The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

THE NEMESIS : A TALE OF THE DAYS OF TRAJAN .

By BRO . A . ONEAL HAYE , Author of " The Ei story of the ^ ni ghts Templars ; " Foet Laureate of the Canongate , Kilwinning ; P . M . St . Stephens ; - P . P , Z . of St . Andrews B . A . Chap . ; Ifc . ; fyc . ( Continued from page 251 . ) CHAPTER IV .

P URSUIT ' oi ? KNOWLEDGE UNDER DIFFICULTIES . " Proceed illustrious Youth , And Virtue guard thee to the throne of Truth . "—Jolinson . When Lemo and Adrian descended to the chamber , the Hight Priest motioned him to be

seated , and then with- folded arms paced slowly up and down , occasionally glancing at the young man with a sad expression in his eyes . At length he stopped before Mm , and said : — " Adrian , it becomes me here to place before

you the teachings of the mysteries through which you liave passed , that you may the better be enabled to understand Avhat now lies before you . In the mysteries of Isis , which were unfolded to you at the SAveet time of the Yernal Equinox , and

Avhen you entered upon the study of our profoundesfc philosophy , all nature was young once more , and once more teemed Avith life . Soft zephyrs fanned the feverous leaf in its cradle bud , and gently ruffled the plumage of the parent birds , adding vitality to the quickened egg . The streams that in Avinter dashed black and turbid doAvn the

mountain ' s side , became clear , melodious as they rippled gently down their pebbly beds , and the sky above , was calm , blue and bright . In consonance Avith nature ' s , Avere our instructions . Ton were shown the help lessness of man at his birth ,

his mind a pure tablet undefaced by sin , and also the power and goodness of the Immortals were placed in striking features before you . " Again , at the summer solstice , you were initiated into the mysteries of Serapis ; because at

that time , nature brings forth lier fruits , and the mind of man , in that season of life in a similar manner , puts forth Ms cultivated talents , and employs them either for good or evil as passion or principle sways Ms soul .

"Again , in the autumnal solstice , when the sickle cuts doAvn the grain , and man prepares his winter store , Ave imparted to you , the mysteries of Osiris , for that is the time which leads man ' s thoughts to prepare for death . Such were our

instructions , and noAV you have demanded the crowning trial ; you seek to encounter the grim enemy , are you prepared for Ms presence ? "

" I am , 0 Lemo . " " It is not customary for us to impart our mysteries so rapidly to the neophyte . In your case this has been done , alike from the excellence of your talents , and the Mgh honours you have won

among the philosophers of Greece , as well as the faith Ave have in your being able to succeed in your coming trial , Avhich demands of you both courage and fortitude . Yet Adrian , many who have spent years in the study of our mysteries ,

Avho have won high place and honour among us have succumbed at last to the dread enemy . This ceremony is a path of destruction and death , the road is littered Avith the bones of those who have gone before you ; the greatest terrors that human ,

imagination can conjure up , would fail before this ordeal ' s terrible reality . I tremble Avhile I ask you , are you prepared to undergo this trial ?" " I am , 0 Lemo . " " Have you abstained from all impurities , and clung to virtue during your past life ?" "I have . "

" Since your probation have you lived upon a light diet , refrained from animal food , and purified yourself by repeated ablutions ?" " I have , 0 Lemo , in all things according to your instructions . "

"And you desire of me this last ordeal ?" " By the Immortals who have committed th © poAver to yon , Yes . " " Oome , then . Thus prepared , if thy courage fail thee not , no danger can befall thee . Stout hearts are the masters of the Avorld , and overcome all difficulties . "

Lemo caused Adrian to remove the dress and cap he wore , and gave him a pure Avhite robe . He himself changed his sacerdotal robe , for one of flaming crimson , on Avhich were sewn strange hieroglyphics , amid Avhich precious gems gleamed .

He then -with a snoAV-white napkin blindfolded the young man ' s eyes , and takin g him by the hand , led him from the apartment saying -. "Fear nothing , my Adrian , to the brave all things are possible . "

Adrian was conducted along various galleries , up and down long flights of steps to the secret shrine of Isis , before Avhich he was told to prostrate himself , and utter a prayer for protection to the Immortals . He was sprinkled with water by

Lemo , who thereafter incenced him , with a golden censer . These ceremonies having been carefully performed by the High Priest , he led Adrian by