C042

All eyes were turned toward two runners toeing the mark. One was the beautiful maiden Atalanta, daughter of the king, who had vowed that she would marry no man unless he could outrun her in a race. If any man tried and failed, he was to be imprisoned. Many had tried and gone to their doom, but the princess had no pity. She cared for nothing but golden trinkets. Now her face was calm, and her eyes were fixed upon the spear which marked the turning point of the race course. But the eyes of the handsome young man who was to run against her were turned toward her, and he seemed to have no other wish than to watch her face. Suddenly a trumpet gave the signal to start. The young man leaped ahead. But the crowd's cry of joy gave place to a groan as the beautiful princess easily overtook and outraced him. The young man stared wildly back at her as he was led away.

(To be continued)