The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-04-04
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drag ss score of saints to the uttermost
deeps of perdition.
My judge had an easy task. He had TO
determine no question Of guilt or innocence;
no delicate balancing Of points was de-
manded OF him; lac had simply TO decide
what should be done 10 an infamous wretch
who should be defrauded OF his deserts by
hanging, beheading, drawing and quarter
ing.
Abou Kuram did not move muscle dur
ing the fearful recital. Sitting with clinch-
ed lips and dropping lids, hescarcely seemed
to hear. But when the pitch was exhaust
ed and could not possibly he made blacker
he turned on me the face of victory.
''Art thou satisfied with the testimony9"
he asked grimly. "Thou seemest man Of
much integrity OF very truth. thou art
pretty fellow
"My lord" blurted, with gulp, for in
spite of my early bravado the sweat of ter
ror was new breaking upon me, MY lord.
they are liars every one"
And thou alone speakest truth Yea.
that is likely. Thon hast been at the
pains TO learn our tongue and hast faced
perils in coming hither and put on our
clothes and spied and plotted out of pure
friendlness Of heart. Thy secret plannings
and bribngs are all for our welfare. Thou
yearnest to do good by stealth"
For the first time he laughed, and it was
laugh TO curdle the blood When the
judge cackles in irony and derision, the
prisoner may well quake.
Quickly recovering his austerity of man
ner, he looked me over with eyes that pen
etrated to the core Of my being.
Doubtless some one is present 90 testify
to that goodness thou displayest so strange
iy." he said.
In my bewilderment had forgotten Said
Acbmet, but now | turned anxioEsly TO
seek bis friendly face. A chill went TO my
heart as searched the crowd in vain He
had not come; he would be too late But
Just as | WAS about 20 break out into an in
coherent protestation of innocence in de-
SPAR of a favorable word there was move
ment among the people, and Said Achmet
entered between his guards. Advancing
with respectful bearing TO the front, he
made low obeisance and stood with bent
head and body To hear the governors pleas
ure.
III thought" remarked Abou Kuram
very slowly, that Said Achmet was of
those we could call friends"
There liveth not a man this day who
could wish my lord better" returned Said
Achmet in a low but fervent voice
yet thou givest refuge to spies and enc
mics of the state"
Heaven forbid thy servant should do
such thing"
"But thou hast done it."
Said Achmet's eyes nearly leaped from
his head.
My lord but iesteth,n he said after a
pause during which he scarcely breathed.
NAY. there Is no jest in it," answered
Abou kuran. Look ON this fellow and
tell me what thou knowest OF him"
Said hchmet briefly related the circum-
stances Of our meeting, and his reasons for
taking me in and giving me clothes
Thou art man Of honor, Said Achmet,"
observed the governor, hut thy pity hath
blinded thee. Dost thou know aught else
Of hime"
Said Achmot IN few sentences repeated
the tale Of misfortune had told him, Abou
Kuram listening with evident irritation
and contempt.
II doubt not he had trouble in getting
hither," said tue governor, "and the reason
for his coming may be judged by his readi-
ness TO endure dangers and hardships.
Thinkest thou 1t was for sport he encoun-
tered those perils bytea and landl In spite
Of thy years and thy wanderings, thou
art but babe. Said Achmet. A feign-
ing tongue imposeth on thee, and thou
art moved by the woe Of the deceitfuL
Hast thou never yet learned that words
are easy as the wind aud often as falsei
This fellow hath come 60 spy, and the wages
of the spy are death. Thou mayst go i'm
freedom, Said Achmet. but another time
see thou let not thy compassion make n
fool Of thy judgment. Methinks IL Is time
thou vert learning to discern between
friend and foe"
Said Aohmet, again bowing profoundly,
retired without n word. AZ be went out
our eyes met for n moment, and the look
he gave me was fun Of sorrow and pity. II
was but glance. yet It expressed more clo-
quently than would be possible in words
tbs conviction that wss lost aud his gzisi