THE OHAHA DAILY SUNDAY , MARCH 20 , 1808.
ELI
THE DOOM OF ZIMBABWE
BY H. RIDER HAGGARD
( Copyright , 1S3S , by II. nUsr Ilnsgard. )
CHAPTER JX.
OriEKTINO TO TllK HAALTI3 !
When Motcm accepted bribes from lasachar
and from Ithobal hi consideration of his findIng -
Ing means to make the union of Azlel and
Ellma Impossible , lie had already thought
out a scho.To which , If successful , would attain -
tain that end and , us ho considered , pro *
tnoto the true welfare of the lovers who were
to be separated.
It will bo remembered that Ellssa had al
ready explained to the prince how , on the
death of the Lady Daaltls , another woman
was elected by the colleges of the priests
and priestesses to fill her place. This lady
could marry. Indeed , eho was expected to dee
o , but her husband must take the title of
6hadld , and for her lifetime act as high
priest oC El. Therefore , thought Metem , it
was Obvious , If It could be brought about
that Ellsaa should bo chosen as the now
Lady Ha-iltla , there -would bo an end of the
possibility of her marriage to Azlel , since
in order to wed her he must renounce his
own religion , a thing which no Jew would
do , and peso as the earthly Incarnation of one
whom he considered a false divinity or a
devil. Indeed , not only marrlago but any
further Intimacy between the pair would bo
rendered Impracticable , for upon this point
the religious law , lax enough In many paf-
tlculare , , was very strict. In fact , so strict
was It that the Lady Baaltls of the day to
Ibo found alone with any man meant death to
her and to him ; the reason'of Its severity
being that sue was supposed to represent
the goddess and her husband , the Shadtd , aged
god , wherefore any questionable behavior on
her part was an Insult to the most powerful
divinities of heaven , which could only bo
atoned by the death of their unworthy In
carnations. That these laws were actual
and not formal only wuj proved by the
fact that within the last hundred years , be
fore tbo birth of Ellssa , a Lady Haaltts had
been executed for some such oftcnae , having"
licen hurled from the topmost pinnacle of the
fortreEH above the temple to the foot of the
precipice beneath.
All thcee tnccrdotal customs were familiar
to Melon ) , who argue-d from them that to
procure the nomination of Elleaa as the
Lady llnaltlsould be to build an Impa& '
"wall between her and the I'r'nco Azlel. Also ,
by way of comptr.satlon , the olllco would
confer upon her the hlghc.it dignity and
honor that could bo attained by cay woman
In the city ; moreover , her election would
place her bejond the reach of the persecu
tions of Ithobal , lnce , ns Lndy linnitls , she
Mas entitled to choose her own husband
without hindrance or appeal , provided only
that hoaa of pure whlto blood , while Itho-
lia | was not.
Having thought the matter out , and con
vinced hlnwelf that such a counso would not
ally benefit his own pocket , but prove to the
lasting advantage of all concerned , Metem
lot about his task with the promptitude and
cuanlng of his race and filled with a glow of
righteous zeal. H was not an easy cue , for ,
although she had enemies and rivals , the
'daughter of the dead Lady iBaaltls , Mesa by
name , was considered to be certain of elec
tion at the poll of tbo prlwU and prlc tee cs ,
which took place wlthla two days. Nothing
discouraged , however , without her knowledge
or that of her father , Metem. began his can
vass on ElUsa's behalf.
First with a great aura of gold he bought
over tbo ex-ehadld , the husband of the late
Lady Baaltls , who had quarrelled with his
daughter , and would prefer to eo some
stranger chosen ! i her place , on the chance
that , notwithstanding his years , by choos
ing him In marrlago she might confirm him
In his position of spouse to the goddess. All
iletem's negotiations need not bo followed
money played a part In most of them , Jeal-
ouiy and alsllke In some. A few there were.
elo whom ho won over by urg'iig the beauty
Mid wisdom of Ellssa , and her extraordinary
fitness for the post. Ho found his most
powerful allies , however , among > the members
of the council of the city. To these grandees
tin pointed out that Ellssa was a woman of
great strength of character , who would cer
tainly never consent to be forced Into a
marriage with Ithobal , although her refusal
ehould mean a desperate war , and that her
father was eo much ujder her Influence that
he could not be brought to put pressure
upon her. Therefore the only way out of
the dlfllculty was her election aa Baaltls ,
which would prove a perfect answer to the
eult of the savage king , since the goddess
could not bo compelled and even Itbobal
would shrink from offering her violence.
