Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1889-12-07
THE SARACEN DWARF,
BY HARATIo ALGER, JR.

ward, having been absent ten days on
a Journey to brother merchant in q
neighboring city OF York with whom
he had many dealings. From the per-
turbed looks which he cast on either
side, it was evident that his mind was
not free from apprehension regarding
his personal safety.
"Come hither, Benjamin." said Is
sacher to his attendant, who was rid
ing a little behind, "draw near me,
and bark we, have your sword in redi-
ness, for night draweth on, and /
| greatly fear me lest some unbelieving
Nazarenes may take advantage of the
dark to attack me, IN hopes OF wiring
| ing from me q portion of my hard
earned gains.
sHTruly" said the attendant, who,
like himself was OF Jewish extraction,
"tne times are perilous, and the hand
OF the spoler is heavy upon us. Have
YOU heard how Rueben OF York was
treated but few weeks since?"
mo how was it,"
|
ey, and conveyed to the castle OF Sir
Hugh de Lancey, where he was tortur
ed into the surrender of one-half OF his
ample possessions.
"Father Abraham, defend us! Is it
indeed so? He is an old friend OF
mine, is Rueben. Together we learn
ed the art oftraftickIng from Ben DAY.
id, thegreat merchant. grieve great
ly that he should have fallen into the
| hands of these Philistines-"
"Philistine, sir jew" said deep
voice near at hand. as that the way
you speak of your superiors? 1t is
time you were taught better man
| ners."
Issacher turned round with q sink
ing heart, and beheld to his dis@lay
the stern face ofa-man-at-arms, whom
he easily recognized as one OF the FOL.
lowers OF the Norman baron, Sir Regi-
maid de Courcy, over whose domains
he was now travelling.
"Nay," said he, alphabetically, take
no offense, my master, mean no dis
respect"
Meant no disrespect! So il is no
disrespect to call noble baron a
Philistine. Beshrew me, Jew, if l 90
not think you are growing TOO purse
| proud. PrIthee, let me by thy leech.
/ would council little letting of the
blood, which with thee and thy race
is but another name for gold. How
hkest thou the prescriptions"
"Not over well" said the Jew, nerv-
ously, anxious to get away from his
interlocutor, of whom he entertained
an underlined feeling OF apprehension.
''Not over well; but l must bid thee a
good night, as it is growing late, and
have affairs that demand my in
slant attention. Hasten, good Ben
jamin, we must put spurs to our
steeds."
"Nay," said their chance compan-
ion, cody laying his hand on the ami
NAL which Issacher bestrode, mot so
fast, my good friend. Perchance thou
mayst find other matters which de-
mand thy attention still more weigh
ty."
Delay me not, good SIR" said the
Jew, IN tone OF entreaty; "for there
can be no dealings between thee and
me, since, so far as my knowledge
goes, this is the frst time we have
ever met"
every likely; but it may not be the
last. am sorry 10 put you to IN
convenience, master Jew, but it is alb.
solutely necessary that you should
accompany me to the castle OF my
master, Sir Reginald de Courcy, who
very well know, is just at this time
! anxious to see one of thy race"
AZ know him not" said Issacher,
| turning pale, for he well knew the rep
utation of the baron, and that once
in his clutches he would not escape
without paying heavy ransom.
1t is needless talking, You must go
with me-" was the firm reply.
"Draw your sword, Benjamin, and
spur forward. He is but one, but we
must make resistance.
The stranger applied hunting horn
to his lips and crew blast. Instant
~ from the covert hard by, sprang
! half dozen OF his companions, who
were lying in ambush.
"How noW?' was bis triumphant
reply, as he beheld the dismay pictur-
ed in the faces OF Issacher and his at
tendant. "You will escape now, will
your"
Issacher looked for q moment At
the stern faces which surrounded him,
as if to discover whether an appeal
would do him any good. Apparently,
however, the result was unfavorable,
since, without word ofremonstrance
he submitted to be bound to his
horse, after which he was led, between
two men-at-arms, in the direction OF
Sir Reginald's castle.
His captors amused themselves by
| bantering him upon his crestfallen
appearance.
NAY, man, look not so sober. You
may be sure our master will be glad
to see you, and will give you a rousing
welcome. He will be very sorry to
part with thee, Jew. fear he will not
consent to let thee go at all, unless
thou consent to leave behind some
| thing Oy which be may remember
thea thousand pieces OF gold orso."
So saying, they laughed at their
own wit.
Sir Reginald de Courcy sat fin his
banqueting hall at the head of his re.
| tanners Beside his own household,
there were present two reverend alb
bots, each OF whom presided over a
neighboring monastery. Tue hall rang
with cries OF "wassail," in obediance
to whom the company would lift up
the immense breakers usual in that
age, and quaff them with an appear
ance or enjoyment which evinced that
their thirst was not easily slaked.
OF all the knights who marched forth
under the standard OF the cross to
| the Holv SeDulchre. nerhans no one