The Frozen Crew Of The Ice-Bound Ship; Or, Terrors Of The Arctic Region — page 60: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

rt et Ke. 50 it swiftly, came to a flight of rude steps leading to a steep abyss. These they descended, and passed into a subterra~- nean, passage, hewn out of the metallic mass com- posing the loadstone-rock. Along this passage, which wasof some extent, Hans | Hinckman proceeded with Miamas at his heels. At last they came to [another fight of steps, and here the dwarf stopped. 7 We are now above the cavern of the winds, where you will find Sumach,” he said. “Descend, the way is clear before you ; I have other work to do. “Confiding fool,” exclaimed Hans Hinckman, “he believes the lie I have told him. Hum ! the pitfall is dug ; now to see the idiot tumble into it.” Miamas obeyed the injunction he had received, and, as he advanced, was surprised to find his com~ panion gone. He had neither passed nor descended the steps, and, therefore, must have sunk into the frozen waters. Miamas’ terror was now increased by hearing a voice—it was loud, shrill, and pierced the very recesses of his soul. CHAPTER XIX THE STATUE OF ICH, In one of the loneliest recesses of the coast, where a deep indenture gave the tide access, was the spot chosen by the Flying Dutchman to meet Yeni after his late daring exploit. . As he advanced’ tothe rugged gap, which super- stition invested with magical as well as mischievous qualities, he found the Indian anxiously awaiting his appearance, to learn how far he had fulfilled his promise and realised the fond hopes he had given of obtaining for him the hand of the beloved Su- mach, “Has your design been’ successful ?” asked Yeni, as soon as Vanderdecken approached him. “To the full extent of:your most sanguine wishes,” replied the latter. *‘The girl is now securein my abode beneath this magnet of the pole. “So soon as you have promised to fulfil your oath,’’ continued the Flying Dutchman, “ I will con- vey you to her presence.” “* Once there ?” said the Indian. “You will have an opportunity of compelling the proud beauty to become yours,” rejoined Vander- decken. , Keep me not in suspense,” cried Yeni. Name your terms, and, by the head of my father, I swear to observe them.” ‘ “‘Tam satisfied. While with the same promptitude I have observed your wishes, I shall expect you to regard mine. Your brother——-’’ “ What of him ?” ** Has he not ever been the means of dashing the cup of happiness from your parched lips >” “He is the adder that ever crossed the path that Yeni trod.” | “Your kinsman is also my enemy,” continued Vanderdecken, “the eternal scoffer of my super- natural power, and I have vowed to revenge wmyself even in his blood.” “* His blood,” echded Yeni. ? “Even so. The blow must be struck, and Miamas~ must die by his brother's hand,” For a moment Yeni stood horror-struck at the avowal, then prostrating himself before the Flying Dutchman, entreated to be spared so foul. a deed. The supplicated gave one of those lau ghs of which a demon is alonecapable, then, with a malicious grin, exclaimed— ape es ES ee ee THE FROZEN CREW. AND ICE-BOUND SHIP. « Have you so soon forgotten your oath ?” “ Miamas I hate, but I cannot, dare not take his life.” “Then our compact ceases,” returned Vander- decken. , “T reserve thee for a living death of torture. Sumach at once becomes thy brother’s bride.” : ‘‘ Wizard thy spell is not yet broken,” cried Yeni, mastering his emotion. “Much as my soul recoils at spilling the blood of Miamas, I feel I must comply with your hellish demand. “T could not live,” he continued, “‘ to see the hour which would rob me of her whom I have so long, and so fondly loved.” : Vanderdecken regarded his victim for a moment, then, with fierce bitterness, exclaimed— ‘‘T shall not propitiate a renegade, you have joy and sorrow at your own disposal, so take your choice and let me at once know your determina- tion ?” Yeni again wavered. ‘‘ Mark me,” continued the Flying Dutchman, “TI have no time to waste in idle parley. Let your decision be prompt, as mine will be certain.” ‘Wizard,’ cried Yeni, while his heart almost ceased to beat as he spoke, “I do yield me to your evil counsel. “My brother,” he continued, “shall fall beneath my murderous steel !’’ “ And the reward ?” “ “«« Shall be Sumach’s hand.” ‘That I have already promised, and the word of Vanderdecken was never yet forfeited Full fifty fathom beneath the ocean lay the abode of Vanderdecken, in the loadstone rock. : The cavern of the winds, in the realms of death. This terrible place, surrounded by unscaleable precipices, appeared, from below and above, as some vast abyss of immeasurable depth and extent. Its entrance consisted not in asingle arch as usual, © but was divided into two by a huge pillar of some mineral substance, which, rising fromthe bottom to the top of the refuge, seemed to lend its support to the roof,and forms, at the same time, a monstrous and double portal. In this wild scene,-lonely and hitherto undisturbed by the clang of any living creature, was soon heard the sound of voices earnestly engaged in conver- sation. After a pause, the speakers appeared descending from the winding passage, and ultimately reached the centre of the cave. The one was so stupefied with horror that he offered no resistance to the other, who seemed to lead him, as if he were blindfolded, through the intricacies of the secluded spot. In these intruders could be recognised the forms of Vanderdecken and the Indian, Yeni. “What think you of my dwelling?” said the Flying Dutchman, as he observed the wandering glances of his companion. “Tis a place shunned by the red-man and the white, and I confess has terrors for the unflinching soul of Yeni,”’ “Yet do I dare walk in the unhallowed circle,” returned Vanderdecken, “and even sleep by the magic spring, When young and innocent I longed to possess the divining powers of the ancient races, and invoked spirits to impart to me their hidden and impious knowledge.” “And the evil spirit heard your summons,” said Yeni, his blood curdling as he listened. PE Sn eee) ee Cay EOMIcboOO <Si E(0) f i ,