Their support gained , having first sworn
him to secrecy , he attacked Sakon himself ,
using similar arguments with him , and point
ing out. In addition , that It ho hoped to see
Iila daughter married to Prlnco Azlel , how
ever dazzling might bo the prospects of such
a match , It would certainly bring upon him
the present wrath of Ithobal , and , In all
probability , future trouble with the couits
of Egypt , of Israel , and , through them , of
Tyro. . .Thus working In many ways , Metem
labored Incessantly to attain his end , so that
when the hour of election came he awaited
Its Issue fairly confident of success.
It was on the same afternoon that for the
first tlmo since shn had received the arrow
that was meant for his heart Azlel was ad
mitted to ceo Ellssa , n hose recovery was now
certain , although she had not yet shaken oft
her weakness , and her right hand and wrist
wore still stiff and swollen. Except for two
or three of her women , who were seated at
( heir work behind a screen near the far end
of the great chamber , &ho was alcno , lying
upon a couch In the recess of the window
place. Advancing to her , he bent down to
kiss her wounded hand.
"Nay , " she said , hiding It beneath the folds ,
of her robe , "it Is still black and unsightly
with the poison. "
"Tho more reason that I should klsi It ,
eelng how the stain came there , " ho an-
wered.
Her eyes met his , and she whispered , "Not
my hand , but my brow , prince , for so shall
I bo crowned. "
He pressed his lips upon her forehead and
replied :
"Queen of my heart you are already , and
though the throne be humble , it Is sure. The
life you saved Is yours , and no other's. "
" 1 did but repay a debt , " she answered ;
"hut speak no more of It. Gladly would I
have died to save you ; should such choice
arise , would you do so for me , I wonder ? "
"There is little need to ask such a ques
tion , lady ; for your sake would I not only
Ife , I would even endure shame that Is
Worse than death. "
"Sweet word * , Azlel , " she answered , mll-
Inc , "of which we shall Icarn the value when
the hour of trial comes , as come , I think , it
will. You told me but now that you were
nine and no other's , but Is It soT I have
ieird a story of a certain princess of Khom
.with whom your name was mingled. Tell
me , If you will , what was it that set you
tourneying to this far city of ours ? "
"The desire to find you , " he answered ,
imlllng. Then , leolng that she still looked
t bin. with questioning eyes , he added :
"Nay. this li the truth , if you seek it. In-
Ueed , It Is best that I should tell you , since
It seam * that already you have heard some-
thlnf of the story. A while ago I was sent
( o the court of the Pharaoh of Egypt , by the
will of Solomon , my granddre , upon an em-
kaaiy of friendship and to escort thence a
certain beautiful princess , my cousin , who
; was affianced bjr treaty to an uncle of mine ,
great prince of Israel. This I did , show-
img to the lady courtesy and no more , but
lie end of the matter was that when we
came to Jerusalem she refused to be married
.o my uncle , to whom she was betrothed "
and ho hesitated.
"Nay , bo not timid , prince , " said Ellssa ,
sharply ; "continue the tale , I pray you. I
lave heard that the lady added somewhat to
ler refusal. "
"That Is so , Ellssa. She declared before
.lie king that she would wed no man except
myself only , whereon my uncle was very
angry , and accused mo of playing htm false ,
which. Indeed , I had not done. " "
"Although the lady was HO fair , Azlel T But
what said the great king ? "
"Ho said that , never having seen him to
whom she was affianced , ho would not suffer
: hat she should bo forced Into marriage with
itrn against her will , but that her will might
jo uninfluenced ho commanded that I should
3o sent upon a long journey. That waa his
ludgmcflt , lady. "
"Yes , but not all of It. Surely ho added
other words ? " she broke In , eagerly.
"He added , " continued Azlel , with some
reluctance , "that If Vwhllo I was on this
Journey the princess changed her mind and
chcao to wed my uncle It would be well , but
If when I returned from It she had not
changed her mind , and chose to marry me
that It would bo well also , and though he
was little pleased at It , with this saying my
uncle must be satisfied. "
"It satisfies not me , Prlnco Azlel , seeing
that I know full well tha.t the lady will not
change her mind and take a man who la in
years and whom she hates In place of one
who l young and whom she loves , and that ,
therefore , when you return hence to Jerusa
lem , by the king's command , you will wed
her , " lEllssa answered , the tears starting to
her dark eyes.
"Nay , Ellrea. If I am already wed that
cannot bo. " ho raid.
"In Judea , prince , I am told that men
take more wives than one ; ulso they divorce
them , " she replied ? then added , "Oh , return
chamber to enthrone her In the palace of the
goddess , which was to be her residence.
