated in space

formed

vapor
of

years

sphere,

When

ago.

of gaseous

mass

this

Mars
""

vapor,

Earth

your

*'

burning

was

of

as

hence

years
for

is Mars.

now

when

this

reptile,beast

"And

what

do

planet

man,"

or

shall

thousands

be

able
habit-

become

quiet reply.
years?" asked

the

was

in all these

do

you

It will

Adrian.

Repent

"

which

now

Have

"

left my

ever

and

barred,

am

and

form

worlds

the

that

seek

decay,

in

solace

decay,"

them

seen

you

then

from

Jupiterian home,
was

well

as

seeing

sad

the

reply.
form

as

"

said Adrian.
I

"

have

through

space

Look

above

floats

so

is

glorious

you.

the
world

rise and

fashion?

still
"

Your

through
world

ere

the

is

Earth

and

peopled

dire

confusion.

Know

watched

other
now

and

and

time

that

Mars

free

which

that

greatest

or

spiritsset

space

scattered

little star

space.

fragments of the
that
triumphant

mortals, and

to

fieryfragments and
See yon
seeming

fall

and

asunder

rent

in boundless

could

elements
world

in

calmly
of

one

them

seen

are

most

battling
bright
known

were

then

this

ing
wander-

worlds.
with

some

of

them.

."

EARTII-UOKN.

sphere, and
like

men

cool

yourselves may

sped by

They
arrived

upon

sliowers

of

one,

the

upon

this

it,

live."

elementary

little stars

around

world,
where

scene,

and

seemingly

ccnterin"^ about

were

soon

larger

gradually joining it,and increasing its

What
is tiiis? queried Philip.

size.

This

of

"'

"

"

is

planet forming by

These

the

are

form

and
blown

another

internal

"

What

"

Generally

those

are

the

Earth,

by

crust

it is

is but

is

some

in

shell

the

solid

hundred

and

miles
fifty-six

hot that

rocks
The

into the

fires

world

your

scattered
"

This

you

suddenly

befel

of

chain

forced

waters

below

one

the

disturbed

grand
the

scattered

there

once

can

see

is

eight

matter,
in

so
If'
I ,?;

seeth-

one

covered

is two-thirds
find

its way

how

quickly
and

space,

volcanic
the

the

be

,.i"'

equihbrium
far and

of the

with

molten
and

of the

wide,

the

I told
'":

mountains

level

upheaval,

which

world

bright

that

fires back

till they reached

with

that

and

vide.

far and

sank

hundred

together

you

As

thousand

explode, fly into

would

thickness.

nine

but

water

and

below,

is what

of.

this

Let

water.

melt

world,

fire, surrounded
in

fiery,molten

surface

Earth's

Your

seven

of

those

Philip.

it follows

some

metals

and

of

steam.

molten

diameter,

between

with

asked

thousand

seven

of destruction."

thirty-fivemiles

twenty-six miles

inofmass.

"

element,

globe

some

the Earth

elements

of

sion.
cohe-

worlds

tiie remnants

elements?
one

process

destroyed,
join finallytogether,

space,
from

globe

pieces by

to

in

the

from

chips

which, fiying around

was

formed

crust

stranj^e

127

in

and

oceans,

thunderous

an
sun

the

tions
detona-

within.

mass

action

explosion

Then

which

itself,the world

bodies

of

its inhab-

iM.

128

i:aktii-iu)kn.

itants

destroyed, their spiritsset free, and all

of lon"^a^es flung into surrounding space
that while
some
pieces of the planet struck

were

their works
far away

so

the
"

hundred

even

into

That

So

solar

grand

How

"

and

spheres
"

And

that

lost

It

"

old shade

asteroid
And

of

over

scattered

the

was

reply,

here

orbit

lived

upon
these

that

wonderful

Adrian,

world

joining in.

inhabitants," said
is

of

one

call

men

your

from

themselves."

its

by

formed

have

men

?" said

ago

"

been

of this

and

"

sight," exclaimed

thoroughly

so

name

Neb,

I ask

may

found

great

so

have

decay

long

so

the

to

oids,
aster-

are

it occur?

races

the

which

wreck,

the

"

in

and

was

called

was

did

worlds

for

ready

what

was

realitythey

distant.

pieces

far have

so

disappeared

have
are

these

wonderful

ago

new

parts of the wreck,

them

call

systems,

and

long

that

long

In

of miles

its force."

and

was

Philip.

them.

of
other

explosion

"

planets, and

minor

two

millions

philosophers

Earth

Your
or

"

flew

itself,others

sun

the

the

pieces

Flora, the

of

nearest

of Mars."

to whom

speak

we

"

Adrian

said

again.
"

Nebule,

am

ruling

o'er

that

from

at

destinies

the

dethroned

Nebule
that

you

To

great

of

the

whom

chief

Neb,

world,

planet,Jupiter," said
"

time

one

and

stars

Hierophant?"

but
also

now

an

from

spirits
outcast

its twin

spiritmournfully.

ancient
the

the

among

are

young

Are

exclaimed

eagerly

Philip.
"

"

Nebule,"

Then

knows

has

am

we

the

favored

are

was

indeed

Universe,"
us."

the

dignified reply.

in the

exclaimed

company

of

Philip.

one
"

who

Fortune

M,

ICARTM-IJORN.

Say

"

coming

I awaited

and

Then

"

owe

you

would

come,

her

were

your
your

safe

for this
exit

the

trial,and

from

the

this visit

to

without

Earth

i,wi-

of Terrasal."

powers

Terrasal, you

But

Your

Nebula.

recently," said Adrian.

within
the day," replied Nebulc.
present to you shortly before

bodies

struggleagainst
"

this.

returned

that you

met

we

seen

her

seen

shed

you

have

Lilith

and

h,ve

last

in

you

you."

you

I have

"

"

when

nie

favors

unexpected,"

not

was

I'^'c told

"

fortune

that

not

129

has

say,

no

the

over

power

; tf
"::
"

Nor

"

has

Terrene

body,

he,"

envelope

holds

he

it

his

was

he

should

still encased
will

you

which

need

all

quit

the

things Earthly
him

leave
them

then

and

But

you

more.

semi-Earthly covering, and

return

your

again

not

that

should

spirit,

true

he

i;"i

the

over

your

his when

claim

your

it upon

could

it, you

v/ish

But

"

encases

shed

never

in

Nebulc.

still

him

encompassed

there,as
arc

replied

Philip

sway.

for

which

the

enter

out
With-

Earth.

to

in

body

factory
satis-

state."
"And

is this

wliat

it resemble?"

does

It is

"

all

which

which

beings

Earth-Born

their

shape

the

body

it

of

the

nature,

are

covering

body
upon

away,

if fit to

of matter.

above

'm4

part of that
Earth, and

enveloped

Earth, while
rise

the

exactly,and

What

Adrian.

puzzled

surrounds

it remains

soars

the

of gaseous

vapor

beneath
the

semi-Earthly covering?

asked

envelope

an

nebulous

at

It
true

the
the

in immediately
assumes

death

of

in
spiritwithEarth.

If

spiritis filled with truly Earthly desires

the
of higher aims, then
spiritand
Earth, until the
together upon
envelope remain

not, and
to

'!"

spirit,"vSaid Adrian.

free

the

the exclusion

this

EARTir-nORN.

130

afford,

can

It

which

in

saw

you

It is this

ghosts.
when

gives
days.
shape

the

them

of

Earth

the

his

lose

leaves, in such
human

lost

influence

in

lies

body

the

while

Even

tlic

Philip's

now,

under

Earth,

the

the

over

his

spiritis here,

of

Minotti,"

keeping

ff)r

it retains

hovers

"

whicli

is still there

part* and

of Terrasal,

its

remain
and

limb,

cases,

fragmentary state.
envelope is flitting over

termed

which

limb

the

is thesi-

It

are

in this

deformed
the

accident

impression
it

When

and

envelope

gaseous

by

humans

enveloprs

Circle.

Karth

the

and

it.

tlieir gaseous

Terrene

Earth

covering,

this

without

space

the

walk

spirits which

off

spiritsand

these

was

hio^hcr things than

shakes

it

thaf

springs into boundless

*'

for

desires

spiritgains such

and

replied

Nebule.
**

You
known

are

know

to

seem

to

well.

us

without

you

Even

names

our

telling you,"

our

said

Philip.
"

seen

Eve

"

Then

been," said
"

is interested

Eve

is

Eve

Adrian

in

interested

in

originally,are

rare

who

in all of

her

who
Eve

love

found

fullest

and

her.

Women

indeed

Eve

Lllith

represents
on

most

always

has

can

be

can

the

truest

Earth,

they

ably
invari-

are

God-born

Eve,

Earth, while

in

rain

wnth

ty})c of

God-born

Lilith

glorious type

of

Lilith's
Those

storm.

forget her,

content

wliile

ren,"
child-

like

on

never

Earth-Born

and

"

plentifulas drops
know

once

You

joyfully.

interested

are

still,ana

us

quietly replied Nebule,

sisters

I have

Earthl}'trials at her request.

to me,"
replied Nebule.

unknown

not

histories.

and

names

your

in your

you

are

me

gave

while
her

those
sisters.

hood
woman-

represents
Earth

the

itself,un-

EARTH-BORN.

mixed

witli

lives.

Rve

hi;^hcrattributes.

Many

And

*'

"

wliere

but
"

asked

once

sadly said
spirit

rebellious

But

much

wish

we

we

can

that

wc

No

and

freed

thought.
it,as

did

This

from

When

approach

being

Earthly

you
Eve

Adam,

was

there,"
you
rebellious
or

without

Jupiter,

and

not

take

and

reach

once

I."

and

?!?

it ^"

to

nearer

'

.11!^

of idl

that

combined.

Earth-Born

in

long

times

hundred

greater than
I cannot

now
"

leave

can

It is to

great world

system

chastened

Jupiter,never
"

but

stay

thoroughly

Nebule

is several

mass

this solar

Nebule.

can

Karth."

on

Adrian.

whose

home,

my

is this

Earth, and

planets in

Liliths

their

find their

Adams

belts you should

know
that tiiis
which
four moons
l)ri;^htworld

that
and

Few

Icadinjrus,

you
what

f^' its wonderful

.'iccompany,
that of the
the

arc

know,

Jupiter,

is

with

mate

ncarin;;?

arc

131

asked

Philip.
''

Yes,
if

desired,

"And

around

hover
but

will not

you

will

where

within

find

we

its

find Eve

her?"

hood
neighborthere."

eagerly

asked

Adrian.
"

We

ever
"

which

her

urges

to

solar
that

larger than

from
Venus

which

the

of

power

it that

Lilit!i
J

I 4',it;'i

hither
world

the

Philip, and is so
glorious orb looks
"

from
appears
is far away,

II-

of

repents

farthest from

is the

replied Nebule,

repentance, and

cycle

the

worlds," said

Yes, Neptune
drear,"

waits, and

again undertake."
That

Neptune.

In

is in this

if she

Neptune,

Earthly experiences,

indeed,

and

in

she

system.

of all the

"

her

It is there

solar
her

find

will

sun

far,
littic

Earth."

*'

flies with
denotes.

and

dark, and

cold,

but

here

finds

Eve

Lilith every
Amid

the

age

and

snows,

5*1

EARTH-BORN.

132

ice, and

and
a

fit

oppressed

stole
chilled

as

Onward
the

where

Jupiter

supreme.

world

glorious

another

nearing

eight moons
They had

they

Jupiter, and

had

the
but

Nebule

that

traveled
times

them

miles
to

would

until

like

they

now

and

rings

its

Saturn.

was

nearly
they

its

since

the

fain have
from

Saturn

now

leaving
side

other

persistentlyaway

increasing circle,

ever

it

reign

to

and

by

deeps

them,

enter,

and

away

the

behind

million

many

at

led

not

planet,

knew

sped

which

sun,

dare

they

spirit

farther
into

satisfact
dis-

herself.

seemed

left far

was

his

Eve

ever

on,

darkness

outer

until

of

far

and

sadness

speeding

ever

still be

her, and

that

as

and

on

sunlight,

beyond,

were

mournful

and

stand
under-

dimly

by degrees,

for

Nebule

of

to

feeling of

him

they went,

from

mournful

remark,

this

words

find

vague

over

after

began

indeed

contented.

was

and

sad

as

sad

Adrian

might

he

that

the

by

and

Eve,

regarding
from

in silence

onward

sped

were

thoughts

"

arounc

scenes

They
all

for

companionship

the

as

dreary planet, she finds

of that

darkness

of

nearecl,
it

lay

in

an

before

them.
Red

^hcy
"

and

^xemed
;

is

with

world.

millions

of

for

and
its

as

Once

in

inhabitants,

centuries

it has

ages

past it

learned

been

and

decaying.

complete possession,
primeval fires have taken
are
slowly destroying it by degrees. Already
the

the

fire

solid

licked

crevices

molten

sheeted

laps

been

have

oceans

from
the

flaming planet, and

deserted

but
l\itelligent,

Its

said

it, Nebule

neared

This

this

fiery glowed

spurts

rocks

back

dry by
of

witli
to

flames, while

the

its fast

melting

destroying
their

molten

energy,
state.

crust,

and
No

EARTII-nOKX.

finds

rain

Icomc

\V(

^J

fall from

drops

its heated

'!t; I

parched

and

"

and

atmosphere,

irnfiil

reflections

red

of

:k, for

j;lanet,havinj^

lebule

rccolvinq; back
1

ander-

Oils

As

spirit

it

Nebule

upward

with

chain

reign
like

slowly

become

more

and

"

habitable

lost

be

'

mil-

In

airain.

st.ite

space

the

hovered

forever

this

over

to

in

immense

An

which

chaos

general

leap

thunaerous

and

disappeared,

suddenly

the

decay in,"^

its fires

atmosphere.

mountains

away

once

in

shook

of

melted

fiiis

is

they looked, they saw

fierce
intensity,while

detonation

deeps

heat

usefulness,

"raseous

spoke, they
as

away

"

mrH'

increasinpits

the

but

are

system."

f^Iobe, and

lerseli.

ever

its

float away

or

this solar

nd dis-

its

of lire

bands

outlived
into

years

world,

far

be

of

wide

those

prevailed,

and

they

\v

its

and

where

stood,
lined

leaviniz:
side

ol

it

in

with

they

bubbled

an

fire.

tend

to

left

soon

The

m.ountain

chain

immense

abyss,

general destruction,

this

in

everywhere
not

the

old

it behind

disappearing

spiritsof

the

cheer

and

their

in

the

party,

flighttoward

Xeptune.

an

is

Here

*'

before

as

on

its

of the

one

said

Nature,"
and

and

spurting

planet,did

before

moment

seethed

now

apparent

so

and

neared,

but

'*

around

pilgrimage

wonderful

most

Nebule.

It

is

the

advancing

an

and

sun,

in

things

as

comet,

4
i

it

see

you

"
,

nebulous

i^athers the

vapors

as

it flics.

as

it

will

It

tinue
conJ "'

nast

to

it

led and

caying.

(session,
already

the sun,

gather
and

when

it will

course

the tail is
And

them

as

long

it turns

away

off this

throw

forming."
he spoke they
them

while

so

at

saw

great

approaches

w\)0\\

nebulous

the

backward

See,

matter.

immense

an

rate

toward

of

body

speed,

proaching
ap-

while

crust,

l-ry,
te.

and
No

behind
each

it streamed

moment

though

to

and

wonderful

longer,

girdle the

tail,growing

sti'nging

Universe.

out

into

larger
space

as

If

'/

CHAPTER

EVE

What

had

overtaken

it,and

of

one

how

did

'

ml

POWER.

Evidently

celestial

the

had

disaster

sonric

bodies.

But

what

was

it occur?
with

speed

something

LILITIl'S

IN

happened

Quick,

"

FOUND

IX.

which

does

not

and

me,

will

but

occur

show
in

once

ii\ t"

you

ages,"
;li|l

said

Nebule,

But

the

through

far

sped

kept

they

rushed

he

as

with

up

spirit world,

and

him,

the

at

space

in advance.

away

highest
far

by

greater

together

they

known

to

rate

than

the

Soon

they emerged

speed

tained
at"'

by the
from

auiidst

free space
The
and

electric
the

of the

tail

direction
wide

with

their

sides

rent

of molten

to

it,sped swiftly
What

wonderful

temple,

here, indeed,
blackened
relics

of

and
a

were

it

the

the

was

fashioned

charred,

dethroned

sailed

by,

of mineral

volcano,
interior

yond
bewith

clinging

space.

this ? Yes,

was

flame-lit

eye

fearful

some

wealth

upturned

an

and

lava,
into

of

the

mind's

mountains

disclosing

There

compare.
streams

crags

the

as

evidences

every

Around

vapor.

and

in

wide

and

far

as

space,

flying

huge

far
of

masses

were

Here

wreck.

evidently disappeared,

scattering

broken

reach,

had

in

again

once

sight.

strange

of limitless

and

mass,

comet

was

in

open

could

nebulous
beheld

they

head
the

currents.

by

bodies
but

world.
135

remnants

the
of

still

hand

once

and

themselves,

men

men,

of
of man,

dismembered

Suddenly

they

came

'^'i

136

KAR'lII-liOKN.

upon

solitaryspirit,and

hv

as

fake

Nebulc

them

joined

her

asked

of Amar,

"

Is this the

end

*'

Amar

gone

said

has

the

and

spirit,
"

new

join

to

time

and

her

the

worlds

with

her

has

of

come

the

"

past,"

inhabitants."

happened ? Did the

ill-fated planet?" said Nebule.
No, but six days ago the comet
"

And

what

close

so

of

motion
fire

its influence

that
that

For

pits.

world,
six

da3's have
they flooded

Its
their

scattered, and

seeking a new
destroyed by

am,

been

King

formed

the

shall

What
far

And

from

melody
"

in

away

Amarite.

am

Amid

the

the

tially
parare

as

itself

comet

cried
of

its vapors

has
sipated.
dis-

three
asked

Adrian.
like

soft

evidences

of

space,

the

came

reply :

"

them

Amar?"

was

just
people

Spirits,"and
quickly as he came.

as

"

realms

around

general destruction,

and

doubtless

now

space

Farewell

chaos

"Where

into

the

You

Farewell!

fallingstar,

lost,its

concussion, and

call you

we

have

you

The

Amar!

sped

comer

new
"

as

spiritsare
sphere.

Farewell!

the

mass.

identity is

the

fought

interior

the
Steam
story, how
planet to destruction,

witnessed.

the

the

know

the

regular
over

waters

waters

at

blew

her

the

fires,and
the

last

the

overcame

rolling

the

passed by Amar,

"

and

strike

comet

and

the

spiritssped onward.
Nebule
PhiHp, and

replied :
''

Amar

planets
the

we

have

attraction

of this
been

circled

comet,

doomed

around
seen.

of
and
for

another

Swerved

from

she

drifted

Neptune

destruction
years,

for

met

had

than

sun

her
into

both.
not

this

course

the
Amar

end

these

by
orbit
has
over-

haps
'^
"I

all her

perished

EARTir-HOkX.

taken

her, then in time

^7
would

Uranus

planets ^vould
destroyed to"^ether."

her

patnway, and
How

**

far

Uranus,

"

Uranus?"

been

haps
per-

repliedPhilip.

one
delui^^edglobe, is yet about
distant, while
Neptune is still farther

billion four

nearly two

million

miles,

as

Ave

It"

A.nd how

"

from

we

have

the

billion miles

by
away
travel."

both

are

crossed

have

will

soon

reach

we

Neptune

"

inquired

"

Adrian.
At

"

if you wish it,"replied Nebule.

prefer to see the other
you would

thought

on

our

and

way,

True,

"

Uranus

would

we

This

like to

dark

and

them

see

blot of land

planets

watery world

its head

shows

is this

But

all.

that

we

world

"

But

delayed."

so

nearing?" said Philip,joiningin.

This
is Uranus.
Once
a
teeming
millions of beings,now
wilderness
vast
a
Not

"

once,

of

are

with
water.

tlie surface

above

of its

Fathoms
deep lie all her
all-pervadingocean.
far down
into the
cities. Under
the eddying waves,
of the sea, where
bosom
naught but the zoophyte
and

the

that

mollusc

grand

once

Uranites.
fires

the

its fires
time

life was

are

came,

and

in its chilled
can

their

prime, while

their

within

world,

ft

and

abroad

the

bloodless
whose

waters,

live
species alone can
depths the sunlightne'er

reach."
Nebule

as

of

its peoples. Now

among
the flood
all extinguished,burnt out ere

of
spirit

the

yet burning

were

in

them

seen

remains

the

world, peopled by the

beautiful

and

I have

found

be

live, can

uttered

these

they poised above

viewed

its waste

the

words

in

lonesome

of desolate

waters,

melancholy
world
which

tone

below, and
stretched

'ir"
L.'"
i*-.

138

KARTH-BORN.

far and

spoke
"

wide

on

every

hand.

Again

exist.

Naught

mournfully

he

No

mammals

here

but

silent

the

sluggish zoophyte, and the bloodless

mollusc
through these
plough their solitary way
Where
the brightestintelligence
chill waters.
once
the

crustacean,

reigned
and

primitive

most

cold

the

then

man,

of

life

will

Uranus
worlds.

the

fish

veined

forms
and

all

of

were

which
a

shaftless

then

mammals,

Soon

primitive
will disappear,
exist
now
sepulcher among
watery

expired.

remain
A

life

by
extinguished.

blooded

warm

Little

of life exist.

elements

first

the

but

grand planet,now

higher grades

little the
First

all this

over

even

these

for

cemetery

its

silent

dead."
sorrowful

Nebule's

Adrian,

and

as

deserted

this

tones

they hung
planet, and

strangely
for

Philip

longer

moment

then

affected

their

leader

over

swiftly

his course,
and
again upon
they as swiftly
followed.
the
to
once
Turning back
gaze
upon
the glorious sun
saw
scenes
they had passed, Adrian
lighting with its splendor the cloud-capped worlds
around
small
it appeared now
them, but how
very
its size as
in comparison
from
to
Earth, and
seen

turned

its rays

while

little warmth

seemed

from

came
was

far

are

still shed
them.

welcome

light,

Already

that

re^

the distant
over
losing its power
little worlds
they were
continually passing, and yet
loomed
the faintest
on
they sped, while before them
end
total
twilight,ever
was
increasing,until its sure

splendent

orb

to

darkness.
**

How

we

now

from

the

sun

?"

Adrian.
"

Nearly

two

billion

miles," replied Nebula.

asked

139

KARTII-HORN.

