LIBRARY ANNEX CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY TT NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. A ROMANCE OF THE EAST. BY FRANK McGLOIN. NEW YORK: D. APPLETON AND COMPANY, 1, 8, anv 6 BOND STREET, 1882. COPYRIGHT BY D, APPLETON AND COMPANY, 1882, AS A MARK OF ESTEEM, THIS WORK IS BESPEOTFULLY INSORIBED TO Mr. J. 0. NIXON, Jz, ONE TOWARD WHOM TIME HAS BUT STRENGTHENED THE BONDS OF MY FRIENDSHIP, AND INTIMACY HAS BUT INCREASED RESPECT. FRANK McGLOIN. CONTENTS. PART I. OHAPTER I—Cambodia, Ancient and Modern IL.—Death of Kiatong. Accession of Norodom Il.—Bursting of the Storm. - 1V.—Multiplication of Evils V.—Alompra and his Children VI.—Enmity of Mahagua ‘ ‘VIl.—Betrayal of Anirah . . , VIII.—Torture of Konesset IX.—Departure for the Capital x X.—Exasperation of the People . . XI.—Buddhistic Consolation XII.—The Principles of Buddha . XIII.—Evil of Existence XIV.—Death of Alompra . 5 XV.—Early Inclinations of Alompra. XVI.—Story of Madotta . ‘ XVIL.—Story of Madotta (concluded) . XVIII.—Lamentation of Anirah . XIX.—Adornment of Anirah . XX.—Norodom in Love . XXI.—Condemnation of Mihaeua XXII.—Scourging of Mahagua XXIII.—The Funeral Hill 2 XXIV.—The Funeral Procession . . XXV.—Burning of the Dead . 7 ‘ PAGE 10 12 14 16 18 al 24 26 29 81 35 39 43 47 49 53 57 61 63 67 ve "4 78 83 4 . CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVI.—Konesset follows his Family XXVII—Coming of the Monsoon XXVIII —Perils by Flood . 7 XXIX.—In Bad Hands 2 XXX.—Battle with the Robbers. XXXI.—Arrival of Konesset . XXXII.—Tidings from Atonga . XXXIII.—Romance of Morari . . XXXIV.—Better Days 3 - XXXV.—Coming of the Prince . XXXVI.—The Valley of the Sorcerer XXXVII.—The Abode of the Sorcerer . XXXVIII.—Khoplé, the Sorcerer. XXXIX.—Story of Khoplé . $ XL.—Fresh Coals : 5 XLI.—The False Priest . . XLII.—Pretty Mespé in the Toils XLUI.—A Dreadful Crime . 7 XLIV.—The Temple of the Devil XLV.—The Shadow of the Demon . XLVI.—The Isle of Demons XLVII.—Preparing for the Sacrifice . XLVIII.—The Isle of Demons and the Sable Mountains XLIX.—The Ebon Stairs . $ L.—Across the Hall of Darkness LI.—The Throne of Maqui i LII.—The Defiance LII.—Around the Hall of Harknees LIV.—The Chambers of Torment LV.—The Mission of Mahagua LVI.—The Battle with the Birds LVII.—Battling with the Frost, 5 LVIII.—The Electric Cloud LIX.—The Marble Mountains and the Graal White Tass : LX.—Thirst and Hunger i LXI,—The Blissful Valley . F LXII.—The Semblance of the Demon LXIII.—The Isle of Serpents. PAGE 87 92 95 98 102 106 108 - hil 113 » 116 119 123 126 1380 185 188 141 143 146 150 155 .« 158 160 164 167 170 178 « 175 179 183 186 - 187 190 192 194 197 200 - 208 CONTENTS. CHAPTER LXIV.—The Nursery of Crocodiles LXV.—The Domain of Ferozia ‘ LXVI.—The Palace of Ferozia . LXVII.—Sieging the Heart of Mahagua LXVIII.—Delivery of the Tablet . PARBY? It, I—The Alarm. ° II.—The Strange Fleet . TIL.—A Message from the Strangers IV.—Landing of Almeta V.—Meeting of Norodom and Almeta VI.—The Welcoming . : VII.—The Capital Illumined . js VIII.—Anirah Loses her Husband IX.—Anirah Finds her Brother X.—Konesset finds Mahagua . XI.—Preparing for the Blow XII.—Revolt of the Atongans . XIII.—Desperate Measures. XIV.—Uprising of the People XV.—Battle of the Suburb . XVI—WMeeting of the Fleets 5 XVII.—Destruction of Almeta’s Fleet . XVIII.—The Grand Assault XIX.—Forcing the Gates 3 a XX.—The Battle in the Streets . XXI.—Summoning of the Demons XXII.—Flight of Anirah and Konesset XXIII.—The Pursuit . . XXIV.—In the Lichi Mountains . XXV.—Tracing the Fugitives . 5 XXVI.—Death of Mahagua. . XXVII.—The Rule of Almeta . 7 PAGE 204 207 201 212 215 217 219 222 225 227 230 2383 236 239 242 246 248 251 253 256 258 261 264 268 270 275 279 282 286 289 292 294 6 CONTENTS. OHAPTER PAGE XXVIII.—Avarice of Almeta and Norodom . . 3 297 XXIX.—The Mysterious Stranger 3 . 7 . 299 XXX.—Arrival at the Capital . : . : 802 XXXI.—The Unknown Before Norodom ‘ é . 806 XXXII.—Striving for the Secret. : . : 308 XXXIII.—Doom of Norodom and Almeta - ‘ . 818 XXXIV.—Restoration of Anirah . i 3 : 816 XXXV.—Angel Builders, ‘ . fs : . 321 XXXVI.—Finis 3 7 a ‘ : ‘ 325 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. PART LI. CHAPTER I. CAMBODIA, ANCIENT AND MODERN. THatT portion of Asia which, in our day, bears the name of Cambodia, is comparatively small in area and sparsely populated. Its greatest length does not exceed two hundred and seventy miles, and its breadth one hundred and thirty. Its population is estimated at not more than a million, of which over one hundred and fifty thousand are Chinese, Anamese, and other aliens. Of what remains, fully one third are slaves. Reference to the map of Asia shows this kingdom to ‘be a small part of the division of that continent com- monly known as Farther India, or Indo-China. It lies toward the southern extremity of the main body of that peninsula, its limited sea-coast abutting upon the Gulf of Siam. Its restricted surface is divided almost in equal parts by the mighty stream which bears its name. This great river, also called the Mekong, finds its sources among the distant mountains of China proper, and empties its waters into the sea upon the coast of Cochin China. The government, nominally a duarchy, has a prin- 8 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. cipal and second king; but the power and authority of the latter are so limited that Cambodia can scarcely be considered as other than a monarchy. It has its courts of law, inferior and appellate ; its mandarins, governors of provinces, and subordinate officials ; and the country is ruled with justice and moderation. Its people, though tall, well-built, and of stronger physique than those of adjoining nations, are apathetic and unwarlike. asy- going and good-natured, they perform as little labor as possible, abandoning all the annoyances of trade to aliens residing in their midst—especially the Chinese, who seem in Asia as ubiquitous as the Irishman is said to be in Europe and America. For a long period of time Cambodia has suffered from the continued aggressions of its more warlike neighbors. Siam has appropriated so much of its terri- tory that the southern boundary of that kingdom now reaches to the Great Lake, which formerly lay near the center of the Cambodian realm, and about which stand those wonderful ruins which attest the former glory and splendor of the latter. So, to the south, Cochin China has absorbed some of her richest provinces, lying upon the sea-coast, on either side of the delta of the great river. Indeed, but for the intervention of France, which, in 1863, after subjugating Cochin China, extended a pro- tectorate over Cambodia, there can be little doubt but that, by this time, as an independent kingdom, its name would have been blotted from the maps. As it is, it will probably be not many years before the French gov- ernment finds sufficient pretext for incorporating this remnant within its Asiatic dominion of Farther India. Despite the obscurity hanging about its early history, CAMBODIA, ANOIENT AND MODERN. 9 it is certain that Cambodia, though now reduced to in- significance, in ages long past was a great and mighty empire. It ruled the fertile valleys of the Mekong and the Meinam, and doubtless extended from the China Sea to the Bay of Bengal, and from the Gulf of Siam on the south to the frontiers of China at the north. It held commercial and other intercourse with the Chinese, and is mentioned in the annals of that people under various names, particularly those of Funan and Chinla. Its ports were visited for purposes of trade by the merchant- galleys of Ancient Rome. So great was its wealth that, in those olden times, in the mouth of the people of China, ‘rich as Chinla ” became a proverb. Scattered over the country are architectural remains of great beauty and magnificence ; wonderful fragments from the past history of this people, proving them to have attained to a high degree of civilization. To this day they excite the astonishment and admiration of all who gaze upon them. Long walls, now dilapidated, but once high and strong, inclose vast ruins of splendid temples and palaces, which, though obscured and over- run by wildest jungle, yet stand as mighty witnesses of lost grandeur and departed power. The great Nakhon Wat, or Temple-City, most stu- pendous of all these structures, by Mouhot, a French traveler, is thus referred to: ‘“‘One of these temples— a rival of that of Solomon—might take an honored place beside our most beautiful buildings. It is grand- er than anything left to us by Greece or Rome.” 10 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. CHAPTER II. DEATH OF KIATONG. ACCESSION OF NORODOM. Dvrine this period of Cambodia’s glory are placed the scenes and incidents about to be related. The king, Kiatong, had succeeded a sire and grandsire, both of whom had been warriors and conquerors, extending the boundaries of the kingdom until, to the east, south, and west, the sea washed its shores, and its northern line touched the frontiers of China, Thibet, and Hindostan. Kiatong, however, though he held the acquisitions of ‘his ancestors firmly together, had not been inclined to war. His reign was quiet and uneventful. He respect- ed the rights of his neighbors, and to his subjects was just and merciful. Under his rule, the people of Cam- bodia became the most contented of all the races of Asia. With liberal contributions, during long years, they had fed his treasury ; so that, undrained by war, it was filled to overflowing. Despite its harmless, and even virtuous character, the life of Kiatong was brought to a tragic close. He was found one morning dead upon his couch, showing un- mistakable signs of strangulation. His remains were embalmed, and exposed in state, during the requisite period, and then, with appropriate obsequies, reduced to ashes. The heir presumptive was Norodom, only son of the dead monarch. He succeeded without opposition to the throne of Cambodia and to the vast wealth of his father. Rumor whispered that the death of the latter was accom- plished by a parricidal hand ; and the subsequent career of Norodom lent strong countenance to the accusation. DEATH OF KIATONG. 11 Nevertheless, for months after his accession the new monarch gave promise of being in every respect a model sovereign. He seemed determined to govern with wis- dom and discretion, and to regulate his private life ac- cording to the rules of strictest propriety. All the offi- cers of state who had served his father were retained. The venerable age and long experience of these gray- headed councilors were such as eminently to qualify them to advise and direct the youth and inexperience of the new sovereign. In all his relations toward the ‘people, the latter was apparently disposed to leniency and justice, as though resolved to ingratiate himself into their warmest affections. Deceived by these pretenses, his subjects considered themselves most fortunate. Havy- ing just experienced one long and exemplary reign, they appeared to be entering upon another, giving promise of an ‘excellence even surpassing that of its predeces- sor. These pleasing anticipations, however, were not to be realized. To the nature of Norodom magnanimity was entirely foreign, and his amiability had been assumed as an actor takes his part ina play. Notwithstanding ‘these months of apparent and constrained benevolence, he was at heart a tyrant ; blood-thirsty and depraved. The restraint imposed upon him while thus exhibiting the counterfeit of virtue chafed his vile soul. That for so long a period he had curbed his furious instincts was due to the fact that his craft was equal to his feroc- ity. Until he considered himself firmly seated upon the throne, and in a position to defy opposition, he endeav- ored to conduct himself in such manner as to disarm it. When, therefore, he was fully convinced of the secu- 12 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. rity of his position, the restraint put upon his savage na- ture was released, and he yielded himself absolutely to the dominion of the vilest passions. CHAPTER III. BURSTING OF THE STORM. THE change was sudden, and, like a clap of thunder from a clear sky, it burst upon his astounded subjects. The incredulous people heard one morning that the king had decreed the slaughter of all the wise and ven- erable councilors of his father, whom, with hypocriti- cal earnestness, he had solicited to remain in his service. All doubt was rudely dispelled, when, as evening approached, the horrified citizens of the capital beheld the dead bodies of these unfortinates cast out upon the highways for the dogs to devour. The unfortunate victims of this murderous freak were men who had grown gray in the service of Kia- tong, and who had endeavored, with zeal and fidelity, to promote the interests of their new master. They had, however, little suspected his true character, or been aware of the fact that their wise advice and well- meant interferences, although the result of his own hypocritical solicitations, had been held as galling pre- sumptions, to be visited in due time with dire punish- ment. From the time of this appalling crime Norodom showed himself as cruel and capricious as before he had seemed just and humane. There was no passion, how- BURSTING OF THE STORM. 13 ever vile, that was not indulged at the expense of his unfortunate subjects. Such was the depravity of his nature that, to him, the very presence of purity and virtue was unendurable, and he studiously kept from his association and intimacy all that were not servile imitators of his own iniquity. By this course he surrounded himself with infamous men and dissolute women, whose enticement or vile applause led him con- stantly from one vicious extreme to another. The royal palace, which so long had sheltered his worthy father and a sedate and virtuous court, became now the abiding-place of sin, and wickedness held high carni- val. The lusts of himself and of his villainous associates were gratified, to the grievous prejudice of the honor of countless households throughout the kingdom. The fickleness of their passions filled the streets of its cities with fallen and discarded women, who owed to this source their degradation, and served, as though by con- tagion, to disseminate immorality among the people. The murderous instincts of the king were abundantly gratified. His principal officers were as unfortunate, and almost as frequently changed, as the barbers of Midas. In time, appointments to high position came to be considered as capital condemnations, for to decline but hastened the calamity certain under all circum- stances to befall. In such cases, even beyond death itself, the anger of the king pursued its victims, for their bodies, denied all funeral honors, were surrendered to the beasts for devourment. The dogs of the capital kept fat upon carcasses of mandarins and men of promi- nence cast upon the highways. The executioners of Cambodia came to exceed in dignity and importance, as they did in numbers, the magistrates of the kingdom. 14 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Indeed, there was left to the latter but little with which to concern themselves. The majority of com- plaints were made directly to Norodom, the vindictive informers knowing well his delight to condemn without hearing, and to convict upon the slightest proof. The number of these prosecutions was so great that the king was unable in person to attend them all; and many were delegated to profligate companions as sanguinary as himself, The vile pride of these occasional judges, excited by the possession, even temporarily, of the ab- solute power of life and death, made them murderous and inexorable, so that no opportunity of inflicting the extreme penalty was lost. CHAPTER IV. MULTIPLICATION OF EVILS. TuE evils of this reign were multiplied and intensi- fied by the host of vicious favorites who surrounded the wicked monarch, and pursued with eager alacrity his flagrant example. Zealously they paid him the homage of imitation, their crimes being in kind almost as heinous as those of the master, and necessarily more abundant. The protection of Norodom secured them from the rage of every one but himself, whatever might be the gravity of their offenses or the multiplicity of their crimes. To the touchy wrath of the king, how- ever, his profligate associates fell frequent victims, be- cause not even to them was he bound by ties of friend- ship and affection. MULTIPLICATION OF EVILS. 15 Despite this fact, there was never a lack of aspirants for the royal favor, precarious and dangerous as it was. For the gratification of their eager passions, men will be found to encounter peril as freely and boldly as the most heroic could do in the defense of honor and virtue. In the same manner will ambition, or the love of place and power, do all to win promotion or secure favor of kings. It happened that each of Norodom’s dissolute com- panions had, in turn, a following that shared the vices and immunities of its chief, and these were like so many sharp thorns in the sides of the people. Thus were the ripples of oppression extended in all directions farther and farther, visiting misery, often death and dishonor, upon many who might otherwise have hoped to find safety in their own obscurity. Furthermore, when the master sets flagrant example, underlings are prompt to follow; and so, throughout the kingdom, the governors of provinces and of cities became each a lesser Norodom, scourging and persecuting the people within their re- spective jurisdictions. By such means it came to pass that the reign of ter- ror extended itself into every locality, and bore upon all ranks and classes of society, until in time there were few homes, even to the humblest hovels, which were not filled with mourning and desolation. And, worst of all, the people themselves became contaminated, prac- ticing upon each other the crimes and infamies from which they already suffered so grievously at the hands of their superiors. Thus did the unhappy condition of Cambodia pass rapidly from bad to worse, until its peo- ple were sunk into the lowest depths of misery and despair. 16 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. CHAPTER V. ALOMPRA AND HIS CHILDREN. Far distant from the capital city of the kingdom, in one of the remoter provinces, dwelt a mandarin of inferior degree named Alompra, the father of two chil- dren. The elder, a son, Konesset, had just attained to man’s estate, and was renowned for courage and physical power. The younger, the maiden Anirah, just budding into sweet womanhood, was beautiful beyond comparison. Of a large family these were all that had been spared to Alompra, and to him they were inexpressibly dear. The affection of this father so abundantly bestowed was in turn richly repaid, so that, this family, despite early bereavements, was exceedingly happy. The surpassing charms of the maiden drew longing eyes upon her, and although on her heart love as yet had not written the faintest trace, many had announced: themselves as suitors for her favor. This awakened Alompra to the fact that his daughter was approaching, if indeed she had not already attained, the age at which, in the order of nature, she might be expected to con- template the prospect of marriage. To him, as sur- viving parent, toward his children fell many duties be- longing usually to a mother’s province. He, therefore, intended upon this important subject to converse ear- nestly with Anirah. He found, however, at the very outset, that his solicitude was premature, and her heart absolutely undisturbed. She seemed to shrink even from the thought of breaking the happy family circle. Thus it happened that all advances of a matrimonial ALOMPRA AND HIS CHILDREN, 17 nature met with prompt and emphatic discourage- ment. Among the number of those who thus provoked de- nial was Mahagua, son of a neighboring mandarin, whose rank was equal to that of Alompra. He was a youth of unbounded presumption and unlimited self- esteem. Although possessed of undaunted courage, a fierce spirit, and unflinching resolution, like so many of those whose self-love is inordinate, he was a braggart. Hardly older than Konesset, from experience, he had not yet received discretion. When, therefore, others failed, he had laughed at their discomfiture, and de- clared vainly and foolishly that he at least, if so inclined, could force a reception more propitious. Impelled by overweening vanity, stimulated, as it was, by the raillery of companions, and attracted by the loveliness of the maiden, he did at last resolve to conquer her affections. Nature had given him a hand- some person, and with fullest confidence he advanced to the attack. Such was the assurance with which conceit had filled him, that he made no secret of his purpose, and many whose discomfiture had been sources of amuse- ment to him now awaited anxiously an opportunity of retaliation. His idle vauntings had reached the ears of Anirah, and, naturally, his advances met with hasty and emphatic rejection. The mortification resulting from this repulse was most keen. Mahagua was wounded to the quick. The bitterness of defeat was intensified by the derision of companions, of which the point was sharpened and en- venomed by recollections of his previous boastings. His fierce nature would not tolerate such mockery, nor 18 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. endure the sarcasms hurled against him, and he was in- volved in frequent quarrels and bloody affrays. CHAPTER VI. ENMITY OF MAHAGUA,. NorwirHstaNnDIN¢ this folly, into which he had been led by vanity and inexperience, Mahagua’s native char- acter was strong. It was also essentially vicious. Self- ish to a degree, he was a stranger to every instinct of honor and virtue. His passions, naturally powerful, from infancy had been without check or restrictiong and to manhood he had advanced almost without strength, and certainly without disposition to restrain them. ‘The pride we have had occasion to illustrate, although excessive, was not the controlling vice. Anger, with its usual associates, hatred, treachery, and revenge, held the place of dominance. For many days he brooded over this repulse so unex- pected, considering it a grievous wrong imposed upon him. The sentiment he entertained toward Anirah, whatever might have been its original nature, was now transformed into hatred most intense, and one extend- ing beyond her who was its immediate cause, and in- cluding Alompra and Konesset. Mahagua was not a man, under such circumstances, to satisfy himself with idle fumings or harmless impre- cation. His busy brain was at work, endeavoring to conceive a scheme of terrible vengeance. Many sug- gested themselves, but were discarded either as uncer- ENMITY OF MAHAGUA. 19 tain or as not promising to be sufficiently crushing upon his enemies. As his hatred was no ordinary one, so no ordinary revenge would satisfy its cravings. Nothing short of the absolute and entire destruction of the family hé despised was, for a moment, considered as capable of assuaging his fierce anger. At last, after many days of pondering, a method suggested itself seeming to afford prospects in accordance with his desires. The more carefully he considered it, the more was he pleased and satisfied of the superior fitness of the design for the successful accomplishment of his vengeful purpose. Indeed, after it had presented itself to his mind, its security and almost absolute certainty were so evident as to excite his astonishment that the plan had not been among the first to claim his attention. Unbounded licentiousness was one of the prominent vices of the king, Norodom. His minions were ever on the alert to discover and appropriate to his base uses the fairest daughters of Cambodia. No home, humble or exalted, was secure if a maiden of unusual beauty were sheltered beneath its roof. As is the case with de- hauchees, he quickly tired of each successive victim, and was ever casting restlessly about for new ones. By the laws of the realm, no woman, once forming part of the royal seraglio, could be wife or concubine to a subject. Had Norodom not been cruel as he was profligate, the example of his predecessors in this regard might have been pursued. Thus, unfortunate females, losing, with- out fault of their own, the royal favor, would have been permitted to retain the shelter and support of the palace. He, however, when tired of a woman’s charms, could no longer endure her presence. With the brutal disregard of human life and human suffering which 20 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. marked his career, putting to death his discarded vic- tims was, in his estimation, the most certain and con- venient method of enforcing this law. In this manner had he disembarrassed himself of the wretched women he wronged so soon as his fickle fancy drew him toward new acquisitions. As yet, the remoteness of the province in which Anirah lived and the difficulty and infrequency of communication with the capital had protected it from many of the evils from which other portions of the kingdom were suffering so griey- ously. The vile men who pandered to the base appetites of their master had restricted themselves to localities less remote and of easier access. It was upon these characteristics in the temperament and conduct of the king that the ready wit of Mahagua had settled, as suggesting the most promising means of amply satisfying his fierce revenge. He felt that he had the means of dragging down and destroying the daughter, and, through her degradation and destruc- tion, of inflicting upon the father and brother a sorrow worse than death itself. Reaching this conclusion, he awaited anxiously an opportunity of putting his plan into operation. He considered that all which was necessary was to make his way to the capital and bring to the knowledge of the king the fact of Anirah’s exist- ence and of the superlative charms she possessed. The highways, however, leading to the capital were at all times rough, laborious, and unsafe, and, at particular seasons, entirely impassable. No ‘one, even at most favorable periods, attempted to traverse them without escort, and this could usually be obtained only when the merchants, in armed parties, made their stated pil- grimages. Itso happened, on this occasion, that Ma- BETRAYAL OF ANIRAH. 21 hagua was not compelled to endure along delay. After a few weeks a temporary improvement of the roads permitted the first great annual caravan to set out; and with its retinue he identified himself, and thus secured sate but laborious passage. CHAPTER VII. BETRAYAL OF ANIRAH. After a lengthy journey, Mahagua reached his des- tination ; but he experienced considerable difficulty in securing an audience with the king. This, however, was at last accomplished by the administration of a judicious bribe. Under the stimulating influence of favors received, and of others promised, an attendant upon the person of Norodom was induced to inform his master that a stranger was without who bore tidings of a Virgin of transcendent loveliness residing in a distant province. The curiosity and evil passion of the monarch were both aroused, and he issued peremptory command that the messenger be brought immediately before him. As the mandate was obeyed, Mahagua prostrated him- self upon the floor, with face to earth, in accordance with the custom of the country when an inferior finds himself in the presence of his superior. Then receiv- ing the royal permission, Mahagua, in the fervid lan- guage of the Hast, recited the many charms of the maiden Anirah : ‘‘O Mighty Ruler of Land and Sea, Lord of the Celestial White Elephant, and Master of many White 22 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Elephants; Owner of Indra’s Weapon, and Lord of the Power of Life and Death! she of whom I bring thee tidings is fair, and brighter than the flowers of spring. Her skin is soft as the velvet upon the peaches of Cathay, and yellow as the tears of gold by Surya shed, and now hidden in the bosom of the mountains. Her breath is fragrant as the perfumed incense of Agila- wood as it burns in the temples. Eyes, soft, deep, and melting, evoke visions of rapture; and the voice is music itself. The figure, full and enticing, is rounded like the swells of ocean, while the carriage is stately as the slow flight of the eagle, yet graceful as the movement of afawn. Never, O Mighty Master! has there been another maiden with loveliness so richly endowed. Would that my tongue could describe charms so tran- scendent as to be beyond the merit of others, and which royalty alone is worthy to enjoy.” By these words of Mahagua the imagination of Norodom was powerfully affected, and his heart was filled with desire to contemplate and possess the virgin whose beauty had been so warmly described. “Thou has promised much,” he said, ‘‘ concerning this maiden. Woe to thee if, without just cause, our expectations have been aroused, for we are not to be trifled with or deceived.” ‘Great Master of the Universe, King of all Kings, Lord of White Elephants,” after a deferential silence of some moments, Mahagua made response, “‘ the slave who prostrates himself before thy mighty countenance offers his life in pledge for the verity of his words. May he be stricken with plague if ever, for a moment, the audacious thought of deceiving thy Majesty was present in his mind. She of whom he has spoken is Anirah, BETRAYAL OF ANIRAH. 23 daughter of Alompra, a mandarin residing in the dis- tant city of Atonga, close upon the frontiers of China.” The monarch said no more, but signed the wretch to withdraw. This Mahagua did, rejoicing over the effect his words had evidently produced. He had now no doubt of the king’s adopting immediate measures to secure so fair a prize, nor did he conceive it possible that the new passion would be less ephemeral than its predecessors. Norodom, however, suspicious as he was cruel, had ordered the detention of Mahagua until such time as the fervent descriptions of the latter should be either verified or disproved. This caused no uneasiness to the prisoner, who was confident that the facts would justify his assertions. A military force, sufficient to secure safety upon the road, was at once dispatched under the command of an old and experienced officer named Zanda. With it the favorite courtier Myamma went, particularly charged with the responsibility of securing Anirah and conduct- ing her to the capital. The season was not propitious, inasmuch as the contemplated journey could scarcely be accomplished before the annual rains set in; but the impatience of the king would not brook delay. There- fore, as speedily as possible, Myamma, with his escort, . departed, forcing a way through the parched jungles, or swampy lowlands, and across the rugged mountains intervening, until at last Atonga, the city of their destination, drew near. 24 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. CHAPTER VIII. TORTURE OF KONESSET. TuE purpose of this expedition and its starting had not been kept a secret. The consequence was that news of its approach, and of its object, preceded it, and the relatives and friends of Anirah were filled with con- fusion and alarm. The infamous notoriety of Noro- dom, and intelligence of the dreadful treatment extend- ed to unfortunate women falling into his hands had attained even to this remote quarter of the kingdom. The threatened family was, therefore, aware of the gravity of the peril which was impending. A council of the nearest relations was hastily assembled, and flight and concealment were advised and determined upon. The father accompanied the daughter, but the son un- wisely remained behind to guard and protect their home. Here was a fatal oversight, leading, as we shall see, to the frustration of their plans, and the consequent cap- ture of Anirah. When the royal emissary reached Atonga, he was alarmed at the flight of her he had been charged to secure. Vain were all efforts with the people to dis- cover the place of hiding. Alompra and his family had so endeared themselves to all that none could be found to betray. Myamma, however, was a man of resource, never to be easily defeated in the accomplishment of a purpose. In this instance his action was made more prompt by the knowledge of the fate which would surely await him if compelled to return without the prize his master so eagerly coveted, He had, immediately upon ascertaining the condition of affairs, ordered the arrest TORTURE OF KONESSET. 