Presently the chamber was empty , with the
exception of Azlel , and with htm Metem and
Issachar , who , drawn by the sound of sing
ing , had entered unnoticed , all the rest nt
the company , Including the waiting women ,
having- joined the procession ,
"Tako comfort , prince , " said the Phoeni
cian In a half bantering tone ; "If you and
the Lady Baaltls are truly fond of each other
she may still be yours , for youi have but to
bow the knee to El , and she will name you
Shadld and husband. "
"Blaspheme not , " said Issachar stornly.
Shall a worshipper of the God of Israel do
sacrifice to a demon to win a woman's
amlle ? "
"That time will prove , " answered Metem ,
shrugging his shoulders ; "but at least It Is
certain that ho will win It In no other way.
Prince , " ho added , changing his tone , "It you
hive any such thoughts abandon them , I
pray of you , for on this matter the law may
not bo broken , and the man spoke truth
when ho told you that should you bo found
with the Lady Baaltls , not being her hus
band , you would cause her death. "
Azlel took no notice of his words , but
turning to the Lcvlte ho asked In a quiet
voice :
"Did you plot this to separate us , Irea-
cliar ? If so , you shall live to mourn the
deed. "
"Listen , prince , " broke In Metem , "It was
not Issachar who plotted that the Lady
Ellssa should bo chosen ( Baaltls , but I , or at
least I helped the plot. tShall I tell you why
I did this ? It was to save you and her ,
and , If possible , to prevent a great war ,
also. You could not wed this woman who Is
not of your race on rank or religion , and
If you could It would bring about a struggle
that must cost thousands their lives and this
city Its wealth. Nor could you make of her
less than a wife , seeing that she Is well .torn
pain , and her brain , crushed beneath tbe
menace of its misery , coQld grasp nothing
with clearness , save tlio completeness of her
loss. Loss ? Yea , she was lost indeed. One
short hour ago and she wna rejoicing In
the presence ot the man she loved , and
who , she know , loved her , while In her mind
rose visions ot some happy life with him
far away ifrom this city and the dark rites
of the worshippers of Baal. And now she
tierself waa the chief priestess of that wcr-
ship , which already she had learned to fear
and hate , and oa Its priestess , till death
should cctno to comfort her , cut off forever
from , the man wbotn she adored , and from
the hope of that new spiritual light which
had begun to dawn upon her soul. She
looked upon tbo beautiful women who leaped
and sang about her Utter and listened to the
jangllngs ot their ornaments of gold , and
as she looked her eyee seemed to gain power
to behold the spirits within them , dark and
hideous things , with shifting countenances ,
terrifying to see , and themselves wearing In
their eyes of flame a stamp of eternal
tenor , while the muslo of their golden
necklaces was changed to the clank ot
totters and of Instruments ot torment. Yes ,
anJ there before Idem , in the red cloud ot
duet that rosa from their beating feet
floated the shape ot the demon of whom she
had been chosen the high prlestees.
Look at her mocking , Inhuman counte
nance and her bent brow of power. Look at
her spread and flaming hair and her hun
dred hands outstretched to grasp the souls
of men. The clash ot the cymbals and tbo
cry of the music blended together and be
came her voicen dreadful volco that gave
greeting to her priestess , promising her
pride of place and long-life power In payment
for her service.
"I desire none of these , " her heart seemed
to answer ; "I desire him only whom I have
lost. " i I t
THERE- APPEARED IN .THE DOOHWAY TIIE E1HADID , FOLLOWED BY PIUESTS AND ( PRIESTESSES.
not there , where I shall lose you. If , In
deed , you love me , I pray you return not
there. "
Befone he could answer a sound of singing
and of all sorts oj music caught Azlel'a ear ,
and , looking through the casement , he saw a
great procession of tbo priests and priest
esses of El and Baaltls , In their festal robes ,
accompanied by many dignitaries of the city ,
a multitude of people and bands of musi
cians , advancing across ) the square toward
the door of the palace.
"Why , what Is this ? " lie exclaimed , and
as he spoke the ) door opened and two richly
arrayed heralds , carrying- wands ot office In
their hands , entered and prostrated them
selves before Ellssa.