And

"

whirling

space, and keep them

"
All things within
miles

either

on

influenced

are

it?"
billion

full three

for

its radius

side

around

ever

this

things in

all

influence

it indeed

docs

the

by

sun,"

plied
re-

Nebule.
And

"

assume

outside

this

command,

or

influence

no
"

There

dominion

of

of each

other
vacant

if the

planets range

the influence' of

sun," replied Nebule.

of Silence, for within

called

Circle

the

naught but
reigns over

black

them

attracts

is

there

no

And

have

around
"

Night

never

so

silence

periods of time,
reappeared from

and

its

steer

by

boundless

and
spirits,

ocean

sailor, so

for the

its darkness

endless

landmark

no

it when

spirits avoid

all

reply.

seemmgly

deserts, with
the

it,but

Silence

Adrian.

queried

the

was

the

Like

crossed

I have

Like

"

of

this Circle

traversed

you

sun

our

they can,"
"

its radius

wastes."

sunless
"

have

worlds

lost

is

spiritshave

brave

that many
holds
sway,
supreme
for long
them
been lost within
so

some

This

"

circles,and

starless

these

into

again

once

darkness.

and

death

till

motion

further

and

gain

the

round

they stop in space,

some
passing world
some

once

where

spaces

darkness

utter

into which

sun

at

suns

Adrian.

?" said

belt

there

are

controls
is

do

circle

guide

to

of

sands

Uranus,

is the

with

Circle

immensity to be
especiallyby those who
and

of your
for the
no

Earthly
mortal.
land

in

Silence

of

shunned
know

by
but

to

the

little
-"*"

Universe,

of the

e^rades. Some
some
"

for

are

spirits,like mortals,

learned, some

foolish

"

are

some

of

all

good,

bad."
Then

the

freed

spiritfinds

little improvement

in

'

KARTH-BORN.

140

itself when

longer

from

released
in

held

the

body,
Philip.

leash," said

spirit is the same

shades
trammeled
the
of feeling as
the
bod}^ being cast aside, those
directly to it are lost, as a
in

free

The

"

that

the

cases

some

wish,

every

Spirits learn
not

death

life

through

sinks

lower

in

successive

by eflort equal
replied Ncbule.
Then

"

There

**

And

this

They
taking new
"

their

for

the

reply.

"

all

of

becomes

things

those

before,"
their

redeem

become

to

who

better

in

worse

grow

Philip.
given opportunities

are

lives

forms

and

and

in

elsewhere

is

perchance brighter circumvStances

and redemption in
improvement
lives, and

successive

spirits,but

some

rise here

let it sink

spiritsto

is

said

past here

many

"

only

can

It is

spirit it
spiritwhich

the
that

which

for

chance

chance

was

sloth

is

what

state

the

strong

still exists.

Earth.

on

Earth,

But

thing.

body,

and

pertain
ap-

Adrian.

is

worse,"

or

upon

that

save

is still so

do

no

and

which

usual

teaches

years,

lower
to

there

errors," said
"

which

body

and

mortals

as

space

desires

wishes

the

regarding

all
one,

Earthly envelope
even

of the

in

it is

that

save

it is

improve

to

other

by

worlds,

where

forgotten,and

where

lead

may
the end.
of

millions

them

to

It may
to

years

take
save

spirit indeed

depraved

that

has

not

some

the

it," was

germ

of

many
the
nearer

and

Adrian

strange
distance
and

which

may

in time

redeem

reply.

They sped along

Philip

good
in

silence

looking

sights which
could

around

be
them

seen

after

w4th

wonder

space

remarks,

Far

comets,

numberless

th'^

upon

afforded.

nebulous

floated

these

'.

whi!

aerolite

TM

EARTH-BORN.

and

Small

meteors.

141

miniature

worlds

seen,

were

which

might have been the relics of some

larger
but
one
fleeingspirit,
planet. Yet they had seen
Amarite, since leaving Mars.
Where
do all the spiritskeep themselves, Neb**

ule?

We

of Earth

of mortals

who

have

their

to

said

of

unnumbered

me

died, and

And

spirits
go.

many
iidd

think

other

number,

yet

wonder

have

their

where

besides

worlds
we

billions

our

but

seen

own
t "'

few,"

Philip.
There

spirits in
comparatively few
for as one
space,"said Nebule,
body dies the spirit
another
generallyenters
shortlyafter,if not in the
"

but

are

"

in

world, then

same

necessary

populate

to

is drawn
in

war,

famine,

"

No.

"

another.

deluge,

from

swept

and

Thus
in

one

have

But

since

in

world, the

one

it becomes

When

surplus population
pestilence,in

in

many
to the

other

You

will

in

this solar

ways

other."

sphere
no
we
seen
populated globe
said
Philip.
leaving it,"

races

are

from

other.

some

save

Earth

system find but

one

is

the
sphere populated by humanity. Jupiter
of mortals,
of the highest free spirits,
Earth
home
and the other
planets are either decaying after a
and
Mercury,
past civilization,or, like Mars, Venus
in succession, as Earth
one
are
preparing for a new
becomes
in turn
depopulated and useless,"replied

\'M i

Nebule.
"

Which

of the worlds

forming in this system

humanity?" asked Philip.
now

ready for
mortal
is nearing the time when
Venus
man
find a home
there," repliedNebule.
And
the
are
they in
populated worlds
systems, beyond the Circle of Silence ? How

is the nearest
''

"

"

-m
can

other
then

Earth-hor"^.

the
of

^or

search
the

chill

Ic It for

his

yearning
Icn-fold

Eve

world

her,

his

by

of

it

with

was

he

little

and

his *^reat
intensified

were

her

Nebule's

heard

he

love

deep

roundings,
history and surof
feelings
mingled joy

knowledi^e

that
me

comfort

contcmphition

reply :
I v.-ill lead

longer, and

to

you

side."

alighted

but

wasted

the

few

what
world.
for

its fires had

yawning

hung

with

miles

in

later

moments

evidently
Long years

upon

volcanic, but
now

but

and

It seemed

that

him,

the

about

succor

iind sadnCvSS

her

in tlic

mother,

to

Follow

vanished

Earth-encompassed

wSo

"

had

M3

was

ages

into

crater

festoons

when

loftiest

the

three

peak

it had

ago

in

been

extinct, and

been

whose

the

pit the)^gazed
less
icicles for fathom-

of

gigantic
depth. Huge glaciers swept
cally
majestibeautiful
down
and
into that wide
abyss, coldly
frozen
world
the
of that
clear, while
wintry winds
eddied
flakes
from
side to
the
never
melting snov/
side over
their calm
these
Between
bosoms.
huge
formed
centuries
vast
glaciers yawned
crevasses
their
last feeble
the dying fires made
before, when
was

effort to

overcome

mountains

liuge blocks
them

Down,

their
of

encroaching

ice, and

served

in
to

the

places,leaving
denote
the dying

down,

iloated, watching

into

that

the

enemy,
but

yawning

to

stroying
de-

detach
rent

side
be-

effort.

vast

crate;;

sides

ice

they

and
crystal
pure
precipitousglaciers in the semi-twilight,and noting
how
the
Fire
deep and grand a cavern
King had
for his home
made
him
the Ice King drove
forth,
ere
until the)^came
midway in the abyss to a huge chasm
in the side of one
of the immense
glaciers. Entering
in its cavernous
it,they saw
interior, with the crystal
the

of

of
the

rAirrii-iJoKN'.

144
clear
sJiliiiii^

icicles

flakes

faintlyfallingsnow
heautilid

the

her,

object

in all the

as

cokl

and

Eve, Avhilc beside

past, stood

centuries

beautiful

and

stood

with

him

stirred

unable

depth

address

or

Lilith, in her

Then

spoke

Adrian,

of the

born

Terrasal,

And

smile

of

while

Adrian

through

You

the

Earth,

and

beauty,

told

were
"

and

the

rule

as

still in

semi-

the

voice

senses

replied :
of my

childhood

"

she

through,
not

that

content

you
faithless

of

the

she

as

follow

to

her.

Adam

cast

me

forth

twin

Lilith,in

yet you
not

In

with

all
my

ages,

you

weary

love

beautiful

spirits,God-born
all these

your

the

wretchedness
my

came.

crown

aside
in

of

the

"

would

sought

full

spirit of
replied :

pierced

eyes

dying pain, together

Earth-Born

his

to

he

warned

yet

since

child

under

here?"

you

mother

dark

t^jiiderness, sending
never

commanding

while

the

her

\vere

meeting
years

longing, yet

you."
the
rested upon
triumphant power
incarnation
lips of the beautiful

sensuous

You

side,

stood

beside

Earth,

"

her, but

dark,

in space,

seek

to

came

and

bein"":,

her.

would

dream,

far away

stands

in

as

seemed

who

entire

Father, enveloped

my

Earthly Spirit,what

that

yet of

her

ever

in them

his

meet

to

hood
woman-

turned

sadness

throuiih

fearing by

comfort

to

of

spring

not

and

wondering

ol

crown

charming

loving eyes

tender,

of

dream

throiijjfh and

could

yet, he

as

her

Eve,

Adrian,

upon

"

her

and

blazinij^sun.

Fair

"

dark

her

still
coniniandinj;-rival, I.ilith,\vearin,i;
tlie

the

their forms,

around
cddyin^i^

of their search,

and

them,

alnuit

Adam
alone

and
and

boy,
and
have

i:Ak'iFf-iu)kN'.

and
SMiiij^ht

found

The

for

Earth, wiio

slew

Cain,

children

the

then

were

\vc

beautiful

of Earth.

So

unequal hght.
of

Child

the

them
as

true

we

we

ever

exists

will

ple,
peo-

God-born

still

Eve

twain,

his

the

Earth

of

leaving Abel

of

Against

long

more?

Ood-born

haunts

Earth,

before

cherish^'d child

Eve, and

arrayed, against

battle.

to

and

tent?
con-

you

know

you

my

dust, sou";ht again the

in the

the

Would

once

Arc

life is unfolded

of
offsprini;

the

faithless Adam

time.

your

satisfied ?

you

seek

Then

ore

of luiman

mystery

Are

you.

her

'45

wage
so

"

ne'er

be

long
aught

again."

you
'

she

As
her
"

of

Lilith, Daughter
will

triumph

will avail

that

and

you

combat?

the

the

the harvest

Cain,

then

flashingeyes

her

the

upon

Daughter

of Terrasal

awaits her ?

When

beautiful

its

Cain

linger,while
throw.
them

But

its
ever,

None
all

while

of

races

and

shall
we

is

race

yield to

Lilith

them.

ever,

the

lengthened

and

o'erwhelm

them,

i*
cient
an-

spirituiid replied:
Nebule, God-born
spiritof a world that has fled,
than the spheres themselves, you know
ancient

"when

'

sess
you posshall be

sow

you

jt:; VMi

yours

What
power

the

**

well that the

over

of

spiritof

true

"

when

and

you,

Lilith turned

And

in

Mother

the

you

vengeance,

your

falls from

reaped ?

end

over

annihilation

will meet

Terrasal

that in the

not

you

God-born

more

addressed

mournfully

know

"

Nebule

ceased,

Earth

run

"

escape

end

grov/s

then

will

which

the

days

of Earth

us

will

exist,we

men

lives

that

are

our

that

weary
Terrasal,

power

sway."

our

no

the

their

over

hold

fears

shall
still
claim

influence

Earth-Born,

14^

EARTH-BORN.

Lilith, true

"

return

Eve

on

vengeance

Earth

to

Lilith

And

?" said

that
would

Adrian.
Lilith

When
will
and

peace

of

"

of the

Flee

back

Earth

to

shall

it would
with

knew

him.

in

as

Lilith

seem

to

Bring
youth.

his

toward
of

the

future.

Until

Since
as

what

has

space

with

dread

again

us

to

get
for-

then, seek

of
?

us

it, and
But
my

beauty,

ere

meet

great

first I

innocent

pity

upon

from

dwell

in

Earth

in

not."
are

powerful,

I go,

father, who

tell

will

Lilith,

me,

crossed

into

"

thy father, is living.

fear
future. Knowing
no

Count,

of

spiritswhich
may

eyes

so

replied :
loving as
talk

can

and

relent.

in his

you

We

love

would
she

Cain

Then

his mournful
and

of those

gazt

Adam,

my

back

men.

become

of the

Lilith

me

commanded.

Eve

spoke,

coldness

decree

you

leave,

The

gether
to-

In them

mesmeric

God-born

the

children

"

this

will wait

brings

tenderness

even

the

"

in

rest

us

Finding Eve, must

again ?" Slowly

meet

we

measured
back

Bring

"

with

Eve

upon

But

and

world,

we

Adrian.

pity ?

the
painfully, held under
flashing black orbs, Adrian

that

let

dead

this

scenes,

no

you

? When

her

fixed

with

living.

Lilith, have

leave

then

Father

my

back

birthright."

your
"

in

Here

She

arrives, Eve

time

Until

call of

land

spirit

desire.

speed

long forgotten past,

her

own

to

of

return.

till the
the

her

even

round

solitude.

sepulcher

of

me

me,

the

both

not

your

influence, know

all Eartn-Born

flee from

not

not

with

remains

Eve

Shall

has

Philip.

answered
of

Terrasal,

sated?

been

Spirit,shorn

"

of

Daughter

Filled

with

of the

present,

no

'
1

EAUTII-BORX.

he entered

\ 9iV!k

147

the service of Tcrrasal,and is now

beyond

thy reach."
"Can

I not

then

assist him?"

said Adrian

in his

Scclv him

not

in his

vou

will

sorrow.
''

He

is

beyo.idthy assistance.
If he should

research
meet

him

break

his shackles,

Earth."

again on

I
"

Farewell

Eve, my

beautiful

Lilith,Daughter of Terrasal.
worlds
"

for

knowledge, and

Farewell

Search

the

power of man
and the dark
"

Farewell

Farewell

mother.
I

return

will
in power

Earth-Born, yet part

that never
worlds; but know
draw

from

Eve

me

without

search
to

"

"

ii:

the

you."

God-born.
il]

the

can

I will

it,"

eyes haughtilychallenged the speaker.

! my
Adrian," softlyfell from the lipsof

Eve, like a whisper from

the shadows

of that

bound
snow-

cavern.

gentlyfell around the

and
the twilight seemed
to deepen in
I two figures,
that ice-encompassedcavern,
with one
last,loving
look at his beautiful mother, Adrian
turned sadly
farewell
with
his
to the
two
friends,bidding
away
that vast, precipitous
scene.
Quickly they mounted
and once
more
they found themselves upon its
abyss,
rim, surveying the desolation of ice and
snow
Theny

around

v/hile the

snow

flakes

them.

"Ah, Nebule," cried Adrian

think Eve will return

giveme
"

She

to Earth

in his
?

anguish,
"

Cannot

do you

the Universe

"

to free her ?
power
Lilith
will return
when

permitsit,'was

the

reply.
"And

I cannot

I knowledgethat
"You

can

do

assist

or

comfort

her?

Is there

no

will aid me?"

nothing to change

her condition."

y. ,iK

148
"

EARTH-BORN.

And

He

does

"

need

not

for it,"was

assistance

my

"

mournfully.

Adrian

inquired
"

father, also, is beyond

my

the

He

it.

would

thank

not

you

reply.

Philip,shall

Earth

to

return

we

"

together?

ques-

'

"

Adrian,

tioned

and

Minotti
"

''

then

will

again

inhabit

replied Philip.
and

Universe,
**

I wish

than
"

Will

return

you

wander

we

aad
"

Mercury
I would

if it is

also

there, I

trust

back,
"

Would

**

My

that

"

not

said

"

Then

and

will

we

and

see

and

death.

not

the

more

sadly.
"

or

shall

visit Venus

we

assist

to

quickly,

Adrian.

discover

Circle

the

and

"

to

way
her
of

Once
come

"

Silence

ere

Nebule.
that

dark

if

and

silent

disaster

some

circle,"

swered
an-

forshadowed

it."
of

beware

you

Nebule,

snid

means

enter

"as

into

spiritover

Earth

to

will

find

can

aside,'

cast

wish."

Shall

return

Eve

spiritshuns

entrance
"

asked

Philip's wish,"
I

free

if you

you

space

more

Adrian,
my

have

never

go?"

you

you

return

you

ere

that

or

into

once

body

once,"

at

farther

tell

can

but

sincerely,for I will need

return," replied Adrian

our

upon

Adrian,

you

wander

to

near

it most

ever

the

I will

*'

be

with

Earth

to

space

back."

come

I w411 return

in

remain

or

entering it," replied

attempt

it.

Look

far to

Nebule,

tha

East,

that

dimly shining planet, small, but serene.

That
is Earth, nearly two
hundred
billion
seven
million miles
See
distant sun,
the grand and
away.
to shed
shining like a glorious star in space, unable
its warmth
and
brightness on this world of desolation]
but

ere

we

You
go,

have

follow

heard
me

to

of
a

scene

deluge
of

of Earth,

destruction!

EARTH-BORN.

here, and

witness

the flood
As

and

he

him.
of

wastes

the

spoke,

followed

what

snow

149
world

frozen

ice

encompassed

Nebule

sped

On

and

and

ice

they
the

over

"

and

away,

on

possessed

ere

her."
the

went

"

hi^h

friends
the

over

and

frozen

peaks away into the land of twilight and of death.

in extent,
Soon
to a seeming valley, miles
they came
and down
they sped into it. Down
they went
the
cold
ice
frozen
blue
the
waters
through
through
"till at last they stood
beside
ancient
an
city. Large
beautiful
and
and massive
temples graced it, grand
Wide
them
hand.
buildingssurrounded
every
upon
led through it, while
fied
and
streets
trees
plants beautiall sides.
it upon
Yet
it lay fathoms
deep in a
"

"

"

frozen
''

sea.

This

the

was

wonderful

people worshipped
lightthey breathed
Come

with

me

beautiful

the
an

citv

of Hora.
sun,

Once

in whose

its
I'm

warm

ful.
atmosphe/e balmy and delighttheir
chief
and
look
to
temple,

lost

people."
found
in a
themselves
led, and
they soon
vast amphitheatre, filled to overflowing with
a large
and
children
of
concourse
women
people men,
a

upon

Nebule

"

frozen
with
most

in

the

every

fear

cases

They

not

and

ice,

distinct

as

and

they sat or stood,

perfect,denoting in

terror.

swarthy race, dark haired and dark

the
as
high priest stood and exorted
the
seem
whelmed
fear, it would
deluge overa

were

featured, and
them

cold,

feature

"

blue

to

them

and

kept

ther*

where

they

detail
was
Every garment
perfect, every
The wide, staring eyes, the gasping lips,the

nostril,the
been

clenched

sudden,

but

hand,
that

denoted

life had

made

that
an

rested.
correct.

dilated

death

effort

had
ere

151

KARTH-BORN.

derfullypreserved.

they wandered
temples, everywhere.

For

dwellings, into the

found
sleepers frozen
the

in the

frozen

in

their

kitchens, while

and

yards,

appcaranc
It

buildings
the

and

in

that

the Universe.

Time

had not

made

of

this.

not

"

think

is

of

quicklyfilled
been.

Even

at

who

the

by
to-day, look

at

of

millions

prevailsamong

It

peoples.
minds, who

Ihiturc
cf

at

is

know

their

own.

the

head

for

leave
and

not

the
More

Hif

all

but

age,

it

has

ever

that

ignorance

people, and

mistake,

common

station.

eternity are
so

dense

of

""(i!X\im''U

tory
his-

in the

every

"

land themselves

that

"

made

past of other

knowledge

in the

their

all

finite

by

worlds
has

world
and

worlds

if

ask

than

to

nearer

some

planet

perfection in this age

earliest of your
history.
In their
day, this people thought

theyare

in

your

with

your

in their

you

time

above

the

all

greatest of

your

some

in turn,

next

grandest

itself,and

all Creation.

highest

as

in history,

beyond

is the

in

new

true, progress

the

is the

advanced

proud

not

lead

you

Spirits,it

the ranks

be

of

boast

surpassed

its appearance
So

Many
immense,

and

could

repeats

day the peoples of Neptune

is nothing
things. There

of

ancient.

so

it has

but

tion
civiliza-

upon

gaze

present age

your

its

upon

it.

at

your

once

the-

them.

little Earth

existence, that

others, and

Do

to

Earth

wondered
that

not

at

in

ters,
mas-

Evidently

ice

magnificent

were

finest that

they

Think

world

sight thus

fearfullypresent, yet

grand as
"

them.
to

frozen
of their

bodies

the

They
servants

were

informed

Nebule

so

strange

was
so

the

and

couches,

animals

mingled with
standing or lying beside
deluge had well-nigh turned
the

into

miles

or

been

the

lost

"

:fB

"

EAkTM-noRN.

132
in many

things

than

of

people

your

Earth

possess

to-day."
Nebule
the

ceased

listeners

two

his words

and
speakini^^,

tlieir wisdom,

with

impressed

which

sprani^

from

experience.
And
the palace of the
now
kini^;,
they entered
or
The
the land.
ure
highest ruler over
magnificent structbuilt

was

intervals

with

while

agate,

of

adornments

of

clad

in

liveries

gorgeous

seemingly careless
time
the
confusion
reigned in
richest
texture
hung before the
furnished
and

and

gold

and

furnishings of the
this
about
palace

in numbers,

hallways,

polished
were

interior
denoted

fine taste.

and

Servants

and

the

Everything

great wealth

silver

regular

at

jasper,porphyry,

onyx,

plentiful throughout

hallway.

inlaid

marble,

purest

of art

their

fate

Hora.

about

durini,^

Curtains
the

to

entrances

ot

gantly
ele-

Statuary graced

apartments.
works

of

lounged

canvas

upon

were

the

many

elaborate.
entered

They
there,

sitting in

him, they
Dark

the

saw

featured

frame

massive
lord

among

his

handsome

met

death

next

ladv

of the

kingly

and

his

and

dark

No

face, and

like

the

On

the

friends

he

of

the

fear

the

dark

crossed
had

he

the

the
and

Queen,

lay

of

sat

passed, into

conch,

of

people,

household

his

chamber

wife

presence.

his

of

shade

and

around

countenance,

richly furnished

land, the

King,

counsellors

haired, like

intellectual

bravely.

the

commanding

his advisers.

apartment,

there, upon

with

state,

and

of

apartment

highest

haired

ruler,

of

form,

Ahar.
Adrian

clad

and

in richest

Philip noted
silks, and

the

both

beauty

started

the

in astonishment

153

KAKTll-DOUX.

r.;,

they gazed
of Eve.

yet not

It

was

;;t!Ikingly handsome

K\

that

connected, yet

lipswere

more

how

"

But
And

it.^

came

face less

that the

spiritual,

wonderful

the

blance
resem-

N'=*bule

they gazed,

as

like

inseparably

revealed

the entire

Eve's.