25 of Konesset, lest he should follow the example of the others and betake himself to tardy flight. Arbitrary and cruel as him he served, the course most readily suggesting itself to Myamma, after general in- quiry had failed, was to force the secret from the brother by torture if necessary. Konesset was, therefore, brought before him and questioned under a threat of resort to harsher means if the required information was not forth- coming. The determined attitude and firm refusal of the prisoner soon satisfied Myamma that if success was to be attained in this direction it could be reached only by methods more rigorous. His victim was, there- fore, consigned to the torture. The spirit of the suf- ferer, however, was not weak, and the dreadful ordeal was endured with unflinching fortitude. The most cruel devices were resorted to, upon each succeeding day, to wring his frame with agony, and were persevered in so long as nature would endure. Only when life seemed about to abandon a body so bruised and torn was the torment suspended, until strength sufficient for further suffering returned. Such treatment, so full of anguish to the faithful -brother, was continued during many days, but all to no purpose. Meanwhile, tidings of Konesset’s dreadful situation reached Alompra and his daughter in their place of hid- ing. The maiden protested against suffering him to remain longer for her sake in torture. With face flushed and voice broken by sobs, she besought the father’s per- mission, by surrendering herself, to relieve her brother. Alompra was torn by conflicting emotions. The affec- tion he bore toward each of his children was equal and impartial. While the present distress of the son, upon the one hand, appealed powerfully to him, the prospect 26 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. of certain degradation and eventual death to the daugh- ter, upon the other, was even more appalling. He was, however, by reason of his creed, a fatalist, and the en- treaties of Anirah were so urgent that he did not set himself absolutely against them. The consequence was, that the concealment was ended, and Alompra and his daughter gave themselves up to the representative of the king. Thus the worth and heroism of this virtuous family found conspicuous exemplification in the devoted self-sacrifice of brother and sister. CHAPTER IX. DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPITAL. So soon as the maiden was secured Konesset was released from torture. He was deeply grieved to see his sister in toils, despite all he had endured to avert the calamity. His wrath and despair, too much for re- straint, found vent in reckless and bitter denunciations of the tyrant Norodom, and of all who served his in- famous purposes. The soldiers of the escort were en- raged, and particularly Zanda, their commandant, whose temper was fiery and impulsive. Stung to fury by the imprecations of Konesset, he sought to draw his sword. Anirah, terrified, fell upon her knees before the wrathful warrior, striving to restrain the blade within its scabbard, and entreating him to spare her brother and excuse the natural outburst of his despair. The stern old soldier was not given time to grant or deny this prayer before, by virtue of superior authority, Myamma intervened. DEPARTURE FOR THE CAPITAL. oT He was cooler and more of the courtier than Zanda, and positively commanded the latter to desist. The veteran, though nettled, was not unwilling to obey. Even without the interference of Myamma, he would himself undoubtedly have extended mercy. Though for a moment roused by the violent denuncia- tions of Konesset, he had admired the latter for the heroism and fortitude he had shown. Myamma was not a soldier, nor was he susceptible to the finer instincts lying beneath the blunt exterior of the commandant. The motive of his intervention was strictly politic. He had seen Anirah and been im- pressed with her beauty, and was convinced that, how- ever short might be her reign, the first impression upon Norodom would be strong. Therefore, he was deter- mined to force himself, if possible, into favor with one whose influence over his master, for a time at least, would doubtless be supreme. Uneasy lest he be held to terrible accountability for what had already been done, he seized eagerly upon this opportunity as one of at least partial reparation. He felt that, in the eyes of the victims, the necessity of the measures he had adopted, to the accomplishment of his mission, would furnish no excuse. Nor would his success arouse in the selfish bosom of Norodom the slightest spark of gratitude that might serve him as a protection. As a further measure of conciliation, he ordered the chains stricken from the limbs of Konesset, and that every attention be given him to speed the healing of his wounds. The second day following the occurrences just de- scribed was fixed for departure. Permission was ac- corded for Alompra and his son to accompany Anirah 28 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. to the capital. The injuries of Konesset, however, were so serious, and his strength so shattered, that he was unable to avail himself of the concession. The maiden pleaded earnestly for delay, at least until her brother should be sufficiently recovered to travel in a litter ; but this boon, despite his desire to please, My- amma felt compelled to refuse. He was forced here to elect between conflicting perils: on one hand the pos-' sible ill-will of the fair prisoner, and the certain wrath of the king upon the other. The rainy season had just set in, and the dreadful condition of the roads would necessarily occasion loss of time before the capital could be reached. In connection with this, he remembered the impatient and reckless nature of the tyrant in whose service he was engaged. His imagination, indeed, pic-. tured the furious despot already chafing, and he shrank from any avoidable extension of delay. Notwithstanding his advanced age, and the preca- rious condition in which he was compelled to leave his son, Alompra determined to accompany his daughter. The care and healing of his other child he left, perforce, to the tender solicitude of sympathizing relatives. His presence with Anirah, in this time of peril and afflic- tion, to guide and sustain her, was a matter of absolute necessity. Konesset was greatly distressed by his inability to ac- company his father and sister. He was, however, com- pelled to content himself with the determination of following at the earliest possible moment. Tender and distressing beyond the power of human language to portray was the anxious parting between the separating members of this family, so afflicted. EXASPERATION OF THE PEOPLE. 29 CHAPTER X. EXASPERATION OF THE PEOPLE. As the king’s agents departed with their prisoners, the small city presented an aspect of deepest gloom. The houses were closed, and, with dejected air, the silent people thronged the highway. The intelligence had spread beyond the narrow limits of Atonga to the farms and settlements beyond, and these surrendered their inhabitants to swell the attendance. Among all thus gathered to witness the sad departure, there was not one whose heart was free from sorrow. The unfor- tunate family, now beset with perils and overwhelmed by affliction, had been the foremost benefactors in that secluded neighborhood. ‘The venerable Alompra, now passing before them with bowed head, and mind ab- sorbed in contemplating the misery of his children, had been for years a father to them all. The maiden Ani- rah, following the example of the mother before her, had been an indefatigable and tender visitor of the sick and comfortress of those in suffering and distress. Ko- nesset, who was left behind bleeding and in pain, had ever used his courage and immense strength to restrain and subdue the oppressor and to protect the weak. By such courses, pursued without varying, had they earned and retained the affection of their neighbors, and made them participators in this sorrow. The gathering along the road-side did not seem to please the soldiers, whose savage mien for a time re- pressed any active expression of feeling on the part of the people. The men in the throng maintained a grim silence, and the women, choking down their sobs, 30 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. sought to hush and restrain the children. The little ones were particularly devoted to Anirah, and, although unable fully to comprehend the situation, they felt, as though by instinct, that something dreadful was about to befall their favorite. It was, therefore, almost impos- sible to suppress, even partially, their cries and demon- strations, and with the passing moments the difficulty grew. Even the older heads found their feelings gain- ing power and intensity, as the gathering waters strive each instant more strenuously against the confining dykes. At last a little one, more impulsive than its compan- ions, broke suddenly from its parents, and, crying aloud, ran with open arms toward Anirah. Before, however, the child could reach its destination, the nearest soldier had seized it roughly and hurled it back with brutal violence, insensible, at the feet of its terrified mother. So great was the concussion of its fall that the open mouth and tiny nostrils of the babe crimsoned and overflowed with blood. The exclamation of the infant, however, had been contagious, and it swept away the last vestige of that restraint which the savage bearing of the soldiers had exerted. The feelings of men and women could no longer be repressed, but burst forth in a mighty outcry in which the common woe at last found utterance. When the people beheld this brutal act, the men broke out in imprecations loud and deep, while the women with their wailings rent the air. Then from the heart of the crowd rose a voice, clear and distinct as a trumpet, calling for vengeance and the rescue of the prisoners ; and the words were taken up by hun- dreds in tones angry and impassioned. The women, BUDDHISTIC CONSOLATION. 81 terrified, sought safety in flight; but the men gathered in a surging mass, as though preparing for a mighty rush. The escort, drawing into close order, stood ready to meet the assault. Alompra, however, with a celerity scarcely to be expected of his age, cast himself between the threatened soldiery and the angry populace. He felt that the latter could scarcely hope for success against the arms and superior discipline of the former; and that, even if they conquered, the conflict would be murderous, and the victory eventually disastrous. No- rodom would mercilessly avenge the destruction of his troop, devastating the district and exterminating its inhabitants. Earnestly, therefore, he pleaded with his infuriated neighbors, and succeeded at length in bring- ing them to reason, thus averting what might have been @ sanguinary struggle, and to them, under any circum- stances, a dreadful calamity. Considering the usually submissive disposition of the Oriental, and the especial terrorism which at that time prevailed throughout Cambodia, this demonstra- tion and the nature of its ending both exhibited, in the strongest light, the love in which Alompra and his children were held and the remarkable influence he wielded among the people who dwelt about him. CHAPTER XI. BUDDHISTIC CONSOLATION. Despite the anxiety of Myamma to make up for the delay occasioned by the flight of Anirah, the journey to 32 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. the capital was not a rapid one. He had, however, taken the precaution of sending on, from the first gar- risoned city on the route, swift messengers, to bear to the monarch an account of his first difficulties and eventual success, with a fervent description of the mar- velous beauty of the prize. The time consumed in the earlier stages of their travel was spent by father and daughter, so far as pos- sible, in the exclusive society of each other. Alompra sought to comfort his child by inducing her to con- template their affliction in a religious and philosophic spirit. Often they conversed upon the great laws which govern existence, discussing principles, the most profound of Buddhism. By this means he hoped to fortify her against the calamities which threatened her future, impressing upon her mind the inevitable char- acter of misfortune, and bringing her up to a just ap- preciation of the benefits of suffering endured with proper disposition. These discourses, however, instead of lightening the burden of Anirah’s grief as they were fondly ex- pected to do, added to the weight of her distress. The very persistence and urgency with which they were pressed evidenced to her the fact that this great sorrow. was bearing heavily upon the mind and spirit of her father. The sad effect was shown, not by a lack of co- herence or lucidity in idea or expression, but by a reit- eration with him unusual. Each day he would go over the ground so often traversed before, apparently uncon- scious of repetition, and even that he had taken special care to impress these saving principles upon the minds and hearts of his children, while they were still of ten- der age. BUDDHISTIO CONSOLATION. - 33 **My daughter,” he would say, ‘existence itself is the one great misfortune, and all other calamities and bitter griefs are but accessories. Decay, dissolution, and reproduction, following in perpetual round, are its components. It is the mighty chain of triple-ply which binds us firmly to pain and sorrow, and is so difficult to sunder. It fetters us through successive births, often in number almost infinite, until at last the great sum is cast up in our favor and preponderating merit has can- celed all demerit. As the lamp perpetuates the flame with its light and heat, which is taken from another, - so is existence prolonged through states of being with changeful misery, enduring until doubt and ignorance are expelled, and the spirit is freed from all unkindness, vexation, and desire—when alone we may hope to ac- accomplish its final extinction. Karma, the seed of entity, itself the fruit of our merits and demerits, springs perpetually and is difficult to eradicate; yet only through its annihilation may we expect to attain the blessed Nicban—the never-ending rest.” ‘But, father,” the maiden once responded, ‘‘ may we hope to reach the blessed Nichan? Ignorance we may overcome, and doubt may be dispelled, but how are men to escape the spirit of resentment which so naturally pursues the grievous wrongs they inflict upon each other? If timid and gentle animals will turn upon and rend the arrow which transfixes them, how may we hope to be able to entertain toward those who crush us only feelings of kindness and regard ?” “My child,” was the answer, ‘‘I have stated that the destruction of Karma, resulting in extinguishment of existence, constitutes a task of utmost difficulty. Many have lingered through periods of almost infinite dura- 84 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. tion, composed of successive states of being, making no progress toward the happy ending. Others, with each successive birth, have but strengthened the chain they so wearily drag. One feature of the bitter struggle is _ the variety of primary objects for which we are held to strive, and the accomplishment whereof is essential to success. One may find no impediment in a particular requirement which to his neighbor proves an obstacle almost insurmountable. But for each of us some of the four great paths which lead from ignorance and de- sire will be found beset with difficulty. Even the first of their number, tending to the realization of the vanity of all the hopes of being, and the emptiness of its ap- parent pleasures as well as to a comprehension of the great mystery of sorrow, binding existence inseparably. to pain, is for many hard to discover. ‘These are per- sons that are misled by the seeming blessings of life, and cling to them with pertinacity, despite the fact that disappointment and vexation are the only ultimate re- sults. Others there are who see this path, and even recognize the truths to which it leads, but are so en- slaved by evil passion that they can not emancipate themselves from impure desire. Others, again, yielding to temptations of the intellect, lose that control over mental faculties which all are bound to retain, and can not free themselves from doubt and heresy. Numbers allow envy, jealousy, anger, and hatred to master them, and if in power they are brutal and oppressive, and in subjection bitter and hateful—all stifling instead of cul- tivating that sublime charity so absolutely enjoined by the Enlightened One. “‘Thou, my child, seemest at this moment inclined toward feelings of resentment against those who have THE PRINCIPLES OF BUDDHA. 385 imposed these bitter wrongs upon us. Beware, oh, my daughter, of harboring such a sentiment, because it is as fatal to the hope of blessed Nirvana as heresy could be, or even unholy appetence itself. Look rather upon these calamities as impressive lessons, from which to draw that wisdom which is essential to the destruction of Karma. So considered, they will aid thee in over- coming desire, and thereby advancing far along the road to that obliteration which alone is happiness.” CHAPTER XII. THE PRINCIPLES OF BUDDHA. Sucu was the character of the conversations usually, through the persistence of Alompra, springing up be- tween himself and his daughter after the journey of each day was done. They were generally protracted until darkness was almost fallen and the dampness of the night commenced to make itself perceptible. Then Anirah would become anxious lest its vapors, often poisoned as they were by the miasma of the lowlands, should affect her father. She saw that he was failing under hardships endured at a time of life when age un- fitted him for the burden. When, therefore, this hour had come, firmly, but with tenderness and respect, she would interrupt the venerable Alompra, that by rest and slumber he might recuperate for the labors of the morrow. Although usually she abstained from interposing in any way, Anirah, nevertheless, upon a few occasions 36 NORODOM, KRING OF CAMBODIA. ventured on an expression of the thoughts presenting themselves as she listened dutifully to his discourses. *‘ Father,” she once replied, ‘‘I am sometimes tempted to doubt whether existence itself be so essen- tially wedded to misfortune and sorrow, and to believe that intrinsically it may be a blessing, but poisoned or made nugatory by the vicious nature and conduct of men. To my mind comes the recollection of the many. days of happiness in our peaceful home at Atonga be- fore the cruel king brought desolation to our house. The thought will force itself upon me that it is not by reason of any law of entity itself that we endure these great calamities, but rather to the wickedness of man alone are they attributable.” ‘‘My daughter,” the father made answer, “to one, who did not know thee well these remarks might give rise to the painful suspicion that thou hast not yet en- tered upon the first of the great paths that lead to Nic- ban—the path which brings us at last to the utter con- demnation of being. As it is, thou mayest not hope to escape temptation, the natural result of the weakness of our nature, and the habits, perhaps, of centuries of preceding existence. But thou canst, and I believe dost, resist its insidious advances, never permitting the will to capitulate. In regarding the apparent felicity of our past condition, close thy mind against the heightening: influence of present deprivation and of contrast. The fact that a particular state has passed away, perhaps for ever, often suffices to awaken within us regret for its de- parture. So, whatever are the seeming blessings of the present, they are held inferior to those of the past. Thus is the enjoyment of the hour often impaired by recollection and vain regret, while our impressions of THE PRINCIPLES OF BUDDHA. 37 the evils at the moment pressing upon us are always more vivid than the remembrance of those from which we are relieved. “Our family circle has been frequently stricken with disease and broken by death ; and, as mother and chil- dren were swept away, there were pangs which counter- balanced much of joy. ach left a void never to be filled, and a regret which time softened only, but never removed. Nor can I fail to remember how ever-pres- ent was anxious fear lest our number, already so reduced, should be again infringed upon ; a contingency which, considering my own advancing age and accumulating infirmities, has been for years almost impending. ‘“‘As with us, so it has ever been and will be with others ; for there is no joy which does not serve as a foun- dation upon which rests the sure promise of a sorrow. The happiest unions must be severed, and every birth but paves the way for death. All pleasure, falling short of anticipation, is closely linked to disappointment, and poisoned by a sense of its ephemeral nature, while it leaves behind it a legacy of regret. On the other hand, countless are the miseries of the human lot, which bear with them no balm of healing, and give promise of no resulting joy. ‘* Furthermore, my daughter, the vices of mankind are themselves sources of pain and sorrow, by virtue of the law, and they are more prolific of distress than pov- erty or disease, or even death itself. We are so bound together by existence that we can not escape suffering from the evil natures and wicked actions of our fellows any more than we may avoid the bitter consequences of our own. It is one of the great laws of being that men, so long as they have life, shall serve as scourges unto each 38 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. other, as well as tormenters of themselves. And the principle pursues us through every stage of transmigra- ‘tion ; for the beasts and reptiles of the earth and its in- sects, the birds of the air, and the fish that swim the sea, all afflict and destroy among themselves. *« As we can not place ourselves beyond the reach of poverty, infirmity, or dissolution, so are we equally pow- - erless to escape the persecutions of the wicked, ever, as they are, seeking the accomplishment of evil designs at the expense of their fellow-men. It is noticeable that the nearer we are to immunity from the assaults of par- ticular ills, the more exposed we are to the attack of others. Those who are destitute or profoundly misera- ble seldom present a mark for the malice or envy of their neighbors, while, on the other hand, beauty, wealth, or other good fortune, excites against us the corrupt passions of our kind, some of whom, in time, will find the means of inflicting calamity upon us, if indeed they do not compass our entire ruin.” “Dear father,’”’ Anirah rejoined, “all that thou hast taught me I do most firmly believe, and I am glad that thou judgest me so well. Of course I know that, even if we may speculate where the Enlightened One has spoken, we are not of ourselves able to determine whether existence be for good or evil, because the prob- lem involves factors beyond our reach. “In such inquiries the dealing should be with all ; tak- ing into account the joys of life as against its woes, and endeavoring to determine which have exceeded. Many, no doubt, have less of sorrow, while others have misery in its darkest hues. The history of no particular indi- vidual could determine the great question, involving, as it does, the entire race, and, in fact, all animate creation. EVIL OF EXISTENCE. 39 *¢ All of this is certainly beyond the comprehension of the human mind, and men must grope in darkness, speculating and in doubt, unless relying upon faith alone ; they accept, without question, the teachings of Him that is Enlightened, and depend solely upon the abundance of his wisdom. ‘Therefore, dear father, what the blessed Gautama has declared to us, that do I firmly believe. “ But some natures there may be with whom, at least in this state of humanity, the love and tender consider- ation of father and mother, brother and sister, do more than counterbalance the distresses and misfortunes of earlier years ; while, during later ones, the added affec- tion and devotion of kind spouses, the respect and obedi- ence of dutiful children, would increase largely the score of life’s blessings. Even death itself from such things can not pluck all the joy, but must leave behind tender and pleasing recollections. “* As for myself, J am tempted to think that, in my own experience, were it not for the present calamity which, while it crushes me, strikes with equal force the hearts of those I love, the happiness of the past alone would go far toward outweighing the evils of the fu- ture.” CHAPTER XIII. EVIL OF EXISTENCE. ANIRAH regretted the last expression the moment it was uttered. She saw passing over the venerable coun- tenance of her father, as a light cloud over the expanse 40 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. of the heavens, a slight expression of anxiety. Ina sec- ond, however, it was gone, and his face once more was serene and calm. The suspicion had momentarily pre- sented itself to Alompra that, perchance, all his earnest teachings had been vain and profitless ; that, after all, there lingered within her heart a fondness for life and its illusory enjoyments so much at variance with the sentiments which should possess the true and devoted follower of the sage Gautama. Such, however, was the confidence he reposed in his children; that the thought found no lodgment in his mind, and he believed implicitly the declaration of Anirah relative to the fix- ity of her faith. “My child,” in his kindest tones the father said, “it is difficult to bring youth to the full appreciation of the noble truths of Buddhism. Its buoyant spirit wages vigorous battle against trouble and misfortune, and may, for a time, succeed in breaking the force of their attack ; but, as the years pass, we tire of the struggle, and sor- rows press more heavily and victoriously upon us. In early life there is also the powerful ally Hope, which, with whispered promises for the future, distracts the mind from the evils of the present, and makes them easier to bear. As maturity and age, however, come to us, disappointment dulls the ear to her voice, rendering the spirit insensible to her inspirations, until, at last, she herself deserts us, leaving behind naught but bitter disappointment. Then, at least, should men recognize the vanity of all these seeming blessings, and, estimating properly the hateful character of existence, come to sigh for oblivion and rest. The difficulty, however, is, that, by permitting the best years of our human span to pass in a manner of life unwise and sinful, we increase greatly EVIL OF EXISTENCE. - 41 the sum of our demerits, and acquire stubborn habits of thought and ways of living that are not to be altered with ease. “‘ You consider the tribulation now oppressing us as unusual, and, therefore, of doubtful application ; yet there are in Cambodia thousands of families made wretched by outrages such as that by which we are now afflicted. Nor are such crushing misfortunes peculiar to this land alone, for among all races, in all quarters of the earth, there usually falls in every life some great calamity to poison existence and render it accursed. The guises such mischance may assume are myriad. One reared in wealth is suddenly cast into penury, for which his earlier training has absolutely unfitted him. A husband discovers the infidelity of his best beloved, or a parent feels the sting of a child’s unthankfulness. Thus might the sad catalogue be continued almost in- definitely. “‘To each sufferer the conclusion is natural, that his particular lot is exceptionally severe, and that, but for the dark shadow of its one crowning disaster, existence might have been fair and joyful. Such reflec- tions, so apt to present themselves, but serve to increase the bitterness of the woe and lend intensity to suffering. The brighter picture, appearing to the imagination, by contrast heightens the somber gloom of that which actu- ally exists. ‘‘Moreover, my child, the peace that dwelt with us in Atonga is not universally given to families. Par- ents and children, brothers and sisters, and spouses, among themselves too often live in strife and confusion, being to each other grievous and enduring torments, rather than sources of happiness and contentment.” 42 + NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. What Alompra had said relative to the whisperings of Hope in youthful ears was not wholly inapplicable to his own gentle and beautiful daughter. Although sen- sible of the gravity of her peril, and deeply grieved by what had already befallen those she loved so dearly, and what yet remained threatening them for the future, yet her buoyant spirit was not without its moments of hopefulness. At times, as her thoughts strayed, led away by the imagination, she would find them picturing her- self as in some manner become the reformer of the vices of the king, and of the grievous evils afflicting the peo- ple of Cambodia. Then, in fancy, she would see her aged father spending his last days in quiet and con- tentment, and her brother, advanced to high position in the state, joyful and prosperous. Soon, however, these wanderings of the mind would come to an end, and common sense would tell how hollow were these visions, and utterly hopeless of realization. Neverthe- less, the few bright moments during which they pos- sessed her imagination were moments of pleasure. Although when judgment resumed its sway they crum- bled at its touch, yet their recollection served to dull the keen edge of her despair. After the conversation last recited, the daughter abstained from again giving utterance to the ideas that suggested themselves as her mind was forced to dwell upon the grave questions so often the subject of her father’s discourses. Thus was Alompra permitted, without interruption, to comment upon the principles of Buddhism, and in such manner that his speeches as- sumed the character of set dissertations. This seemed to him eminently satisfactory, and he was pleased with the earnest attention accorded by the dutiful Anirah, DEATH OF ALOMPRA. 43 whom he fondly considered as possessing all the dis- position essential to the early attainment of blessed Nirvana. CHAPTER XIV. DEATH OF ALOMPRA. Mucx time had been consumed, and great fatigue been undergone, and yet Myamma found himself and party still distant from the capital. Their progress had. been exceedingly slow, although most laborious. The journey so far had been one of hardship and exposure, trying severely the endurance even of the young and vigorous. To Alompra, therefore, well stricken in years, with a constitution that had already borne the strain of more than three quarters of a cen- tury, the toil was beyond his powers. Nevertheless, the strong love he bore his child, seconded by an indomit- able will, had for a time, at least apparently, supported him against the fatigues of the way and the inclemency of the weather. Had the march been less protracted, he might have accomplished it without serious injury or suffering. As it was, his strength was failing be- neath unwonted hardships thus accumulated upon him. This decline was not sudden, but yet to the anxious Anirah its approach from the commencement had been distressingly noticeable. As he rode beside her, upon the huge elephant, she observed with tender solicitude the aspect of his countenance and the car- riage of his body. Upon the former, despite an evi- dent struggle to conceal it, came and finally settled 44 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA, the haggard look of weariness and distress. His bear- ing, notwithstanding efforts to the contrary, grew less erect, and his shoulders would droop and his head fall at times even upon his bosom. Soon he began more rapidly to fail, his weakness growing day by day more apparent, until at length he was utterly unable to ride beside his daughter. Then, by order of Myamma, he was placed in a litter borne by soldiers of the escort. Even with this attention his strength continued on the wane, and it was evident that his days were numbered. Now again did Anirah plead for delay, begging for rest until her father should recuperate, or, at all events, close his eyes in peace and quiet. Myamma found him- self again in a painful dilemma. ‘To refuse seemed in- human, and would certainly, he imagined, secure for him the animosity and resentment of the fair petitioner. On the other hand, he was still more terrified by the prospect of offending the fierce tyrant who, sending him upon this mission, had cautioned him menacingly against delay. Tendering to the weeping suppliant the most profuse apologies, hoping thus to avert her anger, he felt compelled to refuse the boon so earnestly so- licited, advancing as his excuse the peremptory charac- ter of his orders, and endeavoring, so far as it could be done with safety, to cast upon his master the responsi- bility of this denial. All, however, that could be done, under the circumstances, to alleviate the condition and sufferings of the invalid, was speedily and zealously performed. Before this, the journey had been to Anirah one of anxiety and terror, aggravated by uncertainty as to the fate eventually awaiting her; but so far she had been upheld by the consciousness of having always by her DEATH OF ALOMPRA. 45 one upon whom she might rely for sympathy, if not pro- tection. Now, in view of the approaching bereavement, separating her, as it would, from the last hope of help, or even encouragement, the prospect for the future be- came more dark and appalling. Before, the peril which threatened had seemed yet distant; but now it ap- peared as though drawn nigh by a sudden leap until become actually impending and about to overwhelm her. The head-waters of the Sesupon were reached, where the barges awaited to float them down its current and across the great Lake of Thalé-Sap to the place of destination. Although this mode of traveling was far more easy even than that by litter, Alompra continued on the decline until they had come to a spot within a few days’ journey of the capital. Then it was evident that his end was indeed at hand. As night was falling, the signs of approaching dissolution became more grave. The eyes were sunken, and the outlines of the face were giving way. The skin was drawn and parched, and in places discolored, while the breathing was slow and la- bored. Thus matters continued, while, at the side of the rude couch improvised for his comfort, the afflicted Anirah watched, weeping silently, so as not to disturb the dying man, and expecting every moment the spirit to take its flight. His, however, was no ordinary vital- ity, and life within its citadel stood stubborn siege. Toward the middle of the night he fell into a leth- argy deep and deathlike, from which, as the dawn ap- peared, he awoke in delirium. His disordered intellect seemed to harbor but two trains of thought, one relat- ing to the principles of his faith, and the other to the great peril menacing his daughter. ven over these 46 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. the mind possessed but slight control, for he would suddenly and with incoherence pass from one to the other. Even the sentences themselves were broken, commencing at times with matters of religion and terminating in ejaculations of commiseration and dis- tress over the fate of the child that sorrowed beside him. Later, still another change came over him, and as he lay, almost incapable of motion, his features would light up with radiant smiles, and he would fondly call his dead wife, Madotta, and the children who had been taken from him, mingling their names with those of Anirah and Konesset. His disordered fancy had evi- dently brought back the happy days of the past, ere death had invaded his household ; and, in imaginatign, he was surrounded by the beloved spouse of his youth, and all the sons and daughters that had blessed their nuptials. The sun rose above the horizon, and yet life held out, although the dying man was sinking still. As the bright luminary of the day mounted toward the zenith, as slowly did existence ebb away. Repeatedly the spirit seemed to have flown for ever, when suddenly it would rally and appear to renew the mortal struggle, as though over the body striving to retain its fleeting dominion. At last it did pass away, but so gently that Anirah felt for a moment at a loss to determine whether what she beheld was sleep or death. EARLY INCLINATIONS OF ALOMPRA. 