olded his arms across his bosom--and made him
a profound Oriental salaam.

"The Lord of Kingsland gazes in amaze at the uninvited stranger. And
yet I think destiny has sent me hither."

"Who are you?" the baronet demanded. "What jugglery is this? Are you
dressed for an Eastern dervish in a melodrama, and have you come here
to play a practical joke? I am afraid I can not appreciate the humor
of the masquerade. Who are you?" sternly.

"Men call me Achmet the Astrologer."

"An astrologer? Humph! your black art, it seems, could not protect you
from a January storm," retorted Sir Jasper, with a cynical sneer. "But
come in--come in. Astrologer or demon, or whatever you are, you look
too old a man to be abroad such a night, when we would not turn an
enemy's dog from the house. The doors of Kingsland are never closed to
the tired wayfarer, and of all nights in the year they should not he
closed to-night."

"When an heir is born to an ancient name and a princely inheritance,
you speak rightly, my Lord of Kingsland."

"How say you? What do you know of the events of this night, Sir
Astrologer?"

"Much, Sir Jasper Kingsland, and for the very reason you
deride--because I am an astrologer. I read the stars, and I lift the
veil of the future, and, lo! I behold your life years before you have
lived it!"

Sir Jasper Kingsland laughed a cynical, unbelieving laugh.

"You jeer at me, you scoff at my words," murmured the old man, in soft,
steady tones, "and yet there was no one to tell me on my way here that
a son and heir had been born to the house of Kingsland within the past
hour."

He lifted his arm and pointed to the clock, his dark eyes fixed upon
the baronet's changing face.

"You deride the power I profess, yet every day you quote your English
poet, and believe him when he says: 'There are more things in heaven
and earth than are dreamed of in your philosophy.' But I am accustomed
to derision, and it does not offend me. Let me prove my power, so that
even the most resolute skeptic dare doubt no longer. Judge of my skill
to read the future by my ability in reading the past. I have come
here--I have taken a long journey to look into the future of your
new-born son. Before I begin, let me look into the past of his father.
Sir Jasper Kingsland, let me read your palm."

But Sir Jasper drew back.

"You have taken a long journey to look into the future of my son?
Pray, what is my son to you?"

"That is m