Eve,

much

so

them

examination

sensuous,

animal, than

more

line, and

thought

hav

the face of

was

beautiful, charming face,

closer

It

in every

might

one

face.

the

upon

spoke :
"

Wonder

not

Elcne

and

of the

other.

at

Eve, for

strange

one

is the

resemblance

between

chastened, refined

ideal

ries,
you, frozen in the ice of centuin life,
is the casket which
Eve once

Before

beautiful
inhabited

the

as

centuries

life.
liii^her

Here

with

the

sensuous

than

her

dark

she

was

beauty

of

her

endowed

lovely woman

time, fairer

sisters,and

haired

Jupiter and

entered

she

ere

by

far

beloved

by all her
and together
world
of Neptune,

people. King Ahar made her his queen,

ruled over
one-half of the known
tliey
and
whose
kingdoms
principalities

bowed

fore
be-

them."
"

And

does

beautiful
beside

Eve

return

city,the

this frozen

Neptune

to

of her

scene

body, as

we

to

former
stand

visit this

life,and
"

asked

once

stand

Adrian,

wonderingly
"

and

Eve

has

visited

repentance.

this

times in sadness
many
of life,
that her round
once

scene

Sadness

the unfinished
completed, is again counted
among
rounds.
of Earth
Repentance that so much
clings
to her spirit
still,that ages will be required to purify
it from
all Earthly thoughts and wishe"."
Nebule
spoke sadly.
"

And

Earth

is it

be

absolutely necessary

lost

ere

the

free

that

spiritcan

all wishes

gain

an

of

ever-

fir"

'*!

'

EARTH-BORN.

lastinghome

and
Jupiter,

in

be

rest?"

at

inquired

Adrian.
**

**

absolutely necessary,"replied Nebiilc.

is

It

though

there on trial,
i^ainentrance
chance,
permay
still
Earthliness
little
clingingto
a

some

with
them."
has

"And
Earth
"

and

Eve

lived

Neptune?

has lived

Eve

worlds

other

through

than

questionedAdrian.

"

worlds

known

all the

through

of

Nebule.
held life,"apswered
this S3^stem which
of her stillin this
And
traces
have othe^ worlds
"

rsked

wise?"
**

Adrian, pointingto the body.

worldij

No

relicw," repliedNebule.
of both

The

sustenance.

destroys
"

their

the

ore

But

Since

waters

the fires

are

frozen, what

Its interior

scoria
mass

cooled

preservingice
here

would

is

then

and

is its interior?"

its

asked

vast

one

of

cavern

lava,

cooled

the reply, for as the molten

cinder," was
to the sides of
cooled it shrunk, clingingever
**

finallv leaving*

an

of this

centre

imme:ise

vacant

globe. Why

do

ask?"

you
*'

now

conversation.

throughout the

space

and

of them

and

shell, and

the

gave

them

disappeared."
of Neptune are
quenched,

changing the
Philip,
"

been

since have

centuries
'*

which

v/armed

for the

in this suiiiesssphere,all traces

since

long

quenched

which

water

o'erwhelms.

now

luivc

which

such

\*orlds the relics

the elements

with

hold

Neptune

In other

"

inhabitants

cities and

destroyed,and mingle
them

nnd

Earth

save

was

wondering

if it

out," replied Philip, and

'*

would

visit the

interior

ancient of worlds."

.i/^

were

ice

inside

thinkingthat
of

this, one

as

well

some

of

the

as

day
most

*; t

KARTIl-noUN.

free

"The

spiritcan

visit any
fire or
"Neitlier

repliedNchiilc.
deter
can
liciuid,
walls,and

into

it.

the

And

is it true

weaker

"

It is

that

body

forth the

spiritswhich

of

the power

drive

another,
take

session
pos-

Adiian.
Have

the

you
exorcists

read

not

of old

in

sent

possessionof men?
experience the spiritof

had

taken

in your

seen

you

den
hid-

the most

it inhabits, and

frequentlydone.

or

the solid
l!ir")ii";li

can
spirit

body

how

solid

water,

it save
(Jifjicv

free

place it desires,"

iccessesc^f

?" asked

3()ur learn^id books

Have

ciite::".

can

of the

out

one

of that

It

secret

places. Nothing
stronger spirit."
"

^55

slowly change within him, so that

companion
within a few
months
him for
not know
you would

some

the

same

man

This

Sometimes

always

what

forth?"

asked

"

by

of

the

to

but

sion.
posses-

gain possession,

the

change

observer."

spiritthus

driven

Adrian.

It in t'-irn enters

(hivingout

once,

the careful

becomes

of such

spirityears

it gains it at

be noticed

And

"

evidence

an

it takes

sometimes
can

is

the

another

or
spirit,

body, either through

by entering the newly

iiijjt

born," said Nebule.

Then

there

is

tween
strugglegoing on bethe spiritswho
inhabit
the
body and the
wdio are
free," said Philip,
spirits
joiningin.
On
Earth
there is a constant
struggle between
and
the
as
everythingEarthly,
spiritsthere are generally
encased
in their
covering,
Earthly,gaseous
Since
v^orld
in
this
the
they are erngaged
struggle.
"

constant

Ui^'

"

be"xan,the survival

of the

fittest has

been

the motto

everythingEarthly. The strong animals

of
the weak, one
element destroysthe power

of

^n

devour

another.

isr.

KAKTII-IK)R\.

The

"*

hnito

kill each

other, and

of all.

With

either
thinji^,
Were

it

for

and

tiiis fate, and

has

killed

"

either

life would

The

its

flaminj^bosom

the

of

which

of the

op.

F.arth.

succumbe(^
no

to

I.Ian

more.

send

would

him.

power

in

crueltvor

elements.

the

^S^athersinto

have

wanton

few
sufTerin*^,

with

So

face

Haith

the

in

takinji^of

eternal

to

race

animals

liviiiir

no

withstand

can

off the

on

is

livin"^animal

them

seen

there

recuperative

vast

and

are

If the

sity.

that

kill every

men

them,

by

sea,

or

drive

of

races

of animals
that
up
far the
most
tive
destruc-

advantai^es,

the

would

posed him,
Many

land

not

is

man

his

on

he

Nature,

is made

creation

the

neccs-

human
it.

escape

destructive

cities,the

tire

forests,

of Earth, and
in its
prairie i^rasses, the animals
which
is destroyed by the quenchini; water,
in
turn
its turn
is reduced
to steam
by the fire,or to vapor
by the sun's heat, or to ice by the freezing cold.
So one
in the
the other
Earthly sjuritpreys upon
the
body as well as out of it. Perhaps one-half
the

*'

of

world
other

from

lives

humanity

its mistreatment

of the

Human
nature
alwa3'sbeen so.
is the
will
be.
been,
same
always
always has
Spirits,encompassed by Earth, cither in solid body

half,and

it has

"

or

material,

gaseous

stronger
the

ignorant.

Earth, and

casket

This

which

from

had
the

standing
Adrian's

heart

law

cannot

with

contained

city of
upon
was

"

the

intelligentupon
be
escaped upon

more

that

in

other

of

state

true

hereafter."

comes

ceased, and

that

the

"

avoidable

is onlv

perfection
Nebule

\"'eaker

the

upon

each

upon

prey

the
sad

one

the

the

upon

spiritof Eve, they

Hora
surface
and

look

more

and

soon

of the
his

found
frozen

parted
de-

selves
themworld.

spirits downcast.

\r
KAI/I'II-noUN.

lie had

fourid Fvc, but it had

him.

lie h;id

him

to

body, and
He

down.

vain, and

his intention
other

sonic

though

world.

and
iially,

Nei)ule

Do

renounce

not

his

or
was

spi!it from

tempted

was

As

that he

that

tented
con-

mysterious
the

to

in

remain

thous^ht flitted over

the

in

renounce

luirth and

a part
losinj^^

was

east

had been
stru"^jj^le

his

to
returnin"4"

itseemed

"

freed

moment

of

comforted

disappointedand
i;reatly

was

felt as
for

n(/t

exploredmuch

illlife,had

yet

'57

of himself

spoke quickly:
Earthly friends
your

"

him

j^rad-

ber
remem-

Minotti."
And

he

as

in

"Can

felt

desire

the

anew

Earth, and a^ain his spiritwas

to

return

encased

spoke,Adrian

to

thoroughly

Earthlyvapor.

1 escape

from

this

covering at

will?"

he

asked.

Yes, for you have

"

many
But once

bind you to it,as yet.

difficult to find another, and
remain
would

in the

body

Earthlydesires

not

with

be liable at

any
entered,"repliedNebule.

you lose it,it will be

it you cannot
without
and your
spirit
safety,

any
time to
"

which

leave

any body you

have
much
to do,

You

keep your envelopeintact."

so
"

can

True, I have much

escape

with

said
covering,"

so

to

much

do, yet I
ease

from

am

glad

that

this vaporous

Adrian.

It may
be so easy later," replied Nebule.
not
"As the desires of Earth more
closelyembrace
you,
"

will the

so

Terrene

envelope

more

compass
thoroughlyen-

Had
encased
you.
you not been
would have felt differently
in the presence
What
?
do you mean

it,you

of Lilith,"

"

"

"I

in

mean

that

Lilith held

in check

your

Terrene

159

EARTH-HOKN.

vainlyendeavored
with

its soulful, clear,

violet

to
iii;;-

fii;urc; the

who

follow

on

Earth.

to

explain. He
But
As

he

answer

He

not

is the

Count

within

: vstem.

Far

bevond

rhough
'libelled

hasty.
Silence,

i ::\

to

And

and

I should

no

fear, but

to

Come."

am.

he

alone, but

you

and

you,

you

much

?'*

follow
for

sent

ere

tell you,

Avhat

also

the

Count

?"

the

of

confines

the

Circle

solar

another

Silence.

of

Come,

how

his

should

we

Adrian

reason,

Nebule's

follow

will

not

with

hesitate

have
?

"

no

be

the

not

Circle

wishes

dead, negative

will

influence

effective."

thinijs are

come

We

Our

felt

woman,

and

spiritinto

return

in the

few

words,

this

we

there,

you

Count

and

strangely beautiful
voice in warning r

this

If you

will

will

his

circle, where

lind the

Why

that

father

your
to

attend

Adrian,

little avail

that
"

follow

Remember,

oi

against
to

Philip raised

.en

"c)

Still

me."

loiow

This
it.

him."

dwells

'

who

friend

pleases. I was
glad to

Where

"*

Have

see

much

has

my

He

'.

wavy

name.

for

Adrian,

to

doubtless

will welcome

'

brown,

his

account

is Vera.
care

will tell
you

shall

will be

"

the

lead."
Earth

if,indeed, you

return

"

not

?" said

you

you

name

come,

"

he

are

where

My

"

and

called

reply.

And

"

greyish blue eyes, chanj^-elegant, graceful

; the

also

could

beautiful
intelligent,

|)resence,
had

pained

had

he

ingthere, spiritiuile,
charming, lovely, await-

shvj stood
a

emotion

she
and

strange,

w.'LS

with

charming

Then

liTSses.

where

of that; pure,

impression
llcctinj;
face:

recall

to

me,

Philip,if

ties which

bind

I go
us.

i6o

EARTH-BORxN.

Where

"

and

Can

''

At

asked

then

we

return

once,

he

for

deeply

hesitated, thought

Adrian

"

of worlds."

chain

another

to

"even

follow," replied Philip,

will

go

you

few

ments,
mo-

seeing the Count

desire," replied the

after

at once,

if you

says,

"

new

comer.

Then

"
"

will go.

we

know

did you

I have

"

tell me,

my

name?

and

me,

seen

But

"

times

many

you

ere

start, how

we

said

on

Adrian.

Earth,"

the

was

reply.
And

"

chateau, and

felt at the
It may

"

sad

the

was
"

And

"

He

"

And

now

indeed

but

know

He

"

could

the

give

He

bade

prophecy,

"

Nothing,"

said

he

the

I could

to

Adrian

and

lead

you

not

cares

that

Lai
be

his own,

tained
con-

to

you

could

to

the
to

Dliiir

oroui^ht

through

you."

nau^^ht of her ?

anr'

I may
father."

my

behind, and
say

that

sarcophagus

here, that Tuaa

awaits

who

And

that

me

Count,

the

habitation

you

"

"

slight frown

stranger's lovely brow

"

you,"

saw

follow," said

sign

some

from

came

will

we

me

shell, while

the

Count,

'

you

and

tell you

harm

not

true

to

first

me

it.

re-enter

there

was

"

me."
on,

left that

who

sent

lead

you

bade
but

one

Balzac

surely sent
"

it

Eve's

was

often

so

reply.

Count

Adrian,

thought

been, for

have

influence, then, which

it your

was

*Strange,"muttered

she

as

flitted

across

the

answered.

Adrian,

"

and

yet all things

strange."

are
"

Lead

world

of

the Circle

on," he saM, and

Neptune,

and

ot Silence,

as

he

spoke, they

sped througli

space

leit the

toward

l6l

EARTH-BORN.

On

theywent,

they entered

on

and

ever

that dark

onward, until finally

circle where

seemed silent as the tomb.

Adrian

and followed where

close together
forhours it seemed, and

oppressed

were

which

yet

theyby

surrounded

no

everything
Philipkept

and
the

word

strangerled
so
spoken,

was

the blackness

the silence and

them.

Suddenlythey missed their leader,and

theycalled and searched.
and
lost in that dark circle,
They were
win their way back theyknew not.

in vain
:d
how

to

'!

m
I

't

""):.

.V'*."

Five
last

lightof

the

"

IJODIKS

THE

passed

have

years

saw

l.AKTII

K)

-V

X.

CHAPTER

r.ArK

since

the

even

MISSING.

Philip

smallest

and

Adrian

star.

sonicthey had wandered,

times
reaching a stationary aerolite or world, hut
deserted.
Weeks
none
were
peopled, all were
into years, ami
lengthened into months, and months
from
the darkness
when
:\[v.\
they finallyemerged
of sunlight gUmmciini;
faip.t ray
a
saw
once
more
from
afar, and
caught sight of the starry woilds
again, five years of Earth's time had elapsed.
Adrian
learned
had
from
INleantimc
m.;ch
Pliilip,
who
he
imparted to him all the vast information
tofore
possessed and told him many
things he had hereAdrian
well informed
as
was
now
kept secret.
most
as
points,
Philip, his teacher, upon
though he had invariably refused to tell him of that

For

weeks

and

days

order.

secret

'*At last ! At

last!"

from

utter

emerged
toward
*'

We
I

sun.

are

free

to

am

absent

the

It

seems

**Aye, that
that

darkness

it

1 wonder
a

how

joyfully,ar thev
and
sped straight
and

Philip,

*'

K"ng

ful
thank-

have

we

been

lifetime."

does,"

answered

Minotti

bodies

Adrian

again," answered
it.

say

said

still lives upon

left in his charge.
162

Adrian,

Earth, and

Long

ere

"

hope

guards
this

he

the

must

""'3

KAUTII-llOKN.

^ivcn

have

uj), and

us

perhaps

he

has

crossed

into

space."
I trust

'*

lli^ shell
ill'.,

that

I shall

that
it

why
(hirkness.

Let

Often

all

the

alter

to

receive

we

have

was

she

me."
able

been

never

Vera

led

cover
dis-

to

astray into the

us

beautiful

as

the

as

sunlight

to

left us."

of

thoughts

have

that

is

that

was

She

yet

now,
"

ready

I wonder

''

sake

your

As for
safelyguarded.
old
again enter
body, even
my

never

it be

should

nic

left behind

you

for

lie vStill Hves, and

her
of

spoken

you

of

years

pass
her

almost

from
in

Adrian.

you,

admiration,

annihilation

she

even

led

us

into."
"

But

Save

have

may

knows,

who
"

she

or

your

been

have

may

lost

If

excuses.

compelled to leave
us
accidentally."
we

but

can

us,

reach

now

when
we
things as they were
left,I will perhaps in time forgive her."
I have
forgiven her already," replied Adrian,
"and
I would
that I could
her again."
see
You
the fore: oding
to
sorrow,"
was
may,
your
reply.
Swiftly they sped in their flight,and ere long they
Earth

safely,and

find

"

"

caught sight of

Saturn

could

as

not

see,

far

and
as

his

Earth

rings, but
they gazed over

Universe.

each
Closely they scanned
neither
they passed, but
Jupiter

the

star
or

and

Earth

they

11).;

,#

wide
world
were

visible.

they sped, until they nearcd

the splendid sun,
and
though they felt nothing ot it,
stillthey could
tell that it was
shedding such scorchino- rays
in this close
proximity that everything in
On

tlie

and

way

ever

onward

of matter

melted

sooner

or

later

under

the

"

^'^M

"-"

liAKTII-UORN.

164

Lookinii^ at it they could

fierce heat.
a

molten

liquid, yet
of

and

around
and

aerolites, and
the

around

for

attraction, that

the

miles,

in this
w^ell be

hilator

of the

too

great

called
solar

it, they

near

hnally

dive

So

of

distance

they

if

and

was

thousand
from

If worlds

absorbed,

into it

great

many

safe

was

systems.

were

circuit

swing

lation
annihi-

that
Philip remarked
the life-giver
and
both

manner.

might

tants
habi-

meteors,

absorbed.

inhabitant

celestial

no

and

sun

immediately

become

ingly
seem-

livinglire.
it, noticing all the

toward

the

space,

and

ball ol

immense

an

ilew

Closely they

heat, incandescent,

white

at

mass

it was

that

see

the

life-anni-

reached

too

they ranged

uninhabitable

were

sun

at

and

doomed.
**

The

is

said

grand taskmaster,"
how
it keeps all the other
what
it, and
punishment
who
approach either too near

think
around
those

sun

he.

bodies

"

spinning

is meted
or

Just

range

out

to

too

far

away."
And

finallypassed this orb, and to

their joy saw
Earth, and
Jupiter,shining far away
the
to which
on
opposite side of the sun
they had
whose
fierce
been
traveling, and
light obscured
In a little while
them.
again be on
they should
to
Earth, and
a
Philip it was
even
glad thought.
Space

was

seemed

so
so

far

was

they

now

have

different

what

to

and

desolate

preferable

had

depopulated,

this

to

he

continual

pictured it,
Earth

that

silence

of the

Universe.
He
but

had
very

few, and
desirable

As

for

to

find many

some

of

expected

Adrian,

had

and
spirits,

those,

at

least,

not

met

ticularly
par-

in his eyes.
he

was

anxious

tp return

to

Earth,

165

i:Al;'lli.|i"ik\.

and

wliiit could

sec

his hcautiful
discussed

mother,

the

Tliey
Lilith

had

h)r

often

back

it

now,

wishes,

for

think

not

you

utterlyunable
experience in
Earth

each

other

lives

life is the

only

ments.
develop-

new

anxious
the

en-

matters

that
this

we

since

their

have

been

state

what

our

our

ent
pres-

that

remembered

one

to

forebodin"j^idea

been, and

has

Eve

wished

he

happened

in

lem.
prob-

that

so

too

felt

it strange

determine

the

th.eir return

about

had

to

of

await

both

and

all certain

conversation

something disastrous
from
Earth.
flight
Do

tlieir

and

that

"

he

anyway,

Earth,

to

extended
their

nearest

rcj^arding
Philip
waiiderinj^s in

had

at

not

was

Swiftly they sped onward,

gaj^^ein

future

the

durin"^

there

were

hasten

to

in

satisfactorysohition
not
seen
Nc])tuiie on

no

Besides,

voyaj^e.

done

matter

darkness, with

and

he

?"

finally

said Adrian.

Yes, it is rather

"

since,it
which

be

must

has

only

future

no

strange

would

who

was

know
"

what
how

not

Nor

do

Adrian

as

may
"

have
We

to

the veiled

we

rounds

other

of

of

something

know

to

life,but

of

it," replied Philip.

discover

Everything is remembered
Courcey, but nothing whatever

will

Earth,we

like
in

as

I.

been

since both

but

the

lives to

is";iven. Still
and

to

agreed long
truly perfected spirit,
live,that this knowledge

life

of my
of

what

before."
Tuaa

question
us

are

upon

far wiser

probably
image."
can

elicit

than
more

the

matter,

when

we

and

left the

information

from
'k:

"

I trust

we

can,"

man}^ things in which

was
we

the
need

reply,

"

for

instruction.

there

are

I shall

167

EARTH-HORN.

'ncessantly.Above
ihc

bowlin"^ of

''Come

to

sprunsi^ from
Below

mc,

amid

the storm

tossed

into the

night

Tcrrasal

had

Many

and

waves

and

the

Earth

claims

now

you

spirit,
vapor

my

the

darkness,

to

those

warn

whom

to his bosom.

called

noble

the

to

churning foam of the

from
phantom ship sprang
of the ocean,
and sped away

himinous

words:

return."

them, born

ilarlvwaters,

these

Back

of
Sj)irit

own.

tempest, above

heard

birtli,and

you

his

they

tlie

children.

my

";ave

for

more

oncG

of

roar

the storm,

nic,

Spiritwhich

the

Adrian

in that

down

ship went

raging

pest,
tem-

and

Philip sped through it,and

noted the eestruction,they
dismasted
came
one
upon
had
of whose
vessel, rolling heavily, most
crew
as

either been

washed

overboard,

or

left the

had

water

logged ship to her fate,and taken to rafts or boats.

As they approached, the vessel slowly settled and
went
down, while the drowning sailors,one
by one,
sank to rest
7
and

hey

saw

the shell

the

over

away

the
souls

some

hover

Ooated

beneath

waves.

and

spiritsleave

waters

as

in silence, and

just left

ere

they

had

if

few

their bodies

lost,while

others

attempted

it sank

to

K,i

'
;

life

save

forever.
"

is dead ?
asked
that which
Why seek to save
Philip,
addressing one of those souls hovering over
the body it had
just left.
Why not let it go and
tal
seek to save
yourself,your Earthly soul and immorspirit?"
I then dead ?
Am
repliedthe one addressed.
"

''

"

"

"

Your

body

'*

Then

if I

save

this

die,and

is,but you
am

body, and
enter

dead

not

Hell,

are

and

remain

on

or

the

run

not.
cannot

Earth.

You

cannot

am

afraid

risk of Heaven."

nv
"*

die."

die, I wish
I

3 ^fj

to
to
fcf^S'

i68

KARTH-RORN.

But

*'

are

you

Earth.

on

That

Strangers,

"

lived

have

the

In time

am

many

is

is the

where

looms

stated

them

I will

bid

now

he

that

follow

and

lived

adieu,

them

waves.

dark

now

and

"

dream,"

this

is

:d\- that

replied

the

he

as

and

you,

here, and

they

as

joined

soon

Paris

had

joined

he

would

led

him

home

again, and he dropped into the city.

But
sped to the chateau,
Philip and Adrian
when
the
silent
and
they reached
spot all was
The

old

with

before, but

as

chateau

still stood

in sombre

marks

many

of

the

storm.

that

had

find
he

spoke,

they sped swiftly through the

reached
the
land, and
they have
in the distance.
The
spiritwhich

Now

and

Devil,

thtm,"

beneath

sank

kiiow

No.

finvi

aid

and

them

am

dream,

years

it,and

upon

This

dead,

loviv

Farewell
!

of

ending

If I

L^ivcihC

will

you

Farewell

for

1 still live

yet.

die

can

you

forever."

not, but

die

man.-,

mysterious.
"

as

"

V.c

Philip,as

much

as

you

Earth.

