Page:Weird Tales volume 38 number 03 CAN.djvu/71

 of Wendish corpses. But when he moved instead of approaching Christian and Planquette, Zcerneboh went toward an opposite wall. He picked up a five-foot log, one of several used by the Wends to sit on. He thrust it over his shoulder and turned around.

"He will try to kill us," warned Planquette. "A move from you, Hynek, and you are dead. Draw your sword, Christian, we must beat him to the attack—I from in back—you from the front for you are more agile!"

Zcerneboh, however, was not coming toward them, but was staggering toward the idol.

The trio stood with amazement to behold an unexpected spectacle, for with a mighty heave Zcerneboh swung the log against the sacred statue. It tottered—crashed with an awesome noise and the chips skidded across the floor in all directions.

With a terrified yell, Hynek Zerotin fell to his knees and dropped his beadhead [sic]. Zcerneboh dropped the log, surveyed the fragments, and slumped to the floor. The grotto, all the rocks around them, seemed to tremble, and for a prolonged moment weird cries came out from the walls. For awhile Christian and Planquette were as if transfixed. Then Planquette went to Zcerneboh and stooping, examined him.

"Now," he pronounced, "Zcerneboh is really dead."

NCE again the horizontal rays of the sun were striking the cupola of the Octagonal Chapel at Aix-la-Chapelle, and once again Christian Nohl was standing beneath the Barbarossa chandelier. Though not many months had passed, he was a much older looking Christian. This time, however, he stood alone.

But it was not long before someone else entered the chapel, the figure of an old man. It was, in fact, old Henri Planquette.

"So sober at a time like this, my nephew?" he questioned cheerily as he came to Christian's side.

"Ah, my good uncle, but Charlemagne was truly a great man."

"Indeed. But listen to me. I have most conclusive news. Reports have just come in from five other cities confirming unanimously that the Dancing Mania ceased all at once on the night of September 3."

Christian looked up with keen interest. "Wonderful!" he exclaimed, and grasped the old man's hand.

A door to the chapel from another part of the cathedral opened, and they were interrupted as a woman's voice called out: "Christian, why didn't you tell us the Doctor had come? The Father and all of us are waiting!"

"I am sorysorry [sic], Frau"

"Now! now! No more 'Frau.' From now on it's 'Mamma' to me. But wait until you see Mina! Her gown, if I did make it myself, is beautiful—gorgeous! And Mina, if she is my own daughter, is the loveliest bride ever to take nuptial vows at Aix-la-Chapelle!"

But suddenly she hushed, and they entered, for music from the Charlemagne organ was rising.