"Greeting to you , most noble lady , the
chosen of the gods , " they cried with one
voice. "Prepare , we beseech you , to hear
glad tidings and to receive those who are
sent to tell them. "
"Glad tidings , " said Elteaa. "Has Ithobal
then withdrawn his suit ? "
"Nay , lady , It la not ot Ithobal that the
messengers come to speak. "
"Then I cannot receive them , " she eald ,
sinking back In apprehension. "I am still
111 and weak , and I pray to bo excused. "
"Nay , lady , " answered the herald , "that
which they have to tell will cuno your sick
ness. "
Again Ellssa protested , but before the
words had lo.'t her lips there appeared In the
doorway ho who had been husband ot the
dead Lady Baaltls , followed by priests and
prlcutesses , by Sakon her father , with whom
was 'Metem ' , and many other nobles and
dignitaries.
"All hall , lady ! " they cried , prostrating
themselves before hen ; "all hall , tady , chosen
of the gods ! "
Ellsaa looked at them ( bewildered.
"Your pardon , " she said. "You do not
understand. "
Then , rising from his knees , bo who
had been the Shadld addressed her as
spokesman.
"LUtcQ and learn , lady , " he said , "tbe
great thing that has befallen you. Know , O
Divine One , that by taaplratlon of El and
Uaaltla , rulers of the heavens , tbo colleges of
the prleats und priestesses of the city have
set > ou In that high place which death
has emptied. Greeting to you , holder of
the spirit of the goddeso ! Greeting to the
Daaltls ! " and bowing till , their foreheads
toucbcd the floor , all prevail thoru repeated.
"Greeting to the Baaltls ! "
"I did not seek this honor , " aho mur
mured In the ellenco that followed , "and I
refuse" It. The throne of the goJden Is
Mcaa's right ; let her take it. or If sb
will not , then some other who U more
worthy. "
"Lady , " laid the Sbadld , "these words
become you well , but It baa pleased the goda
to ctiooae you and not my daughter , the
Lady Mesa , or any other woman , and the
choice of the goda may not be a t aside.
Till death shall take you , you acid you alone
are the Lady Daaltls whom we obey. "
"Must I then be made divine against my
will ! " she pleaded , and turned to Azlel a *
Uiough > for coutuel.
"Do pleased to stand back , Prince Azlel , "
said the stern voice of the Shadld , Inter
posing , "and remember that henceforth no
( can may speak to the DaaltLs save be whom
she names with the name ot Shadld to be
her huelxmd. Henceforward ye are parted ,
since to seek her company would be to cauis
her death. "
Now , understanding that the. doom of life
long separation had fallen upon them , Azlel
and ElUsa gazed at each other In despair.
Then , before they could epeak a word , at a.
sign from Shadld , tbe priestesses cloesd
round E1LJ , and throwing a white veil over
her head , they , broke Into a joyful paean ot
out , and bait led. halt carried h r from the
RTIU Army win in
and that you are her father's guest. There
fore , for your own sake It Is best that she
should be placed beyond your reach. For
her sake also It Is best , slnco she Is ambi
tious and born to rule , nod now will be
clothed with power all her days. More
over , bad It boon otherwise , In the end she
must have passed to the savage Ithobal ,
iwhom she bates , whereas now'this Is not
POM I bio. for the Lady Baaltls can wed no
man who Is not of pure whlto blood , and
that Is a decree which may not be broken.
So revile mo not , but thank me , even It for
a little while your heart be sore. "
"My heart Is sore , Indeed , " answered Azlel ,
"and though you think your words wlsfe ,
their medicine docs not soothe. Phoenician.
You may have labored for my welfare and
tor that of the Lady Eltssa , or , like the huck
ster that you are , for your own advantage , or
for botb. I know net , and do not care to
know. Out this I know , that you and Issa
char also , are striving to sr.arc fate In a
web of sand , and that fate will be too strong
for It and you , I love this woman and she
loves me , because such Is our destiny , and
no barriers that man may build can servo
to separate us. Also ot this I am assured ,
that by your plots you draw the evils you
would ward away from the heads of all ot
us , for from them shall spring war , and
deaths , and misery. Kpr the rest , think not ,
Metem and Issachar , that I , whom you have
betrayed , and the woman you have ruined
by the greatness she did not seek are clay to
be moulded at your will. U Is another haud
than yours that fashioned the vessel of our
fate ; nor can you stay our lips from drinking
of the pure wine of lore that nils It. Farewell -
well , " and with a grave Inclination ot the
head , he left the room ,
Metem watched him go , then he turned to
Iseachar and said :
"I have earned my hire well , and you must
pay It , but tt troubles me to think that I
have touched this business. Why It Is I
cannot say , but It comes upon me that the
prince speaks truth , and that no plot of ours
can avail to separate these two who were
born to each other , though It well may hap
pen that wo shall unite them In death alone.