God?

"*Sjarch

"

is dead

I'll not

where

or

body

part of it.

are

you

now,

1 know

upon

dead.

not

dead,

serted.
de-

silence

violence

it.

and

about

What
?
Something had happened.
of desolation
They entered, and a scene
presented
itself.
furnished
In place of the well
chateau
they
*

found

inside

trace

no

sacked

of their

own

panelled portrait, or
graced
They
the
as

the

entered

were

the

of

the

secret

part of the

tomb

below,

rich

furniture

desolate

was

filled with

entrance

if it

the

sought

There

one.

was

bodies, of Minotti, of Tuaa, the]

All

rooms.

ruined

and

wall
and

masonry,
of the

found

mat

had,

deserted.

staircase, and

stone

solid

and

that

and

found

lookinf,^

building. They
alone

intact-^l

\6g

KAkTII-r.OUN'.

Ihc curtains,the carved

and

cases

the

except thi
remained

sarcophagus "everything

bodies, which
toll whence

t
,

Overwh

.med

at c.ch

\7hat

cacastrophe

their absence
Minotti
These

taken.
Adrian

disaster, Philip and

despair. Wiiat

'.ad

Where

had

overtaken

the

the

bodies

were

trace

no

happened

in

chateau
and

where

pressing problems,and

were

answered

in

otner

gone,
had been

there

was

and

^.ve;e

they

the

by

looked

was

the mummy
face of ScvSostris,

there

could

be

rest

no

until

they were

for either of the two

friends.

Sadly they took

bound

them

to

of the tomb, the

leave

the

chateau

now,

and

link that

one

debated

what

should be done.

Philipadvised that they should enter

discover
if possiblewhat
had
happened

Paris,and
to the

that

not
or

chateau, and where

the

near

been

if

his

Minotti

was,

for he doubted

still be found
living,Minotti would
parishof St. Etienne du Mont, which

home

ere

his

visit to

the

at

had
with

chateau

Adrian.
So to
the

Paris

they sped, and entering it,they

city in confusion, and

the

When
they took the
power.
Antoinette
land Marie
ruled

Jacobin clubs

coma

found
in

drop, Louis

France.

Now

full

XVI.
it

was

by the National Assembly and the Jacobins,

[governed
dailyand hourly becom[whosedeeds of blood were
abhorrent
and demoniac.
|ing
more
In Paris they learned
Balzac had
that the Chateau
Ibeen sacked

by

the

Paris

communists,

that

the

had been abolished

nobility
by the Assembly, and that
Antoinette,
KingLouis XVI. and his Queen, Marie
bd been
now
dragged from Versailles, and were
practically
prisonersat the palace of the Tuilleries,

*j;ll

EAKTir-noUN.

170
lu)iirl\ the

while
lurther

inflanied

France

was

of

minds

of

the

popular^
He

against them.

enu^as^ed in

Austria, Prussia

war

')eiii-

als*, Iearn.c\l tliat

the
ajj^ainst

Holland,

and

v,Lr\:

and

allied
torn

was

courts

In-

an

unparalleled internal revolution.

This
much
tlu^ excited
and
they g^athercd from
and
from
the
fiery conversations
they overheard,
bloodthirsty harrangues they listened to in the clubs
of the Jacobins, and
the
all over
city. Everywhere
confusion
knew
what
the morrow
reigned, and no one
would
bring forth.
du
the parish of St. Etienne
Mont
They searched
in vain
his

for

of

traces

they heard no
finallythey learned

place, and

days, until

Minotti.

occupied

stranger
of his

mention
that

he had

name

for

taken

sides

against the Revolutionists, and in favor of the Royal

had
time
he
family, since which
disappeared, and
that was
he had
two
some
previous. Whether
years
been
still in prison,
guillotined,or had fled, or was
they did not hear.
This

was

indeed

and

dilemma

no

solution

of the

much
catastrophe that they could
give afforded
ground for hope that they would
again find what
in search
of
bodies
the
Minotti, and
trusted
enthey were
"

to

his

care.

the
Day after day they searched
prisons of the
them
city in hopes that among
they might find the
missing priest,but to no purpose.
Philip cared little
for
as

himself, but much

the

for

days lengthened

Adrian
into

began to fear
would
find the priest or the
Adrian
finallysuggested

to

months,

take

he

journey

to

Neptune,

and

the

weeks,

and

that

they

others, and
the
never

weeks

again

bodies.
that
but

again
they should
Philip opposed it,

KAimi-IIOUN.

that

ur;^cd

ami

happen

to

much

Now

the

it

and

assisting Minotti,

uj)()n Earth.

King,

was

Louis

tiie

sights of horror

would

be

beheaded

condemnation,

had

They

the

about

hold

frequently
blood-stained

shadows,

deserted

all the

for the
On

many

of their

secrecy

fatal

the
the

among

the Place

la

burden,

as

his

to

they

had

Republic,
stand
"

by

of

while

and

had

he, her

torture

Cabot,

his
for

scene,

his

dire

stalking
could

course

they

as

tremity.
ex-

were

when

Paris

that

his

unable

to

his wife

Cabot,
law^ful

himself
cannot
ere

that

was
a

the

saw

was

himself

make

receiving

now

of the

new

could

only

sight.

throttle
fatal

before.

condition

citizen

the

for

execution,

months

husband,

with
even

they

spiritsspeeding

witness

to

been

certain

Yes, I, Lantenac,
of

them,

led to

family, and

the attentions

the

souls
of

but

of

greeted them, remarking

known

d^y
in

King

after

purpose.

Revolution,

he

when

the

Jan. 21st, however,

thousands

the sailor whom

He

of

day

many
de

with

posely
pur-

by the spirit. They held aloof

in their wanderings,
spiritsthey met
the better
acquaintances they made

fewer

the

as

visit
even

city,

that

the

headless

met

had

enacted, but

to

King,

communication

no

from

the

life would

guillotine, and

later

days

resolved

they
loyal to

were

the

Jan. 21st,

on

they

stilhalive,

friends

two

there

few

they

and

to

his

that

from

away

aimounccd

was

was

The

that

stay.
arraigned for trial,

foreirone conclusion

remained

avoided

both

XVI.,

if

decided

They

forfeit demanded.

be the

it

toward

toward

by remaining

right traek,
helping Eve,

tlie

on

nothing

do

might

sonictliin*;would

later

or

them

put

do

could

sooner

^I

last

this

ster
mon-

voyage

EARTH-BORN.

1/2
have

could

strike, and

and

he

groaned,
"

Then

"

said

believe

sionally I
"

And

"

did, for

wo

unhappv
taught

was

Minotti,

when

to

occa-

him."

see

did

eight years
regularly. But

Dead

night

most

Minotti, of St. Etienne

some

du

Mont?"

ago

he

not

marry

And

he

she

now

to

me

used

to

confesses

no

my
fess
con-

more,

is dead."

Minotti

and

to

sec,"

it is not

the

what

from

to

woe.

that

in

Marie's

Philip.

"

her

with

am

Father

chance

knew

quickly asked
Aye, that
Marie

that

good

you

into
there

not

convinced

different

had

smiles

was

I strike,

now

body really died

Philip kindly.

the

by

and

your

much

and

and

his head

are

convinced

am

state,

last you
that

you,"

Jacques

shook

he

blow,

laughs,

but

her

as

at

and

dream,
met

he

though

as

eyes,

with

him

killed

Are

Adrian

?"

sure

you

and

Philip both

exclaimed.

Why,
people at

for

"

to

went

him
"

Tell

Cabot
Mon

five

from

of

us

chateau

like

demon

against the

Versailles

near

it,Lantenac,

assist

said

you,"

Then
I

tell

when

King Louis,

and

and

if you

tell

and

send

eager

send

Cabot

but

the

was

Marie,

Philip,with

if you

fervent

quickly

us

that

swear

with

you

Dicii !

to

Cabot

\vc

brought

Then
or
our

listen,and
six

years

good

of

truly,

us

Citizen

expectancy.
Pll be

away

reply.
Minotti, all you

shall

return," answered

never
"

fought

justiceof

away,"

slave

and

old

the

demand

will

"

he

here."

we

"

yes,

leave

your

know.
and

wife

Philip.
I'll tell

ago.

Father

parish,and

none

you

all

Minotti
knew

Abo:

can.

somew

disappear
where

he

wei

..

EARTH-HOKX.

given
appointed to
He

was

and
the

I made

crowd

great

To

Versailles

"

"

"*

I joined them, and

strong.

insulted

doors, and

The

old

sacked

But

Jesus

the
and

passed

enquired
came

of it,and

ever

be

to

all

for
one

home,

at

shouting :

!'

made

of

some

took

for

Versailles, many

to

way

refuge

followed

us

the

in

nobility
old

an

hotly, and

them

teau,
chabroke

them.

swarmed

with

everything

people,

our

of

out

it

who

they

ere

and

command

of

enraged

pressed

him

upon
for

side,

in this

get

Jesus

him

to

so

knows
looked

the

crowd

he

body

little

somewhat,

enough

ing
destroy-

the

them

church.

citizens, and
I could

not

helped

pressed
suddenly a shout

Ere

pale.

had

to

get

have

and

they

him

back,

went

up

dead.

was

"After

and

thin

so

of

threatened

I would

that

fightingdesperately, until
that

Louis

King

already mad
thickly that

the

strait,he

he

of

name

in thus

wickedness

my

door

in the

citizens

And

was

the

at

appear

the

their

vengeance

This

could

Minotti

people'sproperty.

the

him

thickest, what

fight was

Father

abandon

to

other
with

the

see

chamber,

his

On

tore

while

surprise to

"

were

of Marie

marched

we

chateau

it and

us

Time

satisfied.

were
"

of

many

none

was

/*

people,

our

but

"

Versailles

la Revolution

of

of Minotti.

home

! to

priest

new

people, happened
passed that way,

Vwt'

"

thousand

become

for the

bright day

in the

and

Father, but nothing

good
a

dead,

place,although

had

trip

every

when

his

what

sure

very

for

up

^7^

he

wasn't

I
was

time,

managed

when
to

the

get

much

hurt, and

him,

near

quite dead, while

strange

lay in

thinned

crowd

and
to

coffin.

sure

say,

the

I told

It'
i;^

EARTH-HORX.

dead, when

we

heard

afterwards

them

the

to

they

bodies,

without
'specially
away."

""

\nd

\11, only that

this is all you

Queen, the Austrian,

guillotinegets one.
^'

Mon

Dieu

night
this
my
and

the

sea.

had

I but

on

day
side.

But

perhaps

will know
"

But

and

lived
will
time

how

see,

pity it
happy

that

to

that
been

Marie

had

Cabot

get back

I may

his

I died
have

drive

me

sadly.

to-d.^ythe

I would

it,and

see

help

was

ing
cart-

and

Louis
that

as

away,

her

to

by

so

she

me

how

How

you

some

King

the

Adrian

queried

Paris, and

to

What

"

till

themselves,

heads, ain't worth

brought

we

waited

but

they

troubled

haps
Peraway.
after them, and

back

Had

know

and

them,

see

taken

were

have

not

not

came

colleges.

would

they

now,

that

of the citizens

some

sold

I did

but

came,

the

thousands

many

headless

gather hereabouts,
still stay around

ghosts

the

Li,uillotme."

They

looked, and

the

sight

indeed

was

sive
impres-

an

one.

The
were

Place

leading to the
swarming with
literally
streets

all

thousands

armed

troops

from

every

direction, driving the

for

making way
King, who

Edgeworth, amid
and the hootings

ing-the

blood

red

The

lipsof

the

prayer,
scat

and

of the

the

the

side

of

the

people

carriage,

turned

was

insatiable

as
King moved
two
gendarmes,

back

and

condemned

beating

populace,

posts of the

Parisians,

ecclesiastic, Abbe

continuous

of the

of

approaching

were

carriage containingthe
the

by

la Revolution

grades

while

by

de

if
who

drums

slowly nearguillotine.

engaged
sat

of

on

in silent
the front

occasionally, like

senii-

II;
'

176

EARTH-BORN.

nels of

death,

the

watch

to

It

prisoner.
nation

look

could

sure

foreshadowing

soon

to

was

the

which

without

anarchy

and

tinguish
disized
civil-

no

shudder

"

bloodshed

follow.

The

day

and

damp

was

the

into

clouds

the
the

above

"

looking

above

"

above

"

Guard

National

the

and

gloomy,

colored

dun

swaying, passionate mob

of

sight

upon

of

of their

countenance

the

ward
up-

fitful,

soldiery

stern

terror-haunted

guillotine slowly but surely the shadowy outlines

of Terrasal
and
again appeared, dim^ ?.we-inspiring
"

relentless.

children,

his Earth
and

drums,

the

Philip
descending to
clouds

to

the

to

rest

when

these

chill

of

Louis

into

the

basket

Earth

tragedy

"

was

of the

in my

wintry

world

arise in

died

in

the

gleaming

the

of the
of the

pikes in

return

might,

and

distance, and

had

axe

'

looked

ferocious

dead

into

the dun

the

blood

executioners

King by

thousands.

dipped

descended"

done.

Spirit,but it had vanished, and

brighter day for France
appeared.

and

and

bosom."
and

they

more

assembled

and

spring from

Earth

head

words

the guillotine,the
again towards
XVI., King of France, rolled silently

head

One

in hosts

looked

they

Once

the

echoed

voice

The

the

people, while

heard

from

over

of

blare

of the

Adrian

them

nation^

The

lulled

the

shouts

loud

slaughtered gathered

and

of

Kings

me.

are

the

forth

The

"

above

mingled

around,

looked

stony eyes

and

of thousands

souls

the

the

Again

the

Fanatics

of Louis

no

lifted the

mounted

for the

promise

hair,showing

the

pointsof

clouds

'

the

bloody
it to

the

tine,
guillo-

their sabres, lances

XVI., and

of

shoutmg:

and

EARTII-KORN.

''Vive la

after

Salvo

King

dead.

was

Th^

fiercelyin

of

rushed
But

laise.

the

red

the

here

the

Consternation

and

of

of

people
in

mute

was

fear

Earthly
slaughtered King.
relics,but

the
"

Now

for

"

Lead

on," answered

humor

with

now,

in cold

King

morning's
Ai^

you

King
of

cemetery

The

in.

set

could

consume

in

was

which

had

of

savage

slain

her

in

the

is

Henri
she
see."

small

found

they

shop

comely

woman,

eagerly

passer-by regarding

result

Guard
Henri
did

of the

the

de

will
you

thought

you

tioning
ques-

that

tumble,"

would

to-day, and

la Revolution

of Louis
in

of

guillotine.

still here

Place

well, Marie,

passing

to

the

head

But

He

and

the

door,

the

the

returns.

"

dead

the

He

Philip.

out

at

to

No, my

man,

Paris

and

work

the National

"

answer.

Lantenac.

France

there

Marie, you

gone

watched

"

were

iii"i

each

"

said

Lantenac

Jacob, and

have

large

at

'

blood.

looking anxiously

"

Marsel-

the

peoples' memories

the

not

that

followed

They
Rue

Caboc

"

bodies

reigned throughout

of
day, and the remains
in
were
hardly cold in their grave
the Madelaine,
ere
anxiety and remorse
the
remains
quicklime thrown
over
the

commune

armed

shouting

the

the

that

the

air, and

fatal

that

high.

on

caps

there

citv

and

them

wintry

hearts

paralyzed, and

waved

artillery announced

of

salvo

waved
men

"

Rcpiibliquc!

177

said

soldier

of

passing.
tell

me

not

meet

be

not

all about
him

on

it when
the

way

afraid," laughed

he
?

"

the

on.

her

is

Cabot

"

said

Lantenac,

completely forgotten

has

her

'

;"

"

'/:

"-

in

fury,
Jacques, as
a

II

178

EARTH-BORN.

it not

"Is

would

have

not

her

shadow

"

and

true

answLred

supi)ort,

shiidow

husband

lawful

shadow

that

companion

t('

?"

you

for

l)c

or

"You

Philip.

always

mourn

in this life,would

her

"

so

comfort,

never

can

better

the

"

Lantenac

am

of

father

Ilcr

her

child-

ren

"'But

can

shadow,
than

shadow,

neitlcr

can
"

"

"

And

she

far

as

for

that

it

she

be

always

she

reaches

Then

put

her

in it, for

mc,

and

That

shoulr^

"

higher

have

really

the

but

see,

Aye

less

you

she

"

state

aims

ask

her

be

more."

no

Voii

Earthly.
if

this

than

Let

her.

friend, and

my

in, it will."

are

you

I want

1 will

is selhsh,

can

so

Until

w^ith

concerned.

is

are

you

hear."

feel, or

see,

will

shadow
"

so

now,

that

understand

not

you

would

you

be

content."

belong

the

to

and

Earth,

Marie,"

want

the

was

reply.
"

I cannot
if

away
"

give

If I wish

! I could
"

you
Marie
added
"

promised ! said
see
really never
despondently.

show

can

you
said

satisryyou,"
"

eyet: foj
the

01'

"X*

\y

aio
av

"ro

Lantenac

Dent

her

if you

until

Philip.

him

fiercely.

Lantenac
front

or

t^

apparency
to

Drive

again

me

of

forehead,

ner

u^on

Cabot

answered

comes,"

kill him

drive

can

she

wish, but

away
"

But

dies

as

will
?"

it will

he

not

Philip.

in

Philiysstood
hands

to

it," answered

Do

he

wish, when

you

but

Marie,

you

her," Liid

eagerly.
the

woman,

looked

o,

and

placed

steadily into
suddenly she sank

unconscious.

Philip.

his
her
in

1/9

EARTH-BORN.

Lcinteiiac

kiss

after

Marie!"

he

"mprinted
My

"

h.cr

form,

her

side, leaned

her

spninsj; to

kiss

But

cried.

he

when

seemin"^lyunconscious

motion

no

still

\vas

gazed

and

arose

to

came

she

shut, and

remained

eyes

lips.

lier

upon

lier, and

over

at

.ler.

Docs

"

she

Yes,

"

Then

"

i:i

as

iier, for

wake

is the

what

replied Lantenac.
Philip again approached,
his hands
and

I have

"

and

hands

if a

sight

don't
love

ol

pleased

cried,

she

the

and

'*

arose

going

am

Virgin

Holy

whom
in

head

her

bowed

her

humor,
her

I want

to

death, and

of

shadow

am

of

sort

again.

me

seemg

think

this

into

"and

Lantenac,

me," said

see

her

her

to

not

to

puts

me

about

care

me,

"

she

and

she

moment

wept.

isn't

She

"

"

dreams,"

her, placed

over

in

from

warning

forgotten

I have

of

use

house.

the

Jacques

seen

die ! It is

to

into

shrieking

ran

bent

and

head,

her

upon

Philip.

answered

dream,"

muttered

he

me?"

see

ghnstr
*'

You

will

only

is

that

friend, and
be

of

afraid

will
w^th

she

and

Marie,

my
she

to
whenever
appear
you
you
has taken
Cabot
place
your

'*

That

Then

she

love

never

again

me

"

asked

tenac,
Lan-

anguish.
is

beyond
will

never
"

spiritual state,

with

Earthly respect."

"And

"

in

impossible

her," replied Philip.

i'lthe

love

Earthly

want

"

becomes

thought
to

me

but

say,

she

but

tainly
cer-

state," replied Philip.

present

what

not

care

sadl3\
might return

in her

to

power

mv

by

of me,"

driving

if not, then

said

Cabot

tenac,
Lanaway

it matters

i8o

EAk'l'H-HOKN.

I will try and

little,and
let

us

go,"

"But
**

here,"
*'

Farewell

If not,
"

Devil
was

take

"

"

But

he

sped

cried

after

and

they

away.

I wish

now

"

I may

see

the

into

again.

you

city.

him.

'

i'

yi_

'

'

'

'

'

"
,.

'

:,?.;",

"
.

i'

i1

Ix

'.

ifiy..

"

m:

leave

to

together they departed.

Lantenac,

said

forget me,"

Farewell

Cabot

reply, and

the
!

sadly
Philip.

said

Cabot?"

The

turned

he

and

Come,

her.

from

stay away

"""""

:, :."

""'

f
f.

CHAPTER

''And

THE

MYSTERY

now

for

''Aye,"
So

THE

OF

St.

answered

they

XL

cried

Sulpice,"
Adrian,

sped

CATACOMBS.

the

to

Philip.
St.

for

''now

in

church,

Sulpice."
of

search

the
m

1 odies

taken

firmly

convinced

taken

from

that
of

charge

Soon

they

Sulpice,

crowned

looked

at

water,

and

now

the

they
end,
in

its

the

church,

and

if
of

search

and

pitying
They
would

in

of

entered

the

stained

glass

dim

and

living

find

what

but

treasure,
would

they

and

imposing

were

but

sought,

man,

give

up

when

the

soul

reflected

the

over

the
the

over

of

pictures

was

the
with

scene

solemnity.
for

clew

waves

looked

everywhere

to

windows

uncertain

Saints

them

Not

church.

altar, and

the

looked

ready

were

of

faces

they

for

experiment

their

indeed

h"jiy

recognized

longer

no

the

two

Venice,

sanctuaries

where

imposing

give

which

aid

the

and

Virgin

commune

they
liirve

containing

I., from

St.

here.

light

high

had

of
As

the

formerly

would

Silently they
visible, and

edifice

and

Francis

sacked

they

were

Sulpice

towers.

columns,

to

the

they

as

St.

elegant

its double

fluted

w^ondered

sadly

outer

the

presents

of

priests

entrance,

for

Balzac,

remains.

the

with

empty,

and

all

the

reached

upon

shells

Chateau

the

to

after
for

the

the

of

present,
a

patient
and

that
of

discovery

hours

suddenly
m

evidence

some

that

search

seek

the

priest appeared,

183

KAinii-nouv.

Whom

"

the

do

seek?"

you

from

came

pale lips of

the

priest.

**

Minotti

Balzac,"
On

and

bodies

the

past the

"l!|

piles

of

the

past

went,

and

bones

galleries leading

none

were

in the

of

which

catacombs

whose

darkness

authorities

had

had

of the

the

dead

remains

into

which
for

churches

for

the

these

and

pointed
by

"

"

to
a

miles, and
the

before

they

And

this

at

were

in

had

removed

rock-hewn

chamber,

passed

on

pile

of

shaped

and

their

way,

rocks,

mounted
sur-

intense

Philip,

said

here,"

the

anxiety, after entering

second

pile,and

the

all," was

not

where

the

are

quiet

response.

others?"

