254

DEATH S DOINGS.

feasor, not a single minister of physic, dared tohold back and linger within the lines of demar-cation after the expiration of the period limitedby the edict.

Now, when the news of this extraordinary de-cree had reached and crept into the ear of Death,his jaws were presently screwed into a con-temptuous grin, while meditating his purpose." Opposition to my power," he said, " hasalways proved vain in the result, though whilomridiculously obstinate and contentious. Thisprince shall quickly understand how unequalis the contest which he appears rash enough andweak enough to wage with a power, known byuniversal experience to be paramount and irre-sistible."

Thus muttered the Destroyer.

Hence we pass on to the expiration of thatmeasure of time sufficient for the ascertainingwhether the expectations of the prince werefounded and supported.