Iseachar , " ho added passionately , "I will not
take your gold , for It Is the price of blood.
I tell you It Is tbe price of blood. "
"Tako It or no. as you will. Phoenician , "
answered the Levlto ; "at least I am well
pleased that the promise of tt bought your
service. Even should tbo Prince Azlel pay
for this day's work with bis life. It Is bettor
that he should perish In the body than that
he ehould lose his soul for the bribe of a
woman's passing beauty. Whatever else be
lost , that Is saved to him , since those sorcer
ess lips ot her's are set beyond his reach.
An Israelite cannot mate with the oracle
of Daaltls , Metem. "
"Vou say so , Isiachar , but I have seen men
climb high to pluck such fruit. Yes , I have
seen them climb even when they knew that
they must fall before they reached It. "
Then bo went also , leaving Issacbar alone
and oppressed with a dread which he could
net define.
CHAPTER X.
THE EMBASSY.
Weak as she was with recent Illness , and
halt fainting with tbe shock of the terrible
fata that bad overtaken her , 'Ellssa was
borne la triumph to the palace that now
was tier's. Around her glided Utter priest
esses danced and sang their wild chants , half
bacchanalian and half religious. Dcfore It
marched the priests of El , clashing cymbals
and crying , "Make way , make way for the
new-born goddess. Make way for her whose
throne Is upon the horned moon , " while all
around her the multitude of spectators pros
trated themselves In worship.
ElUsa wa * borne In triumph. Vaguely
she heard the shouts and music , dimly tbo
taw the dancing girls and tbe bowing crowds ,
but 11 the wblle her heart waa live with
"la It 6 ? " replied the voice. "Thou bid
him burn Incense upou Uie altar ot El and
take him to yourself. Have I not given
you enough beauty to snare a soul from
among the servants of the God ot tbe Jews ? "
"Nay , oay ! " her heart cried ; "I will not
do this thing. " ,
"Yea , yea ! " mocked the phantom voice ;
"for your sake shall he burn Incense upon
my altar. "
The phantasy passed , and now the golden
gates of the palace of Baaltls rolled open
before her , 'and now they tore her to the
golden throne shaped like the crescent moon ,
and threw oven "her " a black veil spangled
with start' , the symbol of night , and having
abut out the uninitiated , worshipped her
after their secret fashion till she sank down
upon the throne with weariness , and they 1
carried h r to that wonder Of workmanship j
and allegorical art , 'the Ivory bed of 'BaaUla ' , , '
and there laid her down to sleep. j I
At dawn on tHe following day an embassy , /
headed by Sakon , governor of the city , In ' '
whoso train v/oro Metem and Azlel , went
to the eamp of Ithbbal to give him answer
to his suit. At come distance from the camp
they halted , while messengers wore sent
fornard Inviting tbo king to a conference on
the plain , for It seemed scarcely safe to
trust themselves within the stout thorn
fence which hid been built about It.
Metem , who raid that he had no fear of
Ithobal , went with these men , and on reach
ing the zciiba was at once bidden to the
tent of Ithofcul. He Cound the great man
pacing Its length sullenly.
"What ueek you here , Phoenician ? " he
asked , glancing at him over his shoulder.
"My fee , king. The king waa pleased > to
promlo me a hundred ounces of gold If I
saved the life of the Lady Ellssa. I come ,
therefore , to assure him that my skill has
prevullod againot the poisoned ariow : of that
treacherous dog of the desert , which pierced
her hand as sho'jjpokp with the Prince Azlel
the other nlghtrand < to claim my reward
here Is a note ctf.'tho amount , " and he pro
duced his tablets * "
"If half of what' ! bear Is true , " aaiwered
Ithobal , savagely , ' 'the ' tonncnton ard the
headsman alone ctiuld eatUfy all my debt to
you. Say , merchapf , ' what return have you
made to mo for that camel load of gold you
bore hence some * few- days gone ? "
"Tho best of all fe'urns ' { , king , " answered
Metem cheerfully , ! although In truth bo be
gan to feel afraid ; ' 'ti have kept my word
and fulfilled thej'cqmmand of tbe king. J
h < ivo raido tt Itnporstblo that tti * Print *
Azlol should wtxl the daughter of Snkon. "
"Yes , rogue , t know K , bjr causing her to
be consecrated Ilanltls and thus ( building
barrier which even I shall find It too hard
to ollmb , olnco she wilt scarcely choose me
of her own will , ind to offer violence to tbo
Daaltls Is a sacrilege from which any man
may nhrlnk , for the curse of heaven follows
It. Know that for thla deed I am nlnded
to settle my account with you in a fashion
you have not thought ot. Have ) ou heard.