Philip,with

asked

surprise.
"

Follow

"

Wait,"

carefully

me,"

said

the

commanded
and

let

us

priest,starting o(T,
Philip.

first

bring

"

Lift

these

the

stones

bodies

to

the

air.

The
while

of the

some

returning.
No,

,,

muttered.

he
all

not

are

later with

*'

:. %^:

They

*'

',.."

dumping the
and even
galleries,
in
the
suppressed

rested

square

ries
quar-

crucifix.

lie here,"

They

from

frequently

of which

many

they

and

bones

silent

placed here.
Finally the priest stopped
through

for

months,

were

years

miles

years

seme

had

of

ancient

few

hundreds

where,

Revolutionists

for

been

past

Paris, those

but

The

j^^rinningskulls,

knew

deposited

city'scemeteries.
time, and

dust,

underground

run

of

rows

dark

bones

Chateau

replied Philip.

they

into

the

"^uarde(lin

he

priest went
they

stood

silently

by

and

to

woric,

watched

without

him.

His

word,
tender

84

KARTH-HOKN.

hands, unused

to

bleeding, after

two

rude

There,

just as

before,
lid

desire

view,

to

of

It

appeared

gazed

into

entered

his

looked

handed

priest,who

and

staring

eyes

Who

are

of the
The

spoke,
fixed

of

priest

it

of the

was

again

Earth.

the
At

from

him.
this

was

stood

delicate

quietly,with

so

looking,
set lips

"

Adrian,

questioned

springing

made

no

reply, and

clings

which

Earth,

the

spirit which
as
lips became

Adrian

dressed
ad-

his

upon

head
fore-

of the

"Remember!"

all

to

things mortal,

controls," and

true

those

as

Adrian's

as

felt

it he

like
life-

ago,

coffin.

said

to

Adrian,

though

him, Philip placed his hands

Soul

of

you

silent

and

as

and

Earthly shell, arose

who

red

bend

top of

and

years

as

one

around

he, and

was

be

body

six

upon

live, and

to

cofhn, and

"

the

work,

to

the

was

nearly

youth

Where

went

left it, now

Adrian

as

priest

the

uninjured.

he

out

disclosed

raised.

was

had

he

asleep, and

"

and

cut

were

lid," Philip commanded,

exposed

and

the

work

hours'

the

silently as
finallythe

once

hibor,

coffin.

Remove

"

rough

such

set, and

priest beside

his

he

as

as

eyes

him.

t;

'

commanded

!
Philip.
from
I remember,"
the set lipsof Adrian.
came
Bring forth the rest," said Philip.
Adrian
assisted
the priest to lift the empty
coffin,

"

'

"

"

exposing
removed,
of

lid

the
and

of

"

Lift

the

about

but

which

one,

there, lying before

Philip, deformed,

lingered

second

them,

lifelike.

Philip'smouth,

coffin, and

seek

the

they
the

was

curious
as

other."

he

said

soon

body

sion
expres:
'

185

EAKTU-ltORN.

By

hard

work

coffin, and

they

below

the

of

counterpart
into

them

and

their

five

this

out

third, which

there, strange
beautiful

the

getting

lid of

the

appeared

they finallyremoved,

in

succeeded

to

say,

lay

Vera, who

had

led

years' wanderings

Circle

the

in

of Silence.

Philip alone
the

examined

priest stared

*'

Who

"

One

into

is this?"

Adrian

features.

the

nothingness

and

before.

Jls

queried Philip.

of those

found

in

the

'1,

the

replied

chateau,"

priest.
"

And

"

I know

"

Look

"

All

how

not,"
and

is

Fix

before

lid

lid

Then

on,

crucifix

"

as

priest glided

Philip.
sleeper,and
Philip's body on top

which

coffin

its

the

on

built

when

first

others,"

top

contained

before, the

as

and

it,the

over

pile looked

the

as

it.

saw

said

Adrian

forward,

had

round

place, and

they

the

to

us

over

Philip,

the

and

following,

Philip

behind.

On
that
from

and

they went,

they
which

in

were

few

the

it seemed,

Finally the

single, long,

galleries

following
front, on,

it became

now

lead
for

seemed
of

"hK;;: i

beautiful

the

placed
to

put this other

commanded

containing

stones

returned

Lead

place,"

empty

was

the

undisturbed

lid

the

the

body

put

light appears,"

no

and
coflfin,

the

in its

coffin

the

Adrian's

and

me,

upon

body back
They placed

of it.

reply

priest.

the

laid

mechanical

see."

silent

then

there?"

the

was

dark

replied the
"

she

came

apparent
narrow

to

that

that

passage,

lead.

dreamy

Still

ward,
on-

figure

in

miles.

priest stopped

before

the

seeming

11

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/A

HiotDgraphic
Sciences

33 WEST

MAIN

STREET

WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 873-4S03

Corporation

86

RN.

EARTH-Br

of the

wall

solid

both
the

hands

rocks,

sized

chamber
in

Minotti,
smile

coffin by his

stranger,

powerfully

handsome

strong
if the

bold,

was

hands, and

his

"A

Balzai

lay the figure,of a

unusually large,
man,

side

built

features, and

would

one

face.

and

It

"C.n

was

face of power,
of ambition, of will, and
yet, withal, a
face to be avoided, for it was
some
handcruel as it was
as

Who

"Th

never

"

this

in the

Whom

we

"

Minotti

"

But

"

the

"

he

here?"

'*

Is this the

arise

measured

and

his

greet

him

"

Russian, Italian,Spanish,

distiller

is known
of

Elixir, the

gold

pure

Count

the

edge

from

strange
"Th

commanding
said

lest

power,
the

interest

"

priest,in

what

not

circumstance

placed

side

fathom

it,try

by
as

the

upon
had
side
he

it

with

would.

tomb,"
lor

renewed

have

"

you," calmly

bo(

''WhI

tones.

Philipcould

the ton

all."

to

Life's

produces
in

with
Philip looked
reclining figure. By
been
brought here and
Minotti.

know

you

He

name

quiet reply.

Minott

French,

crucible, the charlatan

not

the

"

would

it is said

**W1

Philip.

man

so-called

whom

Mention

asked

Mohammedan.

or

An

'"

genius," was

name

Th

''

noble.

evil

the

priest.

alchemist
his

have

the

to

Certainly one that Philip had

life.
No
priest, for he was

of

which

Egyptian,
"

in

is this

who

Under

asked

rank

and

3'o

*'Di,

man

before

seen

dressed

but

courageous.

was

Ar

say

black

be

"It
"

and

was

features.

open

and

brave

so

founc

medium

peaceful,

they would
daring appeared the

were

eyes

of

one

entered, and

and

coffin, calm

"I

ing
press-

in

and

They

placed between
his
resting upon

In another

that

inward,

swung

crucifix

of content

with

incrustation

discovered.

was

lying

there,

door

gallery,and

the

of

sort

upon

stone

of

right side

Anc
so

"The

(liscove
"

And

r^arth ?

"

88

EARTII-BOKN.

"

I know

"

Lead

The

them

which

few

fine

the chapel
they entered
painting of the crucifixion, and as
into

it back

chapel had been

since the departure
his queen

for

before

it,at

another

"

Father

"

You

of the

and

"

of

In fact,

late.

Louis

unfortunate

the

by

XVL

mob,

the

from

altar, the

the

priest stopped

Philip,while

Adrian

halted

the

attached

was

"

name

said

Philip.

the

to

of

church

Royal family."
St. Sulpice, ere
to

suppressed all worship, and

who
will
present Dauphin

St.

am

Sulpice,
tionists
Revolu-

the

still

loyal
place of

fill the

XVL"

Then

you

No

king

the

beheaded

was

in Paris

"

it,escaped from

saw

Then

knew

St.

your
man's

the

mob

Sulpice," replied the

life is not

life is safe

safe in Paris

there, much

with

difficulty,
priest.
?

"

less

that

Royalist priest."
"

that

seen

disuse.

attached

reached

"

be

the

Blanc."

loyal to

to-day ?
"

Le
are

the

"

used

Paris, surrounded

sign

is your

What

are

could

sisted
con-

sign.

"

Louis

place, it

seldom

chapel had fallen into

Suddenly, reaching

to

led

later.

moments

the

door,

stone

steps farther, and

slid

priest

"

followed

themselves
they found
foot of a stairway leading upward, following
they emerged into the chapel of the Palace of
few

of

and

Philip.

panel by which

The

at

the

Philip, closed

and

Versailles

and

exit," commanded

nearest

priest quietly left the rocky chamber,

the

at

the

to

us

Adrian

by

"

not.

Have

you

no

home

?"

"

of

189

EARTM-IJORX.
"

Since I

driven

was

three

out

days ago

no."

"

at a wave
of the hand, brought Adrian to
Philip,
the priest's
side, and then, placinghis hands upon
both their foreheads,
they suddenlyknelt before the
altar,and in a moment
Philippressed his hands
againto their heads, and they looked at each other
with awakened
in their eyes, mingled
intelligence
with curiosity.
in a sanctuary,and kneeling
Seeingthat they were
before the altar,in the twilight,
both the priestand

Adrian

endeavored

there in

for
silence,

at

loss

utter

an

to

the
faintly
recalling
said to his

memory,
"

few

FinallyAdrian,
for his position,
but
account
face of the priestin a fleeting
companion :

Father, forgiveme,

I cannot

fathom

moments.

but

how

For

me?

for their presence

account

to

I know

moment

Can

here.

came

where

not

thought

you
I had

like
me
you elsewhere, but it fades from
How
does it happen that we
here ?
are

am.
lighten
enseen

dream.

"

"

My

son,

I know

not.

Like

yourselfI

seem

to

driftin useless

I am, and how

as to where
speculation
I arrived.
This is not St. Sulpice,
I know, and the
dreamed
h
ave
and
I
is
unfamiliar.
scene
certainly
entered here in sleep,
unless, indeed, you helped me
been sorely
to this place unconscious, for I have
have fainted."
troubled this day,and must
What ! are you ill?" exclaimed
Adrian, catching
in his arms
the priest
as he swayed unsteadily
upon
"

his knees toward

"

seem

to

him.

be, in soul and

and my hands
through fatigue,
bleeding.What mystery this is I

me

seem

to

have

been

the

limbs fail

body. My

cut

appear
know

sport of the

and

not, but I

Evil

One

for

i^'^ii

r.ARTH-RORX.

iQO

days," replied
Adrian

for

he

but

try

climb

to

stained

beautiful

There
and

outlet,

of

one

upon

began

the

to

nothing

was

with

difficulty

sills,lift the

the

and

glass window,

ried
hur-

Rushing

it locked.

other

some

managed

and

down,

assistance.

some

he found

entrance,

do

him

carefully laid

search

to

Ad.

falling upon

shoulder.

rian's

main

head

priest,his

the

into

out

gaze

space.

Beyond him, in the twilight,he

grand Palace of Versailles, and as
of memories
time

to

came

him,

and

of

those

had

partaken
the vinaigrette.
had
What
happened
he

taken

yesterday, last

in the

chapel

These
his

brain

and

It

and

he

as

the

when

this

with

realize

to

The

the

by

effort he

taking
nothing

remembered

the

to

up

in

of

drops

coma

How

he

came

the

taken
him

place.

and

made

those

that

through
twilight,

ran

had

all that

fresh

each

flood

faintingpriest?

thoughts escaped

at

raised

He

drops.

Were

questioning thoughts
anxiously looked out into

useless.

barrier

clear

was

other

into nothingness
the

looked,

scintillating
drops

or

year,

Versailles

at

endeavored
was

since

all

he

the

looming

saw

faded
to

had

forgotten

flashed

toward

kneeling

was

pale

he

seemed,

friends?

mystery
know

in

much

Seeing

he

Was

sad.
he

surrounded

had

could

turned

the

this
tell

Minotti,

one

altar.

So

as

and
How

of Minotti's

something

of

the

if he

did

not

even

?
that

But

"'

basket

again

partiallyarisen

before

rapt prayer
and

he

memor}^

that

saw

Perhaps
that

quiet,faintingpriest,and

his

across

him, and

the

my

heavilyu
workings

and
had

this

turning t

occurred

since.
He

tru

i^rom

pass

wonderful

"

old
"

h
to

dee
medi
h

man

Wher.

drew

fron

!the explar
of the

rep
At

Itites.
bruised

ai

feeling
thii
nis

condition

had

improved,

Adrian

nation

cou

EARTH-BORN.

descended

from

the

191
1

sill,r

was

the

in

act

of

advancingtoward the priest, iien a sound of grating

struck
the
keys
chapel,and in a
sharplythrough
moment
tottered
form
an
aij^ed
through the aisle,
v\

small basket.

bearing a

Reaching
laid the

the

basket

beside

tottered
silently

word.

Out

old

priest'sside, the

of

the

kneeling figure,and

the

toward

stopped,

man

the

door

without

entrance,

as
a

hair
grey
quietlyhe cSme, so

he

went,

his

streamingin the breeze, and so

he departed,
that had it not been for the
noiselessly
noise of the gratingkey, the basket,and the now
open
for
hallucination.
it
would
have
a
entrance,
passed
and
Adrian
the
a
dvanced
toward
silently
slowly
and knelt quietlybeside it.
kneelingfigure,

Father," he said, your prayer is answered."

I trust so, my son," repliedthe kneelingpriest,
turning toward Adrian, but the gloom is not lifted
from my soul,and the sorrows
of my people weigh
"

"

"

"

heavilyupon
workings of
*'

basket toward

and
old

prayed for lightupon

yet find it not."

answer," said Adrian, holdingthe
as

the

priestbeen engaged
and

meditation,that the entrance

had

man

drew

from

the

him.

deeply had

"Where

the

day,and

this

here is one

But

So

I have

me.

been

unnoticed

did you

find

by

it?"

it a bottle of wine

explanationwas

in prayer
the exit of the

i:ir

him.
he

and

asked, as Adrian
food, and as
some

given,the priest
quietlypartook

of the

repast,whic'a both enjoyed with keen appetites.

At its conclusion,Adrian
the priest's
bound
bruised and cut hands
with the napkin,and
then,
that
feeling
could

the time
be

had

arri-'ed when

he
attempted,

^lA

some

nation
expla-

KAkTII-bUKN.

192
"

Father,

we

in the

are

of the Palace

chapel

sailles."
Ver-

at

"

Then

Paris,"
"

are

the

was

Prisoners

should

"

we

days,

mob

Paris

"

must

know

that

Louis

you

Ifttely. Now

mob
"

this is

and

of

No, why

"

little for sanctuaries

but

as

aghast.

is open,

door

the

prisoners ?

we

Adrian

exclaimed

care

son,

my

"Are

reply.

be ? The

we

The

from

distance

some

uary."
sanct-

in

if you

have

XVI.

has

these

been

in

been

headed
be-

"

by
King
"

"

The

beheaded

"Aye, this
rightly."
By whom

The

and
"

who

My

and

you

Then

of

this

Who

are

and

Courcey,
Yet

born.

unhappy
?

you
I

know

nothing

been

held

of

perhaps

taken

have

you

has

news

been

You

assist you
the

these

cautious

time

some

captive

need

had

reply, for
elapsed since

that

not

I will

confide
do

embarrassment

admitted.

so

in

me,

my

gladly," said
which

in

forbidden."

the

was

drop in the chateau, and

could
make
better
no
to
explanation, it was
little as possible until
he knew
of those
more
he might meet.
"

"

man,
French-

am

land

mention."

Perhaps I have,"
Adrian
perceived that
had

native

Adrian

"

he

me

"

Jacobins ?

the

cell where

some

?
a

you

called

bred

"

they

are

not

am

things

serves

memory

"

are

son,

know
I

my

Jacobins."

"And
"

"

if

morning,

"

"

son,

the

Adrian's

but

as

he

say

as

whom

if I

can

ing
priest, notic-

speech

tially
par-

EARTH-HORN.

You

'*

assist

can

me,"

193
the

was

Vcrif I

give

can

time.

another

tKe

For

hose

past is
but

why

So

"

sanct-

Iwill

let it be,"

be

"

es
be-

;n

the

was

past, tillsuch

lime

Father

reply.
Courcey,

"

Adrian

to

I thank

lifyou

you,

have

I have

"

me

Father, and

my
met

ever

|the
parish of

without

Blanc

question
is

willingly

St. Etienne

now

called

Mont,

Minotti

him," replied Le Blanc, with

met

tell

you

mc

priest,formerly

certain
du

can

of
?

"

sudden

of surprise.
|start
"

Can

tell

you

He

has

of his whereabouts

me

dead

"

nearly three years

[answeredthe priest,eyeing Adrian
closely.
Dead
for nearly three years ! Impossible ?
"

been

for

"

tain,
uncer-

Le

his confidence

as

is

one

it."

wish

if you

me

future

whose

at

so

Igiven."

in

3en

friend

of his
thesc

friend

your

do

consider

present
and

secret,

and

"

confidence, I will

my

of

you

grateful reply,

land

past,"
"

lated
ejacu-

Adrian.
"

Not

impossible,but true," repliedthe priest.

'renchHe

then
about

in

dve

since

below

What

their
he

iad been

did

as

say
whom

can

notic:h par-

all

the

information

he

not

that moment

in the

catacombs,

feet.

tell,however,

not

deemed

was

that

Adrian

Minotti

apostate priest,and had, it was

by his brethren, fallen into prac-

an

generallybelieved
forbidden
Knowing so
jices
by the church.
he
|\drian,
thought it best not to mention
until better
nm.
acquaintance gave him more
the
into his character,
but
next
question
\i\m that

sessed
pos-

omitting that Minotti's

charge of by the priestsof St.

matter,

he

as

IfI

the

Ibodyhad been taken

and
rested
at
|Sulpice,
md

for
|ly,

Adrian

gave

these

knew

more

kcted.
'n

than

he

little of
this

to

insight
showed

had

sus-

EARTII-UORN.

194
And

"

chateau

Yes, there

"

the

other

there

were

several, and

were

in

found

the

all

buried

were

in

catacombs."

"

Strange," muttered

"

You

well

may

have

fallen

and

mystery

have

which
the

church

supposed

was

of

some

to

those

Europe

from

has

thing
everyable
remark-

most

enveloped

strenuously,"and

most

this

of

influence

the

priest,for

the

again

he

in

ning
begin-

curiously

Adrian.

eyed

And

will

societies ?
"I

tell

you

those

secret

little

but

but

priest,
"

of

concerning

cautioush

replied

principalsociety is called

the

it has

Isis, and

them,"

branches,

many

mind,

am

"

"

de

Then

you

afraid

am

think

Minotti

he

was

one

of these

with

impregnated

became

mystics?

'

perdition

their

one's
"

do

Why
He

long

think

you

held

ago

having

to

Whether

he

strange

man

so

am

lived

went

in
far

so

professed

soul
with

repeated
to

as

about

strange
was

his

finallyto

things,

I do

of

pursuance
desert

know,

his

these

ages

believe

and

to

in this

believed

things
take

in

up

his

Tell

to

le;

led

forgetting
"

or

to

sp

You

Adrian

that

avoid

U
as

t\

Ievidently
Idrift of th(

body,
many
it

Adrian

him

residence

even

soul

this

belief that

which

or

produce

elixir

an

it is my

parish, and

that

all that

able

brew

Count

correct.

was

if desired,

Minotti

That

know.

mystic

believed

being

gold by alchemy, at will,

should
prolong life forever,
not

the

convinced

and

do

sou

"

converse

and

St. Germain,

claims

prr

efface thi

views."
"

If the

"

told."
"

I had

"

know

Sons

of

something

me

"

replied the
the

Minotti

strange."

very

the

that

so

which

fought

so," said

with

under

societies

secret

"

connected

much

affair,so

Adrian,

say

strange

was

"

bodies

"

Iparticular
I

[priest's
pe

196

Karth-horn.

and

Count

the

for
questioniiijr,

that

his

Balzac.

companion

Adrian

induced

This

somehow
knew

he

continue

to

be^an

to

suspect

of this affair than

more

if he

appeared willing to divulge, and

important to get at it some
way.

But

did, it

he
was

That

how?

The

"

the

was

question.
he

as

Then

"

do

you

things

happen

to

in

this

and

day

rose

for

possible
?"

age

he

priest's face for a

his feet, and
to

the

cautiously watching
Le Blanc
suddenly

it

believe

not

ready to
ping clo

asked,

clew.

tones

crossing

arms

You

"

gave

To

his breast,

over
a

no

what

do

branch

Adrian

of

mystic, possibly an adept, yet

know
sign. I could not otherwise

are

me

replied :

silent

was

this

at

you.

Of

"

for the

of affairs, not

Of

five
See

the

the

priestspoke he bared his right arm.

India
ink, was
it,with
imprinted upon
the muscle.
Sphynx, just over
as

"

The

of Isis is not

Order

symbol," and
Indelibly
Veiled

the

yet conferred

me,"

upon

"

priest,pulling

his sleeve

over

his

You

Now,

in the

bodies

in the

alone

knew

who

you,

with

and

chateau,

chapel

Minotti,

whom

Versailles, while

at

of

the

I find
this

[priest,
chapel wi
Ilingtwo f
the fa

myself
morning

in Paris, and

was

did

why
A

his

bring

you

St.

at

Sulpice, who

are

you,

am

!if

you

the

and
The

here?"

me

floo
wcc

[youngma
plied,
thought entered Adrian's mind, and he refainter as
proudly rising to his feet,and likewise folding
grip of in
done
the priest had
:
as
arms,
I

am

Count

Balzac

!"

hin

insane.
The
white
he

bold

tacked
"

thi

landthen
to

again.

arm

talk

who

w^

"
"

Ve

long

was

said the

v(

ing
know"

"*

wl

beautiful

turn

just what reply to make.

Speak, you can trust me.

yoi

her?"

?"

belong

you

you

If

"

his

s\

such

effect upon
face

tottered

grew
a

the
still

moment

priest

paler in
upon

was

the
his

surprising. His|
relaxed
advancing twilight,1
feet, and

then

look-

sat watchi

\^

hij

EAKTIMU

in^

Adrian

s(|iiarelyin

his

between

You

lie !

"

And

yet

he

lives

last

at

swayed

ready

close

he

eyes,

fairly hissed

before

stands

for

years!"

you.

am

I"
"

this

muttered

"

and

But

in

forth

if

twilight, as
and

himself,

said, in

he

priest,

strange

the

recovered

he

Adrian,

to

dead

has been

and

back

fall.

to

Balzac

Balzac

son"

he

as

Count

Adrian

The

"

the

"97

trembling lips:

**

Count

)!"";.

ping
step-

low, concentrated

tones:

"If
of

Count

are

you

Adrian

Balzac, what

has

become

her?"
Of

"*

whom

for the

mother

Of Vera.

