Land of Lost Hope — Johnston McCulley

A YOUNG San Francisco physician, Robert Berkley by name, is decoyed to the schooner Manatee and carried out to sea. He is treated with the greatest respect, but is told that he can never return to his native land. A beautiful young girl named Callisa is a member of the party on the schooner, and Berkley falls in love with her, though love is a thing forbidden in the Land of Lost Hope, to which they are going. One day, forgetful of warnings, he kisses her, which, according to the law of the land, means her death.On entering port Berkley is made kodar of the island, second in position to the king alone, and is instructed in his duties—one of which is escorting to a certain place of death (the Pool of Sharks) all condemned persons. Callisa is the youngest daughter of the king, and, upon learning of her disobedience, he orders her to be driven out on the streets in disgrace to await her execution. On hearing the king's terrible words, Berkley brands upon Callisa's arm his chosen mark, which insures respect to anything that bears it.