Phoenician , that the chiefs of certain of my
tribes love to decorate their spear hatta with
the hlJo of whlto men and to bray their flesh
Into medicine which gives courage to the
cater ? " and ho looked toward the door of
the tent aa though he wcro about to call
the guard.
Now Metem's blood run cold , for he know
that this royal savage was not one who ut
tered Idle threats , but the coolness and cun
ning which had so often eerved him well
did not fall him.
" 'I have heard that your people have
strange customs , " he answered with a laugh ,
"but I think that oven a spoir shaft would
scarcely g ln beauty from my wrinkled hide ,
and If anything the eating of my flesh would
make tradesmen and not warriors ot your
chiefs. Well , let the Jest pass , and listen ,
king. In all my schcmlngs one thought
never crossed my mind , namely , that you
were a man to suffer scruples to Mnd be
tween you and the woman you would win.
You think that now she Is a goddfasl Well ,
If that "be " so and It Is not for me to say
who could bo a fitter mate for the greatest
king upon the earth than a goddess from
the heavens ? Take her , King Ithobal , take
her , and this I will promise you : that when
your armies are encamped without the
walls , the priests of El will absolve you
of the crime of aspiring to the fair lips of
Daaltls. "
"Tho lips of Baaltls "
, broke In Ithobal ;
think you that I shall find them sweet when
another man has rifled them ? There are
secret chambers yonder In the palace of the
gods , and doubtless the Jew will find his
way there. "
"Nay , king , for between these two I have
built a wall which he
cannot climb ; tbe wor
shipper of the Lord of Israel may not trafllc
with the high priestess of Asbtoreth ; more
over , I shall bring It about that cro long
his face la eet seaward. "
"Do that and I will believe you , merchant ,
though It would bo better If you could bring
It about that his face wa. ! set earthward , as
I will If I can. Well this tlmo T spare > ou ,
though be sure that if ought miscarry you
shall pay the price , how , I have told you. Now
I go to have speech with these traders of
Zlmboe. Why do you wait ? You are dis
missed and alive. "
Metem looked steadily at the tablets which
he still held In his hcud.
"I have heard , " ho said humbly , "that the
King Ithobal , the great king , always paa
his debtr , and as I shall be leaving Zlmboo
shortly under his safe conduct , I desire to
close this small account. "
Ithobal went to the door of his tent and
commanded that his treasurer should attend
him. bringing money. Presently ho came ,
and at his bidding weighed out 100 ounces
of gold.
"You are right , Phoenician , " he said ; "I
always pay my debts , sometimes In gold and
sometimes In Iron. De careful that I owe
you no more , lest you who today are paid In
gold , tomorrow may receive the trcri weighed
out In the fashion of which I have spoken.
Now , begone. "
Metem gathered up his 100 ounces of
treasure and , hiding them In his robe , bowed
himself from the royal presence and out of
the thorn-hedged camp.
"Without doubt I have been 1n danger , "
bo said to hlmiielf , wiping bis brow , "since
at ono time that black brute , dlmcsardlng
tbe scnctlty of an envoy , had It In his mind
to torture and to Kill me. So , so , King
Ithobal , Metem , the Phoenician , Is also an
hciiest merchant who nhvnjs pajs his debts ,
as jou may learn In the market places of
Jerusalem , of Sldon , and of Zlmboe , and I
auo you a heavy one for the fright you have
given me today. Little of Ellssa's company
ehall you have If I can help-It ; she Is too
good for a mere savage , and If before I go
from these barbarian Irnda I can sot a drop
of medicine In your wine , or an arrow In
your gizzard , upcii the word of Motem the
Phoenician It shall bo done , King Ithobal. "
( To be Continued. )
The IIiiMltu'H * of I8 ! 7.
The growth of The Mutual Life Insurance
Company of New York Is becoming monoton
ous. Other Institutions have occasional eras
of prosperity , but the yearly reports made
by The Mutual-Life Insurance Company of
New York show advances that are alwayn
regarded cad described as "phenomenal. "
This Is a mistake. A year la which the
company did not show corresponding ad
vances would Indeed be phenomenal. And
so we almost gcoW tired of annually writing
that The Mutuil Life lias no equal In the
world. It las come to be an accepted fact.
