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THE MOUNTAIN OF FEARS

phorous note of the drum, though now it seemed to come from the inside, impelling one to fervid action.

" 'Those fools will dance and drink and revel to-night,' growled Fouchère, 'and to-morrow there will not be one in the village fit to stand upon his feet.'

" 'Then,' said I, with an attempt at jocuarity, 'they may seek your professional advice.'

" 'No,' he muttered, 'they will go to the papa-loi—the priest—the arch-devil——'

"There was a swift rustle, and Madame had leapt to her feet and was pacing the verandah with clinging, cat-like steps. I arose.

" 'I am fatigued from sitting still,' she explained, with a light but nervous laugh. 'See, the moon is rising.'

"I glanced toward the east and saw a dull yellow glow before which the low stars paled. Madame permitted herself another turn of the verandah, and as she passed the banded shaft of light which smote through the jal-

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