"

five

long

Of

priest, whose

the
"

feverish

and then

The

made

he

weak

priest was

as

fierce

and

relaxed
sat

dusky
ling
resemb-

white

and

set

the

iron, for he
that

his

watching

grip
him

"

in

but

are,

3^ou

power,"

your

they rolled

and

Adrian,

for

match

struggles
thought
Blanc

Le

the

from
with

the
a

the

his

that

lithe

fainter

and

had

throat

suddenly

struggle ceased,
of

man's

with
had

madman

fainting

sort

sinewy,

become

clutched

however,

When,

for

no

hand

Adrian's

priest,

embrace.

his

him, and
insane.

the

spoke,

so

Priestess

spring

in

of

in

he

mask,

the

our

floor

fainter

livid

from

recoiling

as

over

gleamed

eyes

for

who

you."

Adrian,

hissed

hold

to

Ivoung man,
grip

in

mad,"

not

think

|to the

his

face.

am

Iif you

coldly,

known

priest had

excitement

fiery coals

two
was

said

bright

with

chapel

with

been

mad,"

are

this

Adrian

peerless Priestess,

our

has

asked

distasteful.

was

years

You

that

"

speak

you

thought

very

beautiful

"

do

tacked
at-

become
and

he

throat, he

curiosity,combined

198

li.ARTFT.nORN.

for

with

compassion,
trembling in every

"

unless
"

Adrian

and

rage,

Le

had

you

the

Balzacs?

do

kill

upon

the

that

Tell

me,"

Black

where

vou

or

which

Magic

lie," and

you

and

ruined

which

rising

his

to

practice,I
placed his foot
you

he

stood

like

him

over

an

Nemesis.

painfully

and

Those

who

far

above

would

seek

such

such

of

the

answered

priest

him,

his feet.

at

prone

nothing

society

thundered,

he

is, what

name

your

secret

breast
pri'^st's

avenging
Slowly

look

and

motive, unless

the

whatever

or

with

the

by

or

will

"

Blanc,

to

"

lying

fathom

not

weak,

was

fear, excitement,

from

limb

could

priest

"

You,

feet,

the

fortunes

We,

I.

as

for

We

must

circle, know

this

oi

happenings.

fallen

and

obey

then

forget."
"Then

whom

do

obey

you

"

sternly questioned

Adrian.
The
"

fallen

All

priestslowly replied :
are
powerful and command

who

"But

is

where

fiercelyquestioned
"

We

(.etrable

]"

to

We

other.

would
While

thought

he

We

you.

deeply
of

thought,

toward

the

enough

for

his

abruptly.

Adrian,

foot

his

peculiar state
puzzle him to

glided
arm

to

They

still

seldom

know

for

the

few

fallen

seconds.

affairs, if true, and

one

the

priest stealthilyarose
door, but

who

sprang
was

none

he

man's

thatj

of.

was

forvvard
too

each

Here

the

solution

im-

priest.

find

open

He

from

as

are

act," painfullyreplied the

but

and
ch'^.st,
a

as

rulers.

our

removed

Adrian

was

us

ruler?"

^your

"

Adrian.

know

never

chief

your

us."

soon.

not

and

and;

quick
caught

EARTH-BORN.

199

stiletto

dropped from
gripped the muscles

Adrian
weak

of

resistance, the priest

altar.

Adrian

in

shadows

the

the
Did

''

"

"

And

in

death,

Yes,

in

death,"

they
the
the

others
This

the

life,"was

reply.

slow

answer.

the

was

dead

not

are

"

faith

world

and

All

Paris

upon

them

"

others

as

and

you

I will

take

he

in their

coffins."

nothing

has

of the

he

as

deceived

thinking

truth,"

closely

been

about
few

release

found

bodies

the

to

me

ments,
mo-

in the

teau
cha-

then.'

you
a

without

moment,

end, he simply said

the

face

his

was

dead.

asked

priest thought

at

deceived,"

lying

saw

rified
ter-

declaration.

them

After

were.

abruptly

Will

The
and

him,

in his

both

were

man

he
"

Countess

ejaculated Adrian,

priest'sevident

gazed

questioned
them

tioned
ques-

"

then

faint

evidently knows
t^iought Adrian, watching
"

again

and

Count

the

see

in

quiet reply.

and

light,lost

priest.

ever

Never,

Then

the

the

to

w-\

by
*'

'

But

"

its faint

by

with

back

dragged

large chapel, he

the

tremblmg

fingers as

wrist, and

the

was

taper, and

of

you

Balzac
"

lit

nerveless

the

word,

Come."

*"

Adrian
entered

lit another
the

panel,

taper, the
and

priest

descended

to

took

one,

the

they

catacombs

below.
Adrian
up

when

the
door
the

gripped
the

figure in
in

the

the

stiletto,which

priestdropped
front
side

of him
of

the

it,and

as

him

had

picked

carefullywatched

it advanced

passage,

rocky vault, beckoning

he

and
to

to

the

stone

peered

inside

follow.

H^

EARTH-BORN.

200

stepped inside,
closely.
There

priest entered, following

the

as

and

lay Minotti,

whose

looking stranger,
to
were
utterly unfamiliar
it intently the
gazing upon
of the

out

door, and

Just

the

as

shot,

What

door

had

shut

then

all
but

and

pulse

his situation

buried

offer

of the

be

He

had

Seeing

sprang

oning
impris-

thus

Adrian

heard

tomb.

the

as

had

in

him
if

but

all its

suddenly
significaut

would

he
at

to

velopmen
de-

new

grave.

knew,

never

that

some

the

curred,
oc-

quickened

with
for

as

necessary

be

not

get help

once

might be, whether

little.
They could not

that

than

death

called

starvation

sound,

useless
been

that

lustily,but

in

he

exhausted
he

"

and
no

so

he

handle

he

dark

vault

alone

gave

he
the
was

that

from

unable

whatever,

the

the

from

it would

door.
to

It

it

the
the

priest.
inside,

taper
four

burn
to

the

side,
in-

it, especially

move

and

opened

that

outside.

strange

also, before

calculated
solid

realized

himself

help
and

room

soon

for

look

must

"

tried

and

the

help
neatly trapped by
to

only chance,

the

jt had

he
upon

was

hollow

would

hours

waited

realized

Adrian
the

was

was

catacombs.

So
back

quiet

was

flashed

worse

him,

stood

assassins, mattered

or

he

Something

outside, whatever

the

thieves

all

it

While

tell, for the

not

Adrian

alive,

from

as

from

what?

He

danger.

figure

heavy
single rock, completely

could

sounds.

he

and

silent

beating heart, waiting

long

face

priest suddenly

was

further

But
How

all

he

happened

out

guished
distin-

vault.

door, chiseled

stone

the

closed, however,

and

cry,

side

Adrian.

it after

closed

in the

Adrian

his

by

him

was

fitted into

as

thei

201

KAkTlI-JjORN.

him

rock

as

part of it.

he

edge,

might

istin-

able

with

igure

the

only

npris-

upon

it he

heavy

reach

)letely

made

some

ad

pomt

off the

oc-

:kenef\

He

ddenly
liftcaut

thought,

could

coat,

and

hether

Not

uld not

is this ?

liegave

This

his

hands

but

to

no

evidently,

set

work

to

rock

the

fully,
man-

casing,

to

He
the
and

misfortune,

was

it

priest,Iwhat
inside,
le taper
four
in-

as
[ially

the

two

the

with

the

around

anywhere
closely to
"

The

was

the

ah ! what

but

"

the
!

behold

light he
The

Countess

the

wound
un-

minia-

Lena,

eyes.

cabalistic

signs

'.anguages, but
l^nany

queer

What

strange
not

possession,

graven

face, well

beautiful

were

man's

strange

mystery.

characters

pressing
sup-

pleading, loving, spiritualbeauty

with
their
[thegold frame
[bright,
sparkling jewels ?
Here

the

figure,and
right hand into

his

mother,

it in this
these

With

them.

weapon

beautiful

came

Perhaps

strange

bringing it
package, and

astonished

figures.

his search.

of

small

denly
Sud-

of

one

distaste, plunged

And

were

the

about

around.

looked

and

approached

sign

his

feet

knife

lEve, looked

his
|into
^tside. How

ito

he

|tureof

the

"

it,

over

the

fell upon

eyes

began

ik vault

his

to

his

help

rn

with

he

little of

away

placing

strength

So

useless.

was

weapon.

find

be

that

"

point of his stiletto.

impression, but unfortunately broke

arose

he

chance

non-conductor,

was

door

his

ot

was

be

irreparable.

de-

lew

the

So

all his

with

Stone

magnetism
scraping

tomb.

It

try his power

in his studies.

willed

purpose.
and

and

somewhere,

in.

could

he

suppose

"

fully mastered,

pull it

stiletto to

jrang

sard

hold

one.

wait

But

3 was

the

last get

at

the

By gradually scraping away

these

did
to

so

and

ously
numer-

nigh covering
appearance

it

mean

Adrian, who

magic

and

letters.

knew

EARTH-noRN.

202

Who

this

was

Adrian

sign

Veiled

velvet

the

there,

the

over

he

heart,,
tattooed

deeply

but

arm,

Then

from

frilled linen

stilled

Isis

Veiled

the

Sphynx

and

vest

right

found.

was

brothers?

secret

man's

the

bared

hastily

of the

of the

One

man

the

the

tore

body,
figure

in India

ink.

of

Isis.

stoi

blade

and

the

saw

he

Bitb;
no

is

again.

of

Atlas
Now
.

This, then,

this

Philip would

it

mystical

never

and

paper,

with

rapidly

strange

and

which

they

disclose

questioning.
Perhaps there
fingers he
eager
was

Sons

sign by

the

was

the

one

in that

leaders

the

of

was

the

little

and

the

which

free

yes,

felt

around

the

more,

of

Yes, there

body.

the

It is L

hands.
St.

w]

pallid fac

unrolled

forth, Adrian

it

bringing

with

and

whom

Stoopir

Germaine,

his breast

Amenophis."

4.

"So
This

all

was

mystic letters,or
portrait.

of the
of the

Minotti

will

he

hand

takes

one

the

upon

which

contained

paper

below

sign3, seen

it

This

more

were

frame

around

the

awaken

him

has
he

Then
a

He

flynow
Can

it.

he

of the

hand

sleeper's

priest,places

forehead

"

bends

utters

his

secret

can

do
may

Quick,

nothing
have

rapidly works

with

search

! found

Halt

"

prayer

And

at

the

way,

to

It

Nature.

and

he

must

escape.]

with

trembling fingers.
this
pocket knife

c"

is|him.

knife.
your

Frencl

colored

"

this

vau

shadow.

his

sufficient.
the

of the

the
power

wr

lantern

failure.

Minotti

Aha

not

p(

publique !'

steadily.

He

still

explain

may

Quickly
free

the

decipher, though

could

Adrian

that

"

Anothi

him, in spite of all his

to

something

was

Faubourg

Pyramid

And

band.

known,

were

of

But

trembling

"

One

Who

"

Adriar

"

Do

yoi

"He

he|

never

w:

saw

door.
-"o.:u\v

XII.

CHAPTER

"

THE

Adrian

followed
without

hours,

large
of

the

where

room

motly

assembly

of

evidently

vagabonds,

for

reached

finally they

gathered

were

looking

queer

until

seemed

it

guide,

taciturn

word,

ISIS."

OF

SONS

the

lowest

class.
Some

stretched

were

Others

asleep.
half-dozen

of

red

the

and

day,
and
At

his

narrow

Adrian

of

his

and

addiessed

banteringly

his

angue
har-

clothed

experiences

the

and

the

to

poorly

wonderful

from

escapes

floor,

playing,

listening

his

the

on

card

visaged,

giving

was

narrating

sight

men

evil

capped,

who

vagabond,

in

sleepily

were

so

length

engaged

were

or

full

at

during
of

deeds

ess,
prow-

police.
captor,

of

some

with

companion

the
cries

of
"

Oho

"

The

Gendarme

capture

"

has

brought

us

live

of

prisoner

war."
"

Vive

la

"

Vive

les

One

Voleurs

while

the

but

"You

is

Blanc,

Le

in

attention

laugh,

ma)
less

"

mimic

since
who

the

my

new

comrades,

Gendarme
gave

on

left

information
204

with

generally
the

to

before

submission

went

occupations,

little

priest

"

majority

other

or

bowed

two

or

him,

paid

Republique

their

bling
gamand:

slumber,

arrivals.
but
you,
of

there
and
our

is
that
band

or

oi

"|

EARTH-BORN.

205

the

police. I pursued him with some

morning, but he escaped in the crowd.
sleeps in peace," growled the man, who
off his uniform, and appeared the true
"

that

he

Aha

! Good

said

Adrian's

capture
he, too,

Not

?"

in

catacombs

that

his

I did

and

did

how

?"

Is

"

Blanc?"
that

he

was

bandits

only

into
you

mirth.

who

times,

troublous

these

safety could

favor

me

"

Parisian

of those

renunciation

attempted
"

evil smile,

an

band

the

knew

did

here

cal
ras-

man
gallantyoung
he peered
hunchback,
as

laughed in ironical
of the police and
of Le
Adrian, boldly,for he saw

of

frequented
complete

Parisian

He

friend

midst

he

To-night he
ttirew
now

is the

who

old

with

I," said

in the

and

! And

face
him

"

this

you

was.

wizen-faced

of

be assured

of

Le

Blanc.

Your

by

his

action, for

"

by

friend

the

priest

kill me."

to

not

see

later," said

till hours

there

you

his

captor, suspiciously.
"

"

Oho

for

could

you

You

owe

me

much

do

while

those

with

his

deceive
I

"

the

to

have

me

owe

for

saving

vault

still

all that

it

much

how

And

"

Enough

to

to

friends."

your

gain

and

I have

pay

holes.

Come,

how

his

the

bold

captor,

looked
mind

on

to

escape.

come

imprisoned,

been
was

will

to

then,

dark

his

up

chance

if you

contains,"

"

made

galleries

you,

these
life.

your

Adrian

much,

where

I found

insinuatinglysaid
lingered about them

captors, and

you

old

?"

me

faces.

amused

from

out

get

who

well

as

was

not

owe

you

it

These

vault.

secret

and

them,

vault," replied Adrian.

secret

Another

full of

are

in

shut

was

with

me

you

can

reply.

is that ?"
you

for

your

trouble

in

guiding

206

EARTH-BORN.

It's

But

how

much

wanjto

know

what

it

"

will

It

"

I do

amount

Then

"

pay

will go

joined

he

as

man,

Adrian

to

the

pains, but

your

exact

the

furtivelywatching

comrades,

his

growled

to-morrow,"

back

if he

see

know."

not

we

and

back,

way

brings/'

for

you

long

attempted

to

into

escape

the

shadows.
Adrian

thought
to

coming

hours.

caverns,

and

he

best

could

their

darkness

the

at

times, and

all

at

he

solved
re-

then, if possible,slip

and

slumber,

assume

into

away

quickly

during

time

some

the

always night in these dark

he
pondered
deeply, wondering how
should
he
guide himself
plunge into
It

was

shadows.

All

the

tales

he

rushed

matting,
had

"nto

and

read

his

in

its

vast
to

that

he

began

chances

in

favor

of

and

few

small

his

lay upon

in

revolve
and

escape,

in

So

many

with

these

never

mind

his

combs
catasome

galleries,starved,

compared

entombed

eternally

he

as

the

about

his adventure.

over

found,

heard

or

memory,

thought

lost

been

had

the

they appeared
of

those
black

passages

being
and

caverns.

And

he

yet

must

of that
that

some

something,

Then
the

he
game

It must
he

looked

band
these

and

he

motly

faces

there

but
to

in which
have
at

been

discover

his
he

vagabonds

with

arose

the

walked

and

the

abouts
where-

but, wait, it is barely possible

"

of

studied

Nothing

escape,

within

vice

the

thought,

and

know
fully
care-

his view.
and

crime,

captor, and
was

may

stood

evidently.
watching

engaged.

nearly morning, he judged,

almost
them, for they were
alone

as

in

267

EiiKTH^BOlU;

their

and
wakefulness,

tlio

fallen upon

had

slumber

generally.
riveted upon a dark
Suddenly his attention was
faced, black eyed man,
seemin"^lyan Italian,from his
looks, who was sleepily
watchin*^the players,as he
reclined upon
them.
a dirtymat
near
rest

But
that

it

but
villainy,
with

The

this

stamped with the mark of

the figureof the Veiled
Tphynx,
the
muscle,
over
right arm, just

it

was

his
upon
bridle in its mouth.

curious

he rested

as

No,

ordinary,and

was

tattooed

Adrian.

his face that attracted

not

was

the other
upon
his side.

his head

freelyby

one

Here

plainlyin

tattooingshowed

then, another

was,

the
and

arm,

light,

flung

of that secret

member

toward
him, and
slowly advanced
sat down
by his side. Presently he quietlyturned
and pointing to the tattooing,said :
to the man,
Could
That is a queer
looking piece of work.

Adrian

band, and

"

you tell
it is ?

me

it means,

what

of

kind

what

or

animal

an

"

The

replied:
Yes, it is a
''

queer
about

have

asked

how

it got there,

me

"

You

lookingthing,and
it,but I
what

it

was.

laughed grimly,
tell you."

can't

that you

mean

don't

"

care

lazily

good many

could

never

he

tell me," and

Virgin,I

or

him, and

toward

sleepilyturned

man

find

out

P'rhaps you can

for by the Holy
to," said

Adrian,

carelessly.
"

mean

I don't

that

know,"

he

repliedwith

frown.
"

Dannamento

He

I wish

savagely slapped

the

thing

his

hand

was
over

out."
the

spot

to

208

EARTH-BORN.

it from

conceal

if weary

as

eyes

Is this

of

and

and

rolled

ready

for

said

captor
"

Don't

The

and

ended,

was

his

always open-eyed ?'*

with
laughed, it seemed
said :
finallyone

sleep,or

you

man's

are

companions
mirth, until

unnecessary
"

his

sleep.

this, until finallythe game

over

closing

over,

it be
lying, thought Adrian, or can
he reallyknows
nothing of this peculiar
He
it.
those
that
pondered long
use

nman

possiblethat
mark,

and

view,

Search

him

and

You'll

awake.

now,

has, anyway,"

you

he

get

laughed merrily at

what

he

his suggestion.

"

Hand

"

I have

did

the

the

captor.
nothing," replied Adrian,

in any

not

and

said

over,"

piece

event

propose

of paper,

"

out

to

you

lose
will

uneasily. He
that
portrait
be well repaid

to-morrow."
the other, turning aside
please,"returned
with
wink
much
his companions, as
to say,
at
a
as
Wait
till he is asleep ; it is less trouble."
Adrian
derstand
caught the wink, but did not exactly un"

As

you

"

its

He

purport.

became

uneasy

and

who
bered
slumimagined that half those
awake,
were
waiting to catch him asleep,and
his
slumber
from
thought effectuallybanished
and

nervous,

this
eyes.

The
Adrian
"

his
"

rolled

Italian
the

saw

Who

is

hilt of

he," he

his
uneasily upon
a
poniard glitterin

deeply thought.

"

mat,

and

his belt.

If I but

knew

"

name

"

Mateo

answer

"Hey!

to

Spinoza,"

said

the

wish.

secret

Mateo!

Mateo!

the

Italian

Awake!

sleepily,as
You're

if in

not

KARTH-nORN.

going

have

to

'nothcr

209

fit,are

shakini:;him vigorously.
gang,
"What's
the matter?"
said
let
"

and
all

He's
be

ail

right," said
rule

to

up

kings, now

the

people

people, eh.
vagabond on
the jest.

the

in

you

Then,

laid

From

the

powerful
that

the

but

that

the

wish

secret
man

was

such

lowest

of

the

man's

it

assumed

ignorance
for

down

he

other

grin

rest

upon.

of the

to

He

Sons
to

of

had

no

Isis,
the

even

surprising to
before

his

knew

was

purpose

at

this, but

answered

admitted

was

the

sleep.

to

had

tools

bands

their

the

to

to

bled.
tum-

are

felt relieved.

of the

vagabond

reply

rest

we're

has

mirthless

Adrian

Italian

Adrian

one

no

for

others, he

moment

of Louis

with

shoulder

made

the

for

morning,

we
kings, and
and
he slapped

rascally Gendarme
gruffly pointed out a mat
with

let's to

the

arc

The

and

this

at

Can't

now

head

royal

Gendarme?"
the

and

"

one,

France

that

The

very

Italian,

the

Alaledetto

*'

eyes,

of the

one

rest?"

man

his

opening

moment,

?" said

you

him,

faith in, believing

his

rascally

companions.
For

lay quietly thinking, and when

all the
Italian
band
the
appeared asleep, he willed
to his side.
to cautiously come
Mateo
ly
slowly and silentlyarose, glanced cautiousand
stood
beside
about, carefullypicked his way,
and
also
Adrian, who
together they quietly
arose,
of the chamber,
each
stole out
taking a lantern, and
Adrian
the

time

some

he

he

found

beside

they had travelled for

questioned the man,

about

half

sheath

knife

which

one

of

thieves.

After

Adrian

whose

set

an

hour,

lips

and

EARTII-UOKN.

210

him

unintelligent eyes, showed

jyi^lassy,
of the (luestioiier.
the inrtuence
Where

"

are

from

Away

*"

leadini;-tne?"

you

he

Anywhere

them.

fully UMcler

quietly

asked.
the

say," was

you

reply.
But

he

as

Adrian

spoke,

cautiously following

in

keeping

while

them,

fi'^urc behind,

dark

saw

the

shadoAv.
For

he

moment

froiu

his condition,

plans

of escape,

Italian
a

side

In

in

lanterns, and

waited.

heard

he

moment

down,

the

Mateo

shall

his

fits of

with

this is

thievish

robber

himself:
Traitor,

to-morrow.

Bijard

sleep walking,

tell

may
what

and

he

ment,
mo-

dies.

of

us

but

not,
Bah

The

thief !"

accident

lanterns, and

pla

this

treachery, and

The

an

for

treachery.

and

Mesmerism,

By

die

rapidly

listened

pursuit. Suddenly he stopped,

and
then
to
savagely muttered
"

into

lights,put

the

advancing

man

the

darted

they quickly

turned

all his

to

willed

he

instant

next

Adrian

the

over

the

Mateo

arouse

dangerous

was

him, and

gallery.

his coat

this

but

and

follow

to

would

thou"i:ht he

the

coat

of

ray

partiallyslipped

light

disclosed

from

their

the

hiding

e.

yell the man

late ! Quick

vV^ith
Too

and

covered,
at

enemy
It

was

Mateo

through
seemed

see

but

blind

a
a

knife

light

in hand,

moment

will, while
man

Mateo,

combat.

perfectly

Adrian's

than

the

again

was

to

his

meet

wish.

unequal

an

forward.

thought

as

arose,

Adrian's

could

better

dashed

in
ere

in

the
his

in

darkest

his

tion,
condicavern

adversary was
this pitchy blackness.
shriek
a
pierced the

no

It

gal-

212

EARTH-BORN.