It Is the treasury of the people. The mono )
la placed In It by the peoplo-wlth perfect
confidence that It la held as a sacred truat
for them. This fund en December 31 , 1897 ,
amounted to f 253,7Sl > ,437 , showing an Increase
for the year of $19,042,289.24. The cash In.
come for the twelve months aggregated $34-
162,608.23 , and the disbursements for death
claims , matured endowments , dividends and
other accounts to $36,121,060.99. Wfien we
reach figures of this magnitude they become
mere symbols. Still , we must dwell upon
Idem ; wo must apply them. Hero are some
of the deductions :
With tbe growth of Income It will be ob
served that a corresponding benefit Is derived
by those who hold the company's contracts.
A brief presentation of the results ot the
year's business Is tbe best tribute to the
care and sagacity shown by the management
of Ibis great company.
THE MUTUAL LIFE IN 1897.
Gained In assets JW42.2.S9.2I
Onlncd In premium Income 3,009.787.79
Increased Its total Income 4-"i9,912.9' ) !
.Increased j Its surplus C,774G79.S9
AND
Decreased ] Its expenses 140,178.31
No new Insurance is reported but that for
willed the cash has been received. The booka
were clcsed promptly at 4 p. in. on December
31 , and a vast amount of new Insurance
written and paid for In 1897 was necessarily
held I over. One of the most striking and
tvitls'actory features of the report 1s found
In the fact that while the company vastly
extended Its operations , increised Its income
cod Its payment to pollcy-fiolders , It suc
ceeded by careful economy In every depart
ment In curtailing the expenses for the yea-
more thin $14CCOO , when compared with
the cost of conducting the biwlnes.'i In 1S90.
The Muti'il Life Is r > 3 years old and s'nco
Its ccginlzatlon dcs paid to living members
$271,000.000 and to the beneficiaries of de
ceased membern over $191,000,000 , a total of
nearly $4fi3,000,000. It has paid to and has
Invested for Its members nearly $717,000,000
since organization. I' rus made grater gain
of pald-for Insurance In force In Iowa than
cny othcT compcny In the last flvo yearn.
Apply to Fleming Bros. , In this city for
an agency , or any information as to Its con
tracts.
Among the many other orders from abroad
that are received at the IVovo ( ( Utah ) woolen
mills Is ono from a Seattle firm for 2.000
pairs of extra heavy woolen blankets for the
Klondike trade. They will be ready for ship
ment at the early part of March. The plant
Is operated till 10 p. m. dally.
The knitting mills throughout New York
state are generally busy.
Free , : Medical Treatment
4ffop ; Weak Men
Who Are Willing to Pay When
Convinced of Cure.
Aielentlflo combined medical nnrt mechanical cure hai
b n dl.covcred for " WcaVneii "
of Men. Its lucceu lia *
been to itartllDR that the proprietor * now announce that
, they will send It on trial remedies and appllanco
without advance payment to any honeit man.
If not all Unit U claimed all > ou wish send II
back-that end * it-j y nnthlntrl
No mchoderwns ever made in good fnllh before )
we believe no other remedy would stand Midi n l t.
This comblned treatment cures quickly , thoroughly
and forever ull effects of early evil habit * . Inter ox-
' _ _ . . _ , „ , _ ce .ei , o\rwork , worry , etc. U cieatcn health ,
I'Z. O/WvI L strcneth. vitality , luitalnliie tie cr and rcstort *
/ - -iSK Sl xlcalt nd undeveloped jortlon/ natural dlmcn-
/'t _ " " - CV ioin nnrl functloni. j *
[ [ l T' S y * . . Aiiymanwrltlnr In earnr " wlll receive dcscrlp-
>
V'
> ( Z
* * % . 7 tfnn. pnrtlculurt und rcfenK , iu „ pi , , | , , , cftc | < l en-
S j jv vi-liipe. Proi i ion l ( ffliilld fcco. No rtcctptlon nor
. . . . * . lrapo tlon ol my naliuc. V i national reputation
r. ( Cut out and ten J thl notice , or meriUon paper. ) Address * .
ERIE MEDICAL CO. Buffalo
. , , Nft.Y.
\
Saves Faces , Too.
A soap that vron't ' shrink wool is best for faces ,
too. It's a pure soap.
Wool Soap is the one soap that is absolutely
pure. That's why it is the only soap that won't
shrink wool.
Most soaps eat the skin redden it roughen
it harm the complexion. All soaps save Wool Soap
have enough impurity to shrink a woolen garment.
is simply pure soap. Use it on
woolens , because you must use it.
Use it for toilet and bath because
of its luxury.
There are plenty of other soaps
that are half pure. Wool Soap is
all pure.
