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Evidences of struggle marked Naladi's face, yet by now she had outwardly conquered the first shock of recognition, and stood a cold, stately statue, with glittering eyes on the slender figure of the priest

"I care as little for your Roly, "as I do for the senseless rites of these savages But I alad it is you I have in my power If I am the queen of devils, they serve ht have spared you had you kept your tongue, but after those words you die I shall stand here and ht you shall know it true while I laugh at your agony"

She paused as if seeking to htly, whispering soe of coain

"As you will, woain"

The face of Naladi, which had been pale and drawn, flushed, her eyes fairly blazing

"So you dare ; I aive you a taste ofup one hand, exhibiting with a peculiar gesture a glittering ht It nal for unrestrained sacrifice, for it was greeted with fierce howls of delight, the savage herd pressing in upon the prisoners, so that I lost sight of them an instant in the crush

"Wait, woman!" rose the priest's voice above the uproar "I admit your power here to take physical life; I expect no mercy frorant me one favor, Marie Fousard"

"What?"

"A ive absolution to this child of God before we die"

"Pish! is that all? Go on with your fool h the sight of it will but anger theainst the altar, with face buried in her hands The père dropped upon his knees beside her About thees, maddened with blood-lust, but Naladi clapped her hands, with voice and gesture bidding them wait her further word An instant they swayed passionately back and forth, their fanatical priests claeance Then Naladi shook loose her hair, perolden-red shower, until it veiled her from head to foot The silenced crowd stared as if in worship of the supernatural I know not what she said, uplifting her white aruess