He

"

speaks

lie in this state

one

can

and

he

shook

What
were

who

the

bore

could
not

veiled

truth,"

of

their

This

heard

of the

those

even

society

secret

did

evidently

one

imprint

-that

tracks

whose

that

mystery,

of them?

ever

you

tell the

these,

were

in

what

to

No

**

perplexity.

mystic imprint

know

Have

in

willed

people

nothing

tell
even

"

of

deeply

so

when

his head

manner

Adrian.

truth," muttered

the

meant.

of Isis ?

Sons

"

"No."
"

know

And

imprinting
"

I know

"

He

they

this

design

nothing

is

simply

order

secret

of it."

this

Adrian,

tool," muttered

"

and

only, so that when

absolutely nothing."
nothing," repeated the automaton,

knows

he

of any

its members?"

upon

blind

in

him

use

wakes

absolutely nothing

state

Absolutely
mechanically.
And
him, so that when
they mark
the imprint, they know
him
ones
see
"

*'

the

he

.1

powei

for

blind

tool," said Adrian.

"

blind

tool," again

muttered

mechanically

the

man.
"

Did
on

meet

ever

you
their

right

arm

having

one

any

similar

print
im-

"

"Yes."
"

"

"

And

Can

could

couldn't

Some

when
"

they

you

"

any

Cabot,

of

the
He

answer."
"

And

who

nothing

"

wouldn't."
who

refused

Rue

Jacob,

to

tell you

?"

of this mark.

knows

others

mention

questioned
Citizen

tell you

besides

?"

has

one

gendarme,

like it, and

won'!

EARTH-BORN.

Citizen

**

Antoine,

has

phine,

Uke

one

Good.

"

church,
I want

They

and

the

opening,
the

the

passed
and

his

in

get

Good-night !"
Good-night
fully recovered

!"

"

how
with

he

But

grey

sky,
of

for

streak
the

in

the

finding

Adrian
he

his

in

dazed

Virgin,

angry

had

bad

it now,

over

replied

the

be

to

head

manner

the

an

happened

the

door

open,

placed his
a
slight
gave
bewildered

at

Adrian.

I've

had

another

said

Adrian,

tone.

attack,"
and

I will

who

man,

and

leave

you.

had

now

still wondering

was

wandering

in the

his lantern

aside, hurried

street,

in his hand.
had

of

he

cast

early hour, with

lightingthe
approaching dawn
of the city were
showing some
at

even

streets

life,and

stairs,

knowing

forehead, and

By

Adrian, who

cnward,

when

the

up

Mateo

consciousness,

lantern

and

to

have

will

you

the

come."

figure moved

There

hands

I?

am

Yes, you

but

Dau-

remember

will

church,

man's

fit,"he exclaimed,

"

But

you

street.

looked

Where

"

the

Rue

through

street,

go.

call, and

the

upon

way,

then

the

answer."

the

to

of

Adrian.

into

start,

won't

entered

of

hands

"

I will

by

walked

it, and

can

come,"

followed

secret,

locksmith

me

you

you,

I will

"

the

Lead
and

213

wished

this

to

secure

little

the

first

eastern

sleep

signs
before

he
the
must
see
fully opened, for then
and
He
Citizen
Antoine,
perhaps Cabot.
quickly
secured
in the Rue
room
a
Lacepede, and retiring,
he arose,
Then
and
slept heavily until nearly noon.
find
Citizen
the
to
out
quickly dressing, started

the

day

Antoine,
After

in the

Rue

considerable

Dauphine.
search

he

finally found

the

EARTH-BORN.

214

remained
absent, and Adrian
was
shop, but Antoine
While
tiently
sitting there, impaawaiting his arrival.
was
waiting for the locksmith, his attention
attracted

head

by

of

and
was

veiled

of

the

rest

still

strangely

With

of

cry

joy

from

fallen

Adrian

Chateau

Balzac

Adrian
he

towards

sprang

figure,

wonderful

intact, the

it,and
before

stood

there

dirt

with

pedestal, begrimed

have

cried

found

had

pile of debris,

of the

image

Tuaa.

"

could

last

at

the

her

still

dust, but

and

dust,

familiar.

rapidly uncovering
him,

under

it invisible

with

covered

figure,which,

black

the

object,

peculiar looking

for

sight, for

the

at

told

adviser, who

true

joy

no

outside, and-

tales
But

this

at

the

and

doorway,
said

Adrian,
"

Excuse

"

How

Citizen

moment

Antoine
toward

stepping

in

appeared
the

enrapt

buy

the

image?"

was

the

cautious

Monsieur

me.

much

do

wishes
ask

you

to

for

it ?"

reply.
Antoine
then

and
"

It

which

is

said

are

since

the

of art
you
"

I will

it for

me

reply.
Fifty
"'

father

Virgin

the

"

hard. Monsieur,
noblesse

like this

give

figure,

sainted

grandfather

for

from

head

to

foot,

fine

my

times

his customer

measured

it ?

give

not

rest

from

his soul

times

are

their

great

the

family,

his

in peace.
very

heads

great
But

hard, and

daily,works

demand,

What

will

"

fiftyfrancs

you

till this

francs

in

of

received

losing

are

are

heirloom

an

is

time

not

for it,if you

to-morrow,"

much

for

was

an

will

hold

the

slow

heirloom,

but

EARTH-BORN.

come

to-morrow

serve

me

and

the

Englishman,
it,and
the

like

offered

and

Monsieur,

guillotineclaimed

had

little

so

Antoine
It

what

do

friend

the

suppose

like this ?

who

had

In fact this

into

would

fillhis contract

take
the

But

with

"

"

And

the
saw

never

mark

as

"

he

His

control.

take

this

said Adrian

if to

as

Monsieur,"

at

himself,

one

his head
relations

figure,

the

birthmark, did

carelessly.

him. Monsieur."

spoke,

yet,

But, alas !
body to them,
guillotinedthe following

meet
never
you
anyone
asked
Adrian, looking him

Never,

man,

image

surprised to find
could
plainly see

he

were

and

me,

did

"

as

eyes

his

had

body, when
hopes that his

basket, in

had

his heart, he

over

man

time was
all my
wasted."
his friend, who
also had

want

with

he

the

of

care

relatives, too,

he

was

matter,

wanted

it because

like it

strange

especiallyif I brought
day, and

with

birthmark

rolled

"

that

Englishman

impressed

was

helped

not

in

me,

"

for I

"

But

you

claimed.

His

for

day, for Robespierre

with

sympathy

am

Oh, he

*'

next

francs

"

image

an

him

an

good citizen of the Republic," and

sighed ruefully as he spoke.
is a bargain then," said Adrian,
and
now

although
"

to

was

call to-morrow.'

'

was

He

hundred

two

me

don't

Only

did.

another

trick

it.

have

may

you

shabby

215

least.

the

was

such
that
He

questions

compel

an

liC had

did

not

nc

not

such

squarely

more

effect

bring

disconcert

swer.
an-

Adrian

and

and

in the

honest

an

reply,

answer,

could

else with

over

so

as

this

him

under

him

in the

knew

any-

least.
This

was

strange, again, for if Antoine

W'

2l6

EARTH-BORN.

thing, he
of the

one

know

must

Sons

this

that

of

Isis,and

mark

was

yet he

had

carelessly and openly as though

peculiar birthmark, and nothing else.
Adrian

this

in

made

Mateo's

did

words

Wishing

the

promising
How

If I

Then

he

face

before

and

portrait

Though

it."

from

his

possible

the

of the
had

the

before

leading

bodies

formerly

hour

same

sought
had

quality,
criticalb

said

he

rapid

him.

to

lost,

how

but

to

and

pocket,
the

during

ceeded
suc-

miniature.

the

he

was

to

to

in

the

his trance

his beloved

state,
mother

to

priest so
it

"

for

Adrian

chateau

were

secure

able

beautiful

again see in the

suddenly entrapped

hoped

him

as

th^

more

fully

at

Countess

can

Adriai

strides.

is not
"

you

buried

him

in

ai

He

ing

vainl

since
the

gai
tak:

slighl

What

combs,
cata-

thought

to

rounded

the
the

pents ?

library o
returned

Whob
side with

the
a

though

thousam

catacombs.
With

"The

caring

to

from

and

least.

departed,

its power

do

occurred

had

when

and

at

"Asn

earnestly
face it
a
superlatively sweet
assist the
it possible for him
to
Adrian
did not remember
a single

was

thought
body he

regrets

from

What

him.
how

to

not

and

with

room

frame

the

ought

getting it,he

good-day,

to

ferred

something

it," he muttered,

from

removing

of what

whose

was

"Wh

he

convinced

image however,
suspicions before

gazed long

and

still

who

call the

the

original
he

those

knew

image,

was

mented

step

every

the

Yes, I will have

in

thing

Antoine

get the

drew

was,

he

locksmith

much

learn

He

But

later,pacing his

but

it ?

get

to

hour

can

can

met

at

"

self,an
"

he

really

for sale

Adria

following day at
the ebony figure.
shall I get the fiftyfrancs ?

take

"

that

Antoine's

at last bade

and

not.

obtain

to

excite

to

direction

and

know,

It seemed

puzzled.

was

of it

spoken

it

as

private

the

beautiful

jeweler

dealings

with

gold

in the
some

Rue

years

strangely

in his hand, Adrian

frame
St.

Honore,

before, and

whom

offered

he
it

Where

taken

the

EARTH-BORN.

for sale.

The

What

beauty, asking

its rich

remain

to

regrets

incognito,

useless, so

were

much

as

The

diamonds

though

large,

not

quality,while
critically.
thousand

francs

upon

it,and

for

good

his

lodgings

Tuaa

the

least

week

and

it

as

returned

then

was

frame, for

the

He

of the

some

two

of

fully
joy-

resolving

Lacepede,

day,

next

solve

from

Rue

in the

jeweler,

advance

offer

the

of gems.

judge

fine

advance."

realize

to

of

the

end

the

purity,

are

gems

at

fiftyfrancs

expected

at

to

he

secure

able

"

their

heavy," said
willing to

gratefully accepted

to
to

is

gold

and

privilege,if

the

for

other

be

not

was

the

would

than

he

and

ferred
pre-

week."

valuable

Adrian
more

the

have

can

you

it within

are

he

known,

was

allow, with

will

you

he

but

"

replied:

he

possible,of redeeming
"

it, M.

for

want

you

mented
com-

Courcey ?
scarcely expected recognition,and
do

Adrian

"As

and
it carefully,

jeweler examined

upon
"

217

he

might

mysteries

that

be
rounded
sur-

him.
He

vainly
since
the

his room,

gained

decipher

to

taking

that

had

the

Of
of

library
returned
Who
side

of

lore?

but

ing
tryhim

to

in vain.

Not

recall.

Karnac

portrait

mystical

happened

drop,
he

hours

of

Of

the

Of

Jannes?

And

other

how

pents?
ser-

the

had

he

vast

alone

brought
with

strangely
Where

taken

had

what

could

become

for several

sat

wonderful

slightest thing

What

and

the

the

queer

toward
was

him

him

to

that

dusky chapel,

priest who

acted

and

spoke

side

by
so

Philip,with

peculiaressence

whom
? And

he

had

where

so

wqr^

boldly
all the

2l8

KARTH-BORN.

wonderful
chateau

shades

appeared

was

Vera, the

Priestess

with

his life ?

Everything

in darkness

him, and

to

position

strange

city,and

With

one

death

reigned

Adrian

slowly

Etienne

du

he

attended

had

bowed

and

the

the

lotine
guil-

at

of

hair, the
of

vault

the

friend

and

"

Father

Minotti

again

meet

Adrian
at

Him

who

Father

Earth

on

My

last.

heart, and

son

The

you
rules

together they

have

he

scene,

and

whom

"

Minotti

his

of

ory

and

knelt

Minotti

the
had

he
the

"

the

saw

catacombs,

with

to

darkness, with

priestlyrobe,

slumber.

St.

advanced

he

Minotti

Minotti.

trance

his

the

of

Minotti's

to

it in the

to his side,
joy, Adrian
sprang
encircling the priest in his arms.

and

the

part of his life,

church,

lighting

grey

secret

before, in his

to

past.

into

church

the

listened

and

before

kneeling

figure

left in the

father

here, during

worship,

head, the

familiar

my

the

nightfall
respectable class, kept

for

single taper

"

ovcr

into

Paris, and

over

toward

Entering

altar, and

We

his

shadows

spirit of

the

nected
con-

over

strolled

walked

Mont,

voice.

kindly

"

deeply

her

Adrian

streets, for

she

doors.

within

but

the

enveloped

stepped

citizens, especially of the

the

in

was

seemed

cast

had

day

thoughts

deserted

and

night

more

How

pondered

he

until

gloomy

well-nigh
its

him

to

Who

the

had

that

night
foster

heartfelt

him,

beside

Thank

God

!"

My son !
living God
returned.

all that
offered

My
rules
Let

is worth
a

deep

us

swered
an-

in

supreme

give

ruling
and

is

prayer

fervent

in

thanks

man,"
prayer

of thanks.

Arising, Minotti

grasped

Adrian's

hands

between

KAUTII-BORN.

220

Yes, and

"

with

Adrian,
This

"

can

that

and

to

it

of them

?** asked

their

influence

through

was

made

Balzac

with

left you

all their

over

order, before

of the

one

and

experiment,

me

interest.

Countess

Vast property

tell

you

breathless

much,

Count

the

what

but

their

trifle of

last

large

estate."
received

who

But

"

it ?

What

?"

man

asked

quickly

Adrian.
It

"

willed

was

the

estate

the

will, was

The

his

wife, and

the

unlike

until

way

some

the

believed

heard

do

you

it

know

not

far

so

as

poison

his

his losses.

time, and

I know."

really received

who

his

with

the

at

as

although
of

abroad

thought

not

consequence

spread

story

details

away

did

did

so

the

and

made

he

that
in

himself,

all who

by

Then

"

kill

Of

by mismanagement,

others, I knew

the

they

case

died, and

afterward,

of the

only

also, in

had

under

who,

not

left.

Count

whom

man,

property,

were

years

in

was

to, and

apparently

alone

the

wife, and
This

indebted

th,e Countess

rest, that

fortune

by

the

Count

you

nothing

did

of

that

died.

knew

receive

to

both

received

apparently

was

but

Count,

and

to

the

property?"
Yes, the

"

of

most

it went

Count

Jaroslav,

at

count

of

fortune

large

languages,
in

wealth

and

I have

Would

"

No.

why

to

be

Russian
He

travel.

great

doubtedly
un-

traveler, for he spoke many

since

learned

always

that

passing

he

had

for

him

?"

man

lived
of

rank."

and

*'

But

so-called

certain

claiming

and

learned

was

countries,

many

time

that

to

you
I

never

do

you

know

him

have,
ask

to

this

if you
my

saw

knowledge,

question?"

seen

him.

22t

EAU'III-BOKX.

^*

in

thought perhaps

the

vault

of

escape

from

there

should

have

asked

queer

"

awoke

by

ceremony

jargon

back

come
"

I have

foot

the

to

an

holding

Mesmer

do

as

veying
sur-

of

sort

awhile

seemed

"

earnestly

were

be

to

slow

the

Minotti.

for I listened

me,

he

cofilin,surrounded

who

appeared

you

that

feeling

said

open

moving,
myself by

seen

of

question

in

yours

did

how

before.

happened,"

over

before

But

added,

vagabonds,

They

me.

mock

this

beside

rested

body

?" Adrian

myself
of

number

his

catacombs.

thing

find

to

the

their

to

gradually

to

degrees."
it,'said

standing

one,

at

coffin.
,

"*Bah,
added

Stick

standing
while

But

more,

with

One

finding

them,
away

they

their

they

that

were

like

":hey

:iii

not

But

ghost,

and

back

came

still

them

devils.

was

my

gave
while

knees,

terrified

yelling
and

they

holding

them,

which

saw

there,
me,

would

I would

within

called

out

life
of

after
lead

me

week,

for

as

d, and

sav

they

held

into
a

the

upper

hundred
no

money

he
the
that

mimic
and

of Mesmer,

manner

I had

to

i-eturn

had

he

him

said

Gendarme,

sport
the

promise
a

the

reward

whose

man

he

now

paid

to
ran

awake.*

clasped fingers,
and

upon

upon

returned,

over

provided
be

third

me.

me

ceremony
that

sank

they
promised

been

that

saw

with

laughing
gazed

whom

vault, by

hiin.

and

will

if he

see

and

eyes
coffin

and

when

courage

talked

had

when

some

presently
their

my

were

spoke

and

him, and

my

terror,

and

"

opened
others

of

arose

into

around

two

hands.
howl

knife

Then

"

another,

fool,' said

"

you're

world,
francs,
with

to

me.

KAUTir-IlORN.

222

agreed,

and

Mont,
is the

about

acre

curious

An

"

taken

St. Etienne

to

since.

hour

an

du
This

enou"i^h

anything; of

see

you

Adrian,

it is," said

one

strange

beside

man

"

you

be

to

arrived

did

but

"

asked

story."

And

"

and

coffin

empty

priest was

lying by

"And

vagabonds

the

That

door.

the

all."

was

of

nothing

said

of

body

dead

the

and

lay there,

other

any

"

body ?
Nothing."
"

"

of

And

the

course

of

bodies

do

you

Philip

and

the

where

know

not

Adrian

said

others,"

find

to

anxiously.
"

I do

the

not," and

their

return.

taken

the

it

all

He

said

after

and

the

the

chateau.

Of

how

Adrian

told
Of

his

finally,in
of

the

all about

long

watch

for

despair, he

had

and

essence,

then

blank.

that

further

of

concealment

had

taken

had

resolved

bodies,

the

teau,
possession of the chawas
impossible, and that he had finallyreached
conclusion
that the essence
had
a
poison,
proven
had
killed
life in the
bodies
but preserved the

flesh.

mob

So

he

preparation

to

do

chateau, having
vhen
"

then

remaining drops

was

the

of

sacking

Minotti

the
But

body

time

did
after

coffins

the

take

to

had

it,and

take
the

taken

that
the

had

made

attacked

mob

ready for
the drop.

remember

not

you

to

before

so

came

you

full

all the

the
bodies

revived

we

essence

"

your
asked

Adrian.
"

It

was
"

the

certain

never

had

influence

about
about

that

convinced
the

tomb

I took

it," was

myself
that

had

that

the
it

ply.
rewas

overpowered

KAkril-HOKN.

and

me,

moment

if he

as

Tell

*"

had

me

tell but

to

more

all," said

holding

are

Minotti

pccull:u'fluid."

this

not

223

Adrian,

dared

not.

that

see

of

fear

for

back,

something

for

"

hesitated

you

paining

me."

Well, the

"

bodies

of

from

the

missing

were

the

arrived, and

mob

me

you."
Missing

"

thought
this

it

and

deepl3\

from

taken

"

the

the

bowed

Then

chateau

which

drop,

and

his

whose
"

head
the

were

and

Countess

day before
termined
fully defollowing

the

fact

this

was

Adrian
"

the

sarcophagus

taking

upon

and

Count

the

he

and
bodies

pondered

over

silently,while Minotti, also, shook

replied :
when
I saw
it
sarcophagus was
empty

his

question

head,

and

The

"

How

long

kept

away

since

had

it been

from

the

left,until

you

of

fear

before

day

for

know,

not

in

tomb
the

do

so,

I had

influence

the

the

last.

chateau

was

sacked."
"

Well, let

when

church
"

"

of

the

did

Adrian

of

as

his

one

story

was

under

thej

entered
Sons

the

he

others,

and

his statement
that

of

he

death-bed

told

this

Isis

that

Count

further

the

secret

through
of
I

order

evidence

truth,

the
the

"

for

him

he

was

Balzac's

case

investigation I
which

was

fession
con-

order,

thought

delusion,

mentioned

with

the

abode.

members

strange

upon

about
left

his quarters.
of

higher

so

they

Adrian's

to

to-morrow,

further

see

and

Adrian,

of the

But

conclusive

will

we

first learn

you

of

laboring
dying.
among

image,

then

and

room,

my

Isis," said

I first heard

and

to

together, walking

When

asked

go

get

we

Sons

the

us

to

firmed
con-

me

EARTH-BORN.

224
He

"

stated

old

order

the

that

of

of

Sons

the

Isis

was

Egypt, and had originated among

the learned
priests of the time for the development
of occult
handed
science to its highest point, who
it
from
down
generation to generation secretlyand orally,
in order
that
become
it might
not
common
as

ancient

as

but

property,

belong

by fearful oaths
only for the good
The

"

to

such

use

of the

bound

were

it gave

power

as

and

their

world

consisted

order

few, who

the

to

faith.

circles, or

of four

them

degrees,

first

the

who
degree containing but one
man,
whose
Hierophant of the order, and upon
Uraeus, as he alone
imprinted the Sacred

the
was

full
Next

"

the

came

and

marked

leaders

with

the

order.
followed

hands

the

Veiled

to

of the

that

they

The

fourth

"

the

muscle

silent

were

and

as

lowest

the

over

true

were

to

tools

marked

were

of the
used

were

powers

Isis

unconscious

they

over

they

initiates,possessing

were

them

possessed

Veiled

hearts

leaders, and

their

that

who

made

Sphynx

denote

and

sessed
pos-

using it,and

the

their

those

qualitieswhich
the

of

figure of

the

heart, indicating that

Then

him, who

below

capable

were

the

"

brow

power.

knowledge
were

was

with

right

for the

'.u

arm,

order,

Sphynx.

cirale

consisted

of

men

other
needed, but whose
strength was
ties
qualiwere
so
objectionable that they could not even
subdued
be initiates.
They were
by magnetism and
marked
with
Veiled
the muscle
of
a
wSphynx over

whose

the

right

Sphynx was
they could
**

The

as

arm,

men

were

the

others,

save

bridled, indicating that

not

be

trusted

of this circle

without
never

that

here

though

the

silent,

bridling.
knew

that

they

were

KAKTH-IIORN,

knew

They

tools.

