The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-04-11
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lie mauc aA euOru, l assisting, and
though he swayed considerably from light
headedness he managed with my aid to
keep upright.
The Bedouns meanwhile had gained
upon us and were yelling riotously in an
ticipation OF an easy conquest Doubt
less they concluded that no horse carrying
double could get away from them, but i
thought TO myself, with pride which even
fear could not wholly overcome, that they
little knew the mettle of my Fatima.
Her load once fairly adjusted, she would
lead them such a dance as they might talk
of with wonder for the rest of their lives.
Nor did calculate amiss. AT touch on
the reign she mended her pace with an ap-
parent ease and buoyancy that made my
heart beat a wild tattoo of joy. 1t was short
lived, however. had forgotten we were in
land where horses are swift as eagles;
where every hack might be handicapped
against an English racer. Tie Bedouins,
too. were splendidly mounted, and instead
of abandoning the chase came on with a
double fury that threw the odds heavily to
their side
Scarcely knowing what did, ! drove the
rowels deep into my mares fianks. She
turned up n reproachful eye and n distend-
ed, fiery nostril, as If to say she was already
doing her utmost. Nevertheless she bound
ed on, her neck little more craned, her
ears a little fatter, her forefeet forging out
a little farther Whatever horse could do
she would. That was the sentiment Of her
response.
Looking back, ] tngled with Joy to find
that, in spite of her heavy burden, she was
keeping her own. How long she could
maintain that terrific pace was the crucial
Al. L
hind as ever. With the corner OF my eve
could see their horses reaching like grey
hounds, their heads low, their nozzles
straight out, and the black faces of the
riders themselves thrust forward like the
beaks Of vultures. On, on, sped my mare
In her arrowy flight, as IL she knew the ter
rible need that was upon her. and close in
her track came the Bedouins, like be~,les
on the trail yelping for blood.
The next time turned to note their prog
ress / was Mortified to see they were gaining
upon us There could not be the slightest
doubt about il. My flesh crept together at
the discovery, so that | must have shrunk
TO half my natural size. What was TO be
doneg To fight or surrender was to be
ripped on the spot, for was hampered, and
the pursuers were merciless. There was
nothing for it but continued flight. and in
flight also there seemed small hope.
could doubtless save myself, but il was inn
possible 10 abandon Tabal, the more spe-
cially that, having recovered hNsenses, he
was now begging piteously 10 be taken
away from those cleaning crimson lances.
Could my mare carry both?' That again
was the question of questions.
In this extremity looked about me. and
saw some were 90 the left. and in our rear a
single horseman, hard pressed by two Be
douins companions, as / took it, of those
who were chasing me. His nose was almost
on his chargers mane and his spurred heels
were clapped fast 10 its frothing fanks
Pursued and pursucrs kept their distances
and there was chance that the fugitive
might get off; but, finding spears useless,
one Of the Bcdouins. uuslinging his musket,
took aim. There was "A crack, puff OF white
smoke, and the man in front toppled over
his horses head | saw no more of him,
but q piercing scream that mingled with
the yels OF triumph told all too plainly OF
his fate
The horse bounded on with empty saddle,
veering slightly i'm our direction. Then a
sudden inspiration came upon mean in
spiration 80 Wild that for second it made
me blind. The rderless horse. "A | have
indicated, was a little behind us and was
running as nearly as possible parallel TO
our course. ! would catch him and put
Tabal on his back. That was the fearful
resolution that sent the blood buzzing To
my brain. Swerving slightly to head Off
the horse az men do in capturing wild ami
mails on the pararie, drove the spurs with
all my might into my little mare. IL was
cruel, seeing how nobly she was already do.
ing. but this was last chance and a NOV
idential one. A man will be exceedingly
cruel 60 preserve his life She sprang for
ward with fash Of the eye, now almost as
red as her nostril, aud n shower Of spume
from her mouth.
Continued Tomorrow