IT 8WIM9.
"Wool Soap Is an excellent article , and every
woman will be benefited by using tt. "
HELEN M. DARKEH , Trcas. Nail W. C..T. U.
s New York Society Ladies fj
ENDORSE
The Misses Bell's
Complexion Tonic
Lovely Complexion JM Clear , White Skin
j'f'mir'WSf ' y' K T ?
& & .V5&X > & ) \ \ \
Nothing will CURE , CLEAR and WHITEN the SKIN so QUICKLY and
PERMANENTLY as The Misses Bell's Complexion Tonic.
Complexion Tonic is not a new , untried remedy , but has been used by the
best pcoplo for years , mid Tor dissolving mid removing forever Tim , 'Sun
burn , Moth , Freckles , Sallow-ness , Blackheads , Koroma , Pimples , Red
ness , etc. , and bleaching , brightening mid beautifying the complexion ,
It has no equal.
THERE NEVER WAS ANYTHING LIKE IT. Its merits nro known >
everywhere. The Misses Bell's Complexion Tonic is used and endorsed by >
the entire theatrical profession , leading actresses , professional bounties ,
society ladles and people of refinement everywhere eagerly uniting In its i
praise. It is absolutely harmless to the most delicate skin. The marvel
ous * improvement nftcr a few applications will surprise mid delight jou , r
for the skin will become na Niitiuo intended it should bo smooth , clear
und white ireo from every impurity or blemish. It cannot fall , for its
action is such that it draws the impurities out of the skin und does not
cover up. This is the only thorough and permanent way.
The Misses Bell arc the Pioneers in the art of treating the complexion
nt your homes by means of Complexion Tonic. No massaging , fate steam
ing or operations arc necessary ; simply the application of Complexion
Tonic , which is absolutely invisible , as it is not a cosmetic to cover up , but
a cure , most effective in its results. No discomforts are felt by its use. and
u cure is obtained without the slightest annoyance.
A ( JRAND OFFER. The price of the Complexion Tonic Is $1 per
bottle , which places it within the reach of all. Kvery reader of this , who
purchases n bottle , will receive , free , a bar of our Lamb's AVool Oil Soap.
This la Indeed a generous offer. Kcmit only bv P. O. Money Order.
Express or Registered Letter. Complexion Tonic Is sent securely packed
in plain wrapper , free from observation , to any part of the world on
receipt of price. Safe delivery guaranteed.
Ladies can address The Misses Hell on all matters of complexion and
hygiene in the strictest confidence , and satisfactory advice will bo given
promptly without charge. An interesting pamphlet will be sent upon
receipt of stamp. Address all communications and all orders to
THE MISSES BELL , or
THE BELL TOILET CO. , 78 Fifth Avenue , New York
firot in Improvcmcnto.
Roncot
Construction
and all
fiigb Grade
Caritc for
typewriter
OurfTcw
j Hit Goscntialo.
Catalogue
free.
Durable Machine J ladc.
Che Smith Premier Cypcwriter Co. ,
, N. t- , H.
BranchOffice , 17th and Farnom Sts. Omaha
rgUnlo . Flr t Wcclc. S ouil Wee ! . ' .
WEAKS EN
Irulnnt Relief. Cure In 13 clavi. Never return *
DYSPEPSIA mi'l nil 4 Hlniimi'ti
M quickly re-
unil IIIICMy \
Fl.OUAl'I.EXION. Bamtln IK.HIO lre t > y
mall or IttusitiUm. E\rry itrop l wi-rlli 111
weight In gnht * ! irn luu wccil It.ddr.KJ ,
V ruukilnjlsrt , > < ( > ( . fj h-iv VurU.
WOOUIiniV'8 fnclal Ponp. Tuclnl Crenm , n4
racial 1'cmilir should Im iu l by exiry on
who \aIuH u KUO < ] complexion. A Kamplo of
oru-li. rulllcltiit ( or 3 WCH | , ' ui.0 far 24 , ; rtit .
JOHN II. WOOU11UHV. If.Vst 4M ! . , N , V.
A safe nnd poucrful remedy for functional
trouble ] , delay , pain , and irregularities , U
K KsU lHiMWB& KaSjC&l
SK KI ? % a MiBy-m l MB
Fuc fuly ! n > eu-rlbed ly the Mghest Medical
Spcclalmi. /cfi.oofort4C4p < / > uIc . SoMty *
Umgnl.il. or 1'ij t free. P. O. Uo < c r. N. Y.
, . . .
* * .M fM'MhMST "