47 CHAPTER XV. EARLY INCLINATIONS OF ALOMPRA. Tuat the doctrines of Buddhism should have main- tained to the last a firm hold upon the mind and heart of the dead man was not astonishing. His own father, Notamu, had, toward the latter years of his life, joined the Sacred Order of Mendicants, which is the nearest approach that true Buddhism makes to a regular priest- hood. It purports to be an association of devotees who leave the world, seeking to cast loose the ties that bind the heart of man to life. They strive to banish all desire, and to cultivate within themselves the holy dis- positions. The complex rules of the society are framed to guard against vanity, frivolity, and evil, in thought or act, and to eradicate all attachment for person, thing, or being. By the strict observance of its canons, with the assistance also of frequent meditation upon the precepts and wisdom of Gautama, the members of this religious brotherhood hope to escape metempsychosis, with its successions of pain and sorrow, in ever-varying guises, and to obtain the happy rest of utter extinction. Secu- lar life is surrounded by temptations calculated to strengthen the aspirations which stand as barriers in the way of spiritual progress, and force the minds of men toward those sinful fancies and wrongful deeds which turn back the soul upon its weary journey. These temptations the mendicants endeavor, by seclusion, to evade, barring from their monasteries, as well as from their lives, all that is calculated to influence to sin, or to foster the love of existence, and of the things of. life, for only upon the attainment of absolute purity 3 48 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. of thought and act, and of a condition of utter and universal indifference, can men hope to merit the blessed Nirvana. Notamu, before taking a step so serious, and one in which others as well as himself were interested, had given the matter long and careful consideration. His wife was devoted to him, and his son, though young, was intelligent and thoughtful, and both were taken into fullest confidence and a share in the deliberation. He had imbued them with the precepts of the faith, and, therefore, they believed with him that the con- templated course lay in the highest line of duty and was most promotive of the true welfare of the husband and father. With such convictions, the affection they bore him precluded captious or selfish opposition. He had not, however, abandoned his family in the more objectionable sense of that term, because he had de- layed many years the accomplishment of his purpose, until his son was almost grown, and he himself, by in- dustry and economy, had accumulated a competence for those he loved. The discourses so often held between Alompra‘and his father, during the period preceding the seclusion of the latter, had made a deep impression upon the boy. So profound, indeed, it was, that even before Notamu himself had retired from the world, within his own breast, the son felt the same yearning for a life of abne- gation and self-perfection. This sentiment grew strong- er day by day, until it acquired at length such force that no sooner had he attained to man’s estate than he was impelled to prefer to his mother the same request his father had submitted before him. When to the prayer of Notamu the wife had given STORY OF MADOTTA. 49 tearful consent, her acquiescence was dictated more by unselfish love than by conviction of the judgment. She had determined to render up her own happiness upon the altar of her husband’s welfare, willing, for his sake, to spend the remainder of her days in the seclusion and sorrow of what practically was widowhood. When, however, within a comparatively short time after this first great deprivation, came the solicitation of her son, it was more even than her disinterestedness could en- dure. Therefore, almost piteously, she begged her son to stay with her during her few remaining years. Alom- pra was deeply moved by her earnest protest, and re- gretted exceedingly having pained her by a suggestion which, upon second thought, seemed cruel and unthink- ing. The intensity of his zeal and the fierceness of the craving that was in him must have been extreme indeed thus to have driven him to be, even for a mo- ment, unmindful of her claims, and to forget how great was the sacrifice he had demanded. The love he bore his mother was strong, and he re- solved to postpone his purpose and devote his life, so long as necessary, to her comfort and care. CHAPTER XVI. STORY OF MADOTTA. Axovt this time Alompra’s maternal uncle, residing in a neighboring province, had departed, as was his custom, and according to the exigencies of his occupa- tion, with one of the annual caravans conducting the 50 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. trade to China. This caravan was guarded, as usual, and it transported valuable gums and resins and fra- grant woods; with ivory and precious metals from the mines of the interior ; jewels and stones of price from Hindostan—all constituting a charge of immense value. It so happened that, during its progress, it was sub- jected to a determined attack by a strong force of bandits, such as swarmed in those days through the mountains and valleys of Cambodia, After a desperate conflict the robbers were repulsed, but in the affray Alompra’s uncle lost his life. He left no widow, and but three children. Of these the oldest, a son, had gone some years before upon a distant voyage by sea, and had not yet returned. ‘The others were of tender age. There was one more mem- ber of this family—a younger sister of the dead mother of the orphans. The name of the girl was Madotta, and in years she was little advanced beyond the elder of the children that were with her; but toward them she had long been compelled to perform a maternal part. Receiving intelligence of this calamity, Alompra’s mother, who was a woman of warm heart, resolved to send for these unprotected ones and adopt them into her family. Accordingly, she dispatched her son to bring them to her, and they had been escorted safely to Atonga. There they were received with cordial but sorrowful welcome, and ever afterward they were treated as children of the house. Alompra, feeling deeply for their misfortune, demeaned himself toward them as a gentle and loving brother. The boys were too young to be companions for him. Madotta, how- ever, although little older than they, by reason of her sex and the grave responsibilities that had been so early STORY OF MADOTTA. 51 forced upon her was far more mature, and in mind strong beyond her years. In her, therefore, he had an associate most agreeable—one intelligent, and at the same time simple in manners and amiable in disposi- tion. Without dreaming of consequences, he spent many of his spare hours in her society, and the associa- tion was pleasant to them both. Thus stood matters un- til Madotta entered into the state of transformation from sweet girlhood into sweeter womanhood. As is usually the case in lands of the Orient, the transition was rapid, Day by day, and almost visibly, the form filled and rounded, until the outlines and proportions of a lovely woman—most exquisite in nature—were assumed. The luster of the eyes grew deeper and stronger, and the features took on the lines and curves of an attractive maturity. Of this pleasing metamorphosis Alompra was an interested witness, observing with delight and astonish- ment each charm as it developed. At the same time he was conscious of a change in progress within him- self, at least so far as his feelings toward the maiden were concerned. The pleasure he now felt in her so- ciety was not so sober as before. It grew to be a joy, eager and intense. Separation from her became irk- some and unbearable. Do what he might, his eyes would constantly seek and rest with pleasure upon her face and form, and she came to be the perpetual sub- ject of his thoughts. Even his periods of slumber were filled with visions of pleasure, of which the blooming Madotta was ever the central figure. _ Had he been at all versed in affairs of the heart, he would have perceived in his lovely companion changes other than mere physical ones. He might have noticed 52 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. that she, as well as himself, sought, now more than ever, to multiply and prolong their hours of association; that her eyes no longer met his with the bold frankness of former days, but fell before his frequent and admir- ing glances; and that, beneath his gaze, in her cheeks the rich blood would ebb and flow with enchanting and rapid alternation. Thus matters continued until the transformation was complete, and Madotta had developed into a ma- ture and beautiful woman. So they might have longer remained had not Alompra’s mother been stricken with disease, and, after a brief but painful illness, passed away. Meanwhile the elder brother of the orphans, so long absent, returned, having in foreign lands amassed great wealth. He was in every way prepared to care for his relatives, and relieve Alompra from the administration of the means the father had left, and which had been preserved and increased by honorable and successful management. At last Alompra considered himself free to ac- complish the holy purpose so long delayed—of joining the Sacred Brotherhood of Mendicants. He found, how- ever, that the prospect of religious seclusion did not seem now so inviting as it had done in former years. On the contrary, thoughts of Madotta pressed upon him almost to its utter exclusion. They filled his heart with a joy that tempted him powerfully to re- pugnance toward the life which, whatever might be its righteousness, would separate him from his lovely as- sociate and compel her banishment from his thoughts. Through the instrumentality of this struggle he awak- ened to a consciousness of the character of his own STORY OF MADOTTA, 53 sentiments toward the maiden ; but he was yet ignorant of the fact that his affection was reciprocated in all its fervor. His faith was strong, and his will of iron; and so, notwithstanding the love with which his bosom was rent, he held firmly to his original determination. He believed that to him it pointed out the path of duty. In such a course, he thought the well-being of no one but himself involved ; for, in view of his fixed purpose, he had scrupulously abstained, so far as lay in his power, from disclosing to the maiden the nature of his feelings toward her. For himself, he hoped that time and sepa- ration from the object of his devotion would quell the bitter struggle of his heart and liberate him entirely from the passion. At all events, he would strive man- fully against it, trusting that through an ordeal so fierce he might earn an accumulation of merit suffi- cient to warrant the expectation that, at least with one more birth, he would overcome the balance of demerit, evidently brought down from prior states of being, and at last accomplish the blessed Nirvana. Therefore, imitating the example of his Sacred Mas- ter, the august Gautama, without warning or adiet to any of his household, and in the dead hours of night, he took his departure. CHAPTER XVII STORY OF MADOTTA (CONCLUDED). Atompra had sought admission and been accepted into the same monastery which had afforded a shelter 54 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. to his father. Notamu, however, had died some time before, and so was not there to receive and welcome his son. The latter entered with earnest zeal into the spirit of the order, observing strictly its rules and mandates, and going even beyond these in the measure of his de- votion and abnegation. Nevertheless, the task he had undertaken was most difficult. He found no trouble in releasing himself from other desires and ambitions of life, but toward Madotta, the object of its devotion, his heart would turn with mighty yearning. Before his imagination her figure, beautiful and enticing, would rise, and at his bidding it would not depart. Against all of this he waged war, loyal and unremitting ; but the contest was close, and love would often seem about to claim the victory. On such occasions, as though no more could be endured, and his high calling must be abandoned, he would arise and take his way toward the outer gates; but then the will would exert its fullest force, and duty be again triumphant. The strain of such perpetual warfare was disastrous to his health, and it wore him until he became lean and gaunt—more like a shadow than substance. He lost wholesome and sufficient sleep, becoming nervous and restless as the winds. These threatening symptoms were to him a source of no anxiety or displeasure. He was fully convinced that so long as life remained his passion would live with him, and that his days of the future, like those of the past, were destined to bitter and consuming struggle. It was, therefore, with com- placency that he viewed the near approach of death to terminate his misery, and advance him upon the path to Nirvana. Meanwhile Madotta had fared no better, suffering STORY OF MADOTTA. 55 greatly in consequence of the departure of Alompra. Finding him gone, she was overwhelmed with woe, having come to love him as earnestly as she was herself beloved. She was lonely and inconsolable. he days were blank and dreary, and her nights were periods of unrest. The sweet smile that had been at home upon her face was there no more, and her eyes were swollen by perpetual weeping. ‘Tears, however, themselves a blessed relief to the burdened heart, were after a time denied her, and her misery became more profound. Her form wasted and lost its shape and fullness, and her eyes their wonted luster. From the complexion, brilliancy departed, and the features fell away from the graceful curves and lines that formerly had been theirs. Nephews and friends, becoming seriously alarmed, sought to fathom the mystery of her ailment ; but she resisted all inquiries, and refused to reveal the secret. At last, becoming absolutely too weak to rise from her couch, she lay still wasting and about to die. Then, believing her last moments had come, she called to her bedside the elder of the boys with whom she had grown up, and in accents almost inaudible said to him: “T feel that Iam about to die. When I am dead thou mayest seek Alompra and tell him that I loved him, and without him could not live.” The youth, much affected, promised obedience, and Madotta, seeming gratified, was quiet and silent. He, however, possessing judgment and determination, re- solved to communicate at once with Alompra, hoping the latter might return and thus save the life of the beloved aunt. Fearing by his own absence to excite, upon her part, suspicion and inquiry, he dispatched his 56 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. youngest brother upon the mission. The latter, losing no time, reached the monastery and delivered the solemn message of Madotta. Himself weak and shattered, the effect of this astounding communication upon Alompra was over- whelming. As he received it, unable to render a word of reply, he fell insensible at the feet of the messenger. Conveyed to his cell, the tender ministrations of his brethren soon restored him to consciousness. After revival, the debate within him was short and speedily determined. So long as he believed himself alone con- cerned, his resolve had been fixed beyond power of change, and the struggle that love was perpetually wag- ing within him, while infinitely distressing, was abso- lutely vain. Now, like a revelation, broke upon him, for the first time, the knowledge that the happiness and even the life of her he loved had been involved, and lay, possibly at this very moment, in his hands. His was in every respect a noble nature, self-sacrificing and unselfish. Therefore, although in so doing he felt that he impaired, if in fact by surrendry he did not entirely abandon the merit of the stubborn battle he had been maintaining, he resolved to hasten at once to the relief of the suffering maiden. He knew that he was riveting to himself more firmly the chain of existence, thereby postponing the attainment of Nirvana; but yet, for her sake, he would not hesitate to doom himself to continu- ing metempsychosis, through ten thousand successive states of being, with all their component miseries. He reached her side in time to check the soul’s flight, and at her bed of suffering they pledged each other their vows of love; and Madotta survived to be a tender and devoted wife and the mother of his children. LAMENTATION OF ANIRAH. 57 CHAPTER XVIII. LAMENTATION OF ANIRAH. AxttHoucH Anirah had been in momentary expecta- tion of the death of her venerable and beloved father, yet, when the distressing calamity actually befell, she was unable to meet it with even the appearance of composure. The moment she was fully convinced that life had passed away, a sorrow heavier than ever over- whelmed her soul, and she cast herself, sobbing, upon the bosom of the dead. The people of the camp, attracted by these sounds of anguish, in brutal curiosity gathered about and within the entrance of the tent in which was Anirah with the lifeless body of Alompra. This the maiden, immersed in grief, did not per- ceive ; but she lay, despite the rude intrusion, moaning and weeping in the agony of her soul. At this moment Zanda, the commandant of the troop, was attracted to the spot. Although a rough soldier, drawn originally from the lowest classes, and risen from the ranks by years of faithful service, notwithstanding his rugged exterior and the training he had received, making him swift to anger, he possessed a heart that was warm, and usually gentle and considerate. On this occasion he had the tact and good sense to perceive at once the impropriety of permitting the sorrow of this stricken daughter to become thus a spectacle for the brutish crowd. In angry and peremptory tones he ordered the loiterers away, and stood himself, sometimes apart, as a sentinel against further intrusion. _ It was long before Anirah was able to control her 58 NORODOM, KING OF OAMBODIA. voice or stay the course of the bursting sobs that rent her bosom. At last, however, she succeeded partially, and was enabled as well to command her thoughts. Then she found relief in giving subdued utterance to her woe. “Oh, my dear father !” she murmured, ‘‘how hard it had been to lose thee, even in the dear old homestead, where thy last moments would have been attended by son and daughter, both of whom loved thee so truly, and owed so much to thy constant and tender solici- tude; and by grieving relatives and friends, so many of whom thou hast benefited by wise counsel and assisted by timely benefactions! How dreadful, almost beyond endurance, to have seen thee die thus, far away from home, and in a land of strangers and desolation, sute rounded not by loving hearts, but by enemies to thee and thine; thy last moments not peaceful, but beset by perils and encompassed by tribulations! Who could have conceived that a life like thine, an example of purity and’ honor, would have been brought to such a close? Alas! how bitter must have been the parting reflection that thou wast about to go from a helpless child, in the very height of her necessity, when, above all other times, she needed most thy counsel and protec- tion! Without thee, how will she face the future, so dark and threatening ? How true indeed were thy dis- courses upon the wretchedness of existence! Oh, that I could have died, as thou hast done, although not worthy to abide with thee in the future states of holi- ness to which thy virtues have entitled thee!” Thus, alternated with spells of sobbing, for some time such murmured and broken exclamations of sor- row and despair were continued, as though Anirah were LAMENTATION OF ANIRAH. 59 pouring a lamentation into the ears of the dead. To pursue the description of a scene so full. of anguish would be to distress the reader, and it were well to drop the curtain gently upon the maiden and her grief. Myamma, the king’s envoy, found himself placed by the death of Alompra in a position of difficulty. He was well aware of the capricious nature of Norodom’s temper, and that the question of his approval of any particular act depended solely upon the humor in which he was found. The apprehensive courtier was therefore at a loss to determine upon the course to be pursued in relation to the body of the deceased. To dispose of it without what the daughter might consider due respect would, in his judgment, be an offense unpardonable in her eyes, and one which, in a short time, she would doubtless be abundantly able to avenge. On the other hand, in a land like Cambodia, of strictest ceremonial, it would be a crime almost beyond absolving to accord to the dead honors greater than those to which his sta- tion entitled him. Were the law in this instance vio- lated, the captious monarch might not overlook it, but, on the contrary, would doubtless visit upon the perpe- trator the severest penalties. For these reasons Myam- ma was perplexed, and saw no way out of the embarrass- ment except to embalm the remains and bear them with him to the capital, thus casting upon the king himself the determination of the question. Even this course suggested dangers to the wary mind of Norodom’s cautious emissary; but, after earnest deliberation, he adopted it as the best solution of the difficulty. As soon as he could do so with propriety, he com- municated this design to Anirah, who, still dazed by her great bereavement, interposed no objection. A pro- 60 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. fessional embalmer was sent for to the nearest village of sufficient consequence to maintain one. As the distance was considerable, many hours elapsed before his arrival. When he did come, the first fury of Anirah’s sorrow had expended itself, and all was prepared for the perform- ance of the offices for which he had been summoned. His first operation was to wash the corpse carefully in warm water. Then, habited in white, the color of mourning, it laid for a while at rest upon amat. It was not long, however, until the embalmer was prepared for further proceeding. From the body of the dead man the viscera were removed. Through holes perfo- rated in the bottom of the feet, and extending up into the calves, pieces of bamboo were introduced, to allow the fluids to escape, which, by pressure, they were forced to do. When, to a considerable extent, these liquids were removed, in the cavities, whence the viscera had been taken, were placed honey and rich gums and spices, with perfumed oils of rose and sandal-wood, and the dust of eagle-wood, with that of other odoriferous shrubs and trees. When this was accomplished, the re- mains were swathed in folds of varnished cloth and the whole encased in beeswax, whereof the exterior surface over the face and feet was wrought to resemblance with the deceased. These parts, so molded, were covered with gilt, and the corpse was then deposited in a coffin, richly ornamented, whereupon the offices of the em- balmer were completed, and the body was in condition for transportation to the capital. ADORNMENT OF ANIRAH. 61 CHAPTER XIX. ADORNMENT OF ANIRAH. TuE calamitous journey of Anirah was accomplished at last. It was toward evening that the party reached its destination ; and the maiden, trembling and unwill- ing, was led to the palace. There she was consigned to the care of the women of the household, whose duty it was to prepare her for presentation tothe king. By his command, these were to lave her with costly perfumes, to array her in garments of richest stuff, and to adorn her with gems the most precious in the treasury. She, however, worn by the toil of travel, earnestly besought the women to postpone, until the following morning, the performance of their offices, that she might rest before being called upon to undergo the try- ing ordeal of submitting to the royal inspection. The attendants, knowing well the character of their master, did not dare, upon their own responsibility, to accede to this request. Neither were they willing to bear to him, a demand which might be at variance with his wishes. It was only when the prayer of Anirah was pressed more urgently, that one of their number at last agreed to approach the tyrant. She accordingly sought him, and, trembling, delivered the message as coming from the maiden, taking occasion also to extol her many and surpassing charms. Somewhat to the aston- ishment of the woman, the petition was granted with- out question or hesitation. Of Anirah the king had taken a secret view as she entered the palace, and he had been deeply impressed ; and he was, therefore, will- ing to propitiate her. 62 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Accordingly, Anirah was conducted to a chamber sumptuously appointed, where, sinking into a soft couch, she was overcome by fatigue and exhaustion, and fell into slumber most profound. During the en- tire night her sleep continued, and she awoke invigor- ated and refreshed. Shortly after her awakening, the attendants who had received her the evening before again presented themselves, prepared to execute the sovereign’s mandate. Divested of all apparel, she was led to the bath and thoroughly laved in tepid water. Now, her person was gently sprinkled with a fragrant mist of sensuous per- fume, prepared with all the consummate skill and cun- ning of Oriental manufacture. Then was cast over her a tunic of silk, fine-spun and rich, attractively figured in patterns of flowers and running vines, delicate and graceful. Passing over the shoulder and under the op- posite arm was placed a silken scarf, large and hand- some, harmonizing in color with the garment upon which it rested. The surface of these vestments was overwrought with gems. LEncircling her magnificent neck and each splendid arm were bands of heavy gold, in chain-work of wonderful intricacy and greatest beauty. The low sandals, out of which two exquisite ankles and the high insteps rose, graceful and’ like arches of gold, were sown thickly with seed-pearls and diamonds of small size ; all like a beautiful fretwork of frosted ice. The hair, long, abundant, and silken, care- fully cut and dressed with fragrant oils, was trained upon the top of the stately head, where it rested in shape like the full-blown flower of the lotus. Faithfully and diligently had the attendants com- plied with the orders of their master; and from their NORODOM IN LOVE. 63 hands Anirah came forth more lovely than the rose, and more fragrant than the violet. Being a woman, the nature of her womanhood asserted itself ; for, when her toilet was complete, despite her fear and the agita- tion of her feelings, she was fully conscious of her charms, and in them felt a momentary sentiment of pride and satisfaction. Such feelings were abundantly justified, for, as she stood, never before had Cambodia beheld a maiden of such magnificent beauty. CHAPTER XX. NORODOM IN LOVE. Tuvs decorated and attired, Anirah was led to the expectant Norodom. He, spurred by the glowing eulo- gies that reached him from all quarters, and by his own glimpse, hastily taken, was, for the first time in his career, anxious and careful to produce a favorable im- pression upon the woman that was marked as his vic- tim. With a view to furthering this object, by render- ing the occasion impressive, he had selected the Grand Hall of Audiences as the place of meeting. This was an apartment high and broad, its walls hung with ta- pestries of rich material and elegant design. The ceil- ing was supported upon rows of gilded columns, carved throughout their length with leaves and flowers, and the heads of birds and animals. About, on the out- skirts of the chamber, upon pedestals of ebony, sat golden images of Buddha and of the principal deities worshiped in Cambodia. 64 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Toward one end, stretched across this great hall, hung a magnificent curtain of golden tissue, while the floor itself was covered with mat-work of purest silver, woven in strands thick and heavy. At the side farthest from this screen the audience-chamber was entirely un- closed, the breezes of the morning entered pleasant and free, and charged with fragrant odors from the gardens below. Beyond and through this opening, in agreeable perspective, could be seen the groves and temples and palaces of the city. Sweet strains of music burst upon the ears of Anirah as she was ushered into the spacious apartment; and to such harmonious accompaniment the golden veil was slowly drawn aside. The portion of the Place of Audiences which the curtain marked off for royalty was far more richly fur- nished than the rest. The tapestry upon its walls was most costly, and the columns more elaborately carved, while the mat-work upon the floor was of plaited gold. Here Norodom was revealed, seated upon a raised platform, or throne, constructed and adorned, with ex- quisite taste, of ivory and ebony in beautiful contrast. Its cushions and hangings were of crimson velvet, over- wrought with silver. Upon this the monarch sat, lean- ing slightly upon an extended arm and hand that rested beside him. On his head was the great crown of Cam- bodia, rising like a miniature dome, surmounted by a spire, all built of large and rarest gems. The tapering point in turn supported the capital stone, a diamond of immense size and purest water. Around his waist a golden girdle ran, close-woven and with circular disk in front. Across the back and shoulders, to the chest, ex- tended another band of plaited gold, supporting a breast- NORODOM IN LOVE. 65 piece of the same, highly burnished, and embossed with precious stones. Curving up from either shoulder, to diamond-tipped points, in duly proportioned heights, rose demi-crescents of rich material, profusely jeweled. The Great Hall of Audiences had been cleared under orders of the king, and alone he sat. It was his desire that the interview between himself and the maiden should have no witnesses. Sentinels had accordingly been placed through all the adjoining corridors and neighboring grounds with drawn swords; and their instructions were to strike off the head of any who had not sought or kept their quarters. As Anirah entered, the attendants removed her san- dals, for it was not lawful that a subject should appear in presence of the sovereign with other than uncovered feet. Then the women retired precipitately, leaving their beautiful charge. When the curtain rolled away, notwithstanding the pitch to which the king’s expecta- tions had been raised, the loveliness of the maiden burst upon his sight like a vision of glory. Although power unlimited, stirred by licentiousness most capricious, had brought to him the fairest of all Cambodia’s daughters, never before had he beheld a woman such as this. He was filled with wonder and delight, while she stood be- fore him for a moment terrified and uncertain. The loose and flowing garments she wore, such was the fine- ness of their texture, hung about her in delicate folds, veiling but not concealing the grace and elegance of con- tour peculiar to budding womanhood, and which she possessed to a superlative degree. The faultless feet were bare, and with the marvelous ankles had naught to conceal their charms. The excitement of the occasion, after the first pal- 66 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. lor had passed away, illumined the eyes with a light more splendid than that of brilliants, and brought the warm blood to the surface, so that even the darker tinge of Cambodia could not hide the crimson ; and a bright flush lit up and enriched the gold of her complexion. The features, delicately cut and refined, quivered with emotion like rippling rice-fields agitated by the breeze. It was not for many moments that she stood thus blush- ing and confused. The sad experiences of the near past had added to maturity of the body that of mind, so that now she was, in every respect, a woman fully developed. She was quick to think, and had inherited of the courage and determination of her father. She had satisfied herself that resistance was useless, and con- cluded to meet the issue with resolution. Under the influence of this resolve, she cast hesitation aside and moved toward the throne. As she did so her head was erect and firm, her figure queenly, while her step was sedate and slow, dignified and most graceful. Every movement disclosed a new loveliness, like the unfolding of a glorious panorama. As she advanced, Norodom seemed dazed, so wrapped was he in the contemplation of her beauty. He felt, at the same time, stealing over him a sensation new and strange. It was a drawing of the spirit powerfully toward this woman, without the presence of the beastly impulses which moved him toward the hundreds of others who had been her un- fortunate predecessors. Anirah continued to move forward until she had reached almost to the foot of the throne, while the king still sat immovable, his eyes fixed upon the superb creat- ure as she approached. Reaching nearly to the lowest step, for the first time she remembered what, in her ex- CONDEMNATION OF MAHAGUA. 67 citement, had been forgotten—that in the presence of her sovereign she, a subject, should be prostrate. Terri- fied by a sudden consciousness of the omission, she cast herself at once upon the floor. Now, the spell which appeared to rest upon Norodom was broken, and he arose hastily to prevent the act of obeisance. Too late to accomplish this, he raised her gently to her feet. * Arise, fair maiden,” he exclaimed ; ‘‘it is not meet that thou shouldst be thus humbled. Rather art thou fitted, as its queen, to receive the homage of the world.” With these words he led her up, sharing with her the seat of state and honor—a grace which, during all his reign, had never before been accorded to a single human being. In a while so brief Anirah had become complete mistress of his callous heart, and infused into it, for the first time during all his vicious career, a sen- timent not cruel and debased. CHAPTER XXI. CONDEMNATION OF MAHAGUA. Noropow, although in disposition utterly depraved, in person was handsome and stately. His features gave little evidence of the vicious passions and base instincts that so long had ruled his heart. On the contrary, they seemed open and engaging rather than sinister and repellent. By prevailing opinion, however, among those who had never seen him, as is usual in such cases, he was supposed to be in appearance repulsive, with hideous 68 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. features and form distorted. The impression justly entertained regarding his moral nature had been per- mitted to mold the general conception of his external semblance. Before coming into his presence, Anirah had shared the prevalent idea; and she had also expected, at his hands, a treatment anything but considerate and re- spectful. It was a cause of wonderment, therefore, when, instead of the ill-favored countenance and mis- shapen figure anticipated, she beheld a man vigorous and robust, handsome and comely. Great was her astonishment as well when she received tenderness and deference where she had looked for rudeness and bru- tality. The consequence of this surprise was a powerful ze- action, and it so happened that, despite the nature of the feelings with which she had approached him, and her knowledge of his wickedness, Norodom, from the first, produced upon the maiden a strong impression. Remembering, however, the death of her beloved father and the other calamities brought upon her by the agency of the king, she was determined that the sanc- tuary of her heart, to him, should be for ever closed. Nevertheless, he seemed determined to win her regard as well as to possess her person, and so, pursued her with tender and considerate wooing. In this instance, as in so many others where the affection of woman is con- cerned, when love had once begun the conquest, resist- ance was in vain; and his triumph proved speedy and complete. It was, therefore, not long before Anirah, unable to offer further resistance, surrendered to the royal suitor, and reciprocated his earnest attachment. Upon the part of Norodom, the conquest by our he- CONDEMNATION OF MAHAGUA. 