Page:Frank Owen - The Wind That Tramps the World (1929).djvu/99

 paused. "You must continue onward alone," he said slowly. "The stars do not portend well so I cannot go with you. All my movements are controlled by astrological divinings. That is why contentment and peace are mine."

Hwei-Ti made no protest at the old mystic's desertion. In fact he scarcely heeded it. It was enough that he was nearing the Blue City. His weakness was acute. His throat was parched. His tongue was dry. Time after time he staggered and fell. But ever he rose to his feet and continued onward up the sad, lonesome road. Eventually he reached the summit of the mountain. He breathed painfully. His eyes were wet with tears. He was very weak. But there before him stretched the Moon Road, a street of shimmering silver that swerved off into the Blue City.

As he walked out upon the Moon Road much of his fatigue abated. The cool air laved his tired body as though it were balm. It caressed his wasted cheeks, smoothed away the marks of worry and care. In the windows of the houses the star-lamps gleamed and gradually he could make out the form of the houses as his vision adjusted itself to the pungent blue. Finally he heard the sound of sweet singing. His heart beat fast. Now he was weak no longer. Love, desire made him strong. The next moment he was in the magnolia garden and the wondrous girl was in his arms, crushed to his breast like a beautiful fragrant flower. Contentment was complete. He kissed her soft lips again and