The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1894-02-03

copyright, 1893, by JoLn Alexander Steuart.l
paiace was unusually rich IN deceptive re-
treats, and now every one of them was
blocked by mob that was self destroying,
because it could neither go on nor turn
back and WAS frantic for plunder. The liv-
ing trampled furiously on the dead and dy-
ing, and the din was rs the uproar of Gagged
beasts rending each other in the night
In the brief lulls of the delirium wild
sounds swooped from above and the tum-
bling bodies cast riven and bleeding ont Of
windows told that work was vigorously
proceeding where we particularly wished
to be. Once the sharp scream of woman
rang out directly over our heads, like
shril bugle note In the clamor of battle,
telling that the pillagers were already in
Amood's holy of holies. Suleiman made a
remark about the hHrem being cleared be-
fore we could reach it, adding comments
which it would be unwise to repeat.
1t got horribly dark, with thick, sitting
darkness that you tried TO ward OFF with
your hand because it was choking the
breath out of you. No man knew how or
where to get light, so, jammed in reck-
ing pen from which there appeared to be
no escape, we slew each other In utter hor-
ror and confusion to no purpose whatever.
If the abattoir were not burst somehow,
that had brought us together
At last some one got hold of a torch,
and kicking open "A stove that smoldered
in corner lighted it. Another and an
other followed suit till 20 brands were she'd
ding u red glare on the CHASTITY scene In a
swift glance we reckoned the multitude of
demons against us; then, clustering once
more about Suleiman, we rcaped a path in
ward till we came to II battered staircase.
Somewhere at the top OF it Were the secret
apartments in which Amood Sims most
precious possessions were kept, and we
made haste to ascend, stubbing and tear
ing down all that blocked or barred the
way II would have saved much life and
considerable trouble had the several bands
agreed to combine and distribute the booty
share and share alike. But no man thought
of that, and probably would not have en-
tcrtained the idea had it occurred TO him.
For why? Because the good old rule
Suffcrth them; tho simple plan,
That they should take who have the power,
And they should keep who can.
So every rufIian did that which promised
the best and speediest return to himself.
We gained the top with the loss of only
one man, who went down clutching his
slayer and believing frightfully. Remark
ing that, everything considered, we had
| done very well, Suleiman paused a moment,
! trying to decide which way to turn. LADY
rinths OF passages ran like an intricate net
| work in all directions. Any one of them
| might be right, but the probability was
| that most of them were wrong, and 1t was
important TO make the proper choice. AS
we were debating In our own minds which
corridor to take, and with the aid of our
weapons endeavoring to maintain our foot
/ ing, Suleiman caught man who seemed
anxious to escape and punched him under
the fifth rib till he yelled.
"uaye a little forbearance, friend, said
Sueiman, what do they call thce2"
"R'ruk," answered the man, ready to
fall III terror.
II And thy Office gentle Barukt"
chamberlain Of the harem."
by my faith, heaven is gracious" re
marked Suleinlan softly. Thou seest
this dagger drawing a crimson blade
slowly before the mans eyes, Take note
of it's color II Is sharp and cruel and will
be on thy heart if we are not in Amood S
mostsecret chamber within three minutes. -
"HpN can it be!" asked Baruk, with a
livid face.
THAT is for thee to devise" answered
Suleitnan quietly Thou art at home and
shouElst know tiny way about. And pray
thee make hnste, lest | be tempted to fall
on thee where thou staudest."
MY lord would go to the halemy" said
Baruk.
Thou art magician, returned Sulei-
man. "It is even SO.
Il The man turned, max ing an effort to get
on, bat could not force his way.
1T Is better to kill me, u he moaned. MY
ribs crack as dry twigs under the hunters
tread. Never have mine eyes looked on So
woeful spectacle as this.
He wrllng his hands and would have
wept but that the point of dagger made
him leap in the air
"Thou hast forgotten that we are in &
hurry, y said Suloman Go on"
lie made another effort and failed as be
fore.
4 "lhe thing cannot be done, my lord,
a he gihbered In despair.
We Will see, replled Suielinan.
The dagger prlcked ana baruk screamed
Like plunElnS horse, he spr'hB at th'
p, solid mass ana came pdek Ike water IRON
), rock.
l. Thou art OF no aVali IN thY own mouse.
said oulelman' DO thoa guide ana VII
c make way Tor thee.
e Keeping ms dagger on leVel with th'
. light was bad the block exceedingly grea