69 roine, from the first, was absolute and complete. He found Anirah, in manners and disposition, as amiable as, in form and feature, she was lovely. He took her at once into unlimited favor, and, so soon as her deyvo- tion toward himself was aroused, raised her to the dig- nity of wifehood, and she became, in consequence, the Queen of Cambodia. The announcement of an event so much at variance with the previous history of their sovereign astounded the people. Still greater was their surprise when the royal mandate went forth decreeing a national jubilee in honor of the occasion, and that valuable largess be distributed among them. From the accumulated hoards of the treasury great sums were spent in public display, intended to be expressive of general delight. In view of her recent bereavement,.Anirah at first objected to festivities on her account, and was anxious for their postponement. Norodom and his Council of State, after solemn deliberation, determined that, in the acquisition of such a queen, the monarch and his sub- jects had experienced a cause of joy overwhelming in its nature, and such as was not to be restrained, or denied due and immediate recognition. The dead would be honored ; but the nation and its sovereign should be allowed to rejoice and celebrate their good fortune. Anirah, then, with that perfect submission which de- tracts not from the pleasure it accords, even by a sug- gestion of opposition, graciously gave consent, and even, banishing the shadows from her brow, participated with her lord in the public ceremonials. So unusual, during this hitherto oppressive reign, had been occasions of gladness, whether public or pri- vate, that the people had become, in disposition and 10 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. appearance, morose and gloomy. Now, however, they welcomed this new departure as the harbinger of better days, and the old joyousness of manner and nature re- turned suddenly upon them. They entered with ardor into the festivities. Each city and town, as the proc- lamation reached it, was, for a considerable time, illumi- nated every night by countless lanterns of every shape and hue. The priests and people formed great proces- sions in the streets, and fire-works of unprecedented brilliancy and beauty delighted the populace. Labor was suspended throughout the land, and all surren- dered themselves to dancing and feasting. Once in that confidence which is begotten of affec- tion, mutual and confessed, Anirah was spéaking of her life at Atonga; while Norodom, pleased to learn, all connected with the woman he loved, listened with in- terest. She was recounting her experience with early suitors, and mentioned, among others, the name of Ma- hagua. Remembering him, the king became addition- ally curious and attentive, eliciting from Anirah all particulars connected with this incident of her history. When these were given, he was able to fathom the vil- lain’s motive in bearing the intelligence which had resulted in the mission of Myamma to Atonga. Then, in turn, Norodom recited the story of Mahagua’s treachery. ‘Coming thus, for the first time, to a knowledge of this wickedness, there swept over the heart of Anirah bitter recollections of its sad consequences; the death of her father and the torture of her brother. For an instant she was filled with resentment toward the trai- . tor, and, upon the spur of the moment, gave hasty and unguarded expression to her feelings. The pressure of SCOURGING OF MAHAGUA. TW other matters had driven Mahagua from the monarch’s recollection, and he was still in confinement. Norodom, himself incensed, and stirred by Anirah’s words, resolved that the wretch should die. Accord- ingly, on parting with his queen, the sovereign issued his decree for the execution of the prisoner. CHAPTER XXII. SCOURGING OF MAHAGUA. SucH was the infatuation of the monarch that he was seldom out of the company of her whose charms had cast their spell about him. It was, therefore, not many hours after the issuance of this fatal order until the pair were again together. Thinking to gratify her, he told Anirah of what had just beendone. The tender heart and merciful disposition of the father had de- scended upon the daughter, and she was inexpressibly shocked by the idea that, upon her account, a human being should perish. The thought was also painful that, for a moment, Norodom could suspect her of de- riving pleasure, or satisfaction, from the sacrifice of life. Earnestly she pleaded for mercy on behalf of the doomed man, begging that he be spared, and even released from prison. She took occasion also to make known to the king, in a manner that was gentle as possible, but firm, that to her the shedding of blood was intolerably odious. The king had been born with sanguinary instincts ; and, through long years of indulgence, this innate ferocity had assumed the character of controlling passion. The : 4 "2 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. condemnation of men had always been to him the occasion of sensations bordering upon savage joy ; and, as a mat- ter of pleasure, he had attended often the public execu- tions, which had been, during his reign, so verynumerous. For these reasons, the request preferred by Anirah ran counter to every impulse of his nature. He argued in the hope of dissuading her from continuing the prayer, dwelling upon the villainy and treachery of the condemned. All, however, was to no purpose, for she remained steadfast and persistent. Satisfied at last that further attempts at dissuasion were useless, Norodom lapsed for some moments into silence. Within him a conflict was in progress. Love, the new-comer, was waging war against the yearning for blood, which so long had ruled his heart with undisputed sway. Ani- rah watched him closely, observing the changings of his countenance, not fully conscious of the truth, but yet aware, as though by intuition, that there was cause for anxiety. Perceiving his continued agitation, she went nearer to him, and, casting her arms about his neck, kissed him lovingly. A caress so opportune and tender could not fail of deciding the issue, had it been more evenly balanced than it was. Love was conqueror, and for the first time in the history of this monarch, since the casting aside of the veil of dissimulation, originally assumed, mercy was exercised. Not an instant too soon had clemency been evoked in favor of Mahagua. Already, when the decree of pardon reached the public prison, had its gates been thrown open that the doomed man might be led to exe- cution. He was fully prepared to meet his fate with courage; but yet this rescue, so unexpected, was at the moment a source of infinite relief, SOCOURGING OF MAHAGUA. 13 Although the villain was to be spared from death, and his freedom had been promised, the king had not agreed that he was to escape all punishment. Accord- ingly, by royal command, he was led back to prison, and, in its yard, subjected to severe castigation. When he perceived what was in store, Mahagua was struck with dismay, and bitterly regretted the granting of his life. He struggled violently with the men as they bound him. Nevertheless, nothwithstanding his resist- ance, he was forced into a sitting posture, with his hands and feet firmly tied to a stout rod that was held to earth at either end by a lusty fellow on all-fours. Thus was the back constrained into an arched posi- tion, while a powerful varlet applied a swinging rod with all his force. The men who thus carried out the sovereign’s man- date were themselves convicts, bearing each upon his cheek the degrading brand of crime. They were mem- bers of the corps. of pardoned criminals forming the constabulary of the realm. The instrument of punishment was of bamboo, long and heavy, yet lithe and elastic. As the executioner laid it on, his own strong muscles stood out like whip- cords, and with every blow the hissing stem cut into the flesh, and the blood followed in copious streams, gather- ing in pools upon the ground. The terrible flagellation proceeded with vigor, until the designated number of strokes had been delivered. Then the victim was released and permitted to depart. During all this suffering the man of iron nerve had uttered neither cry nor groan; nor had his bleeding form flinched from the keen blows as they descended. ' He went forth doggedly silent, speaking no word, and 74 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. giving, in no manner, expression to his feelings. He was, nevertheless, consumed with burning rage. As he was about to avail himself of his freedom, he was informed of the agency through which had come the sparing of his life; but even to this announcement he condescended no reply. Instead, however, of awak- ening within him sentiments of gratitude toward Ani- rah, it but intensified his hatred. Worse than death, in his estimation, was the indig- nity to which he had been subjected ; and he attributed its infliction entirely to the daughter of Alompra. Far better had it been for Cambodia’s queen if the original intention of Norodom had been concealed from her, and Mahagua and his hate been buried in a single grave. CHAPTER XXIII. THE FUNERAL HILL. As Myamma had taken the precaution of bringing to the capital the body of Alompra, the king was called upon to determine the manner of its disposal. Such was the force of the infatuation now upon him that Norodom lost no opportunity of pleasing and showing respect to her who had conquered his love. As a mark of homage to the daughter of the dead, the monarch de- creed to the remains obsequies royal in their character. This was at variance with the usages of the realm, for by custom immemorial such honors had been confined to sovereigns alone, or such as were to them allied by closest ties of blood. THE FUNERAL HILL. 5 Just beyond the city walls, rising abruptly from the bank, was an elevation that formed a point in the course of the river, and, like a promontory, jutted out into its waters. Where it faced the stream its flanks, to some height, were steep and rugged ; but the approach from land was gradual, and the summit was broad, and rounded symmetrically as the side of an ellipse. This was the hill reserved exclusively for the funeral ceremonies of royalty ; and, except upon occasions when these solemn rites were performing, access to its sacred top was forbidden to the populace. Nothing in the shape of buildings usually marred the perfection of its contour, and within its hallowed soil no tree or shrub permanently sank its roots. Now, however, under the inspiration of the king’s command, there arose upon this crest, as though by magic, an imposing edifice, constructed with all the taste and beauty belonging so notably to Cambodian architecture. From the shores of the Great Lake of Thalé-Sap, mighty trees, of resinous nature and in full foliage, had been transplanted, forming upon the slope and about the crown of the hill a magnificent grove, whose spreading boughs afforded grateful shade, while their leaves rustled musically to the passing breeze. At various spots within this transient plantation, and under its protecting branches, were built a number of pavilions of wood, graceful in appearance, although in construction not substantial. These were intended for the comfort of the priests, and of the people who should participate in the funebral solemnities. Above the verdant tops, and through the avenues dividing them, glistened the white walls of the central structure, rising to support a serrated roof, which last 76 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. was broken by imposing domes mounting one above the other, in apparent confusion, but of striking gran- deur. ‘These were themselves pointed by tall and slen- der spires, duly proportioned, delicate and shapely, their tapering outlines contrasting effectively with the swelling roundness of the cupolas. Domes and spires were ornamented elaborately with glaze and gilding, and, as the sun flooded them with light, they shone resplendent, like burnished gold and polished silver. High up, within these lofty pinnacles, swayed sweet- toned bells, so delicately hung that they responded to the slightest zephyr, and flooded the country with me- lodious chimings. At a moderate distance the fabric rivaled in appear- ance the grandest temples of the city, but a nearer ap- proach and closer inspection revealed the fact that there was about it little of the real and nothing that was sub- stantial. The walls, seeming of stucco, were of canvas, upon a frame-work of wood, and covered with paper, painted in deceptive imitation of more solid material. To each spire ropes were attached, slender but strong, reaching to the ground, and secured by firm fastenings at either end, resembling stays to the masts of a ship. Indeed, without such precaution, the frail peaks would have tottered and fallen, accomplishing, no doubt, at the same time, the ruin of the entire erection. While upon the funeral hill these preparations were in progress, within one of the temples of the city the remains of Alompra were reposing in state. Around them, by day and by night, some of the principal gran- dees of the realm kept guard, swinging, at the same time, golden censers, in which was burning the fragrant dust of agila-wood. £ THE FUNERAL HILL. 77 Meanwhile five imposing cars were being built, indi- cating by their number and magnificence that the high- est honors were to be paid to the deceased. These were of bamboo and sandal-wood, all of different shapes and pleasing patterns, and built so tall that they towered far above the great wheels on which they were sup- ported. The principal one of the number stood in alti- tude at least fifty feet above the ground. From the front and rear two projections extended, long, tapering, and curving slightly upward, like the prow and stern of a war-canoe, each richly carved and embellished. Mid- way between these elongated ends the carriage ascended, in the shape of a broad turret, or elevated stage, with solid base, and cornices, and central moldings, each side painted in glowing colors and fantastic figures. Its faces were also decked with small mirrors, set in; and these, when bathed in sunlight, returned the radiance with dazzling effect. The upper square was encom- passed by a railing of sandal-wood, in bars running crosswise and highly polished, ornamented but not cov- ered with gilding. Within the space so inclosed, rising at short distance from the margin, so as to leave a sur- roufding balcony, firm posts of precious wood went up, pointing outward in such manner as to support a wider canopy or roof above. Without the railing, and from the very brink of the platform, were fixed tall and slender poles, encased in velvet of brightest red, and displaying at their points fluttering banderoles, or tiny umbrellas, glittering with spangles. The floor was covered with rich carpet, and the overhanging ceiling upholstered with crimson silk and skirted by an exterior curtain of the same, one cubit wide. Above this hanging drapery was a cornice, heavy and beautified, and its lower edge 78 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. was trimmed with pendant bits of isinglass, kept by the winds in perpetual and shimmering motion. In the center of the space thus covered stood the frame, gilded so as to seem of burnished metal, upon which was to repose the coffin of Alompra. Still higher than all, the crowning superstructure rested, reared of split bamboo, light but strong, and in the shape of a quadrangular pyramid. It was broken by terraces and balconies, and pointed by a tapering spire, and was all encased in foil of gold. The other cars, although of inferior altitude, were no less elaborate than this, and no less profusely decorated. The king, from the outset, was determined that these obsequies should be made an affair of state of the high- est importance. He had therefore issued his proclama- tion, summoning to the capital, for the purpose of par- ticipating, all the princes and tributary rajahs, the governors of provinces, and nobles of the land, each of these being expected, according to custom, to bring val- uable gifts, as a contribution toward defraying the vast expense of the ceremonies. CHAPTER XXIV. THE FUNERAL PROCESSION. AFTER a lapse of considerable time the elaborate preparations were completed, and the greater number of the rajahs and grandees of Cambodia and its depen- dencies had arrived. With each was a retinue propor- tionate to the rank and wealth of the master. In addi- THE FUNERAL PROCESSION. 79 tion, thousands had been drawn by curiosity from the surrounding country to witness the obsequies. The capital was likewise filled with strangers of every race and nationality, exhibiting a variety of costumes. Bands of actors and musicians, troops of female dancers and rope-walkers, tumblers, jugglers, and serpent-charmers, had also been attracted from every quarter, by the hope of vast crowds and appreciative audiences. These were performing in all parts of the city, and beyond its walls, in the direction of the sacred hill. By order of the king, the houses on either side of the route to be taken by the procession were decorated, each according to the means of its occupants. Many of the wealthier inhabi- tants spent large sums in ornamentation. Some had spread over the road or street, in front of their prem- ises, expensive cloths of heavy velvet, crimson or yel- low, while others extended overhead great awnings of the same rich material. When the appointed hour had arrived, the long and imposing cortege was formed, and moved toward and through the Gate of Funerals, beyond the ramparts. The advance was held by a thousand standard-bearers, dressed in red brocaded cloth, bearing banners of every conceivable shape, all of rich silk, heavy with gold em- broidery, and disclosing the colors of the rainbow, in almost infinite variety of shades. Each of these stand- ards was blazoned with some curious device of dragon, griffin, or flying-serpent. To the front and rear of this detachment were bands of innumerable musicians, ply- ing their instruments with indefatigable zeal, and filling the air with loud harmony. Next in order came a number of cars bearing living beasts and birds, and the embalmed carcasses of monster 80 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. fish, taken from the rivers and surrounding seas, and great, wide-spreading trees ; all intended to bespeak the participation, even of the animal and vegetable king- doms, in the general sorrow. The floats bearing these creatures were drawn, as were the majority of the other vehicles which followed, by soldiers, attired in bright and varied costumes. The third division consisted of figures of winged elephants, horses, buffaloes, lions, tigers, and leopards ; curiously shaped cocks and birds, griffins, dragons, and serpents, represented in every conceivable attitude. Some bore upon their backs miniature towers or pa- godas. To none was given entirely its proper shape, but each was marked with some exaggeration, or in- vested with characteristics drawn from the imaginatjon, or else belonging to other genera. Thus, elephants and cocks exchanged heads, or birds possessed the limbs of animals, or of human beings, or of griffins, while beasts, fully feathered, were decorated with wings, or with the barbed and forked tail of the dragon, or terminated in the long and coiling folds of the serpent. All these nondescripts were richly ornamented, some being cov- ered with gold or silver foil, and others spotted or striped, and painted in bright and pleasing colors, but in utter disregard of analogy to nature. Now, one thousand men, upholding umbrellas of every shape and size, rich in the texture of their cloth and elegant in appearance, paced slowly along. These numerous sun-shades were indicative of the eminent worth of the dead man, and of the exalted position to which his merits had entitled him in succeeding states of being. Ten hundred more, accompanied by music, followed, THE FUNERAL PROCESSION. 81 dressed in flowing robes of white, and wearing crowns of the same color, each bearing in his hand a flower-leaf of the sacred lotus. These were representatives of the celestial messengers who were to meet the soul of the departed Alompra, and usher it, with appropriate hon- ors, into the highest heavens. Preceded by bands of trumpeters, and drawn by three dozen horses, each led by a slave of the temple, next came the chief priest of Cambodia. He sat upon a high throne, canopied above, and forming the apex of @ pyramidal car, carved and gilded, and beset with tiny bits of glass of various colors. He was robed in yellow, and, in loud and solemn tones, as he was borne along, recited the holy prayers. Following, each in a vehicle decked out with fans and umbrellas—the emblems of royalty—its beauty and expensiveness being proportionate to the rank of the occupant, were the nearest princes of the blood. These were attired in costly paraphernalia, with golden chains about them, as additional marks of their lineage and importance. More elaborate and sumptuous than its predecessors, now came the royal carriage itself, upon which were Norodom and Anirah, side by side, blazing with jewels. Together they held a silken scarf, long and silvery, and reaching back to the coffin of the deceased, to which its other end was attached. The five great funeral cars were next in order ; the first with the remains of the dead, and those following bearing heaps of yellow cloth, such as worn by priests, and venerated for that cause, or quantities of agila and other fragrant wood, to aid in the incineration of the corpse, or baskets of fruit and other articles of food, 82 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. their essence for the use of the departed spirit, but the grosser substance, with numerous other gifts, for the inmates of the nearest monastery. A thousand men, in guise of angels, succeeded, with beating gongs, and one hundred towering spires, com- posed each of twenty umbrellas, one above the other, about a common stem, large and wide-spreading at the base, and diminishing gradually toward the top. Hach umbrella was of gold cloth, with tassels red and green and purple. After, came another throng, attired in red, and beating huge and gilded tom-toms, or bearing artificial flowers of yellow cloth. Nondescripts innu- merable, somewhat like the effigies farther in advance, but more grotesque, next formed the line, and were themselves followed by ten hundred bearers of long and flowing pennants of embroidered silk. Now appeared the remaining princes of the blood, and the high potentates of the kingdom and its depen- dencies, and important nobles of the realm, each with a personal retinue, clad in the costume of his race or section. These dignitaries were, some on horseback, others upon elephants. In either case, the animals that bore them were magnificently caparisoned, and led by slaves, richly dressed. Some were drawn in vehicles of various kinds, or borne in palanquins, upon the shoul- ders of servants. Closing this magnificent pageant came vast numbers of the populace, in holiday attire. Some wore hand- some and costly garments, while others had nothing but the waist-cloth common to the poor. Along the route great crowds of curious people thronged, prostrating themselves humbly, and touching foreheads to earth, in token of submission, whenever BURNING OF THE DEAD. 83 there passed a grandee, or superior of any rank. Dur- ing the progress alms were distributed with lavish hand, innumerable rockets were sent up, and bombs and other fire-works filled the air with fiery meteors and great clouds of sulphurous smoke. CHAPTER XXvV. BURNING OF THE DEAD. Tuus, with pomp and magnificent circumstance, the remains of Alompra were conducted to the summit of the Royal Hill of Funerals, and brought within the frail but imposing structure erected there. The coffin was placed upon a catafalque, fancifully constructed and elaborately ornamented. At its foot sat Anirah and the nearest female relatives of the king, wailing loud- ly. Now, from a near pavilion came the priests, enter- ing the temple of death. Immediately upon their ap- pearance the women hushed their lamentations and the religious ceremonies began. Coming forward, the high priest and his chief assistant, together with Anirah, as closest of kin to the departed, took into their hands the long and silvery scarf attached to the case that held the dead. They sat down, still retaining the sash, the king and high dignitaries sitting with them. Then, slowly, and in deep and solemn tones, the pontiff re- cited the creed of Buddha, and repeated the command-. ments, his priestly associates and the laity taking up each clause as he pronounced it. 84 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. “We worship Boodh,” they said, pausing long be- tween each sentence. ** We worship his law.” “We worship his priests.” “Do not kill.” “Do not steal.” “Do not commit adultery.” “Do not lie.” “Do not drink wine, or use intoxicating drugs.” Now ensued a solemn pause of greater length, after which the high priest rose and advanced slowly toward the corpse, summoning Anirah to follow his example. Then he bade her, from a shell of cocoa-nut, pour some water upon the scarf until it was saturated, and the liquid fell upon the ground. As this was done the pontiff again raised his deep-toned voice, and was ac- companied by Anirah in gentler accents. “‘Let the deceased,” they said, ‘‘ partake of the merit of the ceremonies now performing.” “Let him partake,” rejoined the auditors. ‘Let all present,” the two continued, ‘partake of the merit of the ceremonies now performing.” “We partake,” the throng responded. Other priests in turn succeeded their chief, repeat- ing the formalities and prayers as he had done, or add- ing others, until, finally, the ecclesiarch, mounting by convenient steps, stood upon the catafalque, at the head of the coffin. Extending his arms above the deceased, he pronounced, in a loud voice, the concluding invoca- tions, and the religious ceremonies were at an end. Then the holy brethren withdrew, taking with them the numerous and valuable presents which, in accord- ance with usage, had been provided. BURNING OF THE DEAD. 85 Now began the more immediate preparations for the burning. The agila and other odoriferous woods that had been borne in one of the funeral cars were heaped beneath and about the platform upon which the remains were lying. The temple of death, despite the inflam- mable character of its materials, was rendered more combustible by abundant applications of oil and liquid resins. The corpse itself was dressed with fragrant ointments, and odorous gums were heaped about it—all with the double purpose of filling the space around with sweet perfumes, and to secure the complete incineration of the body. Upon the breast of the corpse was a silver chafer, flat and wide, brimmed with fluid balm of ready igni- tion. Herein, by the hand of the daughter, as nearest of blood to the departed, the flame was to be first ap- plied. In the corners of the gloomy apartment, upon the ground, lay larger vessels of bronze, likewise supplied with balsam. A chandala, or burner of the dead, stood with lighted torch beside each bowl, ready to touch it to the resinous sap within the moment the fire shot up from the breast of the dead. ‘Now came the first solemn signal—the sounding, in slow and measured tollings, of a deep-toned bell. As it ceased its clangings, and the vibration of its heavy lips yet thrilled the air, all excepting Anirah and the burners of the dead retired from the temple. Again the sonorous peal was heard, and, with stream- ing eyes and averted face, the daughter brought the blazing wand she held in contact with the fiuid in the dish of silver. For a few brief seconds no responsive gleam appeared. Then a slight spark, like a blue star, rested for an instant upon the bosom of the liquid, and, 86 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. rapidly enlarging, the flame shot forth, leaping high, with fierce and sudden energy, and seeming, in its eagerness, to lap up the seething balsam upon which it fed. Anirah, perceiving that the last sad office of filial piety had been accomplished, turned reluctantly toward the door. Asshe did so, those remaining thrust their torches into the bowls of bronze, and the infuriate fire sprung up like glowing serpents, writhing and coiling almost to the ceiling itself, and wrapping with fervent folds each post and pillar upholding the structure. Then the burners of the dead withdrew precipitately, and in a few moments the interior of the temple was one mass of furious combustion. As this reached the outer walls and steep roof, the dry wood and painted canvas of which they were composed warped and shriv- eled, and then were seized in its consuming grasp, until the whole of the now swaying fabric was envel- oped in grandest conflagration. Over each imposing dome and pointed gable the flame coursed swiftly, and up the tall pinnacles and slender spires, bringing them down blazing into the igneous mass. Above all, in low and heavy clouds, the black smoke hung, lit up by the red glare of the struggling element, high-leaping, as though in the successive onslaught and repulse of some mighty conflict between the spirits of light and darkness. The calidity was so intense that the trees, transplanted from the shores of the Great Lake, and forming the groves about the Temple of Death, gave forth their resinous saps, and in turn ignited, adding to the already mighty volume of fire. Thus, for many hours was the summit of the Hill of Funerals clad in flaming garments, At last, when all KONESSET FOLLOWS HIS FAMILY. 87 that would burn was swept away, the conflagration slackened, then smoldered and died. So fierce, how- ever, had been the heat that the very roots beneath the surface were consumed ; and the soil itself, to the depth of a foot or more under and about the edifice, was reduced to blackened dust and ashes. When all was completely extinguished, strict search was made for unburned fragments of the dead, and a few charred bones rewarded the investigation. 'These were reverently surrendered to the priests, by whose pious hands they were cleansed and shaped into holy images of Buddha, to be perpetually preserved as relics most precious. CHAPTER XXVI. KONESSET FOLLOWS HIS FAMILY. WE left Konesset at Atonga, suffering so grievously from his injuries as to be unable to accompany his fa- ther and sister when they were compelled to depart with Myamma and the soldiers. He was resolved, how- ever, to follow, so soon as his condition permitted. His strong constitution finally asserted itself: his wounds healed, and his strength was entirely restored. Then he prepared for the long and perilous journey that lay before him. Cambodia has never been noted. for the good condition or safety of its highways, and at the remote period of our story they were doubtless more wretched and insecure than they are at the present date. The route to the capital was across many chains.of rug- ged mountains and stretches of morass, and numerous 88 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA, streams traversed it, most of which were bridgeless, and many exceedingly dangerous in the passage. The riotous and demoralizing reign of Norodom had relaxed even the inefficient Oriental discipline before prevailing. The kingdom, therefore, now more than ever, swarmed with robbers, and its waters with pirates ; all of the most desperate character. To such a pass had matters come in this respect that travel was suspended except in large parties, as armed caravans. ‘These were usually com- posed of traders, whose interests compelled them to journey and transport their merchandise, and who, with guards and servants, were almost the only itinerants in the land. By confederation they were able to move in great bodies, with strong escort; and even these pre- cautions did not always insure them against attack. Attempted surprises, occasionally successful, were not infrequent, and even open assaults in full force, some resulting in victory for the outlaws. The departure of these companies was periodical, usually fixed with reference to season and the state of the roads. It would now be months before the next would be organized and ready to proceed, and Konesset, if ie waited, would be compelled to endure a protracted delay. To undertake the journey with insufficient force would be to invite aggression which could not be resist- ed. The only course remaining was to attempt the passage alone, hoping by stealth and caution to elude the perils of the way. His friends endeavored strenuously to persuade him to postpone his starting until it could be made with the prospect of safety. Konesset, however, though realiz- ing the danger of the undertaking, felt that the fate of those he loved would be a matter of speedy determina- KONESSET FOLLOWS HIS FAMILY. 89 tion; and he feared that by tarrying he would be unable to reach them in time to assist, if occasion presented, or at all events to share their lot. He was unequal to the task of sustaining a long suspense, aggravated by con- sciousness of the fact that his father and sister were in suffering or peril, while he, so far away, was inactive. Therefore, he resolved to go at once. Among those who had constituted the household of Alompra was Ragoba, an aged and venerable dependent, a native of India. By occupation originally a juggler, acrobat, and serpent-charmer, he had been a wanderer even beyond the habit of his nomadic class, visiting many of the states and principalities of Hindostan, and straying through various sections of what is now known as Farther India, then the kingdom of Cambodia. Dur- ing the progress of his roving he had strolled even to the remote place where stood Atonga, in which city he was stricken with dangerous and protracted illness. The Buddhist considers every misfortune as the con- sequence of previous demerit, the penalty whereof is inevitable. If avoided in one shape, it must be endured in another. He sees, therefore, no necessity or advan- tage to the sufferer in alleviating the present misery of others, and so he does little to assist strangers in trouble or distress. It has been said that Christianity is the worship of sorrow, and it is likely to impress one that, despite its theories and pretenses, practical Buddhism is truly self- ishness raised to the dignity of a religion. It teaches men striving for the highest merit to deny their better natures. To such it inculcates the extirpation of all desire, and the sundering of every tie, whether virtuous or meretricious, as only through the attainment of utter 90 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. indifference can its culminating reward, annihilation, be secured. Even its priesthood is organized upon this principle egoism. Men are impelled to seek it, not as with the ministry of Christianity, for the honor of a Supreme Being, and with a view to serving the spiritual wants of others, but solely for the purpose of furthering individual interest, by expediting themselves upon what is considered the upward path. Indeed, what is usually denominated the priesthood of Buddhism has in it little that is truly sacerdotal. It partakes more of the nature of monachism. The monk of Christendom, however, seeks by his austerities to glorify as well as to propitiate his Maker, and directs his prayers and expiations to the Throne of Grace for the sanctification of the whole world, as well as far his own moral and religious advancement. ‘The Buddhist, on the other hand, in the performance of his works of merit, thinks of himself alone, leaving to his fellows the task of accomplishing for themselves their own des- tinies. Indeed, it has been asserted by a close and enlight- ened observer of the manners of an Eastern people that, were it not for the fact that the Almighty had provi- dentially implanted the virtues of love and true charity too deeply in the human heart even for its eradication, Buddhism would, centuries ago, have destroyed them entirely among the races whose fortunes it controls. Alompra was blessed with a fund of humanity so superabundant that even the cold dogmas and practices of his creed and people could not prevail against it. In this instance he pitied the friendless stranger, and con- cerned himself in his wretchedness. He had him at once conveyed to his own home, and eventually restored KONESSET FOLLOWS HIS FAMILY. 