225
of

nothing

order

the

unless

they

of it

only used in
by accident, as they were
unconscious
state.
an
nothing of
They remembered
their acts
tion,
when
released
from
a
magnetized condiit being so willed
by the leader using them.
The
that none
strangest part of this society was
learned

*'

of the

leaders

chief

the

held

Hierophant.

communication

direct

any

remained
through a Priestess, who
the
sole control
continually,under
where

matter
"

She

death

either

was

leader

dreams
her

to

they

dreamland
"

that

his

were

who

usually

not

or

become

soon

this

state

ruler,

condition

this

until

filled with
the

her

no

be.

ure,
pleasful
beauti-

most

Sons

of the

tools,

the

that

was

were

They never
because
they were
leaders

of

aware

the

of Isis.

initiates,or
informed

never

leaders.

by accident,
to

thing

strange

the

were

of

was

over

Priestess

enlightened

more

life

trance

imagination could
picture, and
reality. She lived in an enchanted

while

Another

the

threw

in

might

from

her

her, but

for the

she

or

released

never

claimed

he

his commands

received

They

with

them,

saw

thought
themselves.
They
distinguishing mark

less
unthy
wor-

were

of

leader.

kept inviolate,and
society was
its acts
tools
in a
being performed by unconscious
be traced
to the higher
magnetized state, could never
if by mischance,
and
tool or
above,
some
powers
his acts, he
initiate lost his life or libertythrough
"

Thus

alone
"

For

the

suffered

for

long

years

that

Moses

claimed
were

secret

the
him

it.
the
was

society flourished,
a

member

magicians, Jannes
before

Pharaoh.

and

of

it, as

Jambres,

Zoroaster,

the

and

it is

likewise
who

posed
op-

Persian,

226

EARTH-BORN.

of

one

was

followed

East, who
their

knowledge

of its

most

Emperors

Phan;ohs

and

world,

admitted

tools

crimes

against

through
The

"

cani.-'

in

the

in

was

the

lorn

?ecret

erations
gen-

tions,
ramifica-

secret

of the

stake,

nate
unfortusuffered

or

and

other

sufferingto-day

are

it.

high original aim, and befor evil, the

places simply a power

many

lost

various

witchcraft

with
its

using it for purposes

originally i itended.

was

they

fell from

phers
Egypt, philosoat

were

Some

laws.

connection

order

leaders
it

their

the

of

the

at

inquisitions, for

the

through

Seal, which

thousands

ages

burnt

were

all

shades.

in its

countries
dark

in the

away

ranks, until finallyit spread

its

to

known

all the
and

the

one

its secrets

drove

such

of Rome,

was

through

Solomon's

from

the

gained

Solomon

which

also

of

men

Bethlehem,

King

nng,

adepts

of Athens

over

it.

famous

all true

of

leaders, and

Epirits,and

protected

wise

the

star

through

his

Earth

"

the

learned

constructed
evil

and

its members,

As

they

extinct, and

in

grew
until

highest knowledge,

became

from

different

far

what

evil, so

much

of

adeptship

true

rare.

Thr^

*'

claimed

'iying member
thigs were

that

the

most

derful
won-

originally performed by the

built
leaders.
"hat huge pyramids were
under
their
from
cut
a
supervision, and monuments
single block
reared

and

"

account

In those

power

the

days

with

that
waters

which

ease,

world

puzzle

to-day, thousands

for

their

he

said

inanimate,

over

and

and

the

oi

engineers
laicr. to

high

on

the
of

best

years

erection.
that

v.cll

as

v/hen

Mosco

rolled

back

the
as

stood
"

when

learned

animate

over

by
he

leaders

the

smote

Red

the

had
jects,
ob-

Sea.

rock

228

EARTH-BORN.

Here

all.

purity

to

mankind
"

of these

him

warn
"

his

'

Because

she

in

these

own

all times

pretended grand
this
Then

state,'he
this

worked
make

the

with

him.

trance

final

spirits would
"

And

ceased
"

at

power

inyc

herself

she

''/

and

will
she

reply

tered
en-

and

years,

that

all ?

asked

lost

to

in

been

never

The

those

of

power

their

probably

this, p
convei

Adrian,

Minotti

as

trait

speaking.

About

concerns

"And

all that
other
did

I dare

cases,"
this

the

was

this

man,

for the

tell you,

to

rest

mainly

Thefi

reply.

remem

of

member

the

order,

otti

I learned

wished

he

that

usea

but

others."
What

he

did, but

imprint

absolution,

had

"

his power

was

the

over

he

as

for ill,not

he

ere

died

heart,

and

one

of

was

only

he

said
those

Count

over

showed

That

asked

righting

the

wonder

who

niyster)

Balzac,

"To-

Jast,and
his

name

is bound

and

pecuJia

that

'

asked

Adrian,

quietly.

**

lis

Adrian

his secret

me

charac

die?"
''

slowlj

it."

prevent
"

him

wa:

andn

Countess

the
had

if the

return,

this

take
both

how

could

induced

and

and

charlatans

these

how

me

mind,

me

never

was

combined

this

it

told

man

told

adepts

dangerous

than

more

intentions, when

and

for several

state

control

unwittingly

experiment

He

ord(
grar

by reflecting their

Count's

the

entranced

replied.

dying

upon

"(

when

their

his, and
beliefs

furl

I asked.

Their

states.

instrument

their

under

overthrew

became

*^

plotteis ?
was

benefit

generally

Countess

the

not

tt

knowledge.

restored

did

why

mystical faith,bring

order, and

secret

through

But

'

fallen

rebuild

would

they

to

be

cannot
me

wrong

by

secrecy

to

told.
his

use

done

to

the

of

the

veil

For

tlie rest

confession
Balzacs."

to

the
he

[thefolic

fessional,
con-

untarily
vol-

assist

in|

EARTH-BORN.

"And

bring
benefit

how

further

clew

He

said

"

order, and

ranced

granted
this

than

re

in

at

)wer

**

she

en-

it

lost

to

in

learned

my

and

both

upon

The

by

interest

my

astonished

showed

said that
who

int Balzac,

vol-

assist in

order,

power,
I

though

Minotti,

said

afterward

years

the

strange

and

meeting

and

could

about

and

Blanc
and

finding the

trait
por-

Of

with

he

shook

his

cabalistic

-disposal

occurred

its

of

since

chapel.
and

in
of the

it.
he

otti
Minwhen

address

head

explanation

no

the

attentively,

paper,

offer

the

in the

the

after

resumed

of his
had

what

Le

carefully
him

Adrian

body.

man's

little time

some

when

frame,

the

upon

showed

for

and

puzzled
strange

mystery.
"

To-morrow

last,and

luietly.
Ifthe con-

For

but

long,

the

attempt,"

"

and

grasp

of the

Minotti

told

peculiar characters,
wonder,

to

in the

deeply,

and

listened

order,

carefully

secrets

silent

were

finding of Tuaa,

Adrian

to

for

content."

remembered

he

the

this, pondering

mainly

ist

and

the
thus

you,

Adrian's

unable

was

sorrowfully.

characters

those

of

power

justice to

was

I studied

of mind

peace

knew

Minotti

le

no

sadly.

try it?"

failed..

but

They

those

the

the

story

3^our

Minotti

you

conversation,

jst

do

to

him

answered

never

never

ably their
of

give

secrets

that

adept;

me

told

the

master

true

useless.

slowly

Countess
een

I had

Yes,

was

and

larlatans
d him

if I could

enable

did

he

reply.

will and
1

that
become

time

"And

herself

Did

righted?

"

would

you/'

it be

can

229

the

they

we

retired

will
for

following morning.

see

the

Tuaa,"

night,

said
and

Adrian

slept till

at

late

am

Mi

I
"('

arc

XIII.

CHAPTER

trail
I

AM

Evidently
But

day.

to

it remained
The

Adrian,

what

advanced,
and

and

the

Eart

next

And

question.

then
hour

the

the

"B

the

rian.

Rue

the

'^Y

Lacepede.

**

is

much

has
"

And

will

"

"

him

Where

You

is well
"

And

inhabited

tell

he

"Til
the

veiled

image,

and

"

he

not

Balzac?"
will

nigh

To-mo
it

through

now,

you

"

said

tell
vmtil

this

bodies

the

asked
both

ere

answered

you,"

day
of

is

the

Adrian

the

i'^age.

the

place

Count

and

Your

strange

be

dra

"To-

the

wrongs

eagerly.

long.

di

few."

past."

"

search

The

here.

over."

are

see

doom.

the

will

are

"Ai

you,

you."

he

To-night

Countess

with

harmony

joyfully.

Question
'*

in

Philip?"

replied

here,"
tell

spirit is

my

is

to

Adrian,

"

if indeed
Where

He

Tuaa,

speak.

cast

questioned

earnestly

Wait

image
"

it, Adrian

before

Standing
the

panied
accom-

paid
in

room

and

to

from

Adrian,

locksmith,

at

was

hand

at

was

image.

saw

Tuaa

soon

the

the

get

''j

thought

it the

exan""ining

was

and

Minotti,

by
amount,

That

for

Amenophis."

password,

in

4.

solved.

be

Antoine

see

and

to

day

and

SHE

IS

Pyramid

address

an

Minotti

both

WHERE

St.Germaine.

Faubourg

"

ADRIAN

earthly

shells

they

left behind

again

for

whic

["iatc th

"

230

EARTH-IJORN,

The

"

materir.hty which

animated,"

God

they

"

glad

the

was

aside

cast

is

again

reply.

guarded

tlie

was

Thank

"

231

Adrian

of

cry

and

Minotti.
"Mortals

should

freed

arc

from

trammeled
The
for
""

"

ophis.

'*

hougbt

its

Tuaa.

clay," replied

friends

pondered

Adrian

they unhappy

since

moments,

And

arc

and

deeply

then

some

when

not

"

they love
they are

those

when

fetters

Earthly

with
two

God

tliank

this

over

said

slowly
their

reply
:

return

to

Earth?"

next

(\G

Search

"

this

And

I.

hand

then

ask

if those

and

thank

who

God

find

and

planet

the

could

return

that

the

future

was

the

reply,

perfectly happy,
be

cor^tent,

more

is veiled
still

mercifully

to

from

humanity,"

ambiguous.

accom"'

But

''

You

estioned

cast

shall

bid

persisted

the

The

fallen

"

doom.

and

Sons

rian.
Ad-

The

To-morrow
?"

said

place

dust

the

what
Isis

Sons

Pb
it.

the

regal

filled.

dust
"

again.

the

have

legion

are

arise

usurped

In

their

meet

Isis shall

raohs

lift it.

to

"

will

has

crimes

His

of them
soon

of

dragged

has

dragged.

be

content."

ancient

many
he

rest

slfall fall who

one

that

and

of

glorious

he

permitted

"

veil is

The

judge.

not

of Isis
Sons

then

am

and

little while

And

"

ith you,

and

them,

see

them,

over

Wait

content,"

spirits not

Rue

the

"'

their

are

the

)aid

he

his

In
will

virtues

i"iage.
few."
"*

raid

of the

wrongs

^e search

"The

And

will

his

here.

Balzacs?"

asked

of

Earth

wrongs
In

for which
hid

To-morrow

the

part
he

again
[)iatcthrough

his

was

this

death

will

future

ages

the

Minotti.
are

right

responsible,

right

death

and

in other

seldom
some

others
lives

righted

of

those

he
of

will

woe^

ills
ex-

suf-

KAKTU-BORN.

232

th.

fering in

each

forced

has

he

as

others

suffer

to

here
ani

existence."

in this

the
"

And

"

His

his

name

"

is blotted

name

from

already

out

the

Book

him

as

by
I

The

of Life.

of

mantle

encircles

Death,

the
The

speak.

which

shadows

have

gathered

him

for their

round
a

full

for

three

claim

centuries

cl

at

own

out

last,and

he

as

faces

his

Death,

ministers

in

border.

He

other
T

lands

to

prepare

it,and

him

meet

silent call of

the

they obey

the

on

the

dying

wills

uarj

Hiero-

pass

phant.
"

theij

The

Sacred

Uraeus

encircles

his livid

like

brow

morj

wrathful

demon

agonized brain,
but

living fire,eating

in

sure

hand.

at

now

of

its way

wait

long delayed

vengeance

To-morrow,

his

to

solve

of

stroke

the

at

whos

twelve, he
Isle of

perishes

With

Elephanta.

leaders, and

dark

the

in

him

in the

temple

cave

fall the

of

foulest

his

myst
Ev

each

will

country

to-morrow

at

that
vast

record

hour

death

the

of

known

who,

one

or

known,
un-

wrat]

bears
has

abused

and

death

whose

the

cabalistic

the

what

take

vault, and

paper
he

will

the

give.

of Ki

Mino

rounds
sur-

To

crowd

the

to

peop]

to-morrow,
upon

die,

that

myster)^

found

leader

see

leads

o'clock

twelve

guillotineere

who

symbol, and

secret

would

unfolds

him

follow

you,

him

If you

its power.

one

the

his breast

upon

present

his

times

in the

body

Farewell

to

"

for thi
and

their

ceased.

voice

On
"

To-morrow,

then, the

To-night Philip
threads

answers

to

Adrian

drawing closer
slowly, oppressed by

spite of

himself.

"

Let

will

mystery

are

be

cleared.

questioning.

my
toward

the

indefinable

end,"
sadness

The
said

the pr

impul;
here,

in

prison!
before,

us

walk

said ^linotti,

"

about
but

the

city

for

little

disguise yourself as

while,"

prisonc
I

will, and

KAkTlI-nORN'.

then

shall

we

here

be

not

To-day,on
those

whom

by weightier things
Book

Adrian
I

as

the

round

change
fear

other

priest,while

at

own

The

waited

delayed
of

;roke

le in the
;t of

sur-

the
to

in the

and

U!"

cleared.
The

id," said
idness

he

appeared
So

great

forth

out
with-

the citizen.
sallied

they

lives

hearts
the
what

would
so

grew

cheerless

the

they
been

bleak, and

and

their

To-morrow

had

army

in

while,"
will, and

was

of

King

Minotti

the

but

they
lighter,and
as

day,

for tomorrow

they had
problem

would

reunited

to

be

strangely

uary
Jan-

long

so

be
those

interwoven

with

those
Louis
learned

the

city was
being raised
who

XVI.,
the

had
and

sworn
as

condition

lined

to defend
to

troops, for

with

from

Paris

avenge

the

and

the

death

they passed, Adrian

of France

and

Paris.

crowds
of
Together they walked
past the excited
of the
people, and listened to the stirring events
times
as
though they belonged to another
century,
for their private affairs drove
other
thoughts out of
their

minds

at

presenf.

Dame, and then toward

they went, past Notre
the prison of the Conciergerie, led by that indefinable
It was
occasionally leads humanity.
impulse which
hundred
here, in its silent cells, that nearly three
few
massacred
short
months
a
prisoners had been
of
before.
It was
the
here
that
political
many
its
confined.
In
then
prisoners were
dungeons
On

tg.

and

by wintry clouds,

scenes,

whose

of

hat

iy

obscured

was

for.

wrath

die,

-esent

chill

was

then

vast

ader

to

that

discovered."

been

recognition.

Everywhere

ibol, and

made,

alarmed

been

not

met

mystery.

un-

or.

dress

solved, and

his
that

at

have

ances.
acquaint-

locksmith, I

they

seemed

spiritsrose in spite of
learn
they would

his

to

had

I should

Mirfotti

passed familiar
their

of

sun

Hiero-

the

and

the

to

Way

disguises for both,

afternoon

le wills

like

secured

old

recognized by

our

knew,

233

234

EARTH-RORK.

Marie

Antoinette

array
Built

were

Palais

the
the

now

it with

upon
paper

Picking

to

within

two

the

is

"

distrust, a
feet.

their

written

don

in

is

who

one

dies

Conciergerie

for

late."

Quick,

let

hasten

us

and

turn
re-

eagerly.
for visitors

hours

ere

place,

Minotti

priestly robes

The

close

of

too

your

that.

my

Father

lost.

be

Adrian

will
take

words

the

at

it is

to

can

late for

condemned

looked

they

and

and

Inquire

said

once,"

Adrian,

Conciergerie
As

fell at

confession

before

time

no

you

Too

of

*awe

church,

the

Renaud,

back, and
at

the

hours.

There

"

Kings

the

these

saw

of

receive

Abbe

for the

priest

asked

to

guard.

them

toward

bold, free hand

a

the

and

Adrian

it up

As

Justice, and

de

feelingsof mingled

fluttered

later

'

regal palace

prison

were

Robespierre

for death.

originallyas

France,

"

and

themselves

this

concerns

the

You,

return.

can

we

if it

and

to

tery,
mys""

listen
If it

to

what

he

says

other

concerns

that

I could

few

moments

with

then

things,
reach

not

calmness,

him,

nate
unfortu-

the

tell

but

Minotti.

as

sent

in my

you

stead.
A

dungeon,
oozed
i

:.

cells of the

of the

one

of

booming
splash

situated

of

slimy

green,

of

the

the

river, and

crowd

sounded

candle

lit the

the

spot.

Upon

and

cell,and

the

on

and

waters

quay

faint

corner

and

in

left
The

above,
the

the

passing
this

lightof

its fitful shadows

cast

dismal

its sides.

solemn

the

was

places,

footsteps of

but

palletin

in
upon

the

hollowly

It

into

Seine, whose

stone

moss

wagons

dungeon,

the

to

solid

ushered

was

Conciergerie.

next

the

through

patches

Adrian

later

terranean
sub-

tallow
over

lay the figure of

2$6

EARTH-BORN.

"

Adrian

"

Then

Minotti,"

is still with

the

was

low

answer.

it

is not

"

late

too

yet

"

not

"

too

pain]

late,"

"

agon

ments,
morelapsed into silence for a few
gasping heavily in the nr. urky atmosphere for
breath, and
partaking sparingly of a dark looking

and

the

abbe

mixture
"

from

Balzac

Count

did

disappeared," said
speaking rapidly,
informed,

been

the

this

the

was

beautiful

age,
"

The
of

after

and

do

"

"

and

The

of

into

some

the

"

for

"

"

the

"

if

the

Countess

in

the

locate

who

sessed
pos-

years

ered

of

"

That]

Lena

the

there,

years."

"

was

of

the

"

withoi

Count

Balzac

protec

should

bodies

"

and

expect

and

of

he

the

cou

"

of

spirit
"

fled

would

"Th

far-

lost

the

Universe
"

instruc

The

were

them

most

returned.

never

of

serfs

for

Balzac's

mysteries"
none

Jan

as
"

Thisd

her, and

"

mutua

prope;

nature.

enter

successful

not"

Lena

and

later,

should
They
body.
spiritsof Jaroslav
with

wife,

Jaroslav

Vera

wonders

trial.

the

at

six months

"

bring]

take
par-

Balzac.

follow

to

"

and

possible,

same

concerned.

tried

separating

again

the

immediately

time

fourteen

then

body.

state, and
do

those

others

and

same,

experiment

space

mystic,

daug]

told

friend

and
so,

been

had

con-

infer

to

He

"

mystic

into

have

you

since

have

Balzac

entranced

should"

Count

Lena

should,

"

in that

Vera

you

about

explored

Vera's

awake

led

as

"F

very

"

entranced

Jaroslav's
"

of

you

Vera,

"

the

Balzac

enter

victim

Countess

that

had

they

Count

innocent

he,

was

impressible.
that
mystics agreed
they would
which
essence
produces coma

the

should

"

neither

that

"

hour,

same

and

two

"

and

Jaroslav, also

daughter

all

by Rudolfsberg.

case

Count

named

"

man,

influence, and

his

propi

night he
gaining strength and

the

the

spirac3% though
under

"

resui

tell you

not

patie

held.

he

vial that

mixt

meeting

tinue

that

he

and

se

EARTH-BORN

Here

the

masked

237

painful weakness,
agonizing gasps.

and

attacked

again

was

man

his

drew

breath

with

in

short,

He

again partook of the dark

Adrian
waited
mixture,
a
larger quantity, and
patiently till the paroxysm
passed, and the sufferer
his voice

resumed,

proportion to the
Finally,Count

dose

Balzac

"

into

which

and

returned

the

entranced

the

pursuit

That

he

bringing
trial.

not

the

Countess

also

wife, which

had

without

Balzac,

the

other
the

Jaroslav

he

decided

Balzac's,

so

he

to

one

could

him

in

and

judicial

of his

Jaroslav under

their

also

willed

either

case

were

That

as

his

returned

interests

property,

could

be

so

fixed, that

as

his

Count

people
Balzac

being unexpected.

return
as

without

those

returning)

to remain

murderer.

body

own

mucual

get the

ered
consid-

was

and

his estates

that

their

to

him, for fear of

willed

expected Jaroslav's return.

he could
get nothing, his
This

tomb

(Jaroslav having

to

protected by

that

been

agreement

property

as

found

his

with

estates.

his

with

entering

in

which,

dishonored,

re-enter

him,

led

had

in France

that
but

could

He

mutual

found

then

only dead,

not

similar

Jaroslav's Russian

on

Balzac

"

darkness,

the

succeeded

Jaroslav,
in

Countess

He

in

stronger,

from

escaped

Earth.

to

taken

of the

body of
daughter's body, rested
located

had

he

and

clearer

growing

Count

Jaroslav, whose

he had
as
daily looking for his appearance,
his body, and
he
them
instructed
to
carefully tend
awaken
from
would
back
and
slumber,
surely come
Thus
fitted for him
to
tinue
coneverything seemed

serfs

were

"

as

that

he

and

set

Jaroslav, and
was

to

Balzac.
work

his risks
He

great

were

remained

endeavoring

to

to

assume

Count

Jaroslav,

bring

back

the

!l

238
who

others

secured

had

the

tried

dolfsberg
him.

He
to

gain

and

told

he

for

your

assistance

you

of

did

would

enlist

not

and

Well,

you

tried

to

which

Balzacs

about

his

expected

would

be
a

chateau

mixed

like

even

influences

the

occult

his

Earth-Born

himself.

adept

true

one

not,

many

and

purely

would

you

for

"

called

dwelling

this

that

could

but

so,

had

Magic

shadows

not

do

back,

him.

assist

the

in Black

order,

science,

others

that

help, prevail against

unseen

surrounded

studies

the

and

sympathies,

adept

his

of occult

conspiracy against the

exist, thinking and
hoping

your

but

true,

were

bringing

Ru-

confess

to

true

with

Minotti,
that

adept-

Baron

the

"

student

in

become

man

things

as

you

his

then, by

you,

many

you

secure

which

"

dying

sent

told

in order

be

to

and

"

and

estates,

He

him.

with

experiment

tlic

Bulzac

ship, assumed
*"

iRTII-nORN.

he

You

of

est
high-

the

himself, and

being

perfectly pure
yourself,you could recall the pure
instead
of
fled.
You
had
failed, and
spiritswhich
Earth-Born
shadows,
trolled
they concontrolling the
instead
mesmerized
They
you,
you.
"

"

of your

mesmerizing

"

Here

the

masked

In

few

resumed
"

now,

between

the

which

surrounds

many

darker

of

aid

the

struggle

olliers,

which

God-born

the

between

in

by

had

attack

rest

to

seized

in

him.

restorative, he

his

And

Earth

again obliged

was

another

moments,

"

them."

"

abbe

confession, for

the

"

"

the

true

and

in

to

in

shadows.

originally true

Gradually,
and

always

Count
favor

the

Earthly

Balzac's
of

little by

honorable,

been

Earth-Born

the

spiritand

it,began
turn

has

the

case,

fluence,
insoul
as

Earthly,

little, his

began

on

to

ture,
nasue-