91 him to health and strength. The Indian, on his side, likewise rose superior to the same influences, and, feel- ing grateful, ever loved those who had extended these favors to him. The result was that the juggler ceased his wanderings, and, settling in Atonga, attached him- self permanently to the household of his benefactor, proving an invaluable servant. This man, who felt toward the family and was con- sidered by it more as a friend than a servitor, had ap- proved the resolution of Konesset, and, finding it fixed, gave valuable advice. “Tf thou goest to the capital,” he said, “‘ keep thine identity concealed, as by this means alone thou mayest hope to be of service to those in whose safety thou art concerned. The beauty of the young mistress will doubtless impress the king, and for a period stand as a shield for herself and the master. To a nature, however, debased and wicked as that of the monarch, stability is impossible. In time he will tire even of her, as he has done of so many before. Then will the danger be present, and then assistance needed. If, in the mean time, thou art’ disclosed, it will not lie in thy power to avert calamity. Thou mayest, in proper disguise, secure employment in the palace, where thou wouldst be able to watch the coming peril, and possibly aid the timely escape of thy father and sister.” “I thank thee,” replied Konesset, ‘‘for these sug- gestions of wisdom, and they shall be observed with care. Canst thou not further advise mine ignorance ? Tell me, in what semblance should I appear at the capi- tal, and how am I to secure a residence within the pal- ace ?” “Remember,” responded the other, ‘the great: 92 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. strength that Nature has given thee. Under my tuition thou hast been an apt scholar in all whereof I was mas- ter, and art well qualified to appear in the réle I filled so long. The skill thou dost possess will justify thee in expecting ready admission into the corps of jugglers and acrobats that provide amusement for the king, and, certainly, the influence of thy sister, while her power endures, will remove all difficulties. Thou hast acquired the language of my native province, and mayest easily assume the disguise of an Indian.” “But,” again the young man asked, “how am I, without discovery, to commend myself to the patronage of Anirah ?” **T had a brother,” was the answer, ‘but whether he be living or dead I know not. When last I was be- neath my father’s roof he was teaching the boy—though as yet little more than an infant—the rudiments of our calling. Doubtless, if surviving, the pupil has since be- come an adept. At all events, him thou mayest per- sonate, and make, in my name, thine appeal to the mistress.” To Konesset these suggestions seemed, in every re- spect, sensible as the first, and he rejoiced at finding a counselor so wise. He resolved faithfully to follow the salutary advice. CHAPTER XXVII. COMING OF THE MONSOON. No one was taken into Konesset’s confidence beyond this aged servitor, and he knew that upon him implicit COMING OF THE MONSOON. 93 reliance could be placed. An outfit, suitable to the character to be assumed, was readily secured. He deemed it prudent, however, to delay its use until he was nearly arrived at his destination. The costume was light and not encumbering, and so he was in condi- tion to travel with expedition and secrecy. The first stages of the journey were easily accomplished. The period consumed in healing his wounds had been con- siderable, and now the rainy season was almost at hand. He hoped, however, by expedition to pass the danger- ous places before it would actually set in. Once beyond the rivers and morasses, and into the mountains, stormy weather would be an ally instead of an enemy, serving to confine the robbers to their dens. The first difficulty apprehended was from the great swamps that lay some distance from Atonga. These were scarcely reached before it was apparent that the monsoon, with its aqueous freight, was drawing near, unfortunately in advance of its accustomed time. The earth was cracked and parched by long drought, during which the fierce solar gaze had not been obscured by a single cloud. The trees were drooping and dejected, with sere leaves hanging upon sapless branches. Vege- tation in general was arid and shriveled, and about to perish. All seemed pleading piteously for water. Over the face of Nature the atmosphere became more close and sultry, and the sun shone with gloomy light. Dark and spreading vapors appeared upon the horizon, in accumulating masses, piling upward toward the ze- nith. Low thunders reverberated in the distance, and the somber clouds were lit by occasional flashes. Then over the tops of the forest trees, in the far dis- tance, like the tramp of charging armies, was heard the 94 NORODOM, RING OF CAMBODIA. mighty rush of coming winds. Soon came the blast itself, with powerful sweep, bearing upon its front a host of flying leaves and broken twigs, with beating tor- rents and lightning in blinding sheets, and deafening thunders. Chaos and confusion seemed at hand. The heat and closeness, rendering the air oppressive, in a moment was brushed away, and, as though for the kindly purpose of strengthening Nature to withstand the fury of the elements, the temperature became cool and invigorating. After the first tremendous outburst there was a lull, and all creation was refreshed and rejoicing. The earth gave forth its fragrance, and the atmosphere was Jaden with grateful odors from resinous trees and aromatic shrubs. The birds of the woods flitted joyfully among the branches, singing and twittering, while, with glad clamor, those of the water took flight for well-stocked lakes and ponds farther in the interior. Millions of insects filled the fields and forests with their chirpings, and frogs without number added discordant voices to the mighty chorus. Thus matters stood until the night. Creation itself appeared in grandest jubilee over the coming of the rain, which, as darkness fell, began its descent in con- tinuous floods. Konesset alone did not share in the gerieral rejoicing. He now found the difficulties of his way increasing with every step, until, even to his un- daunted spirit, they seemed almost beyond surmount- ing. All Nature was against him, yet he plodded on with unshaken resolution. The down-pouring waters obliterated the road, made torrents of insignificant streams, and filled to overflowing each treacherous mo- rass. The vivid lightnings rent the skies, striking down PERILS BY FLOOD. 95 the tallest trees with dreadful uproar, endangering life by the falling of riven trunks and shattered branches. Ordinary men would have recoiled from such threat- ening perils, and delayed the further prosecution of the journey until the elements were at rest, and the threat- ening tides subsided. Konesset, however, was of strong will, and he had unbounded confidence in his physical powers, and the purpose which led him was grave and pressing. He was, therefore, not to be deterred. He avoided, so far as possible, each quagmire and swollen current; but, wherever it was essential, he pushed boldly forward, into and through them. On more than one occasion he was almost lost in the bog. The treacherous mud would give way beneath, and gather about him like black and noxious waters. It was only the struggles, long continued, of almost super- human strength, that would relieve him from their foul embrace, and deliver him from suffocation in the slimy depths. The narrowness of these escapes, how- ever, in no manner daunted his resolution, but, with courage and self-reliance firm as ever, he plunged into succeeding sloughs, deep and dangerous as their prede- cessors, CHAPTER XXVIII. PERILS BY FLOOD. THERE were other perils besetting Konesset besides those arising from deceitful quagmires that surprised him, or stubborn bogs that barred his path. The great rivers were beyond their banks, and converted into 5 96 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. rushing torrents. So, likewise, what at other times would be a tiny streamlet, or a depression in the sur- face, now conducted a strong and dangerous current. These, when unavoidable, were encountered boldly. Across some he could climb or swing. Great trees oc- casionally mingled their branches overhead, serving as bridges. Vines and creepers would hang down from the tall tops above, or, in firm net-works, reach across. Others of these perilous waters were traversed on float- ing logs, or on natural bridges of fallen trunks. When all other means failed, he did not hesitate to cast him- self into the currents, and battle manfully for the op- posite bank, On one occasion he was passing over a chain of lesser mountains that intersected his path. Already he had overcome the greater number of its difficulties, and was beyond the culminating ridge and in sight of the foot- hills at the farther edge. Now, however, he encoun- tered a threatening river, which rushed along with furious sweep. It was, indeed, a hurricane of waters. Here no branch or vine could be of service ; in the grasp no floating log would stay. Its broad surface the trunk of the tallest tree could never span. Below the spot where Konesset stood it swerved suddenly to the right, extending one edge of its widened flow over a low, flat spit, that lay at the foot of the op- posite slope. At ordinary stages this point was, doubt- less, left uncovered ; and its margin and surface were marked by low trees, with stout boles and spreading branches. Farther away the stream curved behind high rocks; and from the distance came a continuous roar, telling that the foaming tide there was plunging down a steep. : PERILS BY FLOOD. 97 The outlook was appalling, but the torrent must be traversed. Konesset knew that his strength would be of little avail when he was immersed in the raging flood. He even doubted his ability at all to force himself across its headlong course ; and failure was certain death. He thought, however, that by starting high, and allowing ample room for drift, he might possibly reach the shoal beyond. Accordingly, he walked along the bank, seeking a place most favorable for the plunge. Fortunately, he found a great trunk leaning far over, and affording promise of a partial gain. Picking his steps carefully to the farthest branch that would support him, he dived with all his might, and the impetus sent him some feet farther on his way. As he rose, the waters boiled and foamed about him, and he felt like one in the grasp of a powerful giant. He was fairly hurled along, blinded and almost suf- focated by the rough commotion. Nevertheless, he did not lose heart, but struggled with all his force for the opposite bank. The progress he made across, to him was scarcely noticeable. At every moment the noise of the ‘cataract below grew louder and more dreadful, giv- ing constant intimation of the fate awaiting, in case the swimmer missed the goal. Such was the agitation of the current that his down- ward course seemed to him more rapid than it was. Hurried along, unable to see, and touching no bottom, with the din of the falls in front growing momentarily more appalling, he began to fear that he had missed the landing-place, and was on his way to destruction. Now the seconds lengthened almost to minutes, and hope was gone. Nevertheless, his exertions were con- 98 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. tinued, though in spirit he had abandoned himself to fate. Suddenly across his face there swept the leaves of some low twig. Like magic, the touch infused new hope into his heart and fresh vigor into his limbs. Raising himself by a great effort, he grasped wildly at the branches. As he did so, a friendly bough was in his hand ; but the resistless sweep of the current tore it from his fingers, dashing and bruising him against roots and stumps—now beginning to be dangerous in his course. It seemed certain that he would be battered against these until life was extinct, and only a mangled corpse remained to take the plunge beyond. He made one final effort to avert the doom, and, by good fortune, succeeded in clasping a pliant limb, which, yielding to the first fury of the tide, enabled him to secure and maintain his grip. By the assistance of this God-sent succor he upheld himself until his eyes were cleared, and the situation was surveyed. He found that, instead of striking full upon the spit, as he had hoped to do, he had missed it almost entirely. The twig that had swept his face, and the branches at which he had successively clutched, were upon the very margin of this point; and the bough to which he held was the last that could possibly have served him. CHAPTER XXIX. IN BAD HANDS. , At last Nature seemed conquered by the obstinacy of Konesset, and abandoned the contest. The light- IN BAD HANDS. 99 nings no longer flashed across the heavens, or plunged through the forest ; and the thunders retreated, grum- bling, to the distance. The rain ceased its pouring, and the sun, bursting through the clouds, scattered them in heavy, angry masses. The atmosphere, puri- fied by this war of elements, was fresh and balmy; and the generous sunlight illumined all that before had been dark and gloomy. The tall and graceful palm-trees, invigorated and refreshed, shone, at their feathery sum- mits, with verdure that was almost radiant; and their swaying tops and rustling leaves, stirred by passing breezes, filled the air with soft and murmuring melody. Every bush and tree that stood upon the road-side, and every vine or creeper that ran and twined above, was bursting into bloom, or sending forth myriads of tender shoots, whose green was brighter and fresher than the older growth—all affording a thousand hues and shades, in pleasing harmony and striking contrast. It seemed, indeed, like the rising of the pendulum from the very nadir of gloom and depression to the apex of joy and exultation. Beneath the feet of Konesset the waters ceased accu- mulating, and now ran off in currents less deep and perilous, finally uncovering the roads and interposing fewer difficulties. He was able to traverse the plains and morasses, and the minor mountains lying in his path, and to reach at last the foot-hills leading up to the greater chains beyond. These mighty ranges, whose peaks now towered sublime and in plain view, were the stronghold of the most desperate of all the robbers that scourged the afflicted kingdom of Cambodia. The most powerful of all the bands that sheltered themselves in these fastnesses was that of Kai -Tau, a scoundrel born 100 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. in China, who had fled the land of his nativity to escape the penalty of crimes of unparalleled enormity. He had gathered about him, in considerable number, thieves and murderers of every race that inhabited the great peninsula now known as Farther India; with others, Chinese, and natives of Hindostan. From their lairs these brigands kept vigilant watch for unsuspecting caravans, and extended their forays by land and water through the country for miles around. On the part of Konesset, the greatest caution was now required. Journeying by day was abandoned, and he groped his way, as best he could, in darkness. With the light, he sought a place of hiding, usually some cavern, and there rested until the sun was gone. Such sheltering recesses were not difficult to find, for the mountains abounded with them; and they furnished secure and convenient harbors for the bandits that in- fested the region. The traveler shared the jungles and forests through which he passed with roving beasts of prey, who contrib- uted largely to the perils by which he was environed. Ferocious tigers and treacherous leopards, or ravening wolves in great packs, would gather about his places of concealment, or follow his footsteps ; and often he had to defend his life against their fierce attacks. On one occasion he retired for the day into a cave, rolling against its mouth a bowlder that lay convenient. The night had been a fatiguing one, and he fell almost immediately into profound sleep. From this he was rudely wakened, to find the stone rolled away, and him- self surrounded by a party of men, with weapons pre- sented at his bosom. ‘They were three in number, and IN BAD HANDS. 101 their villainous countenances justified the worst sus- picions. Konesset was a man of quick perception and prompt decision. He comprehended, at a glance, the futility of present resistance, and formed at once a plan of pro- ceeding. Pretending overwhelming terror, he besought his captors not to return him to Atonga. ‘To these ap- peals they deigned no immediate reply, but roughly bade him surrender his dagger. Then they commanded him to arise and proceed with them. They did not turn in the direction of Atonga, but took their way toward the rugged heart of the mount- ains. Perceiving this, Konesset seemed delighted, and was loud in expressions of satisfaction. As the party went on, his spirits apparently rose higher at every mo- ment, and he even ventured upon an occasional jest. As these were received with no disfavor, he began to~ hint slyly his supposition as to the character of his conductors, assuming to be greatly pleased at falling into such hands instead of into those of the Atongan authorities. His intimations meeting with no denial, he grew more confidential, declaring himself, at last, as a‘fugitive from justice, detected, while serving as one of its guards, in an attempt to rob the public chest. Finally all reserve was seemingly abandoned, and he announced the wish of associating himself with some of the free bands, expressing hope of its speedy gratification. To his captors these tales seemed not unreasonable. It was unusual to find a solitary traveler in these peril- ous wilds. The motive that brought him must, there- fore, have been urgent, and, to men of their habits, the cause assigned was most probable; and it served the prisoner, in their eyes, as a certificate of character. 102 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA, The reserve of the robbers was giving way, and finally they were upon the best of terms with the cap- tive. Their connection with the band of Kai Tau was acknowledged, and they declared that their new friend should be admitted to its fellowship. This promise of adoption into a brotherhood of crime was received with apparent rapture, and with expressions of thanks, loud and profuse. CHAPTER XXX. BATILE WITH THE ROBBERS. THE suspicions of the robbers were now at rest, and their watchfulness relaxed. The party had penetrated almost to the very core of the mountains. Everything was wild and rugged, and even dangerous to traverse. They descended steep declivities, passed through gorges, narrow and deeply cleft, up stubborn slopes, and along ledges almost as sharp and narrow as Al Sirat, the pre- carious bridge leading to the paradise of Mahomet. Konesset was impressed by the almost impregnable char- acter of these fastnesses, considering how difficult would be the task of dislodging the robbers, by whom they were infested. , Another problem of nearer interest to himself like- wise engaged his attention. His foes were three in number, and fully armed ; and he was weaponless. The order of march was also a disadvantage: two behind and one in advance. This disposition would compel him to attack the pair that- followed, with their com- BATTLE WITH THE ROBBERS. 103 panion in rear; or worse, to have the couple at his back while the one in front was assaulted. The confidence of the brigands was essential to the success of any effort he might make at escape, and, fearing to destroy it, he abstained from suggestion or manoeuvre calculated to effect the change. He was re- solved, however, to postpone the attack so long as pos- sible, hoping his enemies themselves might make the alteration. This manner of journeying, originally a precaution, was now no longer a matter of design. It continued, however, until the prisoner began to be fearful of delay, and concluded, at all events, to deliver the onset at the next spot that favored. Finally, fortune again befriended Konesset. One of those that had walked in the rear slipped hastily for- ward and engaged in confidential converse with him who had been always before. They entered now upon a part of the road particularly difficult and dangerous. The path skirted along the face of a precipice, upon a narrow, protruding ledge. Below was a mighty gulf, with a sheer descent of more than a thousand feet to the bed of a mountain stream. So narrow was the foot- ing that those in advance could no longer remain abreast, and one fell back behind the other, in file. They both, however, continued to the front. Here, the captive considered, was his opportunity. Springing suddenly upon the nearest of the robbers that was marching ahead, he pushed him violently from the rocky shelf. Startled by the despairing cry of his falling comrade, the other turned sharply, leveling his spear to receive the onslaught. The extraordinary phys- ical power of Konesset was now of service. With a 104 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. grip of iron he seized the extended weapon just behind its head, and, delaying not to snatch it, he snapped the tough handle, and with the barbed fragment cast him- self upon his enemy. In a second more the point was in the bandit’s heart, and the body, still convulsed, was hurled over the side of the precipice. So powerful had been the thrust, that the lance-head was fixed firmly in the spine of the victim ; so that Konesset, with the hasty effort permitted, was unable to disengage it. He was, therefore, compelled to turn empty-handed upon the re- maining brigand. As the victor, bathed in the blood of him who had just been slain, confronted the survivor, his aspect was truly terrible. The eyes were alight with the fire of battle, the features set with deep-drawn lines of coyrage and determination, and the muscles strained and ready for the spring. All, indeed, was calculated to strike overpowering fear into a heart of stoutness. In addition, the affrighted villain had witnessed a signal exhibition of the prowess of his assailant, and he had no spirit for a fight. He turned and fled inconti- nently, in his panic casting away his spear, which fell into the gulf. Konesset, in no wise bloodthirsty, under ordinary circumstances might have spared the flying wretch, although the latter doubtless deserved his fate. On this occasion, however, he felt assured that the rob- ber, if permitted to escape, would alarm his fellows and bring the band upon the track, to scour the mountains until the prisoner was retaken and the death of their associates cruelly avenged. The race was not a long one, for the pursuer was active and fleet of foot, and the fugitive soon heard the steps behind gaining rapidly upon him. In despair he BATTLE WITH THE ROBBERS. 105 suddenly turned and cast himself upon his knees. This movement was so unexpected, and Konesset so close, that the latter was unable to check himself and stumbled headlong over the cringing figure, and was almost precip- itated from the narrow ledge. He fell prostrate, but was up again in a moment, standing over his supplicating foe. Piteous were the pleadings of the brigand, begging for life, and pledging himself by every oath, if spared, to abandon his career of crime. The face of Konesset softened for a moment, for he was touched by the mis- ery of the man, and longed to spare him. Noticing this change of feature, the robber took heart, and his en- treaties became more vehement. There was a struggle in the bosom of the victor, who naturally revolted against the slaying of an unresisting enemy, and one pleading for mercy. He was tempted to relent, thinking for a moment only of his own peril; but the fact that father and sister were involved as well forced itself upon him. For their sakes no unnecessary risk could be assumed. He determined, therefore, to end at once the painful scene, and so laid his hand upon the trembling bandit. The latter, again observing the alteration upon the countenance of his adversary, plucked sudden courage from despair, and sprang with violence upon Konesset. He hoped, by the surprise and fury of the assault, to cast its unguarded object into the gulf. He found, however, the form against which he threw himself planted firmly as a rock, and the attempt was unsuc- cessful. Then, in an agony of fear, he clung desper- ately to the brawny arms and shoulders of his execu- tioner. Heseemed to acquire from terror extraordinary strength, and his opponent found it difficult to cast him off without endangering himself. 106 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. After a few moments of struggle, during which the vigor of the conqueror was severely tried, the latter was able to press the robber against the side of the over- hanging precipice. Then laying a palm suddenly upon the bandit’s head, Konesset dashed it with irresistible force against the rocky barrier, so that the skull was shattered, and, with mouth, eyes, and nostrils giving blood, the body fell limp and lifeless. To lessen danger of discovery, this corpse was sent to join the others in the stony bed of the stream below. CHAPTER XXXI. ARRIVAL OF KONESSET. Konesset had successfully made his way out of the mountains and traversed the rivers and plains which lay before him, and the capital at last was near. Among others of the arts his Indian friend had taught him was that of disfigurement and disguise. He was, therefore, able now to mask his identity. Selecting a lonely spotin the heart of a thicket, he effected the change. His old garments were carefully concealed, and he stepped again into the road, completely metamorphosed. In the sturdy Hindoo, standing upon the highway, even a mother’s eye would not have detected Konesset. In this guise he made his way to the city. Entering its gates, he loudly proclaimed: himself through the streets as Morari, Prince of Indian Jugglers, come from Upper Hindostan to amuse the king, Norodom, and his lovely queen. As he thus cried aloud he would leap ARRIVAL OF KONESSET. 107 and spring, casting wonderful somersaults, and perform- ing feats of astonishing strength and agility. The pop- ulace gathered in admiring throngs, and followed, loudly applauding, as he made his way toward the royal quar- ters. At the approach of the noisy crowd the massive gates of the palace were hastily closed, and the soldiers summoned to positions of defense. At the sight of such warlike demonstrations the clamorous mob, familiar with the character of Norodom and of his underlings, were seized with panic, fearful that the archers would open upon them. ‘They fled in confusion, and the stranger was left alone, in front of the threatening inclosure. Dismissing timidity, the garrison now cast the portal open, and a body of swords- men rushed out upon Konesset and roughly made him prisoner. Here was an sicidicntiy for the commandant of the household troops to figure, in the eyes of his sovereign, as a warrior of remarkable watchfulness and courage ; and accordingly a serious revolt was reported. It was declared that the people, under lead of the Hindoo, had risen and made a determined assault upon the palace, which, by the promptness of that officer, had been com- pletely foiled. Receiving this intelligence, the king ordered the captive at once before him. When the latter appeared, Anirah was seated beside Norodom. Konesset pros- trated himself before the angry monarch, who, in fierc- est tones, demanded his name and purpose. “Most Excellent, Glorious Sovereign of Land and Sea,” was the answer, ‘“ Lord of the Celestial Elephant ; Lord of all White Elephants; Master of Sakya, the Supernatural Weapon; Sovereign Controller of the 108 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. present state of existence; Great King of Righteous- ness, and Object of Worship! thine unworthy slave is named Morari, and he cometh from Sacred Behar, upon the banks of the Ganges, in the kingdom of Magadha. Ragoba, my brother, hath long been of Atonga, within the dominion of the Sovereign of Sovereigns, and at- tached to the household of the high mandarin, Alompra, distinguished father of the worshipful queen. From distant Behar had I come, to see once more him from whom I had been so long parted, when Ragoba, assuring me of the favor of our gracious mistress, urged me to seek fortune at the capital of Cambodia, rather than return to the land of my nativity.” Anirah was astonished, and at the same time delight- ed. Here was an unexpected opportunity of receiving intelligence from relatives and friends at Atonga, \ and particularly from Konesset, whom she had left suffering and in a precarious condition. She said nothing, how- ever, until her lord had finished his close and suspicious interrogation relative to the reported uprising and at- tack upon the palace. These questions were all an- swered with utmost candor, and in such manner as even to impress favorably the fierce interlocutor. CHAPTER XXXII. TIDINGS FROM ATONGA. By this incident, so unexpected, the queen had been cast into such a state of agitation that, even after the king was silent, she was not able immediately to control TIDINGS FROM ATONGA. 109 her voice. At last, however, she repressed her excite- ment, and, in turn, questioned the juggler. «‘ What token hast thou,” she asked, ‘‘ to prove that thou art, indeed, the brother of Ragoba ? Never have T heard our venerable and faithful servant make mention of such a relative.” “Oh, Most Gracious and Worshipful Mistress!” he replied, “‘I have the means of dispelling doubt. Ra- goba bade me recall the day when thou, being yet little more than an infant, he found thee in thy father’s garden, beneath the trees, thy playmate a serpent of deadly fang; and how he stood a moment transfixed with horror, and then sought to slay the venomous reptile. Thou, in the innocence of childhood, didst plead for the life of thy dangerous playfellow.” “Truly,” responded the queen, “what thou hast related I remember well; but this may have been told thee by the good old man, loving as he does to recount the incidents of the happy past. Doubtless thou hast other proofs ?” 5 ‘¢ Further evidence I have,” he answered, “‘ and more convincing. My brother confided to my care, for deliy- ery to thee, this necklace of black pearls, so long worn by thy lamented mother. It had lain long in the casket of silver, with other treasures, until, danger approach- ing, thou didst charge Ragoba with its keeping.” As this was said, Morari raised himself slightly and drew the circlet from his bosom. It was folded in palm- leaves, and, as he departed from Atonga, had been care- fully concealed about his person. Ata sign, an attend- ant took it upon a golden platter, and, creeping upon hands and knees, laid it at the feet of his royal mistress, Norodom graciously picked it up and handed it to Ani- 110 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. rah, who received it with emotion. Carefully, and almost religiously, she undid the wrapping, until the chain itself lay exposed. Recognizing the precious relic, it brought to her mind a flood of tender recol- lections, and her tears were with difficulty restrained. ‘‘Now, indeed,” she said, ‘do I credit thine asser- tion, and know thee to be the brother of Ragoba; yet it is strange that thou bearest no token from Konesset, Surely thou hast tidings of him as well as of other relatives, and of the friends and servants of our house- hold ?” “Most Gracious Queen and Mistress,” was the re- ply, ‘“‘I thank thee for this wondrous condescension. Friends and relations and domestics are well and pros- pering, except, indeed, our master, Konesset. Concern- ing him I hesitate to deliver my message of sadness.” Now Morari paused, as though unwilling to continue without further permission. His true motive was to accord his sister a moment of preparation for the com- ing shock. Anirah, seriously alarmed, was anxious to learn all, and hastily bade him proceed. Thus urged, Morari resumed : “Thy brother, Most Gracious Queen,” he said, “‘ re- covering partially from his wounds, and unable to bear the suspense of longer separation from those he loved, made the effort to follow them to the capital, but per- ished in the attempt. At the instance of Ragoba I have come to bear the sad intelligence.” Notwithstanding the precaution that had been taken, the effect of these words upon Anirah was overpower- ing. She sat for a moment unsteady, and then, losing consciousness, fell upon the bosom of Norodom. He, holding her tenderly, commanded all to retire; in- ROMANCE OF MORARLI. 111 structing Morari, however, to remain in the palace until summoned again. Then, gently, in his own arms, he bore his lovely burden to her chamber and laid her upon the couch. CHAPTER XXXITII. ROMANCE OF MORARI. Durine the following day Morari received a sum- mons from the queen. He had been looking forward to such a call with great anxiety, uneasy for the effect upon Anirah of the sad intelligence he considered it necessary to impart. When ushered into her presence he cast a scrutinizing glance upon the countenance of his sister. Her eyes were red and swollen and moist with rebellious tears. The cheeks themselves were wet, and pearly drops were clinging to the lashes. These evidences of distress filled him with remorse, and he was strongly tempted to cast disguise aside and relieve her sorrow. His better judgment, however, restrained him, satisfied as he was of the wisdom of the course he was pursuing. Therefore, but not without difficulty, he re- pressed his feelings, and lay in silence, prostrate before the throne. The queen, still deeply moved, was not able at once to speak. Norodom, sitting beside her, was uttering low words of comfort, until finally she was more com- posed. “Tell us,” she asked, ‘“‘when and how died my brother Konesset ?” “‘Most Gracious and Worshipful Queen and Mis- 112 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. tress !”? Morari answered, ‘‘in my presence he was slain. Too impatient to wait upon the departure of a caravan, he undertook the dangerous journey without an escort, hoping by stealth to accomplish it in safety. ‘I, being also desirous of reaching the capital, begged permission to accompany him, and it was gra- ciously accorded. With infinite toil the mountains were attained, where the robber-bands of Kai Tau find their harbor. We had penetrated almost to their very heart, traveling by night and resting by day. “One morning, overcome by fatigue, we were sleep- ing soundly, when the brigands surprised us in our place of hiding. It was the hard fate of the master to be killed before he could spring from earth or defend himself, and I, at his side, was left for dead. ‘ “Many hours after the murderers were gone, the cool air and the dew of night revived me. Satisfying my- self that the master was dead, I left his remains in the cavern, and, to preserve them from the beasts, rolled a stone against its mouth. Then, wounded and suffering, and with great difficulty, I made my way back to Atonga, bearing to Ragoba the sad intelligence. Even before complete recovery I determined again to attempt the passage, that thou mightest be informed of the master’s fate. On this occasion, more fortunate, I was able to escape the dangers of the mountains and reach the cap- ital.”” As Anirah listened to this graphic account of the trials and imaginary death of Konesset her tears fell in profusion. When the recital was concluded, and her attention released, her grief became uncontrollable, and she burst forth into broken sobs. Norodom sought to comfort her, but she seemed beyond the reach of con- BETTER DAYS. 113 solation. Again Konesset was tempted to relieve her sore distress, but again he yielded to conviction of the wisdom of his course. The king, desiring privacy, again signaled Morari and the attendants to withdraw. Upon the following day the royal proclamation issued, commanding the people of Cambodia and its dependencies to mourn the brother of the queen, during the period, and with all the ceremonies, as in case of a prince of the royal blood. The mandate was obeyed; even Konesset apparently sorrowing for himself. Mahagua, receiving the tidings conveyed in the proc- lamation, rejoiced. His burning hatred of Alompra’s family had been inflamed by the flagellation received, and which he attributed solely to Anirah. He consid- ered two of his enemies fortunately disposed of, and the fact that their doom had been the result of his own machinations was to him a source of additional gratifica- tion. The third, and in his eyes the principal offender, was doubly bereaved, and, even during the short period of her ascendency, would be deprived of gladness. He looked forward exultingly to the day when, the precari- ous fire of Norodom’s love burned out, Anirah, like so many of her predecessors, should fall from grace. Then would his vengeance be complete. CHAPTER XXXIV. BETTER DAYS. For previous victims the fancy of Cambodia’s li- centious monarch had indeed been fleeting. In this 114 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. instance, however, there seemed a notable exception. Time appeared only to cement and strengthen the ties binding together the hearts of Norodom and Anirah. The influence of Cambodia’s queen was paramount. Her dominion was gentle, and directed toward the hap- piness of the people, so long and severely tried. In- deed, through her sweet and beneficent intervention, the evils that afflicted them were all eradicated. The flock of wicked courtiers who had swarmed about the king, exciting him from one excess to another greater, was dispersed. Losing, in the charm of her companion- ship, all taste for such riotous association, the sovereign readily consented to their departure. Then the offices of the government were purged. Those of their incum- bents who had been tyrannical or corrupt now met the punishment their crimes deserved, and their places were filled with others more honorable and pure. The tribunals of justice again entertained and fairly deter- mined all controversies presented, and enforced with vigor the laws of the land. The army, instead of being engaged in domineering over the people and in plunder- ing them, or in conducting wars of injustice, were set to the more salutary task of extirpating the bands of pirates and robbers that swarmed through the country and infested its seas and the rivers. By measures such as these the morals of the nation were purified, and the criminal classes compelled to reform, or abandon the realm, so that serious offenses became matters of rare occurrence. The inhabitants of one province might leave their homes without anxiety, and even traverse the kingdom from end to end, with no one to molest them. To these reformations Anirah was impelled not only BETTER DAYS. 115 by motives of charity toward his subjects, but also by another as high and holy—that of reclaiming her lord from ways of evil, and of purifying his fame. As though under the strong influence of some happy spell, Norodom yielded readily to each virtuous sugges- tion. Relieved from the constant gloom and terror which had long oppressed them, with contented hearts and new energy the people now applied themselves to their various avocations. Their condition improved rapidly, and trade and commerce were wonderfully revived. The waters of Cambodia—her rivers, lakes, and seas—were gladdened by the perpetual passing of countless junks, and of crafts of every size and character, laden deep with precious cargoes. The vessels of China and Japan, and those of other lands, sought her shores, and peace- fully disposed of their wares, taking others in exchange, to the profit and advantage of all concerned. As if to indemnify this people for the sufferings of the past, Nature appeared to have entered into league with this beneficent queen. The earth became un- usually prolific, rewarding generously the labors of the husbandman, and bringing forth of its fruits in aston- ishing abundance, while the useful animals multiplied in a manner unprecedented. All who observed the change were filled with won- der, and were at a loss to comprehend the nature of the mysterious influence that had wrought it. Unable otherwise to account for it, the populace concluded that Anirah must be some embodiment of godly power, descended to relieve them of their miseries. Only ce- lestial force, they thought, could thus chain the fickle- ness of their sovereign’s disposition or curb the violence 116 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. of his passions. As one possessed of powers supernal, they venerated and adored her, erecting in her honor images which received their worship. As such divinity she has passed into the traditions of the people, taking high place in Cambodian mythology as the Goddess of Mercy. CHAPTER XXXYV. .COMING OF THE PRINCE. In the course of time Anirah bore a son to the king. The auspicious event was a source of pride and satisfac- tion to the royal father, linking his heart more strongly ‘to the happy mother. The little one was welcomed with due formality and ceremonies appropriate to the occasion, and a general jubilee was again proclaimed. The people, now happily relieved from all their bur- dens, entered with spirit into the consequent festivities, extending them of their own accord beyond the period fixed in the decree. For weeks the land was trans- formed, presenting one broad and general scene of joy and feasting. The celebration partook, among the pop- ulace, of the character of a religious demonstration, and was prosecuted with unusual energy and splendor. Thus they sought to testify homage and gratitude toward one considered as a goddess, and to further propitiate her favor. The boy was strong, and gratified the father by strik- ing resemblance to himself. He survived the many perils that wait so closely upon the days of early in- fancy, and the mother regained health and strength, COMING OF THE PRINCE. 117 having added to her attractions the indescribable charm maternity itself so often accords. Five years or more had rolled by since the date of Anirah’s arrival at the capital, and yet her position seemed firm as ever. During all this time Konesset, greatly rejoiced, was coming almost to the conclusion that the happy state of affairs was to be permanent. He was often moved to abandon his masquerade, and add to the joys of Anirah that of fraternal love and association. He also himself yearned to embrace his sister and her child, and receive in return their endearing caresses. He could not, however, ignore the solemn warnings of Ragoba, and there was ever within his own bosom a pre- sentiment that the future was not without its changes. Meanwhile he had become a fixture in the palace, and won the favor of Norodom and his queen. From motives of policy he had abstained from the acceptance of any place of trust or prominence. He had solicited and obtained appointment as guardian of the royal armory, the duties of which position he faithfully dis- charged. There remained, nevertheless, much time that was legitimately his own. This was valuable, enabling him to study closely the internal arrangements and ex- ternal surroundings of the palace, and to make friends with servants and soldiers of the household, and citizens beyond its precincts. He had been particularly atten- tive to an aged officer named Prenawa, the supreme cus- todian of the building itself, and of the grounds within its inclosures. So successful were his advances in this quarter that the venerable man, who had survived all relatives of his blood, came to consider Konesset as a son, deriving pleasure accordingly from his attentions and marks of affection. 118 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. In bestowing these evidences of regard the latter was not actuated by policy alone. He had, it is true, commenced to cultivate the favor of this official from motives of interest, but the gentle amiability of Pre- nawa had won the heart of Konesset, notably open and of easy access. Thus it transpired that there sprung up between the pair an affection that was strong and sincere. The purpose of the younger of the two, in originally seeking the friendship of the other, was to secure a knowledge of the secret chambers and passages that must exist under and about the palace. These, by vir- tue of his office, were known to the custodian, and familiarity with them might prove, in case of peril, invaluable to Konesset. . Out of caution, he was slow in his advances toward securing the desired information. Nothing demanded haste, and he was loth, by precipitation, to arouse the suspicions of Prenawa, or cause him to doubt the sin- cerity of his friendly professions. His spare time was largely.devoted to the performance of the minor duties of his friend, upon whom the years were pressing heav- ily, and who received with gratitude the services Ko- nesset rendered. Ascertaining by experience the trust- worthiness of his voluntary assistant, by degrees the guardian of the palace yielded more and more to his care. Thus, one by one, the secrets of the palace were all acquired. At the same time Prenawa, upon whom the laborious duties of his office were resting with in- creasing weight, now found the repose to which he was entitled by reason of his age. THE VALLEY OF THE SORCERER. 119 CHAPTER XXXVI. THE VALLEY OF THE SORCERER. Dourine all this time Mahagua was closely and anxiously watching affairs at the palace, expecting some sign of the change he so earnestly desired, and which was postponed so far beyond his anticipations. He had thus been waiting three years or more, when his father died, leaving him as only heir. Pending the long and enforced delay, Mahagua’s craving for vengeance was strengthening day by day, absorbing his every power and thought, until it became, as it were, his nature itself. Life to him was agony, so rendered by rage and disappointment. Nevertheless, he bore it all, without thought of abandoning the cruel chase upon which he had set himself. The estates about Atonga, as such, were of no avail to him in the condition of mind in which he was. Rec- ognizing, however, the value of ready money in the accomplishment of his designs, he resolved to dispose of all, and transfer his wealth to the capital. There he could be ever present, prepared to seize upon favoring circumstances. He availed himself of the first opportunity of part- ing with these possessions, even at a sacrifice. While detained in the city of his birth, he made inquiries con- cerning the reported death of Konesset, but in such manner as not to attract attention. What he learned was sufficient to destroy his faith in the story Morari had related. Upon first learning of the destruction of his enemy, Mahagua had possessed himself of all particulars, and it 6 120 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. was to verify or disprove them that he had entered upon this investigation. He found in Atonga no one that had heard of the coming from ‘Hindostan of a brother to Ragoba. He ascertained also that Konesset had un- dertaken his journey alone, and none were aware of the return of a wounded man. These circumstances satis- fied Mahagua that the recital of the juggler was a fiction. He now remembered that in the figure and appearance of the latter, as he first beheld them, there had been something seemingly familiar. The impression, how- ever, at the time was faint and speedily forgotten. In the light of late discoveries it returned, and he became convinced that the pretended Morari was none other than Konesset himself. He could readily understand the motive of the latter in originally assuming a dis- guise ; but why it should be persevered in, after years had apparently removed its necessity, he could not com- prehend. It was a terrible disappointment to the vindictive man to find that his vengeance was not so nearly com- plete as he had supposed. He felt that the wicked task his passion had set before him, in view of the survival of Konesset, was rendered more difficult and uncertain. Nevertheless, his purpose of destroying those he chose to consider his enemies was fixed more firmly than ever. The unwelcome discovery rendered his hate more furi- ous, while his patience was materially reduced. He grew doubtful, at last, of any change in Norodom’s feel- ings toward his queen, and determined to seek in other quarters the means of hastening the catastrophe. He was too solicitous of success to permit even his growing impatience to urge him into an attempt of any kind precarious in its nature. The task he had un- THE VALLEY OF THE SORCERER. 121 dertaken was beset by difficulties; for, in view of the known treachery and unrelenting vindictiveness of this enemy, from the beginning abundant precautions had been taken and maintained to prevent violence or in- jury to the queen. Indeed, it was owing entirely to the gentle and forgiving spirit of her against whom he was plotting that the villain owed his life and freedom ; for she would listen to no suggestion calculated to pun- ish him for the past or restrain him for the future, so long, at least, as he did nothing further to violate the law. It was now that Mahagua, abandoning hope of suc- cess by natural means, directed his thoughts toward the supernatural. In the far Hast sorcery has always had a home, playing frequently an important part in the affairs of individuals, and even of communities. It was natural, therefore, for Mahagua, in his present frame of mind, toward it to turn his hopes. Close upon the eastern coast of what is now known as the Gulf of Siam, and connected with it, was a placid and beautiful lake. Its wide expanse was usually smooth as the polished surface of a mirror, though marked at times by coursing ripples, or stirred by undulating wave- lets, that swept gracefully from shore to shore. Rarely was its bosom lashed to fury, for the surrounding hills protected it from the rush of the hurricane and the rage of the fierce typhoon. Its waters were profound, and so pellucid that the round and shiny pebbles at its bot- tom, far fathoms down, were clear and distinct. On all sides the sloping banks descended, clothed with verdure to the very margin of its tide. Around its circuit were frequent clusters of trees, heavy and widespread, their sweeping branches extended over its edge, and at places 122 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. trailing in the waters. Their graceful outlines and rich foliage were reflected in the depths, thus duplicating all their beauties. Above, the heavens seemed a perpetual blue, with ever-passing clouds, which, as they moved slowly along, loved to tarry for a moment above this wonderful lake, to contemplate their images in its placid deepness. Around it, on every side except that toward the gulf, in magnificent horse-shoe, stood a circle of wooded hills, behind which rose successive and distinct chains of increasing altitude, until, farther away, the blue peaks reached to the clouds themselves. Within their compass was a charming valley, composed of lands ele- vated and low, level and undulating, open, and carpeted with rich and flowery grasses, or shaded by trees of beautiful variety and exquisite foliage. In one spot alone was there aught to mar the grace of this expanse—a low morass, densely overgrown, lying between it and the Gulf of Siam, and through which, to the latter, the waters of the lake found exit. Even this, like a mole on the face of a beautiful woman, seemed there placed for the purpose of heightening, by contrast, the surrounding loveliness. Altogether, it would appear as though this glorious valley had been specially created by Divine Beneficence as a paradise upon earth, where men and all animated creatures might dwell in joy and harmony. Nevertheless, upon or within the limpid waters of this lake no living creature swam. No bird flitted across the green meads or perched amid the rich foliage of the trees. No beast nibbled the tender and juicy grasses that spread luxuriantly over the open spaces, or sought shelter under the branches of the inviting groves. THE ABODE OF THE SORCERER. 123 Men themselves avoided the smiling spot as a place ac- cursed ; for of those who entered amid its varied charms, few escaped, as a consequence, scorching fevers and ago- nizing pains, terminating in death. It was in the morass, toward the gulf, that Khoplé, the Sorcerer of the East, had made his home. There, despite the character of his surroundings, so injurious and fatal to others, he had abided for more than a hun- dred years. CHAPTER XXXVIL THE ABODE OF THE SORCERER. TuE evil fame of this professor of the black arts had spread far and near through Cambodia and all adjacent nations. Demons and evil spirits of every sort were his familiars, and no man, not impelled by unholy motives, approached his haunts. He was held in general execra- tion, and to him was ascribed every misfortune that be- fell the people. Such was the universal and supersti- tious dread he inspired, that even kings trembled at his power and were afraid of his displeasure. Toward this being the thoughts of Mahagua natu- rally turned so soon as he resolved to invoke the aid of sorcery, and he determined upon a journey to the abode of this man of magic. He traced a Brahmin astrologer, reported years before to have visited the wizard Khoplé for light upon some point of intricacy in the starry sci- ence. From this person information was obtained suf- ficient to serve in finding the spot where dwelt the sor- cerer, 124 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Mahagua slipped quietly from the capital, and, after much and fatiguing travel, reached the mountains en- circling the baleful valley. Aware of its frightful rep- utation, he avoided the vale, skirting along until he attained to the Gulf of Siam. Upon the firm white sand of its beach he continued his journey, till he came at last to the morass in whose depths was the dwelling- place of him he sought. Scanning carefully its outer edge for a break or avenue through which he might penetrate the mass of tangled vegetation, he discovered an opening, low and narrow, extending far back into the heart of the thicket. Lying end to end, and so travers- ing its entire length, were huge trunks of trees, serving as a rude causeway across the matted roots and noisome waters which lay upon the ground. ° Supposing this to be the approach to the habitation of Khoplé, he entered without hesitation. The passage, however, was by no means easy. Briers and strong shoots grew rank and thick on either side, arching above and descending in places so low, that by creeping alone he could make his way. Perpetual dampness had decayed the logs, covering them with slimy moss that was in the highest degree slippery and difficult to the footing. , Mahagua’s perseverance was finally rewarded, and he came to the end of this leafy tunnel. It terminated in an open space within the jungle. Here the soil was higher, and raised itself a little above the level of the stagnant waters. In the center of this area stood a low, rude hovel, sur- rounded by filthy pools, in each of which were huge crocodiles that the sorcerer fed daily with his own hands. The reptiles now lay staring with astonishment, their THE ABODE OF THE SORCERER. 125 green and hideous eyes full of malice, and their great jaws opening wide. Thorny inclosures were likewise scattered about, in which were confined serpents of dead- liest venom, all terribly excited by the intrusion of a stranger, rearing aloft their dreadful heads, spitting and hissing, and their hoods swelling out with anger. Hither and thither, through the mud or over the sides and the roof of the cabin, in great numbers darted cen- tipedes and scorpions and other stinging creatures, and insects and lizards of disgusting appearance, each cry- ing according to his nature, and together raising a hor- rid din. Adding to the clamor, the crocodiles soon be- gan to bellow, rending the air with deep and appalling roars. As if to be in keeping with these vile accom- paniments, the atmosphere itself was heavily laden with foul and poisonous vapors. The condition of affairs, fearful as it was, grew more terrifying as Mahagua pushed toward the hut. The scaly monsters, who had been lying sluggishly in their slimy holes, recovering from the astonishment which at first possessed them, now became belligerent, and seem- ingly bent upon the destruction of the intruder. They crawled toward, him with rapid movement and menacing aspect. At the same time the venomous reptiles and stinging insects, that so abounded, commenced to swarm in threatening masses, as though about to overwhelm him with their numbers. The position of Mahagua seemed perilous indeed, but he pressed forward with unshaken courage, as though unmindful of these aggres- sive demonstrations. In a few seconds, however, even he was convinced that his last hour had arrived ; but, at the moment of supreme peril, there came from the hovel a voice harsh and grating, and more hideous, even, 126 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. than the bellowings of the crocodiles. As it pierced the air, higher and louder than the prevailing clamor, a marvelous change was noticeable in the furious throng. The wide-mouthed monsters closed their hideous jaws and slunk back to their filthy pools, burrowing deep into the ooze and slime, while the scorpions and other stinging creatures hurried each to find some place of hiding. In another instant, he at whose utterance these deadly reptiles fled in terror, the sorcerer himself, stood. before Mahagua. CHAPTER XXXVIII. KHOPLE, THE SORCERER. TuHE figure now confronting Mahagua was in keep- ing with the harsh voice that had issued from the cabin and subdued the belligerent natures of his reptile asso- ciates. The trunk was long and bulky, supported upon legs short and thick-set, while arms far-reaching and brawny extended down almost to the ankles. The neck, heavy, like that of a bull, upheld a head preter- naturally large, with an appearance of softness and dis- tention, as though swollen beyond its original propor- tions. On either side the stiff ears stood out boldly. The eyes, sunk in deep sockets, and overhung by heavy, inky brows, were small and rounded, glittering like those of a serpent. The mouth was huge and mis- shapen, closed by lips exuberant and brutal, through which great teeth protruded, like the tusks of a boar. The skin was discolored in spots, and further disfigured by offensive blotches, like those of a man stricken with KHOPLE, THE SORCERER. 127 leprosy. Altogether, his appearance was sufficiently terrifying and forbidding to affright the stoutest heart. Mahagua, however, was of an exceptional nature, and absolutely insensible to fear. As the sorcerer stood be- fore him he scanned him from head to foot, noting care- fully each repulsive peculiarity. Khoplé was the first to break the silence. Speaking in guttural and discordant tones, he thus addressed Mahagua : *‘ Thou art Mahagua,” he said, ‘“‘and hast no need to explain the purpose of this visit, for to me the wheel- ing stars reveal all earthly secrets. Thou it was who, coming from Atonga, bore to the king the knowledge of the maiden Anirah, and of her surpassing charms. This thou didst, hoping to wreak dire revenge upon her, and upon her father Alompra and her brother Konesset. Thou it is who hast seen thy schemes coming to naught, or redounding to the advantage of those thou wouldst destroy. Now, no longer content to await with patience upon time and circumstance, and driven to fury by thy passion, thou seekest my aid in the accomplishment of thy vengeance. I may tell thee that thy waiting was in vain; for never, in the order of Nature, will the queen of Cambodia lose dominion over the heart of its sovereign. The protection of Pra-Enn, King of Angels, is about her, and against him even I am impotent.” Here the wizard relapsed into silence, fastening his basilisk eyes upon Mahagua, who stood for a moment as though overwhelmed by these startling revelations. He was particularly stunned by the announcement that his enemies were entirely beyond his reach. His heart sank at the apparent hopelessness of his task, so rendered by a divine force against which it was impossible to cope. 128 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Recovering himself, after a time, the thought presented itself that, perchance, the sorcerer could invoke the in- tervention of the mightiest of all the Powers of Darkness to counteract the influence of Pra-Enn, and bring about the accomplishment of the object for which he had striven solong. He was about to address the enchanter, but, before he could utter a word, the latter interrupted. “« Needless it is,” he said, ‘‘ for thee to give expres- sion to the thought. To me thy mind is clear as the waters of yon lake, or the air of the valley which lies beyond it. Thou deemest that, though out of the reach of my powers, the task thou wouldst impose may be possible to the might of. my master, the Prince of Demons. Great is his potency, but supreme indeed must be the need which could impel a mortal to appeak to his dread majesty.” “Urgent indeed are my necessities,” hastily ejacu- lated Mahagua. ‘‘ The insolence and triumph of my enemies must be punished. ‘To me these foes are living insults, and their presence upon earth is galling and intolerable. Their prosperity and immunity fill me with fury, and with an anguish that is beyond all other suffering. There is no hell so deep or dreadful whose pains I would not willingly accept in exchange for the pangs of my ungratified revenge, if, by so doing, I might crush the ones I hate.” As he spoke these words Mahagua’s eyes flashed fire ; his bosom heaved, and every limb shook with the fury of passion. Standing thus, he would have furnished a fitting model for the delineation of intensest hate and demoniac lust after revenge. “Thou sayest what is terrible,” responded the other. “To invoke the assistance of Maqui, Prince of all De- KHOPLE, THE SORCERER. 129 mons, is an awful thing, and only at fearful cost may his aid be secured.” “Be it as it may,” interrupted Mahagua. ‘Freely will I incur all penalties to prevail at last over those who so long have baffled me.” “‘The power of Pra-Enn, King of Angels, is almost supreme,” the sorcerer answered, ‘‘and even the might- iest of the Powers of Darkness, ordinarily, is unable to measure with him. Here, however, by his past crimes Norodom has given himself over to the Potentates of Evil. Of his destiny these have control, and even the Angel King, in its regard, is voiceless. Perchance my master, if he so desires, may part the royal couple, and bring the queen from her high station, or reach her soul by visiting calamities upon him she loves. Separation from him would be misery to her, and every evil heaped upon her lord would press as well upon her heart. Thus might thy vengeance possibly be attained. It were vain, however, to invoke the master’s intervention unless thou art willing to deliver thyself uncondition- ally into his absolute dominion, to be cast, at his pleas- ure, into torment.” ' “And must I place myself thus at his mercy,” de- manded Mahagua, ‘“‘ with no certainty of his ability or desire to render service in return ?” “Tt is so written,” Khoplé responded, ‘‘ in the im- mutable laws of the realms of darkness. The demons bind themselves by no pledges. None need solicit their interference who are unwilling to render up soul and being as a sacrifice.” Mahagua remained some moments in deep and silent study. Such were the violence of his hatred and the fierce promptings of his revenge, that the certainty of 130 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. hell was not the obstacle to immediate acquiescence in the proposal of the wizard. His unwillingness was to placing himself completely in the power of the Evil One, who, by plunging him at once into the pit, could destroy all hope of vengeance. CHAPTER XXXIX. STORY OF KHOPLE. As Mahagua continued the debate within himself, the sorcerer broke in upon the silence. ° ‘Hesitation is useless,” he said, ‘for ere long it is doomed to come to anend. Thou wilt at last be glad to appeal upon any terms to the power of the demons, Whether the master will serve thee or not, I am unable to declare ; for, from all, his mind and mighty purposes are hidden. This much, however, I may affirm: with- out his aid thou canst never harm so much asa hair upon the heads of those thou hatest. Depending alone upon thyself, thou wouldst live to see them continue in the sovereign’s favor, passing contentedly down the pathway of life to an old age of happiness, and a death of peace and quietness. “‘T have myself known the bitterness of helpless fury and impotent revenge. They drove me long ago to enter into the dreadful compact, when other hope was gone. To me the master hath graciously extended favor, granting at least a partial gratification to the fierce cravings that consumed me. The price, to be STORY OF KHOPLE. 131 paid some day, fearful as it is, I deem as light in the balance, opposed to what has been accorded me.’ The preoccupation of Mahagua did not prevent his being attracted to what the sorcerer was saying. He was astonished to find, in-the one who’ stood before him, a being that had felt, as he himself had done, the deep stirrings of hate, and been driven by the thirst of vengeance even farther than he as yet had gone. His curiosity was excited, and he was anxious to learn more of one who, doubtless, had had heart-burning experi- ences as tormenting as his own. ‘¢ What thou hast said,” he answered, ‘interests me much. Thou, as well as myself, hast, no doubt, endured grievous wrongs; but to thee has been given the joy of satisfied revenge. Having disclosed that which excites my interest, thou, to whom by magic arts my story stands revealed, wilt surely not deny me possession of thine own ?” ‘‘When the human heart is filled with fury like to mine,” Khoplé responded, “its fires nothing can quench. All of evil I have heaped upon my enemies, and all that in a thousand centuries I might impose upon them, can not soften the fierce cravings of my soul. The history of all I have endured I will recite; but the horrors of the actuality no one may comprehend but he who has experienced it. . “Into this world I was brought hideous and mis- shapen. This was through no fault of mine, yet the father that begat me turned with loathing from me, vowing that I was no child of his. Even the mother that bore me shrieked with terror and disgust when her eyes first rested upon her babe, protesting that I was no human, but that some vile demon had played upon her. 132 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. They cast me from them, thrusting me out of the low hovel, in the dead of night, to be devoured by beasts of prey. These, however, were more merciful than they who had given me being. Prowling hyenas, that slunk through the darkness in search of food, found: and adopted the outcast. A bitch that had lost a whelp brought me to her lair and suckled me as her own. Thus I gained strength, never doubting but that I was of a kind with the brutes that reared me. Yor years J ran with such associates, upon fours, living as they lived and feeding as they fed. At last, with one com- panion, I was trapped and brought from the jungles to the dwelling-places of humanity. Confined with my fellow in a cage of iron, I was considered a curiosity so rare that thousands flocked to gaze upon me. “The governor of the province, seeing here an op- portunity to please his master, seized upon me and my companion, forwarding his prize as a gift to the mon- arch who ruled the kingdom of Kalinga. Brought into contact with men, my mind awakened, and I learned, slowly at first, and then more rapidly, to speak the hu- man language. Still, during all this time I remained the man-hyena, and was kept, to satisfy the notions of the king, long years in company of the beast that had been taken with me. Naturally, as my faculties de- veloped, such contact became repulsive; but my en- treaties were of no avail. What cared they for my comfort or my feelings ? ‘J learned, in time, that my wretched parents, who years before had cast me forth to perish, recognizing me after capture by my deformities, and finding that I had become a thing of value, laid formal claim for my possession. The governor, who first had seized me, STORY OF KHOPLE. 133 paid no attention to their petition; but they, greedy and persistent, as they had been heartless, brought it up to the king himself, who, pleased by his acquisition, extended to them liberal bounties. “Ts it to be wondered at that a being receiving such treatment from his kind, and particularly from those whose blood coursed within his veins, should feel the bitterest hate against his race, and especially against such recreant progenitors, longing to visit upon them all the sternest retribution ? Should it excite astonish- ment to learn that I had turned with disgust and horror from gods and spirits that fostered and protected such monsters, and loved and worshiped the demons that scourged them ? “¢ After a period of such detestable captivity, seem- ing an eternity, through the intervention of Maqui, Prince of Demons, I escaped. The king, whose arbi- trary caprice had so long confined me as a brute, and the keeper who had practiced his numberless barbarities upon me, both perished. by my hand. Then, in the dead hour of the night, I burst into the hut of the in- famous couple who had brought me into the world, and rudely aroused them from the last of their peaceful slumbers. At sight of my misshapen form, trembling with fury, and of my face, always hideous, now addi- tionally distorted by rage, they were speechless with horror, and lay as though paralyzed. Placing upon each a grasp that was resistless, I dragged them with me asI went. ‘The dense wildernesses through which, in earlier years, I had often prowled with beastly com- panions in skulking packs, were still familiar, despite my long confinement. Into their very heart, through places which the foot of no man but myself had ever 134 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. trodden, I dragged the pair, bruised by rocks and lacer- ated by thorns, and almost dead with terror. ‘Within these wilds, beyond possibility of human succor, I repaid in part the fearful debt I owed them. The old age they had hoped, upon the rich bounty of the king, to spend in peace and contentment, I made full of torment. ‘Their cries of misery and deep groans of agony were perpetual music to my hungry ears. Carefully supporting their strength, lest they should cheat me by dying too soon, I kept them long in an- guish, until death at last released them from my clutches. Then did I leave the land of my nativity, as hateful to me, seeking refuge in this spot. Here, for long years, have I served with zeal my masters, the demons, in the task of scourging humanity. It is here, and by me, that are concocted the mighty poisons which taint the air and load it with sweeping pestilences and destroying plagues. From blood of the crocodile, the venom of serpents, and the sting of insects and reptiles, do I brew them ; and hundreds of thousands succumb, in all lands and among all races, to their terrible yet subtile influ- ence. Before accomplishing these things, or gaining this power, I pledged all to my dread master, and await his pleasure for the coming of the day when the stipu- lations of my compact are to be enforced. Yet am I not appalled, for, hating men as I do, I would rather be a witness of their anguish in hell than be forced to contemplate, even while participating in, their felicity in heaven.” FRESH COALS. 135 CHAPTER XL. FRESH COALS. WHILE the sorcerer had been delivering himself of this weird history, the memory of his wrongs kindled into a glow the fierce fires that burned within him. His utterance was subdued and strained, often through clenched teeth. His eyes were like coals before the bellows, and his shaggy brows drew up into a single mass of bristling hair. The lips worked convulsively as he spoke, and the foam stood on them, as upon the chops of a rabid dog. Indeed, such was the fury and Malice graven upon the wizard’s hideous countenance, that his auditor was tempted to believe that it was in truth a demon that stood before him, and that this story of humanity was the merest fabrication. When, however, the enchanter concluded, and remained for a time silent and almost overcome by aroused passion, the astonishment of Mahagua gave way to thoughts more personal to himself. He was still unwilling to submit himself unconditionally to the power of the Evil One, hoping, perchance, time might crown his own efforts with success, or, at all events, that the infernal powers might become in the future less arbitrary and exacting. When the sorcerer was sufficiently calm, Mahagua an- nounced his conclusion. “Go, then,” Khoplé responded, ‘but, before the year is half elapsed, thou wilt become convinced of thine own impotence, and come again, prepared to ven- ture all in the hope of profiting by the intervention of the master. When thou so dost, as an offering of pro- pitiation to be laid upon the altar-stone in the darkness 136 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. of his temple, bring thou the heart of a virgin, torn by thine own hand from the palpitating bosom, and whose maiden love has been won by thee. Without this it were vain to approach.” ' As these words ended, the wizard turned abruptly, disappearing within the hut, and Mahagua was left alone. From the jungle the latter made his way to the beach, and breathed once more the sweet air wafted over the pure waters of the gulf. He hastened to the capital, and resumed his watch upon the palace. In various disguises he hung about its entrances, and around the royal landing-places, to catch glimpses of the royal couple. When the king and queen were abroad, precautions were always taken, rendering it impossible for Mahagua to inflict harm upon the latter ; but he longed for some token to encourage the hope, to which he still despair- ingly clung, that the vicious nature of Norodom would at last assert itself. The uncertain and ever-varying condition of the river that ran in front of Cambodia’s principal city left the banks, for some distance from the water’s edge, usually in the condition of a quagmire. To enable the people to traverse this marshy area, causeways of lime and mortar had been constructed, long and narrow, and reaching to the landing-places immediately upon the stream. So narrow were these paths that it was impos- sible for persons to pass each other, and, when they met, those of inferior rank were compelled to take the mud. It happened that Konesset and his friend Prenawa had been upon the river, and were returning to the palace. As they stepped upon the cemented way, Ma- hagua was advancing from the other end, and, through FRESH COALS. 137 his disguise, the keen eye of Konesset detected him at once. A glance, flashing and unguarded, from each satisfied the other that his identity was known. By the servile customs of the land, Prenawa and Konesset, as servants of the sovereign, were in rank superior to Mahagua, and entitled to the right of pass- age. It was the duty of the latter, as they went by, to prostrate himself in the mire. Policy might have brought Mahagua to this had he not been aware that he was recognized. He could not, however, so abase his pride and subdue his hate as to render homage to his enemy, the latter knowing whence it came. Instead of stepping to the side, with curling lip and insulting sneer he stood his ground defiantly. Being in his right, Konesset did not yield ; and so, for an instant, the two stood thus confronted. The latter was not a man of great patience or of many words. When satisfied that Mahagua did not intend to give way, he sprang forward and grasped him firmly with powerful hands, casting him off some distance into the mud. , Stung to fury by such rough and contemptuous treatment, and in his rage forgetting caution, Mahagua rose hastily, and, drawing a keen knife, rushed upon hisenemy. Prenawa stood aghast, expecting to behold his friend fall victim to the furious assault. The latter faced his assailant, and, as the lunge was made, received it upon his left arm, on which was wrought a terrible gash, and with his right hand seized in powerful grip the wrist of Mahagua. Giving it a fierce wrench, he threw it contemptuously from him. The bones had been crushed and broken like pipe-stems, and the nerveless fin- gers released the steel, while the arm itself fell powerless. 138 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. CHAPTER XLI. THE FALSE PRIEST. Mawacua’s animosity toward Konesset and his sis- ter was, if possible, rendered by this occurrence more bitter than ever before. The delay, which so far had been hard to bear, was now absolutely intolerable. It determined the debate which, since the visit to the sorcerer, had been in progress within the mind of Ma- hagua. He was now resolved to venture all, and appeal to the demons for help. His thoughts now turned to the accomplishment of the condition the wizard had imposed upon him. The task of compliance was dangerous and difficult. It was not that his spirit shrunk from the fearful sin. To secure the love of a virgin simply to sacrifice her, to him was a matter of utter indifference. All that troubled him was the difficulty and peril standing in his way. It was not the physical danger he dreaded ; but he knew that, if detected in such a crime, all possi- bility of accomplishing his vengeful designs would be gone for ever. He did not doubt his ability to win some maiden’s affections, but his advances would be noticeable and hazardous. On the other hand, it would be difficult to satisfy his intended victim as to the necessity of secret wooing. : The time of confinement, while his wrist was heal- ing, was occupied in efforts to solve the difficulties of this problem. The plan appearing most feasible was to enroll himself in the priesthood, by which means he might overcome the more serious obstacles. THE FALSE PRIEST. 139 The Buddhist monastery is open to all men of that creed, and it may be left at pleasure. In fact, in many Eastern lands every male is expected, at some time, to affiliate himself with the Sacred Sangha, for a period longer or shorter, according to circumstances and in- clination. Although its members are at liberty at any moment to sever connection with it, until this be done its many rules must be rigorously observed. Among other obligations, the monks are bound to the strictest chastity. From the numerous maxims that go to form the code by which their daily conduct is governed, a few may be furnished as illustrative : ‘Give not flowers to a woman.” ‘ Look not upon women to please your eyes.” ‘You sin if you speak to a woman in asecret place.” ‘‘ You sin if you re- ceive aught from the hands of a woman.” ‘‘ You sin if you sit upon the same mat with a woman.” ‘‘ You sin if, seeing a company of maidens, you cough or make other sounds to attract their attention.” These, with others similar, are mere preventives of a salutary nature, and are in addition to more important laws which visit severest penalties upon violations of priestly celibacy. Mahagua considered that, while these restrictions might render more difficult the task of securing a vir- gin’s love, they would render success in other respects more certain and facile. The first great obstacle over- come, and the notice of some maiden gained, there would be reason in his plea for secrecy of intercourse. Arriving at this conclusion, he sought admission into the sacred order, adopting for the purpose the monastery most humble in its pretensions and remote in location. The formal examination was undergone, 140 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. and, with due ceremony, he was invested with the yel- low robe. In obedience to the rules, he went upon daily rounds with ready bowl, from house to house, to receive the food the faithful gave for the support of the priests. This, and the other obligations of his new state, he discharged with regularity and apparent zeal, In these expeditions of mendicancy-he noted coy- ertly the young women that he met, and those that dwelt in houses at which he stopped for contributions. Upon each he passed in judgment, studying as best he could her character, and weighing the surrounding in- fluences, as calculated to favor or embarrass him. The religious sentiment of the people was strong, and he knew the vast majority of maidens would shrink fram his professions of love. His advances, therefore, de- manded the greatest circumspection. Even with the few that he selected, he pushed matters by degrees so cautious, and at first so nearly insensible, that he was able to judge of the utility of further efforts before seriously committing himself. With the larger number he was compelled to abandon the siege, almost before it was begun. Nevertheless, he found three, in different portions of the city, with whom his progress was secret and satisfactory. He thus multiplied operations, to be more certain of luring at least one to some hidden place fitted for the contemplated crime. PRETTY MESPH IN THE TOILS. 141 CHAPTER XLII. PREITY MESPE IN THE TOILS. Or those so specially marked, above all was he suc- cessful with one, a pretty, timid creature, scarcely at- tained to puberty, and living upon the river-bank, immediately below the city.. Her name was Mespé, one that was common in Cambodia. Her father was a fisherman, whose time was spent mostly upon the water. The gravest of all calamities that can happen to a girl had fallen upon her—the loss of a mother during earlier years. No fond maternal care had been there to train the tender mind and heart of this sweet child as she grew. The father, though loving, had not the knowl- edge or experience needed for the task of developing and strengthening her character, or of warning her against the dangers that beset young womanhood. Notwithstanding her youth, Mespé, from necessity, was guardian and keeper of her father’s house. His cabin was close upon the water, and solitary. In con- sequence of this isolation, and of her father’s frequent absence, the maiden was much alone. She was just in the state of transition from infancy to young woman- hood. Without guidance or experience, she was, in every way, in a condition to fall an easy prey to the insidious wiles of a villain. Surrounding circumstances rendered her particularly helpless, and facilitated the operations of Mahagua. It were needless to detail the stages, cautious upon his part, but yet rapid, through which the affair pro- gressed. It is sufficient to declare that he was able to wind himself into the affections of the pretty maid to 142 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. such an extent that she loved him with all the fervor of a virgin’s earliest passion. She listened to his words with rapture, believing him possessed of all the attri- butes and virtues of perfect manhood. Jor her the hours of separation dragged themselves along as though interminable. Her confidence in his truth and wisdom was so implicit, that she yielded readily to his demand for secrecy of intercourse.. Upon his part, the promise was given that he would eventually abandon the priest- hood and make Mespé his wife. In the innocence of a heart pure and unsuspecting, she would meet Mahagua in secluded places; and so the courtship progressed without discovery. Her childish ways and gentle manners grew to have a charm for Mahagua, and rendered her society agree- able to him. His bosom, however, had room but for a single sentiment, and toward its gratification alone his energies were bent. Despite the pleasure of this love- making—upon his part so treacherous—he knew that every day increased the danger of detection, and re- solved to force the matter to its conclusion. The inhabitants of Farther India residing along its great water-courses have always been of semi-aquatic habits. They are excellent swimmers, and even the women and children are experts in the handling of small boats. With Mespé it was customary to take one of her father’s canoes and float on the tide, or propel herself with skillful paddle against it. Often had she thus gone forth to meet the tired fisherman upon his homeward way, or taken, for variety, some other course. Mahagua, therefore, having selected a secret place for the perpetration of the hideous crime he contemplated, found no difficulty in luring the maiden to it. A DREADFUL CRIME. 143 CHAPTER XLIII. A DREADFUL CRIME. ABOovE the city, at a distance from the home of - Mespé, in the middle of the river, lay a bar or island of limited extent. It was flat, and often entirely covered by the flow of the stream ; and was exposed only during low or medium stages of water. It had never been de- sirable, or even fit, for the habitation of man, but was covered. with small trees and thick undergrowth. Popu- lar tradition, during generations, had woven around it the most horrible fancies, and it was shunned by a superstitious people. Passing boats, for fear of infring- ing upon the circle of its malign influence, kept away, far as possible. Mahagua, fearing neither the natural nor the super- natural, recognized the fitness of this spot as a location. for the accomplishment of his villainous design. At its center he had cleared a small space, and made it smooth and level, and cut a path—all carefully concealed from the observation of passers upon the river or its banks. With supremest confidence in him, and fearing nothing when he was near, Mespé already had met him here on several occasions, and so was familiar with the place. It was here the last appointment was made. Ma- hagua was cautious as ever. He preceded Mespé by a considerable time, watching his opportunity to land upon the islet when no one was in view, and drawing his boat into the concealment of the bushes. She fol- lowed, obeying particular instructions delivered in ad- vance, steering clear so long as any one was. in sight, and pulling quickly in when all was free. 7 144 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. As she touched the shore Mahagua appeared, and, laying hold of the second boat, drew it from the water and laid it beside his own. It occurs not infrequently that fortune seems to favor the schemes of the wicked. So it was in this instance, for, although no eye wit- nessed the landing of either Mespé or Mahagua, no sooner was the boat of the former hidden, than around a neighboring point a fleet of barges came, some con- taining dignitaries of the kingdom on their way to the royal palace. Mahagua, with seeming fondness, took his fair com- panion by the hand, and led her along the path toward the open space at the center of the islet. When there, he placed his arm, as though with affection, about her waist, and received the pretty head upon his shouldér. In this manner they proceeded until the lover’s seat he had constructed was reached, and on this they sat, still continuing their warm caresses. Responding yet fer- vently to her endearing words, he loosened in his waist- cloth a short, keen knife, preparing for the deed of blood. As her fair and innocent face looked up frankly and confidingly to his, even the soul that was in him, despite its thoroughly wicked nature, shrunk from the task of slaying her. With those soft eyes beaming love, and fixed tenderly upon his own, it was difficult to strike. He resorted to a stratagem to turn them from him while he dealt the one fierce and deadly blow. In pretended sport he loosened from her graceful neck a string of bright beads, worn with the womanly desire of appearing attractive in his sight. Then, as though by accident, he dropped it at her feet. With playful upbraiding she stooped to recover the ornament. The cruel hand of Mahagua sought his waist, and the gleam- A DREADFUL CRIME. 145 ing blade was on high. In another instant he plunged it deep into the back of the stooping and unsuspecting girl. A disconcerting movement upon her part spoiled ‘the assassin’s aim, intended for the heart, and so the stab was not immediately fatal. Mespé felt the steel, and, springing up, for a moment was unable to comprehend the cause of the pang she experienced. As the murderer stood confronting her, in his hand the dripping instrument of crime, and pre- paring to repeat the stroke, she was bewilderéd. The fond heart refused almost to credit the sight. A dazed look entered her eyes, and finally the horrid truth, too patent to be denied, forced itself even upon her loving soul. Then a mighty fear possessed her, and one de- spairing shriek, laden with all the terror that filled her, pierced the air. Piteously she begged for life, and, with the fierce strength of utter desperation, caught the threatening arm, clinging to it tightly. So tenacious was the clasp that it required all the force of Mahagua, and a struggle of some duration, to shake it off.. “Oh, my love,” she pleaded, while striving with him, “‘ what can this mean? Surely thou wilt not destroy me so cruelly, who have given thee my whole heart, and trusted so much to thee! What have I done to anger thee? Indeed have I been true in thought and act, loving thee with all my strength! Tell me what thou desirest, and oh, my love, it shall be grant- ed! Spareme! Spare me!” By the time these words of agony were spoken Ma- hagua had succeeded in casting her off, bleeding pro- fusely from the wound in her back, and with fingers . and arms terribly lacerated and cut by the keen edge of the knife, in her futile efforts to detain it. Then the 146 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. poor girl, in her fright almost losing reason and control, fell upon her knees, and, with incoherent utterance, continued her entreaties for mercy. He, however, was relentless. Deliberately he caught the bleeding hands firmly in his own, and pressed the despairing girl to earth. Then, placing a knee upon the tender bosom, he pinned her down, clutching the soft and glossy hair and drawing back the pretty head. In another instant the cruel knife swept forcibly across the shapely throat. As the horrid deed was accomplished, and the body of the unfortunate Mespé was quivering in mortal agony, a harsh voice startled and interrupted Mahagua. “Well done!” it exclaimed. ‘‘ Worthy, indeed, hast thou proven. thyself of the dread master, Maqui, ee of Demons.” Looking hastily up, he beheld at his side Khoplé, the sorcerer. CHAPTER XLIV. THE TEMPLE OF THE DEVIL. THE impatience of the murderer did not prevent him from adopting precautions, in addition to those already taken, to avoid the possibility of detection. He did not leave the island until night had fallen. Then, by means of strong withes, attaching heavy rocks to the body of his victim, he cast it into the bosom of the river, and, drawn by the weights, it sank swiftly to the bottom. He then took the boats, and, casting the one of Mespé adrift, scuttled and sank his own, reaching the bank by swimming. He made no delay, but, with THE TEMPLE OF THE DEVIL. 147 the heart in his possession, started once more for the abode of the sorcerer. When Mahagua stood again before the low hut, Khoplé appeared immediately. The pair seemed now thoroughly to understand each other, and without the necessity of words. Signing to his companion to fol- low, the wizard led the way behind the cabin. There another path appeared which the hovel had hidden from view. Pursuing this, they came to a second open- ing, in the center of which stood a small, black temple. Its heavy doors swung noiselessly at the touch of the enchanter. Two hideous idols, crooked and deformed, flanked the entrance on either side, squatting low, and with head inclined and resting against a huge club grasped in both hands and lying across a shoulder. As Mahagua entered, all was dark within, except at the farther end, where a flame burned, lurid and feeble, disclosing by its somber light a great idol of fearful mien, sitting cross-legged upon an elevated platform. This image Mahagua supposed to be the effigy of Maqui, Prince of Demons. No window or aperture of any kind admitted the glorious light of heaven into this gloomy interior, the very doors being doubled to guard against its entrance. A few moments, however, accustomed the eyes to the darkness of the place, and then all within was dimly discernible. The roof was low, supported by a few columns, thick and squat, and carved rudely with heads of demons and dragons, grinning and repulsive. There was no floor to this devil’s temple but the naked earth. The walls and ceiling were black as ebony, seemingly begrimed with the smoke and filth of years. Immense and swelling spiders, dark and hideous, with many, 148 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. glowing eyes, spun tremendous webs between the pil- lars, along the sides, and across the ceiling. The place reeked with mold and dampness; and the air was so charged with odors, rank as those of the charnel-house, that Mahagua, on entering, was almost stifled. This last feature was explained by a number of human skulls and bones lying in confused heaps upon the ground. Most of these were small, and evidently those of children, showing the nature of the sacrifices offered up in honor of the demon by the wretch who worshiped, with horrid rites, at this infernal shrine. Mahagua’s attention was now drawn more particu- larly to the upper end of the temple. There the flame flickered fitfully in a deep and open brazier placed upon a pedestal; and it rose perpetually in front of this demonian altar. By day and by night Khoplé was its watchful guardian, feeding it with poisonous gums and resins. Close beside this ever-burning lamp stood the sacrificial stone of black marble, broad and smooth, and stained and spotted with the blood of many victims. Closely scrutinizing the great idol sitting in state, Mahagua was impressed with the fact that its carving and workmanship were superior to the effigies of Buddha which the people had reared in their sanctuaries. The face was stern and repulsive, yet not without a certain malignant beauty. In each socket, for an eye glowed a diamond of immense size, emitting a baleful gleam. The beard and hair were cut in representation of long and slender serpents, writhing and intertwisted. The hands were the cruel claws of the eagle, and in one, upraised, was tightly gripped a symbol of the universe. This grim and dreadful image, as though carved out of solid ebony, was black as night itself. During the few THE TEMPLE OF THE DEVIL. 149 moments that had been taken to observe these things the sorcerer was lying prostrate just within the door- way, anxiously expecting his companion to do the same. He, however, engaged in the contemplation of these marvelous things, paid little deference to the impatience of Khoplé. The latter at last reached up, and, taking the hand of Mahagua, pulled him to earth by an exer- tion of strength that was not to be resisted. The wizard was silent for a time, but finally, in ac- cents low and harsh, his voice was heard. “Oh, Mighty Demon! Prince of all the Powers of Darkness!” he exclaimed, ‘‘ pardon the unwitting ir- reverence of him whom I have brought to thy temple, and deign to listen with favor to the invocation of thy slave. He who now prostrates himself beside me is worthy to be thy servant, and hath so proven himself. He hath brought the offering of propitiation—the heart of the virgin Mespé, by him first won, and then, by his own hand, from her beating bosom torn.” Rising to his feet, the sorcerer made sign to his companion to remain abased, and, reaching toward him, took the heart of the maiden, which, partially em- balmed and wrapped in palm-leaves, had been concealed in the garments of Mahagua. This the enchanter laid upon the sacrificial stone, and, stooping, raised a slab, which before, in the darkness, had escaped the notice of his companion. The aperture led to a subterranean chamber, into which Khoplé descended. He was gone but a moment, returning with a small black box, which was laid upon the ground as the slab was replaced. Opening the lid, he brought forth a flask containing an ebon powder of large grain, and of pungent and dis- agreeable odor. Of this he poured some in a continu- 150 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. ous stream, forming a wide circle about the stone of sacrifice. More was distributed, in the same manner, in the form of a sweeping curve, directly in front of the great idol. All of these proceedings had been ac- companied by weird movements and mumbled incanta- tions. CHAPTER XLV. THE SHADOW OF THE DEMON. WHEN the mystic ring and curve were drawn, and the wicked ritual had proceeded thus far, Khoplé dashed his hand into the heated brazier, and seemed to grasp, unscathed, a portion of the fame. With this he touched first the powder that lay in a half circle im- mediately before the idol, and next that which circum- scribed the sacrificial stone. To both the fire took instantaneously, but it spread slowly and flickered feebly fora time. As it gained in strength its charac- teristics developed. The color was deepest purple, and, while it lit with somber light the spaces it encom- passed yet it cast no illumination into the darkness beyond. Meanwhile the sorcerer had taken his position beside the stone, and within the burning ring that inclosed it, furiously gesticulating, and moving excitedly, as though to the measure of unearthly music, in some wild, un- holy dance. His voice was raised aloud, hoarse and grating, in a mystic chant, the words whereof were unintelligible to Mahagua. As the lurid, quivering blaze sprung up from the consuming drugs, the place THE SHADOW OF THE DEMON. 151 was filled with vapor, and the odor grew stronger of corruption and decay. It must have been an hour since the twain had en- tered the temple, of which time much had been con- sumed by these wicked ceremonials, when the wizard stopped suddenly, and, with tones now elevated to a pitch higher and more unearthly, seized the heart of Mespé, as it lay upon the stone, and cast it into the brazier. The heart of the poor virgin burst instantly into flame, which shot up pale-green, but shedding little radiance. As this new fire leaped forth, the wizard grew with every moment more excited, chanting fierce- ly, and circling with furious effort about the sacrificial marble. The muscles of his face were drawn by excita- tion into great knobs, and continued and excessive labor brought out the perspiration in beads upon his forehead. At this stage Mahagua perceived the change taking place within the flickering curve drawn before the idol. Closer examination revealed a vapor gathering about the figure of the demon, and, as he gazed intently, it grew more dense and dark. In a few moments it hung so thick and black that it veiled the image, and stood, reaching almost to the roof, like a pillar of night. As he lay still, prone, he felt a rushing over him, and throughout the temple he heard the mighty rustling of a multitude of wings. Now the flame in the brazier commenced to lose its force, and the blazing rings died down, while through the sable cloud that enwrapped the ebon image played gleams like the flashing of somber lightnings. This seemed to Khoplé the expected sign, and, upon its ap- pearance, he ceased his incantations and fell prostrate before the shadow. 152 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. From the center of the profound obscurity speech came forth, deep and powerful, like the voice of great torrents or the clamor of mighty cataracts. At the sound the rustling wings were silent, the temple seemed bursting, and the very air was affrighted. ‘‘Tam here,” the voice exclaimed, ‘‘ summoned by thine invocation from the Halls of Darkness. It has pleased me to approve the sacrifice of him who comes to swear his fealty, and I accept him into the number of my servants. Let him approach and make the solemn pledge.” At this command the sorcerer rose, and, bowing low, proceeded to obey. Mahagua was led within the circle of fire, which smoldered yet about the stone. There he stood, with lowered head, in the immediate presence of the awful shade. ‘*Thou art Mahagua,” again the shadow spoke. “Driven by consuming hate, thou seekest the counte- nance of Maqui, Prince of Demons, in thy quest for vengeance. The conditions upon which thou art per- mitted to hope for aid have been made known to thee. Art thou content to enter into the compact ?” “Mighty Spirit,” Mahagua answered, “‘ I am aware that, unaided, I can never avenge the wrongs imposed upon me, and I am willing to pay the price, however fearful, that will secure the gratification of my furious passion. The pains thou hast it in power to inflict can be no more than the agony that already fills my soul. Nevertheless, surrendry on my part should be met by some assurance upon thine.” ‘“We have none to accord,” the voice responded. *‘Our purpose is to break the spell that guards Cam- bodia, and perchance thou mayest be the instrument of THE SHADOW OF THE DEMON. 153 its accomplishment. Yet thou canst have no promise. If in thy heart still lingers the hope of combating, un- aided, the powers of Pra-Enn, return to the futile efforts. Be advised, however, that in thy favor the Prince of Demons will respond to no second invoca- tion.” Even at this supreme moment Mahagua, though he had come prepared for compliance, dreading treachery, hesitated. to commit himself so entirely to the power of the Evil One. While the matter was thus in mental debate, the Spirit grew impatient. The shadow encom- passing the idol was becoming thinner, and the tones that now came forth were less strong. “Speak !” the fiend said. ‘‘I am departing for the Halls of Darkness, and thou art losing an occasion that will never return.” a Mahagua was startled by what he saw and heard. At the moment a bitter recollection of the late affray, and its result of humiliation, rushed through his mind, and the remembrance swept reluctance away. “Stay, mighty Prince of Demons!” he exclaimed. “Tt is done. Upon any terms I swear allegiance.” Again the shadow grew dark and the voice stronger. “ Let the parchment be produced,” it said. The sorcerer once more had recourse to the box that had come from the crypt, drawing forth a scroll pre- pared from the skin of a deadly serpent, and upon which, in crimsoned letters, were engrossed the words of the covenant. With this in hand, and bowing low, before the shade the wizard stood. “Let it be read,” commanded the Spirit of Dark- ness. Now from the roll a sullen light sprung up, which played about it, and by the low glare Khoplé 154 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. gave voice to what was written. Behind him the sus- picious Mahagua took position, following the text, and thus the compact ran : “‘Through the grace of Maqui, Prince of Demons, Mahagua, son of the mandarin Luang, hath been ad- mitted under the dominion of the Powers of Evil. ‘He hath become the servitor of the demons. «He hath renounced all fealty to the angels and to every god, and to all the spirits whose power is arrayed against that of his masters. “¢ He hath rejected and repudiated the good-will and intervention of the angels and gods, and of all the spirits of light. ‘‘He hath solemnly renounced all of merit which, in former states of being, he may have acquired, and, reclaimed all canceled demerits. **He hath bound himself in all future, until the coming and extinction of the last of all the Buddhas, to think no thought and perform no act of virtue. “He hath abandoned, until that time, all hope or right of advancement upon the path of self-purification and amendment, and agreed that, until then, for him the wheel of change shall not revolve. “‘He hath made himself the last of all beings to enter upon the blessings of Nirvana. “« He scorns and rejects Gautama and his doctrines, and to his merit renounces every claim. “He scorns and rejects the doctrines and merits of all the Buddhas. “He reviles and heaps curses upon the name and memory of Gautama. “He reviles and heaps curses upon the names and memory of all the Buddhas. THE ISLE OF DEMONS. 155 “He reviles and heaps curses upon the angels and ' gods, and all the spirits of good. ‘He honors and adores the demons. “‘He hath, in advance, as was required, sanctioned this solemn compact by the sacrifice of the virgin Mespé. “He hath verified it by signing the parchment with his blood.” Such were the stipulations of the engagement ; yet Mahagua did not hesitate. With a dagger, as Khoplé directed, he pricked his arm deeply, and with the flow- ing blood affixed his signature. CHAPTER XLVI. THE ISLE OF DEMONS. ‘Havine bound himself thus solemnly to the demon, Mahagua was directed to repair at once, with Khoplé, to the Hall of Darkness. Much of his patrimony was yet unspent. The sorcerer announced that a junk and cargo must now be purchased. The abode of the fiend lay in the heart of the Eastern oceans, thousands of uzemas away, and it was the will of the master that by ship the intervening space should be traversed. The crew was to be engaged under pretense of a voyage to Japan. When the pair had reached the capital, Mahagua was alarmed lest the hideousness of his companion should attract attention. He was astonished, however, that the latter received no special notice. The sorcerer divined his thoughts. 156 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. “ Tt excites thy wonder,” he said, ‘ that as we pass no one stops upon the streets to stare. Know that al- though I may not escape the deformities Nature has given me, yet I am able to blind the eyes of men, so that my form appears in shape as I desire. It is thus the curiosity and repugnance of the people are avoided.” There was no difficulty in securing a fitting vessel, with its complement of sailors. A suitable freight was also laden, and the junk set sail. Favoring winds and a strong current bore it speedily to the mouth of the Mekong, and it stood out immediately for the sea. From this point northward, almost ever in sight of land, the way was held until the island of Hainan was passed, where they bore off to avoid the pirates swarm- ing upon the Chinese coast. Soon the latitude of For mosa was attained, when, for the first time, there was deviation from the route to Japan. The ship suddenly altered its course and turned its prow fairly toward the east. Mahagua observed the change, and marveled that the sailors had not done the same. Khoplé ex- plained, informing him that the helmsman and his comrades were under a spell, believing they still main- tained the original direction. In this new track the voyage continued for many days, until even the men were astonished that the har- bor was not reached. No storm or mischance of any kind befell them, until at last a hazy thread indicated land. As they advanced, the line grew heavier and darker, and soon the land itself was clearly discernible. What had been seen at first was the top of a mountain- range, lying far inland, and seeming to tower higher than the loftiest of the Himalayas. Such was the alti- tude of these stupendous peaks that, though the winds THE ISLE OF DEMONS. 157 were favoring and the speed of the junk was good, days elapsed before the lower shore itself was visible. Even these startling contrasts between this coast and that of Japan did not break the spell that lay upon the crew. At some distance from the beach the anchor was cast. Now the sorcerer declared that, as an offering of propitiation to the demons, the vessel, with its men and cargo, must be sacrificed. Mahagua cared nothing for the lives of the sailors, but he opposed the destruction of his property, and the loss of what appeared to be the sole dependence for returning to Cambodia. Khoplé, however, was inexorable, explaining that, at proper time, the master would supply the means of recrossing the waters. When the ship came to rest, evening had already fallen. The sinking sun was veiled by high-heaped clouds that were white and fleecy, and his expiring radiance touched them with gold and crimson, and lined them with silver. The expanse of ocean was quiet, save the rippling wavelets that ran before the sportful winds. To the east a graceful shore-line lay, with those towering mountains behind, that seemed of darkest blue, and stood out clear against a lighter sky. As though under a benison, all nature seemed reposing. The soothing influence fell upon the sailors, and they lay about the decks in blissful idleness, little dreaming of the catastrophe of which this peaceful hour was the eve. 158 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. CHAPTER XLVII. PREPARING FOR THE SACRIFICE. WueEn the day was gone, the moon, with its softer light, succeeded to the brighter sun. So lovely was the night that the men were loath to retire, and it was late before the deck was surrendered to the watch. At last, however, except the few on duty, officers and men were wrapped in peaceful slumber. Now, among the sleep- ing sailors Khoplé softly crept, and, blowing gently upon the face of each, cast them all into a profound stupor. When so much was accomplished, the enchanter turned his attention to those on duty above. Selecting for the object of his first assault the one who was at. the moment in the position most convenient for his purpose, toward him the wizard moved some steps, and then began to make his mystic passes. The sailor was leaning carelessly over the ship’s side, and scarcely had more than two or three of these necromantic gestures been delivered before, as if dead, he fell heavily to the deck. The sorcerer experienced no difficulty in simi- larly disposing of a second ; but the third and last had heard the fall of one companion, and witnessed the fate of the other, and was therefore not to be approached by stealth. The man had been transfixed and speechless with horror; but, seeing the assassin advance, his tongue was loosened, and he shouted with all his force to alarm the crew. The call was unheeded, for they to whom it was addressed were powerless to assist. Finding his outcry without response, his fear increased, and, casting down his weapon, he fled for life. PREPARING FOR THE SACRIFICE. 159 The first impulse of the flying wretch led him to the mast, up which he clambered with agility. His enemy, however, was close upon him, when, seizing a rope that hung from above, he swung himself far out upon the deck. In an instant the cord returned, and Khoplé, grasping it, plunged after. In despair, and as a last resource, the fugitive ran for the sword he had dis- carded, presenting it full upon his terrible assailant. His eyes, however, rested upon those of the latter, lit as these were with fury until they blazed in the pale light of the moon, and he quailed before their demoniac expression. More affrighted than ever, the sailor turned again in flight, and, disheartened utterly, precipitated himself into the sea. Khoplé, determined that this one should not escape the cruel fate of his comrades, still pursued, and leap- ing into the water, he followed in the wake. The flee- ing man was speedily overtaken, and a heavy hand was upon him. With the fierce energy of despair he grap- pled his assailant, but to no purpose, for his head was pressed beneath the surface with irresistible force, and held until he himself was unconscious. ' Mahagua, witnessing this terrified flight and impla- cable pursuit, had no doubt but that the sorcerer at the outset might have overtaken and destroyed his victim, but had prolonged the suffering to gratify his cruel in- stincts. The body was drawn aboard, its quiverings showing that life was not extinct. It was then depos- ited in the hold alongside the others that lay already there, still insensible. The two seamen of the watch that had fallen before the chase of their comrade had begun were likewise put below, so that now the wicked associates were alone upon the decks. 160 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Khoplé peered into the dark hatchway, and the breathing of the doomed came up heavy and sterto- rous. Some mystic ceremony was now performed at the opening, and sounds came up indicating the return- ing consciousness of the men below. Some were heard to rise, and others spoke, questioning their fellows. Here was the signal for which the sorcerer waited. As the voices became audible, he hastily arose and fast- ened the hatches, so that none of his victims might escape. Mahagua, at a loss to comprehend entirely the conduct of his companion, demanded an explanation. “Why,” he asked, ‘“‘hast thou taken such pains in the work of destroying these wretches? Why deprive them of sense only to restore it again ?” “JT have told thee,” was the answer, “that this, vessel, with its crew and cargo, is set as an offering of propitiation to the demons upon whose shores we are about to disembark. The sacrifice must be consumed ‘by fire, becoming more grateful to our masters when accompanied by the groans and shrieks of dying men. These I made helpless that they might be put beyond power of resistance or escape, and they were revived to meet their doom aroused and fully alive to the torture of the flame.” CHAPTER XLVIII. THE ISLE OF DEMONS AND THE SABLE MOUNTAINS. As apart of the cargo was a quantity of earth-oils from the wells of Yananhoong, and much of this was now scattered about the decks and thrown into the sails ISLE OF DEMONS AND SABLE MOUNTAINS. 161 and rigging. Some of the naphtha ran below, through numerous holes Khoplé had cut for the admission of air to the men beneath, that their misery might be pro- longed, When all was ready fire was put. The flames spread with rapidity, folding the vessel, its spars and apparel, as though in a single mighty blaze. The imprisoned wretches saw the glare of conflagration, and the full comprehension of their frightful situation burst upon them. Their voices were raised in despairing cries that were heard above the fury of the burning. The mo- ment the ship was well alight Mahagua and his asso- ciate had taken a boat, pulling vigorously to shore. Here was the Island of Demons. Before them, far inland, were the Sable Mountains, in whose heart the Halls of Darkness lay. Such was the altitude of this stupendous chain, that its high peaks seemed towering immediately above, blotting out the sky, and the base itself appeared as though at no great distance. When, however, the voyagers undertook to reach the range, to the surprise of Mahagua, days were consumed in the journey. The road lay through a desolate and arid waste of blackest sands, broken in places by massive rocks like ebony. No vegetation of any kind covered the dark desert, and no stream marked the dreary ex- panse. The air was without moisture, and no breezes swept away or relieved the stifling heat. The passage was one of labor and difficulty. The base of the mountains was reached at last. Their face was steep, and rising so high that Mahagua, looking up, was unable to distinguish the brow. The precipice seemed by distance blended into the heavens themselves, and its enormous bulk was like the night. 162 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. Before Khoplé and his companion was now a mighty flight of steps leading up through a great opening, seem- ingly to the very core of this immensity of rock. To Mahagua it appeared, indeed, the broad entrance-way to the Empire of Darkness. Again, for enlightenment, he turned to the sorcerer. “Here we abide,” the latter responded to his ques- tion, “until the rising of to-morrow’s sun. We must ascend the sweeping stairs, and the toilsome task will consume a day and a night. From the moment the mounting is begun until the distant top be attained no rest or stop is possible. Exhausted by travel, we can not now attempt this tremendous labor. The repose of the coming night must give us strength.” Mahagua, greatly fatigued, accepted this wise dev cision. Casting himself upon the earth, he was too wearied for immediate sleep, and so gave his attention more closely to the surroundings. The aperture through which the flight went up was so wide that the human vision scarcely reached from side to side, and its height was only insignificant by comparison with the altitude of the mountains themselves. The broad space was broken, at regular intervals, by masses of native rock, reaching, like monster rough-hewn pillars, from bottom to top. Now Mahagua noticed, what before had escaped him, the flitting of countless shades that swarmed into and out of the darkness. They were vague and indefinite, so as to be scarcely discern- ible. He called the attention of the sorcerer to them, de- manding an explanation. “These,” Khoplé responded, ‘‘are the fiends of the earth, the air, and of the sea, coming to pay homage to ISLE OF DEMONS AND SABLE MOUNTAINS. 163 the prince, or departing to their haunts, or else bearing to and fro the commands of the master.” As he watched these spirits rushing by in shadowy torrents, Mahagua marveled at their number. “Truly,” he. said, ‘‘the demons must be beyond all computation !” “Truly so!” the sorcerer replied. ‘‘ They fill the atmosphere that is about us, the water that flows in eyery stream or river, or washes the shores of every na- tion. They are more numerous than men, with birds, beasts, reptiles, and insects all combined. Were the sum of every grain of sand and the total of every drop of water joined together, the result would not ex- ceed their mighty aggregate.” The day was drawing rapidly to its close, and a va- por now began escaping from the mountain. It was thin at first, and almost imperceptible, but grew gradu- ally thicker and more dark. Again Mahagua ques- tioned his associate. *“‘The place we are about to enter,” Khoplé made answer, ‘‘is the Palace of Darkness. ‘Thence come, as the sun goes down, the shades of night, spreading themselves over earth and covering all from sight. Within the Palace of Light Pra-Enn is enthroned, com- manding the sun and moon and all that is luminous. With the morning his gates are cast open, and the light goes forth, driving the shadows back into the heart of the mountain. Then, in triumphal march, the day-orb sweeps across the firmament, typical of the glory and power of its master, the Angel-king. ** Ages ago, between Pra-Enn and his angels and Maqui, with all the devils, a bitter conflict raged for the supremacy of the universe. The struggle was uncer- 164 NORODOM, RING OF CAMBODIA. tain, though somewhat to the advantage of the celestial host. Then a covenant was made, and the dominion for which they warred was divided between the contending powers. Each controls the destinies of men according as they themselves may incline to vice or virtue. Time was likewise partitioned into hours of sunshine and hours of obscurity. During the period assigned the demons the darkness prevails, while the spirits of heaven flood the universe with light. As, however, Pra-Enn dis- played superiority of power, in token thereof even the blackness of night is at times tempered, and the pale moon appears in the heavens.” Mahagua listened to this explanation with profound interest. He watched more closely the sable vapor now emerging in great unbroken mass. So dense and thick it rushed forth that it seemed as though the Sable Mountains themselves were melting and spreading over creation’s face. CHAPTER XLIX. THE EBON STAIRS. THE excitement of the day just closed did not pre- vent Mahagua from slumbering profoundly. When he awoke, the dominion of the light was re-established, and the sun was well above the horizon. He found Khoplé awake, and the ascent of the ebon stairs began. They had not proceeded far before pitchy darkness enveloped them, and only by the sound of each other’s footfalls were they able to keep together. THE EBON STAIRS. 165 They had climbed for many hours, and Mahagua was exceedingly weary. He longed for rest, but found it impossible to stop. Some power kept his faltering limbs in motion, pushing him ever upward. The slow minutes dragged along, each adding to the fatigue that pressed upon him. His sufferings were intense. Every muscle was rent with pain, and his aching members were ready to succumb. Nevertheless, he was forced to continue his laborious way. At last he began to hope that the end was drawing near. With panting breath and greatest difficulty he addressed Khoplé. “IT am almost overcome,” he said. ‘Surely this toil will not endure much longer ?” This was not the first ascent the sorcerer had made, and-he was consequently better informed than his com- panion. . “Several times have I performed this wearisome journey,” he answered, ‘‘and I have counted every stair of the mighty flight. More than twenty thousand steps there are, and as yet we have not surmounted one half the number.” As he received this disheartening intelligence Ma- hagua groaned aloud. “The task is too great,” he exclaimed ; ‘‘I shall never accomplish it.” “ Although the pain and misery are intense,” was the reply, “‘the master will give thee strength until the long acclivity is conquered. Do thy sufferings, however, bring regret at the execution of the com- pact ?” “Not at all,” Mahagua hastily made answer. ‘If this distress but leads to the accomplishment of my re- venge, it is willingly encountered. It was of physical 166 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. endurance alone that I was doubtful, fearing the hu- man frame could not resist such toil.” “‘Be thou then contented,” said Khoplé, ‘‘for the master will hold thee up.” To increase Mahagua’s anguish, the rock of which the steps were roughly hewn had worn the covering from each foot, and the naked soles, thus exposed, were blistered and made sore. Then they were raw, and bled profusely, and as he slowly ascended, his print was left behind in blood. Ankles and leg-joints, and feet them- selves, were swollen beyond all proportion. The thongs that had bound his sandals were cutting into the flesh, causing intense agony, yet he could not stop or bend to loosen the tightened strings. At last every stair of the long flight was accom plished, and Khoplé and Mahagua stood at the top, pant- ing, and racked with the torment of excessive fatigue. Hardly had the top been reached ere Mahagua fell to the floor of the black space in which he was. As he lay incapable of movement, the sorcerer whispered in his ear : “It is well for thee,” he said, “that thy courage and endurance have withstood the ordeal to which they have been subjected. It is the first of those to which the master has decreed that thou shouldst be submitted be- fore entering to his presence. Sooner or later the dread- ful penalty of the compact must be paid, but boldness and resolution may, perchance, postpone the evil day until thine enemies be destroyed.” Mahagua had forced himself, by a strong effort, to attend to these words ; but, at their conclusion, he could do no more. Upon the rocky floor he lay, silent and exhausted. Then, overcome by weariness and suffering, he sank into a state of insensibility. ACROSS THE HALL OF DARENESS. 167 CHAPTER L. ACROSS THE HALL OF DARKNESS. THE sorcerer did not long suffer his companion to remain in this broken and helpless condition. Draw- ing from the folds of his waistcloth a joint of bamboo, he touched a mystic liquid to the lips of the uncon- scious man. The effect was marvelous and instantane- ous. Mahagua roused from stupor, and his pain and soreness were gone. The bleeding feet were likewise moistened with the healing liquor, and every trace of injury disappeared. Now he was strong and vigorous as ever, but still could distinguish nothing in the ob- scurity in which he was immersed. This inability the sorcerer remedied, applying an ointment ; and at once the eyes were cleared and Mahagua saw perfectly through the darkened space. He now cast his curious glances about him, observ- ing the character of his surroundings. Down the long stairway, in distance seeming almost infinite, the great opening appeared, as a merest speck of light. He found himself in a vast space, excavated from off the solid heart of the mountain. Its size and shape his vision was unable to discern. Immediately above him, beyond sight, one of the great black walls arose. From the top of the entrance, far as the eye could go, this tall side was pierced by innumerable arched apertures, in long, continuous rows, that appeared to be the door- ways to lesser halls extending into the body of the dark rock. Through the great chamber, in groups and colon- nades, a vast number of immense and massive pillars 8 168 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA, stood. They sprung from heavy bases upon the floor, and lost themselves in obscurity above. Despite their actual magnitude, their length was such that these columns seemed slender, and gave to the area the ap- pearance of asomber and gloomy forest. Myriads of beings flitted in all directions through the interminable maze. They were of every size, but all misshapen and repulsive. These were the spirits of evil that dwelt within this abode of darkness. A huge creature now appeared in the distance, com- ing directly toward them. Its body was hairy, and sur- mounted by a hump, like that of a dromedary; and upon wide and leathery wings, like a monster bat, it swept along. The aspect of the head and features, as it approached, greatly augmented its hideousness. The countenance was that of humanity, but horribly exag- gerated and distorted. It stayed its flight directly in front of the com- panions ; and as it did so Mahagua looked toward his associate inquiringly. “This being,” said the sorcerer, “is sent to bear us to the presence of the master. The swiftness of its flight is such that the length of this vast chamber will be traversed in less time than thou, in the Cambodian capital, couldst walk from the Royal Landing-place, upon the Mekong, to the ‘Gate of Armies.’ And yet from end to end this mighty hall is ten uzemas.” “‘But where shall we find the Prince of Demons ?” Mahagua demanded. ** His throne,” was the response, ‘lies at the upper end of this Place of Darkness.” “For what,” he asked again, ‘‘is this wilderness of columns ?” ACROSS THE HALL OF DARKNESS. 169 “This great hall,” the sorcerer answered, ‘‘is, as I have already declared, ten uzemas in length; it is eight in width. These pillars, seeming so slight, are, in fact, each broader than the Temple of Yuen ; and their office is to prop up the mountain-top, which roofs the space.” By this time the thing that was to transport them began to show signs of impatience, and Khoplé deemed it prudent to mount without further delay. In a mo- ment both were sitting firmly upon its back. They tangled their feet and clenched their hands into the long and shaggy coat, and the leathery wings were un- folded. At first the flight was slow, but every instant in- creased the speed, until at length the progress was that of a flash. The still air as they went seemed passing like a whirlwind, and the columns flew by so rapidly as to be almost undistinguishable. The grip of Maha- gua was of necessity so strong that the wiry hair caused him misery, and even cut into the flesh of his fingers. Now the purpose of the monster seemed to he to un- seat those by whom he was bestridden. Changing its course suddenly, and at every moment, it darted ob- liquely to the right, and again to the left, rendering the positions upon its back more painful and precarious. This danger and distress, instead of terrifying, infuri- ated Mahagua. He vented his spleen upon the creature that bore him, digging his heels viciously into its flanks. It seemed not insensible to suffering, for, with every sounding thump, it groaned in agony. Nevertheless, the dangerous eccentricities of its flight were not discon- tinued ; and the vengeful rider redoubled his exertions, deriving satisfaction from the moans his kicks elicited. 170 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. CHAPTER LI. THE THRONE OF MAQUI. At last, much to the satisfaction of Mahagua, the journey across the Hall of Darkness was ended. He had suffered intensely, and was aggrieved at the imposi- tion of what he considered needless torture. Conver- sation had been impossible during the course of the swift and perilous flight ; but now he complained to his comrade. ‘¢ Those who are slaves to the demons,” the sorcerer replied, ‘“‘are doomed to torment, even before the pits receive them. The pain and hazard of this grievous ride, however, had a special purpose. It was the second ordeal upon thy courage and endurance.” Strange things were now before Mahagua, and oc- currences incomprehensible were transpiring. He and his companion were in close view of the high wall forming the extremity of the immense area. As Khoplé was speaking, the dark face began to tremble, and then it wavered more violently. In another instant it melted away, disclosing an emptiness behind, black and inscrutable. A somber vapor issued forth, and, like a heavy curtain, spread across its front. After a time this shadowy veil was riven at its center, and rolled aside on either hand. As this happened a marvelous spectacle appeared. A tall, dark platform of several stages was disclosed. At its top, the space was broad ; and below, three successive and widening levels gave it @ pyramidal form. At the summit, raised upon an ebon throne of state, and behind it the darkness of the void, alone a figure THE THRONE OF MAQUI. 171 sat. It bore the shape and semblance of man, but im- mense, awe-inspiring, and terrific. The features were massive and regular, in faultless proportion with the mag- nitude of the shape. The beauty, however, was baleful. Malice infinite was stamped upon every lineament, while the great eyes shone with fire, consuming in its fierceness. Upon the plane immediately below five others were instated. Each was in appearance comely and terrific, inferior only to him who rested above in solitary grand- eur. Upon the lower stages, in succession, were other forms, seeming, upon each floor, to increase in numbers but diminish in importance as they recoded from the Mighty One. In myriads, upon the rocky pavement about the base of the platform, and as far out as the eye could reach, the lesser subjects of the demonian realm lay prostrate. They were black as night, and all hideous and deformed. Tn respectful adoration, Khoplé had fallen upon his face ; but Mahagua, filled with wondering admiration, did not follow his example, but stood gazing upon these marvelous things. The Prince of Demons it was, sitting over all. His eyes, whose terrible glance none could endure, were fixed on space. The vast throng of evil spirits was wrapped in profoundest silence. Slowly, then, the lips of the figure stirred ; and, like the roll of ten thousand thunders, a voice was heard. It echoed through the vast expanse, as though each trembling pillar were repeating the awful words. As it spoke, the shapes enthroned upon the lower levels rose and bowed low toward the master, resuming their seats only when the sounds had died away. 172 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. ‘*Rash mortal!” the Arch-Fiend said, addressing Mahagua, “into the. Hall of Darkness thou hast ven- tured, and up to the very feet of the Power of Evil— such is the unbounded presumption with which the thirst for vengeance hath filled thee. Thou wert mad with hate to dream that the Potentates of Darkness would concern themselves in thy quarrel. Now shalt thou endure the penalty o thine audacity and be cast into the torment.” Mahagua was atone The character of this reception, so different from what he was expecting, cast him for some moments into dumbness and confu- sion. Soon, however, the purport of the language forced itself upon his comprehension, and he was en- raged at the treachery of Maqui. The loss of all pros- pect of revenge filled him with despair, but increased his fury. His was not a nature to submit tamely to such usage, from whatever hands it came. Filled with wrath, and in utter disregard of the awe-inspiring pres- ence, he gave vent to the bitterness of his soul. “© Vile Devil!” he exclaimed, “thou art a liar and a deceiver! If I am here, it is at thy command, and in thy service, and under guarantees, shamelessly set at naught! Do now thy worst: I scorn and defy thee! Though thou mayest rend me with endur- ing agony, yet, under all, shall I be the triumphant one! Thy fiercest torture will not break this spirit, or quench the loathing with which it is filled toward thee !” As this invective was uttered, through the startled space swept a murmur deep and prolonged. The myriad demons had heard the words of scorn and de- fiance, and each gave forth a stifled cry of horror. THE DEFIANCE. 173 Never before, during all the cycles of being, had the mighty Prince of Evil been bearded thus. Again the lips of the Great One moved, and again the place was filled with reverberation. The lesser po- tentates rose ence more, and stood bowed before the high throne. “*A thousandfold,” the master said, ‘thou hast augmented the intensity of thy torment. In naught hast thou been deceived. Within the dark temple of the Cambodian jungle all pledges were denied thee ; and, without them, thou didst deliver thyself into our power. We have no will to aid thee against the Queen Anirah, and shall not delay the doom thou didst thy- self invite.” CHAPTER LIT. THE DEFIANCE. Manacua was still undaunted. The consciousness of impotence but increased his fury. His rage choked him, for a time preventing utterance. He was burn- ing, however, to fling to the demon a fiercer defiance, and, stepping forward, he spat toward him with all his force. As this was done, the great brows knitted, the lips compressed, and a dark scowl settled upon the hitherto impassive countenance. At these signs of the master’s anger the concourse of demons shuddered, and even the potentates upon the platforms fell prostrate and trembled. The very rocks gave signs of fear, and the forest of columns was in tremor. 174 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. The terrible eyes of Maqui, that had been fixed upon space, now sank down slowly upon Mahagua. Despite the fury of the latter, he was as though petrified by the spectacle of that frowning face, and the blazing orbs scorched him as with consuming fire. His frame shrank under the withering influence, and every nerve and fiber seemed about to crack and fly with extremity of agony. Nevertheless, the indomitable will was un- broken, and his soul was not appalled. For not more than a single second the terrific glance rested upon him ; but that moment was a century of pain. Slowly the eyes lifted, and the awful brow re- laxed. The demons that thronged the space seemed in- finitely relieved ; and Mahagua was free from torture. Again spoke the Evil One. “During an instant only,” he said, “‘thou hast been in torment. What thou hast endured is in the inten- sity of anguish but a millesimal of that which is to be thy lasting portion. Doubtless thy spirit is now less proud, and thou thinkest rather of imploring mercy than of defying our rage ?” “Never!” Mahagua fiercelyexclaimed. ‘All thou mayest do can but increase my hate and loathing for thee. I defy again, and spit upon thy power. Al- though the slightest word of submission would release me from the compact, never would that word be spoken. Whatever be the duration of thy dominion over me, and whatever cruelty thou mayest exert, it shall, through all, be met by an unshaken courage, for ever defiant.” “Tt is our will,” the demon answered, ‘‘that the sentence be postponed.” As the last words were uttered the curtain of vapor rolled back to its place, and the high pyramidal throne AROUND THE HALL OF DARENESS. 175 was hidden from view. The throng of fiends that cum- bered the floor with loud rustling rose into the air, and, flying to every quarter, vanished from sight. Silence reigned throughout the mighty chamber, and Khoplé and Mahagua seemed to be alone. CHAPTER LIII. AROUND THE HALL OF DARKNESS. No occurrence, since the day Mahagua had first en- countered the sorcerer, had excited the wonder of the former as that which had just transpired. He was eager for explanations, and, when sufficiently composed, he appealed at once to Khoplé. “What is the meaning of all this?” he demanded. ‘‘Why these actions on the part of the Prince of Demons ?” The sorcerer had been awed by the last exhibition of boldness and resolution on the part of his associate. Devoid of fear toward all else, natural or supernatural, the wizard, nevertheless, dreaded the anger of his mas- ter. He had, therefore, been horrified by the conduct of Mahagua, reviling the Mighty One and defying his power. Such daring was beyond his comprehension ; and he who had evinced it advanced immeasurably in his estimation. The response was, therefore, marked with utmost respect. “Doubtless,” he answered, ‘‘what thou didst en- dure was the last ordeal through which it was decreed that thou shouldst pass. Never could I conceive that 176 NORODOM, KING OF CAMBODIA. human creature might withstand the terrific glance, Bold I am; but the master’s wrath I could not con- front. Truly, thou art most wonderful of men ; and, for thee, there must be in store some task, the most difficult and hazardous of all which to human agency may be confided.” , Mahagua’s curiosity was not satisfied, and his ques- tions continued. “For what,” he asked, “‘ were these successive plat- forms reared, one above the other ; and who were they that sat below the topmost throne ?” «The Spirits of Evil are of many kinds and differ- ing natures,” Khoplé made response. ‘‘ They stand first divided into five subordinate realms, over which five inferior princes reign. These were the potentatgs that sat next in dignity below Maqui, Lord of All. “‘ These lesser dominions are of the air; the sea, or open waters ; the streams and inland lakes; the surface of the land; and of the caves and subterranean places. Each has its subdivisions, over which, in turn, are rulers of various degrees of power. These latter, according to rank, sat upon the lower planes. All that were upon the triple platform constitute the Court of the Master, and are summoned to attend him when sitting in formal state.” At this moment a rushing sound was heard, and Mahagua beheld a monster similar to the one that had borne him across the Hall of Darkness. As it reached the spot where the twain were standing it folded its leathery wings and rested, as though awaiting their pleasure. Mahagua now inquired the name of the mon- ster, and whence it came. “It isa kyauck ; one of those beings,” the sorcerer AROUND THE HALL OF DARKNESS. 17% answered, “that inhabit the voids beneath the universe. There, by restless and uncontrollable instinct, they are driven through space in aimless and perpetual roamings. In the endless chain of existence, they are but a step in advance of the sufferers immersed in the torments of Hell. They are inferior, in the scale of being, to the beasts, the birds, the reptiles, and fishes, and to every- thing upon earth that is animate ; and they remain still subject to the demons.” “Why is the creature here ?” Mahapua asked again. ‘“